On Wed. Nov, 20th, at the Meridian Arts Centre formerly Toronto Centre for the Arts, NYSC celebrated 45th anniversary with the event Sapphire: Innovate and Celebrate. It included an Active Living Fair during the day and a gala event in the evening.

ALF

The annual Active Living Fair opened the doors from 12 pm to 4 pm for approximately 250 attendees, including seniors, caregivers and health care professionals. Fifty-three vendors from broad services and programs, more than any past years, participated in the tradeshow, including not-for-profit, for-profits and government agencies. The tradeshow was a partnership with Older Adults Centre`s Association (OACAO) and the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility. Metroland Participated as Media Sponsor.

“Technology and Innovation for Seniors” was the theme of the fair, and the goal was to highlight new technologies an d innovations available to seniors and caregivers. The event included three very informative seminars: James Mayer (Cabhi) presented “The Future of a Healthy Aging Brain”; Benett Axtell (University of Toronto) presented Photo Flow – “A New Storytelling Digital Tool”; and Ruth Damdar (YMCA) brought the issue of “Understanding Internet Safety”.

Vendors were encouraged to participate in the contest “Show the innovative and technological side of your business” by printing out a poster answering the question, “What is the most innovative and/or technological initiative you offer to seniors and caregivers?” The attendees were instructed to vote for the exhibitor they liked the most, and Daily Dose was the happy winner.

Each attendee received a bag with a healthy snack and a Passport to the Fair. They were encouraged to visit all vendors by asking vendors to stamp their signatures in the passport. Those who filled it out participated in the door prizes draw at the end of the fair. Vendors donated 28 prizes to this draw.

Find more photos at www.nyseniors.org/45th-anniversary-active-living-fair-photos/

AVANT GARDE

On the evening of Wednesday, November 20th, 2019, at the Meridian Arts Centre (North York), ninety guests celebrated with North York Seniors Centre the 45th anniversary of the organization. The Gala “Avant-Garde” included six breathtaking acrobatic performances, a reception with delectable sparkling, red, white, and dessert wines curated with a selected menu, and amazing silent auction items.

The Show

Produced with the direction of Jamie Holmes from LaRouge Entertainment, the acrobatic show was held in the Greenwin Theatre, one of the theatres in the Meridian Arts Centre. Five very talented performers amazed the audience. Samantha Starlet a multi-talented circus performer and a hoop spinner winner; Greg Tarlin, a former Canadian Juggling Champion; Toria Summerville, a multifaceted artist specialized in several disciplines, including contortion, aerial silks, hand balancing, and partner acrobatics; Valerie Stanois an acclaimed and award-winning entertainer and singer; and Thomas Vaccaro, one of the two artistic directors for the Peterborough Academy of Circus Arts, who performed with creativity and refined skill on the Cyril Wheel.

The Reception

Sommelier John Tait led the wine tasting by masterfully pairing it with a delicious menu prepared by EnVille. The sensory trip took guests from the crisp apple and nutty tones of the opening sparkling, to the honeydew fruit and herbal tones of the dessert wines. The attendees also enjoyed both savoury and sweet canapés, including smoked salmon, mozzarella bites, sweet tartelettes and NY strip steak among others.

The Silent Auction

Fifty-Three donated prizes contributed successfully to the $16,000 dollars raised in the event. The prizes ranged from tickets to experiences in the city, and sports events, to the latest generation technology gadgets and wines. Among some of the prizes, all guests had the opportunity to win Toronto Maple Leaf tickets, Via Rail vouchers, The Second City tickets, Toronto Symphony Orchestra Tickets, a Google Home, and more.

Find more photos at www.nyseniors.org/45th-anniversary-gala-photos/