Tag: creative expression

Lunchbox Theatre Partnership Brings Theatre to United’s Residents

June 21, 2018 by Careen Chrusch

Lunchbox Theatre and United Active Living have signed a partnership that will bring special talks and a full production, complete with sets and costumes into United’s Fish Creek community.

“We have many successful partnerships that promotes United’s philosophy to promote creative expression in all of its forms,” said United’s music director Jill LaForty. “We’re always looking to broaden our offerings to meet our residents’ interests. Teaming with Lunchbox Theatre was a natural step given that some of our residents already attend their productions. Now, with this partnership, we can bring professional theatre directly to those who find it more difficult to go out.”

Jamie Konchak as Peggy Ann Douglas in Miss Caledonia. Photo by Benjamin Laird — Jamie Konchak as Peggy Ann Douglas in Miss Caledonia.

Lunchbox To Go is a relatively new program for Lunchbox Theatre that focuses on bringing theatre into older adult communities and to community centres. “The program is an opportunity to promote theatre in the larger community,” said Valmai Goggin, development associate with Lunchbox Theatre. “We pick one of our shows that is performed in our theatre downtown and take it on tour. This year it was Miss Caledonia by Melody Johnson. The touring version is about 80% of the theatre version, including sets and costumes. We don’t take the lighting with us because each venue is so different.”

“I have never seen our Fish Creek theatre as full as when Miss Caledonia came to us in April,” recalls Jill. “Our residents were absolutely captivated and their enthusiastic response signalled we were on the right track in pursuing this partnership.”

“I’ve been going to Lunchbox since it started in 1975,” said Garrison Green resident Joyce Doolittle, who is a recent recipient of the Order of Canada for her work in Calgary theatre. “It’s a wonderful place for young playwrights and for actors at the beginning of their careers. Having the plays come here is a good thing as not everyone can get out, and you can always count on the quality of the productions.”

An in-house production isn’t the only way that aspects of the theatre will be brought to United residents. “We’re also delighted that as part of this partnership, members of Lunchbox’s artistic team will come into our communities at least three times this season,” added Jill. “They’ll give our residents back stories and added insight into current productions before some of them head out to see the shows.”

Jamie Konchak as Peggy Ann Douglas and Aleksandra Danicic as the Fiddler in Miss Caledonia. Photo by Benjamin Laird — Jamie Konchak as Peggy Ann Douglas and Aleksandra Danicic as the Fiddler in Miss Caledonia.

Lunchbox Theatre is located at the base of the Calgary Tower. It has been running noon-hour plays – usually one-act plays written by Calgary playwrights – for more than 40 years, and is considered to be one of the most successful and longest running noon-hour theatre companies in the world.

“We think that as many people as possible should have access to the performing arts,” said Valmai. “People can’t often come downtown, so the more we can diversify and bring theatre into the community, the more we will connect with older adults and the more our theatre productions will resonate with them.”

Next year’s visiting production for United residents – Gutenberg! The Musical! by Scott Brown and Anthony King – will tour in the spring, from April 23 to May 5.

Photos by: Benjamin Laird

Do you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community? Send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a tour. We are happy to help!

To learn more about life at United’s Fish Creek community, watch this short video.

Contact us here!

Growing and Thriving As We Age

May 24, 2018 by Careen Chrusch

“None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.” – Author Henry David Thoreau

As the population ages, and is staying healthy longer into their later years, older adults are looking for lifestyles that support their interests. Health, community and creativity are the new expectations of those in their 70’s and beyond.

While lifestyle is about people, the environment and infrastructure around them must support their lifestyle choices.

“The last thing an older adult wants is to move into a community that reminds them of a hospital,” said Kim O’Brien, CEO. “Anyone can build four walls and a roof, but a great deal of care must be taken to ensure amenities function well and that residents feel at home.”

To support your lifestyle needs, United has used its more than 20 years of experience to look at the kinds of programs and activities residents want, then design communities around them.

United offers a range of suites to suit your lifestyle, from smaller studios, up to large two-bedroom suites, some up to 1,300 sq. ft.

A great deal of thought went into the design of the two United communities – Garrison Green and Fish Creek.

