N.S. Song for Year Of Older Persons

Let's Live Every Minute, written by three Halifax musicians, has been selected as the national theme song for the 1999 International Year of Older Persons.

"This is a great tribute to these writers and establishes a strong Nova Scotia connection to the year-long national celebration of our senior population," said Francene Cosman, chair of the Senior Citizens' Secretariat.

The song was selected by the Canadian Co-ordinating Committee for the International Year of Older Persons. The committee is a volunteer body established by the federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for seniors to oversee year-long activities across Canada. The national theme is "Canada, a society for all ages."

The song Let's Live Every Minute is written and recorded by Rick Gautreau, George Antoniak and Wayne Hunt. Mr. Hunt is lead vocal; Mr. Gautreau produced and finished the product, and all three were joined in a Dartmouth recording studio by John Alphonse on drums. A French version of the song features Acadian singer Michelle Boudreau Sampson.

"The lyrics of Let's Live Every Minute capture the positive spirit of what it means to be a senior and how we all benefit from their experience and wisdom," said Ms. Cosman.

Events are planned in communities across Canada this year to celebrate the achievements and contributions of seniors and to discuss issues related to aging.

Compact discs containing the English and French versions of Let's Live Every Minute in addition to four instrumental versions, along with song sheets and sheet music, are available for a nominal cost ($10) to seniors groups and to individuals. They can be purchased through the Senior Citizens' Secretariat, 1740 Granville St., P.O. Box 2065, Halifax, N.S., B3J 2Z1.