OUR TIMES July - South Granville Seniors Centre
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July OUR TIMES Newsletter of the South Granville Seniors Centre
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.
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 Board of Directors
Executive Director: Clemencia Gomez President: Les Blond
cgomez@southgranvilleseniors.ca Vice President: Mairy Beam
Program & Volunteer Treasurer: Susan Luo
Coordinator: Benita Yi Business Secretary: Linda Darbey
programs@southgranvilleseniors.ca Directors:
Office Administrator and Sharon Esson,
Program Assistant: Emily Irvine Beryl Petty, Jag Sangha,
officeadmin@southgranvilleseniors.ca Barbara Kirby, Vessa Samson,
Spanish Coordinator: Danna Garcia Stella Tsang, Patrick Couling
spanishcoordinator and Penny Williams
@southgranvilleseniors.ca
July 2019 | page 3
LETTER FROM SGSC STAFF
Please join us in our celebration!
The South Granville Seniors Centre is proud to look back on 40 years of
building friendships in our community (please see page 22 to learn more
about our history). It is remarkable how much effort it takes to make a
not-for-profit society work; the teamwork involved, the energy, the
commitment and dedication required. Achieving forty years of continuous
growth and excellence for any organization is a great accomplishment and
worth celebrating.
To mark this milestone in our history we want to invite you, our founders,
partners, and long-time members to be recognized for their contributions at
a celebratory lunch on June 27, 2019 at 12pm at the South Granville Senior’s
Centre.
Following lunch we will have our Annual General Meeting at 1pm -3pm, to
discuss the successes and challenges the centre faced in 2018, hear updates
from each committee and discuss our strategic plans for the future.
On July 26, 2019, we are hosting a block party to kick off the summer and
celebrate our 40th anniversary! Featuring a BBQ, live music and
entertainment, it promises to be a fun filled day for our community. The
event will take place at Chalmers Lodge, on 12th Avenue, from 10am until
3pm. At this point we are expecting approx. 300 people; please join us with
your families and friends for this joyous occasion.
We will close the festivities with an OPEN HOUSE at our Centre on October
18, 2019. All members, community partners, small and large businesses in
our area and government representatives are invited to come and join us,
learn more about us and toast with us.
I hope to see all of you at our celebratory events.
All the best,
Clemencia
A Very Big Thank You
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”
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!
Program Highlights July 2019 | page 5
PROGRAMS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS!
Events
UPCOMING EVENTS
Peggy’s Bookstore
Shop for a variety of gently used books, CDs, and DVDs at great prices at
Peggy’s Bookstore. Peggy will also be selling homemade baked goods on
occasional days the store is open! Make sure to swing by.
Peggy’s Bookstore will resume in September!
Curbside Fresh Notice
This summer, the Greater Vancouver Food Bank is unable to run Curbside
Fresh Market because they are moving offices.
Summer Trips Notice
Have you seen our Summer Trips brochure? Be sure to pick one up from
the Centre and ask the staff about the trips. We are very excited for the
fun to be had this summer! Register today!
Thurs Annual Summer Picnic
9:00AM-4:00PM | Member: $23 | Non Members: $25|
Aug Registration Required
15 Meeting at the Centre, we will a charter bus to Second Beach
for our annual summer picnic! We are hoping many of our
members can come to play games, eat food, and connect with
each other. Join in on our summer traditions!
Friday Afternoons July 2019 | page 7
FRIDAY AFTERNOONS
Fri Coffee and Tea with Clemencia
1:00-3:00 | Free | Registration Required
July Join us again for another Friday afternoon to chat with our
Executive Director about programming, events, and more! We
5 would love for our members to let us know what we can
improve on and how we can create a space that is truly
community-based and focused.
Fri Hearing Check Clinics: Connect Hearing
1:00-3:00 | Free | Registration Required
July As they do every two months, Connect Hearing will visit the
Centre to perform hearing checks! They would love to answer
12 any questions you may have about your hearing!
Best Buy Health Canada: Technology
Fri Showcase
July 1:30-2:30PM | Free | Registration Required
This showcase includes topics of new technology and
12 provides support in familiarizing ourselves with new
technology! The Geek Squad Agents of Best Buy will be on
hand to answer any questions about personal devices.
