The Spruce Capital Seniors Recreation Centre is tucked away at 3701 Rainbow Drive. In fact, their board of directors all agreed that they had been unnoticed long enough and decided they wanted to put up the biggest and best sign ever to advertise the unintended secret of this lovely senior centre.
Reg Kempster, who handles the maintenance at the centre, and his team of volunteers stepped up to the task. To make a long story short, Reg had a lot to learn about the business of erecting a simple sign that would have to adhere to the city bylaws and the requirements of the Northern Health Authority when putting up a sign on their property.
Reg said, "It took us two and a half years from start to finish to successfully get that sign up but we did it. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Home Depot, Cloverdale Paint, Central Builders' Supplies, Northern Health, Mayor Lyn Hall and the staff at city hall."
The current executive directors at the Spruce Capital Seniors Recreation Centre are president Dorothy Kempster, vice president Pat Husberg, treasurer Sue Collison and secretary Agnes LaVale, all with a combined total of 50 years of volunteering in a position on this board.
The current directors of the board are Bob Collison, Reg Kempster, Erich Bertram, Helga Bertram, Sandy Ebert and Shirley Smith, all with a combined total of 33 years of volunteering in a position on the board.
According to Sue Collison, their records show that it all started like this.
"In 1978 a small group of seniors got together and discussed the need of a permanent senior activity centre. The Spruce Capital Senior Citizens Recreation Society was formed in 1980 on the 12th day of February 1980. The applicants for incorporation of the society were Stanley Massey, Mary Louise Veronica Pearson, Arnold Clarence Bell, George Edward Gibbs, Armand Louis Hamel, Edger Gilbert, Peter James Ejack, Jessie Griffin, William Irving and Clarence Dickau; Teresa Mary Massey was the official witness to all those signing the application.
"Stanley Massey was elected president and Armand Hamel was elected treasurer. Our first financial report was sent to the Registrar of Companies on April 23, 1981. Over the years we had several meeting places that included the Moose Hall, Yalenka Hall and the Eagles Hall which used to be on George Street. The running of bingo games to raise money commenced in 1980 at the Eagles Hall. We continued to operate the bingo games until September 14, 1985 when we had to close due to the opening of the new Bingo Palace. The fundraising bingo games were the basis of our financial standing. The money was invested and we were fortunate to secure good interest in the ensuing years. Our expenses were kept to a minimum.
"In 1991 discussions took place with the Prince George Senior Citizen's Home Society with the aim of building a centre for seniors on the grounds of Alward Place. The centre would have greatly enhanced the lives of the seniors in the rental units, but the site was not suitable. A location at Parkside was considered, however the land was not available.
"In 1992 we decided to place $270,000 into the Royal Bank under joint ownership with the P.G. Home Society. The idea being that it would be returned to us if there was no agreement to use it within two years. Time passed and about two years later talks and meetings resumed with the P.G. Home Society. We finally agreed to renovate the lower floor of the Legion Wing at Rainbow Lodge at 3701 Rainbow Drive. We opened to other seniors in the community on May 2, 1997 and what you see here today is the result of the vision of a lot of hard working seniors. As it has been from the beginning the main purpose of Spruce Capital Seniors Recreation Society is to provide recreational activities and companionship and perhaps some fun for the senior citizens of Prince George.
"We encourage new members to assume an active role in sharing their time and talents for the good of all. It is to this purpose and this sharing of yourself that we invite you to join us. We believe that you too will find it a warm and friendly place to find not only recreation and friendship, but also fulfillment and satisfaction in your retirement years."
Sue concluded by saying, "Our centre is located on the lower floor of the Legion Wing at Rainbow Lodge, 3701 Rainbow Drive. We are open from Monday to Thursday and offer the following programs: low cost nutritional meals, volunteer opportunities, cards (bridge, beginners bridge, canasta and cribbage), group activities such as crib tournaments, Tai Chi, a craft group and bingo. We are looking forward to the start of floor curling and water-colour painting classes in September.
"A few of our fundraisers are garage sales, a regular pancake breakfast and as well we offer reasonable catering and hall rental rates for private events.
"Our membership dues are $20 per year per person, $30 per year per couple, seniors over the age of 80 pay $5 and new members aged 50 and over are always welcome.
"If you would like more information please phone us at 250-563-6450."
