Sandra Reams jokes that her official duties as one of two local Seniors of the Year 2017 will require her to practice her 鈥榬oyal鈥� wave.
Albert Langla joked that being the male Senior of the Year for 91原创 won鈥檛 change him.
The pair were officially introduced into their new titles at a celebration June 1 at the 91原创 Seniors Resource Centre as a kick off to Seniors Week June 1 to 7.
Langla has volunteered at the seniors centre for more than seven years, taking on various roles including gardening, maintenance, pruning, vacuuming, sweeping, planting and more.
鈥淏ecause Albert is someone who goes out of his way to help in any way that he can, he is also often found helping clean up after our monthly events, set-up and take down at our annual community garage sale, and break down of boxes at our bi-annual shredding event,鈥� said Paul Goldberg, the centre鈥檚 executive director and the person who nominated Langla.
He鈥檚 been married to Barbara for 63 years and did road work and truck driving for the City of North Vancouver for 35 years.
鈥淎lbert is known to LSRS staff as having an incredibly kind heart and gentle soul,鈥� Goldberg added. 鈥渉e explained that the reason he and Barbara stay after the special events to help clean up is because the event volunteers work so hard and deserve to go home as soon as they can.鈥�
Langla is also known for helping friends and neighbours at the 91原创 City complex where the couple lives. He takes a neighbour with MS to Ambleside Park and helps with his chores.
鈥淚 was shocked. I really didn鈥檛 expect it, you know,鈥� Langla said about being named Senior of the Year.
Reams has gained a reputation as the scone lady. She lived in Michaud House and welcomes the public to enjoy the 91原创 Heritage Society historic property. During the annual open house, she bakes countless scones to help raise funds for charity.
But Reams has her hand in so much more. She is the 鈥渃anning mentor鈥� for the 91原创 Environmental Partners Society, is part of the gleaning program that collects ripe produce so it doesn鈥檛 go to waste, supports the 91原创 Arts Council, is a longtime artist, and is an original member of the 91原创 Gogos, which raises funds for the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
In addition to being active at the seniors centre, she鈥檚 involved in her church community and supports You鈥檝e Gotta Have Friends, a local group devoted to inclusion.
Reams was nominated by longtime friend Pat Wiebelzahl with You鈥檝e Gotta Have Friends.
鈥淥verall I would say that Sanda is a doer, master networker and connector,鈥� Wiebelzahl said. 鈥溾�� She is a good person.鈥�
Reams said she was touched by that simple phrase 鈥済ood person鈥� and 鈥淚t is nice to be appreciated.鈥�
She added that she鈥檚 just one of many deserving seniors who add to the community.
鈥淚 think it鈥檚 a really good opportunity to represent seniors that are involved and active,鈥� Reams said.
