As some of you know, I started working as the Front Desk Administrator at the SSAC in January of 2025. What some of you may not know is that I have been involved with the Centre for a decade already.
It all began back in 2015, when a beautiful, vivacious, and elegant lady named Colleen Anderson came up to my counter, at my previous job. I was helping her, and she asked if I was a performer. When I answered “yes”, we got into a longer conversation about it. We hit it off instantly, and she convinced me that I needed to audition for an upcoming performance of a group called The Funtastics. I did audition, and became a member of the group, and each year, we put on a fundraiser for the Centre – usually putting on an evening show on a Friday, and matinees on both Saurday and Sunday.
These shows were very well-attended, and had different themes, ranging from Hollywood songs, 50s and 60s, Broadway showtunes, etc. There was singing, dancing, some comedy skits, and a lot of fun was had by all.
Colleen became a dear friend, and she introduced me to so many others whom I have become close to over the years, as well. We were a very tight-knit group, spending months rehearsing prior to our annual shows, and enjoying every moment of performing together for the appreciative audiences at the SSAC.
The years went by, members of our group came and went, our group got smaller, and the name changed a couple of times, as well. We were the Yestertones for two shows, then a couple of years ago, we once again reformed as a smaller version of the Funtastics, and performed shows at Shorncliffe and Totem Care Homes. In 2024, we became The Fundamentals, and did a couple of shows in November. It was wonderful to have the old gang back together (after Covid threw a wrench in things for a couple of years) and it felt so good to be back on our most familiar stage.
Those that know me well know that there isn’t anything I enjoy more than singing, with dancing being a very close second. I have performed on many stages over the past 25 years or so, but none have ever felt like “home” to me more than the stage at the SSAC. Maybe it’s because I have done so many shows here over the years, or perhaps it’s more about the amazing people I have met, and became dear friends with.
My friend Karen and I love to sing together, and both always wanted to work with seniors, in some capacity. We love the warm fuzzy feelings we get when we sing the “oldies”, and see the smiles on audience members’ faces.
She ended up getting a job at Silverstone last year, and after years of hoping a position would come up at the SSAC (as previously I had been told that there were only volunteer positions available), my husband saw one advertised in the Fall of 2024, so I applied immediately. The rest, as they say, is history.
So, it took me 10 years to get to this position, but along the way I have performed with so many incredible people, and have felt so supported and encouraged by all of them, whether they sang with us, or did backstage work for us. I feel so very fortunate to have met them, and made so many close friends because of the SSAC. Now, I have the added joy of working alongside many of them, and seeing former audience members, as well.
Sadly, we lost Colleen earlier this year, but I know that she is still watching over us, and would be so happy to know that I am back where it all started, thanks to her. My heart is full.
