50th Anniversary for Abbotsford Seniors Centre

By: Julie Ireton

Senior leisure activities at Abbotsford at the Glebe Centre have changed dramatically since the 1970s when crafting with macrame or decoupage was all the rage. By contrast today’s members, aged 55 plus, are more likely to be lifting weights than crochet hooks, as they take part in a wide variety of activities including Zumba Gold and belly-dancing.

“It’s so interesting how being an older person today is so different than it would have been in the 1970s,” said Janice Bridgewater, Abbotsford member, cardio instructor and the centre’s former executive director.

“I’m so proud of this place and the way it’s evolved.”

This year, Abbotsford is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary as a resource, social hub and service provider for seniors in the Glebe and surrounding communities.

“Abbotsford Seniors Centre has been a great touchstone for seniors living in the community throughout these past 50 years. Whether for recreation, socializing, creating, volunteering or keeping fit, Abbotsford has been a constant in an ever changing and aging society,” said Pat Goyeche, coordinator of community programs at Abbotsford.

Big changes in 50 years

The gothic revival stone house which has become a beacon for elders in the community has a rich history. It was originally built in 1872 as the private residence for Bytown pioneer Alexander Mutchmor.

When Bridgewater first arrived at the heritage house across from Lansdowne Park in the early 1970s it was an all-male senior’s residence, which at one point housed 38 men.

Now retired, Bridgewater has witnessed some of the changes at Abbotsford over the years, having worked there before starting university, then establishing her own career at the centre after graduation.

“We served meals for members of the community. If they’d lost wives or needed some help they came by for lunch – a dinner in those days,” remembers Bridgewater.

“1973 was an important time of transition – the evolution really started as it transformed into what it is today.”

When Abbotsford officially opened as the “Elderly Persons’ Centre” in 1975, the first formal duty of Ontario’s then-minister of community and social services was to cut the ribbon.

Crafts were the big draw in the 70s, said Bridgewater, including ceramics and quilting. Art classes and craft making for the annual Craft Fair are still woven into the fabric of what Abbotsford is today.

Celebration being planned

“Now at Abbotsford, people take language classes, meditation, writing and there’s a much different focus than 50 years ago,” she said.

Today, the exercise programs that fill the centre’s multipurpose room several days a week such as tai chi would have been unheard of at its 1975 opening.

“Abbotsford will keep reflecting the needs of seniors who want to and can ‘age in place’ through programming and services for at least another 50 fabulous years,” said Goyeche.

Stay tuned a celebration will be planned for the official 50th anniversary in the fall.

Abbotsford Seniors Centre of The Glebe Centre Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit, organization which includes a 254 bed long term care home. Find out more about our services and programming by dropping by 950 Bank Street (the old stone house) Mon – Fri 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, telephoning 613-230-5730 or by checking out all The Glebe Centre facilities and seniors services on our website www.glebecentre.ca