Best Buy Health Canada: Ideation Work-
Fri shop: Aging in Place with Technology
July 1:30-3:00PM | Free | Registration Required
Best Buy Health Canada is back to facilitate a co-creation work-
19 shop to better understand seniors’ needs and how technology
can enrich their lives. The co-creation workshop involves seniors
in the design process of technology.
Fri South Granville Summer Block Party
10:00AM-3:00PM | Free | No Registration Required
July Don’t miss out on this community-wide party! We will have
the barbeque going, live music, and games! Our local
26 organizations will be hosting booths on this day so make sure
you come out and say hello! We are very excited to socialize
in the sun and make our community stronger!
Lunch Menu
July Hot Lunches @ Noon
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.
TUESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
Cost: $7 members Cost: $7 members Cost: $6 members
$7.50 non-members $7.50 non-members $6.50 non-members
July 2nd Veg July 4th Meat July 5th Meat
Perogies served with Chicken curry with rice, Chicken quesadillas
roasted veggies, a a green salad and with mixed vegetable
tossed salad, and vanilla cupcakes soup
chocolate brownies
July 9th Veg July 11th Veg July 12th Veg
Veggie burgers with Vegetarian burritos, Broccoli cheddar soup
oven roasted potatoes chips, and a salad with a veggie sandwich
and a zesty coleslaw, served with a berry
and apple crumble crumble
July 16th Veg July 18th Meat July 19th Meat
Vegetarian chili with a Dez’s Surprise Lunch Potluck
tossed salad and peanut
butter cookies Bring a dish or
donation!
Please register today at
reception!
July 23rd Meat July 25th Veg July 26th Meat
Spaghetti with meat Shakshuka (Middle *Summer Block Party:
sauce, toasted baguette, Eastern dish) with garlic BBQ*
and salad toast, a tossed salad,
and yoghurt parfaits
July 30th Meat
*Multicultural Lunch*
Leftovers can be purchased for $3.50 for a main course, $2 for soup or
sandwich, and $2 for dessert. Full lunch is $4.
July 2019 | page 9
Spring Bazaar Highlights
Spring Bazaar Highlights
On Saturday, June 1st, we held our Spring Bazaar. It was a fabulous day
and it took our community to make it the success that it was. We
would like to highlight that, as part of our volunteer team, we had
teams of individuals from RBC, Telus, and Magee Secondary School.
Over the course of 4 hours, the South Granville Seniors Centre made
$9000!
We would like to thank all members of the community who came to
the bazaar to look around, purchased some treasures, and supported
us. A huge note of gratitude goes to all of our volunteers for helping on
this day in various and numerous capacities!
The bazaars that are hosted at the South Granville Seniors Centre
would not be possible without the devotion of our sorters and pricers
who dedicate their time to go through donations to ensure the highest
quality of items to be sold. Thank you to Alice, Dale, Diane, Elle,
Emmy, Heather, Helen, Joan, Kirsten, Makoto, Marcia, Marty,
Maureen, Michael, Nancy, Rae, and Raymonde.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!Outreach Project July 2019 | page 11
South Granville Seniors Centre’s
Outreach Project is Looking for
Community Connector Volunteers
Would you like to help us reach out to more than 5800 seniors
living in the South Granville/Fairview area who may not know
about the resources, services, and social opportunities in their
community? We are beginning an outreach project to try to
reach seniors who would like to be better connected to their
community.
We are looking for community connector volunteers who
would like to help us with this project. Please fill out this form
if you are interested in volunteering. If you have any questions
about this project, please contact Clemencia, or e-mail Rachael,
the project coordinator at
southgranvilleseniors.outreach@gmail.com. Give this form to
the receptionist once you’ve filled it in. Thank you!
Your name: _____________________________
Telephone number: ____________________________
Building address: _______________________________
Please tick off your preferences to each question:
Would you be willing to connect us with your building
manager?
Yes No
With which aspect would you like to help us?
