Blaine Lake Senior Centre re-opening was held the evening of Aug. 5, bringing the centennial celebrations to a close.
Blaine Lake Senior Centre president Marj Pool welcomed the group of individuals to the new and improved centre.
Len Fallows, president of the Saskatchewan Seniors Association (SSA), was honoured to be invited to participate in the program.
"Congratulations to all members and those who have put a lot of time and effort into the new centre," commented Fallows. "It's nice to know what seniors can do and in my travels across the province, I have come to realize how important the senior centre is to a community and its seniors. This is a beautiful place. The senior centres really are the life of the little towns they are in."
Sheila Righi, first vice-president of the provincial seniors' organization and second vice-president of the national seniors' organization, admitted that, when Marj shared her vision for the Blaine Lake Senior Centre with her three years ago, she was impressed with the motivation and determination of the club.
"You are very fortunate to have a president who is a great organizer and gets things done," commented Righi, adding, "it also takes a lot of volunteers to help."
Mayor Ernie Crowder commended the seniors and all the volunteers for their fundraising efforts the past two years.
Scott Moe, MLA for Rosthern/Shellbrook constituency, was impressed with the ambitious group of individuals who spearheaded the large undertaking.
"It's the camaraderie that exists that makes rural communities so strong," commented Moe.
Once again the Honourable Ken Cheveldayoff, MLA for Saskatoon Silver Springs and a former Blaine Lake resident, expressed his sincere pleasure at being invited to participate in the community's centennial celebrations.
"It has been an opportunity to share with family, Trish, Carter and Paige, where grew up and went to school," commented Cheveldayoff. "Thank you to the community for encouraging us students to be who we wanted to be."
Cheveldayoff concluded by expressing words of gratitude on behalf of his brother Kevin and the government of Saskatchewan.
Marj concluded the program with a brief history of the renovations to date. It was also mentioned that the seniors' centre is holding its last cash lotto draw this fall.
