Whoever said the Golden Years were a slowing down of life with nothing to occupy their time, obviously didn’t live in Terrace.
Thanks to the Happy Gang Centre and the BC Old Age Pensioners’ Association Branch 73, plenty of activities and socializing are there for the enjoyment of seniors.
And if you want to keep busy, there’s activities for nearly every day and all times of the year. There’s whist and carpet bowling Mondays, glee club and cribbage on Tuesdays, quilting and contract bridge Thursdays, bingo Fridays and rummoli Sundays. Not to mention floor curling, darts and billiards.
BC Seniors Games proves to be popular for the annual event allows seniors the chance to make new friends and then visit them every year they qualify for the games.
Homemade lunches are available on weekdays. For a small price, it includes soup, a variety of sandwiches, dessert and a beverage. The first Saturday of the month sees the public welcomed to pancake breakfasts. Birthdays are celebrated at the centre.
And it all began in 1959 when a group of people who retired around the same time got together and wanted to have a place to meet and do activities. They met at the arena and made plans to get their own building.
The seniors raised money and built the centre in 1980 and added to it as they could afford it.
The name Happy Gang Centre was chosen as a group decision.
All the activities are run by volunteers, who are always needed in the kitchen, to set up dinners, assist with special events and phone members about meetings. Those interested in meeting new people and getting involved can drop in or call the centre.