Online Survey Q19 responses

Q 19:  Is there anything else you want to tell us?

There was a serious illness and death in the family so I didn’t participate the last two years. I replied rarely to events I would attend now that I’m back in Canmore. Never means I’d not attend ever.
8/4/2018 6:56 PM

This survey represents one female and one male.
8/4/2018 9:34 AM

I do not think it necessary to post items in newsletter about people looking for a place to live or willing to pet sit. Outside activities are a good service to post.
8/4/2018 9:17 AM

Perhaps a portion of the revenue from paid activities should go CSA as rent.
8/3/2018 9:06 PM

no
8/3/2018 4:53 PM

I plan to join one or two more activities this fall/winter/spring.
8/3/2018 4:34 PM

Thank you! My answer to #3 is weekly, somewhat. I’m glad that you provide a wide variety of activities for everyone. Life-long learning is a passion for many of us. As i am low income, almost everything is too expensive for me. Please keep in mind that many of us need larger type, clear typefaces, and good contrast to see notices.
8/3/2018 2:53 PM

I believe there is a great variety of activities. If I was not working part-time, I would be able to enjoy more activities. That is my goal for the future.
8/3/2018 1:41 PM

We are quite new to the CSA (Spring) but can’t understand how pickle ball works. Seems to move around but haven’t seen mention of it in Paper Trail. Would like to play.
8/3/2018 1:25 PM

I’m new to the organization but I believe in its value in our lives.
8/3/2018 12:13 PM

Membership dues are too high.
8/3/2018 11:48 AM

I have not utilized the CSA programs as much as I would like. For a number of reasons I hope that will change in the future. I note you do not ask about the Continuing Learning Sessions. I think they are a very good idea.
8/3/2018 11:35 AM

We are new to Canmore, recently retired and just getting involved in the community. Over time we will likely be more involved with CSA.
7/30/2018 1:49 PM

You did not list Life Long Learning! This is a serious omission as it is a crown jewell of the CSA! One can dance, play bridge or darts, or hike etc. elsewhere outside CSA, but LLL is unique in the Bow Valley!
7/27/2018 9:03 PM

Social events are too expensive. There should be a mix of events, some big and expensive and others less expensive.
7/27/2018 5:11 PM

I used to participate more but have other responsibilities taking up my time. Perhaps once my agenda lightens I can get more involved in the future but think this is a great addition to the community.
7/27/2018 3:21 PM

Unfriendly people at social events, saving seats etc.
7/27/2018 2:21 PM

I’d like an opportunity to play Scrabble with others regularly. Because I live in the US for half of the year, I don’t always hear when a friend and fellow CSA member is sick or has died. I would appreciate a column noting this information, with permission of the individual or his or her survivors.
7/27/2018 1:57 PM

While I have no objection to pay a fee to be a member of the CSA, I believe the increase could have been spread out a little more, it increased very rapidly and came as a surprise that the organization was having difficulty meeting its obligations. Perhaps it I had been attending Annual meetings I would have been aware of the problem. Overall I believe the CSA does an excellent job in providing a service to its members. I appreciate all the work and effort the volunteers make to manage the CSA, and to organize activities and functions.
7/27/2018 1:47 PM

Although I live in Calgary, I am hoping to spend more time at my second home in Canmore. For now, it is mostly weekends, and the hikes & other activities are weekdays! (For good reasons I understand).
7/27/2018 1:05 PM

Doing a great job!
7/27/2018 11:19 AM

The Life Long Learning presentations have been wonderful! Keep up the good work
7/27/2018 11:14 AM

I … have belonged since 1976 I’ve probably been a member longer than any other member.I’ve also been a volunteer longer
7/22/2018 11:46 PM

Wondering why there wasn’t any questions about life long learning. I think it’s an important part of what the CSA offers to it’s members.
7/22/2018 3:13 AM

Any interest in chess?
7/21/2018 9:30 PM

The CSA is an AMAZING organization. It is one of the major reasons that I live here in Canmore for roughly 7 months a year (ie summer and winter time)
7/21/2018 7:07 PM

CSA is doing a great job. Keep up the good work!
7/21/2018 5:02 PM

The cost of membership is too high. The quality of social functions food is poor. Last Christmas dinner was poor poor poor, especially for the price. Giving up my membership.
7/21/2018 9:05 AM