What are residents looking for? Creative activities and amenities are high on the list of importance. United’s activities are designed around the idea that an engaging and interesting lifestyle shouldn’t end when we hit 65. Research into aging shows that learning continues well into our later years. United’s Garrison Green community boasts one resident in her 80’s who earned an English degree, others are learning to play piano and guitar, while others are discovering hidden talents as artists.

Residents have the same freedom they enjoyed at home to do what they want, when they want and to come and go as they please. Communities are designed to ensure the safe movement of those who need the extra care, and United fully supports an integrative model where everyone is included in activities.

In each community there are green spaces, dining spaces for casual, formal or family get-togethers, where executive chef-designed menus offer variety and flexibility in meal times, a theatre, heated underground parking, an art studio and fitness area.

The Fish Creek community boasts a stunning, professionally designed open-air courtyard accessed from the dining room, art gallery and fitness areas. Walking paths, a water feature, orchard, putting green, bocce court, barbeque area, and sculpture gardens are all there for the enjoyment of residents, friends and families.

The building designs include spaces where guest lectures and other gatherings can be held. “We fully support the concept of lifelong learning. A person is never too old to learn something new. That’s why we have established close connections with St. Mary’s University, Mount Royal University, the Esker Foundation, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and many other groups that extend those learning opportunities for the residents,” said Kim Coulter, program development coordinator, Fish Creek. “These partnerships allow for professionals to come to our communities to host lectures and musical events. They provide the opportunity for intergenerational programming and bridge the gap for accessibility.”

Included in the Fish Creek community is an expansive art gallery. This main floor gallery displays art by residents, staff and greater community artists. In addition, the courtyard is highlighted by sculptures created by well-known Canadian artists.

“Art and creative applications are an integral part of our programming,” said Jeff Chan, creative facilitator, Fish Creek. Residents have the capacity to create and express themselves through a variety of creative outlets no matter their age. Just recently we celebrated Hugh Kuwahara’s 104th birthday with a display of artwork created by him an his wife, Kay. Our art galleries have become a place to share resident artwork with the greater community, creating a sense of belonging and empowerment.”

“The whole focus on creativity and lifelong learning really highlights the fact that no matter a person’s age, the creative spark remains as strong as ever,” said Kim O’Brien. “And it’s such a pleasure to watch someone who is new to painting or working with clay, achieve something they never thought possible!”

Do you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community? Send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a tour. We are happy to help!

To learn more about life at United’s Fish Creek community, watch this short video.

Contact us here!

Summer Program Guides Offer Wealth of Activities

May 31, 2018 by Careen Chrusch

“Coming to a place like this where there are so many options, it’s just awesome!” – Resident Hertha Reich

Resident Hertha Reich in the Garrison Green art studio

United’s summer program guides are out for both Fish Creek and Garrison Green communities. Each contains over 30 pages of programs and ongoing activities that make living in the two communities fun and engaging.

Music, drawing, painting, pottery, discussion groups and fitness are just some of the ongoing programs. When you combine these with programs offerred by United’s community partners, the list is even more impressive.

“We have a wide range of partnerships with some of the best artistic, cultural and educational organizations in the city that give residents the opportunity to learn and experience a wealth of programs that broaden their horizons,” said Fish Creek program coordinator Kim Coulter. “The partnerships expose residents to plays and concerts outside our community. They also enable us to bring world-class performers on site, making the offerings accessible to all.”

Calgary Civic Symphony performing at Fish Creek

“The programs and activities we offer residents are unique,” said Monica Schmidt, program development coordinator, Garrison Green. “At United, being creative is a way of life. We have professional artists on staff who provide support to everyone, from those who have never picked up a brush or a handful of clay, to those who were attracted to United specifically because they can continue their lifelong passion for art.”

To keep the mind active we foster a focus on the arts, creativity and stimulating social interaction. United’s extensive list of programs and activities ensures there is ample opportunity for ongoing learning and creative expression.

In collaboration with the residents, United has compiled a comprehensive guide of upcoming specialty and ongoing programs at both communities. Residents, along with their friends and families can use this resource to make plans to participate.

Both guides are available as printable PDFs at the following links:

Garrison Green program link

Fish Creek program link

Check with the monthly calendars and newsletters for any additions or updates.

