Program Guide Winter, 2017

GarrisonGreen

Welcome! Welcome to the winter edition of

United's Garrison Green community program guide - a comprehensive outline that expresses the variety and depth of the programs we offer to you. United is unique in highlighting creative expression in all of its forms as a way to stay active, both physically and mentally. This guide supplements the monthly program and activities calendar you receive by providing more information about the programs available at Garrison Green. Please note that the information is as accurate as possible at the time of publication, but programs may change, so please refer to the monthly calendar to confirm dates and times. Our Partnerships

United has partnered with some of the best arts and culture organizations to bring you a broad array of music, theatre and opera performances. These partnerships open doors to concerts and lectures outside of the Garrison Green community and bring artists - sometimes world-renowned - into the community for special concerts, workshops and lectures from visiting professors.

We are always looking for feedback from residents about what we could offer. If you have any ideas please let us know! Please check the monthly calendar and newsletter for more details and dates. Our December theme is Christmas! Join us in celebrating Christmas all month long! Be on the lookout for Christmas-themed programming, art, music and food events. From Christmas light tours, a door decorating contest, and ornament making, to cookie decorating, you’re sure to get into the Christmas spirit in time for our big Christmas party on December 22! Friday, Dec. 1 Door Decorating Contest We are launching a door-decorating contest for residents and staff! Once your door is decorated, register your room number on the list at reception so everyone knows which doors to go see. Once you’ve seen your fill of gorgeous doors, cast your votes for best door at reception; ballots and box will be on hand there. The winner will be revealed at the Christmas party on December 22! Dec. 1 and 9 Wrapping Paper Workshop This two-part workshop will begin with the making of our stamps. We will design and cut our own images, experimenting with the different effects that can be created with repetitive design. In part two we will be adventurous with colour, and use our stamps to create beautiful wrapping paper that can then be used for all of your holiday wrapping needs.

Program Highlights December, 2017

Saturday, Dec. 2 at McDougall United Church Western Hospitality Singers Present: A Very Social #Christmas

They wowed the crowd when they performed for us in-house in October, now let’s go out and support them in their Christmas concert extravaganza! This Christmas concert is “a funny look at what happens at the North Pole when Santa and the Elves become enamoured of Social Media like Facebook, Twitter and More!” Rhythm of the Rockies ladies' chorus are featured guests and a number of quartets will be spotlighted as well. Please sign up at reception by Monday, Nov. 12. Sunday, Dec. 3 at McGivney Hall, St. Mary's University The World For Christmas The St. Mary's University Choir conducted by Malcolm Edwards has a reputation for innovative and engaging programming performed with enthusiasm and wit. Their annual Christmas concert is a long-standing tradition at St. Mary's and incorporates the best music of the season. Monday, Dec. 4 Decorating the Christmas Trees

Join us in trimming the (brand new!) Community Christmas trees and enjoy some tasty treats and beautiful live Christmas carols on the piano while you’re at it!

Tuesdays, Dec. 5 & 12 What Do You See When You Listen to Music? Rolf Bertsch, Canadian pianist and conductor, will join us in music and conversation as we explore the relationship between music and art. Come and listen to a world-class pianist as he shares well-loved piano classics. And join in as we explore drawing and painting what we see in our mind's eye as we listen to the music of the masters. Tuesday, Dec. 5 at Lunchbox Theatre Santaland Diaries An out of work actor in New York City takes a job as an elf in Macy's Santaland Village. The behind-the- scenes reality of holiday cheer is not the blissful peppermint dream that he had imagined. Fortunately, he's willing to share his hilarious horror story publicly. Based on David Sedaris' hilarious book chronicling his outlandish experience working as an elf in a Macy's Santaland. A Christmas comedy for the little bit of humbug in all of us.

