(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Jordan Davidson (Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow)

inclusive programming returns

‘Hub 2.0’ hopes to rekindle old spark of Ross St. location

Aug 21, 2021 | 10:07 AM

Officials with the Red Deer Arts Council are getting ready to start their Hub 2.0 programming next month.

Dubbed “Hub 2.0: Wednesdays at the Y” after the original ‘Hub on Ross,’ programs now take place at the YMCA inside the Northside Community Centre.

The Arts Council received a $10,000 grant from the Red Deer and District Community Foundation earlier this year which allowed them to start lining up programs similar to those found at the Hub on Ross. It was closed last October.

The Hub on Ross offered no-cost or low-cost options for music, drama and art programming for all community members, inclusive to those with developmental disabilities.

Red Deer Arts Council Coordinator Suzanne Hermary says the Hub on Ross closing has been a real detriment to those groups because of the loss of a place to find a sense of community.

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“It was a space for them to find meaningful activity, to socialize with their friends and neighbours, and to learn new skills and to have a good time in a respectful, safe, and accountable space,” she says.

They plan on bringing a similar spirit to their new location.

Programing at the Hub 2.0 will start Sept. 8, and they have something planned every Wednesday until midway through December.

The popular Strum and Drum program will be featured at 1 p.m. on their first day of programming, featuring local musician Dean Ray playing a wide variety of music. Anyone from the crowd can participate simply by picking up an instrument and joining in.

“Dean knows nearly any song somebody might request and percussion instruments will be available for the participates to join in on the song,” Hermary explains.

Hermary says programs will still be drop-in style and are free of charge. Attendees can also take advantage of the community spaces at the YMCA in between programs.

“There are available free spaces to use within the facility of the YMCA to have lunch, bring a sandwich and sit and talk with your friends, there are beautiful outdoor grounds that people can go visit in the nicer weather, they can even visit the skate park down the way,” she says. “So people can come once, but stay the whole day.“

More information can be found at reddeeratscouncil.ca and northernalberta.ymca.ca.