The Veiner Centre is celebrating Seniors Week with a number of events throughout.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Medicine Hat’s Veiner Centre is celebrating Hatters aged 50-plus during Seniors Week, which runs June 5-11.
“Seniors Week is recognized annually right across Alberta,” Veiner Centre executive director Cori Fischer told the News. “The theme this year is ‘Aging is More,’ and what our focus is, is to get Hatters excited about aging and (remind them) that it really is OK to mature.”
Fischer explained the centre will be hosting a variety of events and activities throughout the week built around this year’s theme and created with the intention of celebrating local seniors.
“(We hope) to show appreciation for our members and all the older adults in our community,” said Fischer. “I think it’s really important that we do celebrate our seniors and let all ages know that it really doesn’t matter how old you are, you still have a lot to offer your community.”
The festivities kick off on June 7 with a free outdoor instructor-led fitness session from 9:30-10:30 a.m. outside the centre at Lion’s Park.
While the event is free, registration is required, and can be completed by contacting the centre at 403-529-8307.
Participants are reminded to wear comfy shoes but dress for the weather.
Later that day, at 5:30 p.m., Mayor Linnsie Clark and several city councillors will visit the centre to take part in a community town hall, which former city councillor Julie Friesen will be moderating.
The group will be answering questions regarding seniors in the local community. Questions can be submitted prior to or during the event. Submissions can be made in-person at the Veiner Centre or online at unisonalberta.com/mh-community-town-hall.
On June 8, centre staff are rolling out the red carpet for the Medicine Hat premiere of the Unison for Generations 50+ documentary.
Created by Calgary-based film production company Kelly Brothers Productions, the documentary examines ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the lives of seniors and highlights the important role the Veiner Centre, and other Unison centres, play in reducing social isolation.
The event begins at 3:30 p.m. with a public reception which includes appetizers and desserts. The film screening beings at 4 p.m. and will conclude by roughly 4:30.
Then, on June 9, Clark will return to the centre to join members of its walking club on a morning walk through Stratchona Island Park, followed by complimentary coffee and muffins upon returning to the centre.
Participants are asked to meet in the Veiner Centre lobby at 9:50 a.m. The group departs at 10 a.m.
To end off the week, Hatters are invited to an afternoon Tea Time at the centre’s Bistro on June 10 from 2-4 p.m. Participants are invited to socialize while enjoying tea, coffee and strawberry shortcakes.
Tickets are required for the event, and can be purchased at the centre for $10 per person.
While looking forward to the upcoming events, Hatters are invited to visit the Veiner Centre and view a number of custom-painted bird houses decorated by members of the Strathcona Arts Studio.
The bird houses will be raffled off during Seniors Week, on June 9 at 12:30 p.m., with all proceeds going toward programming for local seniors. Raffle tickets can be purchased now until June 9 at the centre, $5 each.
