Edmonton Journal from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada • B5

Mond SepteMber 30 2019 edMont Journal 5 After a few years hiatus, the Festival of Edmonton Seniors Theatre (FEST) has returned, opening the doors for Edmonton seniors to take part in the arts and work their creative minds. FEST began in 2009 after the artistic director of internationally known senior theatre Barnet decided he wanted to promote the work of older adults in a variety of artistic mediums, such as theatre, storytelling, dance, music and much more. wanted to create an environment where seniors feel they can offer an artistic experience regardless of their Barnet says. as a theatre company has about 15 or 16 members at the moment, but none of them have any previous experience in the theatre. These are people who have come to theatre late in life and get a great deal of enjoyment out of Barnet founded both GeriActors and FEST on a principle called creative aging, the practice of engaging seniors in the arts at a professional level.

was developed by the National Centre for Creative Aging in Washington, DC whereby, participation in the arts at a level of comparative mastery has significant social and health Barnet says. While he considers Geri- Actors a professional theatre company, Barnet points out that each member believes deeply in theatrical playfulness. quality that comes out of that can be very good and enjoyable. a lot of humour and he says. of our oldest member of the GeriActors is a really good time.

We take a lot of time to do things and we write all of our own plays and use improvisation and This year, FEST participants will be able to experience and relive the work of Shakespeare in a workshop led by Barnet, and follow their impulses in a comedy and improv workshop led by Rapid Joleen Bal- lendine. think that a hell of a lot of Barnet says. love teaching Shakespeare. It can be very fulfilling and a little intimidating, but once you get your feet dirty and get engaged, it can be very On top of the workshops, FEST has a performance gala featuring a few original plays from GeriActors. One is called a drama about elder abuse and finding sanctuary.

Another is a piece called and a story about four people coming out in different periods of history. also have a choral group called Tenor Power, and are planning to have some poetry readings. The range here is emerging artists to says festival producer Dhana Cartmell. Local poet and member of the Edmonton Stroll of Poets, Clint McElwaine, will also present one of his signature poems, Cartmell is also excited to see a performance from Pearl Edwards, who will perform a solo dance to the beat of African drumming. FEST has also incorporated one of GeriActors relaxed coffee break with free catered refreshments during the workshops and gala.

all started as a way to bring the community Cartmell says. want people to chat with one another to feel a bit more comfortable, so FEST has always had free catered Both Barnet and Cartmell truly believe that theatre and the arts are relevant in seniors lives no matter where they are in life. hope with the Shakespeare workshop is that after two hours they start thinking of Shakespeare as a contemporary playwright who is speaking to them right Barnet says. mean, look at King Lear struggling to find a place to live in his retirement with all of his knights. You be more relevant than FEST takes place Sunday, Oct.

5 at Sugar Swing Ballroom, with workshops beginning at noon, and a performance gala at 7:30 p.m. More information and tickets can be found at geriactors.ca/event/fest or by calling 780-248-1556. A MONTHLY ISSUE ON IMPORTANT INFORMATION, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR SENIOR SENIOR Upcoming events NORTH EDMONTON SENIORS ASSOCIATION LOBBY SALES The North Edmonton Seniors Association (NESA) is hosting a series of sales throughout October and November. They will fund activities and programs like the Supporting Our seniors campaign that will help seniors in need with emergency food items and transportation and foster a strong sense of community between local seniors. Come and find new treasures and friends.

When: Creative Gift Cards Sale, Oct. 2, 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Puzzle Sale, Oct. 9, 9 a.m.

12 p.m. Pins and Needles (sells quilts, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. 12 p.m. Ra Sale, Oct.

26 Nov. 13, details TBA Where: North Edmonton Senior Citizens Recreation Centre, 7111 132 Ave. Info: For more information about these markets, visit nesa1.ca or call 780-475-3180 NALBINDING FOR BEGINNERS Check out this ancient craft-making technique that uses a single knitting-needle to create hats, gloves and mittens out of wool. The class for nalbinding, also called viking knitting, is presented by Janet Abramic. The technique was used before the roman era, and there has been a revival of interest in Peru, Iran and Scandinavia.

