There was a time when the Danube Seniors Leisure Centre hosted its own New Year’s Eve bash – but over the years, it became clear that most members preferred to make their own arrangements to celebrate, and avoid the late-night drive to and from the centre on Simcoe Road in Bradford West Gwillimbury.
One tradition has continued: the annual President’s Levee, a New Year’s Day party at the centre that offers food, refreshments and an opportunity to wish friends a Happy New Year.
The levee was hosted by the executive at the volunteer-run centre: Acting president Elke Pitkin, Second Vice President Sandy Madill, Secretary Sheila Marshall, Treasurer Ann Spalding, Director of Programs Olga Bishop, Director of Special Events Jan Evans, Director of Facilities Al Charlebois, Past President Elaine Love, members-at-large Bruce Madill and Patricia Durkin.
There was also a plea for more volunteers to step up, to fill vacancies on the board. Pitkin used to be director of food services as well as first vice president before she took on the role of president. The added burden made it impossible for her to continue to co-ordinate the kitchen, with the result that the centre’s daily lunches have had to be discontinued.
“We could really use a couple more people,” said Jan Evans. “It’s the volunteers that keep this centre going.”
Evans noted that the daily lunches are now only offered once a week, on Wednesdays – and even then, she said, “I’m getting tired of peanut butter… A director of food services is really, really desperately needed, to organize the lunches and make sure those lunches happen.”
The Annual General Meeting and election of officers takes place in March, but the current board is hoping that volunteers will step up now.
“You don’t need experience,” said Evans.
As members mingled at the levee, Pitkin was asked if she had a New Year’s resolution for 2019.
“I never make them because I’m going to break them anyway!” she said, adding there was one exception. “In 2004, I quit smoking, cold turkey. From one day to another, I never touched another. Tenth of January 2004.”
Former Danube centre president Gertrud Erdenberger stepped down when she moved away from Bradford West Gwillimbury – but she has continued to be involved, editing and putting together the entertaining Danube News monthly newsletter that goes out to all members.
The January newsletter also included a call for volunteers, and a selection of New Year’s jokes and quips (“My New Year’s resolution is to help all my friends gain 10 pounds so I look skinnier.”)
Membership in the Danube Seniors Leisure Centre, due in January, is $10 for BWG residents and $15 for non-residents. For more information, see danubeseniors.club or call 905-775-0612.
