Welcome to an exciting new month at the SSAC to all of you, especially our new members. Friedrich Schiller’s Ode to Joy written in 1785 and retold musically in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, has been used over the years as an anthem of protest for good against wrongdoing and now symbolises hope, unity and fellowship. At the SSAC we are writing our own ode to joy, as we provide a place where members can come and enjoy the uplifting experience of activities, good food and socialisation. It is a story that we are adding to every day.
I attended the most recent one of our wonderful monthly dances, organized by Jay Alexov and her team. Spindrift Street band member Charlie Veaudry who performed that night, told me that the SSAC is one of the band’s favourite venues not only because of the space but more importantly it was the atmosphere in the room and the response of the crowd. I realised that the music and the dancing epitomised what we are trying to build through experiences that bring joy through socialisation as well as mental and physical stimulation.
Previously I mentioned that we had approved membership for individuals with developmental disabilities served by SCACL (Sunshine Coast Association for Community Living). Several of these new members have now attended activities and meals and they seamlessly fit into our welcoming environment, with lots of smiles all around. Earlier last year in a forward planning session the Board established its core values. One of them is Inclusivity. Interestingly, according to our constitution we are inherently inclusive, in that we have no barriers to membership. A person of any age can join, with no other restrictions. The only constraint we have is that at least 50% of the membership is aged 50 years or older, and that these are the only members that can vote at any general meetings. We do however hold seniors in the forefront of our planning, maintaining Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre as our name, but realising the tremendous importance of intergenerational socialisation.
Unfortunately, as membership numbers have grown and the pressure on services and space have increased, there has been an increase in the number of negative interactions between members and staff and volunteers. Put yourself in the position of one of our approximately 150 volunteers, without whom we can not operate, and are eternally grateful to for their service. Why do they volunteer? It’s because they get joy from keeping busy and helping others at the Centre. However, if they are berated by impatient or disgruntled members they won’t be enjoying their work. So why would they want to continue to volunteer? Please when you are interacting with any of our volunteers, always be courteous and patient.
At the front desk, the always pleasant Heather Doré is the only paid staff (Front Desk Administrator), all the others are daily volunteers and mostly are seniors themselves. Let’s keep the SSAC a safe and fun place to be.
The just completed renovation will bring a tremendous change to your front desk interaction. Crowding in the corridor will be minimised as service counters are now located in the old lounge area. So please be tolerant as we navigate the process of change for both members and office staff.
In early May, to assess the adequacy of our current activity offerings, as well as the potential of new activities, we will be sending out an activity questionnaire that can be completed electronically and returned by email. We will also have paper copies to complete and return. The information will be compiled and used for guidance moving forward.
Bear in mind that we always have the constraints of appropriate instructor and room availability when new activities are proposed. We will present the findings in a future ECHO once they have been compiled.
Although I love volunteering at the SSAC, seeing so many enjoying what we offer, and showing so much caring for each other, I am saddened when I hear of members getting serious illness and passing. I am sure you all know of someone close to you who has passed. On a personal note, very recently there are three individuals that I will particularly miss. Lydia Hall, a Bingo regular and supporter of the SSAC, was a beautiful lady inside and out. Brian Smith, co-founder of Memory Café at the SSAC with his partner Rosella, was such a gentle and compassionate man and helped so many others. Diana Young, a long-time member, was a front desk volunteer and one of the early pickleballers at the Centre. She lived life to the fullest and who will forget her floral pattern leggings. Interestingly, in her obituary her family said she referred to us as the Activity Centre, indicating what she felt was important. Despite the sadness, I console myself with the thought that we are providing members in their latter years with a stimulating and happy environment. That’s why we must continue writing our story fostering an atmosphere of joy and harmony at the SSAC.
