Open Art Studio Group at the Seniors' Lifestyle Expo
Open Art Studio group was one of more than 30 exhibitors at the Seniors' Lifestyle Expo held on May 29, 2025 at the Bonsor Recreation Centre banquet room. We were invited to the event by Mulberry PARC to showcase creating art - this can be a rewarding activity for seniors. We displayed our paintings on two tables and provided a painting demo on the side. Our members also gathered a lot of information on senior living from other exhibitors. A very enjoyable time was had by all.
Open Art Studio - Artist of the Month
Artist of the month for June 2025 - Josephine Lui
Josephine Lui
I have a confession to make…I am a thief!
I steal from Mother Nature - and then throw down the spoils onto canvas with my paint brush.
I am also a collector.
I have been happily collecting friendships, shared experiences, and happiness from the community at the Bonsor 55+ Open Art Group every Tuesday, for many years.
The warmth and encouragement from everyone at the Bonsor, not only enhances my life, but also sharpens my skills as an artist.
I am honoured to be chosen Artist of the Month.
Many happy wishes to you all…
Josephine
June 2025
Snowshoeing on Mount Seymour (North Vancouver)
Bus Trip - Snowshoeing on Mount Seymour (North Vancouver) - January 8, 2025
With countless days of rain, we were surely hoping for a good snowshoeing trip to wallow in the luxury of fresh mountain air, peaceful surroundings of mother nature and pure white snow! A group of 18 patrons, along with Nick (driver) and Gerry (hostess) set off from Confederation on a cloudy day which is much better than rain!
As we drove up the Seymour mountain pass, we were faced with dense fog all the way to the parking lot and Snowshoeing Centre. We were thrilled to have 6 guides assigned on our tour, some of whom were in training to become familiar with the many trails and wilderness of the Mt. Seymour Provincial Park. We opted to remain as one group which tends to create a bond of friendship and togetherness rather than split into 3 separate groups. As we set off on the Discovery Trail, the fog dissipated and opened our eyes to a peaceful, relaxing, rejuvenating world of forest and snow on the mountains!
We stopped along the trails to learn about the variety of trees and its medicinal purposes found in the forest such as Douglas fir, Western red cedar, Sitka spruce, Amabilis fir, Yellow cedar, Western hemlock and Silver fir. We were also given a taste of the leaves plucked from the Western hemlock that has a citrus fragrance and Silver fir that has flat needles, silvery underside and a spicy fragrance.
We continued along the trail towards Goldie Lake to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and occasional sounds of birds in the trees, take photos, engage in conversations with our excellent guides and group. After enjoying our stop at Goldie Lake and returning to our route, we were greeted by blue sky and yellow ball of sunshine! Another wonderful opportunity to admire in awe the breathtaking, spectacular views of mountains and Vancouver and snap amazing photos! A magical snowshoeing and educational experience enjoyed by everyone!
With special thanks to:
Confederation’s bus trip Co-ordinator: Julia
Volunteer Driver: Nick
Volunteer Hostess: Gerry
And all 18 participants who embarked on this magical adventure!
Trip Report submitted by: Gerry
The above bus trip report is provided with recognition of all Burnaby Recreation Centres whose Recreation Leaders organize and plan bus trips for their Seniors programs.
The Bonsor 55+ Society contributes to affordability of these trips by making their minibus available at break even rental rates, with volunteer drivers. The City’s bus trip hosts are also volunteers.
For other trips on the City of Burnaby’s Winter Season Bus Schedule, please see:
https://www.burnaby.ca/sites/default/files/acquiadam/2022-11/Winter-55-Bus-Trip-Guide.pdf
Or pick up the brochure at any of the City’s Recreation Seniors Centres.
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