FERGUS – Local seniors can enjoy a range of activities like fitness classes, games, groups, billiards, bingo, or even a book club at the Victoria Park Seniors Centre here.
“We are just getting busier and busier, as people are coming back to in-person activities,” said Kathy Morgan, supervisor at centre.
Programs are offered both in-person and virtually and participants do not have to be a member to join in. Though the majority of participants are seniors in Centre Wellington, the programs are open to anyone who would like to attend.
“We also get seniors from other areas that participate,” Morgan noted.
She said some seniors don’t have access to a more local centre so they travel to Fergus or attend a virtual program, while others come to Fergus because they offer some programs and activities that other places do not.
“Every centre is different,” Morgan said – “some things in Guelph they offer and we don’t, and vice versa.”
The virtual programs started during the pandemic but have continued due to their popularity.
“In the winter when driving is more difficult it is nice to be able to take part in virtual class from home,” said Morgan.
Virtual programming is offered via Zoom so attendees can join with a link through a phone, tablet or computer.
“We send links as people register for programs,” Morgan said.
Some of the most popular virtual programming are fitness classes like Zumba and yoga, as well as virtual seminars.
Anyone who is 55 years or older can become members of the Victoria Park Seniors Centre. Memberships can be purchased at any time and the fee is $27 per year.
People under 55 or without a membership are welcome to participate in activities and programming. The fees for this vary by class.
On Feb. 24 from 10am to 2pm is the annual Active Living and Retirement Show at the Fergus sportsplex. There will be about 50 exhibitor booths with information about a variety of services available to seniors in the area.
The show is free to attend and “you don’t have to register, you can just show up,” Morgan noted.
“Everyone is welcome to come, even if you are not a senior,” she said, including younger people looking for information or people who want to go to the show with a senior family member.
There will be grab bags at the door and free refreshments available throughout the show.
More information about programming, activities and events with the Victoria Park Seniors Centre is available in the Community Guide and through the Centre Wellington website.
