With the recent lift on restrictions, St. Albert's Seniors Association will finally begin opening in a greater capacity, and they couldn't be happier.
When Premier Jason Kenney announced his three-stage plan for an open summer with patios reopening on June 1, Red Willow Cafe, which is located inside the St. Albert Seniors Association next to Lions Park, began getting ready to let guests through the door and into their patio as soon as they're allowed.
Red Willow has still been open for take-out, but volunteer and local Susan Johnson said it isn't near the same. She misses the social aspects and interactions between herself and the customers, and she knows they miss the interaction also. "If it weren't for COVID, this place would be packed from 11 am till 2 pm," she said.
The association, which offers multiple services for seniors, such as transportation, events, classes, and more, has continued to work hard for its guests, even going as far as providing online classes through restrictions
Johnson said before restrictions the cafe had some regulars that would come in when they opened at nine and stay all day, reading or even sitting with and meeting new people. Some, she said, bring their grandkids, who have been enjoying the cafe's hot dogs and hamburgers.
Johnson said there's so much to do at the centre, and it has been great for her to volunteer and get out of the house. On top of volunteering at the Red Willow Cafe, she said she has taken classes, been to events, and even volunteered in the gift shop.
Having such a great place with so much to do is something that Johnson said is great for the seniors, and with most double vaccinated, she said they can't wait to get back in the door. "I think they really miss the interaction because it's such a friendly place, and all the volunteers and staff, they are all happy to see each other and work together," she said.
Tom Scott, the association's acting executive director, said they are already working on plans for this summer pending easing restrictions. "We expect to be fully operational for indoor dining and patio by the end of June, assuming things hold," Scott said.
However, due to the nature and complexity of planning events and classes, Scott said he is still unsure how soon they will have news on that front.
Scott said seniors are excited to return. "We are hearing from them all the time that they miss coming here. They're like everyone else, sick of being stuck at home or having such limited access to events. It is such a social place for seniors here that I think they are just delighted to get back, and we are delighted to have them back."
