After a gorgeous summer filled with festivals and sunshine, Toronto Latvian seniors are preparing for a fall season packed with enriching activities. The Toronto Latvian Seniors' Association (TLPA) has been hard at work planning memorable Thursday gatherings that promise to entertain and connect the community.

"We’re aiming for a streamlined and predictable experience," says Andris Rubenis, TLPA’s program director. Reflecting on lessons learned from the previous season’s 38 Thursday events and survey feedback, the TLPA is also exploring ways to strengthen ties with our Baltic neighbors.

“Estonians don’t have seniors’ groups as active as ours,” says Rubenis. “We’d love for them to join us.”

First Thursdays

To simplify planning, the first Thursday of each month will feature English-language programming and hot lunches.

"This way, everyone knows exactly when we’re serving hot lunches and when the program will be in English,” explains Rubenis. “This schedule will remain consistent.”

All other programs will be in Latvian or a mix of Latvian and English. Mark your calendars for the autumn First Thursdays on September 12, October 3, November 7, and December 5.

Game on

Responding to popular demand, TLPA will introduce new activities this fall. Every Thursday from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., participants can enjoy novuss, crafts, and various board games, including Scrabble, wordsearch, chess and checkers.

“We won’t present all activities at once—maybe one to three a week in rotation,” Rubenis notes. “If you know anyone who could lend a helping hand, please let us know!”

Can you help? Write to us at TLPAsaieti@gmail.com.

What happens when

TLPA get-togethers are held every Thursday at the Latvian Canadian Cultural Centre. Fall programming runs for 14 weeks from Sept. 12 to Dec. 12, featuring the following schedule:

10:00: Games and crafts, Choir rehearsal with Irisa
11:30: Zoom log-in open, Exercises with Peter
Noon: Lunch
12:45: Group song and Ivars’ weekly report
13:00: Program: Concert! Presentation! Demo!

Planning the program

June survey responses have provided valuable insights into what participants want more of in the future. The most popular interests include music, lectures, hands-on activities and travel slide shows.

Myrna Lapiņa, a TLPA regular for 40 years, is eager for more musical entertainment. “There are so many Latvian musicians,” she says. “There’s so much opportunity!”

“Singing – can we find common ground?” suggested one Estonian participant. “Let’s find songs that share a melody but can be sung in both languages.”

Ilmar Lepik agrees, recalling how he’s sung “Rīga Dimd” with Latvian conductors at Estonian Song Festivals. “Why doesn’t that happen here?”

There are countless reasons to love senior Thursdays. “Community!” says Ārija Mileiko. “The food!” adds her husband Vilis. Both are grateful for the chance to socialize and connect with friends.

Your wishes granted

Participants had some specific requests, which will be honoured throughout the season.

The opening event features photographer Juris Kornets, who will showcase his work and discuss how AI (artificial intelligence) is transforming his profession. The following week, Anna Štube and Pēteris Zariņš will perform a must-see concert for violin and piano.

“In the weeks to come, we’ll hear from Silvia Grava and Allen Lewis about their sailing adventures, and Juris Ķeniņs will reflect on the recent Latvian Song and Dance Festival in Canada,” says Rubenis. “The TLPA choir will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a concert, and we’ll wrap up the year with a Christmas celebration in Mexican style.”

The new year promises even more exciting events, including a presentation on Estonian ballet, a look at opera life by Vilma Vitols, and a fascinating exploration of DNA testing discoveries that have led to newfound relatives.

See you Thursday!

The following programming will be in English:

September 12: Juris Kornets: Epic stories from photo shoots around the world and how AI is changing everything. Documentary photographer Kornets has captured people and places worldwide, with exhibitions on every continent. He will showcase his stunning photographs and discuss how AI is reshaping the field of photography and visual storytelling. English. Full lunch. (Register by September 9 by contacting Maruta Freimuts: 416-233-9552, mfreimuts@gmail.com. $25 for members, $30 for friends.)

September 19: Anna Štube and Pēteris Zariņš: Enchanting concert for violin and piano. Violinist Štube, who debuted with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra at 13, has won numerous accolades, including the Grand Prize at the Canadian Music Competition. She was a soloist at this summer’s Toronto Latvian Song Festival and will perform at Koerner Hall on November 22. Pianist Zariņš, a Toronto educator and faculty member at the Royal Conservatory of Music, will join Štube for a performance featuring works by composers from Latvia, Vienna, New York, and Canada. Latvian and English. Soup.

October 3: Life on a sailboat is wonderful, but it’s no vacation! Silvia Grava and Allen Lewis will share tales from their magical sailing adventures, from Newfoundland down the US coastline. They’ll also cover essential tips for navigating tides and avoiding the pitfalls of getting stuck in the mud. English. Full lunch. (Register by September 29 by contacting Maruta Freimuts: 416-233-9552, . $25 for members, $30 for friends.))
November 7: Details to follow. English. Full lunch.

December 5: Details to follow. English. Full lunch.

Connect on Zoom from anywhere in the world. Join here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2105058856

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