King City Seniors’ Centre a community hub

August 26, 2015 · 0 Comments

The King City Seniors Centre was opened in 1988 with the aid of major financial support from the King City Lions Club. The Centre celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2013 with a ceremonial dinner.
This beautiful facility includes two large meeting rooms and a fully equipped kitchen. Over the years, the centre has been available to many community groups including the King City Historical Society, the King City Women’s Institute, the Lions Club, and many local, as well as outside, groups of renters.
The famous Kingsmen musical variety show donated the sound system, which was installed by Art Rossiter and the late Ted Monroe. Ted also employed his carpentry skills in building chair rails, a television cabinet, a computer desk and bulletin boards. He was also the centre’s first newsletter editor.
The King City Women’s Institute met at the Centre for many years until it was disbanded and, as a thank you, they donated a lilac tree for the grounds, which was planted by Hans Neilsen, who later served as chair of the centre’s board of management. Lloyd White was the first chairperson, and our current chair, Carol Field, remembers her mother picking out the chinaware for the kitchen. That same china is still being used to dish out our delicious potluck lunches, pancake suppers, celebratory lunches as well as teas, barbeques and corn roasts.
Some of the original seniors, such as Jean Kirby, still attend centre events with their daughters. Granddaughters and grandsons also often assist their grandparents when setting up the room and helping with the meals on special occasions.
The original King City seniors’ group was known as the “39’ers.” The board of management recently voted to resurrect the catchy nickname and so as of September 2015, all members will once again be identified as a “39’ers.”
Though small, the King City Seniors’ Centre is a dynamic gathering place for seniors. It is non-denominational as well as non-political. They strive to foster the mind, body and spirit.
Several sports and fitness activities dominate their social programs, such as badminton, bowling, carpet bowling, gentle motion, horseshoes, keep fit, pickleball, shuffleboard and a walking club.
For members who want to develop their creative side, they offer an art class under the direction of an experienced artist, who acts as a guide and teaches the techniques needed so members can produce their own personal masterpieces.
To stimulate their brain power there are bridge, euchre and bid euchre clubs. Some of these programs do not run during the summer, but will start up again in September.
The “39’ers” Social Club meets monthly and offers all members a variety of activities such as fashion shows, summer picnics or barbeques, parties and guest appearances by special guests who conduct presentations on varied topics such as fraud avoidance, financial tips, beekeeping and nutrition.
Inside and out, the centre receives constant care from the many dedicated volunteers. Every program and activity at the centre depends on all of the many volunteers, too numerous to mention.
For members who enjoy travelling, the Travel Club has partnered with Great Canadian Holidays and Coaches to offer worry-free and affordable fun getaway trips. One-day getaways often include shopping at a farmers’ market, lunch or dinner at a quaint restaurant and an afternoon or evening at a theatre. In recent years there have been extended annual trips of four or five days to famous cities such as Chicago and Quebec City.
If you are 55+ (no residency rule) and would like to learn more about the centre’s activities and what they have to offer, contact any member and arrange a visit. You may join them at one of their Friday morning “Drop-Ins” between 9:30 and 11 a.m.; come to the beginner Bridge class on Wednesdays at 1 p.m., or drop in for an art lesson any Thursday morning at 9:30. While you’re there, be sure to pick up a newsletter. Members receive a quarterly newsletter detailing programs, Travel Club news and general information about the goings-on in and around the centre.
You are also welcome to come out to the annual “Membership Sign-Up Day” on Sept. 11 between 10 and 11:30 a.m. and meet new friends, get to know your neighbours and get all the information you need to become a “39’er.”
They’ve come a long way since 1988 when the centre opened, but their vision of “Seniors Enriching the Community” has never faltered. All seniors are welcome to become a “39’er, and remember “there’s something for everyone at the Centre.”