Victoria Park Seniors Centre

The Fall 2024 Centre Wellington Community Guide is active until the end of December.

The Winter 2025 Community Guide will be inserted in the Wellington Advertiser the week of December 5. Registration begins Tuesday, December 10 at 8:30am.

View the Seniors Section of the Fall 2024 Community Guide here

Register online (this link will take you to ActiveNet Communities webpage for registration). View our handout "How To Register For Programs Online", or watch our "How to Register online" recording now

Refunds

1. A full refund will be issued for all courses cancelled by Victoria Park Seniors Centre.
2. Request for refunds must be received 1 week prior to program start date and no refunds will be issued within 1 week of the program start date.
3. A $20 administration fee will be applied to refunds requested.
4. No refunds will be issued for senior's bus trips however, contact the Centre and staff will consult a wait list, if available. If a spot is filled by the wait list the administration fee will still apply. As per the Township of Centre Wellington's Refund Policies.

Course Cancellation
Should a course be cancelled as a result of insufficient numbers, those who did register will be notified by telephone.

Make Up Classes
There are NO makeup classes available to those participants who must miss a class due to appts, family emergencies, sickness, travel, etc. We are keeping class capacities limited and it is difficult instructors (medical concerns, etc).

If the Centre cancels a class due to instructor sickness, weather, etc we will refund participants for that class and apply a credit to their ActiveNet account at the Centre to use.

Memberships are open to anyone 55 years or better (please note that anyone over the age of 18 years is welcome to take programs at a non-member fee). Annual VPSC memberships are available for $27 per person for one year including HST.  The membership year runs 365 days from your date of purchase.  

You are able to purchase a membership online through our new ACTIVE Net registration system.  Membership fees are non-refundable.  With a valid membership, additional fees are required to participate in programs, special events, bus trips, etc. 

Member Benefits

As a member of the Victoria Park Seniors' Centre, you will receive many benefits including:

• Monthly Calendar
• Access to 80+ weekly programs and services for seniors
• Bus trips and Centre Services
• Reduced prices on all programs, courses, seminars, workshops and special events
• Vote at the Centre's Annual General Meeting
• Hold an office on the Centre's Advisory Board
• Have a direct link to our local government through the Community Services Department.
• Discover a new hobby, skill or talent
• Opportunities to volunteer
• And, most importantly, meet new friends

Your membership is very important. It not only indicates your interest but it also forms part of the necessary funding base needed to continue to offer quality recreational activities for older adults at the Centre. 

Billiards Room Memberships
Billiards Memberships are available to purchase for $50 and are valid for 365 days from date of purchase. You must be a member of the Centre to purchase this membership.  You are able to purchase a membership online through our new ACTIVE Net registration system.  Membership fees are non-refundable. Please see the Registration Information & Refund Policies section "How To Register For Programs" for the link. 

Click here for our Fall 2024 Community Guide - VPSC Seniors Section

Information About In-Person Programs
There are NO makeup classes available to those participants who must miss a class due to appts, family emergencies, sickness, travel, etc. If the Centre cancels a class due to instructor sickness, weather, etc we will refund participants for that class and apply a credit to their ActiveNet account at the Centre to use.

Information About Virtual (Zoom) Programs
NOTE: For all virtual fitness classes where we cannot assist you in person, please listen to your body and use your discretion to choose which exercises you do and how intensely you do them. We want everyone to be safe. These virtual exercises are intended to encourage you to gently move your body, so don’t push yourself beyond what feels okay. Participating in these exercise activities is done entirely at your own risk. It is strongly recommended that you check with your primary care provider before beginning any fitness program. Equipment not supplied.

