Free art classes

Thanks to the sponsorship by Quesnel Art Gallery, seniors will have the chance to take art classes from local experts

Seniors' art classes go to where seniors gather.

Seniors' art classes go to where seniors gather.

Did you ever wish you could try pottery? Or acrylic painting? Or collage?

Now’s your chance. The Art Gallery is sponsoring a weekly seniors’ art gathering featuring qualified artists who are only too happy to bring their skills to showing seniors a new way to express their creativity.

“One of the goals of the program is to remove accessibility issues,” arts coordinaor Elizabeth Waldorf said.

“So the sessions are brought to the places where seniors gather.

“Some of the barriers to attendance this program addresses are issues such as transportation, distance to the Art Gallery and the cost of participation.”

Sessions are free and will run every Friday, 1 – 3 p.m. until the end of January. Those wanting to participate must register ahead of time. Waldorf makes sure there are qualified instructors and an assistant to help with the projects and she provides high-quality art materials to use. Registration ahead of time ensures that if the sessions at the live-in locations aren’t filled, outside individuals can participate.

Abstract painting with acrylics will be the session at Shiraoi House on Oct. 31. Remember, register to participate and have fun.

Fraser Village  Voice

Welcome to a guest writer this month for our seniors’ column. Dianne Becker lives in Fraser Village complex.

Hello out there. Are you a senior, a baby boomer or just thoughtfully looking towards the future?

We have our own library here at good old 451, 461 and every now and then I ask people if they’re down-sizing and would like to find a good home for their books. A good book is like comfort food – it’ll make you feel warm, cozy and satisfied.

We’re looking for westerns for the retired cowboys, historical romances and the English jockey mystery writers; science fiction and fantasy and for those who like a lot of meat in their sandwich Wilbur Smith, Clive Cussler and Jonathan Kellerman. Local books written by Quesnel’s finest are also popular.

Here at Fraser Village we’re looking for books, jigsaw puzzles and maybe, just maybe, fresh vegetables if your garden produced an abundance. As far as food goes, it seems the better it is for you the more expensive it is. But who wants to live on Kraft Dinner and Ichiban noodles with the odd wiener thrown in for protein?

Kudos to the Lion’s Club who help us out every month with food to round out a few square meals. If you have friends or family in good old Fraser Village go see them or call and bring them a coffee and maybe a muffin. You brighten their day and maybe, just maybe, they’ll brighten yours.

Seniors’

Centre  Events

Potlucks have changed their time. On Oct. 29, the festivities begin at 1 p.m. with the doors opening at noon. We are trying the earlier time to see if the attendance improves, but if attendance continues low the potluck will be cancelled.

Help. Looking for members to volunteer at either the hospitality table (four-hour shift) or kitchen help. Members, if you could help us once a week or once a month it would be greatly appreciated. Contact Marj Hessels or Lil Peterson.

Instructors are badly needed for computer classes.

November Events:

Nov. 3,  6, 12, 13  – Flu Clinic   check health unit for times    Nov. 2 and 16 – pancake breakfast  9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Nov. 14 – 15   – Craft Sale

Up-coming Events around town.

Dementia Support Group meets the third Tuesday of the month at the upper board room at the hospital. Contact Pete at 250-983-0230 for information. Next meeting Nov. 18.

Quesnel Hospice: 14th Annual “A Taste of Quesnel Variety Dinner and Artisan Auction”, Saturday, Nov. 22.

Quesnel Hospice: Cruise lottery tickets still available at Hospice House – winner receives a Cruise for Two – choice of four destinations. Draw date: Nov. 14.

Seniors’ Advocacy Service Christmas Musical Concert – Nov. 29 – open to all, donations for Good Cheer or a money gift at the door.

Mary Ann Sturdy is a senior’s advocate and regular Observer columnist.

Quesnel Cariboo Observer