Claresholm Social Centre elects new board

By Rob Vogt
The Claresholm Social Centre elected a new board at its annual general meeting last week.
At its meeting on March 18, the membership elected:
• President, Doug MacPherson;
• Vice-president, Glenna Povey;
• Secretary, Sheryl Cassar;
• Treasurer, Kathy Mann;
• Directors, Lise LeMoine; Terry Mahoney; Vada Kolish; and Leslie McDavid;
• Past-president, Marian Rooney;
• Town of Claresholm representative, David Knox.
Mayor’s message
The meeting opened with Mayor Brad Schlossberger bringing wishes from the town.
He observed how far the centre has come from being the seniors’ drop-in centre.
“It makes me extremely proud,” Schlossberger said. “It’s become a centre of town.
“Everyone knows the social centre.”
RCMP presentation
Sergeant Perry Pelletier of the Claresholm RCMP also spoke for a few minutes.
He said he really liked Claresholm and considers it a safe community.
“It’s one of the safest I’ve lived in,” he said.
He noted having the police become more visible is a priority however.
That’s why members do school patrols in the morning, and check for infractions such as running stop signs, not wearing seat belts, and tinted windows.
Pelletier also spent some time talking about scams.
He encouraged people to ask two questions when they receive an unsolicited call or text: Why me? Why now?
Scammers use high-pressure tactics, and Pelletier urged people to do two things.
“Always hang up and verify,” he said.
He suggested if anyone hears of an investment deal, go to a legitimate financial advisor.
If someone asks for credit information, don’t share it. Once shared, that information can be shared with others.
Pelletier recommended that anytime someone receives anything unsolicited, they should never respond.
He also pointed out scammers prey on people who want to help out.
“They don’t care who you are,” he said. “They just want what you’ve got.”
President’s report
Marian Rooney is the outgoing president of the social centre.
She discussed what happened at the social centre this past year.
The centre had rentals such as baby showers, weddings, celebrations of life, and a successful new year’s eve gala.
There were collaborations with Family and Community Support Services and the Town of Claresholm, such as a gardening series and emergency preparedness sessions.
The centre also continued hosting weekly activities as well as cribbage tournaments and pool leagues.
The highlight was a rebranding initiative which saw the centre receive a $8,470 grant from the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta.
“This grant helped modernize the building,” Rooney said.
She stressed the centre remains committed to serving the community.
One of the cornerstones of that commitment is the Soup Bowl, which served more than 6,000 meals in 2025.
The social centre provides the space free of charge, so a warm, welcoming space can be offered the community.
She concluded by noting she was stepping down as president, but staying on as past president.
Later in the meeting Shannon Yates, a former board member, commended Rooney for all her efforts.
She noted Rooney moved to town not knowing anyone, but injected herself into the community gently and firmly.
“She has a way about engaging people, building bridges,” Yates said.
She added Rooney also lead the effort to re-brand the centre, which is a process of education and re-education.
“She never gave up, and continues,” she said.
“Thank you Marian.”