“While the partnerships provide a number of one-of-a-kind opportunities, it’s often the residents who suggest programs or activities they would like us to put together. That’s why the list of programs is so unique. It’s as varied as the people who live here,” said Kim.

“Check back often,” advises Monica. “There’s always something new and the programs are always evolving based on resident feedback.”

Do you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community? Send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a tour. We are happy to help!

To learn more about life at United’s Fish Creek community, watch this short video.

Contact us here!

Writer’s Corner Puts a Lifetime of Experience on Paper

April 12, 2018 by Careen Chrusch

“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 introduced Writer’s Corner a few years ago. Each month a group of interested residents gets together to discuss and improve their writing. The program is led by two local writers Erika Bloedorn and Monica Schmidt who have been a part of the Garrison Green community for several years.

While Erika and Monica started as volunteers in the Mount Royal University Life Writing program, the connections they made inspired them to continue to draw out residents’ stories through writing. They developed this program to help people interested in writing gain the skills and confidence needed to pursue this passion.

Virginia Stewart, a published poet that we wrote about last year, is one of the longest attending members of the Writers’ Corner program. She has much to say about how this group has influenced her writing and allowed for stronger connections between her neighbours. This is her experience with the program.

Writer’s Corner, by Virginia Stewart

You may wonder what you have stumbled into when you find yourself on a Thursday evening drawn to a room full of laughter. It’s just one way to spend an evening at Garrison Green. After five minutes of free writing we are encouraged to share the results of our spontaneity.

We will take many hesitant steps on our way to successful writing. I say hesitant because we all understand when we put our thoughts and interpretations on paper— and then read them aloud to a group of new friends— we are uncertain how we will be received.

Wendy Martin in Writers Corner — Wendy Martin writing about her life in England

However, we accept the challenge as Lil rolls out a tale of Tigger, her cabin puss and Wendy reflects on her early life in England. These private recollections have been squirrelled away in our memories until one evening our pens take off and we feel prepared to share.

Can we indulge our spontaneity? Are we able to shed some light on our creations? We have turned our evenings into a collection of happenings, which serve to mark a turning point in our creativity.

We were about six people initially who were interested in doing some writing, or should I say in improving our writing. Two women, recent graduates from Mount Royal University’s English program were eager to work with a group of seniors who wanted to write.

That group has grown to about 13 people keen to talk about personal anecdotes. What does this group mean to me? I find I spend some of my quiet time reflecting on life’s experiences. Such little things often turn out to have a humorous side to them that we hadn’t noticed until we took time to listen.

Our Writer’s in Residence program is another popular program at United involving English students from Mount Royal University. Find out more in this video.

Do you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community? Send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a tour. We are happy to help!

To learn more about life at United’s Garrison Green, watch this short video.

Contact us here!

You’re Never Too Old…

April 27, 2017 by Careen Chrusch

“Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” – Author Betty Friedan

The common misconception is that older adults are “set in their ways”, and that once you reach a certain age, learning something new becomes difficult if not impossible. Think of the old adage “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

That’s proving to be absolutely wrong. Research into aging by Dr. Gene Cohen, a pioneer in the work around creativity and aging, said that research “vividly demonstrates that when the brain is challenged through our activities and surroundings, it is altered through the formation of new synapses (contact points between cells). More synapses means better communication among brain cells and increased opportunities for new ideas connecting.”

United’s residents are confirming Dr. Cohen’s findings every day.

“Dr. Cohen broke older age into several stages,” said Gail Hinchliffe, president, United Active Living. “For instance, in our late 60s we start thinking, ‘If not now, when?’ and later our focus is on leaving a legacy; not necessarily money, but we have a wealth of experience that we want to pass on. Our programs capitalize on Cohen’s work. It’s not about warehousing people but about how to provide opportunities for an older population to continue to grow and develop.”

Garrison Green resident Hugh Kuwahara with two of his masterpieces

That view is evident in the programs and activities that United Active Living offers residents. Our philosophy promotes healthy and active aging. And that means endless opportunities to continuously learn new things. For many, this period of life might be the first time they have found the freedom to pursue interests that were set aside for family and career.

“We will often hear residents say, ‘why did it take me until 85 to realize that I’m an artist?’ There is nothing we like more than to hear the surprised adult children say ‘I didn’t know mom (or dad) was interested in that!’

