In its glory days, the Chilliwack and District Senior Resources Society's popular Time Out seniors day program used to run five days a week, providing card-playing, dancing, exercise and outings for about 90 local seniors.

The program was shut down in September 2011 when Fraser Health slashed its funding, but the Mount Cheam Lions Club has stepped up to fill at least part of the breach with a once-a-week program that has now grown to twice a week. Using the Mount Cheam Lions Club Hall, the old Riding Club Hall, they host a program where seniors can share a lunch and play games on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Adding a Thursday event, the club quickly realized they would have to find some extra help and the program has grown into a community affair.

UFV's culinary arts program helps by providing a healthy lunch, with students planning the menu and preparing the meal, which is then picked up by the Lions.

Students from the local high schools bring their enthusiasm for a few hours each day, serving meals, helping with the games programs and afternoon craft sessions, and doing dishes.

The Wooden Toy Makers help out the program by donating scraps from some of their projects to become part of the seniors craft projects. The Handy Dart is available for those seniors who don't have other means of getting to the hall.

? Seniors who would like to join the Thursday events, call Helena at 604-391-1233 or Marjorie at 604-795-9006.