The Georgian Bay Folk Society is very excited about our upcoming Creative Aging Seniors Programs. Seniors have been identified as a ‘niche’ target market with future growth opportunities well into the 21st Century. Studies prove that seniors involved in arts and culture have more fulfilling lives, improve their quality of life and decrease their health issues. Social engagement and mastery of a task/activity reduce the risk of social isolation, depression, improve their mood, self-esteem/self-confidence and empower a lifelong learning philosophy.
The Folk Society presented our first pilot project ‘Scraps into Treasures and Storytelling’ event on November 20, 2009 from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Lee Manor Retirement Home hosted by Jop Knechtel. This event involved 55 residents (3 males) and was scheduled on the calendar to include Day Away clients to come to the presentation.
In February 2010, a ‘Working Group’ was established and includes representatives from Tempo Foundation, Grey Bruce Cultural Network, Grey Roots Museum, Chartwell Select, Home & Support Services Day-Away programs, Kelso Villa and Kelso Pines. The Working Group will plan, develop, implement, evaluate, assess and provide recommendations too various Board of Directors’ for approval. Also, the group will determine available grant funding, community partnerships, corporate sponsors as a revenue source to assist with the cost of continuing these initiatives. The input, feedback and consultation with the industry service providers are essential for the success of these initiatives.
On March 16, 2010 the 2nd pilot project ‘Todd Crowley’s Musical Petting Zoo’ event was held at Chartwell Select at 2:00 p.m. Todd Crowley set up 50 folk instruments, engaged seniors to have a hands-on experience and conducted a group performance at the end of the event. It was well received by 41 seniors and 1 child, evaluated and survey’s conduct with participants to identify interests and improvements.
The Folk Society submitted a New Horizon’s grant application on April 16, 2010 to host ‘The Quilted Word’ project. The project will include at least 2 quilts involving 30 seniors to contribute their skills in storytelling/creative writing and artistic design in quilting/sewing. Each quilt square will be designed by a senior with a story explaining the design, colours and materials selected, and the significance to the senior from life experiences, wisdom and history. A storybook will be develop and accompany the quilt on tour at libraries, schools, museums and other retirement homes throughout the Grey Bruce area.
Future programs under consideration include choir/singing, drama/theatre, instruments/dance, and painting/pottery. If you are interested in any of these Creative Aging programs, please contact the office at 519-371-2995.
The Quilted Word Project - UpdateThe Quilted Word Project is in full swing and each week brings us closer to our final goal. Our quilters, writers and volunteers have been working since early April and each week brings new progress to both quilting designs and the stories behind them.
As we work though this project please feel free to follow our progress in these photos 
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