GUELPH – The Phoenix Seniors Club is a monthly program offered by the Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS).
On the second Thursday of each month, seniors gather at Heritage Hall (83 Essex Street) at 1pm to socialize, enjoy refreshments and listen to a community presentation.
It’s called the Phoenix Seniors Club because phoenixes represent regeneration and the idea of obtaining new life and rising again.
“We believe our seniors are vital members of our community and that as they get older, they continue to thrive, learn new things, and are a positive image of strength and resilience,” organizers state.
Club meetings consist of crafts, dancing, board games, a book club, workshops and guest speakers.
On Feb. 8, GBHS volunteer Denise Francis shared “stories of some of the people who helped build our community” in celebration of Black Heritage Month.
Francis is a senior health and safety partner with the Waterloo Catholic District School Board and the recipient of many accolades, including: the Canada International Black Women Excellence’s 100 Black Women to Watch in 2022, the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Community Leadership Award in 2021, and the City of Guelph’s Mayor’s Award in 2016.
Past Phoenix Club presenters include the Chalmers Community Services Centre; storyteller, volunteer and activist Sya Van Guest; and financial planner Alvin Cardoza.
Phoenix Seniors Club workshops focus on computer literacy, financial literacy, health and wellness, fitness, nutrition and mental health.
The program is welcome to all community members and there is no charge to attend. Transportation is available.
For more information or to register, call the Guelph Black Heritage Society at 519-837-2519 or email info@guelphblackheritage.ca.
