Thanks to the hard work of its members and a generous contribution from the municipal and provincial governments, the South East Edmonton Seniors’ Association is beginning an expansion which will almost double its size.

At the open house held on September 3 to kick-start the fall activities, the Honourable Lindsay Blackett, minister of culture and community spirit, was joined by other Alberta government officials and city representatives to present a joint contribution of $1,000,000 towards the expansion, adding to more than $500,000 which the 800-plus members had already raised over the past two years. Located at 9350-82 Street, the centre is nestled into a mature neighbourhood which many older Edmontonians call home.

“We expect construction to begin as soon as the end of September,” says Mary Anne Jaedicke, executive director. “And we are open for business right through the expansion work, so our programs will continue.” She and a staff of 10 keep busy with programs, services and events, assisted by a dedicated corps of volunteers who put in 21,000 hours of work last year.

“The kitchen cafeteria is one program which is hugely successful and it’s one area that we’re expanding,” continues Jaedicke. “And it’s so much more than just getting a healthy, reasonably-priced meal, it’s also the socialization that they enjoy.” Contact with friends and being with a group of people their own age are big plusses at any age, but especially with the older demographic of the population, she states.

SEESA offers many interesting and stimulating programs. “We have everything including card-playing, fitness activities, dancing, pool, wood-working, quilting, a library, crafts, games such as carpet bowling and floor curling, and others. And there are lots of musical events too such as sing-a-longs.” Activities in September have already included a musical jam session, a crib tournament, and a wine and cheese poetry celebration. Still to come in September is a dance on the 22nd and a modestly-priced monthly dinner featuring roast beef and mashed potatoes on the 25th. And of course the new fall programming began this month as well and will continue in the weeks to come.

Jaedicke also notes that SEESA’s talented choir practices and performs at the centre, acting as ambassadors by singing at nursing homes and extended care centres throughout the city, and bringing pleasure to the residents who can no longer get out to events.

Staff and members alike are excited about the possibilities that will exist once the expansion is complete. “We’re looking at about 5700 feet of increased space, and increased parking,” says the executive director. “And the most significant will be the kitchen expansion, doubling both the working area itself and the eating area as well.” A new arts and crafts room will allow the former space to become a meeting room, so it will be available for SEESA activities as well as outside organizations in the community to utilize.

“We support other non-profit groups by providing space for meetings and presentations, and are looking forward to welcoming more of these opportunities to be part of the bigger community,” adds Jaedicke. Examples now include the VON – Victorian Order of Nurses – who operates regular foot-care services for the seniors in the area as well as SEESA members. A seniors drop in centre needs to become a hub in the community, providing care and services near their homes so they can age in place. The presence of a centre allows them to stay in their own homes past the time when they don’t drive anymore but wish to continue to receive the services they need. “We’re trying hard to become that hub,” she says. “Construction should be done by mid-winter, and the kitchen may have to be closed for a few days but that’s about the only disruption we should experience.” More information about SEESA, which has been around since 1980, is available at www.seesa.ca by calling 780-468-1985.

Upcoming events also include a festival sponsored by the Edmonton Accordion Society on the weekend of September 26th to 28th whose participants regularly rent the centre for performances. “We have a great partnership with the organizers of this event and it’s wonderful for us to be able to host it,” she says.

The need for centres and services in every part of the city is becoming more necessary as the population ages and the numbers of seniors continues to grow. A recent report from the city, when considering its contribution to the expansion, noted that southeast Edmonton is already experiencing a significant growth in the seniors’ population. According to recent census information, seniors aged 65 years and older represent over 18.5 percent of the total population for that area. The report in its entirety is available at www.edmonton.ca.

Retirement can be a most enjoyable time if people keep active, such as taking a class, playing cards, learning to play a musical instrument, enjoying fitness and social activities, volunteering, and continuing to accept and meet challenges in their daily lives. “Seniors need to stay involved, and to have a purpose. This generation of people wants to contribute back to the community. We give them the opportunity to do that through volunteering and participating in programs. And of course I can’t say too much about the need and joy for socialization,” she adds. Today many seniors find their grown sons and daughters live in far-away locations around the globe, and the local drop-in centre becomes increasingly important for the companionship and worthwhile activities that it can offer.

“As we get older, we lose some friends along the way, unfortunately,” she concludes. “Belonging to a senior centre allows us to make new friends and forge new relationships, keeping us connected to the larger community and giving us a sense of self-worth.”

Do you know about an individual or organization that needs to be saluted? Comments and suggestions for this column are welcome. Please e-mail me at hcmiller@shaw.ca.