Social centre has successful year

By Rob Vogt

A lot happened at the Claresholm Social Centre over the past year.
Marian Rooney, president of the social centre, provided a report on the past year, at the centre’s annual general meeting on Wednesday, March 12, that saw about 40 people in attendance.
She opened by noting that in late 2002, the centre began the process of re-branding, transitioning from the seniors’ drop-in centre to the Claresholm Social Centre.
“Which has truly become a hub for our community,” Rooney said.
Many user groups utilize the social centre. There were more than 46 events from celebrations of life to baby showers.
This is over and above the weekly and/or monthly activities such as line dancing; pool; cribbage; crib tournaments; quilting; sew day; mahjong; and bridge.
Other activities includes the Family and Community Support Services wellness program and family bingo; chair yoga and nia with Lise LeMoine.
Two new pool table were also purchased.
Rooney said with the help and foresight of Terry Mahoney, the centre now offers drop-in pool Monday to Thursday during the day, as well as two men’s and one mixed league in the evening.
“This is just one example of how we’re continuously working to improve the experiences and programs we offer to our members,” Rooney said.
She noted the board made a change to the membership fee structure as well.
Previously, members paid a small activity fee each time they used the facility.
“However, we listened to your feedback, and now we’ve simplified things,” Rooney said.
Now, the annual membership is $45 for the entire year.
Non-members attending social centre activities still pay – $5 per activity.
The social centre also runs a monthly crib tournament, coordinated the last seven or so years by Karen Arnold.
However, she has stepped aside and the centre is looking for a new team to organize the crib tournaments.
“Thank you Karen for all the hard work you did in making the crib tournaments a success,” Rooney said.
She then noted one of her goals as president in 2024 was to see more collaborative events at the social centre.
“I am pleased to say that we have achieved that goal,” Rooney said.
The centre partnered with the Town of Claresholm on an emergency preparedness series, as well as the town’s recreation department to offer a garden series.
The centre also teamed up with the Soup Bowl and Stavely Royal Purple Elks on their first Mother’s Day High Tea, and with Mary Holgate on an information evening about women and heart disease.
Rooney said one of the cornerstones of the centre’s community involvement is the Soup Bowl.
“In 2024, the Soup Bowl served approximately 6,760 meals over 52 weeks, providing a warm, welcoming place for everyone to enjoy a meal, connect and be a part of something special,” Rooney said.
She added the social centre continues to support this program by offering the space at no cost to the Soup Bowl as it aligns with the centre’s mission of promoting wellness, inclusivity, and community connections.