Founding Member Of Winkler Senior Choir Retiring At 97

At 97 years young, Helen Falk has been singing with the Winkler Senior Choir for more than two decades.

The alto has been part of the choir since its founding and remains the final original member of the group. She notes in 1998 the new choir received a strong reception. "We enjoyed it very much and people came to listen... at one time we reached 70 members."

Now the choir boasts closer to 40 members, "the senior choir is still doing very good."

However, Falk says the time has come to retire. "I just enjoyed my time. Once your partner is gone you look for something else. Nothing will replace them, but you don't want to sit at home and feel sorry for yourself. You go out and try something. This was a big help for me. I got just as much joy from singing in the choir as those who listened to the music."

Looking back, fellow members say Falk did a lot of work behind the scenes including photocopying music sheets, posters, newsletters, scheduling, "anything that needed to be done."

The choir has even toured across the Prairies, as far away as Moose Jaw.

Earlier this week, friends and family held a retirement party for Falk, honouring her time and contributions to the Winkler Senior Choir.

The choir meets every Tuesday morning at the Faith Evangelical Bible Church. Anyone 55 and older is welcome to join.