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Fall programming is underway at the Ancaster Senior Achievement Centre (ASAC), and the Alberton Road facility is busier than ever.

The centre welcomed members and guests to an open house event Sept. 14, showcasing a wide range of programs for older adults 55 and above.

ASAC advisory board chair Sylvia Parr said pickleball continues to be one of the main attractions. A tournament with more than 30 players was organized on Sept. 14. Winners received trophies made in the centre’s wood craft shop.

ASAC features three outdoor pickleball courts that are open to members. Learn-to-play sessions are also available on Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Guests can participate in one free session and are then asked to join the senior centre to continue. The centre has racquets and balls available to borrow.

The centre is looking at building a gymnasium addition that could accommodate three additional indoor pickleball courts.

Overall, said Parr, members are active in many ways.

“It’s right from sitting and knitting to pickleball, and everything in between,” she explained.

Gary Omand, who also plays pickleball at William McConnell Park on Hamilton’s west Mountain, was helping with the tournament. With a lightweight ball and no overhand serving, Omand said the sport isn’t as physically demanding as tennis.

“It’s not quite as straining on the body,” he explained.

The outdoor courts are available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and play will continue through the fall, weather permitting.

Inside the centre, there was also lots going on Sept. 14.

During the open house, Ian Downie was putting the finishing touches on a wooden bowl inside the wood craft shop. The room includes specialized equipment, like a lathe, and an enclosed air system to contain any sawdust.

In the quilt-making area, members were working on their own custom creations, using the centre’s inventory of 15 sewing machines.

A computer room is available for anyone looking to access the web or for members who need help with their mobile devices.

Other activities include knitting or stained glass inside the craft studio, plus a wide array of registered active programs in the fitness room, like cardio dance, line dancing, yoga, tai chi and more.

For those just looking for some social time, Roy’s Café has coffee, tea, cookies and squares. Members can relax with a hot beverage or work on a jigsaw puzzle.

Former ASAC recreation administrator Shirley Glauser said the centre has always offered a welcoming environment.

“What people like about the centre is the warmth,” she noted.

To welcome members back, following the isolation of COVID-19, the centre is offering free coffee and tea for the remainder of the year at Roy’s Café.

“COVID hit seniors really hard,” said Helmi Kaufmann, a past chair of the advisory board.

Operated by the City of Hamilton, ASAC offers 12-month memberships. For members who pay taxes to the City of Hamilton, the annual membership fee is $36.24.

For full details and program schedules, see https://asacseniors.com/ or call 905-546-2999.

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