PORT HAWKESBURY - A new gathering centre for senior citizens in the Strait Area is continuing to attract local residents, just over four months after it became part of a provincial pilot project. 

The Centre Of Rural Aging and Health (CORAH) set up shop in September at the Strait Area Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). The program began its year-long test run at the Port Hawkesbury campus and the NSCC's Bridgewater campus, after enjoying a success debut at the NSCC's Annapolis Valley location during the previous academic year. 

Shortly after Nova Scotia's Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care, Barbara Adams, arrived to christen the Strait Area Campus (CORAH) this past fall, the centre began holding educational classes, weekly "CORAH Cafe" gatherings for local seniors, and a series of speeches and workshops designed to inform and enlighten those aged 55 and over. 

The latest of these gatherings, featuring Mabou-based holistic advisor Dr. Michelle Greenwell, centred on proper sleep habits for seniors. It attracted 40 people from across the Strait Area to the Port Hawkesbury campus' auditorium on the afternoon of January 31. 

"I am absolutely thrilled with all that CORAH has to offer," said Dr. Greenwell, who also teaches a regular Tai Chi course as part of the program. 

Project coordinator Michele MacPhee, who previously served as the Richmond County Seniors Safety Coordinator before taking on her CORAH role, is also pleased with the program's progress. Prior to Dr. Greenwell's addressed, MacPhee announced a full line-up for February, including a visit from representatives of the Caregivers' Association of Nova Scotia and the continuation of the "CORAH Cafes."