The Senior Centre Without Walls might have only been in existence for the last year and a half, but in that relatively short amount of time, the program has seen impressive growth.
Not only in participants, but in the wide range of offerings for those who take part.
And it’s all still free of charge, all still over the phone, and always welcoming to new folks who want to take part.
“Things have been going great, we’ve been expanding on our programs and we have the same core group of older adults, with quite a few new ones joining up,” said Ronda Wedhorn with the SWCC. “It’s been really good. It helps a lot of people and I think that’s why it’s still going as strong as it is, it helps people not feel so isolated and it’s really a community of support for them.
“Some of them have even exchanged phone numbers, so they can just talk and have social visits or talk if they’re having difficulty in their life, anything to support them. It’s a great community.”
The format remains simple as ever.
Participants register by calling (306) 631-4357 and will receive a schedule for the coming month, from which they select sessions they’re interested in and phone or e-mail seniorswithoutwalls2021@gmail.com to sign up.
Then, on the day of, participants receive a phone call just before the allotted time for their event, and they’re off and running.
On top of regular partners like Karla Rasmussen from the Western Development Museum, Christy Schweiger from the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery, Della Ferguson of W.J. Jones and Son Funeral Services and Donna Kostal with the Moose Jaw Public Library -- all of whom provide classes and information sessions on regular basis -- the SWCC also offers a host of special guests, covering a wide range of interesting topics.
Participants can even take part in a seated yoga class with Ericka and take writing classes from Judith Silverthorne, again, all over the phone.
All there is to it is making that first call -- and you might end up having more fun than you expect.
“For some people, it’s hard to make that first call when they hear about our program, but once they do come in and learn what it’s all about, a lot of them stay and continue on with it,” Wedhorn said. “We have about 15 people who have been part of the core group for the last year, and they tease each other and have a great time. That makes it welcoming for new people, too, that it’s a fun atmosphere and it’s safe… It doesn’t matter what they’re going through on that particular day, the other people are there to support them with kind words.”
Here’s what’s coming up the rest of February:
Tuesday, Feb. 8
10 a.m. -- Trivia and Brain Games with Donna, Moose Jaw Public LIbrary
Wednesday. Feb. 9
1:30 p.m. -- Word of the Week. A new program featuring teachers Georgetta and Anna, who will teach a new word in French and Dutch. Followed by:
1:30 p.m. -- Myrna with a romantic Valentines Day Show.
Thursday, Feb. 10
10 a.m. -- Creative Activities with Christy -- Explore Water, Suzan Shantz (current exhibition at the MJMAG) -- We Are What We Drink.
1:30 p.m. -- Outdoor Gardens with Leslie Cornell from Cornell Design and Landscaping
Friday, Feb. 11
10 a.m. -- Piano Music with Lorne Jackson
1 p.m. -- Optional wrap up Zoom class for those who were in Cabinet of Curiosity class on Feb. 4
Monday, Feb. 14
10 a.m. -- How to make the most of your smartphone, with Shoshana and August. Learn how to take a picture with your phone, how to text and e-mail photos, and if time allows, even how to use the FaceTime app to talk with friends and family face-to-face.
Tuesday, Feb. 15
10 a.m. -- Angels in your Life -- celebrating the angels in your life who ‘lift’ your spirit, with Della Ferguson.
Wednesday, Feb. 16
1:30 p.m. -- Black History Month presentation with Dr. Charlotte Williams. A veterinarian in Elrose and owner of the Hooves and Paws veterinary clinic, Dr. Williams will speak about her family history in Saskatchewan, including the work of her ancestors in establishing the first Black pioneer settlement in 1910.
Thursday, Feb. 17
1:30 p.m. -- Talking All About Birds (part one) with Suzanne Joyce, a Regina-based communications professional with a passion for environmental conservation and education.
Friday, Feb, 18 to Monday, Feb. 22 -- 2022 Great Canadian Bird Count
Count as many birds as you can in the span of 15 minutes, let Ronda know the particulars, and the results will be sent in. Required are:
- Location where you saw the birds
- Start and end time of each of your counts.
- Total number in each species that you saw and counted.
- Day you were counting birds
You can use the Merlin Bird ID App, books from the library or print-outs of Saskatchewan birds from a Google search to help identify birds. Visit www.birdcount.org for more information.
Friday, Feb. 18
10 a.m. -- Piano music with Lorne Jackson
1:30 p.m. -- an introduction to Writer in Residence upcoming programs with Neil Aitkens.
Tuesday, Feb. 22
10 a.m. -- Banking and credit card information session with Conexus mutual funds investment specialist Jon Kieller
Thursday, Feb. 24
1:30 p.m. -- Talking All About Birds (part two) with Suzanne Joyce.
Friday, Feb. 25
10 a.m. -- Piano music with Lorne Jackson.
1:30 p.m. -- Open Mic with Myrna -- bring a topic of interest to class, something you heard about or would like to discuss in more detail.
Hand in bird count results today.
For more information on the Senior Centre Without Walls, be sure to visit www.scwwmoosejaw.com
or give them a shout at (306) 631-4357.
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