Wednesday, Dec. 6 Christmas Card Workshop There is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than to write loving messages to our family and friends! We will be cutting, pasting, painting and creating as many different card designs as we can in this workshop. No need to buy a Hallmark card when we can make them ourselves! Wednesday, Dec. 6 at Contemporary Calgary Contemporary Calgary’s current exhibit, Extratextual explores the intersection of art and writing. It is billed as a dynamic exhibit that will include contemporary and historical projects by artists and writers across disciplines from beading and tapestries, to prints and video components. As guests, we will be invited to engage with the works in the gallery as we see them, and to discuss them as a group during a casual roundtable conversation following our tour. Coffee, tea and pastries will be provided free of charge. Sign up at reception. Dec. 6, 11 and 19 Christmas Light Tours It’s that time of year again and we’ve got a few nights set up to tour the beautiful Christmas lights of our city. Take in the sparkling light displays from the cozy comfort of one of our trusty buses and enjoy the sights without dealing with the chilly weather! All three excursions depart at 6:00 p.m. Sign up at reception.

• Wednesday, Dec. 6 – Mount Royal Neighbourhood • Monday, Dec. 11 – Spruce Meadows • Tuesday, Dec. 19 – Driver/Resident’s Choice

Friday, Dec. 8 Life Writing Project In this session of the ongoing partnership between Garrison Green residents and Mount Royal University English students, participants have been working together since September to produce a collaborative written work. Whether poetry or prose, or something else entirely, creativity has been in full swing throughout. Hear from the participants as they reflect on the project and share excerpts from the pieces they have produced. Refreshments will be served following the presentation. All are welcome. Sunday, Dec. 10 at the Bella Concert Hall Winter Fantasia Winter Fantasia is a showcase of the work of the MRU Conservatory choral ensembles including Arietta, Aria and Arioso, with the Conservatory Strings and a performance of "A Christmas Wish" by Lori Evert (author) and Per Breiehagen (illustrator), courtesy of the MRU Speech Arts performers. Calgary's own Heebee-jeebees will host this seasonal event.

Wednesday, Dec. 13 Jazzy Christmas with Denis Nassar and John Reid Pianist Denis Nassar and Saxophonist John Reid will present a Christmas concert of “jazzed-up” holiday songs and invite residents to sing along with this batch of familiar favourites. Come ready with your most-loved Christmas tunes in mind as, in addition to their planned program, they will also take requests!

Wednesday, Dec. 13 Gingerbread Houses and Hot Chocolate Gingerbread houses of all sizes and shapes can be made with a little ingenuity, a few sprinkles and a lot of icing! Come join in creating gingerbread houses that show off your Christmas spirit. All materials are provided, but prepare for a messy, fun afternoon with lots of hot chocolate. Saturday, Dec. 16 at the Bella Concert Hall Sounds of the Season Come celebrate the festive season in song. The MRU Conservatory ensembles — including the Calgary Youth Orchestra, Mount Royal Zhi-Yin Choir, Mount Royal Kantorei and Artio choirs — take the stage at the Taylor Centre in a yuletide event that also features an appearance by Calgary’s own comic a cappella group, the Heebee-jeebees.

Sunday, Dec. 17 at Bert Church Live Theatre, Airdrie Sons of Maxwell: East Coast Music Get into the spirit of Christmas with Sons of Maxwell. This brother act from Halifax performs traditional Celtic music with their signature harmonies, great energy and a wonderful sense of humour. Tickets $35. Please sign up at reception. Tuesday, Dec. 19 at Esker Foundation Join our creative facilitators for an afternoon in Inglewood. After lunch at Bite Eatery we will make our way down the street to the Esker Foundation to see their current exhibition Mary Anne Barkhouse: Le rêve aux loups. Although some of our residents have already been to see this show, it made such an impact that we are going to see it once more. Feel free to join us again if you have already seen it, or spread the word about this amazing exhibition. Friday, Dec. 22 Garrison Green Christmas Party Wear your most beautiful (or outrageous!) Christmas clothing and join us in a festive celebration of the Christmas season! Our very own Garrison Green Choir will lead us in some carols and choir director Mary Lynn will get our holiday spirits up with classic Christmas songs to sing along with. Our amazing in-house artists will have a fun photo booth – complete with goofy costumes and wearable ornaments –set up for you to create with. Delicious refreshments – including rum & eggnog! – will be offered, and the results of the door decorating contest will be revealed! Friends and family are welcome. Monday, Dec. 25 Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings on Christmas Day. Please sign up your friends and family at reception.

