From the left, front row: Bev Cretzman, Mike Samson. Back row: Ginette Guy Mayer, President Gloria Waldroff, Jo-Ann Atchison and Debbie Gadbois. Thompson Goddard Photo
SOUTH STORMONT – For several years, the Friendly Circle Seniors Club has provided people aged 50 plus years of age an opportunity to socialize, exercise and enjoy a variety of activities. Since 1967, when it was created as a centennial project, the
Three times a week there are a variety of exercise activities for members to enjoy at the South Stormont community hall, as well as monthly meetings and several special events throughout the year. President Gloria Waldroff explained members come from South Stormont as well as the Cornwall area and described the club as providing an opportunity to “visit with old friends, meet new ones, enjoy a bit of entertainment, and share a lunch out.” commented Waldroff.
Noting she has “the privilege of working alongside many wonderful people, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it”, Waldroff said her goal as president “is to ensure that every member feels that same sense of belonging, friendship, and purpose.” Club literature explains another role of the organization is to “advocate to all senior in our area for their protection and rights.
With the exception of July and August, the monthly general meetings are held at the community hall at 10 a.m. on the first Monday of the month. These meetings provide members with the opportunity to enjoy some light refreshments, guest speakers or entertainment and socialize with friends and neighbours. with guest speakers, a light lunch and refreshments, with a club potluck three times a year as well as updates on club activities.
Waldroff continued how members are able to enjoy twice weekly exercises classes on Tuesday and Thursday, with a yoga class on Friday, with all activities beginning at 10 a.m. New this fall was the introduction of line dancing on selected Tuesday’s following the exercise class.
In addition to these weekly activities there are often special community events such as a Christmas Market in early November, afternoon tea, meals at local restaurants, as well as trips for members to name a few.
The Friendly Circle Senior’s Club also plays an important role in supporting the community by supporting several organizations. These include Carefor South Stormont Support Centre, House of Lazarus Food Bank, the Legion Poppy Fund, the Lost Villages Historical Society and Community Living Stormont County. There are also educational bursaries available for local students continuing their post secondary education.
More information on this organization is available on their Facebook page or by emailing Waldroff at gwaldroff@icloud.com.
If you would like to have a light shined on your business, please contact us at: editor@etceterapublications.ca or call us at 613-448-2321.
Carolyn Thompson Goddard, grew up in Chesterville and attended North Dundas District High School. After completing her BA in Political Science at Carleton University she has worked as a medical secretary and library technician. In 2020 she graduated from Algonquin College with a diploma in Journalism and has been a reporter and column writer for The Chesterville Record for over 10 years.
