English Ver
January to March
Membership fee $35.00 Valid for the period : Dec. 1, 2014-Dec. 31, 2015 隣組は40年に渡り、 日系カナダ人社会に様々なプログラムやサービスを提供している、非営利慈善団体です。 2013年11月に現住所に移転し、新しいビルで今後もコミュニティーのニーズに対応した日本語、英語でのプ ログラム、サービスを提供出来るよう、 さらに努力して参ります。 隣組はドロップインセンターです。会員、非会員を問わずプログラムの参加やサービスをご利用頂けます。会 員の方にはプログラム受講料の割引、書籍/DVDの無料貸し出し、 また各種イベントや情報のご案内など各種 の特典がありますので、隣組を頻繁にご利用なさる方には会員になられることをお薦めします。
隣組では60歳以上の方をシニアとしています。 “Seniors” are categorized as those who are 60 or older. ＜隣組会員の特典＞ 1. プログラム： 会員料金適用
2. サービス： 会員割引、会員シニア割引あり 3. 会員無料プログラム：
（ピアノで歌う会、 シニアライフセミナーなど） 4. 図書・DVDの無料貸し出し
5. お誕生会へのご招待（3ヵ月毎、年4回開催）
<Membership Benefits> 1. 2. 3.
Programs: Member rates Services: Discounts for regular members and members who are seniors Library and DVD rental privileges
4. Free admission to certain programs: (
6. シニアクリスマスパーティーへの参加（有料） 7. 隣組ニュースレターの受け取り/郵送/Email 9. 隣組理事会の理事・役員への立候補資格 10. 理事・役員選出時の投票権
Directors 10.
Programs Open for Registration from 9:00 a.m. on Mon, January 05, 2015. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and are not confirmed until the program fees are paid. Because many of the popular programs and workshops have registration limits, please register for programs and workshops as soon as possible after registrations open. In addition, please note that there are no refunds for non-attendance.
Registration Procedures
Program Categories
These are regular programs taught over 10-14 sessions during the term by instructors with recog-
1. Tonari Gumi’s offices at 42 W. 8th Ave. in Vancouver
cheque or credit card.
2. Telephone (604-687-2172)
session by paying a drop-in fee. While advance
voided. Payment must be made by cheque or credit card.
be paid at the door. This category includes workshops and drop-in sessions. Also includes our weekly lunch programs. program and lunch fees can be paid at the door. This program category includes those programs that are open to the general public and take place primarily in the evenings or on weekends. These programs are taught by recognized instructors and requested.
your program has been cancelled or not.
Tonari Gumi Program (January - March, 2015) Registration Form Name:
Email:
Address:
Tel: Member(Senior)
Member(Non-senior)
Non-member(Senior)
（“Seniors” are categorized as those who are 60 or older.）
Non-Member (Non-senior)
1. Program
Day of the Week
Fee
2. Program
Day of the Week
Fee
3. Program
Day of the Week
Fee
Date:
Refund Policy
Since April 2014, Tonari Gumi’s programs and ac vi es have been set up on a term basis. Four term periods have been established: January – March, April – June, July – August (summer term), and September – December. Most programs are scheduled to have 10 – 11 classes over the course of a term (other than the summer term, which is shorter), but some shorter workshops (1 – 8 classes) are also included. In order to ensure fair and equal treatment and to reduce administra ve burdens, the following policies will be implemented star ng from the January – March 2015 term: * When classes have to be cancelled or delayed because of instructors being sick or weather, these classes would be made-up during the period between terms. Where such make-up classes are possible, no refunds for such cancella ons will be made. Every effort will be made to ensure that advance no ce of any such cancella ons are conveyed to par cipants at least three days prior to the class or ac vity. * Up un l now, par cipants have been permi ed to a end classes and ac vi es up to two mes on a trial basis. However, it has become very difficult to keep track of who is a ending on a trial basis for the first or second me. Consequently, only one trial a endance will be permi ed at the standard drop-in rate. * Currently, there have been four different drop-in fees: member rates for seniors and non-seniors and non-member rates for seniors and non-seniors. To reduce administra ve burden, there will now be only two different drop-in fees: member and non-member rates. * As for the refund policy for all regular programs, workshops and outreach ac vi es: ** All par cipant cancella ons will incur a standard non-refundable administra ve fee of $4.00. ** For regular programs, workshops and ac vi es, a full refund (minus the administra on fee) will be provided if the cancella on is made one week prior to the beginning of the program, workshop or ac vity; a 50% refund will be provided for cancella ons made 3 days prior and no refund for cancella ons from two days before the programs, workshops, ac vi es start (unless there is a medical emergency with a doctor’s cer ficate). ** In the case of outreach ac vi es or other events where a bus must be chartered or other reserva ons are made, any cancella on other than in the case of a medical emergency, may require payment of any cancella on fees that are levied. These fees will be included in any documenta on provided for such ac vi es. ** For late registrants or those joining a class, workshop or ac vity a er they have started, the par cipant may choose to pay the drop-in fee or pay the fees for the full program.