News letter and poster distribution
Community connector volunteerCalendar July 2019 | page 13
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
1 2 3 4 5
CENTRE CLOSED - Hot Lunch ALL DAY Spanish Hot Lunch Hot Lunch Be sure to grab
CANADA DAY Seniors Program Hair Care with Savita Walking Club
Info and Referrals Tai Chi Spontaneous Art one of our
Gentle Yoga Osteofit—Hiatus Intermediate Spanish Rep. Agreements Appts.
Summer Trips
JULY CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
Latin Dance—Hiatus Knitting Group Bridge Coffee and Tea with
Musical Corner (Mustard Seeds) Legal Clinic Clemencia Brochures!
*Bowen Island/ Creative Writing
Horseshoe Bay Trip* *Craft Brewery Tour*
8 9 10 11 12 Call us to
Stretch & Strength Hot Lunch ALL DAY Spanish Hot Lunch Hot Lunch
Singing Group Hand and Foot Care Seniors Program Hair Care with Annette Walking Club register today!
Mah Jong Info and Referrals Spontaneous Art
Gentle Yoga Tai Chi Intermediate Spanish Rep. Agreements Appts.
Latin Dance—Hiatus Osteofit—Hiatus Bridge Best Buy Health Canada:
Knitting Group Legal Clinic Technology Showcase
(Mustard Seeds)
*Stanley Park and Tennis Hearing Check Clinics For more detailed
*Victoria Trip* Trip* information please
15 16 17 18 19 see:
Stretch & Strength Hot Lunch ALL DAY Spanish Hot Lunch Hot Lunch
Singing Group Info and Referrals Seniors Program Walking Club Lunch Menus: P. 8
Mah Jong Gentle Yoga Intermediate Spanish Spontaneous Art
Latin Dance—Hiatus Tai Chi Bridge Rep. Agreements Appts.
*Nitobe Gardens and Musical Corner Osteofit—Hiatus Creative Writing Best Buy Health Canada: Event Listings:
UBC Botanical Garden Knitting Group Ideation Workshop P. 6-7
Tour* (Mustard Seeds)
*Harrison Hot Springs
*Crescent Beach Trip* Trip* Exercise
Programs: P. 16-17
22 23 24 25 26
Stretch & Strength Hot Lunch ALL DAY Spanish Hot Lunch Hot Lunch
Singing Group Info and Referrals Seniors Program Hair Care with Annette Social &
Mah Jong Gentle Yoga Walking Club Educational
Latin Dance—Hiatus Tai Chi Intermediate Spanish Spontaneous Art Programs: P. 17-19
Osteofit—Hiatus Bridge Rep. Agreements Appts.
*Berry Picking Trip* Knitting Group Book Club
(Mustard Seeds) Summer Block Party Self-Care
*Canadians Game* Programs: P. 19
29 30 31 Program Returning in
Stretch & Strength Multicultural Lunch ALL DAY Spanish September: Information &
Singing Group Info and Referrals Seniors Program • Osteofit Referral Services
Mah Jong Gentle Yoga • Computers & Tech P. 20
Latin Dance—Hiatus Tai Chi
*Vancouver Art Gallery Musical Corner Osteofit—Hiatus • Beginners Spanish
Trip* Knitting Group • Meditation Spanish Seniors
(Mustard Seeds) • Massage Therapy Program: P. 21New Staff
Kyle Scoten—Summer Student Program Assistant
Kyle Scoten, a Vancouver native, returned to
his home town in spring 2019 with a BSc in Life
Sciences from Queens University (Kingston,
Ontario). He will enter the UBC Dentistry
Program in fall 2019, and was looking for
summer employment aligned with his interest
in health care. He takes great pleasure in work-
ing with seniors — something he discovered
while a volunteer with a physiotherapy and
exercise program designed for this age group.
As Program Assistant, Kyle has the major
responsibility of scheduling summer outings. It involves a lot of detail
work, but, since he will take part in the trips as well as organize them,
it also means a lot of contact with Centre members and drop-in
visitors. This suits Kyle very well.
Jasmine Ashley-Dy—Communications & Marketing Assistant
Jasmine Ashley-Dy came to the Centre in May
2019 after working for a Member of
Parliament for a year and a half. Her
background in communications, along with
her prior volunteer activities in the non-profit
sector, gives her a strong skill-set for her role
at the Centre, with its emphasis on planning
and strategy.
