COQUITLAM, B.C., May 28, 2021 – Seniors can ice skate for free, attend a virtual high tea and concert, enjoy heartwarming children’s artwork and more during Coquitlam’s safe Seniors’ Week festivities this year.
The City is planning both online and physically-distant activities for those 50+ during BC Seniors’ Week June 6 to 12, to celebrate seniors and their contributions and provide opportunities for them to connect. All activities require registration.
Seniors’ Week 2021 Activities
All Coquitlam residents age 50+ may join in the following Seniors’ Week activities. Unless noted, registration is open now through links at www.coquitlam.ca/seniorsweek. All virtual programs use Zoom video conferencing – see Seniors Week webpage for instructions.
- Ice skating (free) – June 7 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Enjoy free skating, helmet and skate rentals at Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex during this 50+ public skate (registration opens June 5).
- Zentangle art program (virtual, free) – June 8 from 9 to 11 a.m.: Like to doodle or draw? Learn this fun and easy-to-learn art style involving layering and repeating patterns. Supply list provided.
- Virtual high tea and concert (virtual, $15) – June 9 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.: Steep a pot of your favourite tea, dress up and enjoy a concert with local musician Michelle Carlisle. The $15 fee includes a box of treats that need to be picked up June 9 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Dogwood or Glen Pine Pavilion (choose location when registering). The concert starts at 2:30 p.m., but sign on at 2 p.m. for some social time beforehand.
- Drumming for Vitality (virtual, free) – June 10 from 10 to 10:45 a.m.: Explore the world of rhythm with your own drum or shaker, or make your own instrument with items at home (suggestions provided).
Delivering Meals and Smiles
Through its Letters of Kindness program, the City has also been collecting artwork from local school children, to be passed on to patrons of Coquitlam’s Meals for Seniors frozen meal delivery and pickup program during Seniors’ Week.
Launched in spring 2020, Meals for Seniors has provided more than 20,000 meals to isolated older residents unable to shop, cook or enjoy meals at the City’s 50+ pavilions due to the pandemic. The deliveries are made by volunteers – with some assistance from City Council members during Seniors’ Week.
The Letters of Kindness program solicits letters, art and other submissions throughout the year from the community to include with the meals on special occasions.
Visit www.coquitlam.ca/meals for information about Meals for Seniors, and www.coquitlam.ca/volunteer to take part in Letters of Kindness.
Other Offerings and Supports for Seniors
In addition to its Seniors’ Week activities, Coquitlam offers a variety of ongoing programs and services for older residents:
- Seniors can enjoy pre-registered drop-in swimming, skating and weight room sessions for only $1, thanks to temporarily reduced drop-in fees subsidized by the City’s Community Support and Recovery Plan. Register at www.coquitlam.ca/registration.
- Those 50+ will also find a range of activities at www.coquitlam.ca/registration, from physically-distanced fitness classes to virtual programs such as fitness, yoga, activity groups, talks, dance, music and art. Visit the Adult section and filter listings by age, location, service (activity) and day of week. To view only online activities, search for the keyword “virtual.”
- The City’s new Social Connections: Let’s Chat program – a spinoff from its former Phone Buddies program – pairs volunteers with people 55+ who live alone for a friendly phone call, with the aim of reducing social isolation and raising the spirits of older Coquitlam resident who are on their own. Learn more at www.coquitlam.ca/socialconnections.
- The CoquitlamSPIRIT online library at www.coquitlam.ca/spirit includes a range of free virtual activities, including fitness, outdoor pursuits and a 50 Plus section.
- As COVID-19 health protocols permit, the City provides 50+ activities, clubs and support services at Dogwood and Glen Pine Pavilions. For Pavilion information, contact pavilions@coquitlam.ca, call Glen Pine at 604-927-6940 or Dogwood at 604-927-6098, or visit www.coquitlam.ca/glenpine and www.coquitlam.ca/dogwood.
Register and Stay Informed
To keep up-to-date on program offerings and updates, subscribe to the PRC E-news to receive bi-weekly newsletter updates at www.coquitlam.ca/enews
Stay informed about City news and service changes by:
Media contact:
Debbie Clavelle
Community Recreation Manager
City of Coquitlam
604-927-4386
prcs_info@coquitlam.ca