“To be able to learn new skills is very, very powerful,” said Gail, “particularly in a society that tends to diminish our abilities as we get older.”

United’s programs and activities are created with input from residents. They are interesting and fun, but also thought provoking and challenging. United’s programming is unique in that it offers a wide variety of experiences.

At last count there were more than 60 activities and programs available to residents. Community partnerships also offer experiences outside the community that many residents may not have been exposed to before or have had to stop attending for various reasons.

Calgary Philharmonic Woodwind Quintet performs at Garrison Green

“It’s easy for our residents to get on the bus and attend a concert. We also have musicians come into our communities to perform and talk about the music, so it’s a very rich experience,” said Gail. “Our programming has evolved to where we hire professional artists who give our residents a depth of knowledge not available anywhere else. I really love is to see a resident come in who has been isolated in their home, and hasn’t had that social interaction or that sense of community. As they come into this community, other residents and the staff reach out to welcome them. They become involved in the activities and programs. It is such a wonderful thing to see their faces knowing that they’ve found that sense of community again.”

Gail talks about the ability of older adults to learn in a 10-minute audio interview available here.

Do you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community? Send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a tour. We are happy to help!

Contact us here!

A Tribute to an Inspirational Couple

November 24, 2016 by Careen Chrusch

“Two roads diverged in a wood and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” – poet Robert Frost.

They met at Ithaca College in New York, married and came to Calgary in 1960 with their four children. Quenten Doolittle worked at the University of Calgary teaching strings and theory and Joyce Doolittle taught for 24 years at the University’s drama department. She was instrumental in creating the MAC 14 theatre on 1st. street S.W, which moved to larger space on 9th avenue and evolved into Theatre Calgary.

Joyce discovered an old brick building on the west side of Calgary – an old water pumping station slated for demolition. She started a petition and saved the building, turning into a home for young actors called Pumphouse Theatre. She was honoured for her work by having one of the theatres named for her.

Both Quenten and Joyce grew to become icons of culture, music, theatre and art in Calgary.

“I taught theatre for children and playwriting. I wanted this place to be a theatre for young actors, and it has turned into a great place for kids,” reflected Joyce. “A great many Calgary actors and playwrights got their start here.”

quenten-signs-elements-painting-small-op — Quenten signing his “Water” painting

Pumphouse hosted a evening for Joyce and Quenten to display their latest creative works – paintings. Quenten is a composer with a long history as principal violist with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. He successfully married his love of music with his art, creating a large volume of work including a series called the fifth element, a collection of four paintings that envision the four elements, combined with musical notes from his compositions. “The fifth element,” he explains, ” is the performer.”

“Exploring a new art form was terrifying,” laughs Joyce. “But I soon discovered that art doesn’t have to be Rembrandt.”

Joyce is particularly grateful to have found a complete art studio in her new home at United’s Garrison Green. “I’ve seen places where they say ‘we’ve always done it this way’, or ‘you have to do it that way’. Here, you don’t have to do it like that. We have the freedom to express ourselves. I have the time now to work in the art studio where we both can try new things.”

Quenten treated the audience to a solo viola composition. He performed the composition earlier for Garrison Green residents. You can watch the video here.

Eugene Stickland, who won this year’s W.O. Mitchell award for his novel the Piano Teacher, has known the Doolittles for many years. He acted as MC for the evening, and interviewed them in front of the audience about their lives, and the theatre and arts scene in Calgary.

Eugene wrote a play – Queen Lear – especially for Joyce on her 80th birthday.

“Urban Curvz Theatre produced it right here and it was the only time Joyce acted in a major role in the theatre named after her,” said Eugene.

Proudest moments? “My life was so busy then,” said Quenten. “Four children, the CPO. How did we do it? But we did.”

“For me, there are many of those moments,” said Joyce. “I was so proud when Quenten played one of his compositions at Carnegie Hall. And playing Queen Lear in Eugene’s play. That was another big moment for me. For new actors I would say, don’t be afraid to try new things. Calgary is such a terrific city. We fell in love with it immediately when we arrived here in 1960. It’s such an open-hearted city and a thriving place for actors.”

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Tag: creative expression

Photos by: Benjamin Laird

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