“Boomers” With a Little More Zip!
By Kaylie Thomas
When the Chappelle Gardens Residents Association first opened the Social House, the vision was simple: create a gathering place where neighbours could connect, build friendships, and foster a true sense of community. While many of our early programs focused on young families and children, there was one audience that remained largely untapped—our seniors.
What we quickly learned is that this demographic wasn’t just looking for activities. They were looking for connection.
In 2018, a wonderful and lively resident named Susan approached the Association with a suggestion: create a group for older adults living in Chappelle Gardens. At the time, I had only recently stepped into my first programming role, having started in 2017, and if I’m being completely honest, I wasn’t convinced the idea would last more than a few months.
Susan, however, knew exactly what she was looking for—a sense of community right here in her own neighbourhood.
When we hosted that very first meeting, the response was overwhelming. Resident after resident showed up, all seeking the same thing: friendship, conversation, and meaningful connections close to home. Many were retired, some were new to the community, and others were simply looking for a reason to get out of the house and meet people who shared similar experiences.
Most clubs at the Social House met monthly, so I was surprised when the group suggested meeting every week. Every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., they wanted a dedicated time to gather, chat, laugh, and connect with a cup of coffee. Fortunately, we had the space, the resources, and I had the time, so we agreed.
Eight years later, that schedule remains unchanged. Every Wednesday. Every week. 11 o’clock. Without fail.
One of my favourite memories from those early meetings wasn’t about the schedule—it was about the name. The first gathering was advertised as the “Chappelle Gardens Senior Club.” That title lasted approximately one meeting before the group made it very clear that something better was needed.
Suggestions flew around the room, and we eventually landed on “The Zoomers Club”—a playful spin on “Boomers,” but with a little more zip, energy, and personality. Anyone who has spent even five minutes with this group knows it couldn’t be more fitting.
From the beginning, we agreed that the Zoomers would have the freedom to gather weekly, while the Association would plan one enhanced activity each month. Over the years, those activities have included everything from art projects, puzzles, and crafts to bingo tournaments, trivia challenges, guest speakers, holiday celebrations, and community outings.
The friendships formed through the Zoomers Club became so strong that one gathering a week simply wasn’t enough. Over time, members began expressing interest in spending even more time together, which led to the creation of the Zoomers Card Club. What started as an extension of the Wednesday Zoomers meetings soon found its own place on the Social House calendar, with members gathering every Monday for weekly card games, conversation, and plenty of friendly competition. Today, the Card Club continues to thrive, giving members another opportunity to connect, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. It serves as a wonderful reminder that when people find a genuine sense of belonging, community has a way of growing naturally.
Of course, the Zoomers didn’t stop there.
Before long, they began organizing monthly lunch excursions of their own, exploring restaurants throughout Southwest Edmonton and beyond. What started as a weekly coffee-and-conversation club evolved into something much bigger—a thriving social network built on genuine friendship.
Looking back, I realize how much this group shaped my understanding of community programming. As someone who was brand new to the field, I expected to organize activities. What I didn’t expect was how much I would learn from the people attending them.
I often joke that the Zoomers have completely changed my perspective on aging. If growing older means laughing this much, staying this curious, and maintaining friendships this strong, then perhaps it’s not something to fear at all.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know many of these residents not just for their age, but as people. I’ve heard stories of careers, adventures, families, hardships, and triumphs. I’ve witnessed new friendships form, watched members support one another through life’s challenges, and seen newcomers welcomed with open arms.
Like so many community groups, the Zoomers faced one of their greatest challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Weekly gatherings came to a halt, routines were disrupted, and many members suddenly found themselves isolated from friends and family. Yet what stood out most during that time was not the distance—it was the care they showed for one another. Watching the Zoomers support one another through such an uncertain and difficult time was truly inspirational. It was a beautiful reminder that community isn’t defined by a building or a scheduled gathering—it’s defined by people who genuinely care for one another. While we all looked forward to the day we could meet again around the tables at the Social House, the pandemic proved that the spirit of the Zoomers extended far beyond Wednesday mornings.
Some newer members have even described the Zoomers Club as their “lifeline” after relocating to Edmonton—a place where they instantly found companionship, belonging, and a familiar face each week.
That sentiment speaks directly to why the club has endured for eight years.
The Social House was always intended to be a place where neighbours became friends. The Zoomers took that vision and brought it to life in a way none of us could have anticipated.
While members frequently express gratitude for the opportunities and friendships they’ve found through the club, the truth is that the gratitude goes both ways.
In a world that often focuses on the next generation, it is important to remember the value of those who came before us. Our oldest residents carry decades of experience, wisdom, resilience, and stories that enrich our community in ways that cannot be measured. They deserve not only our respect, but our recognition and celebration. As the Zoomers Club approaches nearly a decade of Wednesday mornings, laughter-filled conversations, card games, lunches, and friendships, their legacy at the Social House is undeniable. What began as a simple suggestion from one resident has grown into a cornerstone of our community.
Kaylie Thomas
Kaylie is the Program and Events Manager at the Chappelle Gardens Residents Association in Edmonton, where she leads the development of programs, events, and initiatives that bring neighbours together and strengthen community connections. With experience in event management and operations, she is passionate about creating engaging experiences for residents of all ages, from youth programs and summer camps to community celebrations and senior initiatives.
Kaylie believes that strong communities are built through meaningful connections and is proud to help create opportunities for residents to connect, belong, and make lasting memories in Chappelle Gardens.