*
Fees indicated below are in the following order: senior members/non-senior members/senior non-members/non-senior non-members. *seniors are defined as those over 60 years of age
Seniors’ Programs
Monday Programs February 9th is a program holiday Healthy Exercise Club (video) (R)
Lunch Program (W) (J/E)
Jan. 12 - Jan. 26 (for 3 Mondays) 10:00am - 11:30am
Jan. 12 - Mar. 27 (every Monday, Wednesday & Friday)
Club fees: $6/$9/$7/$11
11:45am - 12:45pm Lunch fees: $4/$4.5/$5/$6
Drop-in possible: per session $6/Member, $7/Non-Member
Delicious and wholesome lunches are prepared by our volunteers, usually consisting of a soup, a main dish, a vegetable side, rice and a small desert. The cuisine is primarily Japanese, but on occasion may be Western food, Japanese style. Lunch reservations are requested and reservations for the Monday lunch should be made by the Thursday of the week prior, Wednesday lunch by the Monday and Friday lunch by the Wednesday of that week. Reservations made after these dates cannot be assured.
Participants engage in exercises while following a video. The video follows the same exercise format as the program described below. Healthy Exercise & Massage (R) Instructor: Kay Fujishima Feb. 2 - Mar. 23 (for 7 Mondays) 10:00am - 11:30am Program fees: $21/$32/$26/$38 Drop-in possible: per session $6/Member, $7/Non-Member Following a warm-up using the Japanese radio exercise format, participants have the opportunity to engage in fully body stretching, coordination exercises and massage. Exercises are adjusted for seniors based on their physical capabilities. Consistent participation will ensure body strength improvement. Homebound Program (W) (J/E) Staff: Masako Arima Jan. 12 - Mar. 23 (10 Mondays) 10:30am - 2:30pm Program fees: $10 per session (lunch included) This program is designed for seniors who have difficulties in going out on their own. During the morning session, there will be a light exercise program designed to each participant’s level. Next , a homestyle Japanese lunch prepared by our volunteers is served. While eating a wholesome lunch, seniors will have the chance to relax and socialize. In the afternoon, seniors can choose from among various activities such as karaoke, folk dance, crafts, computer tablet instruction, games, etc. When the weather is nice, some outings are also possible. We can arrange transportation to and from this program and so participants who rely on wheelchairs, walkers & canes are very welcome. Karaoke Club (C) Instructor: Kay Fujishima Feb. 2 - Mar. 23 (for 7 Mondays) 1:00pm - 4:00pm Club fees: $14/$21/$18/$26 Drop-in possible: per session $6/Member, $7/Non-Member This is a program where you can enjoy singing with others. Don't just sing by yourself. Let's learn to appreciate the singing of others, learn new songs and expand your repertoire. You are welcome to join whether you sing well or not.
