Members of the Sylvan Lake Seniors Association celebrated their 50th anniversary with a special luncheon and program on Nov. 6 at the Seniors' Centre. (Mark Weber/Sylvan Lake News)
Members of the Sylvan Lake Seniors Association celebrated their 50th anniversary with a special luncheon and program on Nov. 6 at the Seniors' Centre.
Things kicked off with some special tunes and a look back at a bit of history.
"We had a donated Quonset hut on 50th Ave. to gather in first in 1966. I wonder how warm that was in the winter?" said Bill McLeod, the association's vice president. At first, the group was known as the Sylvan Lake Friendship Club.
In 1974, it was registered as an Alberta Society. And then in 2001, the association filed for non-profit status and the name was officially changed to the Sylvan Lake Seniors Association.
In 2017, they made the move into current spacious digs in the NexSource Centre.
"Aside from the building changes, we have had big programming growth where we are effectively operating five days a week, and two evenings," said MacLeod.
"We have a vision for seven days and nights of activities - including rentals."
As the web site points out, 'The mission of the Sylvan Lake Seniors Association is to provide for the recreation, social well-being, and artistic expression of seniors of Sylvan Lake and area and to contribute to the education and social well-being of the community."
For McLeod, the association has proven to be a terrific means for him and his wife Joan to make new friends and connect with the community after relocating to town three years ago from Ontario.
"We met a lot of people in a short period of time," he said, adding they've really enjoyed the range of activities from the Wednesday lunches to playing cards to just having great visits over coffee.
"Everyone is very welcoming."
McLeod said there are plenty of enjoyable things to check out at the centre, running the gamut from guitar and ukulele lessons and exercise sessions, to all kinds of card games, art classes, and bingo. Other favourites include card making, yoga, line dancing, and Zumba classes.
Adding to the mix of programming is Sylvan Lake Wellness and Community Connections, which also runs activities out of the seniors' centre as well, he said.
Looking ahead with the approach of the holiday season, two Christmas dinners are also planned, he noted.
Ultimately, McLeod re-emphasized how the organization provides so many pathways to get more involved in the Sylvan Lake community.
"I would say it's a good spot to meet people - you can have coffee, or play some games or have some lunch. We also have a welcome committee, so if someone new comes, we will sit them at a table with myself, or someone else who can help to orientate them as to everything that is (available), and to help them feel comfortable," he said.
Meanwhile, the association serves more than 400 members, has dozens of volunteers and one paid part-time program coordinator.
McLeod also wanted to point out that practically all of the centre's activities and programs are open to any community member of any age.
Also, those who are at least 55 years of age can get information about the $25 membership by contacting the centre. Membership allows for voting rights, and also includes the monthly newsletters and events calendar.
For further information about the Sylvan Lake Seniors Association, visit www.sylvanlakeseniors.com, email slseniorspc@gmail.com, or call 403-887-5428.
Fun Fest September 5, 2024. Sylvan Lake Seniors Association was at the Fun Fest.
Sandra Simpson and Bill McLeod at the Senior’s Association booth with a future member.
Formal ceremony signing commenced the first $12,500 in donations made to our endowment fund.
Melisa Vine, our Community Foundation of Central Alberta liaison for our Seniors Association Endowment Fund was on hand to witness the signing by our table officers and Board of Directors. The certificates of recognition include one to the Euchre club which donated $345 recently. The other two certificates were to IDA Pharmacy and the staff at Mr Mikes restaurant and will be delivered in person to their locations.
"Signing" photo left to right: Anson Geddes, Monica Morcom, Ian Oostindie, Patti Parslow, Melissa Vine, Tracie Jones, Bill McLeod.
Press Release
March 30th, 2024
Sylvan Lake Seniors Association raise near $10,000 for endowment with community business
The Sylvan Lake Seniors Association’s new endowment fund is about to become a reality after an amazing 2-month initial donation sprint and first community business fundraiser. Treasurer, Patti Parslow shared that “The membership voted on establishing the endowment fund on January 31st, and the donations have been rolling in every since. Every week, we are updating our total amount received. The generosity of our members is overwhelming. It is great to see.” As of March 26th, the membership had raised $7990 on their own. The association will have to write at least 45 tax receipts to each of these families.
President Oostindie explained that, “The membership decided to start an endowment fund to escape the ups and downs of government grants that the association has relied on for a significant portion of their budget. Most of our revenue is generated by our own fundraising and occasional fees for some activities. Creating an endowment fund is a way of becoming more self-sufficient while operating an expanded service for older adults in the community.”
The association committed to fundraising the first $5000 by themselves, which is the minimum to join the Red Deer and District Community Foundation who handle many endowment funds in our region. The association has met this goal and with the first community donation, have raised nearly $10,000. The next goal is to reach $25,000 in another year.
The staff team in Mr. Mike’s Restaurant in partnership with the IDA pharmacy in Sixty West became the endowment fund’s first community and business donators. Originally these businesses’ staff planned to participate in the Polar Bear Dip but were forced to reorganize when ice conditions shifted the event to the Meltdown Festival. Several staff were still able to participate including Michael Bell, Connor Lyons, and Yash Patel. Joint businesses’ owner Ketul Patel explained that the Mr. Mikes’ team originally chose the Seniors Association as the worthy recipients of the $1625 in donations the jumpers were collecting. Patel explained that “When I spoke to one of my customers who turned out to be a former executive member of the seniors association, I learned about the new endowment fund. I was excited to hear how the staff team could help seniors in Sylvan Lake forever, by donating to an endowment.”
The association serves over 400 members and has dozens of volunteers and one paid part-time program coordinator. The association often has event and services partnerships with the Town of Sylvan Lake’s FCSS staff. They also rely on their own volunteer team and have some contracted facilitators to provide dozens of workshops and activities. Any member of the public can make a tax-deductible donation to either the endowment to help the association reach over $10,000 and continue to their next fundraising target.
Practically all of the Center activities and programs are open to any community member of any age. Adults, at least 55 years old can get information about the $25 membership by contacting the Seniors Centre in the NexSource Multiplex, 4823 49th Ave, at 403-887-5428 or slseniorspc@gmail.com and on the web, www.sylvanlakeseniors.com Membership gives voting rights and includes the monthly newsletters and events calendar.
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Included in photo from L to R
Director Dana Dean, Treasurer Patti Parslow, President Ian Oostindie, Mr. Mikes Manager Yash Patel,and Pharmacist/Owner Ketul Patel.
'“All events posted here are not necessarily endorsed by the SLSA, however they are linked to or endorsed by our community partners.”
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