This is the time of year when a lot of information regarding the restarting of familiar programs or the initiation of new ones comes our way. Facilities such as Capilano College and Brennan Park Recreation Centre often have courses or programs designed specifically for seniors or give a reduced seniors rate for some of their regular programs.
The bodies and minds of seniors are at that critical stage of "If you don't use it, you lose it!" so look those brochures and course and activity calendars over carefully. There should be something available for just about everybody.
Sometimes things just strike you as a good idea. The following two items seem that way to me:
The first is the present special offering of a Seniors' Keep Well with Brennan Park Program. Due to sponsoring by Vancouver Coastal Health, through the SMART Fund program, Brennan Park Recreation Centre is able to offer this program for only $5 per person for a 12-week session. Classes will be aimed at increasing and maintaining wellness and will follow the "Fall Prevention" model that focuses on increasing strength and balance. Included also will be snacks and opportunities for socializing as well as four guest speaker sessions covering a variety of health issues affecting people as they advance in years.
In order to accommodate as many people as possible there will be two locations for the classes: Tuesdays at the Squamish Public Library, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., starting on Sept. 27 or Thursdays at Brennan Park, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., starting on Sept. 29, both for 12 weeks. Of special note is the free introductory session to be held at Brennan Park at 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. this Thursday (Sept. 22). For more details, check Brennan Park's 2005 Fall Program Guide. If you haven't got one yet there are a lot at the Centre. Don't let lack of transportation keep you away; anyone without transportation is asked to call Carol Wynne at 604-898-3604.
The second item is in connection with The Fall 2005 ArtWalk studio and gallery tour, which takes place this weekend (Sept. 17 & 18). Seniors and others without transportation or those not wanting the bother of driving and finding parking might want to consider contacting Gail Christopher at Howe Sound Taxi at 604-815-3189 to arrange a tour of the artists' venues. Gail was a participating artist in last year's tour and this year is offering the services of her newly formed company at a special rate as a way of participating this year.
Branch 70 of the Canadian Seniors Organization wishes to announce that their new season starts up again on Tuesday (Sep. 20) with its usual potluck luncheon at the Senior Cedman Lounge at 38209 Third Ave. Regular and prospective members are invited to arrive about 11:30 a.m. Lunch is at noon and a general meeting follows at 1 p.m. You are asked to bring your favorite casserole to share with the others but tea, coffee and dessert are provided. A guest speaker from the local RCMP Community Policing department will give a talk on elder abuse at this gathering.
Branch 70 potluck luncheons take place on the third Tuesday of each month except for July, August and December and all senior persons are most welcome to join. Contact June at 604-932-3299.
Branch 70's Bus Trip announcements (contact Elaine at 604-898-5463) are:
Wednesday (Oct. 5) - Burnaby Gateway Casino. Wednesday (Nov. 9) - Christmas Shopping at Coquitlam Centre.
Saturday (Nov. 26) - Burnaby Village and Museum.
Thursday (Dec. 22) - VSO's Traditional Christmas in North Vancouver.
Ways to keep active this week:
Women on Wheels (WOW): will meet at 9 a.m. on Monday (Sept. 19) at Canadian Tire to organize carpools for a drive north for a bike ride in Pemberton. Bring a lunch and something to drink. Contact Shirley at 604-898-5715.
Legion Bingo: doors open at 5 p.m., bingo at 6:30 on Monday (Sept. 19). Contact Edith at 604-898-3048.
Tantalus Walking Club: will meet at 10 a.m. on Thursday (Sept. 22) at the top of Thunderbird Ridge for a walk with hills and great views. Contact Joyce at 604-898-5594.
The Tantalus Seniors' Centre has set its Fall Open House for Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 1 p.m. This is a great opportunity to visit the facility and see just what goes on there and to also bring your ideas and requests. If you already have a suggestion for a possible activity, call Ray Miles at 604-898-4316 to have it presented at the Open House along with a sign up sheet for other interested persons. Activities already taking place are:
Arts and Crafts: Mondays at 1 p.m.
Duplicate Bridge: Mondays at 7 p.m.
Crib: Tuesdays at 1 p.m.
Bridge: Fridays at 1 p.m.
Whist: Fridays at 7 p.m.
Cards: every day at 1 p.m. for the Sikh men of our community.
