Kathy Bryce, executive director of Portage la Prairie’s Herman Prior Activity Centre, outlines a whirlwind April. She explains seasonal closures and federal elections see their facility used for a polling station. That, amid finalizing grant-funded upgrades while preparing for major spring fundraisers keeps them quite active, and living up to their namesake.
Men’s group wraps, elections disrupt programs
The centre’s Winter Pool League playoffs conclude next week, while its Men’s Coffee Crew hosts a farewell breakfast today before migrating to the golf club for summer. Six days of election training and polling—including advanced voting April 18–21 and federal election day April 28—displace regular programs. “We get through this as we do every year,” Bryce says.
“Thanks to the Community Foundation”
Two grants funded recent upgrades: digital TVs now display event info in common areas, and a kitchen renovation replaced an aging walk-in cooler. “They’re just wonderful,” Bryce notes. “It’s looking pretty good in here right now.”
Craft sale, music concert drive fundraising
A 43-vendor Spring Craft Sale on May 10 and a May 18 music concert headlined by The Sharpe Sisters and Johnny Dietrich aim to bolster finances. The concert series alone has raised nearly $30,000 through sponsorships.
Staffing boosts capacity amid high demand
Membership sits at 760, with three office staff now managing operations—a first for the centre. Bryce adds, “We’ve never had [this] before. It’s a great help.” Despite seasonal dips, she emphasizes the space remains “hopping” year-round.