Sunday, Dec. 31 Special New Year’s Eve dinner. Please sign up your friends and family at reception.

January, 2018

Our January theme is Hygge! Pronounced “hoo-guh” this Nordic word indicates a cozy sense of being. Think wrapping your hands around a steaming cup of hot chocolate on a cold day, listening to a fire crackling, sharing a meal rich with flavours, warmth, and friendship. Feeling the warm fuzzies? That’s Hygge! January is typically a cold and sometimes dreary month so we’re going to warm it up by practicing Hygge all month. Wednesday, Jan. 3 Hygge: Paper Crafts Scandinavian paper crafts are known for their simple elegance and fun patterns. Create your own unique paper crafts inspired by Scandinavia and Hygge. Staff will be on hand with step-by-step instructions, but as always, you’re free to go wild with your own creations. Wednesday, Jan. 10 Hygge: Candle Holder Making Workshop As part of our Hygge-inspired series, we will be making different types of candle holders in this workshop. We will be making different styles of candle holders, as well as providing battery-powered candles to bring us serenity in the cold months of winter.

Thursday, Jan. 11 at Spiros and Truck Gallery Lunch at Spiros and Outing to Truck Gallery Truck Gallery is known for its refreshing take on contemporary art. It has cutting edge, challenging work, but provides an open and friendly atmosphere that invites you to ask questions and enjoy learning something new. Spiros is one of Calgary’s top restaurants for great pizza and Greek food. Jan. 12 and 31 Hygge: Warm Hands When the weather gets colder, our joints sometimes become stiffer and start to ache. It can be especially noticeable in our hands. This workshop will include a warm paraffin wax soak for your hands as well as some simple exercises to improve mobility and dexterity in your fingers. Everyone is welcome to come dip their hands even if it is just to warm up. Wednesday, Jan. 17 Hygge: Painting and Cider In keeping with our continued theme of Hygge this winter, we will be adding an extra element of comfort to our painting workshop by bringing delicious hot cider into the mix! Join us in the studio for an informative workshop on painting, all the while sipping hot cider as the snow falls outside.

Friday, Jan. 19 Hygge: Duo Quiet Nights Singer Talita Louzada and pianist Denis Nassar will whisk you to the beaches and sultry air of Brazil. This husband and wife team have been performing bossa novas and sambas for over a dozen years together. They will present a special selection of 12 songs that are among the most beautiful music of Brazil. Monday, Jan. 22 at the Rosza Centre Calgary Pro Musica presents Ariel String Quartet Distinguished by its virtuosic playing and impassioned interpretations, Israel's Ariel Quartet has earned its glowing international reputation. The program includes a late string quartet by Beethoven and also works by Schumann and American composer John Harbison. Tuesday, Jan. 23 at Lunchbox Theatre Inner Elder, a one-woman show for all people As part of the High Performance Rodeo Inner Elder, a new one-woman show by award-winning Calgary actress Michelle Thrush. A show that will take you on a journey of discovery using real moments remembered through the eyes of Michelle and the impact her Grandmother had on her life. Through her stories you will see the transformation from a child to an elder, showing us that for everyone, laughter is the best healing medicine.

Thursday, Jan. 25 at the Herringer Kiss Gallery; Lunch at Bonterra Trattoria The Herringer Kiss Gallery focuses on contemporary fine art by emerging, mid-career and established artists from across Canada and the United States. We will be starting this outing with lunch at Bonterra Trattoria, an Italian restaurant that has been a staple in Calgary since 2000. Friday, Jan. 26 at the Jack Singer Concert Hall CPO Dress Rehearsal - From Russia with Love They say that Russians are happiest when they are sad; indeed, Tchaikovsky wrote some of the most lyrical, plaintive and heartbreakingly beautiful music ever. Yet the rousing and celebratory dances that fire up his ballets are anything but sad. Come hear the best of both in the Calgary Philharmonic’s moving tribute to the great Tchaikovsky! Music includes the Rococo Variations for Cello & Orchestra and excerpts from Swan Lake.

