Apr
19
Combining Storytelling with Music Strikes a Chord
Posted under: Partnerships
Combining music with storytelling is the premise behind a new project between United and the Alberta Music Education Foundation (AMEF) that brought residents and students together at two performances at United communities. United and AMEF recently signed a partnership agreement that encourages the use of music to add a new… View Article
Apr
12
Writer’s Corner Puts a Lifetime of Experience on Paper
Posted under: Creative Expression
“Writing is easy. All you have to do is cross out the wrong words.” – Mark Twain If only writing is that easy. For some, writing flows naturally, but for others it can be a handwringing, emotional experience. Whatever the process, writing helps us express ourselves. And that’s why United… View Article
Apr
5
Creativity Never Gets Old
Posted under: Creative Expression
Two of the most prolific artists at United’s Garrison Green community are Hugh and Kay Kuwahara. Despite just turning 104, Hugh continues to paint every day and his wife of 77 years, Kay, who will be 98 years old in May, is keeping her easel busy as well. Together with their son… View Article
Mar
29
Wendy Martin: A Quilter’s Life
Posted under: Creative Expression
Wendy Martin has a passion. For more than 50 years, she has been reflecting the world around her in quilts. Big or small, the quilts she makes tell the stories of her life. “I started quilting in Canada’s Centennial year, 1967. I thought it would be nice to honour the… View Article
Mar
22
United Earns Accreditation from Accreditation Canada
Posted under: Community
United Active Living’s two communities have earned accreditation “with commendation” from Accreditation Canada. The organization provides an independent, third-party assessment of an organization’s operations using a wide range of standards that are based on best management and operational practices. “Accreditation is available every four years, and this is our third accreditation from them,”… View Article
Mar
15
New Partnership, New Project with Alberta Music Education Foundation
Posted under: Music
United has signed a partnership agreement with the Alberta Music Education Foundation (AMEF). Based in Edmonton, but with programs throughout the province, AMEF “provides funding and innovative ideas to Alberta’s music students and teachers.” United’s first project with AMEF is the Alberta Heritage Music Project that brings students and older… View Article
Mar
8
Program Variety Puts United in Unique Position
Posted under: Creative Expression
One resident, heading from one program to another, recently said, “There’s just so much to do here!” Do you love classical music but can’t seem to get out to the CPO anymore? What if the CPO came to you? That’s what happens when you live in a United Active Living… View Article
Mar
1
Lives Lived, Stories Told
Posted under: Creative Expression
Life is about creating our own stories, and the memories we create are the photos that go with the stories. But stories are meant to be shared, and the partnership between Mount Royal University and United’s Garrison Green community ensures some of those stories and memories are passed on. What has… View Article
Feb
22
Honens Prize Laureate Luca Buratto’s Talent Shines for Residents
Posted under: Music
To meet Luca Buratto, you wouldn’t think this unassuming, quiet, 25-year-old has an immense talent as a world-class pianist. Yet when he sits down to play, the listener hears something extraordinary. “I’ve never seen anyone play Beethoven without sheet music. That’s extraordinary!” commented one resident who was one of more… View Article
Feb
15
Dani Dykema – A Tribute to the Value of Community
Posted under: Community
When St. Mary’s University student Dani Dykema decided to spend a school year living and working with the residents of United’s Fish Creek community, she wasn’t sure what to expect. The experience is part of a program at United called Students-in-Residence. As the name suggests, students move into United’s two… View Article