'It's important to recognize history': Seniors Centre marks 25 years

The Danube Seniors Leisure Centre of Bradford has been enriching the lives of local residents for the past 25 years. This milestone was celebrated in style on Saturday by more than 100 guests and local officials.

York Simcoe MP Scot Davidson joined members of Bradford town council, representatives from South Simcoe Police in addition to former and existing board members and town officials at the event.

The local seniors centre is a local historical treasure trove, featuring photographs of Bradford of yore, celebrating the lives and the efforts of local politicians, residents and volunteers with a collection of commemorative plaques and collages.

There’s plenty humour to be found everywhere, from the names of the clubs (The Goldenaires choir and the Recycled Teenagers Kitchen Band) to the smiling carrot-themes pin cushions made by the Sewing Club for Bradford’s annual CarrotFest.

The festivities began outside at the centre’s garden with a commemorative tree planting in honour of the milestone, as Davidson planted a beautiful magnolia tree together with Mike Agosta, the director of facilities, to symbolize the blossoming of the Danube Seniors Leisure Centre. Davidson also presented an honorary scroll on behalf of the federal government and commented on the important role of the facility within the community.

This occasion become a moment in Bradford’s history, as the audience heard not one, but three mayors of Bradford speak: the current mayor, James Leduc, and the two previous mayors: Frank Jonkman and Rob Keffer.

Leduc bestowed his chain of office upon the other two mayors as each one of them spoke. It was heartwarming to hear about the centre’s creation, as Jonkman remembered how Sylvia Luxton, a retired registered nurse, approached him back in 1998 on the subject of establishing a seniors centre.

“First, she said: 'Well, there are several people who would love to have a woodworking shop.' Then there were several ladies who needed a sewing room. Then Sylvia came to me with an idea of a greenhouse, and then – a garden! And then I just knew: every time Sylvia called, a new idea would follow.”

Keffer followed up with words of appreciation for Jonkman, "because he was a big part of the development of the Danube Centre.” He also gave a sincere shout-out to the community partner organizations: South Simcoe Police, Holland Gardens and BWG Fire & Emergency Services.

Leduc spoke words of gratitude to the Danube Centre for the past 25 years of excellent operations and service to the community.

“I’m just a new mayor for the past six months. The council and I thank you for everything you’ve done," said Leduc.

Former BWG Councillor Gary Lamb, one of the centre’s founding council members, spoke about the importance of the local history being preserved as life goes on.

“There are so many friends in this room, so many familiar faces. When you go out, the names of the people of the original founding committee are there on the wall, on the plaques. Don’t throw them out, keep celebrating them; it’s important to recognize history. One day, their grandchildren will be coming to remember what they’ve done," said Lamb.

Facility founder Sylvia Luxton sent her greetings, but was unable to attend in person. Her message was read to the attending guests: “I founded the Seniors Centre after retiring as a registered nurse. It became a popular place for workshops and we had speakers come here all the time. At 93 years old, I am grateful to see the success of this endeavour.”

The Danube Seniors Leisure Centre’s president, Elke Pitkin, and Second Vice President Jan Evans were beaming with excitement, as they welcomed guests, addressed the audience, and coordinated the performance of The Goldenaires – the centre’s music choir, headed by Janet Evans.

The Goldenairs members performed four songs and were a delight to the audience’s ears and eyes, as the choir members featured glistening gold neckerchiefs: Alice Bellamy, Bill Bishop, Shirley Bowles, Janice Dobney, Casian D’Souza, Grace Elliott, Jan Evans, Janet Evans, Dianne Howes, Sid Jackson, Lynn Kanyo, Judy Mc Coubrey, Wilma Munroe, Marilyn Reynolds, Heather Sharko and Cheryll Strong.

The choir has been actively involved in the community life, and recently hosted St. Charles’ school choir at the centre.

Staff Sargeant Dave Phillips of South Simcoe Police thanked the centre for being "great community partners. Thank you and congratulations on the 25-year anniversary.”

The South Simcoe Police and the force's auxiliary donate their time to the facility during various events and activities. On top of that, Special Const. Elisabeth Aschwanden leads educational online safety workshops for seniors at the centre.

The centre’s board members — including Linda Ind (director of programs), Lynda Neller, (secretary), Lynn Kano (member), Mike Agosta, (director of facility maintenance), Edale Levene (member), Ann Spalding (treasurer) — were busy having the guests sign in, showing the guests around and assisting during the reception, as guests enjoyed the delicious meal and the giant celebratory cake.

Jonathan Evans, the facility director of the Danube Wood Workshop, proudly showed off his “kingdom”, and mentioned the opportunity for the community members to join in and partake in woodworking (must have previous experience).

Having served as the president of the Design & Technology of Ontario, Evans commented on the importance of the woodworking shops as a part of the Ontario school curriculum, as well as a past-time in the seniors’ lives. The Wood Workshop offers a variety of items for sale, such as cutting boards, butter tart presses, wooden salad bowls, and provides a creative outlet for the wood-savvy members.

Guests also could check out a display with for-sale arts and crafts, including knitted teddy bears, hostess baskets and other hand-made decor.

The Danube Seniors Leisure Centre welcomes new members. The centre offers $15/person membership for Bradford residents and $20/person for non-residents.

The centre is open 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on weekdays, and stays open till 9 p.m. on Tuesdays. The programs can be viewed on the centre’s website or their Facebook page: @BWGSeniorsAssociation

The following is a list of workshops offered by the Danube Seniors Leisure Centre of Bradford: