Remember When… And What Is Happening Now
The Bragg Creek Snowbirds Seniors Fellowship began in 1985 with a gathering of friends for coffee, usually at the home of Ena and Eric Nichol. As the group grew, so did an interest for a Seniors’ Club. By 1987, an application was made and Ena Nichol was elected as the first President. The Bragg Creek Snowbirds Seniors Fellowship Incorporation was granted in November 1988.
The Snowbirds had a 10-year agreement with the Bragg Creek Community Association, along with a working agreement with the Bragg Creek Church, providing space for the new Club in the form of the “old lounge”. Funding through grants and donations allowed remodelling and equipping the lounge to meet the needs of the Club, although the Nichol home continued to host activities such as pool parties and barbeques while other members opened their homes for summer picnics. Many activities were initiated over the next several years and the membership grew to about 40 members, providing a strong support to the Community Association.
The fire of September 13, 1998, which destroyed the Bragg Creek Community Centre, set the Club on a new course when it was decided its needs would be better served with a building of their own. Fundraising began with one of the more memorable undertakings by members with the largest garage sale ever held in this area. Nearly $13,000 was netted and became the seed money for the construction of the Club.
Thought, care and experience went into the design of the Chalet with over 5000 hours of volunteer labour by members. On September 23, 2001, the Chalet had its grand opening with strong Community support.
The Bragg Creek Snowbirds Seniors Fellowship today is a group of 130 members strong. Although it is noted as a “seniors” group, we actually consider ourselves more as a 50+ social club. The Chalet is open Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for various activities and pool/snooker. We also have monthly social dinners and events. Depending on interest the Chalet will open at other times throughout the week.
We also provide the community of Bragg Creek and area rides to and from medical appointmentstoCalgaryorCochranefor people who have no alternative means. If you are interested in volunteering your time in driving for this initiative or if you require this service, please contact Roger Latham at 403.949.4147 or rlatham3@gmail.com.
Volunteers are the backbone of any organization and if you have a talent or skill that could assist our group, no matter how small or large, short or longer-term, we would love to hear from you. Contact Sharon Gough 403.620.1506 or goughslg99@gmail.com
Our Chalet is also available for rent with capacity for 120 people at a very reasonable price. It is a great place to hold celebrations of life, staff development days, birthday parties, yoga and fitness classes and the list goes on. Contact Brian Hodgkins at 403.949.4204 or bhodgy@telus.net
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
- St. Patrick’s Day Open House – Saturday March 14, 1–4pm. Come mix and mingle with your neighbor and members over a green (if you choose) beverage and appetizers. This event is open to Members and Non-Members within the Area of Bragg Creek.
- March Monthly Social Dinner – Sat, March 14. Italian Farmhouse catering, Doors open at 5 pm, Dinner at 6 pm. Open to Members and their invited Guests ONLY, $20/person RSVP will be required.
- April Monthly Social Dinner – menu to be announced, Doors open at 5 pm, Dinner at 6 pm. Open to Members and their invited Guests ONLY, $20/ person RSVP will be required.
If you are not a member and would like to find out more about us, you can come see us at the March 14 Open House, or any Tuesday afternoon between 1–4pm or visit us on Facebook and our website www.braggcreekseniors.ca. The Snowbirds Chalet is located at 19 Balsam Ave in Bragg Creek.
