.jpg;w=900)
The pandemic has taken a lot away from seniors in our area, and perhaps nothing has been mourned or missed so much by so many as the Orillia Seniors Centre at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Orillia.
Going strong since 2010, the centre and its programming was forced to close down in March 2020, leaving the hundreds of seniors who relied on both, lonely isolated and bored. Hopefully, this will soon change as the centre gears up for reopening in January 2022.
Gordon Timbers, program director of the centre, said the program was the brainchild of the church's minister.
“The Rev. Karen Horst, recently retired minister at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Orillia, had the original vision for a ministry to seniors in the congregation and wider community,” said Timbers.
“In 2010, she convened a dream team to design a weekly program for those 55 plus or feeling that way. The program would offer a variety of optional activities throughout the day that would be interesting, enjoyable, educational and promote social interaction, all for the cost of the lunch that would be provided," he explained.
For 10 years, the centre continued along that same premise, with upwards of 60 participants each week.
“Attendees from Orillia and area are still offered a hearty lunch and opportunities for singing, gentle exercise, current events discussion, book club and Bible study, along with a presentation by an entertainer or guest speaker on a matter of local interest, such as recent presentations by city council and staff, OPP, the anti-fraud centre, Green Haven, Couchiching Conservancy, Orillia Museum of Art and History, and more," Timbers explained.
The fee for participants is a modest $10, to cover the cost of the lunch, and the rest of the centre’s expenses and programming are covered by the St. Andrew’s congregation and staff, and occasional grants from the Community Foundation of Orillia and Area.
“Grants from the Community Foundation have generously allowed an expansion of the participatory aspects of the program," he explained. "This has included off-site field trips and a series of weeks-long learning modules (some with leadership from Lakehead University, Orillia) on science, Canadian literature and Indigenous history and culture. Workshops have been offered on iPads and computers and local authors and artists have made interactive presentations on their work.”
June Rath, a vivacious widow in her eighties and long-time attendee of the centre, had nothing but praise for the programming, organizers, and presenters.
“I guess I started going when it first started, friends of mine had recommended it,” said Rath. “It’s a great program and I really enjoy it. Many of my friends also attend, we enjoy the company and all of the speakers and activities. The lunch is lovely and it’s so nice to eat with other people and talk about current events too. We also enjoy playing cards in the afternoon.”
Rath also added that Marshall Martin, organist and music director at St. Andrew’s, ran a fantastic chorus with program attendees that she greatly enjoyed.
“Marshall is so talented and so nice,” enthused Rath. “We had some special needs folks that used to come, and Marshall made them feel so welcome; they got a lot of enjoyment out of singing in the chorus.”
Timbers agrees.
“Volunteers and staff members from St. Andrew’s have made significant ongoing contributions to the Seniors Centre through program leadership (Marshall Martin for music, Don Corbett for Bible study), administrative support (Christa Cameron), and facilities maintenance (Ashley Brammer)," explained Timbers.
"Sandra Leach and her team have catered the much-appreciated weekly refreshments and noon meal. Volunteers have assisted with crafts, friendly greeting, leading discussions and physical exercise activities.”
He continued, “One of the strengths of the program is its location at St. Andrew’s Church at 99 Peter St. N.. The building, parking lot, elevator and washrooms are handicap accessible. There is a well-equipped kitchen and various-sized rooms are available for large and small group activities,” he explained.
Currently, a Christmas lunch has been planned for Dec. 16, a welcome back of sorts, starting with coffee and refreshments at 10 a.m. The program will include a presentation by The Lighthouse describing their new facilities and their services to homeless and vulnerable people in Orillia, group activities, seasonal music, and a delicious lunch, all for $10.
Regular weekly programming begins again on Thursday Jan. 13 at 10 a.m. Planned programming for the winter months, according to Timbers, includes presentations by Information Orillia, the Grandpals, Helix Hearing Care, North Simcoe Victim Services, Sustainable Orillia, Speaking of Wildlife, and Age-Friendly Orillia.
Timbers is hoping the program can go ahead even as the pandemic continues in the area.
“Over the past many months I have had several inquiries from people who have attended the program wondering when it would reconvene. People have missed these weekly opportunities to get out of their homes and interact with people in a safe and comfortable setting with interesting and stimulating activities," he said.
“Our hope is that this program will continue to be an enjoyable and interesting opportunity for seniors in the wider Orillia area to get out and socialize with other people in a setting that is comfortable and adheres to all necessary safety protocols," said Timbers.
Rath concurred.
“The atmosphere is so positive, and the members really enjoy getting together to talk about current events and the news. Sometimes the chatter is so loud the organizers can’t get our attention.” She paused. “I sure hope we can get together in January. We need the companionship.”
To find out more about the Orillia Seniors Centre, contact Gordon Timbers at [email protected].
