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July 5, 2024 Friday Update

Published on 7/5/2024

Friday Update, July 5, 2024

You can load copies of old issues in our Friday Update Archive.

Attention Please

Closed July 9 from 9 am to 4 pm.

Please note that Brock House will be closed in the morning and afternoon of Tuesday July 9 due to a controlled power outage. However, power will be restored in time for our Sunset Social, so we’ll see you at the Tent from 6:30 to 9 pm.!

URGENT: Volunteers Needed for Summer Fair Sales

With our July 13 Summer Fair only days away, the Jewelry and Treasures, and Gift & Games tables need people for shifts from 10 am to 1 pm and from 1 to 3 pm.

Please email Joanna Walentowicz at joanna2662@gmail.com or call 604-803-5660.

Summer Programs Guide

We’ve got some great activities coming up this summer. Find out all about them in the Summer Programs Guide.

2024 AGM Report

Our last Annual General Meeting Report has been posted on our website and a link provided for you here.

Load AGM Report

Call for Donations

Summer Fair, July 13

We’ve reached full capacity for most types of donations.

We are now ONLY collecting vintage clothing, and vintage, antique or estate jewellery.
No more books, please.

Outdoor plants

BH Gardeners seek outdoor plants from outside the Regulated Area and indoor plants, garden items such as garden tools in good condition, planters, bird houses, small tables etc. Contact Susan Lamb at bhsgardeners@gmail.com to make arrangements for delivery of plants as we need to confirm origin. Other items may be left in the foyer. Last day for donations is July 10.

Other in-kind donations

What in-kind donations do we accept? Please consult our In-kind donations page for details of items we accept, what we really need, and how to best get them to us.

Activities update

Monday yoga

Six basic-level hatha classes that include modifications and adjustments to help you feel comfortable and stable in your practice. All levels are welcome. Everyone can work at their own level and pace. Please bring your own yoga mat.

Mondays beginning July 8, 9:15 to 10:15 am. Members $75, member drop-in $15, non-member drop-in $18.

Monday yoga info | Register

Balance, posture and strength

Six moderate-to-challenging 60-minute classes. We begin with a low-impact cardiovascular segment, interspersed with exercises to improve balance, strength, posture, and body alignment, and finish up with stretching. If you are at high risk for falls, it’s not recommended that you take this class.

Wednesdays beginning July 10, 9:15 to 10:15 am. Members $75, member drop-in $15, non-member drop-in $18.

Balance info | Register

Stretch and strength

Six 75-minute mostly moderate to gentle-level classes that can be adapted to suit a variety of levels and physical limitations. The class begins with a short cardiovascular component that can be adapted for chair as needed. The next part can be seated or standing, and includes ‘Brain Muves’ balance work, and exercises for strength, agility, stability, and stretching/mobility. The last part of the class is all seated and may include posture/body alignment, stretching, visualization, and deep relaxation. This class is suitable for all levels, including those with some mobility and balance restraints wishing to safely challenge themselves.

Wednesdays beginning July 10, 10:30 to 11:45 am. Members $75, member drop-in $15, non-member drop-in $18.

Stretch and strength info | Register

Natural dye workshops

Session 1: Bonding colour to fabrics, 3 to 3.5 hours.

Session 2: Magic of natural colour, 2.5 to 3 hours.

Session 3: Indigo Affair (blue), 2.5 to 3 hours.

Mondays beginning July 15, 10:30 am to 2 pm. Members and non-member guests $140.

Natural dye info | Register

Intro to watercolour painting

Six sessions, open to ages 18 years and up. In this course we will begin by learning how to work with watercolour paint, namely how to layer, blend and fade colours, add texture, and develop a feel for the paint. We will then progress to painting simple objects and scenes, and round the course off with a big final piece. This is an opportunity for intergenerational learning alongside family members or friends.

Tuesdays beginning July 16, 1 to 3 pm. Members and non-member guests $90.

Watercolour info | Register

Romantic wines of the world

Five in-depth sessions with Master of Wine and Etiquette Dr. Clinton Lee. Discover the allure and passion bottled within each exquisite pour. Explore the world's most enchanting wines.

Thursdays beginning July 18, 2 to 3:30 pm. Members $150, non-member guests $175.

Romantic wines info | Register

Computer Drop-In

Are you a tech-savvy person? Consider volunteering to be a coach in the Computer Room on Mondays from 1 to 3 pm, starting in the fall. If you (or someone you know) could help, contact Brian Luchak at bluchak@gmail.com or Megan at communications@brockhousesociety.com.

Tuesday Conversational Italian

Back by popular demand!

Weekly Tuesdayconversation circles at both beginners and intermediate levels led by Wojciech Ostrowski.

Beginners Italian Conversation: Speak very basic beginners Italian without the expectation of perfect grammar and pronunciation. 1 to 2:30 pm in the Sunroom.

Intermediate Italian Conversation: Already have a good understanding and speak Italian? Want to practise your existing Intermediate Italian without expectations of perfect grammar and pronunciation? 11 am to 12:30 pm in the Sun Room.

