Junction Seniors

Sep. 10, 2011:

The response to the summer events was so small that I am not going to continue right now.  I’ll try to post information here about what is available for seniors in (or near) the Junction.

Annette Recreation, 333 Annette St. (bet. Evelyn and Laws), 416-392-0736  –Annette CRC offers a number of good fitness classes starting Sep. 19.  It’s not trivial to find them on the website: for Osteofit, click on Fitness & Wellness, then on Older Adult.  Also in the F&W tab are yoga, pilates, tennis, etc.; price per season for these classes are posted.  For the “open”  fitness classes (MWF morning and MW evening), go to the Drop-In tab.  For these classes, there are several payment systems, depending on how often you want to come and how long ahead you want to pay for.  Here’s a summary of the rates for older adults (60 yrs+):

  • Type C Fitness membership (unlimited fitness classes and weight room use):
    • 3 mos. $30.75 /  6 mos. $54.75 /  1 year $103.25
  • Pay as you go    $3.75 per session
  • 10-visit punch card    $33.20
  • Unlimited-use passports:  9 weeks $58.75 / 12 weeks $78.25 / 1 year $216.50

Of course, there is also an indoor pool with a full schedule of classes and leisure swim sessions, and there is a social group for older women that meets weekly, Wed. 1-3 pm, from Sep. 28.  This group enjoys games, and likes to bring and share food!  For more information on all of this, call Keith Storey, Community Recreation Programmer, 416-392-7545 or [email protected].  He is eager to build up the schedule at Annette, for all age groups, and welcomes ideas.

Syme 55+ Centre, 33 Pritchard Ave., 416-766-0388 — This centre has an extremely rich program for seniors, including meals and bus trips.  When you consider that the #79 bus passes right in front of it and this bus runs frequently, it’s very convenient.  (“#79 Scarlett Rd” runs from Bloor up Runnymede past St. Clair and turns left onto Pritchard; avoid #79B, however; see bus schedule online.)  Membership is $25 a year.

Swansea Area Seniors Association, 95 Lavinia Ave., 419-392-1953 — An active program, including trips, though perhaps not so conveniently located for Junction residents. Membership is $12 a year.

Loyola Arrupe Centre for Seniors is just a short bus ride down Keele St., at 1709 Bloor St. W., and they have quite a varied calendar of activities, open to anyone 55 and over. Membership is $15 a year (now on sale for $10). For information, call Melissa at 416-766-7977, x. 5.

Librarian Pam Mountain recommends the Tea and Books afternoons at Annette St. Public Library, 145 Annette Street, held this fall on the third Monday of each month, 2-3 pm.


July 12, 2011:

We had a good first meeting on July 7 at Wise Daughters — nine of us, plus a non-senior helper, turned out for conversation and coffee.

Below are a couple more meetings I’ve scheduled — pass the word!

Also, Cortney Pasternak, the Liberal candidate for Parkdale-High Park MPP in the October elections, would like to attend one of our meetings and find out what are our issues. Are you in favor of having her come?

Tue., July 19, 2 pm — Informal gathering — I haven’t found a space yet, so let’s meet at the “train station” on Dundas St. W. just east of Pacific. If all agree (and it’s not too hot), after getting re-acquainted we could go for a stroll along Dundas St. W., trading information about good places to eat / drink / shop. Or, we could go to a coffee shop, or I may have found a place by then! [ Result: Just me. ]

Sat., July 23, all day — Farm Fest, 11 am – 5 pm. Family event about where our food comes from. Eleanor will be holding down an information table at “the train station” — stop by and say hello! If you’d like to help out, at the table or at other stations at the Fest, let me know. They need people to give out samples and pamphlets, keep lines organized, assist in preparation for demonstrations, etc. [ Result: Just me. ]

Thur., July 28, 10:15 am — Short tour (30 mins.) of Keele Community Correctional Centre, 330 Keele St. (just south of Dundas, in Canada Post building). Meet in front of the building at 10:15. Possibility also of tour of fire station next door. We’ll go for coffee afterwards. [ Result: Great tours, but only me and one other came. ]

 

Contact:  Eleanor Batchelder, [email protected] or 647-235-0843