Schubert Centre - NEWS

IT'S A BUSY LIFE AT VERNON'S SCHUBERT CENTRE (in SENIORS CHOICE - 2004 FEB issue) The first thing you notice when you walk in the door is the smile of welcome on the face of the staff at the front desk. Then you get the wonderful aromas coming from the cafeteria, and you become aware of the hum of activity. This is where the action is, and it has been a senior centre in some form or other for over twenty years. The Schubert Centre was started in 1980 in the Schell House. The Centre's present location was built in 1983 and opened in Nov. of 1984. The building was planned, designed and built by the Knights of Columbus and when Schubert became a society in 1988 they assumed half the mortgage. The facility is made up of an auditorium that holds 440 and a banquet room with full facilities that will seat 270. In addition there is a full service kitchen, a busy coffee shop, a crafts room, pool room,meeting rooms, library, etc. There is also a full basement that holds the Thrift Shop,Woodworking Room and Paint Shop. The Centre is located in downtown Vernon in an area of seniors' apartments, resthomes and retirement projects.Parking is available for those who drive, and a city bus stops at the door. The Vernon HandiDart service is also available for those seniors requiring extra assistance. Membership is available to everyone aged 50+, and the membership is currently over 1,600. New members are welcome, and staff makes a special effort to include the newcomers in the activities and to help them get settled in.Many newcomers offer to join the staff of volunteers as a quick way to meet new friends. The Schubert Centre runs on its amazing staff of volunteers, but new hands are always welcome. These volunteers have come to Vernon from all parts of Canada, North America and the world and they bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, energy and enthusiasm with them. They are really the heart of the Schubert Centre. Without their cheerful hard work the centre would not survive, and that would be a huge loss because this is 'a happenin' place! A quick glance at the monthly newsletter shows that things are going on here 7 days a week. A few examples include Tai Chi, Line Dancing(all levels) bingo, pool, cards, a choir, a drama group, crafts, cards, carpet bowling and shuffleboard. The choir and the drama group have visited senior centres and residences to entertain as well as providing music and amusement as the monthly birthday luncheons and the "Fun Time' annual talent show. There is more! Every Wednesday afternoon there is a dance to live music and this week the Centre is preparing to decorate, as always, for the Vernon Winter Carnival. This year's theme is a Medieval one, so it's going to be something special. On a more serious note, there are support groups here for both men and women, regular talks on safety issues, help with good nutrition, and support from the C.N.I.B. As well the Centre van provides day trips throughout the Okanagan Valley as well as a Christmas Lights tour and an annual trip to the Minter Gardens. Remember the wonderful aromas from the cafeteria? Every noon hour the chef and staff serve a nutritious and delicious hot meal: entree, vegetables, beverage and dessert. Some recent meals include roast beef, honey-garlic chicken, port cutlets and full turkey dinner. Many members each their main meal here most days. In addition soups,sandwiches,salads and pastries are available through the day. The cafeteria is a favorite place for members to meet and visit over coffee or tea. Several community organizations also use the Schubert Centre for their regular meetings, i.e. Kiwanis, Toastmasters and Gyro. Schubert also provides catering facilities for weddings, banquets, anniversaries, memorial services and funeral teas. In-house monthly events include the President's Coffee Meeting, a Birthday Lunch, Pancake Breakfast & Flea Market, a newsletter, Wellness Clinic, OAP and more! This hustling, bustling place is now located on the site where the original Schubert pioneer family was lived, thus the name. The east wall of the building now displays a beautiful mural depicting this long connection. The Schubert Centre starts its twentieth year as a busy and vibrant society providing many vital services to the senior citizens of Vernon.

 

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