Community
Connector’s Message
As spring
arrives, May reminds us that growth takes time – and community is no different.
The connections we’ve been building are becoming more familiar: more shared
moments, more friendly faces, and a growing sense of belonging.
With warmer
weather, parks, pathways, and front yards become natural gathering places
again. A simple hello, a quick chat, or time spent outside all help strengthen
our neighbourhood.
This is also a
great time to bring ideas to life – whether it’s a small gathering, a shared
activity, or a long-planned block party. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be
meaningful. What matters is creating spaces where people feel welcome.
A few simple
ways to stay connected this month:
·
Spend
time in shared spaces – say hello to someone new
·
Follow
up on a connection – invite someone for coffee
·
Keep
it simple – meet at the park or go for a walk
·
Share
a hobby or skill with a neighbour
·
Host
a block party (SECA can help!)
Community grows
when we show up, again and again. Each small moment helps create a place where
people feel at home.
Thanks for
being part of it.
Connect with
Anya at [email protected] to get involved or start something new.
Events
Third Annual
Picnic in the Park – June 20; noon to 2:30 pm
Plan to attend!
Residents of Shawnee Slopes, Shawnee Park, Evergreen Estates – and their guests
– are invited to an afternoon of great food, music, and family fun. BBQ (beef
and veggie options) with frozen desserts. Enjoy the new five-piece band, Youth
Zone, 80’ inflatable obstacle course and 20’ high target game, face painting, art
projects, giant bubbles and lots more. No charge – but donations are welcome.
We can’t wait to celebrate summer together in the “Rainbow Park” at 161
Evergreen Drive SW!
Programs
Game and
Gather
Game and Gather
is all about building connections and belonging for youth in our area –
laughing over board games, cheering each other on, and giving teens a place
where they feel safe, included, and supported. Join us every second Monday from
6:00 to 8:00 pm in the classroom behind South Gate Alliance Church (1436 James
McKevitt Rd SW) – May 4, 18, and June 1, 15. If you are a young adult looking
for a resume builder, we’d love to have you volunteer.
55+ Happy and
Healthy Program
Ours is a warm,
welcoming, and safe space to connect, stay active, and try something new. Join
us Thursday mornings from 9:15 to 11:15 am at Peace Lutheran Church (14640 6 St
SW). No registration required—just drop in!
Gentle Fitness
Class – 9:15 am
Based on
Yoga/Pilates and Barre-style movements and designed for seniors.
Mixed Media
Art Classes – 10:15 am
Work with
watercolours, pastels, and inks. Each week a different lesson, requiring no
prior experience. Art supplies are provided.
AHS Home
Care Presentation – May 28
Join us on May
28th for an AHS Home Care presentation to explore the levels of after care and
support available as aging progresses.
Visit our seniors’
website at https://seca55plus.wixsite.com/home or connect via the QR code.
Seniors
Coordinator, Clayton, is happy to answer your questions at [email protected]
or 1-888-487-2010.
55+ Senior’s Programs
Projects
Gathering
Space and Garden Project
This project is
finally building momentum. The timeline will be determined by how many
volunteers get involved in planning and their skill sets as well as the success
of our grant writers. If you haven’t already, fill out the Interest and Skills
Survey to let us know how you would like to be involved in this
transformational project. Reach the survey by scanning the QR code.
Garden Project Survey
SECA Chairs
are Returning
For the fourth
summer, and thanks to a Good Places grant, SECA Chairs will be returning to our
parks and pathways. These moveable chairs have become a simple but meaningful
way for neighbours to pause, connect, and enjoy our greenspaces.
We invite everyone
to become “placekeepers.” – residents who take pride in looking after shared
spaces and community amenities. It can be as simple as using the chairs
respectfully, keeping an eye out, and encouraging others to do the same. When
we all play a small role in caring for community amenities, it helps ensure
they can be enjoyed by everyone, all season long.
Volunteers Needed
SECA Chairs
If you can help
stencil and deliver the new chairs to our greenspaces, please reach out to
[email protected]. The date is TBD. If you have a truck, that’s helpful but not
required.
Calling
Young Adults: Help Make Our Community More Youth-Friendly!
Looking for a
meaningful (and genuinely fun) way to get involved in the community? We’re
inviting young adults to help create welcoming, youth-friendly spaces by
volunteering at our Game and Gather events!
No special
skills or game-night expertise are needed – just a friendly presence, a
willingness to hang out, and an openness to connecting across ages. This is a
great chance to:
·
Help
shape a space where youth feel they belong,
·
And,
of course, play some games, have some fun and enjoy the free pizza!
If you’re
interested in helping out, learning more, or just curious, we would love to
hear from you. Come be part of creating something positive, welcoming, and
youth driven. Let’s make community a place where everyone – especially young
people – feel at home.
Email Anya at [email protected].
Picnic in
the Park
A variety of
volunteer roles must be filled to pull off this large event. Please reach out
to [email protected] to discuss what type of role would be most rewarding for
you. We can’t do it without you!
Connection
Let’s Keep in
Touch For the latest SECA updates, visit yourseca.ca, subscribe to our
e-newsletter, follow our social media, and watch for posters at our Message
Centres (Little Free Libraries and A-Frames in local parks). We always enjoy
hearing from residents—reach us anytime at [email protected]. Subscribe to our
e-newsletters via the QR code.
E-Newsletter Subscription
Together, we’re
building a community where everyone belongs. Be part of it!
Your SECA
Board
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