OUR TIMES Newsletter of the South Granville Seniors Centre

0ctober 2019

40th Anniversary Celebration Open House

You are cordially invited to our Open House!

Friday October 18, 2019 1:00—3:00 PM

FREE EVENT!

South Granville Seniors Friendship Centre 1420 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6H 1M8 T. 604.732.0812 | www.southgranvilleseniors.ca

Open 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday

Annual Membership Fee: $20

Our Mission We work together with adults 55+ to support their well-being in ways

that promote friendship, diversity, and individual worth.

Board of Directors President: Les Blond

Vice President: Jag Sangha Treasurer: Susan Luo

Secretary: Mairy Beam

Directors:

Patrick Couling Christine Heung Vessa Samson Stella Tsang

Penny Williams

What We Do South Granville Seniors Centre is a non-profit, drop-in community centre for seniors located in the heart of South Granville/Fairview. Founded in 1979, the centre has been a strong and active pillar in the Granville/Fairview community ever since. South Granville Seniors Centre provides drop-in programs and services for more than 450 members and over 1,500 seniors in the community. Our centre offers a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and friendly environment for seniors to meet, connect with others, and stay active. Our programs help seniors participate in their community, broaden their social support network, and experience an increased sense of belonging. Our mission is to work together with seniors to support their well-being in ways that promote friendship, diversity, and individual worth. The success of our programming is, in large part, the result of valuable community partnerships we have established with organizations. As a non-municipal, independent centre run by a non-profit organization, we are dependent on the support and generosity of community partners, volunteers and members.

Staff

Executive Director: Clemencia Gómez cgomez@southgranvilleseniors.ca

Program & Volunteer Coordinator: Merredith Hung

programs@southgranvilleseniors.ca

Office Administrator & Program Assistant: Emily Irvine

officeadmin@southgranvilleseniors.ca

Spanish Coordinator: Danna García Spanishcoordinator@southgranvillesenios.ca

A Very Big Thank You

October 2019 | page 3

Invitation to our Open House

To our community partners and donors for their support. SGSC is funded through generous grants and private donations.

“We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia”

Dear friends, The South Granville Seniors Centre is very excited to extend an invitation to our 40th Anniversary Celebration – Open House.

Date: Friday, October 18th

Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm.

Venue: South Granville Seniors Centre

1420 West 12th Avenue. Vancouver, BC

All members, community partners, small and large businesses in our area, and government representatives are invited to come and learn more about us, share a toast, and enjoy an all-around great day at our Centre. Since 1979, the South Granville Seniors Centre (SGSC) has served thousands of seniors in the Fairview district including South Granville neighbourhood, and surrounding communities. Thank you for your ongoing support and we hope to see you there!

Clemencia Gómez Executive Director

SGSC History

Among the many programs, services, and events that take place at our Centre, this year we are celebrating our 40th Anniversary!

In 1977 an armful of craft materials was brought into the office of the Ecumenical Action group at Chalmers’s United Church by a senior church member, Mrs. Wyn Whuly. This led to the creation of “The Mustard Seed’s Seniors Craft Group”. In November of that year they held their first meeting in Hemlock Hall. A year later this group of women had grown to sixty members strong, and ...this group still meets today!

From this “seed” grew the awareness that there was a real need for more services for seniors in the neighbouring areas around the church.

Thus, in 1979 a group of seniors living in the South Granville community, undertook the project to create and develop a seniors program and drop-in centre on the ground level of Chalmers United Church at 1420 West 12th.

When Chalmers Presbyterian Church opened in 1912 one of the first swimming pools in Vancouver was located on the lower floor. The pool closed in the 1940’s, however, and in 1980 the former change rooms were renovated with the help of funds from individuals, from the federal government (New Horizon Seniors Grant) and from Chalmers United Church. This area became the first home of our Seniors Centre which expanded again in 1983 with an additional grant, and became incorporated as the South Granville Friendship Society under the BC Society Act, and registered as a charity under the Federal Income Tax Act.

