SECA Report for March

Community Connector Message

As the weather begins to warm, take the opportunity to reconnect in simple, everyday ways. With the snow melting, enjoy a walk, a chat with passersby at the end of your driveway, or check in with a neighbour you haven’t seen in a while. These can help us all feel a bit more grounded and hopeful. Even small moments of connection can make this in-between season feel meaningful. Remember giving or receiving smiles and waves releases dopamine in your brain which makes us feel good.

March is also a wonderful time for renewal and for fresh ideas – start a shared project, plan a spring get-together, or simply talk about what you’re looking forward to in the months ahead. Community grows when we make space for curiosity, kindness, and shared anticipation.

55+ Happy and Healthy Program

Ours is a warm, welcoming, and safe space for adults, 55 years and older, to connect, stay active, and try something new. Each week you’ll find us at Peace Lutheran Church (14640 6 St SW) from 9:15 to 11:15 am. No registration required—just drop in!

Join us Thursday mornings:

• 9:15 am – Exercise: throughout March, the custom-designed seniors course continues: “Get Going! For Golf, Gardening, and Getting Out.”

• 10:15 am – Music and Games: Charades and Fiddling Performance. As always, coffee and goodies are available for your enjoyment.

Special Events:

• March 19 from 9:15 to 11:15 am – Spring Social: Attend for music, games, camaraderie, connection and a light meal.

• March 26 – Baking Competition: Bakers, enter your creations; non-bakers, come to taste and vote.

Visit our senior’s website for more details including a monthly calendar. Clayton, our Seniors Coordinator, is happy to answer your questions at [email protected] or 1-888-487-2010.

Game and Gather for Teens and Tweens

Game and Gather is all about connection – 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) – March 9 and 23, April 6 and 20, May 4 and 18, June 1 and 15.

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!

As a volunteer, you don’t need special skills or game-night expertise – just a friendly presence, a willingness to hang out, and an openness to connecting across ages. This is a great chance to:

• Build relationships with local teens

• Meet other young adults who care about community

• Help shape a space where youth feel they belong

• And, of course, play some games, have some fun and enjoy the free pizza!

Strong communities don’t happen by accident – they grow when people show up for one another. If you’re interested in helping out, learning more, or just curious, I’d 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]. Or even easier, you can set up a time to meet with me at the QR Code.

Re-Launching the Community Hub and Gardens Project

We are envisioning a multi-phase project in the Evergreen Drive SW park that will combine community gardens with an outdoor gathering space for events, education, and connection. Think of it as an outdoor living room. Over two or three years, and as grants are secured, this project could represent an investment of up to $300,000.

The pace and scope of this project will be determined by the number of volunteers involved and the skills they bring. We are especially looking for residents with experience or interest in the following areas:

• Administration

• Planning and Development

• Organization and Project Delivery

• Community Engagement and Communication

You don’t need to be an expert to contribute – just willing to share your skills, learn alongside others, and help shape a meaningful community space. And whether you have a little time or a lot, every contribution makes a difference.

To help us plan the next phases of this project, we’re creating a skills and interests register of residents willing to contribute as the project evolves. If you’re open to sharing your background, experience, or areas of interest, please scan the QR code to complete a short survey.

The Third Annual Picnic in the Park

The third Annual Picnic in the Park will be on June 20 from noon to 2:30 pm in the Rainbow Park, the large park on Evergreen Drive SW.

• If you are a Shawnee-Evergreen resident, please mark your calendar and plan to attend. Guests of residents are welcome too.

• The giant inflatable obstacle course was such a hit last year, we’re bringing it back along with a free BBQ, band, Youth Zone, and activities for all ages.

• If you are able to volunteer before the event in a planning capacity or at the event, please email [email protected] and we’ll find a role that fits your available time and interests.

Let’s Keep in Touch

For the latest SECA updates, visit yourseca.ca, subscribe to our e-newsletter (at the QR code), 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.