“You know you’re getting old when you stoop to tie your shoelaces and wonder what else you could do while you’re down there.” – George Burns
We’re coming to end of our 13th year of Pleasant Times activities. It all started thanks to MPCA deciding to invest part of its first casino funds to seniors’ events and to the people who made up focus groups to give feedback on how they’d like that funding to be used. Many of those people are still with us while others are just fond memories. The main goal from the beginning has been giving seniors opportunities to get out of the house, socialize with old and new friends, be active, see places and things we might otherwise miss, and build support systems. Our activities now include monthly lunches, day trips, Crafternoons, exercise, Tai-Chi, and Chair Yoga classes, and afternoon games.
Our first lunch happened in January 2013 with 27 people in attendance. We now have a maximum of 72 people at each lunch though we expand a bit for our Christmas lunch (don’t we all?). Although our numbers have increased, the average food cost per person has increased very little thanks to the hard work of our many volunteers to find and prepare inexpensive but healthy and tasty options.
Our activities are possible thanks to the backing of MPCA, the fees people pay to participate, and the generous grants and donations we receive from various Calgary businesses, The City of Calgary, and community members. None of our programs would be possible without the many members of our group who donate their time and energy to make them happen. So many people to thank for giving us these opportunities.
Adults of all ages are welcome to participate in our activities, except the monthly lunches which are open to those age 60 and over. All you need is an MPCA membership! Most events are held during the day, Monday to Friday, with the odd exception, but if something piques your interest and you’re available, please contact us for more information.
Monthly Lunches: September’s return meant a hot meal, chicken Florentine, roasted potatoes, and mixed vegetables, catered by Leroy. Those in attendance came up with some great ideas for future speakers on topics like the many tech issues seniors might face, community safety, horticulture, and dealing with funeral homes. Ideas were also given for future day trips, with lots of interest given for upcoming Stage West shows and perhaps an overnight trip to Jasper.
Our seniors’ lunches are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month (except December when it’s the second Wednesday) at 11:00 am, usually in the Upper Hall. Lunches are open to all MPCA members age 60 and over who have registered in advance to attend. An RSVP is required to allow us to order the correct amount of food. We usually have something happening after the lunch – a speaker, movie, conversation and games, or live entertainment.
Many thanks to MPCA, Paramount 24 Hr Animal Hospital, Costco, Co-op, and The City of Calgary for making our lunches possible. We ask that you donate $5 or whatever you can to help support the cost.
If you are age 60 or over, or if you know of someone like this, please get in touch with Linda at 403-289-8390 or [email protected] to be added to our lunch invitation list.
Day Trips: The November 13 Rosebud Theatre trip to see Miracle on 34th Street is completely booked with a wait list. Day trips sell out quickly, often before the Pulse is delivered. If you’d like to receive email notification of upcoming trips or have ideas for where to go next, contact Linda at [email protected] or 403 289-8390. People of all ages are welcome to join us. Upcoming 2026 outings include three Stage West productions: Sister Act on January 21, New Sound in Town on April 29, and an evening performance of Beehive on August 5. We’re also investigating a two- or three-day trip to Jasper.
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