Summer can be a bit slow in terms of activities for seniors, since volunteers take time off and many folks like to visit their families. If you're staying in Burnaby, fear not, for we have a long list of fun activities for the 55-plus crowd.
Cameron Recreation Complex, 9523 Cameron St., 604-297-4456
- Need help with your smartphone or iPad? A group of Burnaby high school students came up with the idea to hold workshops to help seniors with their mobile devices. The next sessions are on Wednesday, Aug. 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. and Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 7 to 9 p.m. The sessions are limited to six people, as each person is paired with a student for one-on-one support. Space is limited, so register early by calling 604-297-4456. These workshops are open only to those who hold a Cameron membership. (Membership costs roughly $16 and is available at the centre for anyone 55 or older.) The centre also hosts fitness sessions and crafts activities, and it's air-conditioned. For more information, visit www.cameron55plus.org or call 604-297-4456.
Confederation Seniors' Centre, 4585 Albert St., 604-294-1936
- Interested in exercise, socializing and music? Confederation is hosting summer evening drop-in dance sessions every Monday, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. The ballroom is air-conditioned, and the band G7 will provide live music. Refreshments at intermission are included with admission. Members pay $5, while non-members pay $6. In September, the dance times change to 6:30 to 9 p.m.
- On Wednesday, Aug. 6, Confederation is hosting a lunch-and-learn event, where seniors can learn about a topic while enjoying a nice meal. The Aug. 6 session features the BCAA Road Safety Foundation, presenting information that will help mature drivers remain proficient and on the road as long as possible. Registration is $7 for Confederation members, $8 for non-members. (Memberships are available at the centre.)
- The centre's Lori-Ann Cornwall is also collecting names of seniors who want to learn calligraphy, bridge or French, and she's looking for donations of yarn for a knitting project. Call her at 604-297-4816.
Edmonds Community Centre, 7433 Edmonds St.,604-297-4838
- Want to learn to dance? Edmonds is hosting lessons for ballroom and line dancing, starting in August. Line dancing lessons are on Tuesdays, and there are two skill levels: beginners (1:30 to 2:30 p.m.) and beginner plus (2:45 to 3:45 p.m.). The cost, which includes four sessions, is $15.24 for members, $19.05 for non-members. Jive lessons are on Thursdays, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., and the cost for four sessions is $28.58 (members pay $22.86). This series covers the basic steps of jive.
- Drop in for a picnic lunch at the Edmonds Community Centre on Aug. 19, at noon. The cost is $9 for member, $11.25 for non-members.
Bonsor Seniors' Centre, 6533 Nelson Ave., 604-297-4580
- There are two, lunch-time bus trips this month. On Thursday, Aug. 14, lunch is at the Dockside Restaurant on Granville Island. On Friday, Aug. 22, the bus heads to the Old Spaghetti Factory in Richmond. Each trip costs roughly $10 for non-members, while members pay slightly less, but that includes transportation only.
- Sign up for belly-dancing lessons and learn to move that torso. The classes run Tuesdays, starting Aug. 5, from 11:05 a.m. to noon. Cost is $19.75 for non-members, while members pay $15.80.
- Bonsor is hosting a summer band extravaganza series on Tuesdays, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Each evening features a different band, and admission is only $5 for members, $6 for non-members.