Monday, Jan. 29 Up Close and Personal with Kimberley-Ann Bartczak Women conductors are still the exception rather than the rule. Enter Kimberley-Ann Bartczak, Calgary Opera’s new resident conductor. She will talk about her career to date, working with singers and the upcoming production of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin.

Tuesday Jan. 30 Hygge: Music and Art Combined Our Hygge-inspired series continues with a workshop driven by the influential effects of music. How does different music change our mood? Does it inspire us to create different styles of artwork? Join us as we explore these questions while listening to the beautiful sound of guitarist Dariush Danowski, a student at the Mount Royal Conservatory who has been a part of the Academy for Gifted Youth Program.

February, 2018

The XXIII Olympic Winter Games will be held for 17 days from Feb. 9 to 25 in Pyeongchang, South Korea. The Olympics represent the first time any Olympic Games have been held in Korea since the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. We will celebrate the Winter Olympic games with a variety of programs, watch for more details in the February calendar! Thursday, Feb. 1 at Jubilee Auditorium Calgary Opera Dress Rehearsal - Tchaikovksy's Eugene Onegin Tchaikovsky's masterpiece is based on a story by Pushkin. A teenaged girl, Tatyana falls in love with the dashing Onegin only to have him coldly reject her. Then years later they meet again. Will Tatyana yield to passion or fulfill her duty? Escape into Tchaikovsky’s beautiful soaring arias and orchestral music.

Friday, Feb. 2 Students of the MRU Conservatory Academy Program for Young Artists and Advanced Performance Program A free concert featuring the very talented students of the Mount Royal University Conservatory Academy of Music Program. These musicians range in age from 12 to 18 are extremely talented and indeed, many are of a world-class calibre. Over a series of three concerts throughout the year, you will hear them perform on piano, violin, viola, cello, winds, and in chamber ensembles.

Monday, Feb. 5 Korean Olympics: Art Documentaries For February, Art Documentaries will be showcasing “I am Sun Mu”, a documentary on an activist artist from North Korea who defected to the South. Exploring issues of political activism within art, this documentary showcases a fearless artist who defies definition. Tuesday Feb. 6 at the Esker Foundation Join our creative facilitators on an outing to the Esker to see their new exhibition titled A wall is just a wall (and nothing more at all). Artist Kapwani Kiwanga delves into disciplinary architecture and deconstructs the physical and psychological qualities of different built environments including schools, prisons, hospitals and mental health facilities.

Wednesday, Feb. 7 Korean Art: Sumi Ink Sumi-e is the Japanese word for black ink painting. The art of ink painting was introduced to Korea shortly after China’s discovery of ink. This method of ink application is spiritually rooted in Zen Buddhism, and has been around for centuries. Join us in the art studio as we explore this beautiful medium. Thursday, Feb. 8 The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra with Mark DeJong Learn about the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. From their first performance at the Village Vanguard in NY in 1966 to their Grammy award-winning recordings, enter the world of one of the most iconic and vibrant musical organizations.

Friday, Feb. 9 at Canada's Sports Hall of Fame Get into the Olympic spirit by learning about accomplished athletes at Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame! Visitors are able to visit 12 galleries, experience 52 interactive experiences, watch a feature film, and learn about Canada’s sporting traditions. The entire building is accessibility-friendly. Please sign up at reception. Feb. 9, 14 and 23 Winter Olympic Events To celebrate the Winter Olympics to the fullest, we will be hosting our own winter events! These events will include indoor curling, a modified biathlon course and Wii skiing (which is easier than it sounds!) Join us for some friendly competition and laughs and maybe you’ll even win the gold medal while you’re at it.

Friday, Feb. 9 Wall Hanging Workshop Macramé is a form of textile produced using knotting. For this workshop we will be making macramé-inspired wall hangings. Whether it’s knots, tassels or beads, our creative facilitators will have different ideas at the ready for you to make your wall hanging reflect your personality and artistic style. Saturday, Feb. 10 at Chinook Theatre L'Elisir d'Amour by Donizetti L’Elisir d’Amore has been among the most consistently popular operatic comedies for almost two centuries. The story deftly combines comic archetypes with a degree of genuine character development rare in works of this type. Its ending is as much a foregone conclusion as it would be in a romantic comedy film today—the joy is in the journey, and Donizetti created one of his most instantly appealing scores for this ride.

