Seniors' Week Gives Group Opportunity To Showcase Itself
For people who did not know it this week is Seniors' Week in Saskatchewan.
Seniors Week encourages all of us to come together to recognize how important seniors are every day in every community.
As part of this special week the Moose Jaw and District Seniors – located at Timothy Eaton Gardens 510 Main Street North - have been holding special events to encourage people to come out view their facilities and participate.
Moose Jaw EMS cooked up Monday morning's breakfast
The week kicked off with a pancake breakfast which was free to all those who were 50 years and older.
The breakfast was served by members of Moose Jaw EMS, who left behind a $250 donation, said Ruth Koop coordinator for Moose Jaw and District Seniors.
Additional sponsors were P & H, Moose Jaw Co-op, Fellingers, South Hill Family Foods and Safeway.
“We had just shy of 150 people but the weather was bad. All the seats were filled three times. In past years and years ago it was right out the door,” Koop said.
“The weather played a definite role in the turnout it was a big storm and people could see snow from their homes and worried about driving on slippery streets or sidewalks…many did not know how clean the sidewalks would be but it wasn’t that bad Downtown.”
The Moose Jaw EMS crew
Koop said she was grateful for the nine to 11 people from EMS who helped out. The number varied because due to conditions EMS staff had to respond to calls.
“I think it was a good turnout given the weather. I only started working here the end of April so everything is new to me.”
Not all those attending were 50 plus with many younger people bringing family members to the event.
The weather also played a role in the trade show held in conjunction with the free breakfast where 14 vendors showed up out of 17. Three vendors were unable to attend because of the weather.
There was also an ice cream social with Dairy Queen supplying the cake.
On Tuesday there were tours if the facilities.
Just one of the vendors at Monday's Trade Show
Additionally on Tuesday Gary Stonechild did a presentation on closing the gap between many people and First Nations people.
“Turnout was small but it was a good session.”
Koop said the tours were given in hopes to increase membership in Moose Jaw and District Seniors, the group has been struggling financially and has approached the City for assistance, so any new members are welcome.
Presently the group has about 370 members.
A membership until December 31st is $30 with a full year's membership costing $80 on January 1st. Use of the downstairs walking track is an additional $20 annually. There are nominal fees for other activities with members receiving a discount.
Pickle ball is one of the highly popular events at the Centre. With usually about 20 people participating.
The Trade Show Drew Interest Despite The Cooler Weather
It is just one of the newer activities offered. Activities which have changed over the years as the interests of seniors have changed as new generations join the ranks.
“As the seniors have changed the services offered has changed. We need seniors to come in and tell us what they are interested in…we are totally open to new ideas,” Koop said.
Asked what the effects were of the group going public with their financial problems Koop said it has been positive with more people joining and others offering to help out.
“Since April more and more people are coming and getting memberships…people are showing up and being supportive its been crazy.”
One highlight was when Moose Jaw Families For Change (MJFFC) randomly phoned and asked if they could hold a bottle drive on Moose Jaw and District Seniors behalf. The bottle drive raised over $1200.
“I think that's just incredible. It’s really great to see other non-profits reach out and support other non-profits,” Koop said.
On Wednesday there was the highly popular roast beef, ham or turkey dinner.
The dinner was not only for Seniors Week but it is a regular weekly meal served at the café the group runs.
Despite the Timothy Eaton Gardens being the home for the senior's group they do run a restaurant – Timothy Eaton's Café – which serves home cooked meals from 7 am – 4 pm Monday to Friday.
Koop said she wanted to correct an misconception people may hold but the Timothy Eaton Café is open to everyone not just members as it was in the past.
“We have many non-seniors who eat at our café. It’s not just seniors it’s a variety of people we have eating here. We are Downtown so people who work here stop in for breakfast or lunch.”
It’s a trend Koop said they want to continue and hopefully grow as the café helps the organization meet its financial bottom line.
The breakfast costs $6 35.
STILL LOTS TO DO
For people who have not taken part in Seniors Week celebrations there is still opportunities to do so.
Today there will be tours from 1 - 4 pm.
On Friday there is the weekly jam session from 10 am to noon where a group of nine to 12 musicians play Old time country music.
Happy Hour takes place in the lounge from 2 - 4 pm.
On Saturday evening there will be an old time country social dance with Leon Ochs providing the music. Tickets are $14.
While on Sunday there is a Country Music Benefit Concert from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The entertainment is provided by ACORN and will be different bands playing. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door.