With golf season over and snowbirds grounded, the Pat Porter Active Living Centre is seeing an influx in attendance.

“We’ve had to be very strategic,” says Executive Director Audrey Harder about setting up the activities for patrons. “They’re looking for things to do where they feel safe.”

Harder says they expected to see a small increase in attendance, but when golf season ended their predictions were surpassed. “We’ve had a few new programs start just to accommodate people who aren’t going anywhere.”

Harder lists Yahtzee and Bingo as activities being provided that allow for participation with the need for shared instruments. In addition, their new Classic Comedy Corner has been enjoyed by groups up to 12.

“They’re watching ‘Golden Girls’,” offers Harder. “For five dollars, they come have lunch, and then they spend lunchtime together. They’re socially distanced, they have space, everything is set up for them and served to them. So that’s been quite a big hit.”

Harder adds that a yoga program will begin in November and offers her thoughts on the centre’s importance.

“We see people who really struggled when everything was closed,” shares Harder, “we see them feeling better, we see them smiling more, we see them coming and continuing life a little easier without fear.”