In 1992 the church was sold to Holy Trinity Anglican Church and faced some major renovations. The church invited the seniors group to come back after the 3 million dollar upgrade completion, but it also meant that the Centre had to move out of its premises for two years while construction went on, which proved to be a challenging time for all involved. The Centre moved into a cramped space at Broadway and Hemlock at the cost of $3,000 a month. In addition, it needed to raise $150,000 for its portion of the renovation in just a few months.

History of SGSC

October 2019 | page 5

It is amazing how the members of the Centre rallied around to pull through, with the help of the community. “We just want to go home,” read a banner held up during a fundraising march.

In 1994 the seniors got their wish and moved back into the new facilities after having raised $185,000. Somebody called it “The little Centre that could and did.” It was, however, bittersweet. The promised space had to be shared with the Pacific Theatre which was not part of the original plan. Holy Trinity Church had run out of money while completing the renovations, so the Centre ended up with less space than anticipated, and one day after the Centre had moved back into its home, thieves took the opportunity of breaking into the newly renovated space and stealing- ALL THE FURNITURE.

At the end of 2015, another challenge has now arisen: the SGSC learned that its current site is scheduled for redevelopment and the centre will need to be relocated. Timelines and a new site have not yet been determined, but we are optimistic that we will be able to have a new space in the near future. Cornerstone Planning Group was contracted in 2016 to develop a high-level functional program to describe these needs and was submitted to the City of Vancouver. Over eight different focus groups were organized and members were asked to contribute their thoughts and ideas about a new location. The results of this study will be used as a basis for space requirements for the centre during the design phase.

To this day, the Centre has been true to its mission to provide programs and services to promote healthy and independent lifestyles for seniors in the South Granville and Fairview districts and surrounding communities.

The Centre was formed as a friendship center for seniors, where they could get together to meet and socialize with others. It has kept its trademark: An Open Door Policy. Everyone coming through its doors is welcomed, cherished, and met with a smile.

Continuation of History of SGSC

SGSC History

SGSC thru the years… in pictures

Colleen Goodrich First SGSC Executive Director

1987-2000

Cy Stamod Board President 1996-2000

Multicultural Day 2008

The beginning...

October 2019 | page 7

SGSC thru the years… in pictures

Chinese New Year Celebration 2018

L-R: Bob Goodrich, Louise Arnott,

(Founder of SGSC) Clemencia Gómez (current Executive Director), 2019

Summer BBQ 2015

Friday Events

FRIDAY AFTERNOONS

Fri Oct 4

Fri Oct 11

Fri Oct 18

Fri Oct 25

Fri Nov 1

Mid-Autumn Dance and Moon Cake Demonstration 1:00-2:00 | $2 Mid-autumn festival started this year on September 13. Join us on this journey of the history and making of traditional moon cakes, and witness traditional Chinese classic dance .

Thanksgiving Lunch 12:00-2:00 | Cost: $12 members, $13 non-members Registration Required Join us for a traditional Thanksgiving lunch with all your favourite trimmings: ham, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies, and pumpkin pie more. It’ll be a delightful and memorable “friends-giving” afternoon filled with love, joy and laughter !

Open House: 40th Anniversary Celebration 1:00-3:00PM | Free (Donations at the door appreciated) We are opening our house for you! Come and join us on this special day to learn more about our programs and services. Special guests include: Jody Wilson Raybould, and Councillor Lisa Dominato, and more.

PharmaCare Presentation: All you need to know! 1:00-3:00PM | Free | Registration Required A pharmacist from London Drugs will come to the Seniors Centre and provide general information on how PharmaCare works. Presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party - Hallowe’en Celebration 1:30AM-3:00PM | Free (donations appreciated) Registration Required Based on the books of “Alice in Wonderland”, we are pleased to invite you to a Mad Hatter’s tea party to celebrate Hallowe’en! Cookies, cupcakes, and –of course– tea will be provided. Wear your craziest hat or mask for a chance to win prizes. Don’t have a crazy hat/mask? Join the Spontaneous Art class ($3) on Friday October 25 to create one!

October 2019 | page 9

Shop for a variety of gently used books, CDs, and DVDs at great prices. Make sure to swing by for some books and other goodies. Tuesdays: October 1, 15, 29 | 11:00AM—1:00PM Thursdays: October 10, 24 | 11:00AM—1:00PM

Peggy’s Bookstore is Back!