Sunday, Feb. 11 at Jack Singer Hall Festival da Musica - Calgary Civic Symphony Who needs to head south when you can drop in to Jack Singer Concert Hall for an afternoon of steaming Latin music? Immerse yourselves in the vibrant colours of Mexico and South America as presented by the University of Calgary String Quartet, soprano Michelle Minke and accordionist Penny Sanborn.

Sunday, Feb. 11 at River Park Church Romance and Soul with the Calgary Jazz Orchestra and Johnny Summers The Calgary Sun's Mike Bell exclaimed that this big band makes music "so creamy, so smooth, so rich that you could put in on your pancakes and watch it melt all over the stack. They make Bud-dah.” This concert features favourite songs of romance from the 40s and 50s and the energetic sounds of 60s Motown. Tickets $29.50. Sign up at reception. Tuesday, Feb. 13 Calgary Korean Canadian Choir With the Winter Olympics taking place in South Korea, what better time to have a visit from the Calgary Korean Canadian Choir (CKCC). The choir has an eclectic repertoire ranging from Mozart to the Beatles to traditional Korean folk music. The CKCC has toured South Korea and collaborated with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus.

Friday, Feb. 16 at Jack Singer Hall CPO Dress Rehearsal - Romantic Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich Amidst the tense backdrop of Soviet Russia, Shostakovich wrote his Fifth Symphony, an enigmatic and remarkably ironic work. It appeased state censors, who found in it all the ideals of Socialist Realism, while covertly mocking them. 2015 Honens Laureate Luca Buratto’s “fiery imagination and finesse” pair perfectly with Rachmaninoff’s thrilling and passionate Second Piano Concerto.

Saturday, Feb. 17 and 20 Sculpture Painting Workshop The goal of this workshop is to challenge your ideas of the 2-dimensional canvas. We will be using a thick opaque gel to create a raised texture on our canvas. Use your imagination to experiment with the abstract, or layer the gel on your canvas to create a 3-dimensional scene. In Part 2 of this workshop will add colour to our pieces as the final touch. Sunday, Feb. 18 Luca Buratto, pianist, preceded by lunch Honens 2015 Laureate Luca Buratto made his Carnegie Hall debut in October. Luca returns to Garrison Green to once again inspire us with his monster technique and poetic interpretations. Chef Mark will prepare a special lunch for the occasion as a delicious prelude to the music. This is a wonderful opportunity to invite your friends and family for a truly memorable afternoon.

Tuesday, Feb. 20 at Lunchbox Theatre Ai Yah! Sweet & Sour Secrets More than one family secret comes out of the closet in this cultural comedy with a fortune cookie twist! Chinese-Canadian Jade Wong is caught between being true to herself and living up to her family’s cultural expectations. When her father invites a surprise guest to celebrate Chinese New Years, secrets are revealed and family bonds are tested. Winner of the Discovery Prize in the 2006 Alberta Playwrighting Competition. Wednesday, Feb. 21 at Bert Church Theatre, Airdrie Hank Williams Live – 1952 starring Joe Matheson This intimate and revealing musical theatre piece pays tribute to the King of Country Music. 1952 seemed like the beginning of the end for Hank Williams. Then suddenly, the tide appeared to turn. Hank was riding high again, back in the studio and planning a tour. Where did Hank get this amazing second wind only months before his death? Tickets $33 each. Sign up at reception. Thursday, Feb. 22 From Rebel to Icon with Brad Mahon, Director of the Conservatory During its first decades, the electric guitar was commonly associated with youth, rebellion and noise, yet in more recent decades the instrument may be found in the university classroom, museum galleries, and within the private collections of investors. How did this cultural shift occur?

