The unassuming tree covered storefront at the end of the abrupt cul-de-sac on TachĂ© Street makes it look like the seniors’ club is really a small gathering place in a quiet little corner of the city.
The problem is that looks are deceiving. TachĂ© is a busy place (with the curling club and the Legion entertaining hundreds of visitors every week) and so is the seniors’ club, formally known as the St. Albert Senior Citizens’ Centre. It might look small but there’s actually more than 1,000 square metres (11,000 square feet) of functional space and no amount of that gets wasted.
“We utilize every square foot of it … but there’s always room for more people,” explained executive director Chantelle Lebrecque.
The organization serves its 500 members with an array of programs and services that are practically the best kept secret in town for anyone who meets the age criteria. That’s probably the biggest myth that needs to be dispelled. You don’t have to be old to be a senior; you only have to be 50.
“The biggest thing is that people view it as an organization for older seniors, but we’re 50-plus. We’re trying to erase that stigma.”
Once inside the building, there’s rarely a dull moment in the busy complex. That’s because there really is something for everybody, including those in their early 50s, the age group that Lebrecque calls “the younger generation of seniors.”
There are zumba aerobic classes, creative dance and cardio salsa lessons, and all levels of yoga. You can take art classes to learn painting or make ceramics and tai chi or stretch sessions to limber up. All are competitively priced.
“We do everything,” she says.
Whether or not you are a member, you can access all of those classes, plus an array of programs and services, and attend a number of activities and events.
The list of programs includes the following:
• Adult Day Program: provides social and recreational activities to stimulate your functional abilities and promote independence and quality of life;
• Meals on Wheels: healthy meals delivered to your home;
• Outreach: assistance, information and referrals to programs and services for seniors in the city and surrounding areas;
• Social Lunch: a three-course meal every Thursday is a great way to keep in touch with old – and new – friends; and
• Intergenerational programs: Grandfriends is a great way for seniors and youth to interact and grow as people together.
Services offered by the seniors’ club include bus transportation at $4 per trip, health clinics (for flu shots, foot health (including pedicures and manicures), blood pressure, and hearing tests), room and hall rentals, field trips, woodworking shop and the Willows Gift Shop. A $4 meal from the kitchen gets you a healthy and delicious sandwich and bowl of soup, and another 50 cents gets you the cheapest cup of coffee in town. Learn to Ride also helps people learn how to take public transit.
While you’re there, you can get involved in any number of games and activities on site, including chess, pool, darts, shuffleboard, floor curling, bridge, crib, whist, euchre, sewing, bingo. If you’ve got a voice and aren’t afraid to use it, there’s the Groovy Gang Choir.
After all that, you can’t forget about the endless series of events that the club hosts both on- and off-site. There are bridge and floor curling tournaments, various tours and special functions like the Strawberry Tea and pancake breakfast. Today, there’s a golf tournament. Next Tuesday, there’s a Seniors’ Expo followed soon after by Woofstock.
The Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale is at the end of October. Early November will see a comedy night and silent auction. Santa’s Breakfast takes place in December.
The list goes on and on. It’s easy to see why Lebrecque knows her job is easy. The seniors’ club is a fantastic place with endless resources and things to do. All she has to do is tell people about it.
“People are hesitant to get here, but once they get here, they really like it.”
Memberships cost $52.50 per year.
To learn more, call the club at 780-459-0433 or visit www.stalbertseniorsclub.org. The club is located at 7 Taché Street.
