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December 22, 2019

Harry Miller

With no end in sight for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Park City Men’s Shed is doing what it can to keep its doors open.

After shutting down in March in light of the pandemic, the Park City Men’s Shed group began meeting again in late June.

“We’ve been able to open things up on a limited basis,” explained organizer Fred Bobrowski. “With winter coming up, there aren’t many outdoor activities. So coming to visit and socializing, that’s big.”

Bobrowski got involved in Men’s Shed after hearing a presentation that Doug Mackie, chair of the Canadian Men’s Shed Association, made to the Transcona Council for Seniors. Park City Men’s Shed has been meeting at the Elmwood/EK Active Living Centre (180 Poplar Ave.) now for over two years. The group now meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Membership in the group costs $35, $20 of which pays for a membership in the Elmwood/EK Active Living Centre, which offers a number of other programs throughout the week.

“Guys come and do their own thing,” Bobrowski said. “A lot of guys do walking sticks or canes. Some are still doing cottonwood carving. Some guys are making some good sized Christmas table ornaments. Stuff like that. We hope to get some guys in who can provide some instruction.”

The group has moved from the back room where members worked closely together, chatting or taking a break from projects to play crib, to the larger front room of the Active Living Centre.

“It may be a while before we can do that again, the way things are going,” Bobrowski admitted. “But mostly, the guys come to have a coffee, visit, socialize and have some quiet time to work. It’s not complicated, that’s the beauty.”

While operating with a limited capacity, the space provides plenty of room for members to work on their projects.

“We practise social distancing,” Bobrowski said. “Some guys feel more comfortable with a mask, some don’t, so they make sure they social distance. There’s lots of room. We do whatever it takes.”

Maurice Williamson, an East Kildonan resident, joined the group a couple of years ago. Taking a break from carving walking sticks, he said he enjoys coming out to the group each week, when he can.

Phil Veness, another EK resident, was attending his first meeting on Sept. 21 after hearing about Men’s Shed on the radio.

“I was looking for something to do,” he said. “Thought I’d try it out.”

While the woodworking projects are what anchors the group, it’s the fellowship that keeps members coming back each week. The social isolation that resulted during the lockdown in response to the COVID-19 reinforced how important the group is to many members.

“The guys were eager to meet,” Bobrowski said. “It’s good to see them all again.”

However, Bobrowski added that there are a number of members who aren’t comfortable meeting up again just yet.

“It’s just not for them until things are a little safer,” he said.

The Park City Men’s Shed are hosting a tool sale on Sat., Oct. 3.

“If people want some half-decent tools at a good price, we’re here,” Bobrowski said.

The sale, which takes place at 180 Poplar Ave. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and also includes garden tools, acts as a fundraiser for the group.

“It helps pay for our costs, wood and stuff like that,” Bobrowski added.