Township of Blandford-Blenheim will be running free Adult Drop-in Centre programming from now until April 29, 2026.
The social morning events are open to adults of all ages and will take place on Wednesdays, alternating every week between the Plattsville location at 68 Mill Street and the Maple Grove Seniors Apartments in Drumbo. No registration is required.
In Plattsville, participants can enjoy a variety of craft sessions and coffee from 10 a.m. to noon on March 11 and 25, and April 8 and 22. Craft supplies are provided, however attendees are more than welcome to bring along any extra or special materials along with them.
In Drumbo, board games, coffee and social time will be offered, again, from 10:00 a.m. to noon on March 4 and 18, as well as April 1, 15 and 29.
For those looking to specifically move their body, there’s also free pickleball sessions taking place at the Princeton Centennial Hall every Thursday starting at 11:30 a.m. All skill levels are welcome.
Trevor Baer, the Township’s Manager of Community Services, said that while the events are currently planned up until the end of April, depending on the feedback and the wants of the community, these programs may be extended into the summer months.
“Usually we shut the programs down for the summer just because once the weather gets nicer, people want to be outside either for a walk or doing other things,” he said. “Right now we’re just focused on helping people get out of the house in the wintertime, but, if the majority of the group would love to see it keep going, we’ll continue it on into the summer.”
Baer went on to say there are several benefits to the drop-in centre programming. Not only is it free to attend and a good way to meet new people or connect with familiar faces, but it also helps keep people’s mind off the winter blues.
“A lot of [seasonal] depression and stuff often kicks in in the winter, so if you can give people something to do, that can sometimes help them,” he said. “It kind of keeps their mind occupied and gives them something to look forward to.”
Noting that it’s been a while since the drop-in programs have been running, the community services manager said he was thankful to all the community volunteers who are making it possible.
“I’d just like to thank all the volunteers who are involved because if it wasn’t for them, these events wouldn’t happen,” he said.
For those who would like to know more about the programming or have any questions, they can reach out to the Township office at 519-463-5347.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