* ANNOUNCEMENTS *

Flu Shot Clinic It’s that time of the (flu) season once again… and to help you with it, we are setting up an on-site flu clinic in collaboration with London Drugs. Wednesday, October 30 10:00AM—12:00PM FREE | By appointment only. Please call the SGSC at 604-732-0812 to book an appointment. What you need to bring to your appointment: Your MSP card, prescription drug card, and wear a shirt with access to upper arm. GRATIS | Llamar al 604-732-0812 para sacar cita Miércoles, 30 de Octubre 2019 10:00AM—12:00PM Traer para su cita: Su tarjeta de MSP (BC Care Card), prescription drug card ,y usar una camisa/blusa que se pueda arremangar.

Nidus Presentation: THE MYTHS & REALITIES OF PLANNING What are the essential legal documents in BC for those who want to plan for incapacity, for end-of-life, and for after death? This presentation gives an overview of Representation Agreements, Enduring Powers of Attorney, and Wills. Learn how “Personal Planning” is different from “Estate Planning”. Find out how to make your documents and where to register them. Monday, October 28 1:00PM – 2:00PM FREE | Registration NOT required

OCTOBER CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE

Calendar

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

1

• Hot Lunch • Gentle Yoga • Info and Referrals • Peggy’s Bookstore

2

All Day Spanish Seniors Program Info and Referrals (in Spanish) • Tai Chi • OsteoFit • Mustard Seeds Knitting Group

7

• Stretch & Strength • Amaryllis Singing • French Conversation • Mah Jong • Rep. Agreements • Massage Therapy

8

• Hot Lunch • Hand and Foot Care • Gentle Yoga • Info and Referrals

9 All Day Spanish Seniors Program Info and Referrals (in Spanish) • Tai Chi • OsteoFit • Mustard Seeds Knitting Group

14 CENTRE CLOSED

THANKSGIVING DAY

15

• Hot Lunch • Gentle Yoga • Info and Referrals • Peggy’s Bookstore

16 All Day Spanish Seniors Program Info and Referrals (in Spanish) • Tai Chi • OsteoFit • Mustard Seeds Knitting Group

21

• Stretch & Strength • Amaryllis Singing • French Conversation • Mah Jong • Rep. Agreements • Massage Therapy

22

• Hot Lunch • Gentle Yoga • Info and Referrals

23

All Day Spanish Seniors Program Info and Referrals (in Spanish) • Tai Chi • OsteoFit • Mustard Seeds Knitting Group

28

• Stretch & Strength • Amaryllis Singing • Nidus Presentation • French Conversation • Mah Jong • Rep. Agreements • Massage Therapy

29

• Hot Lunch • Gentle Yoga • Info and Referrals • Peggy’s Bookstore

30

All Day Spanish Seniors Program Info and Referrals (in Spanish) • **Flu Shot Clinic ** • Tai Chi • OsteoFit • Mustard Seeds Knitting Group

October 2019 | page 11

For more detailed

information please

see:

Lunch Menus: P. 12

Exercise

Programs: P. 14

Social &

Educational

Programs: P. 15-16

Self-Care

Programs: P. 16

Information &

Referral Services

P. 17

Spanish Seniors

Program: P. 18

Mark your

Calendars!

40th

Anniversary

Celebration:

October 18th

Open House!

THURSDAY FRIDAY

3

• Hot Lunch • Intermediate Spanish • Bridge • Book Club • Computer & Tech Les-sons

• Legal Clinic

4 • Walking Club • Spontaneous Art Friday Variety: 1:00-2:00PM Mid-Autumn Dance & Moon Cake Demonstra-tion

10 • Hot Lunch • Hair Care • Intermediate Spanish • Peggy’s Bookstore • Bridge • Computer & Tech Les-sons

• Legal Clinic

11 • Walking Club • Spontaneous Art Special Event: 12:00-2:00 PM Thanksgiving Lunch

17 • Hot Lunch • Hair Care • Intermediate Spanish • Bridge • Computer & Tech Les-sons