Zoom instructions for pre-registered participants

• Note: If you are new to Zoom you will need to download and configure the Zoom application for use on your home computer (Windows or Mac OS X), tablet (iOS or Android), or smartphone (iOS or Android) to participate in our registered virtual programs. To access (using a computer device or telephone), click the appropriate provided link (for registered classes this will be emailed directly to you) OR using a telephone, call the phone number listed below each activity and enter the Meeting ID. Then press #, and then press # again. Note: If you do not have a camera on your computer, you can still participate if your computer has sound.
• Once you complete your registration, you will receive a specific Zoom link to participate in your class by email at least 12-24 hours before the first class. You are NOT to share this specific link to your registered class with anyone else. The link you receive will be valid for the duration of your registered activity. If you have not received the link within the 24 hours, please check your junk folder and/or call 519-846-9691 ext. 204 for assistance.
• Please ensure your screen name on Zoom matches the name on your registration. Only those who have pre-registered will be allowed to join the class.
• The moderator or instructor will mute all participants when the class begins to avoid audio interference.
• Learn about Zoom etiquette and account controls.

Click here for our December 2024 Monthly Calendar

Did you know we have a monthly email we send out that includes the calendar, announcements, reminders, etc? If you would like to receive these monthly updates please call 519.846.9691 x278.

All trips depart from and return to the Centre and are on a coach equipped with a washroom. We need a minimum number registered, up to 4 weeks in advance, depending on the venue.

Those who require special assistance of any kind are responsible for arranging an escort to assist them. Our Travel Escort Volunteer cannot provide special care or one-on-one assistance.

Bus Trips are NON REFUNDABLE & NON TRANSFERABLE.

Travel arrangements made by: Great Canadian Holidays, 353 Manitou Dr, Kitchener ON  N2C 1L5 
TICO#2280154  1-800-461-8687  EP455/PN5406

Register in person at VPSC or Online (registration info in above section). Please note: those that are at capacity are now taking a waitlist.

Shawfest & Skylon Tower - Thursday, December 12, 2024 - After a pleasant drive, we begin the day with a visit to the Niagara Gateway food court. Enjoy lunch on your own prior to the show. Visit the Shaw Festival Theatre for a matinee performance of My Fair Lady, one of the most beloved musicals of all time. This timeless classic has been dazzling audiences since its debut on Broadway in 1956. Based on the play Pygmalion by Bernard Shaw, it’s the story of Eliza Doolittle, a cockney flower girl caught in the middle of a bet between a professor of phonetics and a fellow linguist. Enjoy an included dinner at the incredible Skylon Tower Revolving Dining Room. The menu features your choice of entrée (breaded chicken breast in red pepper cream sauce; grilled salmon fillet in soy lemon butter sauce; or vegetarian eggplant parmesan). Please make your selection upon booking. All meals include a French baguette with butter, a chef’s salad with Italian dressing, roasted potatoes, and fresh seasonal vegetables. Coffee, tea, and dessert to follow. After dinner, we’ll enjoy the views from the observation deck. Get cozy on the coach and enjoy a festive drive through Niagara’s Festival of Lights. This enchanting display is one of the region’s most popular attractions and is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. Departs: 9:30 a.m. Approximate Return: 9:30 p.m. Cost: $187 members and $201 non-members (Includes: show admission, dinner at the Skylon Tower, driving tour, driver gratuities, luxury motor coach transportation and HST). NON-REFUNDABLE. NON-TRANSFERABLE.

Come From Away - Wednesday, March 19, 2025 - Enjoy an included lunch at Hot House in Toronto. The menu features your choice of entree: Chicken Parmesan, Vegetarian Cannelloni, or Roasted Pork Loin (with braised red cabbage and apple, seasonal vegetables and pork demi jus). Please make your selection at the time of booking. Coffee, tea, soft drinks and dessert are also included. Visit the Royal Alexandra Theatre for a matinee performance of Come From Away. This global sensation takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Departs 8:45 a.m. Approximate Return: 6:00 p.m. Cost: $225 members and $240 non-members (Includes: lunch, show admission, driver gratuities, luxury motor coach transportation and HST). NON-REFUNDABLE. NON-TRANSFERABLE.