Japanese Folk Dance (R) (J/E) Instructor: Akemi Komori Jan. 12 - Mar. 23 (10 Mondays) 1:00pm - 2:00pm Program fees: $30/$46/$38/$55 Drop-in possible: per session $6/Member, $7/Non-Member A Japanese folk dance program following the “Otowa-style” of in- struction. Participants will learn to dance to familiar Japanese folk music with hand movements, fans and parasols. Simple dance steps similar to “bon odori” will be used. As participants will use their minds and move their hands and feet, this program is ideal for seniors. There will be opportunities to perform at various community events, helping to contribute to building a greater sense of community. All costumes and other equipment are provided. Please feel free to join at any time. Advanced Level Japanese Class: read & discuss world news in Japanese (R) Instructor: Takashi Sugawara Jan. 12 - Mar. 23 (10 Mondays) 4:00pm - 6:00pm Program fees: $30/$46/$38/$55 This class is for those who had to cut short their Japanese language studies, who can read hiragana and katakana, and who can speak some Japanese. This class is for motivated individuals who have patience and desire. We will be reading and discussing world news, stories, articles and essays in Japanese drawn from newspapers, and magazines. Difficult kanji or phrases in the stories will be annotated in hiragana. You will have ample opportunities to talk and listen in Japanese. Assistance will be provided for those interested in spending more time learning to write in Japanese.
Fees indicated below are in the following order: senior members/non-senior members/senior non-members/non-senior non-members. *seniors are defined as those over 60 years of age
Seniors’ Programs
Tuesday Programs Beginners’ Level Japanese Class (R) (J/E)
Family Drop-In Program (W)
Instructor: Junko Takashima
Jan. 13 - Mar. 24 (every Tuesdays) 10:30am - 12:00pm
Jan.13 - Mar. 17 (10 Tuesdays) 10:00am - 11:30am
Program fees: drop-in basis only, $4 per family per session
Program fees: $30/$46/$38/$55
This is a drop-in program for Japanese speaking parents and their children. Together with providing an opportunity for the children to play in Japanese, parents will be able to meet other parents with similar-aged children and share information. You and your children will have the chance to read and listen to Japanese children's books and create crafts. Parents will have the opportunity to learn child-rearing and receive other tips from a community nurse and other invited instructors.
This is a class where you will learn to read, write, listen and speak in Japanese. If you can read hiragana, know how to say hello and say a few words in Japanese, but want to improve, this is the class for you. Through role-play and other exercises, you will increase your vocabulary and use of Japanese phrases while also learning a little about Japanese culture. Tonari Gumi Tablet Club (C) A. Jan. 13 - Jan. 27 (3 Tuesdays) 10:00am - 12:00pm - Let’s learn to send an e-mail to friends & family B. Feb. 10 - Feb. 24 (3 Tuesdays) 10:00am - 12:00pm - Let’s learn about Facebook C. Mar. 10 - Mar. 24 (3 Tuesdays) 10:00am - 12:00pm - Let’s learn how to find fun apps Club A & B & C fees (per club): $6/$9/$8/$11
Flower Arranging (W) Instructor: Rinko Horiuchi Mar. 3 - Mar. 24 (4 Tuesdays) 1:30pm - 3:00 pm Program fees: $16/$24/$20/$29 Learn flower arranging using flowers locally available in Vancouver. This class is for beginners who want to learn from the basics. Please note that in addition to the program fees, there will be material costs ($8 - $10). Please bring an appropriate pair of scissors and a pin frog.
