The Senior Citizen’s Branch #46 in the Community Complex is more than just a collection of retired folks. Still catching their collective breath from last summer’s B.C. Senior Summer Games, a full roster of activities is the norm for this B.C. registered society. Memberships are only $15 a year – pocket change these days.
By the way, in case you didn’t know, anyone over 19 can be a member of the local senior citizens group - you just don’t necessarily get to vote.
Speaking of last year’s games, did you know that our local seniors (Zone 6) came in third in all of B.C. for points for the medals received in gold, silver and bronze? Given our population, that’s a tremendous achievement.
The day I went in for a chat with President Mac Gregory and his wife Cathy, it was all smiles as the crowd was just clearing off from floor curling.
It was close to lunchtime so we had a chance to sit and chat about what this busy group is up to. I asked Mac what was ahead.
“Nothing too big”, he says, “just continuing on with the usual schedule.”
After last summer they’re looking to concentrate on their usual activities and fundraising. This group is so busy there won’t be room here to mention everything, but your local seniors get a gold star for all they accomplish. For starters, did you know the Castlegar Seniors give a $500 bursary to a student at Selkirk College who’s in the nursing program? Did you know that out of this 300+ membership, dozens and dozens of hands are creating clothing and blankets for people in need locally and abroad? A large shipment of hand-made things went to Honduras last year.
As far as activities go the list is endless regarding getting together: playing cards, pool (they have a regulation size table), and various sports.
“Our main objective,” says Mac, “ is to get people out, active, and involved in the community.”
The thing that bears mentioning here is the regular schedule of activities that happen to which the public is generously invited. There’s Soup Day on January 21 for $7 – if you regularly eat out during your lunch hour, why not drop in on one of the five soup days a year for your choice of one of three soups (borscht, clam chowder and one other), tea or coffee, home-made bread, and a piece of pie.
Remember to come between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. It’s all cooked and/or baked at the certified kitchen is within the Community Complex. What a deal!
Just two days before Soup Day, on January 19, the Seniors have a Dance in the Afternoon in the larger hall in the complex. These are held between 2 and 4, and they always have live music – get that heart rate up, eh? These dances are held most months on the third Thursday, but just to be sure, give the Senior’s Lounge a call at 250-365-3386, extension 4112. And on this subject, if your music group would like to play for this dance crowd just give them a call.
There is also internet access for members in their lounge. A good handful of members got their training at Selkirk College thanks to a grant from the Federal Government, New Horizons For Seniors Program.
Please feel free to meet these folks any weekday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. – their 10-year history at this spot has given them the room and welcome mat to all who would like to join this active and happy group.
It’s only after you meet people do you find out who else plays music, who else likes walking, cycling, traveling – the list is endless in finding a new friend.