Friday Update, April 25, 2025

Attention Please: Donations, Differing Hours
Programs Update: Monday Travel Talk, Hearing Clinic, Computer Help, Tuesday Lecture, Wednesday Discussion, Talks that Change Minds, Starting Soon…

Social Activities: Social Hour, A Blooming Good Time & Plant Sale 

Miscellanea: Private events, Friday Update info

Click link buttons below for more information or to register.

Attention 

Donations 

Library

The Library Committee is gathering book donations for the Summer Fair. We accept:

• Fiction (preferably no more than five years since publication);

• Mysteries (preferably no more than five years since publication);

• Non-fiction: biographies and history only.

• Paperbacks are preferred.

Please note that we take a maximum of ten books at a time, delivered in person to the Library. We do not accept boxes of books at any time.  To donate, email Nadine Baldwin nbaldwin@telus.net or Barbara Holder at bholder@telus.net.

Changes in the weekly schedule

Volunteer Appreciation, April 30

At Brock House Society, we celebrate our volunteers every day — but especially during National Volunteer Week (April 27 to May 3). We’d like to take a moment to thank each and every one of you. From the office to the Bistro, lectures to language classes, greeters, woodworkers, artists, jewellery makers, proofreaders, editors, convenors,  Board and committee members — your time and dedication are truly inspiring.  

 

To give this celebration the turnout it deserves, the Volunteer Appreciation Day originally scheduled for April 30 has been postponed to the end of summer, following our traditional fall schedule. This change gives us the opportunity to ensure more of our amazing volunteers can attend.

 

With heartfelt gratitude, we look forward to celebrating your contributions throughout the year. Your dedication and commitment bring our mission to life providing diverse intellectual, creative, social, and recreational programs for adults 55+ — and helps us build the warm, vibrant community that is Brock House. Thank you for everything you do! To learn more about National Volunteer Week, visit: https://volunteer.ca/national-volunteer-week/. 

Friday, May 2

• The Bistro will be operating from 9 to 11 am with limited food offerings. Plan ahead and take advantage of our stock of frozen meals. 

• There will be no Friday Flick on May 2 because of the Blooming Good Time event. 

Programs Update

Monday Travel Talk, Apr 28

Winnipeg - Not What You Thought (Doug Davidson - on Zoom)

The travel presentation starts at 10:30, but members are welcome to join the Zoom meeting at 10 am to meet the group. 

Mondays, 10:30 to noon. Halpern Room and on Zoom. Free. Drop-in. To be part of the Travel Talk mailing list, please contact monday.travel@bhsociety.ca.

Computer Help 

Volunteers from the Computer Help group are ready to take on inquiries related to your devices. To ask for support and schedule an appointment, send an email to computer.help@bhsociety.ca describing the issue with your device, and they will get back to you to schedule an appointment. 

Mondays, 1 to 3 pm. Meeting Room. By appointment. Free.

Hearing Clinic, Apr 28

By appointment (only 2 spots left)           

Book a free 15-minute hearing screening test with audiologist Dr. Katarina. It will reveal any changes in your hearing that could affect your ability to communicate, your mental health, and your quality of life. The available spots are:      

2:45 pm                  

3:00 pm

Monday Apr 28.  Games Room. By appointment. Free. 

Tuesday Lecture, Apr 29

Patagonia Plant Tour: Plants of Argentina and Chile (Laura Caddy)

Laura Caddy, Curator, Horticulturist UBC Botanical Gardens, will be in-person in the Halpern Room. The host from the Lecture Committee will be Margaret Bear. 

To receive a weekly email reminder and zoom link, contact Allan at lecture.discussions@bhsociety.ca

Tuesdays, 10:30 to 11:30 am. Halpern Room and on Zoom. Free. Drop-in. 

Wednesday Discussion, Apr 30

Are there advantages and/or disadvantages to Canada becoming the 51st State?

Wednesdays, 10:30 am to noon. Halpern Room. Free. Drop-in.

Talks that Change Minds, May 1

(Formerly called Bob Haxton Discussion Series)

Discover and discuss ideas that could alter your understanding of yourself and society. Each week, we’ll watch a YouTube video on a stimulating subject, then share our thoughts about it. This week's topic is Emotions.

