North Central Seniors Association members were happy to attend one of their many special events recently where about 30 people gathered to celebrate one another, hear a few jokes from good friends and simply enjoy each other’s company as COVID restrictions have eased on indoor gatherings and people are getting back to socializing with their peers.
Located in College Heights at the First Baptist Church in the newly-renovated basement, Seniors Follies' organizer, Howard Foot, offered a few riddles and one liners that were met with some very hearty laughter as a local band played in the background.
President Maurice Lapointe knows what a good thing they’ve got going and is looking to bring even more seniors together and said the board of directors has got some big ideas to explore.
“Pre-COVID we had about 62 members and now we’re up to more than 100 members,” Lapointe said. “We are active four days a week.”
There’s yoga, photo club, cards, tai chi, pool, to name a few activities and once a month they invite a guest speaker in to talk about a topic appropriately geared for the older set, and, of course, there’s a birthday tea once a month to celebrate with everyone.
North Central Seniors' members have moved out of the church basement for some activities as well, including the social club that meets at a local coffee shop every Thursday just so people can chat with friends and get to know new people. This gathering will continue throughout the summer.
“Last week there were 18 people and we chatted for hours,” Lapointe laughed. “Mostly it was all new people so we made some great connections. Overall coming out of Covid restrictions we’ve seen so many seniors come out because they were cooped up for so long.”
During the BC Northern Exhibition (BCNE) Seniors’ Day is August 18 where many non-profits geared for the 55+ gang will have information booths set up and the North Central Seniors Association will be on hand to answer any questions and offer memberships to those interested.
The North Central Seniors Association has a hiatus in the summer and will resume their regularly scheduled group activities Sept. 14.
“Our membership is always so happy to be here,” Lapointe said. “We always hear how people appreciate the companionship, the friendliness of our centre and that’s what we’ve promoted all along. “
In the future North Central Seniors Association would like to have their own space to really make it something special and permanent and ready for growth and expansion. There’s lots of ideas on how that will work that people will hear about in September when a survey will be brought forward to those interested to see exactly what needs must be met in order to best serve seniors in the community.
Membership in the North Central Seniors Association is just $15 per calendar year and more information about the association can be found at http://www.ncsapg.bravehost.com/.
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