ABBOTSFORD AND TRADITION

BY GORDON HAUSER

ow many years must pass before an event becomes a tradition? The Abbotsford Senior Centre, which has a history that goes back to before Lansdowne Park across Bank St was built, invites you to our New Year's Levee on January 20.

Starting at 2:15 pm in the Dining Room, meet and greet the Board of Management, enjoy refreshments and tell them what you would like to see in developments to improve the facilities.

Such meetings become traditions and go back into the mists of time. But do not be put off by that; there is nothing stuffy about our Levee, all are welcome even those who wish to complain, though frankly there are very few who are not delighted with the way things are run for the benefit of Ottawans 55 years and older.

Democracy when it works, allows everyone to have their say and our January Levee is our friendly way of making sure we give all a chance to share their ideas or gripes with the people who plan our future direction.

Now for some news. We are pleased that our Opera Club is going so well under the direction of Thomas Monti. Every 2nd and 4th Friday, they meet in the Games Room to watch large screen TV with hi-fi sound and discuss masterpieces like Aida and The Marriage of Figaro. Starts January 14 and you need to register; as early as possible.

People who enjoy great ariasalready will get more satisfaction from their listening pleasure with Maestro Thomas's explanation for what to listen for and with his photocopies of the score to refer to. It is not designed just for experts but for everyone who would like to know more about Opera. Each performance begins at 10 am and goes 'til noon.

Yoga for Seniors with physical limitations, is run by Evelyn Hadican who has 30 years experience as a teacher of this system of personal development encompassing body, mind and spirit. Learn a way of exercising the body without stress on the joints.

Wear loose comfortable clothing and do not eat for two hours before class. Runs Monday afternoons 2.30 to 4 pm. Evelyn has another yoga class on Thursdays for more active people, also 2.30-4 pm. Be sure to register at 230-5730 as early as possible for a yoga course taught by such an experienced master of the art; a rare treat.

Looking ahead, on February 1, we have the start of Financial Seminars on Tuesday afternoons and on the same day, a Freshwater Pearl Jewellry Sale. All the details of these and other delights can be found in our Program Guide, with our surprisingly varied activities that allow us to boast we have something for every interest here at 950 Bank Street. Got questions? Just phone 230-5730 for answers.