In Fall 2019, she will begin work on a dual BA
Program offered jointly by the Paris Institute
of Political Science (SciencesPo) and UBC. Her
first degree will be in International Law, Ethics and Society; the second
probably in Urban Planning and Public Policy.
Jasmine wanted to enter the world of non-profit organizations. “I
hadn’t worked with seniors so directly before,” she says, “but I had
become interested in social isolation and seniors related issues. And,
she adds, “when I visited the Centre, its warmth and vibrancy drew me
right in.”New Staff July 2019 | page 15
Emily Irvine—Office Administrator & Program Assistant
Emily Irvine brings to the Centre her passion for
social justice, and her experience in the non-
profit, volunteer-based sector. Though her role
is administrative (everything from overseeing
lunch program purchases to paying the bills), it
also gives her the opportunity to apply her skills
in a people-centred context. This, she says, is
important to her.
A 2019 UBC graduate (with a BA in Gender,
Race, Sexuality and Social Justice), Emily was
attracted by the Centre’s range of programs
and services, and its warm, welcoming atmosphere. “I came for an
interview, spent some time here, and realized I wanted to be part of
it.”
Danna Wigueras—Spanish Coordinator
Her background in Mexico was excellent
preparation, even though it was not focused on
seniors. “I was a pre-school teacher, I ran an
educational business that helped children with
special needs, I mentored students at all levels,
and I ran a children’s summer camp.” All this
taught her to organize and run programs, and
developed her gift for engaging with people
and helping them use their minds and bodies to
the full.
“Here at the Centre,” she says, “we’re re-creating a little bit of ‘back-
home’ — a place to relax and talk and laugh and dance and reminisce. I
want people to be eager to come here, every Wednesday.”Programs
SUMMER PROGRAMS
See the calendar, pages 12-13 for this month’s schedule.
EXERCISE
Stretch and Strength Osteo-Fit
This class focuses on gentle This class is a BC Women’s
stretches that can help you with Hospital certified fall prevention
relaxation, relieving tension, and program for individuals with
maintaining your range of motion. osteoporosis, low bone density,
It also features gentle strength and those who are at risk of
exercises that target the upper and fractures. It provides safe and
lower body to increase strength gentle exercises to improve
and overall fitness. strength, coordination, and
balance, enhance confidence, and
No Class on July 1st reduce the risk of falls.
Monday (ongoing)
10:30-11:30am *Beginning in September*
Members: $98/14 weeks or $8/class Wednesday (ongoing)
Non-members: $10/class Next session: September 2019
11:00-12:00pm
Gentle Yoga Members: $84/12 weeks or $8/
A yoga practice adapted for class
beginners and those interested in a Non-members: $10/class
more gentle approach. You will
learn how to use yoga practice to Intro to Latin Dance
help you deal with stress, become Join us for an introductory Latin
more relaxed, gain awareness, and dance class. Learn
keep your body moving with ease. the fundamentals of
Tuesdays (ongoing) dance, including
10:45am-12pm basic steps, rhythm
Members: $42/6 weeks or $8/class and timing. You will
Non-members: $48/6 weeks or gain basic knowledge
$12/ class and the confidence to get out on
6 week payment session: July 9th- the dancefloor and start having
August 13th fun! No partner or experience re-
quired. Bring your dancing shoes!
*On Hiatus Until Instructor Found*
Tuesdays (ongoing)
1:30-2:30pm
Members: $5/class
Non-members: $6/classJuly2019 | page 17
Tai Chi Walking Club
Learn this ancient Chinese martial Let’s walk together to get fit!
art form that uses deliberate Walking is a great cardiovascular
standing movements, meditation exercise that works your entire
and deep breathing to enhance body. Walking can reduce the
physical and mental well-being. risk of hip fractures, stroke, and
Described as “meditation in heart disease, and protect the
motion”, this practice improves brain against memory loss. Our
flexibility, joint strength, and walking club offers various
balance. Practicing Tai Chi also 2-hour walks in our
increases mental focus and neighbourhood for
awareness, helping you achieve a individuals of all skill
sense of inner peace. levels.
