White Rock/Surrey Chapter 11’s first Annual General Meeting was a success! With about 100 people in attendance on a balmy late September evening, the Elk’s Lodge was filled with laughter and animation from an enthusiastic crowd.

Gordon Hogg, Liberal MP for Surrey/White Rock entertained the audience with his humour and personal stories during his keynote speech on Age-Friendly Cities. He outlined the eight characteristics of an age-friendly community and it should be noted that Surrey already has this designation and White Rock has it as one of its highest priorities. Hogg tied in this timely topic with the social determinants of health and stressed a connected community with a sense of belonging is a healthier community. CARP certainly espouses these values.

The evening continued on in a robust fashion with entertainment provided by Ellie King and the Royal Canadian Theatre Company of which she is Artistic Director. The audience had a preview of what to expect from their upcoming hilarious, traditional English pantomime, Alice in Wonderland which featured audience participation.

The business part of the meeting continued seamlessly with Chairman Jack Mar at the helm. He thanked the departing members of the Board and invited new members to join. He recognized our Business partners and invited guests to enjoy the donated refreshments and socialize with each other. A great time was had by all!