• Legal Clinic

18 • Walking Club • Spontaneous Art Special Event: 1:00-3:00 PM 40th Anniversary Open House Celebration

24 • Hot Lunch • Hair Care • Intermediate Spanish • Peggy’s Bookstore • Bridge • Computer & Tech Les-sons

• Legal Clinic

25 • Walking Club • Spontaneous Art Friday Variety: 1:00-3:00PM PharmaCare Presentation

31 • Hot Lunch • Intermediate Spanish • Bridge • Book Club • Computer & Tech Les-sons

• Legal Clinic

NOV 1

• Walking Club • Spontaneous Art Friday Variety: 1:00—3:30PM Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Movie: Alice in Wonder-land (2010)

October Hot Lunches @ Noon

Lunch Menu

To help us plan for our meals, please sign up for lunch at least one day in advance. You can sign up by calling 604-732-0812 or at Reception.

Leftovers can be purchased for $3.50 for a main course, $2 for soup or sandwich, $2 for salad, and $2 for dessert. Full lunch is $4.

TUESDAY Cost: $7 members

$7.50 non-members

THURSDAY Cost: $7 members

$7.50 non-members

Oct 1 Spaghetti + meat sauce (M)

Garlic bread Salad

Brownies

Oct 3 Vegetable curry rice (V, not spicy)

Chick peas and potato Arugula and tomato salad

Yogurt parfait

Oct 8 Cheese perogies + sour cream (V)

Roasted veggies Salad

Ice cream with fruits

Oct 10 Vegetable curry rice (V, not spicy)

Chick peas and potato Arugula and tomato salad

Yogurt parfait

Oct 15 Chicken quesadillas (M)

Vegetable soup Vanilla cake

Oct 17 Vegetable curry rice (V, not spicy)

Chick peas and potato Arugula and tomato salad

Yogurt parfait

Oct 22 Shakshuka (V) Garlic toast Tossed salad

Lemon squares

Oct 24 Vegetable curry rice (V, not spicy)

Chick peas and potato Arugula and tomato salad

Yogurt parfait

Oct 29 Salmon croquettes (Fish)

Roasted potatoes Salad

Cookies

Oct 31 Vegetable curry rice (V, not spicy)

Chick peas and potato Arugula and tomato salad

Yogurt parfait

*Please note that Friday soup & sandwich lunches have been cancelled due to low attendance.

October 2019 | page 13 Special Event

THANKSGIVING LUNCH

Celebrate a “friends”-giving with us!

Menu: HAM WITH MUSTARD OR GRAVY

CRANBERRY SAUCE MASHED POTATOES

MIXED VEGGIES PUMPKIN PIE

Cost: $12 members | $13 non-members

Date: Friday October 11, 2019 Time: 12:00PM—2:00PM

Register by calling 604-732-0812 Deadline: Tuesday October 8, 2019

Programs

FALL PROGRAMS

EXERCISE

♦ Stretch and Strength This class focuses on gentle stretches that can help you with relaxation, relieving tension, and maintaining your range of motion. It also features gentle strength exercises that target the upper and lower body to increase strength and overall fitness.

Mondays (no class oct 14) 10:30-11:30AM Members: $91/13 weeks or $8/class Non-members: $10/class ♦ Gentle Yoga A yoga practice adapted for beginners and those interested in a more gentle approach. You will learn how to use yoga practice to help you deal with stress, become more relaxed, gain awareness, and keep your body moving with ease.

Tuesdays 10:45AM-12:00PM Members: $8/class Non-members: $12/class ♦ Tai Chi Learn this ancient Chinese martial art form that uses deliberate standing movements, meditation and deep breathing to enhance physical and mental well-being. Described as “meditation in motion”, this practice improves flexibility, joint strength, and balance.

(Cont’d) Practicing Tai Chi also increases mental focus and awareness, helping you achieve a sense of inner peace.

Wednesdays 9:30-10:30AM Members: $8/class Non-members: $10/class ♦ Osteo-Fit This class is a BC Women’s Hospital certified fall prevention program for individuals with osteoporosis, low bone density, and those who are at risk of fractures. It provides safe and gentle exercises to improve strength, coordination, and balance, enhance confidence, and reduce the risk of falls.