Friday, Feb 23 Bow Valley Fiddlers Get your toes ready to tap as we welcome a group of extremely talented musicians, ranging from 7 to 18 years of age who love to play fiddle and to perform around Calgary. Saturday Feb. 24 at Inglewood Fine Arts On this outing we will see the selection of artists chosen to be permanent fixtures in the gallery, as well as two feature artists showing their work as a part of this year’s Exposure Photography Festival (See below for description).

Saturday, Feb. 24 at Chinook Theatre Met Opera - Puccini's La Boheme La Bohème can stake its claim as the world’s most popular opera. It has a marvelous ability to make a powerful first impression and to reveal unsuspected treasures after dozens of hearings. Puccini's sumptuous music makes this unforgettable. Tuesday, Feb. 27 Pop Art Portrait Painting Pop Art is an art movement that emerged in Britain and the United States during the mid-to-late 1950s. The movement presented a challenge to traditions of fine art by including imagery from popular and mass culture. In this workshop we will create portraits that are bold and brightly coloured, in true Pop Art form. February & March - Please check the calendar for dates and times The Exposure Photography Festival The Festival's mission is to generate participation in photographic image making and to engage practitioners, photo professionals, and audiences in dialogue about the medium, its past, present and future. Like photography itself, Exposure embraces a broad audience, including beginners and experienced image makers, amateurs and professionals, and photographers of all ages and interest levels. Details to come!

OngoingPrograms

Fitness and Health

We provide dynamic and functional exercise classes that cater to the different levels of your capability. Our programs strive to increase independence and maintain function while providing progression in difficulty and the resulting health benefits. Everyone is welcome to attend any of the classes no matter their experience or fitness level, as moves can be modified or tailored. These include flexibility and endurance exercises, sit-to-stand exercises, gentle stretches and balancing programs. Tai Chi - Twice each Month Tai Chi originated in China as a martial art and ancient practice for health and wellbeing. It is a slow motion exercise class that is a series of low impact movements. Tai Chi is often described as "meditation in motion". This mind-body practice is beneficial to cardio-respiratory function, immune capacity, mental control, flexibility, and balance control. It improves muscle strength and reduces the risk of falls. The Yang Tai Chi 10 form is easy to learn and suitable for all ages and abilities. Blood Pressure clinic - Monthly This is the perfect opportunity to have your blood pressure checked by an LPN on duty.

Standing Exercise - Three times each Week An advanced whole-body exercise program with an emphasis on standing exercises to improve strength, flexibility, range of motion and overall health. The class may involve the use of exercise balls, resistance bands and hand weights for resistance. Sit and Stand Exercise - Three times each Week An adaptation of the standing exercises focusing on strength, range of motion and flexibility. This session, however, is shorter and is suited for those who prefer not to stand for a longer period of time. May involve the use of exercise balls, resistance bands and hand weights for resistance. Gentle Sit and Stretch - Three times each Week For those who have limited mobility and prefer a low-impact exercise regime. Seated throughout the whole half hour, this program is intended to be non-strenuous while still achieving similar health benefits at a more relaxed pace. May involve the use of exercise balls, resistance bands and hand weights for resistance. Movement - Every Second Thursday This is a hybrid exercise class combining the breathing techniques, strength training and gentle movements of yoga with the aerobic benefits of the fitness classes. By performing whole-body exercises you can expect to build strength, improve endurance, promote balance and reduce falls. This is a 45-minute class that will use a variety of equipment including weights, resistance bands and balls. Come try out our new movement class being offered only at Garrison Green.

Balance Class - Twice each Month Offered twice a month for 20 minutes, this class is designed to strengthen muscles, improve coordination, flexibility and overall strength. The classes give you the chance to improve your balance and reaction time, therefore, reducing the risk of falling. MRU Swimming & Track Walk - Weekly The swimming program at Mount Royal University gives you a low-impact form of physical activity, which has been proven to be gentle on the joints, reduce the risk of osteoporosis, improve heart health, increase flexibility and more. Enjoy the soothing hot tub afterward. Yoga Flow & Gentle Yoga - Weekly Yoga is a breath-centred practice, available to anyone of any age or ability, where the practice of body movements is tied to the breath. Focusing on the movement of breath allows the mind to settle, to become calm and restful. It also brings strength, endurance and flexibility and eases the mind.

