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Activities abound at Seniors Centre

Organizers of the inaugural open house held on Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre are calling it a success. Visitors were treated to displays set up by the various groups that make up the centre.

Organizers of the inaugural open house held on Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre are calling it a success.

Visitors were treated to displays set up by the various groups that make up the centre.

President Doug Smith said there were 185 visitors throughout the afternoon, and 22 of those became members that day.

"We had a great turnout. I'm very pleased with the results," he said.

The hope for the event was to dispel some of the misconceptions people might have had about the centre. If it conjures images of people sitting around drinking tea, think again. Yes, you might see members enjoying the newly opened lounge area with its comfortable seating that provides a relaxing place to read the newspaper, but you will also see the various groups involved in anything from carpet bowling to playing poker to quilting to researching genealogy.

Smith said many of the visitors commented on all that was on offer.

"Some new members said they thought they wouldn't be interested until age 75. They didn't realize we had so much to offer and that it was such a warm and welcoming place," Smith said.

There is also a wealth of knowledge and expertise among the members. Anyone who wants to learn something new will find willing teachers. This is also a tech-savvy bunch, Smith added.

"Five years ago when the computer program began, we had fewer than 100 members on the Internet. Now we have over 800," he said. "The rumour that you can't teach an old dog new tricks is not true."

Smith predicts the membership, currently at 1,200, will only continue growing as the 50-plus age group realizes the range of activities and events available.

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