This summer has been a busy one for Oakridge Sage Gatherings (previously written under “Reaching out to Oakridge Neighbours”). We now have a new name and a comprehensive list of things that the group will be doing going forward. There will be lots more information in the coming months, watch for it on this site and in the Echo.
We have organized our presentations for the next four months, stay tuned for more info. We volunteered at the Oakridge Run and set up a Sage Gatherings booth at the Oakridge Stampede Breakfast with lots of interactive fun engaging activities including Cowboy Hopscotch and Stampede Frisbee Roundup for everyone to participate in. The huge crowd enjoyed the free breakfast prepared by the Oakridge Oldtimers Hockey crew and were entertained by Line Dancers and an incredible local all-school high school band and the Jump Start crew of flag twirling and bucket drumming.
We also finalized the Focus Group Sessions that were run from April through June and had so many great ideas brought forward which are now in varying stages of implementation. The rationale and the results of the focus group were also shared with the board in June. There was great support from the board for the group and the new name and logo for Sage Gatherings. The stats available show that 40% of those living in Oakridge are over 55, 30% are 60 and over, and 25% are over the age of 65.
September and October 2025 Presentations
11:00 am, Second Floor
September 3 – Our presentation will be from Julia Chouj, Utilities Consumer Advocate. She will be educating Albertans on their utility options; cost comparison tool, awareness of choices available, and informed decision making. Don’t miss this one!
October 22 – Our speaker will be Gustava Avila, sharing information on home safety from the Calgary Fire Department. These are always a great reminder of the things we need to do every fall to keep our homes and families safe! Another don’t miss!
As a reminder, there are no speaker presentations in August as summer is a time for families to enjoy time away, summer activities, and vacations. The presentations will start again in September. We have a great list of presenters to start in the fall and there will be some wonderful and informative topics, watch the Echo’s Sage Gatherings’ articles for dates, times, and speakers.
Recap of Our June Presentation: Hunting Russian Submarines in the Cold War; Has Anything Changed?
Bruce Sutherland, LCol Ret’d, gave an incredible talk about flying over Russian Submarines in the Atlantic and the Pacific in a combined allied anti-submarine exercise during the cold war; 1985. It was very thought provoking as we asked what has really changed in 2025 in terms of tracking submarines and where are we in terms of global anti-submarine tension. The new Mission Impossible movie incorporated much of Bruces Submarine info.
Please Note: All speaker series presentations are by a donation of your choice and mostly held on the second floor of the Oakridge Community Centre. Please read the Echo and watch for posters on the Bulletin Board at the entrance for information.
Weekly Drop-in Chats
Our weekly Drop-in Chats are on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:00 am (ish) in the main foyer. Everyone is welcome to join in. We often have shorter presentations with our coffee, friendly conversations, and always welcome newcomers. Email Bruce at [email protected] to be added to the weekly information email for things happening for the following week.
Weekly Walks
Tuesdays, 10:00 am meet-up. Outdoor walks in the Oakridge area during nice weather. Text Gary for information at 403-831-5682.
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