Special Announcements
Revanue Canada Tax Receipts
2024 Revanue Canada Tax Receipts for donations will be issued for donations made in the period from January 1 to December 31, 2024. Donations made after December 31, 2024 will be recorded as donations for the 2025 calendar year. Please update us if your current address has been different from before, for correct mailing of tax receipts.
Introducing Opera1.tv
Opera1.tv, an online platform for delivering seminars, workshops, and other community programs.
NEW!
As of January 1, 2021, all of our seminars and workshops will be available online through our new channel, Opera1.tv.
AODA and WCAG 2.0 Level A - Accessibility Compliance
As of January 1, 2021, our website is in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and requirements of WCAG 2.0 Level A Distinguishable Content.
NEW!
Following the WCAG 2.0 guidelines will make content accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities.
Learn to Draw (Drawing Class for Adults)
Beginners and all levels welcome!
Whether you're looking for a new hobby, or you've always wished you could draw, or maybe you haven't picked up a pencil since you were in school, you'll enjoy this drawing class designed to boost your creativity, and help you to observe and appreciate more beauty in your daily life.
Many students had never been able to draw before, but after they joined, they gained confidence, skill and enjoyment.
Each lesson will have a step-by-step demonstration, with one-on-one feedback and encouragement.
Instructor: Maria Waye is a graduate of Sheridan College Illustration Program, currently a professional artist specializing in portrait and floral oil paintings. She was the instructor of the adult art classes at the SJMC Community Centre for four years, and for the past year and a half, she has been teaching on-line sketching workshops at Opera 1. Student feedback has been very positive.
New Classes to start in spring 2023.
Chinese Watercolour Paintings Class: This class will teach traditional brushes and rice paper with modern techniques for the creation of a wide variety of Chinese painting, like serene landscapes, plants and animals. The instructor will demonstrate the techniques in a practical way as a part of the teaching methods. Our instruction, Mr. K.K. Li has taught Chinese painting in a community setting for about ten years. Some of Mr. Li’s former students learned to master the skills of brush painting and created works that became art exhibits and won awards. Art work cultivates one’s mind, builds confidence and promotes mental health for all ages. Constant cognitive exercise is believed to lower the risk of brain degenerating diseases like Alzheimer. Please refer to Announcements section for new classes in 2019.
Our Upcoming Events
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Lunar New Year Fair at Langham Square
Co-Hosted by Ontario York Region Heritage Lions Club and Opera One
Date: January 25 & 26, 2025 (Sat. & Sun.)
Venue: Langham Square
8339 Kennedy Rd.,
Markham, ON L3R 5T5
11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Program: Lion Dance, Songs, Dances, Tai Chi, Games, Twisted Balloons
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Fall-Season In-Person Dance Class Starting soon
(Performance and Physical Training)
Fall-Season of Classical & Modern Dance Class is starting soon. Class will be held once a week (every Friday evening).
Class taking place from 5:00pm to 6:30pm
(Please arrive at 4:45pm to get ready for class.)
Location: 300 Silver Star Boulevard, Scarborough ON
Dance Studio (Basement)
Fee: $90 for 10 sessions
Inquery: info@opera1.org
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COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Device Kits & KN95 Respirators distributed by Opera One
COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Device Kits & KN95 Respirators provided by Canadian Red Cross and distributed by Opera One to seniors, volunteers and person-in-need in our community.
Please be reminded that these test device kits and respirators are not to be used outside of Canada and are not to be sold for profit.
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Government of Canada Social Media Content Available on Opera1.tv
In compliance with the Government of Canada, beginning March 2022, Opera1.tv. will feature federal outreach social media content including information about programs and services for seniors and caregivers, as well as other official content. These materials will be available in both English and French.
Selon le gouvernement du Canada, à partir de mars 2022, Opera1.tv diffusera du contenu de sensibilisation gouvernementale sur les réseaux sociaux, incluant des informations sur les programmes et les services pour les personnes âgées et les aidants naturels, ainsi que d'autres contenus officiels. Ces documents seront disponibles en anglais et en français.
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Opera One In-Person Tai-Chi Class
Opera One In-Person Tai-Chi Class will be held once a week (every Tuesday evening).
Instructor: Dr. Jason Kwok
Class taking place 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Location: 300 Silver Star Boulevard, Scarborough, ON
Fee: $40 for 10 sessions
To apply, please call (416) 800-9868
or E-Mail: info@opera1.org
Thank you for your interest in our in-person "Tai-Chi Class".
Due to unusually high volume of applications, the class is now full.
