The Canora Keen Age Society held a celebration of its 45th anniversary at the Keen Age Centre on September 16.
Edith Kotzer, Keen Age Society president, opened the celebration by thanking all those in attendance. Kotzer gave a history of the organization over the past 45 years.
“In 1973 Egan Grams started a campaign to form a seniors’ organization in Canora, and it was officially formed on February 22,” she said. “The former John Deere shop owned by Harry Gardner was chosen as the group’s building with rent set at $150 per month. The building had been constructed in 1948.”
Jean Zarazun, Keen Age social convenor, recalled that her father had purchased a John Deere tractor in the same building which later became the Keen Age Centre.
Kotzer said that grants to support the organization and its activities were received from New Horizons, federal and provincial governments, social services and the Town of Canora.
Laura Gardner won a contest to name the organization the Keen Age Society.
Lil Crotenko designed the Keen Age Centre flag and also wrote the words to The Keen Age Song, sung to the tune of Red River Valley.
This all started and made a beginning
In the year of 1973
When some people had thought of the future
And that fast soon old they would be.
Too young to retire and do nothing
With time on their hands that they had
Just sitting and reading was boring
For your mind, it would surely be bad.
Got together and did some thinking
Those government grants we could take
A building was needed to meet in
And a few people with plans to make.
Senior Centres became such a rampage
This need in Ca-no-ra was sure
It was then that we started the Keen Age
A place to keep fit, a safe cure.
In this song we salute our seniors
Those of now and those of the past
Don’t put off your con-gra-tu-la-tions
Because the time is sure going fast.
In 1973 the first president was Mike Lukey. The first vice-president was Dan Daniels while Marge Erichsen served as the second vice-president. Stan Petroff was the treasurer and Harvey Clotsman the secretary.
Over the years the membership grew to as many as 222.
“In 1978 the old John Deere building was purchased for $20,000,” said Kotzer. “Fundraisers included bake sales, sausage suppers, raffles, bingos and recipe book sales.
“Donations were made to various community organizations including: the Gateway Lodge, the Lion’s Club and the Curling Rink.
The Keen Age Society presidents over the years have included: Mike Lukey, Dan Daniels, Nick Sopoff, Paul Zarazun, William Babchishen, Frank Siganski, Joe Raiwett, Leo Rakochy, Richard Roe, Lawrence Toffan, Peter Wiebe and Kotzer.
Kotzer shared a number of the organization’s accomplishments and other happenings over the years.
“In 1994 we were involved with creating the world’s largest quilt,” she said. “The unveiling was in Nipawin, to which Jean Zarazun and I travelled to witness. Many quilts had been stitched together and covered the entire arena floor, measuring 155 feet long and 82 feet, eight inches across.
“In 1998 we celebrated our 25th anniversary. A supper was provided, which was catered by Ann Pasloski. The Can-Am band entertained.
“In that same year we took part in the creation of the world’s longest tablecloth, which measured 1,650 feet in length. This was 150 feet longer than the previous record in the Guinness Book of World Records.
“In 1999 we hosted an antique show-and-tell. There was spinning being done, carding, butter making and ice cream making. Stan Petroff brought the spinning wheel and Mary Wihnan did the spinning.
“In 2000 our club did up a time capsule. It has been kept in our storage room and is to be opened in 2020.”
Kotzer said the availability of grant money has allowed the organization to make a number of purchases and improvements over the years. There are no steps at the entrance to the Keen Age Centre, making things easier for the handicapped.
“We purchased a barbecue with grant money,” she said. “The old shed was removed from our premises and a new shed was put up at the back of our building.
“The building was rewired and insulated. New siding and windows were installed.
“We put on a new roof and added attic insulation. The roof was modified to help dry the attic. New flooring was installed in the west portion of the building.”
Kotzer said the Keen Age Society presently has 81 members and continues to be busy.
Activities include whist, bingo, shuffleboard, pool and cards when there is sufficient interest.
Birthday socials are held every second month throughout the year.
“We have a Christmas tea during the Winter Lights Festival, and a pie and coffee day during Canora in Bloom in summer,” said Kotzer. “We always give a donation to the Winter Lights Festival and Telemiracle. Quite a few people rent our facility for various functions.”
Eric Sweeney, Canora deputy mayor, presented Kotzer with a plaque, “in recognition and appreciation of the continued operation in the Town of Canora of the Canora Keen Age Society.”
Sweeney brought greetings and congratulations on behalf of the Town of Canora.
“The Keen Age Society enriches the lives of its members and of the community,” he said. “It seems like there’s something important going on here all the time. The Town provided funding to help purchase the building in 1978 and has provided support in applying for grants.
“The Town hopes to continue this great relationship.”
Kotzer presented a plaque to Jean Zarazun “for her many years of dedicated service to the Keen Age Society.”
Phyllis Dercach played keyboard and provided musical entertainment for the celebration. After playing several waltzes for the listening enjoyment of those in attendance, Dercach led the singing of a number of old-time favourites, including: This Land is Your Land, Just Because, My Bonnie Lies over the Ocean, Home on the Range, Church in the Wildwood, Amazing Grace and others.
Lorraine Katelnikoff said grace before the cold plate lunch with tea and coffee, which included 45th anniversary cake for dessert.
Elsie Carsten and Bernice Rakochy looked after the preparation of the lunch.
Charlie Rudachyk served coffee and helped with setting up the tables and chairs.
Kim Grywacheski tended to the guest book during the celebration.
Kotzer thanked all those who helped make the day a success.
