Happy Gang looking to recruit
By Melissa Piche Times Contributor
The local Happy Gang Society is recruiting new members from Strathmore and area.
If you’re 50-plus and looking for some local activities or to make new connections, The Happy Gang is a great opportunity.
Arlene Wahl, member at large with The Happy Gang, was more than eager to share the history of the gang from its beginning in 1967 to present day.
The Happy Gang was established in 1967 at the United Church with a membership fee of $1. The members would gather at the church to play cards and socialize.
In 1976, the fees were raised to $2 per year and this is when they began looking into grants and a bigger space to hold their meetings and recreational activities. In 1980 the Town of Strathmore built a community hall and library (still in use as the current library and The Happy Gang Society space) with a club room, and in 1982 the gang moved in.
Currently, the membership numbers sit around 180 and growing. It is open six days a week from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with various activities ranging from yoga, table pool, functional fitness and card games – with a full list of activities and schedule available on their website.
Wahl explained that a potluck and Christmas party are some fun events the gang is gearing up to host this winter. She said they are a very social group as they feel seniors need to build friendships and bonds.
“You shouldn’t be isolated,” she said. “We’re very active and we encourage seniors not to sit at home … come out and have a look at what we have there and what we do, and try to get maybe a bit of a younger demographic interested.”
Wahl explained that seniors often think they can stay active on their own, but sometimes the simple act of getting out of the house with a group is motivation and can encourage people to form healthy routines.
In the past, the Happy Gang has invited special guests to host workshops or lectures such as the Strathmore Fire Department and the RCMP.
“We had the RCMP in to talk about fraud and stuff, senior fraud,” said Wahl. “The one time we all went down to the fire hall and all learned how to use fire extinguishers.”
Wahl said this was a great learning experience for everyone.
“We try to get a guest speaker in to our general meeting,” said Wahl, who explained that most recently this past summer they had a membership barbecue and local MLA Chantelle de Jonge was the special guest. “She said she’d love to come back sometime.”
Wahl also said they are very involved with Bridging the Gap, which is an organization designed to support the wellbeing of seniors 55 and over in Strathmore and area.
Wahl said if anyone is interested in joining or just wants more information, they are welcome to come to the hall during regular hours – there are pamphlets and handouts with activity schedules and membership forms.
The address for the hall is 85A Lakeside Blvd. Membership fees are $50, more information can be obtained by visiting their website (thehappygang.ca) or by phone (403-934-2676).