As it turns out, things have grown exponentially in the time since.
Around 42 seniors frm throughout the province are now regular users of the program, which is all run through phone calls not dissimilar to the old party-line systems of yesteryear. And they’re receiving the kind of programming that generates all sorts of interest, with the slate of calls for the final two weeks of the month covering a wide gamut of interesting topics -- from working with dogs to old-time toys and regular trivia sessions, it’s all led to rapid growth in popularity for the program.
“People have been saying they’re really enjoying it, it’s helping their mental health especially with everything that’s going on,” said Ronda Wedhorn with the SWCC.
The best part of it all? It’s all completely free.
Every speaker who takes part is a volunteer, and even when the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery gets involved and holds craft sessions, supplies are sent out to participants so they can follow along.
That’s all because of a handful of grants the SWCC has received and continue to seek, as well as a generous donation from the SaskTel Pioneers. If they continue to grow as much as they have, they’re hoping to eventually become a self-sufficient entity with a permanent position running the whole thing, says Wedhorn.
Regardless, the SWCC plans to continue to offer their non-profit services as long as they can, especially with so many folks enjoying what they have to offer.
Below is a list of topics for the coming days and weeks. To join up and for more information, call (306) 631-4357, e-mail swwsask@sasktel.net or visit their website at www.scwwmoosejaw.com.
Thursday, Feb. 18 -- 10:30 a.m.Dog Behaviours, Derek Snow from No Dog Left Behind
Snow will talk about dog behaviours and give information about dogs and why that act as they do. Have you always wondered why your dog did something that way? Bring your questions to class.
Friday, Feb. 19 – 10:30 a.m.Old Time Country Piano Music
Join musician Lorne Jackson as he plays a variety of Old-Time Country music from years past. Songs that our parents and grandparents (as well as some of us) grew up listening to. Find a sunny warm place in your home. Make a cup of tea. Settle in a comfy chair with a warm blanket, and spend the hour relaxing and listening to the piano. Feel free to sing along!
Friday, Feb. 19 – 1:00 p.m.Fact or Fiction!
Join Myrna as she tells you a strange and interesting story and you tell her – do you think Myrna is telling the facts or is it fiction?
Tuesday, Feb. 23 – 10:00 a.m.Toys and Past Times
Karla Rasmussen, Education and Public Progra.m.s Coordinator with the Western Development Museum will offer tales from before the times of mass production and store-bought toys and how many young people made their own fun from items found around the house. We will look at how people enjoyed playing and staying active during Saskatchewan's settlement period and beyond. Reminisce and remember about a time when riding bicycles, shooting marbles and playing hopscotch were more popular than television and video games.
Tuesday, Feb. 23 – 1:00 p.m.Stories of Your Life
A continuation of the stories we can write about our lives. With Anne Patton. Bring your homework to class and paper and pen.
Wednesday, Feb. 24 – 10:30 a.m.
Brain Games with Donna Kostal
Donna is back to do some trivia with us and keep our mind active!
Thursday, Feb. 25 – 10:30 a.m.
Osteoporosis Information
Join the Osteoporosis society as they give us information. Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, which can lead to increased risk of fracture. Known as the “silent thief”, bone deterioration can occur over a number of years without presenting any symptoms. Unfortunately, if detected at the time of a break, the disease is already fairly advanced. The most common fractures associated with osteoporosis are in the hip, spine, wrist, and shoulder. Today, no single cause for osteoporosis has been identified.
Friday, Feb. 26 – 10:30 a.m.
Old Time Country Piano Music
Join Lorne Jackson as he plays a variety of old-time country music from years past.
Friday, Feb. 26 – 1:00 p.m.
Coffee Chat Visit for 30 minutes and then Card Bingo for 30 minutes.
Join Myrna as she picks the topic and we spend an hour of positive uplifting conversation and laughter!