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All New 2025 Online Seminars & Workshops for Modern Seniors
Our all new 2025 series of online seminars and workshops are now available. Free registration for all. Please sign up using our electronic registration form.
Check out our new program schedule. (Read more)
This program is funded by the Government of Canada.
Ce programme est financé par le gouvernement du Canada
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Free Prescription Delivery Service for seniors in scarborough, Markham and Pickering
Since early 2019, an average of one delivery trip per week has been made to isolated seniors in Scarborough, Markham, and Pickering who are in need.
This prescription delivery program will remain in effect until further notice.
Depuis le début de 2019, une moyenne d'un voyage de livraison par semaine a été effectuée pour les personnes âgées isolées de Scarborough, Markham et Pickering qui sont dans le besoin.
Ce programme de livraison sur ordonnance restera en vigueur jusqu'à nouvel ordre
This program is funded by the Government of Canada.
Ce programme est financé par le gouvernement du Canada
Withdrawal and Rescheduled
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No programme has been withdrawn or rescheduled.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19):
During this unprecedented time, it’s important to keep you updated. Although things are continually changing, we are committed to keeping you informed. At Opera One our work is not cancelled, it's evolving.
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New titles from our columnists:
Our new titles are now available in audible format to accommodate listeners rather than readers. This format helps those with reading difficulties, such as visual impairments, to access the content. It also allows people to multitask and enjoy the content while doing other activities like driving or working out.
NEW!
The Benefits and Challenges of Obtaining a Service Dog for Seniors with Disabilities 
Read Full Article
Transforming Negative Perceptions of Aging in the Chinese Community: The Importance of Education and Personal Growth for Seniors
Read Full Article
The Desirable Qualities, Abilities & Life Learning Skills To Be Fostered in Upbringing Our Youngsters
Read Full Article
Building a Strong Online Presence: The Importance of a Website for Community Nonprofit Organizations
Read Full Article
Let's Look for the Teachable Moment
Read Full Article
Reversing Diabetes: Understanding and Achieving Remission in Type II Diabetes
Read Full Article
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In-Person Adult Drawing Class starting in Mid-April
Are you searching for a pastime that can help you unwind? Consider drawing as an excellent option. Regardless of whether you have prior artistic experience or not, you are invited to participate! Under the guidance of a professional tutor, you can effortlessly relish the pleasure of painting. Begin by acquiring basic drawing abilities like utilizing pencils, colored pencils, and other tools, including blending colors, using different brush strokes, shading techniques, and more. The drawing topics span from still life, floral arrangements, creative pieces, and much more.
Date: April 7, 2025 (Monday)
Time: Drawing Class will be held every Monday at 5pm to 7pm
Location: 300 Silver Star Boulevard, Scarborough
Fee: $100 / 10 classes
Inquery: info@opera1.org
Online Workshop & Seminars (All New 2025 Series)
講座及工作坊 (2025 年度全新系列)
| Schedule |
Seminars and Workshops |
January 4, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon |
Fun with Twisty Balloons 2
Speaker: Ms. Vicky Cheng (Language: Cantonese) |
January 11, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon |
How to Balance Kindness and Self-Care?
Speaker: Mrs. Leung Kit Yiu (Language: Cantonese) |
January 15, 2025 (Wednesday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon |
Introduction to Digital Painting Part 2 (4/5)
Speaker: Mr. Philip Ho (Digital drawing instructor) (Language: Cantonese) |
January 18, 2025 (Wednesday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon |
Begin with Small Things - Put into Practice
Speaker: Dr. Leung Kong Hon (Language: Cantonese) |
Registration for seminars and workshop, please use: Electronic Registration Form (click to start)
Registration must be completed at lease three days before seminar takes place.
To revisit past seminars and workshops: Opera1.tv
Special Report:
Kevin Szeto
Kevin Szeto is an aspiring musician and singer-songwriter. Classically trained on the piano, he is also skilled on the acoustic guitar and other instruments.
He has performed at various meaningful events. These include fundraising concerts organized by a non-profit organization – the DD Community Connector (whose mission is to enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities). Also notable are the annual Tots 4 Tots concerts through which a community-minded enterprise collects money and toys for underprivileged children during the holiday season. He has participated in the Open Mic sessions at the Living Arts Centre to interact with other artists.
In his free time, Kevin enjoys producing music in his home studio, as well as busking during the summer months.
Kevin will be featured in the “One and Only ArtFast” which will take place at First Markham Place on January 12, 2019. This variety music and art show will be presented by Opera One in support of Cherish IS. 