Drop-in possible: per session $3/Member, $4/Non-Member This club is intended for those who already have their own tablet computer and those who have already taken the tablet class. In other words, those who don’t need to start from scratch, but who still want to learn more about the capabilities of their tablets. The purpose of the club is for everyone to get together to have fun while learning and teaching each other what they have learned. The theme will change each month as we go. Objective is for those attending to share what they have learned themselves. Poker Club (C) Jan. 13 - Mar. 24 (11 Tuesdays) 1:00pm - 3:00pm Club fees: $22/$33/$27/$40 Drop-in possible: per session $6/Member, $7/Non-Member Even though no betting is allowed in this Poker Club, you can play with the same intensity and enjoyment as if you had placed a large bet. Moreover, there are benefits beyond just a good game of cards, as it is great brain exercise and will help slow down the effects of aging on the mind. Participants are largely seniors.
Hula Dancing for Seniors (R) Instructor: Kanako Odamura A. Jan. 13 - Feb. 17 (6 Tuesdays) 1:00pm - 2:00pm B. Feb. 24 - Mar. 31 (6 Tuesdays) 1:00pm - 2:00pm Program A & B fees (per program): $18/$28/$23/$33 Sway to the alluring sounds of Hawaiian music as you learn how to dance the hula. Exercise and become fit by dancing the Hawaiian hula. Matched with the easy and relaxed pace of the island music, this is a program that is perfect for all ages and abilities. Thai Yoga for Seniors (R) Instructor: Kanako Odamura A. Jan. 13 - Feb. 17 (6 Tuesdays) 2:15pm - 3:15pm B. Feb. 24 - Mar. 31 (6 Tuesdays) 2:15pm - 3:15pm Program A & B fees (per program): $18/$28/$23/$33 This is Yoga as practiced in Thailand. Eliminate stiffness, limber your joints, improve your blood circulation. In addition, relax through deep breathing and feel a cleansing sensation throughout your body from this program. Whether you are a senior or feel that yoga’s not for you, this program is adapted for everyone to enjoy.
Fees indicated below are in the following order: senior members/non-senior members/senior non-members/non-senior non-members. *seniors are defined as those over 60 years of age
Seniors’ Programs
Wednesday Programs Lighthouse Iki Iki Program (W) (J/E) Staff: Masako Arima Jan. 14 - Mar. 25 (11 Wednesdays) 9:30am - 3:00pm Program fees: per session $10 This program is focused on providing healthy and stimulating activities for individuals who would like slower paced activities or who have symptoms of early stages of dementia. Modelled after the successful “iki iki” program run by Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Hous- ing Society, the Tonari Gumi program consists of light exercise activities, a Japanese-style lunch and other recreational and cultural activities that are geared to the different levels of the participants for roughly 5 hours. To ensure a safe and enjoyable program, the program will be led by specially trained Tonari Gumi staff and volunteers. To register and to receive more detailed information, please call Tonari Gumi. Fall Prevention Exercise Class (W) (J/E) Instructor: Masako Arima Jan. 14 - Mar. 18 (10 Wednesdays) 10:30am - 11:30am
Senior Life Seminars (W) Coordinators: Tonari Gumi staff Each month at Tonari Gumi, we host a gathering called the “Senior Life Seminar”. These seminars are intended to help all those who participate to lead a more active and fulfilled life. Information is provided on issues that impact most directly on senior lives, such as information related to medical, pension, senior care, and housing services. While these services and the information related to them are readily available in Vancouver, they are usually only available in English and this makes it difficult for many to fully take advantage of the services available. Consequently, at Tonari Gumi we hold a variety of seminars that are delivered directly in Japanese or are translated simultaneously into Japanese for our participants. Whenever possible we also welcome Japanese-speaking specialists to conduct workshops on relevant topics. The following seminars are planned over the next 3 months: <January> Advanced Care Planning (third in the series) (Preparing Advanced Care Directives)
11:45am - 12:45pm Lunch fees: $4/$4.5/$5/$6
January 28: 1:30pm - 3:00pm Seminar fees: free for Tonari Gumi members, $8 for non-members By engaging in “advanced care planning” we can ensure that at the end, our own desires and wishes regarding medical care and our own lives will be respected. For this seminar, with the assistance of a lawyer, participants will be able prepare their own advanced care directives which will then be available to them should they be required in an emergency. * February and March: These seminars will be based on the responses received to our recent questionnaire. Additional information on dates and times to be provided later.
