An Estevan initiative aimed at improving community wellness continues to gain momentum, with its monthly board game night drawing an increasingly diverse and growing crowd.
What started as a small gathering at Michaels nearly a year ago has evolved into a popular monthly event designed to bring people together.
“It just keeps on growing,” said Councillor Shelly Veroba, who chairs the Estevan Community Wellness Committee (ECWC). “Every time we host it, we get more and more people. It’s just really nice to actually have someone that doesn’t know anybody show up and just want to get to know people in their community.”
Veroba said the night is about more than just playing games — it’s a chance to build relationships and strengthen community ties.
“Everyone knows that when you get together, you build a stronger community,” she said. “That’s how you build connections and that’s how you build confidence.”
The ECWC launched as a pilot project but quickly grew into something more.
“We didn’t want to shelf our project when we started. We wanted this to be a living document,” Veroba said. “Lots of times people talk about all the negative things coming down the pipe, but we’re focusing on the positive.”
The committee’s monthly meetings draw about 10 to 12 regular attendees and originally included representatives from more than 20 agencies. The group continues to explore ways to make Estevan a safer, more connected community.
A new website is expected to launch soon, with details on upcoming events and wellness resources.
The most recent board game night also served as a community appreciation event, with support from Souris Family Pharmacy.
“It’s just another way of community businesses giving back to the community,” Veroba said. “And I’m just so proud to be here tonight.”
For Veroba, initiatives like these reflect a broader effort by the city council to stay connected and engaged with residents.
“I’ve always found it very respectful, very open,” she said. “At the end of the day, we’re all in this together.”
She also praised Estevan’s three newest councillors — Tom Mauss, Dave Elliott and Matthew Dubowski — for how they’ve embraced their roles.
“They’re doing a lot more listening than talking some days, and that’s a good thing,” she said. “They’re looking for the answers for the people who are asking the questions, and I think that’s an asset as a councillor.”
As part of its ongoing commitment to open dialogue, the city will host its monthly Coffee with Council this Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Estevan Public Library. This month’s event will focus on community programming, including arts, culture and recreation.