Seniors in Stettler will have an opportunity to connect in May.
The Stettler United Church, in partnership with several community non-profit groups, is hosting a Seniors’ Conference on May 1.
“It’s funded through the New Horizons Senior’s Grant,” said Barbara-Lynn Goodwin, one of the co-chairs of the event.
“We don’t want people to feel they have to be (church) members.”
Goodwin says that while pre-registration has concluded, there will be room for “a few” people who may happen to show up at the door on the day of the event.
Activities at the event will include chair yoga, discussions on raised garden beds, genealogy, art, greeting cards, hymn sings, faith for wellbeing, cooking for one or two, wills and estates, basic computing, and more!
Goodwin says that with people living longer than ever, activities like this are more important than ever to prevent “loneliness and isolation.”
The day will feature a catered lunch, some physical activity, and time for visiting.
The Stettler Handibus is providing transport to the event.
Following the day, the committee overseeing the conference will be asking attendees to fill out a survey to guide future activities.
The hope is that some of the small groups that are created during the presentations could develop into weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly groups and for the conference itself to either occur again in the fall or again next year.
Goodwin says that the conference came about due to discussions held surrounding needs in the community.
During the discussion, it was noted that the United Church has a “wonderful space” for groups to use that is easily accessed being close to downtown.
Goodwin says that while they don’t want to duplicate services, such as some seniors services offered by the library, with the church being more “central” it could make a difference whether or not people attend.
The leadership committee organizing the conference consists of two members from Big Valley, two from Erskine, two from Stettler, and Rev. Kwon and the United Church admin assistant.