Spring spotted at Abbotsford

Abbotsford’s volunteer craft group in action

Photo: Pat Goyeche

By Pat Goyeche

Early-bird spring has brought the Canadian geese home early, and the “snowbirds” have landed!

Everyone is flocking back to Abbotsford for a taste of spring programming, and we won’t disappoint.

A recent survey of our membership asked for feedback on programming ideas, and one dominant request was for more art classes and workshops. This spring, we have added five new workshops of one afternoon each. Members will bring home completed projects in block printing, silk-screening, mini textured landscape painting, tulips painted on silk and watercolour on plexiglass and DuraLar. These will be wonderful keepsakes for the artist or lovely gifts for friends and family.

We also have watercolour, drawing and an expressive portraits class on our spring menu.  Members will be able to join pottery classes, facilitated bring-your-own art project sessions, as well as club time, where members work on projects with fellow members. Our potters continue to enjoy studio time under the guidance of Andrina Cox.

Abbotsford has an extraordinarily creative bunch of volunteers: our craft group has swelled, and the group that makes handmade teddy bears is bursting at the seams. These two groups have been creating and fundraising for Abbotsford since the mid 1970s. Each year, they create unique crafts to sell in our “nearly new” shop with seasonal offerings and at our craft fair on the last Friday of November.

If you are looking for something special for a baby, child or friend, you should stop in at Abbotsford during our hours of operation Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  We have gently used ladies clothing, books, cards, puzzles, jewellery and many ‘white elephant’ items for sale daily. We also stock brand new, handmade teddy bears and seasonal craft items that our talented volunteers create.

Fresh air brings fresh starts. Get started by getting fit when you join one of our many exercise programs. We have different levels for different levels of participation. You will be challenged no matter the fitness level. We also continue to offer some programming virtually over Zoom.

Do like pool or ping pong and are looking for an opportunity to play? We have that covered. Are you keen to play bridge? Yes, we have that too. Make your move, come on over and see what you have been missing out on!

Abbotsford Seniors Centre is for adults 55+. It houses the community programs of The Glebe Centre Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit, organization which includes a 254-bed long term care home. Find out more about our services by telephoning 613-230-5730 during regular business hours or by checking out all The Glebe Centre facilities and community programs on our website www.glebecentre.ca. See Abbotsford Seniors Centre’s drop-down menu for a comprehensive overview of our services and our current program guide.

Pat Goyeche is coordinator of community programs at Abbotsford at The Glebe Centre.