Wednesdays (ongoing) Fridays (ongoing)
9:30-10:30am 10-12pm
Members: $8/class Members/Non-members: Free
Non-members: $10/class
SOCIAL & EDUCATIONAL
Book Club Mustard Seeds Knitting Group
Join us for a discussion of this Join this friendly group to knit,
month’s book selection. New share conversation and drink tea.
members are welcome! Use the group’s yarn to knit items
Last Thurs (monthly), 1-2pm for Centre fundraising, or bring
your own yarn to use!
July date: July 25th
$2 drop-in
Wednesdays (ongoing)
1-3pm
Members/non-members: Free
Amaryllis Singing Group
This informal choir meets each
Monday to sing jazz, musical,
Bridge and classical favorites. No train-
Interested in playing a weekly ing necessary, all are welcome!
card game with other friends? All
are welcome to play bridge! No Class on July 1st
Thursdays (ongoing) Mondays (ongoing)
1:30-3:00PM 10:45am-12pm
$2 drop-in $2 drop-inPrograms
SOCIAL & EDUCATIONAL
Computer & Tech Beginners Spanish
Lessons Learn the basics of Spanish, one
Receive one-on-one computer of the fastest growing languages
and technology instruction from in the world! This 6-week class
our friendly instructors, who will provides a supportive
help you learn at your own pace! environment learning basic
Go from learning how to turn on Spanish language skills,
the computer to keeping in touch preparing you for everyday
with loved ones through email, interactions and providing a
Facebook, and more. strong foundation for continued
studies in Spanish. Attendance
*Returning in September* of all 6 classes in a session is
Thursdays (ongoing) strongly encouraged.
2:30-4:00pm *Returning in September! Pre-
Members: $10/session register today! *
Non-members: $12/session
Registration required 10:00-10:50am
Members: $48/6 sessions
Mah Jong Non-members: $60/6 sessions
Drop in to play Mah Jong! Players Registration required
from advanced, intermediate, and
beginner levels are welcome!
Intermediate Spanish
No Class on July 1st This class expands on the
Mondays (ongoing) fundamentals of the
12:30-3:30pm Spanish language, and
$2 drop-in presents more complex
structures in a variety of
Creative Writing tenses and moods. You
We are back with our creative will have an opportunity to
writing program. Find your voice further develop your Spanish
and write the stories you have language skills and cultural
always wanted to tell! knowledge through listening,
Participants in this class will have reading, writing, and interactive
an opportunity to practice writing discussions.
short stories, poetry, and
biography. Thursdays (ongoing)
11:00-11:50am
Thursdays, July 4th and 18th Members: $8/class
3-4PM Non-members: $10/classJuly 2019 | page 19
Mindfulness & Meditation Spontaneous Art Studio
Join us for a weekly mindfulness Share in the relaxing and healing
program that will teach you how to experience of doing spontane-
use a variety of mindfulness and ous art in this open studio art
meditation practices. Mindfulness class. A wide variety of materials
has been shown to alleviate stress are supplied.
and to improve mental health.
Fridays (ongoing)
*Returning in September* 10am-12pm
Fridays (ongoing) Members: $7/class
1:00-2:00pm Non-members: $10/class
$3 drop-in
SELF-CARE
Gentle Hand & Foot Care Hair Care
Let our registered nurse, Daisy Have your hair cut and styled by
Mae pamper your hands or feet! our friendly hairdressers,
As a nurse, she knows the proper Annette and Savita. Please wash
techniques to ensure that your your hair before your
hands or feet will be well taken appointment.
care of. She will nurse them back
to health. Make sure to call today Thursdays July 4th, 11th, 25th
for an appointment. 10:00-12:00 (1/2hr appts.)
Members: $15
Next date: Tuesday, July 9th Non-Members: $17
9:30am-1:30pm (1/2hr appts.) Registration required
Members: $30
Non-members: The Musical Corner
$35 Experience the world of music
Registration while relaxing at the Centre.
required This space is meant to be a
comfortable and restorative
haven for all who seek it. Come,
sit, and enjoy. Let the music
Massage Therapy (ages 45+)
Get a relaxing and therapeutic transport you!
massage from students of the
West Coast College of Massage Check out page 5 to find out
Therapy. what will be playing!
