Brighten Up Gloomy Winter Days

By Bev Ann Moynham

Victoria may have the best climate in all of Canada but winter can be a gloomy time of year.  Are you looking for something to brighten up your days?  Would you like somewhere to go where you can meet new friends and connect with old ones?  James Bay New Horizons at 234 Menzies Street may be your answer.  There are activities you can participate in every day or you can just drop in for a coffee (tea) and a chat. 

If you like to read, there is a book club on Tuesday afternoons. This not the kind of book club where everyone has to read the same book.  This is a book club with a difference.  Everyone comes and shares the book they are reading.  You not only get to hear about a great variety of books but you also get to know about the other people in the group and what their interests are.

If you like to sing, there is a choir called the Saints and Singers.  No auditions are necessary - this is a group that sings because they enjoy singing and they also get to share that enjoyment with others when they sing at special events from time to time.  If you play a musical instrument you might want to join the Saints and Swingers or participate in the Handbell group.  There are art classes, Spanish classes, bingo, board games and card games.  The handicraft group gets together every week to work on their projects. Whether you knit, crochet or sew you are welcome to join them on Tuesday afternoons.  Would you like to get more exercise but you don't want to do it alone?  There are groups that go walking, groups that dance and groups that participate in different kinds of organized exercises such as chair exercises, Tai Chi and Zumba Gold.

Twice a week a delicious hot lunch is served for the modest price of $5 and every Friday morning at 10 there is a chance to learn something new at Friday Forum.  From time to time workshops are offered in things like beading, card making and writing.  Discussion groups are available to talk about everything from politics and current events to life in general.  Courses vary from season to season and we are always open to new suggestions for groups and activities.

Membership is a bargain at just $40 for the whole year and membership has its privileges.  Not only does a membership entitle you to participate in the programs at the centre, it also entitles you to coupons and discounts with some of the local businesses in James Bay.

Some of the upcoming events will include a Fashion Show and Sale, the annual "Dress Red" event in February, Spring Fling, a Casino night and a Wine Tasting night. Come in and pick up a copy of the Winter Activity Guide, the monthly calendar and the weekly bulletin to see what else is happening.

Come and check us out and join our growing family.  Brighten your days with friends, old and new, at James Bay New Horizons.