The Ponoka Seniors Drop-In Centre at 5015-46th Avenue has been playing host to hundreds of 55-plus members from our town and county for close to 30 years. Many delightful year-round activities are enjoyed at this bright and friendly home away from home, with ongoing plans for the future promised to be exciting for current and hopefully lots of future members. It is always a great place to relax and visit in the bright and comfortable surroundings, with absolutely no stress or hurry required while enjoying a friendly game of cards or pool or the activity of your choice with old or new friends and neighbours. And the coffee pot is always on.
An active volunteer executive committee at the Drop-In Centre is currently reaching out to encourage all 55-plus residents to come on down and enjoy your community facility whenever you wish, and please bring along a friend. New members and guests are always welcome at all events, with new ideas for future programs important and appreciated.
Open house set for Thursday, Nov. 1
A casual opportunity to visit the Ponoka Seniors’ Drop-In Centre, tour the newly renovated building, and enjoy some refreshments with members and guests will occur on Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. The evening will also offer a chance to learn about all the existing programs at the Drop-In, as well as to discuss and share ideas about possible activities that could be planned for everyone to get involved in for the future. Please bring along a friend, as the welcome mat is always out for all people age 55 and over to join the fun.
Current activities that are featured each week at the centre include: billiards from Monday through Saturday at 9 a.m., as well as bridge at 1:15 p.m. and whist at 1:30 p.m., both on Monday afternoons. Invigorating exercise classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m., while on Tuesday evenings the 7 p.m. shuffleboard sessions are popular. On Wednesdays members can enjoy a number of events, including the Sewing Guild from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., cribbage at 1:30 p.m., and floor curling at 7 p.m. Each Thursday afternoon weaving is hosted at 1 p.m. and partner bridge at 1:15 p.m., then on Fridays the ‘500’ card sharks all get together at 1 p.m.
New programs suggested for the future at the seniors’ Drop-In are: bingo, crafts, yoga, computer courses and lapidary, with ideas and assistance to organize others always welcome. As well as several community events, entertainment and concerts throughout the year, two popular regular sessions include the toe-tapping jam sessions on Saturdays at 1 p.m. and Gospel music every third Sunday evening, with members and guests always encouraged to take part, or just sit back and enjoy the music. The fully equipped and furnished Ponoka Seniors Drop-In Centre is also available to rent for community functions and bookings, or information can be obtained by calling Lucille at 403-783-2479.
Present executive members of the Ponoka Drop-In Centre are: president Bill Jones, past president Dorothy Houghton, first vice-president Doreen Rausch, second vice-president Isabel Odgaard, secretary Mary Jones, assistant secretary Tilley Lloyd, and treasurer Ullah Thomsen. There are also many willing volunteer members who assist with the day-to-day activities at the centre, which has just completed renovations and a total spruce-up that includes a fresh coat of paint, new pictures throughout, a new floor in the gymnasium, a new rug in the pool room and a brand new set of tables and chairs!
As well as all the hospitality at the drop in centre, there is lots of free parking close to the building, and the yearly membership fee is only $10 a person. If you are interested in joining in the good times, please pop down on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and see what they have to offer, or for more information on all areas of the program just call 403-783-5012.