Following a mandate that promotes physical, social and mental well-being for all residents aged 50 or over in the Powell River region, Senior Citizens Association of BC Branch 49 provides regular weekly and monthly activities that promote active lifestyles in a variety of areas.
“As our population ages, the association provides seniors with different programs,” says association president Anna Maria Coletto. “There are weekly activities such as carpet bowling, bridge, computer assistance and use of low-impact gym machines. The association also provides monthly nutritional dinners and a frozen meal program for those shut-ins or seniors who no longer want to cook.”
Other regular activities at Cranberry Seniors Centre include a number of card games, choir, circuit gym, crafts, quilting, tai chi and more.
A soup and sandwich lunch and general meeting takes place on the second Tuesday of each month with guest speakers from the community. Special dinners are on the last Friday of each month. Lunches are $5 and dinners are $12 for members and $17 for non-members.
Also featured at the centre are social drop-ins, themed dinners, holiday gatherings and a jubilee celebration that takes place on June 16. The association’s next large event is Saturday, March 24, with an Easter Bazaar at the seniors centre.
“At the Easter Bazaar the public can expect to see a baking table full of goodies, Easter gifts from community vendors, and white elephant tables with an array of used goods,” says Coletto. “There will also be a photographer on hand to take pictures at a nominal cost, an Easter bonnet contest, plus a lunch tea room.”
The centre provides hall and kitchen rental to community groups for reasonable prices. Memberships for the seniors association cost $25 for a calendar year.
“It is important that the association recruit new members who are able to give their time and energies to the organization so that programs like those mentioned will continue,” says Coletto. “New members can expect to make friends, share ideas and partake in the various activities and special events. We are also seeking new board members who have organizational, computer and financial skills.”
Seniors Easter Bazaar
When: 11 am-2 pm Saturday, March 24
Where: Cranberry Seniors Centre, 6792 Cranberry Street
Info: 604.414.9456, powellriverseniors.ca or [email protected]
