Revelstoke Senior Centre invites community for fall and winter activities

Revelstoke Senior Centre (RSC) is gearing up for a fall and winter line-up of activities for anyone over the age of 19. Whether you’re looking for a night around the billiards table, a chance to try line dancing, some darts competitions or more, the Revelstoke Senior Citizens’ Association (RSCA) is inviting anyone of legal age in the community to join in.

“We’re trying to make it so that this facility gets used a lot more than it presently does,” Lori Anderson, RSC office manager told Revelstoke Mountaineer. “It’s a beautiful building. If we can just get people away from the thought that this is only used by seniors.”

The senior part of Revelstoke Senior Centre and RSCA relates more to who can vote and sit on boards, Dale Morehouse, RSCA president told the Mountaineer. In a recent update of bylaws, that goal for the centre to act as a multigenerational facility was affirmed. The allowance of those 19 and up to join in on all activities offered was in the association’s original bylaws and members agreed to not only keep it, but make it more prominent.

“We’ve really tried to maintain that [and] keep this place as open as possible,” Morehouse explained. Memberships are $15 annually and give members access to any of the activities taking place along with the centre’s library, board game collection, computer room and more.

The RSC is home to dart boards that originally lined the walls of the Revelstoke Legion. Shortly after the facility was temporarily shuttered, the boards found themselves at the senior centre in hopes to keep folks using them. It’s been a success so far, and darts now has dedicated Monday and Friday spots on the events calendar. Other weekly activities available for members include genealogy classes, bridge games, bingo events and drop-in dance times.

“That one isn’t a lesson, it’s just a chance to put on some good music and get some movement in,” Anderson said. Line dancing classes are available, and the RSCA is always open to hosting new events if community members are able to facilitate it. The focus on the drop-in dance times are just to create an easy and fun way to increase mobility and movement.

Open mic sessions will once again be running on the first Saturday of every month, with performers given a ten minute set for covers, original songs and more.

“We’re excited to bring that live music opportunity to folks, whether you’re wanting to perform or just want to enjoy some live music,” Anderson said.

The hall space, along with its commercial kitchen is available to rent and has hosted birthday parties, local organizations needing a larger space to celebrate and community dinners. The hall is wheelchair accessible, making it one of the few larger venues in Revelstoke that can claim that. It’s a fact both Anderson and Morehouse are aware of.

“This facility has so much potential,” Morehouse said. “We want the community to know it’s available for folks to use [and] we work to keep the rental rates low so more can access it.”

Even with an October schedule that has nearly every day hosting an event, the RSC is always open to hosting more events if residents are able to facilitate and organize them. Whether more dedicated game nights, exercise classes, education sessions or others, Anderson said the RSCA is always open to hearing ideas.

You can contact the RSCA about memberships, hosting events and more at [email protected] or call (250) 837-9456.