Veiner Centre shares appreciation for volunteers

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on May 1, 2025.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

The Unison at Veiner Centre is praising the many volunteers who dedicate their time to offer vital programs and services to aging adults in the community and have shared the stories of two volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation Week.

The Veiner Centre says Penny O’Neil has been a volunteer with its Meals of Wheels program for more than two and a half years, and also volunteers at the reception desk at the Strathcona Centre.

“Joining the Union Veiner Centre gave Penny the opportunity to meet new people and get to know the city,” reads a spotlight. “”It warms her heart to see that she can help in the community. She hopes her cheery ‘good morning’ with a big smile will make someone’s day.”

Pam was also placed under the spotlight in a social media post by the Veiner Centre for her volunteer efforts running the cash register in the Bistro and reception at the front desk.

“Pam greets each visitor with a warm smile and friendly hello. Whether directing someone to a meeting room, answering questions about upcoming events, or simply lending a listening ear, Pam finds joy in connecting with people and making them feel welcome,” reads the spotlight.

The Veiner Centre says volunteers are crucial for building strong communities while providing volunteers the opportunity to connect with others, develop new skills and gain a sense of fulfillment.

Movie night

Next Wednesday afternoon the Veiner Centre is hosting a matinee screening of “Night at the Museum” starring Ben Stiller and Robin Williams.

The fantasy comedy film tells the story of a divorced father who applies for a job as the night watchman at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and discovers that the exhibits come to life at night.

The free matinee will include popcorn and begins at 2 p.m. on May 7 as part of the Active Aging: Wellness Wednesday’s program.

Puzzle competition

Dust off those jigsaw puzzles and start training, the Veiner Centre is getting set to host a puzzle competition in June.

Teams of four will race to finish a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle the fastest during the friendly competition that will be held in The Bistro from 4-8 p.m. on June 3.

The team with the most connected pieces, or the first to complete their puzzle, within a two-hour timeframe will receive a prize.

The Bistro will also be open during the competition serving snacks, dinner and drinks.

Entry fee is set at $25 per team. Teams can register by calling the Veiner Centre at 403-529-8307 or visiting the Veiner Centre reception desk.

Holistic wellness

Later in May the Veiner Centre is welcoming three experts to host an “transformative” event focused on holistic wellness who will cover mental health, nutrition and exercise.

The “Forever Young-ish, Fit, Fun & Fabulous” event will take place May 15 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will feature Ed Stiles from Peace Performance Fitness Services, Jennifer Heller with Recovery Alberta & Mental Health Wellness and Pat McIntosh with Alberta Health Services Nutrition Service South.

“Embrace a new chapter where fitness energizes us, fun enriches our days and fabulousness is timeless,” reads a promotional advertisement.

The three-and-a-half hour event will include complimentary beverages and snacks and will also include door prizes.

Information can be found online or by calling the Veiner Centre at the number above.

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