Wednesday 11:00AM-12:00PM Members: $8/class Non-members: $10/class ♦ Walking Club Let’s walk together to get fit! Walking is a great cardiovascu-lar exercise that works your en-tire body. Our walking club of-fers various 2-hour walks in our neighbourhood for individuals of all skill levels. Fridays (ongoing) 10:00AM-12:00PM Members/Non-members: Free

October 2019 | page 15

♦ Amaryllis Singing Group This informal choir meets each Monday to sing jazz, musical, and classical favorites. No formal training is required, and all are welcome to join!

Mondays (no class Oct 14) 11:00AM-12:00PM $2 drop-in ♦ Mah Jong Drop in to play Mah Jong! Players from advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels are welcome! Mondays (ongoing) 12:30-3:30PM $2 drop-in ♦ NEW! French Conversation Club

Join our new French Conversation classes to brush up on your conversational French or learn a new skill! Mondays (no class Oct 14) 1:30-2:30PM $3 drop-in ♦ Mustard Seeds Knitting Group Join this friendly group to knit, share conversation and drink tea. Use the group’s yarn to knit items for Centre fundraising, or bring your own yarn to knit for yourself!

Wednesdays (ongoing) 1:00-3:00pm Members/non-members: Free

SOCIAL & EDUCATIONAL

♦ Book Club Join us for a discussion of this month’s book selection. New members are welcome!

Thursday Oct 3, 31 1:00-2:00pm $2 drop-in ♦ Bridge Interested in playing a weekly card game with other friends? All are welcome at our weekly friendly bridge meet-up! Thursdays (ongoing) 1:30-3:00pm ♦ Spontaneous Art Studio Share in the relaxing and healing experience of doing spontaneous art in this open studio art class. A wide variety of materials are supplied.

Fridays (ongoing) 10:00am-12:00pm Members: $7/class Non-members: $10/class Note: Want to create a Hallowe’en hat or mask to wear during the Mad Hatter’s tea party on Nov 1st? Join the Spontaneous Art class for a nominal fee of $3 .

Programs

SOCIAL & EDUCATIONAL

♦ Intermediate Spanish This class expands on the fundamentals of the Spanish language, and presents more complex structures in a variety of tenses and moods. You will have an opportunity to further develop your Spanish language skills and cultural knowledge through listening, reading, writing, and interactive discussions.

Thursdays 11:00-11:50am Members: $8/class Non-members: $10/class

SELF-CARE

♦ Gentle Hand & Foot Care Let our registered nurse Daisy Mae pamper your hands or feet! As a nurse, she knows the proper techniques to ensure that your hands or feet will be well taken care of. She will nurse them back to health. By appointment only. Second Tuesday of the month 9:30am-1:30pm (1/2hr appts.) October date: Tue, Oct 8 Members: $30 Non-members: $35 Registration required ♦ Hair Care Have your hair cut and styled by our friendly hairdressers Annette and Savita.

♦ Computer & Tech Lessons Receive one-on-one computer and technology instruction from our friendly instructors, who will help you learn at your own pace! Go from learning how to turn on the computer to keeping in touch with loved ones through email, Facebook, and more. Thursdays 2:30-4:00pm Members: $10/class Non-members: $12/class Registration required

(Cont’d) Please wash your hair before your appointment. By appointment only. Thursdays: Oct 10, 17, 24 10:00-12:00 (1/2hr appts.) Members: $15 Non-Members: $17 Registration required ♦ Massage Therapy (ages 45+) Get a relaxing and therapeutic massage from students of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy. By appointment only. Mondays (No appoints Oct 14) 1:15-5:00pm (45 min appts.) Members: $30 Non-members: $35 Registration required

October 2019 | page 17

INFORMATION & REFERRAL SERVICES

♦ Representation Agreements – Planning for the Future and End-of-Life Care Are you prepared for end-of-life? For incapacity? For your future? If you are making plans for yourself, learn the steps needed to plan your future with a one-on-one appointment with a volunteer trained by Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre http://www.nidus.ca). By appointment only. Mondays (No appoints Oct 14) 1:00-3:30pm (1/2 hr appts.) Free | Registration required