Community Community is a cornerstone of United's programming, and you are welcome to explore the various community activities that bring friends - and new friends - together. Whether it's a game of crib or a trip to the shopping mall, community means getting together with friends for fun and entertainment. Board Game Night – Wednesdays Do you like board games? Either it is UNO, Crazy 8, Rumi or Trivia, you name it, we will play. Cribbage Club - Weekly When was the last time you played a good game of crib? Come join us on Saturday afternoons and see what the cards have in store. We will meet downstairs. Tea and coffee will be available. Crib boards and cards will be provided.

Town Hall - Monthly Town Hall is a forum for you and staff to talk about changes in the community. This includes regular updates from Kitchen, Creative Expression, Nursing and Resident Council as well as updates as needed from other departments. This meeting is just one way that your voice is heard. Bring your questions and concerns to this meeting where we work out solutions and celebrate successes to build our community together. Resident Birthday Party – Monthly Once a month the community comes together to celebrate residents born that month. During the festivities, we sing Happy Birthday, enjoy freshly made cake by our in-house chef and listen to a musical guest perform. Welcome Tea Party - Monthly Those who have recently moved into Garrison will be invited to a Welcome Tea. It's a good opportunity to meet the members of the resident council, staff and other residents from the community. Refreshments will be served.

Cultural Cuisine Outings Join a group of residents in experiencing one of the many restaurants and eateries that Calgary has to offer. If you’re craving something different, sign up for a good meal with friends and lots of laughter.

Interdenominational Chapel Service - Weekly On Sunday mornings, community members of different denominations gather to enjoy hymns and sermons performed by volunteer guest speakers. There are musical performances on the grand piano throughout the service and everyone is welcome.

Resident-Led Programs

Fibre Arts Club - Weekly Whether you are a knitter, crocheter, quilter or general handcrafter, the Fibre Arts Club is always looking for new members. Cookies, coffee and tea are available.

BYOB - Weekly To fill your hankering for good conversation and a load of laughter, join the BYOB group (Bring Your Own Bottle). Whether your preferred drink is wine, beer, schnapps or plain Jane soda, all are welcome to join in the conversation.

Music Music touches the entirety of a person, whether you're engaged as a performer or a listener. United's music programs explore many genres through concert outings, or in-house recitals and talks by conductors and other music specialists. Whatever the event, the result is the same - a greater understanding and increased enjoyment and inspiration.

Music Appreciation with Jill - Weekly Whether you've been listening to classical music for years or are simply curious as to what it's about, this is the group for you. Each week United's music director Jill LaForty explores a specific composer or topic through stories and YouTube performances on the big screen. Her goal is to inform, entertain and inspire. Choir - Weekly Singing is about coming together and making a joyful noise. Whether you've sung in choirs before or only in the shower, professional choir director and vocal coach Mary Lynn Schmidt leads residents in fun and engaging songs that will leave you wanting more!

Friday Entertainment – Monthly On one or two Friday afternoons, get ready for the weekend as we gather together for live performances from local musicians. The music is as varied as you can imagine with country singers, Latin bands, harpist, ragtime pianists and everything in between. Come for a great time with great music. Peter on the Piano - Twice each Month Peter Exner is a musician who performs, directs and sings with choirs throughout Calgary. Peter takes you on journeys and adventures by sharing music that cares for the body, mind, and soul. Whether it’s the Broadway classics or Beethoven, Peter links music new and old with storytelling to engage our memories and create new ones.

Music with Elle - Weekly Every week local musician, Elle, brings us an interactive music experience. Elle sings, plays piano and guitar, but this program is not just a sing-along. Elle teaches easy to follow singing and percussion exercises allowing you to learn more about the music you’re singing as you go. Music on the Big Screen - Once or Twice each Month Once or twice a month you’ll have the opportunity to hear world-class artists from country to classical, live in concert on the big screen in the Theatre.

