Local seniors thrive with diverse activities at Firstenberg Community Center

The Vancouver City Council meeting on May 12, 2025, highlighted the importance of community engagement and activities for seniors. A resident shared her personal journey of discovering various recreational activities at the Firstenberg Community Center, emphasizing how these programs have positively impacted her life.

The resident recounted her initial experience of learning to play card games like hand and foot, which opened the door to a variety of social activities, including mahjong, dominoes, and Wii bowling. She expressed how these engagements provided opportunities for fun and connection, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

After a hiatus due to health concerns, she returned to the community center and found joy in chair yoga, led by an instructor named Jane. The popularity of the class has grown significantly, often filling the 60 available seats and requiring staff to turn away additional participants. The resident also mentioned her involvement in collage classes and the increasing popularity of mahjong, which she plays twice a week.

Her testimony underscored the vital role that community programs play in keeping seniors active and socially connected. She concluded by reflecting on the rewarding nature of these activities compared to her previous 35 years in an office setting, highlighting the importance of fostering a vibrant community for older adults.

The council's discussions on enhancing recreational offerings for seniors align with the resident's experiences, reinforcing the need for continued support and expansion of such programs in Vancouver.