The Herman Prior Activity Centre in Portage la Prairie has a new executive director at the helm.

Kathy Bryce stepped into the position on September 27, noting it feels good to be part of the organization.

"It was important to me to remain in a position where I could carry on doing the things that Chris Dumont (former E.D.) and I had implemented in the last three or four years together," explains Bryce. "I'm happy to be sitting in this office here."

She notes there isn't anything that's changing at the moment, adding she's working on projects that Dumont initiated.

"One project is building a couple of new offices in Herman Prior for the upcoming rent increase that's going to be taking place in 2023," continues Bryce. "We will be adding two more offices so that we can have other like-minded offices and organizations in here."

She says they have Sunset Palliative Care, Service for Seniors and the Alzheimer's Society office at their location already.

"That's actually working out really, really well having those other three organizations right in the building here because it's almost like a one-stop-shop for the seniors," adds Bryce. "They come in to do an activity at Herman Prior or have lunch. They'll come in and do that before or after an appointment that they've got with one of the other organizations. So, that works really well for them."

Bryce explains the Centre is all about providing activities and meals to seniors in Portage and surrounding areas.

"You do not have to be a member to come into the centre to join in the activities or to have a meal here," says Bryce. "Anybody can come in. The difference with being a member is you do get a lower rate with activities, trips and whatnot. There are some perks to being a member. But the biggest thing is that the membership helps pay a few bills over the years and helps to keep us financially stable. So, we're always encouraging membership. We offer exercise programs -- Tai chi -- and games such as bridge or playing whist. It's a hub of activity."

She says they have a pool league that takes place at the centre with a total of about 30 men involved, playing every Tuesday and Thursday evening.

"There's lots of fun, lots of company, and always someone to help relieve some of the boredom and loneliness that everyone's been feeling with COVID," adds Bryce. "That's what our aims are."

Bryce says she's been at the centre in a volunteering capacity for four years just before retiring from nursing in 2017.

"I loved coming into the centre here," continues Bryce. "I knew so many people. I enjoyed helping out in all the different jobs that were involved in, being a volunteer. Then I joined the board of directors and I was the chair of the board of directors for a year. At that time, part of my volunteer work was helping out in the administrative assistant position when they would take holidays and whatnot. I would go and fill in and do what I could in the office to help out. So, I basically started my training there. Then I was administrative assistant for two years. It's been one month ago, the other day, I've been sitting in the executive director chair."

She notes she's thoroughly enjoyed the challenge.

Bryce adds they're always looking for volunteers which are actually the backbone of the organization.

"That's the one thing that we're always needing," says Bryce. "I'm just very happy and in a very happy place in my life right now. I'm enjoying what I do."