For more information, please refer to the details contained in the Monday Programs page.
Gateball (R) Instructor: Kay Fujishima
Program fees: $30/$46/$38/$55 This class focuses on fall and bone injury prevention exercises. Suffering from osteoporosis, haven't exercised much up until now, scared of regular exercises? No need to worry, as this class is for you. Through simple exercises and games, you will improve your muscle strength, balance, stimulus response, improve your physical health and prevent accidents and falls. Lunch Program (W) (J/E) Jan. 12 - Mar. 27 (every Monday, Wednesday & Friday)
Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday 10:00am - 2:00pm Photo Club (Pilot Project) (R) (J/E) Instructor: Emiko Morita Jan. 14 - Mar. 18 (10 Wednesdays) 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Location: Vancouver Buddhist Church (220 Jackson Ave., Vancouver)
Program fees: $30/$46/$38/$55
Program fees: please enquire for details
Do you want to take pictures? Absolutely no experience necessary! Upgrade your digital camera skills and learn more about your community by taking pictures. Choose a theme such as family, food, recreation, etc. and start shooting! At the very end of the program, we are going to bring the best pictures together for a photo exhibition. No need to bring your own camera, as cameras will be provided. Please note that this program will be presented in English, but Japanese interpretation will be available.
Gateball originated in Japan and is a sport played in five person teams similar to croquet. Often thought of as a sport for seniors, today in Japan, elementary to high school students and younger adults are also taking up the sport. Tonari Gumi’s gateball team practices at the Vancouver Buddhist Temple and participates in regional and even international competitions. Absolutely no experience is necessary to participate. No equipment required. Everyone welcome. Bowling Appreciation Group (W) Coordinator: Kay Fujishima Meet every 3rd Wednesday: 1:00pm - (3 games) Location: Grandview Lanes (2195 Commercial Dr, Vancouver) Fees: $7.50 Once a month, every 3rd Wednesday, let’s get together to play 5-pin bowling at Grandview Lanes near the Broadway Skytrain station. Are you up to the challenge of 5-pin bowling? Why not join us?
Fees indicated below are in the following order: senior members/non-senior members/senior non-members/non-senior non-members. *seniors are defined as those over 60 years of age
Seniors’ Programs
Thursday Programs March 19th is a program holiday Brain Training (W) (J/E) Instructor: Masako Arima
Mah-jong Club (C)
Jan. 15 - Mar. 26, 2nd & 4th Thursdays 9:45am - 11:00am
Jan. 15 - Mar. 26 (10 Thursdays) 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Program fees: per session $4/$6/$5/$7
Club fees: $20/$30/$25/$37
In order to have an enjoyable and fulsome life, it's not enough just to exercise your body, you also need to train your brain. Brain training consists of kanji, math and memory training, quizzes, and games such as picking up soya beans using chopsticks with your left hand. With that same game sense, let's exercise our brain while having fun.
Drop-in possible: per session $6/Member, $7/Non-Member
Aerobics for Seniors (R) (J/E) Instructor: Glen Nagano Jan. 15 - Mar. 26 (10 Thursdays) 10:00am - 11:00am Program fees: $30/$46/$38/$55 This is a one hour aerobics class for seniors. Based on provincially endorsed exercises, it consists of a warm-up, balance, strength, coordination, balance, and stretch exercises. There won't be any jumping or difficult movements, but it will be a continuous hour of exercise and you will sweat. A long-time veteran of Tonari Gumi, Glen Nagano will conduct this class in simple English, but the class is open to everyone to participate. Fall Prevention Exercise Class (W) (J/E) Instructor: Masako Arima Jan. 15 - Mar. 26 (10 Thursdays) 11:30am - 12:30pm Program fees: $30/$46/$38/$55 For more information, please refer to the details contained in the Wednesday Programs page. Calligraphy Class (R) Instructor: Kazuko Ikegawa Jan. 15 - Mar. 26 (10 Thursdays) 12:45am - 2:00pm Program fees: $30/$46/$38/$55 This is a class where you learn how to use a brush to create beautiful kanji and kana characters, one of the most representative Japanese art forms. This is an enjoyable class where you learn to create "beautiful, but correct characters".
