When it comes to seniors being active, staff at Victoria Park Seniors Centre know just how busy people want to be.
In fact, Centre Wellington council recently approved a motion stating that, starting in 2010, the centre will be rented only for a few long-time users because there is simply so much demand for the building.
Supervisor of Senior Services Kathryn Morgan said last week the centre has over 650 members and they take part in anywhere from 12 to 16 activities every day at the centre.
On the morning of June 12, for example, people were busy shooting billiards, playing Scrabble™, taking a watercolour painting course or playing cribbage. The afternoon offered such things as a tea and even more games and activities.
Victoria Park Seniors Centre offers recreational, social and educational opportunities for older adults to promote emotional, social and physical well-being.
Most of the programs offered at the centre are tailored to individuals 55 years of age and older; however, all registered programs are open to anyone looking to develop new skills and friendships.
Morgan said the centre will accept people of almost any age, and they pay only a nominally higher fee than members to take part in such things as computer courses.
The centre is operated by Centre Wellington’s Parks and Recreation Department, which supports active, healthy lifestyles for older adults.
Membership renewals are due June 1 each year, and June is Seniors Month. The membership runs to May 31, 2010.
Membership is open to anyone 55 years of age or older for $20 per person, which entitles them to the following benefits:
– reduced rates on all programs and bus trips;
– access to more than 30 weekly drop-in activity groups and many different registered programs, as well as various senior services and health clinics offered at the centre;
– a vote at the annual general meeting;
– the right to hold office on the centre’s advisory board;
– becoming involved in interesting volunteer work; and
– meeting new friends.
Morgan said even those who are not yet 55 years are still welcome to register for any programs (a non-member fee will apply). That offer is open to all adults, 18 years and older.
The centre has held a number of events to celebrate Seniors Month, and has many more listed in its ad for the rest of June.
Centre Wellington council is already considering the future when it comes to services for seniors. Morgan noted that the building on Albert Street in Fergus received a large expansion in 2004, but, “We could have used even more space then.”
She noted, though, in the township’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan, there is provision for expansion again, but that will be “down the road.”
The centre is located at 150 Albert Street West in Fergus, and is situated on the edge of Victoria Park. For information call 519-787-1814, fax 519- 787-2091, or visit www.centrewellington.ca (click on “view senior’s services”).
It is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm, except statutory holidays. Activities are also held in the evenings from Monday to Thursday.
The centre is run by a volunteer advisory board of seven elected centre members and one appointed representative from Centre Wellington council.
The board works with the Parks and Recreation Department to provide quality recreational opportunities for older adults.
Meetings are held the first Monday of the month at 9am. All members are welcome to attend.
The 2009 advisory board is chairman Stan Fleming, Don Graham (library), Jean Haines (crafts), councillor Ron Hallman (Centre Wellington representative), Don Martin (vice-chairman, property and maintenance, and Senior Games representative), Lori Runnalls (secretary and outreach), Donna Wagenaar (kitchen services), Jane Watson treasurer and programs, membership).
Anyone interested in providing comment about programs and events for older adults can take part in the volunteer program committee, which plans and organizes special events and fundraisers for the centre. It meets on the first Monday of the month at 9:45am, and is always looking for new ideas and volunteers to help plan events.
Anyone interested can contact Morgan at the centre.
The committee currently is Marjorie Lake, Morven McCorquodale, Jane Watson, Jean Duval, Ray Burkitt, Marie Burkitt, Barbara Fresco, Laura McCartney, Jean Haines, Stan Fleming, Donna Wagenaar, Lori Runnalls.
The centre also offers a number of health services, including free blood pressure clinics, foot care clinics ($20), and a free hearing clinic.
For more information about any of its services, contact the centre.