Writing and Literature

A life is marked by the events of that person’s life. They become the stories, experiences and the memories accumulated over the years. Stories are a way to pass experience and wisdom to younger generations to help them understand the world from a different point of view. As part of United's commitment to art and creativity, there are opportunities to engage your mind through journaling, creating poems or exploring other written forms.

Writers' Corner - Twice each Month Ever thought about writing down your life story but weren’t sure where to begin? Each Writers’ Corner session is facilitated by local writers and gives you the tips and tricks to get started writing your story. Whether you’re deeply invested in writing or just want to stop in and check it out, this workshop is for you. Coffee, Tea and Poetry - Monthly Writing and reading poetry are both powerful forms of self-expression. This program offers a platform in which you can share your favourite poems and discuss poets and prose over hot drinks and sweets.

Poetry With Logan – Twice each Month A passionate writer, Logan Pollon, discusses poetry through the decades, dissecting the intricate words of famous laureates and forgotten poets. An educational and inspiring lecture series. Creative Storytelling - Monthly Starting with a mysterious photo we will develop a story based on what we see. Imagination is the key to this program! Allow yourself to think outside the box and take the story to uncharted territory, while staff illustrate the events unfolding.

Art Creativity is a key component in every United community. Whether you are just beginning to explore your creative side or you have been committed to your practice your entire life, we provide opportunities for everyone to engage with the arts. We know that inspiration has no schedule and because of this our art studios are available to residents and family members seven days a week. Staffed by professional artists, our creative facilitators are there to support and encourage residents on their creative journey. With a wide variety of skill-building workshops, collaborative and conceptual projects, art education sessions and outings to local galleries, the artistic avenues reach far beyond the studio. Art Workshops Check the calendar for upcoming art workshops in the studio. We host a variety of workshops throughout the month including art collage, fabric dyeing, drawing and wilder workshops like paint pouring and other collaborative art projects. There’s never any need to sign up, just join in the fun.

Art Collage Workshop - Monthly Collage is a process of culminating a variety of media to create something new. The term itself comes from the French “coller” meaning “glue.” Coined by Pablo Picasso at the beginning of the 20th century, a pioneer of the collage movement. Join us to explore this art-making process to create beautiful and meaningful images that you can share.

Art Gallery Tours - Twice each Month Calgary is home to many public and private galleries that exhibit artworks by local and international artists. When visiting contemporary and traditional art galleries, onlookers are able to expand their ideas of art, engage in fruitful discussions and get inspired. Charcoal Sketching Charcoal is a unique material that allows its user the ability to be free and unrestricted. Come down to the art studio, get messy, and let your inhibitions go! Clay Outings Hop on the bus and take a drive to our Fish Creek community to see Amy, our in-house ceramicist. She will guide you through various ceramic projects, and give you great technical advice along the way.

Painting Workshops - Once each Month Ever wondered how a painter gets their trees just right? Or how to paint clouds that look fluffy? How to mix that orange so it is just perfect? At least once a month the art studio hosts step-by-step painting workshops for people of all abilities and experience levels. Focused on teaching skills while giving lots of room to play, here’s a workshop to have fun with. Still Life Drawing Workshops Practice makes perfect! For these workshops we will set up a small still life scene and practice our sketching skills, while our creative facilitators will be at the ready to offer support and advice.

Art History - Twice each Month Learn about both historical and contemporary artists and art movements in this interactive discussion. Showcasing pictures and video of artists throughout the ages, come share your opinion and learn a little about the history of art. Art Documentaries - Twice each Month Dive deep in your understanding of an artist by learning about their life through well-made, curated documentaries. Past documentary screenings have included Frida Khalo, Edward Burtynsky, and the Group of Seven. Journeys Through Art - Weekly (United Minds participants only) Inspired by the Museum of Modern Art’s, Meet Me at MoMA series, this program allows all participants to engage with art through observation and conversation. Participants view several artworks either in the United Theatre or at The Esker Foundation Art Gallery. Everyone is encouraged to interpret the images and draw personal connections to each piece. As you explore the artworks, a professional artist supports the conversation with historical references and artistic insight.