The executive is doing an excellent job!
7/20/2018 3:44 PM

Your survey did not include the monthly presentations held from the fall to spring, which I addend when here.
7/20/2018 2:37 PM

My use of the website will depend on easily accessible links and its’ functionality.
7/20/2018 1:53 PM

Canmore is extremely fortunate to have such an active and well organised CSA.
7/20/2018 11:39 AM

I would like to see the CSA provide services to Canmore seniors in need; for example, driving them to appointments or shopping, reading to them, helping them with government forms.
7/20/2018 10:31 AM

I’d like to thank the board for allowing “Life After Caregiving’ to meet in the board room once a month. It is convenient place for people to meet others and it isn’t connected to the hospital so they feel more comfortable coming to the Senior Center. Thank You very much
7/16/2018 9:40 PM

Meanderthals is a great project
7/16/2018 12:38 AM

It would be good if the centre were truly open for drop in and coffee and tea more hours. I realize that would be more work for the volunteers. More training is required for volunteers. Some are excellent, others less so. Eg. customer service skills and knowledge about the org. and office management. Appreciate that we now have a paid office assistant.
7/14/2018 3:14 PM

My main activity is the lifelong learning.
7/11/2018 9:51 PM

n/a
7/10/2018 7:56 PM

We are just getting ready to use this facility and it’s programs more frequently when my husband retires. Looking forward to it. Really like the talks and organized trips and outings.
7/10/2018 5:50 PM

I have to say that I have only been a member a few months, so have not engaged beyond Meanderthals.
7/10/2018 5:10 PM

I really like Life Long Learning sessions
7/10/2018 5:07 PM

I really enjoy the life-long learning events. If more were scheduled, I would attend. Also interested in slide presentations about other members’ trips.
7/10/2018 4:00 PM

More exciting social events would be nice, to provide an opportunity to meet people socially. Also more biking (road or mountain biking) opportunities/groups/lessons.
7/10/2018 11:26 AM

I think you do a great job as a board to keep the CSA functioning. Well done. I am not yet retired but one day can be more involved. Thank you for all your hours spent for a growing membership and demand on the building etc.
7/10/2018 8:28 AM

excellent organization
7/10/2018 2:28 AM

Thoroughly enjoy Life Long Learning Sessions
7/10/2018 12:08 AM

Many hike leaders not following protocol
7/9/2018 11:38 PM

Currently I have a hectic schedule and would participate in more activities if I had time. Maybe yoga, exercise, and croquet.
7/9/2018 8:57 PM

Generally like the job the CSA is doing. Think we could be a little more politically active with the town council though ans less deferential. Lots of talk about affordable housing but some seniors property taxes have gone up 20% this year (assessd value increase because of multi million dollar infills around them) and if they have been retired 30 years here that is a big hike. Also how is a 90 year old supposed to lift their garbage into a bear proof bin or clear their side walk of snow. Even the hike in CSA fees to cover repairs the town has not assumed responsibility for is an added burden for some seniors. There is no shortage of town funds for “enviro, bus service, solar projects, renovations for rec centre and offices, traffic lights, but seniors have to cover the maintenance of the inside of Creekside Centre. Here endeth the rant!,,,Good job.
7/9/2018 8:02 PM

I have decided not to renew my membership. Social events are always sold out quickly. I feel I am on the younger end of people who participate. I joined to make social contacts but have found other activities that have done that for me.
7/9/2018 7:52 PM

Brand new to Canmore so my viewpoints are limited by that!
7/9/2018 7:11 PM

Need to add Life long learning to this list. A huge thank you to all the volunteers running the Centre! It really adds to our quality of life.
7/9/2018 7:04 PM

Over the past year it appears the main purpose of the CSA is to raise money!?
7/9/2018 5:50 PM

Can’t think of anything just now.
7/9/2018 5:48 PM

I have maintained my membership for a number years with an intention to start getting involved, but as I’m not currently retired, I find there aren’t many activities that work for me and my husband isn’t a member.
7/9/2018 5:17 PM

I really enjoy the members of the Meanderthal group. They are all very friendly.
7/9/2018 5:17 PM

