Following a mandate that promotes physical, social and mental well-being for all seniors in the Powell River area, Senior Citizens Association of BC Branch 49 provides regular weekly and monthly activities that provide stimulation in a variety of areas.
Regular activities include carpet bowling, quilting, social drop-ins, themed dinners, holiday gatherings and lunch meetings featuring guest speakers from the community.
“Everyone comes and enjoys the lunches,” says Senior Citizens Association secretary Phyllis Davidson. “We generally have anywhere from 60 to 100 members who show up.”
The next soup and sandwich lunch, scheduled for 12 pm on Tuesday, March 14, features a presentation from guest speaker and RCMP sergeant Kevin Day; a general monthly meeting will follow. Members must be age 55 or over to vote at meetings, but anyone over 19 is welcome to attend.
Lunches and dinners take place monthly, with lunches always scheduled on the second Tuesday of each month. The next dinner will be held Friday, March 24, with doors opening at 4:30 pm and the meal served at 5:30 pm. Dinners are $12 for members and $17 for non-members.
As of the end of 2016, local membership included 425 members, many of whom have lived in Powell River for many years, if not their whole lives, says Davidson, who moved to Powell River five years ago.
“We were well aware of the community after visiting here for many years,” says Davidson. “We really like it and have no intention of ever leaving, and our kids, grandkids and great-grandkids have to come and visit us.”
While many of the weekly activities, such as tai chi or bridge, promote physical and mental stimulation, a number of opportunities to socialize are also provided, as are programs related to health, well-being and other topics of interest to seniors.
“We’re here for seniors to have access to social activities, and not just members,” says Davidson. “Our mandate is to provide assistance in the social area for all seniors.”
Soup and Sandwich Seniors Lunch with general meeting
When: 12 pm Tuesday, March 14
Where: Cranberry Seniors Centre, 6792 Cranberry Street
Price: $5
Info: 604.414.9456, powellriverseniors.ca