As might be expected for Tonari Gumi, this is a non-gambling, healthy Mah-jong program. Given that Mah-jong requires mental agility to know how to combine and play your tiles, how to effectively use the remaining tiles, to calculate and to use strategy, it is an excellent exercise for the mind. We also teach the basic rules and so novices are welcome. Korin Type Transfer Picture Painting Workshop (W) Instructor: Tad Aso One Thursday afternoon about 2 hours in March Workshop fees: $4/$6/$5/$7 Easily add simple hand-painted pictures to your letters and cards for that personal touch. This is a very easy method and possible to do even for those who think they can’t paint or draw. Just place your template under your stationery and through the techniques taught in this workshop, you can very easily transfer the colouring to the letter or card you wish to have it on. The templates we will be using for this workshop are Japanese “Korin-style” prints. While transferring these templates to your stationery, you will practice colour choice and some basic painting techniques. Because of limited time, we will only cover the main points of colouring and allow participants to complete their projects at home.
Fees indicated below are in the following order: senior members/non-senior members/senior non-members/non-senior non-members. *seniors are defined as those over 60 years of age
Seniors’ Programs
Friday Programs March 20th is a program holiday English Conversation Class (Beginners) (R) Instructor: Yuri Wong Jan. 16 - Mar. 27 (10 Fridays) 10:00am - 11:30am Program fees: $30/$46/$38/$55 This is a conversation class for beginners who have difficulties in speaking English. With repetition and practice, participants will learn everyday phrases and greetings to talk about the weather, how people feel, etc. In addition, participants will learn how to introduce themselves in English. The following text will be used:“Basic Vocabulary in Use (second ed.)” by Michael McCarthy and Felicity O'Dell Cambridge Univer- sity Press (about $20). Students are encouraged to purchase their own copy.
Introductory Tablet Computer Classes (R) Instructor: Izumi Tagawa A. Jan. 16 - Feb. 13 (5 Fridays) 10:00am - 11:30am B. Feb. 20 - Mar. 27 (5 Fridays) 10:00am - 11:30am Program A & B fees: $15/$23/$19/$27 Learn to use a tablet where with the touch of a finger you can access the internet, use e-mail, or send a photo to a loved one. Tonari Gumi has tablets that you can use, so you don’t even have to have your own tablet to start. Even outside of the class, you can borrow a tablet to use within Tonari Gumi. With a tablet you can get the latest news from Japan or contact your friends and family in Japan via e-mail. Even if you’ve never used a computer before—this class is for you.
English Conversation Class (Intermediate) (R) Instructor: Jane Iwaasa Jan. 16 - Mar. 27 (10 Fridays) 10:00am - 11:30am Program fees: $30/$46/$38/$55 The focus of this intermediate class is to actually speak English as much as possible. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange conversations on useful daily topics and on interesting local news items. Similar to other ESL classes, the instructor is a qualified TESL teacher. Lunch Program (W) (J/E) Jan. 12 - Mar. 27 (every Monday, Wednesday & Friday) 11:45am - 12:45pm Lunch fees: $4/$4.5/$5/$6 For more information, please refer to the details contained in the Monday Programs page. Piano Sing-a-long (W) Coordinator: Kumiko Sato & Tonari Gumi staff February 13, March 13 (Usually the 2nd Friday of each month） 1:00pm - 2:30pm Drop-in fees: free/free/$5/$7 Blend your voices with a live pianist, and sing old favorite melodies. Even if you don’t know the song, you can sing with everyone else. The acoustics in the new Tonari Gumi building are great. This Tonari Gumi program allows you to both sing and listen to others singing to your heart’s content.