Life long learning is important Opportunities like the computer courses are useful
7/9/2018 5:01 PM

Increase the budget for the garden.
7/9/2018 4:29 PM

Everyone is friendly in hiking group but a person so mean to me? I only can do pray for her.
7/9/2018 3:17 PM

Yes, I haven’t been able to participate as much as I would like to, due to other demands on my time. My life is now changing and I expect to have more time to participate.
7/9/2018 3:16 PM

I attend yoga with another teacher..I would love to play bridge but an afternoon suits me better than an evening
7/9/2018 3:12 PM

I would like to applaud the previous and current CSA boards for organizing and volunteers who contribute to providing all here activities. I hope the online survey provides you some good input, and realize it is only a reflection of those who take the time to do a survey. Bias albeit better than none. I hope to be more involved with this organization , as a contributor, not just a participant in future. And I hope to be a member for the rest of my life. ….25 more years would be Grand!
7/9/2018 2:58 PM

You did not mention the Lifelong Learning program which is a valuable CSA asset attracting many people (including me) every 2 weeks from October to April.
7/9/2018 2:55 PM

I wish there were more hikes available. Frequently the hikes are filled. Would it be possible to have several groups for popular hikes?
7/9/2018 2:48 PM

Part of the reason that I don’t participate very often is because I am a single lady and I find it is mostly couples. I will try line dancing this fall and I love the musical shows that are held at the centre.
7/9/2018 2:44 PM

I think the CSA is fantastic! Thank you for all you do.
7/9/2018 2:26 PM

I’ve only been a member for 3 months and have participated in one hike with Meanderthals…. When my husband and I first moved to Canmore, 3 years ago, we did go to the Centre but did not find it very easy to find out much about activities and it wasn’t very welcoming. I’m glad, however, that I did take out a membership this year as I am finding out a lot about the services and good social opportunities. Thank you.
7/9/2018 2:08 PM

The happy hours give the impression they are Meanderthal events (they usually appear in the Meanderthal section of the Paper Trail). Maybe make it more clear that they are for everyone. The latest versions of the Paper Trail are very well presented and edited. Congrats!
7/9/2018 1:55 PM

I’ve just started with Meanderthals, and have found the outings very, very good. I’m glad you are updating the website. The current website is very busy, and not easy to navigate.
7/9/2018 1:36 PM

i HAVE PARTICULARLY ENJOYED THE “LIFE LONG LEARNING” LECTURES.
7/9/2018 1:12 PM

CSA is doing a wonderful job! It is an incredible organization that enhances my husband and my enjoyment of our later years and of the Bow Valley.
7/9/2018 12:56 PM

CSA is important to the quality of life for seniors in Canmore. I want to be a member even if some years I can’t participate much.
7/9/2018 12:32 PM

I’m such a new resident and member that it would have been misleading to answer some of the questions
7/9/2018 12:10 PM

Everyone is doing a great job. thanks to all the volunteers who run the CSA.
7/9/2018 11:59 AM

I’d like to find out if there are any other stamp collectors in the CSA to be able to meet and discuss once in a while.
7/9/2018 11:58 AM

The CSA is a wonderful organization. I attended more of the social events when i had a partner who was very good at organizing and participating in these events.
7/9/2018 11:57 AM

One issue with the Meanderthals is the lack of leaders / hikes so that many are unable to participate. It would be helpful to have a way to group the wait lists or somehow provide more spaces for more people.
7/9/2018 11:53 AM

More dancing, movies, afternoon exercise activities, afternoon reading opportunities to young children
7/9/2018 11:53 AM

The CSA should be more assessable to members and future members to come in, sit down and get to know what we are all about or just to relax. I find that most of the time the place is not welcoming to people dropping in.
7/9/2018 11:51 AM

CSA is doing great work!
7/9/2018 11:46 AM

Would like to participate more but have been unable to for various readons. One topic you do not address are lectures on various topics such as local history, current events, member adventures,…
7/9/2018 11:19 AM

I have just come to Canmore permanently and will increase all activities
7/9/2018 11:18 AM

tha 0ne time I arrended I was ignored by yhe other women I sat with so I just left … Very incomfortable
7/9/2018 11:15 AM