LYNN NAGLE
For Chatham This Week
In 1970 when the Maple City Seniors Centre started it had 20 members and they used the facilities of a small restaurant across the street from the library.
On Oct. 23, the centre celebrated its 40th anniversary at the Active Lifestyle Centre (ALC). Its membership has grown to 1,011 people and continues to grow yearly.
Pete Deveau, current president of the board of directors says that 185 members use the ALC per day.
Catherine Flanagan-Gregorio, who is the former executive director still has visions for the ALC. She would like to see a fully functioning exercise room, as well as a retired nurse on hand to monitor blood pressure if needed.
Flannagan reminded everyone that the centre was made possible by the generous donations of various clubs, church groups and the Catholic Women's League.
The late mayor Bill Erickson wanted to make sure that the centre was affordable to all the members.
Sue Williams, executive director for the ALC says that there are approximately 200 volunteer members who put in over 1,000 hours behind the scenes monthly to keep the facility running smoothly and to help organize the many events that the centre hosts.
The land that the ALC was built on was originally donated by John Bradley who had been an active supporter of the centre over the years. His son, Dean Bradley spoke about how proud his father was of the facility and how his father believed that Chatham deserved the best facility possible. He wanted to make sure that they could have it.
Mayor Randy Hope presented a Certificate of Recognition to the board.
Among the others on hand for the anniversary event were president Rick Schroeder, and treasurer Mary McDonnell Brown.
