CHESTERMERE – The Chestermere Whitecappers Association is starting the year off on a busy note, as new activity nights, programs, outings and other gatherings are all planned for this month.
The seniors group, who have their Whitecappers Centre at the Chestermere Recreation Centre, have been active in the community for many years. All of the programs and services they offer are for members only, but the annual membership fee is just $25.
As far as what’s coming up, member Audrey McDonald said that they are trying to continue on with some of the classes that were held back in September at the Life Begins at 50 Expo.
“We had a great response from people at the expo, so we’re thinking of bringing back some of the classes, such as how to use a digital camera and how to upload your photos to the computer,” she said. “There will also probably be some new art classes and things like that.”
Currently the Whitecappers host carpet bowling on Wednesday afternoons, which is bocce ball during the warmer months of the year. They also have Friday night euchre at 6:30, which McDonald said usually has a pretty good turnout. They also have fun bowling on Tuesday mornings, where the group will go to Paradise Lanes in Calgary.
The Whitecappers also host monthly “Lunch and Learn” sessions, which are sponsored by Community Services. Once a month, they bring their own lunch and socialize, before listening to a guest speaker present about different topics that are important to seniors.
McDonald said that some past topics have been will and estate planning, how to avoid fraud, how to protect yourself from falls or other injuries, as well as information sessions about diabetes or dimensia.
She said that the next information sessions will be all about being a grandparent.
McDonald said that they will continue hosting their typical programs and gatherings, such as fitness classes on Friday mornings or drop-in coffee on Saturday mornings, but she said they are going to try to add more activities.
A crocheting and knitting group will be starting on Wednesdays at 1 p.m., where members can drop in and work on their projects, or even learn to knit or crochet from other members.
McDonald said that they will also be starting a games afternoon on Mondays at 1 p.m. Members will be able to play whatever board games or card games they choose.
“We’ll have things like rummy, crib, or scrabble going on,” she said. “It’s mostly about coming out, having fun and socializing.”
McDonald said that the Whitecappers group will also be taking on the initiative of making some “rag quilts” to donate to the local fire department and RCMP. The quilts are to be used by children who are involved in accidents. Those interested in helping to make the quilts will meet every Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., beginning Jan. 12. McDonald said they plan to make several quilts to donate, and that they are looking for old pairs of blue jeans or flannel items that could be used to make the quilts.
As far as outings and larger gatherings, McDonald said that the Whitecappers aren’t planning to dull anything down this year.
They’re starting off with a trip to the Deerfoot Casino for a luncheon on Jan. 10, followed by an outing to Fort Calgary with lunch at the historical Dean House on Jan. 24.
Their first potluck of the year will be on Jan. 31, as they say farewall to members Bill and Jean Donaldson, who are moving to Ontario in February. It will be a “Robbie Burns” celebration, and they will have a piper and drummer march in the haggis.
The Whitecappers host these member-only potlucks on the last Tuesday evening of each month.
Anyone who is interested in these programs and becoming a member of the Whitecappers, or anyone with questions about the group, can contact Audrey McDonald at 403-272-9280, or the Whitecappers general line at 403-235-2117.