Intermediate Tablet Computer Class (R) Instructor: Izumi Tagawa A. Jan.16 - Feb.13 (5 Fridays) 1:30pm - 3:00pm B. Feb.20 - Mar.27 (5 Fridays) 1:30pm - 3:00pm Program A & B fees: $15/$23/$19/$27 This class is meant for those who have completed the introductory class or who have had some experience with a computer. If you don’t have a tablet, you can use the ones provided by Tonari Gumi. The Tonari Gumi tablets are also available outside of class for you to practice while at Tonari Gumi. You can also send e-mail messages to friends and family in Japan from Tonari Gumi.
Fees indicated below are in the following order: senior members/non-senior members/senior non-members/non-senior non-members. *seniors are defined as those over 60 years of age
Senior Outreach Activities (W) (J/E) Leaders: Tonari Gumi Staff Program fees: $4/$6/$5/$7 Each month we have a fun-filled outing. Sometimes we go by car, other times by chartered bus or even by public transit. During the winter months when the weather is bad, we go out to lunch, the casino, craft fairs, and even hot springs. When the weather is good, we go to Whistler or other places outside the city where we can stretch our legs. In addition to the program fees, participants are asked to cover transportation, entrance fees, and lunch costs. Exact details of where we meet and the exact meeting times will be conveyed to registrants closer to the event. Proposed outings for the next 3 months are as follows: Jan. 29 (Thurs.): 10:30am - about 3 hours Lunch at Shizen-ya (at Vancouver) Feb. (second half): Harrison Hot Springs (2 nights 3 days) (details to be provided in January) Mar. 24 (Tues.): 10:30am - about 3 hours Lunch at Uncle Willy’s (at Burnaby)
Caregiver Support Group (Family support group for those caring for individuals suffering from dementia) Meetings take place on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 1:30pm to 3:00pm. Our dementia caregiver support group brings together family members who are caring for individuals suffering from dementia in order to deepen their understanding of dementia, to share the things they have learned from caring for someone with dementia, and to create a grouping where each participant can mutually support each other. This group is primarily intended for those family members who are directly caring for someone with dementia here in Vancouver, or who has a family member with dementia in Japan. Those wishing to participate in this group should contact Tonari Gumi in advance.
Seniors’ Programs
＜Tonari Gumi Craft Club Volunteers (J/E)＞ Every Friday from 10:00am-2:00pm, seniors who enjoy craftmaking gather to produce hand-made cards, to sew, to knit, etc. and contribute as fundraising volunteers for Tonari Gumi. This is not a class on craft-making, but a group where you can expand on your craft making skills and interests to create interesting and innovative items. In addition to our Friday Craft Club, there is also a group of younger individuals who meet once on the first Wednesday of every month to pursue their craft-making skills. Items created by our Tonari Gumi Craft Club are sold in Tonari Gumi’s Gift Shop, at the Powell Street Festival, at the Nikkei Craft Fair and at other Tonari Gumi events. If you are interested in crafts and are willing to volunteer we need you. Or if you have materials that we can use in making crafts, such as kimono material, knitting yarn, and other useful items, we need these items as well. Please contact Tonari Gumi if you wish to volunteer or you have items to donate. ＜Seeking Volunteers! (J/E) ＞ Tonari Gumi delivers a variety of programs and services, primarily for seniors within the community. As a non-profit charity, it’s necessary to hold numerous fundraising events over the course of the year. The funds thus raised, together with the efforts of numerous volunteers, enable Tonari Gumi to maintain its diverse activities. Our volunteers serve as instructors, assistant instructors, chauffeurs, cooks & bakers, and craft makers. They also assist with lunch/ refreshment preparation, event preparation, maintenance, office reception and a wide variety of different assignments. With both weekday activities from 9:00am-5:00pm and weekend and holiday activities such as the Powell Street Festival and other activities and events, volunteers are always welcome. If you are interested in volunteering at Tonari Gumi, please contact us at (604) 687-2172 or e-mail at info@tonarigumi.ca. ＜Recruiting for Class & Workshop Instructors＞ Tonari Gumi is in the process of expanding the number of programs and activities we conduct on week nights and weekends. Most of our programs held during the regular days of the week are daytime programs primarily for our seniors. Our evening and weekend programs are mainly intended for those who work or are going to school during the daytime during the week. Hence, we have organized classes and workshops intended for “The General Public”. Our programs will be taking place over two separate terms: Winter term from January to March and our Spring term from April to June. If you are interested in teaching a program or even conducting a onetime workshop at Tonari Gumi, we’d like to hear from you. Call (604) 687-2172 or e-mail <programs@tonarigumi.ca>.
