Everything looks like it’s full-steam ahead now that the St. Albert Senior Citizens’ Club has a new captain at the helm.
Chantelle Lebrecque has only been in charge as executive director for a few months, but she is taking great strides to make the club even more popular than ever with the whole community.
“What we’re trying to do is really get ourselves back out there, be more accommodating to people of all ages and all walks of life,” she explained. “We want people to know that, as much as we are a seniors’ centre, that we’re still very open and committed to doing events that involve the entire community.”
“We’re very community driven.”
She has already established the SASCC News, a monthly newsletter that reaches out to members and the public with current and upcoming events. Now that the summer is over, she is also filling the fall with a host of interesting and fun things to do.
The first one comes up next weekend. The Grandparents’ Day Walk gets going on Sunday, Sept. 11. Between 1 and 4 p.m., grandparents and their grandchildren will take to the Red Willow trails along the Sturgeon River in a show of intergenerational togetherness. There will be enough activities to keep the kids happy as well.
Lebrecque added that a special effort is being made to seek out four- and five-generational families for the afternoon. Those that register by Monday will be presented with a plaque.
The event is free but participants are encouraged to collect pledges. The Community Spirit Grant will match every dollar raised. The goal is to bring in $5,000.
Right after that, the Just Putting Golf Tournament occurs at the Putting Horse Ranch in Spruce Grove on Wednesday, Sept. 14. The cost is $25 per person. The shotgun start takes place at 1:30 p.m.
The following Tuesday, on Sept. 20, the club will host a Seniors’ Expo from 9:30 a.m. to noon. More than 30 relevant non-profit organizations and companies will set up booths and conduct clinics and make presentations on a variety of topics.
“Basically it will be recreation, transportation, housing … anything basically pertaining to seniors. I think [being a senior] is very overwhelming sometimes. There’s all these resources available and seniors may not even be aware of them.”
That event is also free to the public.
And then the dogs get let loose. Woofstock is the club’s take on the Edmonton Humane Society’s Pets in the Park event — except this one is just for you and your canine companions. On Saturday, Sept. 24, people can drop by Lions Park in the afternoon for a dog parade, agility show and wiener dog race, along with opportunities to meet with local trainers and other dog-related agencies and vendors.
Details were still being finalized at press time. It is intended to be for dog lovers of all ages. There will be children’s activities at this event as well.
“That is going to be a huge event. That’s the one we’re most excited about. It should be a lot of fun ... for people who are dog lovers.”
Finally, the latest instalment of the Seniors’ Housing Tour takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 28. A few times a year, the club offers up to 15 seniors the chance to visit local seniors’ residences and check out their housing options. This time, attendees will visit Rosedale, North Ridge Lodge and River Ridge Seniors Community. There is no charge to register and a free lunch is also offered as the tour starts at 10 a.m.
Outreach co-ordinator Tara Rodrique stated that she is certain that the bus will be full.
“It’s the most popular thing I do in my program. It’s always full and I usually have a waiting list. [The seniors] love it.”
Interested citizens need to register with Rodrique beforehand.
“September’s going to be a great month. We’re trying to be really innovative,” Lebrecque ended.
To learn about any of these events or about membership in the club, call 780-459-0433 or visit the club’s website at www.stalbertseniorsclub.org.
