Welcome to a fresh new year in Shawnee-Evergreen! We hope the holiday season brought you moments of rest, connection, and joy. As we step into 2026, SECA is excited to keep building on that spirit—creating welcoming spaces to gather, stay active, and strengthen the vibrant community we share.
Community Connector Message
Just like that, a new year is here! Winter brings a little extra magic—and plenty of chances to connect with your neighbours. Whether you’re gliding down the toboggan hill, gathering around the Community Campfire, or joining us for Game and Gather, it’s a great time to build community.
Looking for simple ways to connect with your neighbours this month? Try hosting a front-yard fire or hot-chocolate chat, joining a neighbourhood walk, or organizing a casual game night. Even small gestures—sharing a holiday card, offering help, or starting a group chat for your block—can spark meaningful connections. Little moments of kindness and togetherness go a long way in building a stronger community. Let me know how I can help make it happen.
I love hearing your stories, interests, and passions. Let’s chat—join me for a hot drink or a walk anytime. Email me at [email protected].
Or let’s make it even easier – you can set up a time to meet with me at the QR Code.
Game and Gather for Teens and Tweens
These Monday-evening drop-ins are gaining momentum—come check them out! Join us every second Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm for board games, cards, music, snacks, and a friendly vibe. Free and open to all teens and tweens. Mark your calendars: January 12 and 26, February 9 and 23, and onward. Find us in the portable behind South Gate Alliance Church (1436 James McKevitt Rd SW) and bring a friend!
Community Campfires
Our much-loved seasonal campfires are where neighbours gather, and friendships grow.
They continue on the fourth Saturday of each month, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm through to April. Mark your calendars: January 24, February 28, March 28, and April 25. If you live in Shawnee Slopes, Shawnee Park, or Evergreen Estates, you’re invited—and your guests are welcome too! Enjoy live music, steaming hot chocolate, with hot dogs and marshmallows to roast over the fire. We provide all-beef hot dogs and veggie dogs; feel free to bring your own items if you have dietary needs.
• January 24 – Shawnee Park West (near the west end of Shawnee Blvd). Weather permitting, we’ll also be skating—so come prepared!
• February 28 – Joint event with Millrise Community Association and their residents, at the Millrise rinks located beside the school on Millrise Hills SW. Bring your skates for hockey and leisure skating.
55+ Happy and Healthy Programs
Looking for a warm, welcoming place to connect, stay active, and try something new? Join us Thursday mornings at Peace Lutheran Church (14640 6 St SW). No registration required—just drop in!
• 9:15 am – Exercise: We begin the year with Seated Yoga, a gentle, restorative session led by our popular instructor Tanya.
• 10:15 am – Activities: January brings a lively mix: a card tournament, a video travelogue, and a fun word-association game. Come for the laughs, stay for the company!
• 9:15 to 11:15 am – Crafts, Cards, and Conversation: Drop by anytime. Bring your knitting, crafts, or art project—or simply come for complimentary coffee, tea, treats, and great conversation. We’ve added new board games to our SECA collection too.
• Talk of the Month: On January 29, learn practical tips on How to Avoid Cyber Scams—a valuable and timely presentation, especially for seniors.
Visit our dedicated Seniors website for more details and the monthly calendar. Or reach out to Clayton, our Seniors Coordinator, at [email protected] or 1-888-487-2010.
Let’s Grow Something Amazing! A Community Hub and Gardens
We know many of you are excited to see SECA’s Community Hub and Gardens take root—and so are we! This shared space will offer neighbours a place to gather, learn, and grow together.
Progress has been slower than hoped, as our small volunteer Board has been stretched managing programs, events, advocacy, and this major project. To move forward, we need community expertise. Before we can start planting, we need help with the planning and building stages—especially from neighbours with skills in engineering, planning and development, project management, community engagement, or general administration.
If you can lend a hand, even in a small way, please email [email protected]. Together, we can bring this project to life for the whole neighbourhood.
New Community Resource Officer (CRO)
We welcome Constable Matt Messenger to the CRO role, working out of the District 8 facility in Mid-Sun. Feel free to reach out to him at [email protected] if you have concerns about community safety and policing topics.
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].
Together, we’re building a community where everyone belongs.
Be part of it!
Your SECA Board
Click here to the Evergreen Estates Community News home page for the latest Evergreen Estates community updates.
Click here to the Shawnee Slopes Community News home page for the latest Shawnee Slopes community updates.
