we a a Editor: Valorie Lennox 656-1151 Community TheReview Wednesday, June 12,1991 — A113 seniors weave busy lives at Silver Threads in Sidney Seniors have got a lot of living to do — as shown by the range of activities at Sidney Silver Threads on Resthaven Drive. There’s silversmithing, oil painting, quilting, fitness, language classes, bridge, billiards, carpet bowling and photography, to list a few of the activities that keep the centre humming from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday. An average of 150 seniors drop in each day to participate in activi- ties. The centre has 600 members, Says director-counselor Mary Lehan. Membership is open to those aged 55 and older and costs $22 a year. Even those who don’t join in the many scheduled activities enjoy the socialization offered at the centre. A hot lunch is served daily at a reasonable cost and tea and coffee are available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “There’s no need for any senior to be lonely in this town,” Lehan said. Many of the seniors enjoy learn- ing, Lehan said. Craft classes are - popular and the centre now offers instruction in French and Spanish. There are two bridge clubs, reg- ular keep-fit programs, woodwork- ing and lapidary workshops. “Any senior is welcome to come and take part in a few activities to make sure they enjoy it before they join,” Lehan said. Foot care and counselling ser- vices are also available. All programs are low-cost. For The Sidney centre has three full-time staff; Lehan, assistant director Carol Collins and cook Myrna Friesen. All of the rest of the organizing and work is done by members who volunteer their services. In the evening, volunteers man the build- ing. Collins said the centre gives seniors a chance to learn new skills and use the skills they have acquired during their lives. “Tt’s a friendly club for every- thing from a healthy body to a healthy mind.” RAPPING ON A REINDEER planter is Ray Cunningham of sidney, working in the Silver Threads woodworking shop. KEEPING FIT and having fun at the Sidney Silver Threads Centre. Fitness programs are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the centre. HAPPY FATHER’S DAY members, there is a quarterly $2.50 registration fee which covers all programs, although many | eS a6 me ‘ef instructions do. charge an addi- NO Co xo! Sy tional fee for the six-week craft . 4 \s R | othe .5)) ae: courses, Lehan said. : p» RS See & Rd A Ra The centre raises half of the | ~ SQ de seoe eS ow <0 e $132,000 operating budget & ese" ow SN ) through memberships, course fees FEE a” & and fund-raising events. Fax Funding is also received from United Way and the Silver Threads centre on Resthaven Drive is owned by the municipality, which maintains the building. Silver Threads was established as a non-profit agency in 1957 to provide services and activities for Victoria’s seniors. “There were so many seniors who were sitting around doing nothing, someone decided to do something about it,” Lehan said. The service came to Sidney about 25 years ago, first meeting in Sanscha Hall and then in a local church hall. The present building opened in September 1971, Lehan said. Membership in the Sidney Sil- ver Threads centre also gives members access to activities in the Victoria, Saanich and Esquimalt centers. \