 

Thursdays, 10:30 am to noon. Halpern Room. Free. Drop-in.

No Friday Film on May 2

Join us for the seasonal event: “A Blooming Good Time!”

Trees of Brock House, May 5

Did you know some BH trees were planted 111 years ago?

Nina Shoroplova, tree expert and author of the book Legacy of Trees: Purposeful Wandering in Vancouver’s Stanley Park, will be leading this walk sharing the history of these trees.

There are only 3 spots available, but a second walk and talk might be available upon demand — Add yourself to the waitlist.

Monday, May 5. 10:00 to 11:00 am. Meeting point: Front door by noon. Free. Registration required.

Starting soon…

Guided Memoir 

Each week, you’ll receive a theme sheet with prompts, which will help you uncover memories and reflect on the moments, the people, and the choices that have shaped you. At home, you’ll write a two-page story based on that theme. When we meet, we’ll read and listen to our stories in a friendly and supportive way. As we share our life stories and reactions, we gain fresh insights into who we were, who we are now, and even who we might become. This is a semi-structured program originally developed by gerontologist James Birren. Arlene is a certified Guided Autobiography Instructor. For more information, email ahiggs@me.com.

Mondays, May 12 to Jun 30, 1:30 to 3:30. (No class May 19 or Jun 2.) Six  sessions. Games Room. $70. Registration required.

Post-Impressionism Part I 

Join us for a fascinating 6-week journey through one of the most exciting periods in art history. The course begins with the often-overlooked women of Impressionism—Bonheur, Cassatt, Morisot, and Gonzales—before exploring the styles of Post-Impressionism. Each week features a deep dive into artists such as Cézanne, Seurat, Picasso, Van Gogh, and Matisse. Discover how these visionaries reshaped the art world with techniques like Pointillism, Cubism, and Fauvism. All levels welcome.

Fridays starting May 9. 10:00 am to noon. Halpern Room or virtual. Six sessions. $132 Members $198 Non-members. Registration required.

The Story of The Rolling Stones (in person & on zoom)

Join us for a journey from the early days of the British Invasion to the Rolling Stones’ legendary status today. In this engaging course, we’ll trace the band’s journey—from their bluesy roots and rebellious image to their nearly 400-song catalog and 30+ hit albums. Discover what made the Stones the greatest rock and roll band in history—and how they’re still going strong in their 80s.

Mondays, starting May 12. 1 to 3 pm. Halpern Room or virtual. Six sessions. $1-2 Members $198 Non-members. Registration required.

Social Activities

Social Hour

Join us for a happy social hour!

Be part of a laid-back evening in great community connections, and enjoy interesting conversations, refreshments, soft drinks, coffee, tea, wine, or beer. The main entrance will be the only access to the House during and after the event. 

Tuesday April 29, 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Oak Room. Free. Drop-in.

A Blooming Good Time - Last chance to register

The seasonal Social Event Committee High Tea is finally here accompanied by a flower-arranging experience by Jessica of Quince Fine Floral, and music by Ken Burns. Sponsored by the George Halpern Trust Fund. Registration required.

The BH Gardeners will host a plant sale starting from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm at the front lawn. The plant sale is open to the public, but it is a separate event from the High Tea, which requires registration (limited spots available). 

Friday, May 2. 1 to 3 pm. Whittaker Conservatory. $30 members, $35 members’ guests. Registration required. 

Miscellanea

Book your next private event at Brock House

Planning a wedding? A retirement party? A birthday bash? A celebration of life? A family gathering? There’s no better venue than Brock House, who in partnership with Peake Catering+Events will ensure your event will be sensational. What’s more, you’ll be supporting BHS!

For inquiries and quotes, email elise@peakeofcatering.com. 

The Friday Update 

The Friday Update is a weekly email newsletter providing you with practical information about upcoming BHS activities. Your submissions are welcome. Send them to communications@bhsociety.ca by noon of the Wednesday preceding publication. Content may be edited for brevity and clarity. Previous issues of the Friday Update can be found in our Friday Update Archive.