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This article was previously published on CambridgeToday.
With the door open and sun shining in, scents of mahogany waft from the woodworking shop at the David Durward Centre.
Those meticulously plying their trade inside aren't doing so for a paycheck but rather as a way to stay active and involved in the community as they age.
Since 1984, the Cambridge 50+ Woodworking Club has offered a supportive space for older adults to continue an old hobby or form a new one.
"The club was founded in partnership with the City of Cambridge as part of parks and recreation to support the aging population," past president Blair Francey said.
"The city provides us with the premises, water, heat and electricity. We maintain the shop and buy our own tools (and wood.)"
With another shop operating out of the Allan Reuter Centre in Preston, the club has over 90 members.
For Francey, it's less about the quality of the finished products and more about the physical and social benefits.
"A healthy population reduces the cost of healthcare," he said.
"People who stay as active as possible live long and stay healthier during that time. The social impact is huge. Who doesn't love coffee? We stop every morning at 10 a.m. for a half hour break."
But that's not to say the work being done isn't impressive and impactful.
Members have assisted with making ramps for local businesses to aid in accessibility and the wooden maple leaf seen on the city's annual Canada Day parade float was also crafted in the shop.
To ensure the safety of all members, each shift has a supervisor overseeing the work.
Operating in its 40th year, the club is an ongoing example of taxpayer dollars being put to good use within the community that the municipality is responsible for serving, Francey said.
"The members here have been paying taxes longer than anyone else," he said.
"I think it's incumbent upon the government to ensure all members of society are supported appropriately."
Coun. Corey Kimpson agrees the city has an obligation to serve all demographics and has seen the many benefits the club provides residents and the community.
"It's absolutely vital," Kimpson said of the club.
"We need to keep our older adults active and keep them engaged. It's a really great opportunity for people who enjoy woodworking to come together and have some camaraderie."
When people show up to join the club, which can be done by just dropping in, Francey wants them to feel a sense of belonging and realize what they're doing matters.
"We have an opportunity here to enrich not only our own lives but the life of the community," he said.
