Devon MacKenzie/B次元官网网址 contributor

ThereB次元官网网址檚 always something going on at (BCS) SHOAL Centre in Sidney. From fitness classes, to crafting and card games, thereB次元官网网址檚 something for everyone at the community centre.

B次元官网网址淲e like to think of it as a place where you can come,B次元官网网址� explained BCS Director of Communications, Kerry Readshaw.

B次元官网网址淵ou can drop in for lunch in the dining room, you can rent a meeting space, itB次元官网网址檚 really a space where people can come and just engage with the community.B次元官网网址�

From woodworking, to lapidary and silver smithing, to bridge games and a fully equipped gym with a personal trainer, SHOAL certainly is a hub for SidneyB次元官网网址檚 population B次元官网网址� senior and otherwise.

B次元官网网址淲e really provide programming for all stages of life through BCS,B次元官网网址� Readshaw explained.

B次元官网网址淔rom pre-natal care to end of life services and everything in between, we have it. And one of things we take pride in is that our growth is in direct response to community needs that have been identified within the Saanich Peninsula and Greater Victoria.B次元官网网址�

Aside from the , BCS also operates other important community fixtures like Jeneece Place B次元官网网址� a home away from home for families outside of the region seeking medical care here B次元官网网址� StrongStart Sidney for pre-school aged children, an employment resource centre, two licensed dementia homes in Brentwood Bay and seven thrift stores throughout the Capital Regional District.

B次元官网网址淥ur mission is helping people and improving lives, and thatB次元官网网址檚 what we are able to do by providing all these programs and resources for the people of Sidney and beyond,B次元官网网址� Readshaw said.

B次元官网网址淭he SHOAL Centre is really an important fixture for SidneyB次元官网网址檚 senior population especially, because it serves as a gathering place and a place where people can come to seek assistance.B次元官网网址�

Wellness programs offered at SHOAL (breaking for summer but back in September) are well-attended, Readshaw said, including the Better Breathers Program for those with breathing difficulties, the White Cane Club for those with vision impairments, and the Dementia Caregivers Support Group.

For something a bit more social and seasonal, the SHOAL dining room, Tides, is offering summer barbecues on the patio every Wednesday throughout July and August and a Friday night Dinner and Concert on Aug. 25 featuring Jean Bedard on guitar and vocals.

B次元官网网址淲e try and offer a nice range of activities and events and I think thatB次元官网网址檚 why we have such a loyal following,B次元官网网址� Readshaw said.

For more information on programming at the SHOAL Centre through the summer, see beaconcs.ca.

(The SHOAL Centre and BCS were finalists in the 2017 Peninsula B次元官网网址 Review ReadersB次元官网网址� Choice Awards, presented July 11 at Church and State Wines.)