The class takes place over four weeks. When: Fridays, Oct. 4 25, 10 a.m. 12 p.m. Where: Central Lions Seniors Association, 11113 113 St Info: The class costs $60 for members and $96 for non-members.

Supplies are an extra $30, payable in class. No experience is required. To register, go to the Central Lions front desk. For more information, visit centrallions.org or call 780-496-7369. Space is limited but Central Lions is considering another class in November.

STRATHCONA PLACE SOCIETY FALL BAZAAR Come check out this community garage sale, put on by Strathcona Place Society. At the Bazaar, be able to find all manner of antiques, books, works of art, houseware, games, etc. Many of the items were donated from members of the community. The event also features a bake sale, hot dogs and drinks. Strathcona Place is also accepting donations of live plants on Oct.

2 and 4. When: Oct. 5, from 9 a.m. 3 p.m. Where: Strathcona Place Seniors Centre, 10831 University Avenue.

Info: Free entry for all. Price of di erent foods and items vary. Visit strathconaplace.com for more information. WHEN 64: A MUST DO CHECKLIST Before you turn 65, there are numerous forms you must fill out from the government to ensure you receive all the benefits you have worked for your whole life. It can be a daunting task, but this info-session presented by the Westend Seniors Activity Centre, Service Canada and Alberta Seniors and Housing will help you navigate all the documents and forms.

The event will feature a and A session, and the hosts will provide handouts from the provin- cial and federal government. This is not a financial planning event. When: Tuesday, Oct. 22, 6 8 p.m. Where: Westend Seniors Activity Centre, 9629 176 St.

Info: This session costs $2 to attend. Registration must be done at the front desk. For more information, visit weseniors.ca or call 780-483-1209. EACH ONE, TEACH ONE FINANCIAL LITERACY SERIES FINANCIAL WELLNESS FOR SENIORS Hosted by the United Way, this informative series aims to empower seniors to take charge of their finances. In the session, the instructors from local banks will take you through the ins and outs of good finance, including how to recognize financial abuse, how to recognize if you or a loved one is being taken advantage of, and more.

When: Tuesday, Oct. 22, 7 8:30 p.m. Where: Idylwylde (Bonnie Doon) Library, 8310 88 Ave NW Info: This is a free event. Registration is required and can be done through Each One, Teach website, myunitedway.ca/each-one-teach-one More information about this session and others can be found there, or by calling 780-4438327. LUNCH AND A PROGRAM Liven up your lunches by attending this series of events, held by the Petrolia Seniors Group.

These semi-regular lunchtime events cover a variety of topics. On Oct. 15, seniors are invited to bring in their old treasures for appraisal by experts. On Nov. 19, presenters will give a talk on to show how the best years are yet to come.

When: Oct. 15 for the antiques event and Nov. 19 for the presentation on Both events run 11:45 a.m. 2:00 p.m Where: Greenfield Community League, 3803 114 St. Info: Each session costs $18.

To register or access more information, call Nick at 780-435-1045 or Betty at 780434-0711. Visit greenfieldcommunityleague.com for additional info and other events. Central Lions Seniors Nalbinding for Beginners program explores an ancient craft-making technique. GETTY BY DOUG JOHNSON A look at senior- friendly events happening in October Theatre fest puts the spotlight on senior talent BY STEPHAN BOISSONNEAULT wanted to create an environment where seniors feel they can offer an artistic experience regardless of their This FEST participants will be able to experience and relive the work of Shakespeare in a workshop led by Barnet, and follow their impulses in a comedy and improv workshop led by Rapid Joleen Ballendine. FEST takes place Oct.

5 at Sugar Swing Ballroom. SUPPLIED This section was created by Content Works, commercial content division..