Amused and active with the M.J. and District Seniors’ Assoc.

Many of the programs requiring more space take place in the fully-equipped auditorium – called the “XYZ Hall” – in the building’s lower level. The room includes a walking track and various pieces of gym equipment. The activities run daily through morning and afternoon sessions. Other social events held at the Timothy Eaton Gardens include bingos, potluck suppers, pancake breakfasts and monthly dances with live music.

Among the multitude of options for social and recreational activities in Moose Jaw, senior citizen visitors and residents can be sure they will find venue to suit their specific choice of fun and games.

The Moose Jaw and District Senior Citizens Association and its Timothy Eaton Gardens facility is meeting the mission it has established since its beginnings in 1989. The association’s primary goal is to improve the lives of senior residents of the region aged 50 and older through varied recreation programming that promotes mental and physical well-being.

Health professionals have established that a healthy social life is extremely beneficial to adults reaching their post-middle age years. Participating in group settings - whether volunteering, joining a club, or just spending time with family and friends – has been found to have substantial results in the health of senior citizens. These benefits include reduced risk of depression and anxiety; increased cognitive stimulation and mental agility; improved cardiovascular health; lower rates of chronic conditions; and a great sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Located at 510 Main Street North in Moose Jaw, the Timothy Eaton Gardens is a multi-leveled facility that hosts an auditorium, a craft room, a card hall and a kitchen. Tucked between of all this is an operational café with a full menu available at reduced prices for seniors.

The expansive square footage provides ample space for a wide variety of programming provided daily at the Gardens. Among the activities running consistently through the week are card games, shuffleboard, arts and crafts projects, billiards, pickleball, dancing, musical jam sessions, lawn bowling, wood working and more. The association is currently looking at expanding its roster of activities to meet the needs of a new generation of seniors with different interests. The facility has just added table tennis and other items such as darts are being discussed among administrators.

A $40 membership to the Moose Jaw and District Senior Citizens Association grants patrons access to all activities taking place on the facility’s main floor, where the Craft and Card spaces are located.

An additional two-dollar fee is charged per activity, but that is only the Basic membership package. For $60, Enhanced members are granted access to the entire building, including the auditorium and its exercise amenities.

Revenues driven from hall rentals for private functions and the café provide most of the facility’s funding. The XYZ Hall seats up to 200 people for private functions, while the Craft Room and the Card Hall each hold about 50 people. One or all of them are available for a competitive fee.

The Gardens also provides in-house catering for events when requested, putting a little less strain on organizers seeking to make their celebration a success.

For more information about the Moose Jaw and District Senior Citizens Association and Timothy Eaton Gardens, contact the organization by phone at 306.694.4223 or visit their Facebook page, which contains daily updates on activities, services and programing.