The 55 + Center relaunches its activities

Châteauguay’s 55 + Center is preparing to launch its first full season since the start of the pandemic this September. Its return is much anticipated by members who were isolated during lockdown.

“It’s very important to have a place like this because you can congregate, you meet with other people, you find out what they’re doing and you’re doing all kinds of things,” Mary Nolette said. She has been attending numerous club activities since 2008. “You need it for your own health and welfare.”

Mary Nolette has taken art, choir, dance lessons and has traveled on more than 16 cruises organized by the 55+ Center. (Photo : Le Soleil – Paula Dayan-Perez)

Members were able to get together over the summer thanks to a reduced schedule offered at the Centre.

Garth Phillipowsky, the club’s president, said he was touched by how grateful members were to meet again. He could tell how much the community missed the club.

“There are not a lot of things that this demographic can do. And the fact that we are English-speaking means it’s a place where seniors can congregate and not have any issues with language.”

He added that members can speak in the language of their choice, but that course and posters on the walls are in English.

Garth Phillipowsky, 55 + Center president (right) and Roger Petroff, club vice-president (left). (Photo : Le Soleil - Paula Dayan-Perez)<@$p>

For his part, Robert Hallam, who has been member of the Centre for about 25 years, finds that the organization plays an important role in Châteauguay. “We help in the community and we help ourselves also. We contribute that way,” he said. The group raises funds for the Châteauguay Food Bank, among others.

The club has around 411 members this season, a decrease of about 150 compared to before the pandemic.