The Centre is run by a volunteer Advisory Board of seven elected Centre Members and one appointed Council Representative.  The Advisory Board acts as a liaison between Seniors and the Township of Centre Wellington and works with the Community Services Department to provide quality recreational opportunities for older adults.  Meetings are held in person the first Monday of the month at 9:15 am at the Centre.  All members are welcome. 

Note: If you wish to view previous months Agenda or Minutes please contact Kelly to request these at 519.846.9691 x278.   

Next Advisory Board Meeting scheduled for: Monday, December 2, 2024 at 9:15 am.

We are always looking for individuals to help us with different positions or tasks. Please take a look at the current opportunities and contact Kelly at the Victoria Park Seniors' Centre (details below) to discuss what options are for you.

Here are some of our current volunteer opportunities:

Program Committee
Volunteers are needed to help on the Victoria Park Seniors' Centre's Program Committee, which plans and organizes special events and fundraisers for the Centre. This Committee meets once a month on the first Monday at 10:15 am.

Cooking for a Crowd
Do you enjoy cooking for a big group (40-60 people)? We need volunteers who love to cook to help with our twice monthly fundraising homemade Wednesday lunches offered at the Victoria Park Seniors' Centre.

Special Events - Taking a Waitlist.
Volunteers are needed to help with food preparation, set up and organization of special events at the Victoria Park Seniors' Centre.

Dishwasher (Wednesdays) - Taking a Waitlist.
Do you enjoy working in the kitchen? We are looking for volunteers to do dishes at our Wednesday lunches on a rotating schedule. Includes a complimentary lunch.

Wednesday Lunch Servers (Wednesdays) - Taking a waitlist.
Do you enjoy working in the kitchen? We are looking for volunteers to assist with our Wednesday lunches on a rotating schedule. Volunteers set tables, serve the meal and cleanup after the lunch. 

Food Prep Volunteers (Tuesdays) - Taking a Waitlist.
With our homemade meals most preparations are done the day prior. Looking for volunteers to help with prep work which may include prep for salads, desserts and the main dish. Volunteers are contacted when assistance is needed. 

Contact Kelly Hall, Seniors Volunteer & Membership Coordinator at 519.846.9691 x278 for more information on any of the above volunteer positions or fill out this Volunteer Application Form and send to the above email.  

Looking for a link to a resource not found here? Please reach out for assistance or to request a resource be added to the below list.

• Arthritis Society of Ontario
• Canadian Cancer Society | Canadian Cancer Society
• Ride Well: Wellington County’s Rural Transit Service
• Alzheimer Society of Waterloo Wellington
• www.connexontario.ca
• 211 Ontario
• Canada Benefits
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
• Canadian Diabetes Association
• Canadian Hearing Society
• The Canadian National Institute for the Blind
• Community Resource Centre
• Meals On Wheels - VON Contact Information
• Older Adult Centres Association of Ontario
• Ontario Community Support Association
• Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
• Ontario Senior Games
• Osteoporosis Canada
• Phillips LifeLine
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Upper Grand Family Health Team
• Wellington County Homepage
• Wellington Dufferin Guelph Health Public Unit
• Veterans Affairs Canada
•  Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility
• Need help with Zoom? University of Waterloo student volunteers have a program to assist seniors with Zoom. For free support http://www.entech.club/ or 226-336-9684
• Guelph-Wellington Distress Line 519-821-3760 or 1-888-821-3760 daily 8 am to 10 pm or HERE 24/7 Waterloo-Wellington 1-844-437-3274, both confidential support, referral and crisis assistance telephone services.
• Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington
• Seniors Safety Line 1-866-299-1011 provides contact and information across the province to assist in cases of elder abuse. Trained counsellors provide safety planning and supportive counseling. 
• Nursing Home Abuse Guide - levinperconti.com/nursing-home-abuse/