New Westminster is the place to be for the Canadian première of a new documentary featuring stories of resilience in the face of social isolation.
The Canadian première screening of All the Lonely People is taking place on Wednesday, June 8 at Century House and on Thursday, June 9 at Massey Theatre. The documentary is by the Clowder Group, creators of Gen Silent, a critically acclaimed 2010 documentary about LGBTQ seniors.
This free event is part of the Century House Bridge Together: Pathway Through Loneliness Project and Seniors Week Celebration.
“At Century House, we think that COVID has highlighted social isolation and loneliness amongst seniors in the community but also other demographics, young people, adults,” said recreation programmer Shelly Schnee. “We are working hard to connect to seniors through technology, as well as in person at Century House, but we see social isolation and loneliness as a community issue, not just a seniors’ issue. We wanted to share the documentary with our seniors’ community but also the community at large so that we can highlight through conversation the issue of social isolation and loneliness and together find solutions.”
Schnee noted the documentary is being screened in the United States Capitol this month.
Here in New West, All the Lonely People will be shown on Wednesday, June 8 at 1:30 p.m. (for folks aged 50 and older) at Century House, with doors opening at 1 p.m. A post-screening panel will feature All the Lonely People writer/director Stu Maddux, Century House peer support worker Maryann and Century House volunteer Val MacDonald.
Call 604-519-1066 to register.
An all-ages screening will take place at Massey Theatre on Thursday, June 9 at 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) It will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Maddox, Coun. Chinu Das, Margaret Lin of Fraser Health and Catherine Aoyama, a youth counsellor at Family Services of Greater Vancouver.
Tickets are free, and are available at www.masseytheatre.com or 604-521-5050.
Seniors Week 2022
New Westminster will be celebrating Seniors Week 2022 from June 6 to 11.
For this year’s event, the New Westminster Seniors Services team is focusing on the theme of loneliness and social isolation as folks continue to emerge out of the pandemic.
In addition to the screening and panel discussion of All the Lonely People, other events include Conversations at Connections Café at Century House. It’s on Tuesday, June 7 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
“Check out people instead of books! We are having a human library at Century House where you can book time with a volunteer who will talk to you about their experiences,” said a notice about the event. “You are encouraged to ask questions freely and get honest answers in return. If you’ve ever walked down the street and wondered what a person’s life story is, well this is your opportunity to find out!”
Community members aged 16 and older are invited to swing on by Century House for the Jazz Cats Social on Saturday, June 11.
“Century House is partnering with Uptown Swing Collective to host a dance. Put on your glad rags and join us for a Saturday night of live hot jazz at Century House!” said a notice about the event. “Whether you feel like swinging out, joining the jazz jam, or just tapping your toes and enjoying the show, we welcome you to spend a fun and inclusive evening with the Uptown Swing Collective.”
The Jazz Cats Social is on Saturday, June 11 at Century House – doors open at 6:30 p.m., a lesson is at 7 p.m. and live music and social dancing runs from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, or $7 for Century House Association members, and include light refreshments and a beginner swing dance lesson (partner not required).
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