LABRADOR CITY, N.L. — Twin Cities 50+ Club members now have a larger, more suitable location to host functions and activities, thanks to a new partnership with the Labrador City Catholic church.
"It was an amazing feeling to cut the ribbon for this new facility," says Noreen Careen, who joined the seniors club five years ago and suggested the church basement had potential.
"We were running out of room," explains Careen. "Today, there are 251 members in the club — that is the maximum we can comfortably have for large functions. So now people who want to join will have to go on a waiting list."
On hand for the grand opening was Joan Stamp, who helped cut the ribbon opening the original facility, as well as two of the club's prominent seniors, Blanche Preston and Hazel Ringer.
About 150 people celebrated the opening of the new location, including Gail and Dave Mercer of Wabush. They have been club members for several years.
"We love the opportunity to meet people socially, and of our age," said Dave.
He says having a bigger space will hopefully mean bigger and better events and activities.
Gail hopes there will be more afternoon activities.
"It's great to have people close to our age so we can talk about the last 40 years or so," Dave adds. "Having more people will make the place more vibrant."
The need for a seniors group in the Labrador West area was sparked in 1985 by social worker Phyllis Woolfrey. Folks like Joan and Cyril Stamp, Etta Little, Lolly McGregor Agnes Greene, and others championed the cause. A year later, the group which later became the Twin Cities 50+ Club, held its first official meeting with an executive committee in place and 17 members.
At that time, the focus of the group was to find a permanent place to meet. After renting space at the community centre, the Town of Labrador City gave the group a house it owned.
For many years the house was a place of social gatherings and meetings.
But they soon outgrew the house.
"The house lacked accessibility, parking space, a workable kitchen and, at times, surpassed the numbers for fire regulations," Careen told The Labrador Voice.
Careen suggested the church basement once occupied by an after school program for children.
The town supported the idea and a partnership was formed with the church. The club recently signed a 10-year lease with the church.
Careen says many others gave generously with money, merchandise and time to make the move happen.
The centre is open most afternoons. There is a cozy room to relax, and there are regular activities which are also promoted on CRRS TV. Seniors are welcome to drop by and take part in club activities, but membership is required to attend certain functions.
The cost to join is $10 a year. Members also hold fundraising ticket draws, and they rely on the generosity of donations.
Club member Margaret Moyles says there are a lot of benefits to having the centre.
"I intend to stay here in Labrador West, and with a centre to socialize and to offer seniors advocacy, it's a big asset. I can go out and meet friends, get active, keep memories alive.
"It's important to get out and enjoy life."
Anyone interested in joining can drop by or call the seniors' line at 944-7100 to learn more.
