‘I’m happy to be back:’ retirees grateful for regular social gatherings

Members meet on the first Thursday of every month, excluding July and August, at Maranatha Church Hall on Portsmouth Rd. at 9:00 a.m. for coffee and socializing, followed by a guest speaker and a business meeting.

There are also opportunities to sign up for various groups and activities, including board games, beer and wine appreciation night, and gardening groups.

Patterson said the various activities are all about social stimulation.

“That’s important of at our age, well for anybody, but certainty for our age, it’s an important thing to have a circle of friends and circle of activity and be busy because that kind of stimulation keeps you young. Well, relatively young.”

President of the HCNPC Mike Patterson welcomes the crowd of nearly 70 members and introduces the guest speaker at their May 5, 2022 meeting.(Lora Jones)

Vice President Lora Jones said these in-person events are crucial especially since a lot of their members aren’t online and have a harder time being social without face-to-face contact.

“It’s the whole emphasis on social activities for seniors to keep them active and interacting cause the isolation, loneliness, all that kind of stuff, that’s really hard.”

Probus member Jean said she was thrilled when the meetings went back to their regular schedule, as these social events like bridge and golf are incredibly important to her mental well-being.

“A lot of socializing, which I really need. Just getting out and meeting people, we have so many fun events. Well, we used to (laughs). We moved down here from Qualicum Beach nine years ago, and these are all of our friends, ” she said.

Another member echoed Jean’s sentiments about the important social aspect these groups have.

A Probus member for over a decade, this was her first meeting since the pandemic started more than two years ago.

“I’m still wearing my mask and being careful, it just feels a little strange, to be honest. My husband and I have been super careful…I’m happy to be back.”

Past guest speakers include Nanaimo RCMP Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien, Dirk Heydemann Photography, Nanaimo Night Owls general manager Jim Swanson.

For more information on how to become a member of the HCNPC, you can email harbourcityprobus@gmail.com, or visit their Facebook page.

More information on Probus clubs across Vancouver Island can be found here at probus.org/probus-clubs.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow

by Jordan Davidson

‘I’m happy to be back:’ retirees grateful for regular social gatherings

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