As we mark another new year, The Citizen is taking the opportunity to look back at 2019 and the stories that kept us informed. Seniors Spotlight was a new feature to our 2019 lineup, and through it we discovered that every senior has a relevant story to tell, and every story, no matter the era, has timeless attributes that can teach something important to every one of us.

So, pour yourself a cup of tea, pull up a seat next to the rocking chair and listen again to the stories of our elders – those that have shaped our communities and influenced the world around us. 

1. George Hodgins. Residing at the Niverville Credit Union Manor, George passed away in the fall of 2019, just weeks shy of his ninety-ninth birthday. Thankfully, he left us this legacy before leaving this world. (https://nivervillecitizen.com/news/local/seniors-spotlight-george-hodgins)
2. Rhea Trudeau. This lifelong St. Adolphe resident tells of her early years growing up in the small francophone community. She is also the author of a book of community history, The Old Convent Tells Its Story. (https://nivervillecitizen.com/…)
3. Regina (Jean) Neufeld. This Niverville resident has chalked up more than a few interesting stories to tell in her nearly 101 years of life in southeastern Manitoba. (https://nivervillecitizen.com/news/local/seniors-spotlight-regina-jean-neufeld)
4. Richard and Laurie Dorge. Few people match the storytelling charm and wit of Richard Dorge. Together with his lifelong partner, Laurie, there is much to tell about life during the Dirty Thirties and the place they called home for over 50 years: Ste. Agathe. (https://nivervillecitizen.com/news/local/seniors-spotlight-richard-and-laurie-dorge)
5. George and Anne Krahn. Lifelong residents of Niverville, George and Anne regale us with memories of fun times dancing at the local dance hall as well as the hardships of losing a mother to tuberculosis. Together, they invested more than 65 years of work and volunteering into their growing community. (https://nivervillecitizen.com/news/local/seniors-spotlight-george-and-anne-krahn)
6. Jules and Raymonde Manaigre. Founders of the St. Adolphe Forever Young Dance Club, Jules and Raymonde have been finding ways to give back to their community of St. Adolphe ever since their move to the town in 1969. (https://nivervillecitizen.com/news/local/seniors-spotlight-jules-and-raymonde-manaigre)
7. Bill and Roselyn Redekop. Lifetime residents of the Niverville area, this couple shares excerpts of life, love, and everything in between from their published biography, called Our Story. (https://nivervillecitizen.com/news/local/seniors-spotlight-bill-and-roselyn-redekop)
8. Adrien Dumesnil. This third-generation Ste. Agathe resident talks about growing up next to the Red River, the devastation of the 1950 flood, and raising his five daughters in the small town of Ste. Agathe. (https://nivervillecitizen.com/news/local/seniors-spotlight-adrien-dumesnil)
9. Annie Dyck. Also known, at least to me, as the Watermelon Lady, Annie Dyck shares stories of love and loss and all that goes with it. Graduating as one of Canada’s first licensed practical nurses, Annie tells of her work experience at the famous Ninette Sanatorium for tuberculosis patients. (https://nivervillecitizen.com/news/local/senior-spotlight-annie-dyck)