Tillsonburg Senior Centre gearing up for Seniors’ Month

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

The Tillsonburg Senior Centre is preparing for Seniors’ Month and is doing it in a big way.

The annual barbecue in conjunction with Seniors’ Month is planned for Friday, June 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“You don’t have to be a senior. We’re just trying to raise awareness of the centre, and the month,” said administrator Nancy Purh-Slingerland. “It is nice because it is all seniors serving the food, cutting the lettuce, etc. It’s all senior-driven.”

The cost for the event is $5 for a burger, chips and a drink. The only catch is that organizers ask people to pre-register at 519-688-2520 so they know how much food to have on hand.

Last year, close to 100 people came through for the event, and it’s expected that number will be topped this year.

A Smile Cookie and RBC supported change

The other big news is that money donated from last fall’s Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign is close to being used, so members will benefit. The funding is being used to renovate the former wood shop into an art room. This means removing all the woodworking equipment, including exhaust equipment, and installing new flooring and painting. A sink will be added for cleaning brushes, and lighting will be improved. In addition, chairs and tables will be purchased.

A grant received through the RBC Fund in January is also helping to offset the costs.

Once renovations are complete, programming for seniors will be put in place. Some examples will be mosaic programs, stained glass workshops, and making air dry clay and sun catchers.

“Things right now we don’t have the luxury of offering,” Puhr-Slingerland said.

Although this might seem to overlap with what the Station Arts Centre does, such is not the case. Puhr-Slingerland said she talked to staff at Station Arts, and the organization provided a letter of support for what the Tillsonburg Senior Centre is going.

“We’re certainly not looking to reinvent the wheel, or infringe on what they are doing,” she said.

Even for those who don’t participate in a formal program, the new room will provide a quiet space for members to paint or draw.

Used jewelry wanted

Donations of used jewelry and fashion accessories are being sought for the annual jewelry sale on the Saturday of the fair in August. All items will be $2 each. It will be open to the public on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 1-4 p.m., and to members the day before.

The sale also includes accessories like purses and belts.

A pelvic floor and core fitness class, offered for the first time by Stonebridge, is proving popular. It runs Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. The non-member fee is $48.

Those looking to lower the cost of the centre programs can become members, and the $55 annual membership fee will drop to $35 after July 1, and be prorated even lower through the fall. The 2027 fee can be brought even lower by paying before the end of the year.