All About the Humber Arm South 50+ Club

Who we are:

The Humber Arm South 50+ Club is a non-profit organization operating in the Town of Humber Arm which consists of the four communities of Halfway Point, Benoit’s Cove, John’s Beach and Frenchman’s Cove stretching along the south shore of the Bay of Islands. 

We are devoted to the welfare and best interests of this Community’s citizens who are 50+ years of age.  Our organization aims to create an environment that encourages members to be active, remain mentally, physically and socially engaged, and to enrich the quality of life for members by providing opportunities to participate in social, educational and healthy lifestyle activities.

Our objectives include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Increasing awareness and understanding of the aging process.

2. Increasing the ability of older adults to remain active, healthy and living independently in their community.

3. Co-ordinating and organizing events that meet the social and educational needs of this age group.

4. Providing opportunities for members to enhance and utilize their leadership and volunteer skills.

5. Consulting with government and other decision makers about seniors’ concerns and advocating on their behalf.

6. Collaborating with other seniors’ organization.

We are governed by a board of directors:

There is Board of Directors for the organization comprised of an Executive Committee and Directors-at-Large. The Executive Committee is comprised of two (2) Co- chairpersons, Secretary and Treasurer which are deemed the Officers of the Club. To complete the Board of Directors, there are three (3) directors at large to bring the total Board membership to seven (7). 

Membership is open to residents, and former residents, of Humber Arm South who are 50+ years of age and there is a nominal annual membership fee.

We provide activities of a social, recreational, educational and creative nature.

Our history:

The Humber Arm South 50+ Club began its journey in the Fall of 2011 through the efforts of community member, Ralph Ford, who went door to door in the community speaking with seniors about forming a seniors club.  He generated a lot of interest and preparations got underway to get the process started. Proposed By-Laws and membership applications were drafted.

Our first official meeting and election of officers was held on May 3, 2012, with six members present.  Our proposed By-laws and membership application were adopted.  The election of officers saw our first executive elected as follows:

Maureen Parsons, President

Mary Byrne, Vice President

Eva Hackett, Gerard Hackett, Ralph Ford were elected as Directors.

The positions of Secretary and Treasurer were vacant.

Through Mr. Fords door to door campaign, we had 57 members signed up to our club in 2011. Since we did not have any activities for 2011, these fees were considered membership fees paid for 2012.

It was difficult to get members out to meetings during the initial stages of our journey, however, we persevered and although membership numbers fluctuated over the years, we now have a vibrant, active seniors club in this community.

We received our first Seniors’ Community Recreation Grant of $2000 in October 2012 and our first social was a breakfast organized for December 2012. Throughout the years, we have been supported both provincially and federally with funding to provide social and educational activities for our seniors.

Some of the activities that our members enjoy are:

• Preparing and enjoying meals with our members.

• Exercise classes - yoga, seniors’ aerobics, walking groups, pool exercises, etc.

• Snowmobile/ATV rides and cook-outs

• Healthy cooking classes

• Gardening workshops

• Planting workshops

• Games nights … darts, cards, washers, ladderball, bean bag toss, horseshoes, etc.

• Picnics

• Bus trips

• Craft sessions - knitting, crocheting, beach glass workshop,

• Bowling

• Outreach to our older seniors - delivery of healthy foods and in person meals/dances

• Participating in Christmas parades

• Dances