Century House is serving up more than a dozen Octopus programs this winter.
Octopus – Reaching Seniors in the Community is a series of programs for seniors, which are led by local seniors and supported by Century House. Most of the programs still have space available, but folks aged 50 and older shouldn’t wait too long to register because there are only a limited number of spots available.
Here are some of this winter’s Octopus offerings:
* Talk New West is a news magazine online video program that features stories relevant to Century House members. Its primary focus is stories from the lives of Century House members and New West seniors.
* Century House Zoom Book Club will meet online each month using Zoom, where attendees will discuss books that have been recommended. New members are welcome. To join, send an email to [email protected].
* Laughter and Joy is a Zoom program where seniors will learn how the science of laughter can brighten your day and improve your health. This five-week program runs on Wednesdays from Jan. 13 to Feb. 10 (from 1 to 2 p.m.) and includes: a discussion of the scientific benefits of laughter to stimulate your spirit, body and brain; laughter exercises and techniques to do at home with the Zoom group; and new laughter hacks for dealing with the current world challenges.
* Universal/Inclusive Design will specifically look at accessibility and inclusive/universal design for seniors. Using a case study, participants will work collaboratively to develop a plan to address accessibility and inclusive/universal design issues in a given space. It’s running on Thursdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. from Jan. 21 to Feb. 18.
* Explore Narrative Writing is a five-week exploration of different writing genres that pertain to narrative: the personal essay, the short story, the narrative poem, and the short play. It’s taking place on Fridays from Jan. 22 to Feb. 19 (10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
* IPhone/IPad Photos is providing folks with information on creating their own photo albums and taking and editing photos on their devices. It’s on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 1:30 p.m.
* Virtual Ideas is a listening cub where participants will listen to CBC Ideas podcasts and take part in a follow-up discussion on Zoom. The group will meet online on Thursday, Jan. 14 at 1 p.m. to discuss Rats: Haunting Humanity’s Footstep, which aired on Oct. 25. If you are interested in joining this group but are unsure about Zooming and podcasts, contact Shelly Schnee, the city’s program coordinator of seniors services, at [email protected] or at 604-519-1066.
* Quarantunes Singalong! is a six-week online program where participants will sing songs that are fun, inspiring and easy to learn. No musical experience is necessary. During the Zoom sessions, participants’ mics are turned off during each song and only the leader’s voice is heard and are unmuted between songs to allow for some interactive participation. It’s on Wednesdays from Feb. 17 to March 24 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
* Convert Old Photos is a three-week program where you will learn how to convert prints (and negatives) to electronic (digital) format. It’s on Wednesdays from Feb. 17 to March 3 (10 to 11:15 a.m.)
* Safety Online When Using Email or Browsing the Internet is a course that will help you spot a scammer and learn how online scammers operate. Two sessions are taking place: Monday, Feb. 22 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and Wednesday, March 24 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
* Western Art History (with optional art making) blends learning about Western art history with some creative inspiration. This five-session program is on Fridays from Feb. 5 to March 5 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
For details about these and other Octopus programs being offered this winter – and links to register for the programs – go to www.centuryhouseassociation.com and search for Octopus under the What’s Happening tab.
For more information or assistance, contact Shelly Schnee or 604-519-1066
