The Ponoka Drop-in Centre is hopping with upcoming events and new activities starting up this spring and is looking for new members to come join them.
Board member Elaine Saunders said there seems to be a significant amount of seniors in town, so they’d like to invite them all to come and start utilizing programs at the centre more.
“The service we provide to seniors who are members is really involved but we’re not seeing a lot of new members,” she said.
Strawberry Social
On June 7, the centre is hosting their annual Strawberry Social in honour of Seniors’ Week. The event is free to attend and is open to the community as well as their members.
Strawberry shortcake will be served.
“The idea is just getting people out … it’s just socializing with each other,” said Saunders, who is also on the planning committee for the social.
Saunders added residents from Rimoka, Northcott and Legacy Place, many of which are former members of the drop-in centre, are always invited and they enjoy seeing old acquaintances when they come out for the annual social.
Saunders said the event was very successful last year, with about 230 attending. They’re hoping for a similar turnout this year.
In 2023, the Ponoka Piston Poppers made a stop at the centre during their seniors’ week tour, parking nearby so those attending the social could come check out the club’s vehicles as well.
“That really enhanced people’s interest as well, I think,” said Saunders, adding the drop-in centre is “delighted” the Piston Poppers have already confirmed they will be back this year.
Cornhole night
A new cornhole night will be starting up as of May 3.
The weekly activity night, to be held on Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m., is $3 per night for members and $5 per night for non-members.
If you’re new to the game, that’s no problem, as a resident expert will be there to give assistance and tips on technique, said Saunders.
“Hopefully it will be something people enjoy,” said Saunders.
Other social and recreational activities offered at the drop-in centre include floor curling, canasta, bridge and other games, as well as gospel music performances, jam sessions, and crafting activities such as quilting and weaving.
Membership at the drop-in centre is open to anyone over the age of 50. Those 55 and over can be voting members, though that really only comes into play at their annual general meeting, Saunders explained.
For more information, visit ponokadropin.ca or contact the centre at ponokadropin@gmail.com.