Dear editor,
The Airdrie Over 50 Club, which has operated out of a room at the Airdrie Town and Country Centre for the last 45 years, held their annual general meeting on Jan. 19, with a hearty quorum and guests present.
The meeting was conducted by club president Douglas Rothfus, alongside members of the board of directors, activity leaders, and board elections officers contributing. A full slate of officers was elected for 2022, and Rothfus will continue on as president.
The club's financial statement for the year was approved, showing the club has been responsible with regard to management of investments and expenditures during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite a lack of income thanks to the loss of our casino fundraiser and rentals. The club and its individuals continued to donate to the Airdrie Legion's poppy campaign, the Airdrie Food Bank, Community Links, and other charities.
A Calgary Foundation grant of $24,000 in 2021 was used to purchase a new wheelchair access front door into the building, a sanitation unit with solutions, and COVID-19 testing supplies. We also were able to buy tablets, chairs, a television, a live music license, membership cards, and a snowblower.
Although many club activities were not offered during the first three waves of the pandemic, there is currently a lot of interest in use of the club's space for more than a dozen organized and planned activities for members from the City of Airdrie, Counties, and smaller communities, not to mention the City of Calgary.
Our membership pre-COVID was over 300 members, plus 100 non-members. Currently, membership is growing again and some days, there is even crowding due to storage for chairs, tables, and equipment in the activity areas.
The Airdrie Over 50 Club is known to be a very welcoming club for new members and a fun place for regulars, although it is known that a lot of local seniors are gathering at the library and restaurants for the ability to have a place to meet and visit, rather than partake in an activity.
Local businesses have been generous in the past, contributing prizes and food for activities to the club upon request.
Members are eagerly awaiting news that a new, larger, and more modern facility may be in the future plans in a community building in Airdrie. Questions about renovations to the Hampton Inn for senior living was questioned without answers at our AGM.
Airdrie Over 50 Club representatives will be operating a booth at the Airdrie Home and Lifestyle Show on April 23 and 24, at the Genesis Place Recreation Centre.