Programs for the General Public
Saturday Programs Program for those needing physical activity (E) (lifting dumbbells, using the stretch pole)
Events Nikkei Plus Social Club (J/E) Date: 4th Saturday of each month
Instructor: Ryan Odamura
Time: starting at 11:00am
Jan. 17 & 31, Feb. 14 & 21 (4 Saturdays) 10:00am - 11:00am
Called Nikkei Plus because this gathering is not limited to just those of Japanese ancestry (full or hapa), but includes all husbands, wives & children and every generation whether it be first, second, third and so-on. It’s also called a “Social Club” because the intent is to gettogether, share food, games, nostalgic stories and to generally have an enjoyable time. Our first gathering in 2015 will be on Saturday, January 24th and each 4th Saturday from thenceforth. Participation is by donation. To join, call Tonari Gumi at (604) 687-2172 or email at info@tonarigumi.ca. Look forward to seeing you there.
Class fees: $40 Lifting Dumbbells: adjusted to your own physical ability level, learn how to use dumbbells correctly to increase your muscle strength. Using the Stretch pole: utilizing a stretch pole you can eliminate muscle tension. Relax and improve your posture through these exercises. Both the dumbbell and stretch pole exercises are taught so that even if you’ve never done them before, you can fully participate. This is your chance to get that physical activity that you’ve always promised to do!
Tonari Gumi’s Afternoon Tea Party (J/E)
＜About Ryan＞
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2015
Starting with hockey and baseball from the age of 6, Ryan has been active in a variety of different sports. While in high school, he joined a gym and continues faithfully to this day. He worked for 4 years in a sports gym in Japan and is a qualified instructor in various exercise apparatus, dumbbells, barbells, etc. and has also advised athletes. He sincerely wants to help everyone improve their body strength and to learn how to relax.
Savour your tea in fine English china and munch on deliciously made sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries together with delightful entertainment. Join with us in the relaxing atmosphere at Tonari Gumi facilities for a delightful afternoon tea with your friends and relatives. There will be three sittings: at 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm. Advance reservations required at (604) 687-2172.
Hula Dancing (E) (this class is for those under 60 years old) Instructor: Kanako Odamura Jan. 17 & 31, Feb. 14 & 21 (4 Saturdays) 11:15am - 12:15pm Class fees: $50 This is a class where you can dance and sway to the island melodies of Hawaii. While learning the hula, you can improve your fitness and get your daily exercise. In learning to move with the gentle island melodies, there are no worries of excessive physical stress on legs and knees. ＜About Kanako＞ ・Thai Yoga Master Certificate ・Hula Instructor Kanako has worked in Japan for some 5 years in a sports club, cultural centre and in schools as a Thai Yoga and Hula Dance instructor. She learned hula dancing in both Hawaii and in Tokyo directly from a Hawaiian teacher. Her principal focus is to help everyone appreciate the enjoyment and physical benefits of both Thai Yoga and hula dancing. *For more detailed information on Thai Yoga, please refer to the Tuesday Program page.