Please note: Follow up questions require an appointment. ♦ Legal Clinics with Access Pro Bono Access Pro Bono strives to increase access to justice for individuals of limited means throughout BC. This service provides up to a half-hour of free legal advice from licensed volunteer lawyers (additional appointments may be made). This service is for low-income individuals of any age. Please call to find out if you meet the requirements. By appointment only. Thursdays, Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 2:00-4:00pm (1/2 hr appts.) Free | Registration required

♦ Friendly Weekly Call List Would you like someone to check in with you? Receive a friendly phone call once a week from a trained volunteer of the Centre. Our volunteer will check in with you and be available for a short chat. Why? For peace of mind, and because we care. Please call 604-732-0812 to be added to our weekly call list. ♦ Peer Information and Referrals Our trained Information and Referral volunteers are available to provide you with information about government programs and subsidies (Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement), Disability Pension, Medical Services Plan, BC Bus Pass, housing subsidies for low income seniors, and more. Volunteers can also help with completing government forms. In English: Tuesdays (1hr apts.) 10:00am-12:00 pm Free | Registration required

Please call 604-732-0812 to register. In Spanish: Wednesday (ongoing; 1hr appts.) 9:30am-12:00pm Free | Registration required

INFORMACIÓN Y AYUDA EN ESPAÑOL

Todos los miércoles en la mañana desde las 9:30am hasta las 12pm. Un vo– luntario de South Granville Seniors Centre lo atenderá en español para que pueda conocer y acceder a los servicios de vivienda, salud, pensiones y otros.

PROGRAMA PARA PERSONAS MAYORES DE HABLA HISPANA | SPANISH SENIORS PROGRAM

…. Encuéntrate con personas de habla hispana de 55+ años.

Ofrecemos sesiones en español que incluyen oportunidades de socialización, empoderamiento,

recreación y aprendizaje. Disfruta de un almuerzo de 3 platos y de nuestras clases

regulares (inglés, tecnología y computación, yoga), así como actividades en la tarde que varían cada mes (talleres,

presentaciones de música y baile, juegos). Hispano hablantes

y no hispano hablantes son bienvenidos a participar!

HORARIO/SCHEDULE

Cada Miércoles | 10am-4pm

10-12 hr Informacíon y ayuda en Español

11-12 hr Tutoría en tecnología (uso de cellular y

ipad)

11-11:45 hr Clases de inglés—intermedio-avanzado

12:15-13 hr Yoga suave/Zumba gold

13-14 hr Almuerzo

14:15-16 hr Tai chi (40 min) o taller de transfor-

mación de material reciclado (2 hrs)

VALOR/COST Almuerzo: $7 miembros/

$8 no miembros Membresia: $20/año/year Para mayor información comunicarse con Danna

(604-732–0812)

Meet with Spanish-speakers aged 55+. The Spanish Seniors

Program offers opportunities for socialization, empowerment, recreation, and learning. Take

part in a 3-course lunch, computer classes, ESL classes, gentle exercise, and afternoon

activities (musical performances, lectures, and games). Everyone is welcome to participate - Spanish and non-Spanish speakers alike!

OFRECEMOS OPORTUNIDADES

PARA TRABAJAR COMO VOLUNTARIOS!

….

October 2019 | page 19

Editorial Information

Our Times is published monthly and is available at the South Granville Seniors Centre and throughout the Fairview district.

A copy of Our Times can be mailed to your address for $12 per year. Please pay at reception or send cheques (payable to South Granville Seniors Centre).

If you would like to subscribe and receive an email version of our newsletter or would like to advertise with us, please contact Emily at officeadmin@southgranvilleseniors.ca or call 604-732-0812.

Connect with Us Online!

Visit our website at www.southgranvilleseniors.ca. You can also visit our Facebook (SouthGranvilleSeniorsCentre),

Twitter (@sgseniors) and Instagram (@southgranvilleseniors) for pictures, updates, and more!

Not a member of the SGSC? Join us or renew today!

Only $20 gives you access to all services at the centre, as well as discounts on most programs, special events, and trips!