I am happy to report that our Open House, Membership Drive and Activity Fair this past month were quite a success. We had lots of folks attending and several of them became new members. We even had several past members rejoin as well. We have now past the 1200 member mark and are still growing.
Continuing with the good news our new website is up and running. We invite you to take a look at it as it has been significantly redesigned. You will have to take some time to discover all the new additions and improvements. You will see changes starting with the front page and it continues with the improved calendar. Our committee and activity leaders will find it easier to update you on what is happening at the Centre on a regular basis. We hope to add at least one news item a month. Hopefully you will like what you see? Please send us your thoughts for future news items and things you’d like to see on the site. This is of course just the start of the improvements. We hope to continue to improve with items such as a possible electronic fund transfer feature for paying dues etc.
You may have noticed that we have new business cards. They are available in several spots around the Centre including the front desk. Take as many as you like for your own reference and to give to family and friends. It’s one more way to encourage people to come out to the Centre.
There are a few upcoming events you’ll want to mark on your calendar such as our Trivia Night on October 14th and an exciting Evening with an Author on November 21st. Award winning author and journalist Ted Barris will join us to present his latest book, Battle for the Atlantic. He’s a wonderful presenter and this is one event you won’t want to miss!
With all this good news comes some that’s not as fun. As of January 2023 our annual membership fees will increase from $25 to $35 for residents of Aurora and for non-residents there will be an increase from $35 to $50. If you compare our membership fees to other senior centres in Ontario you will see that are fees are on the low end. This is the first increase in fees in the past 8 years and as you all know the cost of living has certainly risen in that time as well as our expenses have increased significantly. Membership renewals are scheduled for 2 weeks in December and 2 weeks in January. Dates to come. Perhaps by then you will be able to register on line on the website. You will always be welcome to register at the Centre.
Our bottle drive is continuing for now so please consider bringing in your empty beer, wine and spirit bottles and cans. The VERY popular chocolate bar sale continues and there are Fraktals available as well. Don’t forget Muffin Mornings every Thursday morning in the lounge. You can purchase a freshly baked muffin and a coffee for $2. Join us to mingle with friends in the lounge. All of these Fund Raising events aid our Centre.
Last but not least I want to thank the all the volunteers that make our Centre tick. If it wasn’t for your dedication and the countless hours you put in we could not possibly have the fantastic Centre we have! THANK YOU!!!!
In closing I hope your are all enjoying the magnificent display of colour Mother Nature is providing us with. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Gobble, gobble…. Dave LeGallais