Things have been buzzing in the Seniors Hall lately.

Under the direction of president Wendy Clayson the pool hall has been emptied out. This was no small feat considering the size and weight of the pool tables and shuffleboard. The floor has been washed and the walls painted in preparation for the Metis Society which will be renting the room. There are also plans afoot to refinish the floor of the main room if we get a grant the executive has applied for.

I recently took my questions about recycling to the depot on the south side of Fort St. John – 10095-85Ave. There my questions were answered and I learned more about their program. Questions:

Can a broken pottery tea pot be recycled? Answer: yes, in with glass.

Can a glass candle jar with the wax removed be recycled? Yes, in with the glass. Even though there are three little bits of metal in the bottom it is still OK.

Can bubble wrap be recycled? Yes, in with the plastic bags.

Where does my old defunct kettle go? Inside the building in the orange carts.

Where does the net bag that onions came in go? In with the flexible packaging.

It is good that the employees are into teaching about recycling as there are sometimes changes to where to recycle articles. You are now asked to take old TVs to the Fort St. John bottle depot on 93 Avenue. One interesting fact I learned: glass is shipped to Quesnel where it is put in a small mountain of glass. After a couple of years, it is washed and ground up to be used for sand blasting.

Did you know that property owners 55 or older and eligible people with disabilities can put off paying their taxes? You will apply each year to receive this benefit. The province does charge interest on your tax deferment loan. However, it is only 1.2% for seniors. To find out if you are eligible google “apply for a B.C. property tax deferment” or phone 1-778-698-5636.

BC Housing has a program called Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER). Their information says that “lower income seniors renting in the private market may be eligible for a rent supplement through SAFER. To read the details google “BC Housing SAFER" or phone 1-800-257-7756.

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” (Anne Frank)

Ruby McBeth lives and writes in Fort St. John.

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