'It's getting bigger and bigger': New space for older adults unveiled in East Gwillimbury

Yorkregion.com
March 28, 2022

When East Gwillimbury resident Bill Potts got called in 2016 to see if he wanted to be attend a meeting for older adults in the community, he said yes because Potts is the type of guy who says yes to those things.

At the first East Gwillimbury Seniors’ Task Force meeting there were more than 20 people. Over the next few months those numbers dwindled, but Potts was a constant. Eventually, he found himself president of the East Gwillimbury Seniors’ Club.

“Every year it’s getting bigger and bigger,” he said.

So much so that a new space was unveiled for the 55 ’n UP Club at the East Gwillimbury Sports Complex March 22. The Loft is a room upstairs at the complex. Previously used as an office space, it was converted into an open area with comfortable seating and room for activities, learning and socialization. There is also a kitchenette at the site for refreshments. Potts said the area gives seniors a place where they can gather and socialize although he thinks they will need a bigger space in the future.

“It’s quite good,” he said. “It could be 10 times as big but we are working on it.”

The pandemic has been difficult time to navigate as a club with regular meeting cancelled or often conducted in masks. For club member Brenda Russell, the 55 ’n UP Club is essential to her well being.

“The people, the communication, the friendliness. It gives you something to look forward to,” she said. “Now that we’ve got this upstairs with bingo and euchre, we’ve got chair yoga and we’ve got exercise classes. It’s great, just great.”

The renovations were made possible through a $25,000 Seniors Community Grant from the Ontario Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility.

“After two years of COVID I think we can all agree that having a place to go and meet people is long, long overdue,” East Gwillimbury Mayor Virginia Hackson said. “It’s so important for our community members to have a space where they can meet and make friends.”

The Loft will be home to the 55'n Up Club for drop-in programs and activities, Monday to Friday daily. The space will also be available for youth during the evenings and weekends.

Potts said he first started working on seniors issues in the community because there wasn’t a lot for them to do in the community. “It’s getting bigger and bigger. There’s a lot of seniors in East Gwillimbury and they need something like this,” he said. ““This is a place where seniors can meet, learn and connect.”

For Russell it's something to look forward to. “There’s nothing here for seniors except for this and the library,” she said. As the club continues to grow, Russell said she is excited to see the different type of opportunities that come for the club. “The people are similarly minded. They just want to do the same thing and want to have some fun,” she said. “It’s just really good. I would be lost without it.”

Russell was also quick to praise Potts for his organizing, as were others. Aaron Karmacyn, East Gwillimbury's director of parks, recreation and culture, said he has been working with the seniors’ task force for several years. “Bill is one of the most passionate and engaged volunteers and community builders that I have met,” he said.  

With over 100 members now, Potts is excited about the future of club and with the worst of COVID in the rear view mirror (knock on wood) he’s already thinking about getting things like bus trips going again. “We are trying to start things up again,” Potts said.