Jeannette Provo (Confederation Park 55+), Carole Saviak (West Hillhurst Go-Getters Assoc), John Yannitsos (Bow Cliff 50+), Renata Michalski (Ogden House 50+), Larry Mathieson (Kerby Centre). Photo by Riverwood Photography.
STAYING CONNECTED IN TRYING TIMES 50+ ACTIVITY CENTRES BRINGING HOPE AND FRIENDSHIP TO CALGARIANS by Rennay Craats
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ow Cliff Centre 50+ reflects the experiences and history of so many other 50+ activity centres in Calgary. As the young Western city’s population started to age, communities developed supports for their maturing citizens. In southwest Calgary, Bow Cliff emerged in 1976 to meet the needs of neighbourhood seniors, offering programs and companionship to that growing demographic. From hosting Bridge games to fitness classes to being part of the Rhythm Kats musical group, Bow Cliff has offered seniors a place to congregate and stay physically and socially active. As Bow Cliff celebrates its 45th year serving its membership, it also recognizes and celebrates the collaboration it has enjoyed with other similar centres across the city. “We were all pretty much established at the same time, and we are each other’s support network,”
Bow Cliff Centre 50+
says John Yannitsos, executive director of Bow Cliff Centre 50+. “The executive directors are in charge of the operations of these senior activity centres, and we were all dealt the same nasty blow with this pandemic.”
Bow Cliff Centre 50+ | West Hillhurst Go-Getters Association | Kerby Centre | Confederation Park 55+ Activity Centre | Ogden House Senior Citizen Club
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