Ingersoll Services for Seniors celebrating 30th anniversary as dynamically evolving entity

Ingersoll Services for Seniors (ISS) Program Coordinator Victoria Rode (left) and Chris Webber (right) extend an invitation for seniors 50 and older to check out the ISS/Ingersoll 50+ Activity Centre during its 30th anniversary season. (Jeff Tribe Photo)

Jeff Tribe, Echo Correspondent

Ingersoll Services For Seniors (ISS) and the Ingersoll 50+ Activity Centre (I50+AC) are celebrating 30th anniversary seasons as dynamic entities, evolving to meet the changing needs of a 750-strong membership and their surrounding community.

“We’re always trying to innovate and keep up with the trends,” said ISS Program Coordinator Victoria Rode.

ISS was founded in 1992 to provide socialization and home services for area seniors. Through support from the Town of Ingersoll and Oxford United Way, the I50+AC opened in the Lion’s building at 58 Thames Street South in December 1994. The growth and popularity of programming created a need for a larger facility, which was addressed through an agreement between the Town of Ingersoll and CAMI Automotive for the ownership of Suzuki Canadian House and its adjoining property. Renovations were complete and operations began on October 1, 2001, with membership doubling as a result of expanded space and opportunity.

ISS continues as a non-profit charitable organization supporting older adults in the community through three departments: Community Support Services, Assisted Living and the I50+AC. Its integrated delivery model includes services supporting the physical and mental well-being of members and others through a wide range of fitness and social activities, educational workshops, meal and grocery delivery, equipment loans, and transportation to, for example, doctor’s appointments, or connection to personal support workers.

The ISS/I50+AC mandate is advanced through diversely functional square footage featuring multi-use space, a kitchen/dining room, workshop, library, fitness centre, billiards room and access to shared recreational facilities, including pickle ball courts. Operational flexibility was recently expanded through the installation of an enclosed lift funded providing functional accessibility to the second floor.

Technically, the 30th anniversaries were marked in December 2024.

“But we’re kind of celebrating throughout the year,” said Rode.

It’s difficult to list every service provided on location or through ISS and I50+AC. There are foundational social activities such as darts, billiards, dominoes and a deck full of card options, euchre, bid-euchre, bridge and pepper. Educational programs run the gamut from creative writing and art to learning a new language. The men’s shed continues as a centre for woodworking, and although there is currently no ‘she shed’, women’s woodworking courses are being offered for the first time. Fitness options exist from self-directed routines, line dancing and specialized regimens for those dealing with Parkinson’s or strokes, and competitive pickleball contests.

“It can be,” Rode admitted, adding with a smile, “but it’s fun… mostly.”

The walking club is also celebrating its 20th anniversary under founder Kim Bidwell, who continues to coordinate its activities as a volunteer. Every Wednesday the club hits a trail, local or further afield, enjoys a variety of length and difficulty options, concluded with a tailgate party or visit to a nearby coffee shop.

“Just like snacks or refreshments,” said Rode.

Practically speaking, foot care services are available Tuesdays and Fridays, and a very popular assistive equipment loan program, including wheelchairs, hospital beds, commodes and knee sliders. Around 3,200 items are loaned annually, 377 in April, for example, or an average of roughly 12.5 daily.

Anniversary initiatives of note include a shack sail installation to expand outdoor activity space, seeking to add computer literacy classes, and efforts to attract ‘young 50-plus seniors’, including expanding operational hours to better fit schedules with work commitments.

“They’re hiking today, but they’ve gone skiing and snowshoeing and are planning on going kayaking this summer,” said Rode.

She and Jackie Davison are also striving to revive a District 31 Ontario Senior Games Association relationship interrupted by COVID, coordinating qualifying events for the provincial summer games, including pickleball, bid euchre, euchre, baseball and predictive walking.

Finally, there is an emphasis on social proscribing, the process of anyone in the community knowing of an older adult who might benefit from activities provided through the ISS or I50+AC.

“They can complete a referral form and send it to us,” said Rode. “Basically, it’s a social prescription to get them out to activities.”

It could be someone in need of physical supports or meal services Rode continued.

“Other times it’s just for social inclusion - meeting new people and keeping in touch.”

Interested persons are invited to check out the organization’s website at www.ingersollseniors.com. It includes a wealth of information, the opportunity to join a weekly email list and the ISS phone number (519-485-3869). People can also visit the Ingersoll 50 Plus Activity Centre Facebook Page for further up-to-date information.

Annual membership costs $45, which provides access to some free activities and also offers reduced charges for others, such as $3 for a fitness class, compared to $6 for non-members.

“It’s a very busy place,” Rode concluded of organizations that, while continuing to evolve, remain all about maintaining and preserving quality of life for a senior population that has contributed greatly during their lives.

“They deserve to have a place to go and do the things they enjoy,” Rode concluded.