This week, the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization or LSCO will re-open its Westco Woodshop.
The revitalized space celebrates a major community investment in hands-on learning, creativity and active aging for older adults in Lethbridge.
Executive Director Kaitlynn Weaver says volunteer members have been tinkering in the woodshop since last week.
“They’re super excited to officially open it and show Lethbridge what they’ve been working on because they’re the ones that built all the benches and shelves,” Weaver adds.
The renovated woodshop will provide a safer, brighter and more functional environment for older adults to build skills, social connections and confidence.
Enhanced layout and updated equipment donated by the estate of John Unrau will support long-time woodworkers and beginners interested in trying something new.
Weaver believes the woodshop has been around since the 1990s and was a special addition to the LSCO building. “It’s kind of one of those things that was the best kept secret in Lethbridge. Only a few people knew about it.”
The woodshop looks like it did before, Weaver notes, but it’s brighter and has been painted, cleaned up and organized.
“It was quite full of projects that had been around basically since the nineties from some of the members,” Weaver jokes. “We just made sure it was clean and safe.”
According to Weaver, Unrau was a volunteer at the LSCO for a really long time.
“His sister donated some funds to the woodshop, and we were able to get a safer table saw for our members. And a few other different pieces of equipment to make sure it’s safe and updated for our members,” adds Weaver.
Weaver invites seniors to come and check out the renovated workshop space.
“If you’re interested in woodworking, come see what it’s all about. But there’s so many other things we do here that are so amazing. People should check it out because there’s something here for everybody.”
