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Fall Back into Abbotsford Seniors Centre

Conversational Spanish Classes…always popular with instructor Isabel Gonzalez

By: Pat Goyeche

The evenings are starting to cool and we begin to remember feelings of ‘back to school’. Fall always seems like a fresh start full of new beginnings.  You might want to get yourself a new pencil case or perhaps a new set of watercolours, weights, yoga mat or deck of cards!

Finding your artistic, intellectual, and social side are all possible at Abbotsford this fall.

Our ever popular fitness classes, favourite instructors and well loved arts courses are returning to Abbotsford this fall, alongside new programming such as Beginner Tai Chi , Beginner Bridge, Learn to ‘Jam, Beginner Piano, Highland and Scottish Dancing, Beginner Spanish and Beginner Pottery.  

Lunches are available to members on a first come-first served basis on Tuesdays and Thursdays. $10 gets you a sandwich, soup, salad, fruit, dessert and coffee or tea.

Abbotsford has a Trishaw, a three-wheeled electric powered passenger bike to take older adults on rides on the pathway near the Rideau canal. Thanks to a New Horizons for Seniors grant, we are equipped to have volunteers pilot the passenger bike so members and clients can view the fall colours. Many have enjoyed the Trishaw experience so far and we will continue to offer rides into the fall until the snow flies.

Our Community Support Services staff continue to help older adults and caregivers in our surrounding neighbourhoods navigate challenges to remain at home safely. Call or email us, if you have any questions about drives to medical appointments, dementia day programs, Luncheon Club for those who need extra support to socialize, friendly visiting or service arrangements to connect to businesses and home supports. 

The fall guide is available on-line at: www.glebcentre.ca see Abbotsford Seniors Centre and drop down menu to Current Program Guide.  Check out the full complement of programs for Adults 55+ online or pick up a paper copy at the centre.

New beginnings have never been easier than it will be this fall, so join in and participate in all that we have on offer that interests you.  Meet new friend and old friends alike and Loiter With Us at your leisure.

Memberships are half price currently and are valid until December for new members trying Abbotsford for the first time. All members and friends of Abbotsford receive emails outlining upcoming events and interesting programs. Be sure to open those emails from us as we promote special events to all the members. Watch for free coffee time and bingo games with prizes, new this fall.

Abbotsford is dedicated to forging new partnerships in our community, implementing new programming through grants and fundraising. We continue to work with our governments, business partners and sector networks that help keep our centre viable, sustainable and our 55+ population active and engaged. 

Fundraising is a necessary aspect of our charitable organization. We rely on memberships, sponsorships, donations, fees for services and engagement with the greater Ottawa community to keep Abbotsford thriving. It is key to ensuring our programs are interesting and affordable to our members and services meet the needs of clients.

This year we have a magical fundraising event to be held the evening of Thursday October 12 in the Horticultural Building, Lansdowne Park.  The theme is Mystic Carnivale!  Be prepared to be dazzled by performers, beguiled by delicious cuisine, delighted with games, prizes and marvelous auction items.  Take a turn on the dancefloor, take in the fun and festive atmosphere and support seniors in your community.  Bring your mom or let her bring you and your friends. It is guaranteed to be an entertaining and memorable evening.

Check out website for our current gala sponsors, businesses that get behind Abbotsford Seniors Centre and all that we do to support older adults. It takes an entire community to support our seniors’ centre.

It is ‘cool to be in school’ so join in and participate in all that we have on offer.

Abbotsford Seniors Centre is your community support centre for Adults 55+.  We are the community programs and services of The Glebe Centre Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit, organization which includes a 254 bed long term care home.  Find out more about our services by dropping by 950 Bank Street (the old stone house) Mon- Fri 9-4 pm, telephoning 613-230-5730 or by checking out all of The Glebe Centre facilities and community programs on our website www.glebecentre.ca.