Summer Special at Senior Centre
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Seniors in the area can celebrate Canada Day with a bang at the Tillsonburg Senior Centre.
Starting July 1, the centre is launching its annual Summer Special membership price. New members can join the Centre for just $20, which will last them until the end of December. Membership at the Centre entitles seniors to discounted program user fees and registration costs.
“Even at the regular price of $35 we think our membership is a bargain,” said Administrator Nancy Boutin. “There aren’t many places that offer the variety of activities we have for a membership fee that’s so low. So at $20, joining is a steal.”
The Tillsonburg Senior Centre offers over 30 programs and activities designed to appeal to the interests and abilities of adults age 50-plus.
“The trend in recent years has really been toward activities that are fitness-based,” said Boutin, “so we have lots of options for people who are inclined that way, like Zumba Gold, three different levels of fitness, shuffleboard, indoor curling, yoga, clog dancing and more.”
For those who want to ease into physical activity or who may be recuperating from surgery, illness or injury, the Centre recently introduced a program called Gentle Touch. As the name suggests, the program offers a low-impact, gentle approach to exercise, employing Therabands and pulleys to exercise muscles and improve mobility.
Knowing that stretching the mental muscle is just as important as stretching the physical ones, however, Boutin said the Centre also offers activities that challenge people’s minds, like card games, puzzles, crafting and quilting, computer/iPad instruction, educational programs and woodworking.
“Our Program Co-ordinator is always coming up with new and different ideas for programs,” said Boutin, citing several possibilities in the works for fall. “Right now our biggest challenge is having the space and time to fit new activities into our schedule.”
The Tillsonburg Senior Centre is currently serving over 500 members from Tillsonburg and outlying communities such as Langton, Courtland, Brownsville, Ingersoll, Port Rowan and Port Burwell.
“I think the biggest benefit to joining a centre like ours is that it gives people a chance to spend time with others who share their interests and hobbies,” said Boutin. “That’s important, particularly as we age. Social interaction creates an additional network of support and friendship, and who couldn’t use more of that in their life?”
To find out more about the programs and activities available, stop by the Centre for a tour or pick up a copy of the monthly newsletter, The Leisure Link. The newsletter is also available online at www.tillsonburgseniors.ca. The Tillsonburg Senior Centre is located at 45 Hardy Avenue, attached to the Tillsonburg Community Centre and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.