Fall programming at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre is ramping up again in the coming weeks.
Carla Walker, Program and Volunteer Coordinator says that while many activities continue year-round, some take a short summer break.
“When September rolls around, we are excited to get back into programs and those programs coming back.”
A popular program is square dancing, which begins Tuesday, September 9 at 7 p.m.
“The first two Tuesdays are open house to the community to come and try it. Because it's a program that you progress every time, it's good to come and try it at the beginning to get an idea of what it is.”
Another favourite, Country Jam, takes place on Wednesday evenings starting September 10.
“That is such a great evening to come together, listen to some great musicians, have good company and coffee and some cookies and it's a good time.”
Line dancing is also returning this fall.
“It's every other Thursday afternoons, it'll start up towards the end of September again.”
Other ongoing programs include fitness drumming, cornhole, and the popular pickleball.
“We always pickleball, and it's a lot of fun. If people go online to look at the sign-ups, there's a lot of different sign-up options. And there's a session for everyone, all different levels of play.”
Family pickleball runs on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and is open to everyone.
“There are three courts available, and grandparents and parents can bring their kids, and they can rent a court for $10 for an hour, and they can get their kids started early on this fun sport. It's an opportunity for them to teach the kids the game and spend some time together.”
Walker says pickleball alone has brought many new people to the Centre.
“We've had kids learn it and then join our beginner pickleball session with the adults. That's the great part about the Pat Porter is that yes, we focus on seniors, but our doors are open to anybody and we love to build that bridge between the generations.”
In addition to regular programming, several special events are planned for the fall.
“We're going to be honouring truth and reconciliation and that will be Friday, September 26 at 9:30. We'll be offering a breakfast that will be $10, and if people don't want to have the breakfast, that's ok. They can come at no cost, and they can just come and enjoy the program.”
The Centre will also host a community Thanksgiving lunch on October 10, followed by their first-ever Halloween social on October 31.
“So, start looking for your costumes,” Walker adds.
For more information on programs or events, community members are encouraged to read the Pat Porter newsletter, visit their website, call 204-320-4600, or stop by in person.
“What we really love is if people just come down and say hi so that we can meet them. We can tell them about what we're doing, and they can even join our Coffee Corner in the mornings and hang out with us. We love that.”
With files from Carly Koop