No drop-ins please. Class size is limited. To participate please contactbrockhousemembership@gmail.com.

Upcoming events

July 9: Sunset Social

Join us for an enchanting evening of live music with Rob Weaver, a well known local performer who usually plays at the Sylvia Hotel. His soulful melodies blend soft rock, jazz, and pop, creating an unforgettable experience.

July 13: Summer Fair

The Brock House Summer Fair is one of our premier fundraising events, and essential to our ongoing financial stability. People from all over Vancouver are invited to this free outdoor event. It’s a happy day of music, refreshments, bargain-hunting, and fun for all ages.

We’ll be selling plants, original artwork, handcrafted woodwork, jewelry, painted porcelain and needlecrafts. We’ll also be selling vintage clothing and pre-loved jewelry, books, games and other treasures.

Please bring your own bag. Cash or debit preferred.

Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm, July 13. FREE!

Summer Fair poster

July 16: New Members Welcome Event

This is a fun way to meet our Executive Director, staff, board members, group convenors and other new and current members; and a way to learn about the many programs, events, and activities at Brock House Society. Light refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Membership Committee.

Tuesday, 1 to 3 pm, July 16. Free.

New Member Event info | Register

July 26: Pancake Breakfast

The Pancake Breakfast is held outdoors every summer on the beautiful grounds of Brock House. It’s a relaxed fundraiser for Brock House, where you can enjoy friendly company and tasty pancakes made on site according to a traditional Brock House recipe. Everyone is welcome!

Friday, July 26, 8:30 am to 10 am. Adults $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Children under eight $5.

Pancake Breakfast info | Register

Aug. 14: Ninety-plus birthday tea

Join us for a centenarian plaque presentation and special birthday tea honouring members who are 90-plus years old. The Membership Team extends a warm invitation to members born 1934 or earlier, along with their immediate families and close Brock House friends. This memorable celebration will take place in the Brock House Marquee (Tent). The plaque will be permanently displayed in the front entrance.

Wednesday, 1 to 3 pm, August 14. Free. Registration is required.

Ninety-plus tea info | Register

Miscellanea

Art in the House project

Some members of the Friday morning art group are putting together a committee to plan this project. Our purpose is to showcase BH members’ art, and to support BHS fundraising. If you would like to join us, contact Beverly Grice, beverly_grice@telus.net.

Bistro

For Frozen Meals to Take Home

If you don’t like cooking every night – especially in the summer – you need to know about the delectable frozen meals made fresh by the BH Kitchen team. What could be more convenient? They’re available at the Bistro for you to pick up and take home, and starting in July they’re priced at only $12.

For a Snack or Lunch

Relax and enjoy coffee, tea, sandwiches, fresh baked goods, or the daily lunch special in the beautiful Whittaker Conservatory. Members are welcome to bring guests (maximum three). Note that if we can’t serve lunch because of a special event, we will post notices beforehand in the foyer, Bistro, and on our web page. Monday to Friday, 9 am to 3 pm.

Bistro info | Menu

Library book of the week

This week the Brock House library is pleased to feature a new addition to our non-fiction collection.

The Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf is a biography about Alexander Von Humboldt, a scientist and naturalist whose discoveries forever changed the way we understand the natural world. Wulf brings Humboldt's extraordinary life back into focus: his prediction of human-induced climate change, his daring expeditions to the highest peaks of South America and to the anthrax-infected steppes of Siberia and his relationships with iconic figures such as Simon Bolivar and Thomas Jefferson.

Book and library info

Reminders

Perfume awareness

The ingredients in fragrances can cause some people to suffer headaches, wheezing, and other reactions—especially if they have asthma or allergies. When we all remember to minimize or forgo our use of fragrance, Brock House will be safe for everyone. Thank you for this kindness.

Book your event at Brock House

Are you planning a special occasion? Would you like to have it in a lovely venue? With specially prepared food and beverages tailored to your event? Then book it at Brock House! You’ll have a wonderful gathering, and you’ll be supporting BHS. We welcome bookings from non-members as well as members. For help creating your perfect get-together, email communications@brockhousesociety.com.

Membership cards

As you enter Brock House, kindly present your membership card to our greeter. Membership cards and parking stickers are available at the office.

Parking stickers

Please ensure your current parking sticker (orange) is visibly displayed on the inside front window on the driver’s side. If you're an active member and haven't retrieved your membership card and sticker yet, kindly collect them from the office (third floor).

Friday Update submissions

Submissions for the Friday Update e-newsletter must be received by 4:30 pm of the Thursday preceding the Friday of publication. Content may be lightly edited for clarity and brevity. Please send all submissions to communications@BrockHouseSociety.com.

Questions?

Ask our friendly office volunteers:

In person:Third floor of Brock House (take stairs or elevator)
By phone:604-228-1641
By email:Communications@BrockHouseSociety.com
Mon to Fri:9 am to 3:30 pm

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