*Returning in September* Tuesdays, July 2th, 16th, 30th
Mondays (ongoing) 1:00-2:30pm
1:15-5pm (45 min appts.) $2 drop-in
Registration required
$30 members, $35 non-membersPrograms
INFORMATION & REFERRAL SERVICES
Representation Agreements – Friendly Weekly Call List
Planning for the Future and Would you like someone to check
End-of-Life Care in with you? Receive a friendly
Are you prepared for end-of-life? phone call once a week from a
trained volunteer of the Centre.
For incapacity? For your future? If Our volunteer will check in with
you are making plans for yourself, you and be available for a short
learn the steps needed to plan your chat. Why? For peace of mind, and
future with a one-on-one because we care. Please call 604-
appointment with a volunteer 732-0812 to be added to our
trained by Nidus Personal Planning weekly call list.
Resource Centre (http://
www.nidus.ca). Peer Information and Referrals
Our trained Information and
Fridays (ongoing) Referral volunteers are available to
1:00-3:30pm (1/2 hr appts.) provide you with information about
Free, registration required government programs and
subsidies (Canada Pension Plan,
Legal Clinics with Old Age Security, Guaranteed
Access Pro Bono Income Supplement), Disability
Access Pro Bono strives to Pension, Medical Services Plan, BC
increase access to justice for Bus Pass, housing subsidies for low
individuals of limited means income seniors, and more.
throughout BC. This service
Volunteers can also help with
provides up to a half-hour of free
legal advice from licensed completing government forms.
volunteer lawyers (additional In English: Tuesdays (1hr apts.)
appointments may be made). This 10:00am-12:00 pm
service is for low-income Free, registration required
individuals of any age. Please call
Please call 604-732-0812 to register.
to find out if you meet the
requirements. No walk-ins.
In Spanish: Wednesday (ongoing; 1hr
Thursday, July 4th and 11th appts.)
2-4pm (1/2 hr appts.) 9:30am-12pm
Free, registration required Free, registration required
Please call 604-732-0812 to register.Programs July 2019 | page 21
PROGRAMA PARA PERSONAS MAYORES
DE HABLA HISPANA | SPANISH SENIORS PROGRAM
….
Encuéntrate con personas de
habla hispana de 55+ años. Of-
recemos sesiones en español que
incluyen oportunidades de
socialización, empoderamiento,
recreación y aprendizaje. Disfru-
ta de un almuerzo de 3 platos y
nuestras clases regulares (inglés,
HORARIO/SCHEDULE tecnología y computación, yoga),
Cada Miércoles | 10am-4pm así como actividades en la tarde
10-12 hr Informacíon y ayuda que varían cada mes (talleres,
en Español presentaciones de música y
10-12 hr Tutoría en tecnología baile, juegos). Hispano hablantes
y computación y no hispano hablantes son bien-
venidos a participar!
10-10:45 Clases de inglés— ….
hr nivel básico
10:45- Clases de inglés— Meet with Spanish-speakers aged
11:30 hr intermedio-avanzado 55+. The Spanish Seniors
Program offers opportunities for
11:30 –12 Clases de gymnasia
hr para la memoria socialization, empowerment,
recreation, and learning. Take
12:15-13 hr Yoga suave part in a 3-course lunch,
13-14 hr Almuerzo computer classes, ESL classes,
14:30-16 hr Clases de canto gentle exercise, and afternoon
activities (musical performances,
lectures, and games). Everyone is
VALOR/COST welcome to participate - Spanish
Almuerzo: $7 miembros/ and non-Spanish speakers alike!
$8 no miembros
Membresia: $20/año/year OFRECEMOS OPORTUNIDADES
Para mayor información co- PARA TRABAJAR COMO
municarse con Danna (604-732– VOLUNTARIOS
0812) VOLUNTARIO!
INFORMACIÓN Y AYUDA EN ESPAÑOL
Todos los miércoles en la mañana desde las 9:30am hasta las 12pm. Un vol-
untario de South Granville Seniors Centre lo atendera en Espanol para que
pueda conocer y acceder a los servicios de vivienda, salud, pensiones y ot-
ros.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 lead 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. 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...
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Continuation of History
...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.
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.
Another challenge has now arisen, for at the end of 2015, 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.You can also read
