Prairie Oasis aiming to expand as social hub for seniors

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This article was published 26/04/2022 (1415 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Prairie Oasis Seniors Centre is expanding its programming, offering members and the public the chance to refine their hobbies.

In an effort to attract more people, the centre is growing its programs and activities, as well as increasing awareness around its event hall.

It isn’t just about having fun and getting people in the door; it’s about mental health and overall well-being of everyone the centre serves, said Elizabeth Morrow of the activities department.

The centre has always offered recreational opportunities like card games and shuffleboard, Morrow said. Some activities, however, have become very popular, such as the gardening club, painting and exercise classes.

“We’re branching out and doing more specialized, trendy activities,” she said. “We are also attracting more younger senior people and other groups to come here to have events. We want to be more inclusive and let everyone know we are here to help.”

The COVID-19 pandemic kept the centre’s doors closed and many people at home, forcing them to isolate away from loved ones and the things they enjoyed.

Centre administration is trying to make it more inviting to help people establish new connections and enjoy some age-friendly activities.

Brand new to the centre are dancing classes starting in June. A couple who used to be competitive dancers will be coming in to conduct waltz, country two-step, cha-cha, rumba, foxtrot and east and west coast swing.

There has been a lot of interest in dancing classes, Morrow said, adding they are open to couples and single people who are looking to meet someone new.

Another new feature is the Oasis Cafe. The seating in the reception area has been rearranged to resemble a casual dining area for people to enjoy a free coffee, small pastry and just relax and socialize again.

The seating area didn’t seem inviting enough for Morrow and the idea of a cafe seemed like a good way to draw people in and mingle.

“I also wanted to have a casual place for people to have a coffee and enjoy some time out of the house besides a shop.”

As a public service, Prairie Oasis is also helping other groups that meet at the centre to attract more people to their groups or use their services.

Among them is Meals on Wheels, which runs its food preparation and delivery service out of the centre. Anyone who wants to sign up can do so by contacting the centre to get on the list of deliveries.

For one group of ladies, their activity of choice has been painting classes with volunteer Linda Hunter every Tuesday. Participant Cathy Todd said the same group has met to take classes in acrylic, watercolours and pencils since last fall.

She said there was always something different to try and when she began, she really didn’t have any artistry. Now she can paint a picture with ease.

“I started this because it was something to do during the afternoon, but it’s amazing what you can do when you are shown how to do it,” she said.

More information on activities and services can be found on the centre’s Facebook page: bit.ly/3F4Ijst.

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