There’s a good time to be had by all at the Swan River Senior Citizens’ Centre (SRSCC), which has seen an influx of members join in the last year.
The SRSCC has been operating their facility nearly continuously since 1978 when they were incorporated, save for a couple of years when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak.
In recent years, the SRSCC had been struggling for members and participation, but it is now headed in a positive direction, always with room for more the join.
“In the past, a lot of the time the membership has been 80+ years of age,” said SRSCC President Marvin Vestby, who himself is 86 years old and took on the role of president soon after joining the membership for the first time in late summer of last year. “But, we’ve had quite an influx of younger seniors in the 65-75 age range, which bodes well for activity.”
Vestby noted that when he joined last year, there were maybe four people playing pool once a week. Now, a weekday afternoon might have all pool tables and shuffleboard courts going with some card games in the main area.
“On Mondays and Fridays, we have pool and shuffleboard, and on Wednesdays, they play cribbage here,” said Vestby. “People are also learning how to play bridge. We also have a full slate of bingo here on Tuesday afternoons and a potluck dinner once a month.
“Also, once every month, we have a Friday afternoon birthday party for all the birthdays that happened that month. I think at the last birthday party, we had 65 people here. It’s really turning into a big event, with entertainment, dancing, cake and ice cream. I feel it’s really bringing the community together.”
Vestby added that the increased activity has even brought down a few people from Bowsman, which he is pleased with.
“When I joined, there were maybe 60 members, 30 of which were active,” said Vestby. “We have upwards of 90 members now, and on any given day, we have 35-50 people here, which I would say has been a real success.”
While folks in their 60s might be considered on the younger end of the participating spectrum, membership is open to people as young as 50. If a member has a spouse that is younger than that, they are welcome too.
The membership fee is at a very affordable $15 a year, with a $1 daily charge for coffee and a $1 charge for whatever game you want to play that day. The revenue helps them keep up with operations and keep the lights on, but they have also gotten grants from places in the past like from Louisiana Pacific or the Fenske Foundation to assist with upgrades, repairs or maintenance to the building. Vestby admits that the fees have been that way for a long time and may have to be raised slightly to keep up with increasing expenses.
“There are some people who have retired that have said they don’t know what they would do (without the SRSCC),” said Vestby. “They are excellent supporters.
“So many of these people didn’t really know one another either. They might know one another to see each other, but now they are here talking to each other. It’s bringing everybody together, young and old. Anybody can join in fellowship.”
The doors of the SRSCC are open Monday and Friday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., as well as Monday to Friday afternoons from 1-5 p.m.. To sign up, just walk in while it’s open and ask for Treasurer Connie McKay, who will gladly welcome you in.