GNAG pivots!

Mary Tsai
GNAG Executive Director

Like many small businesses, GNAG has pivoted to online programming once again. Keeping our minds stimulated and our bodies active during a third-wave lockdown can be a challenge. Thank goodness, we are now on the right side of the weather and can enjoy the sun.

As we try to climb out of this pandemic, lockdown can be an opportunity to try something new. Online doesn’t have to be tiring; it can be inspiring. Maybe all we need is to change our online routine by trying a virtual art class or an interesting lecture. Take your device outside to do a virtual yoga class or workout – one of my clients worked out on her back deck during my fitness class.

This spring, GNAG is changing things up. I’ve highlighted three amazing special guests who will inspire, teach and motivate us online. Visit GNAG.ca for a full listing of interesting, out-of-the-ordinary, online classes.

Acting for Film and Television
with Robert Bockstael

Tuesday nights at 7 p.m., actor Robert Bockstael will conduct a discussion punctuated by first-hand insights into the world of film and television. This unique course isn’t just for those interested in acting; it is for anyone interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the industry.

During more than 40 years as an actor in theatre, TV and film, Robert has won many awards as well as two Gemini nominations for Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role in the hit series North of 60. With over 100 film and television credits to his name, Robert is also a much sought-after voice actor, providing the voices for dozens of animated series from X-Men to Sailor Moon, Rupert the Bear to Robocop and many more. Robert most recently starred alongside Mel Gibson in the film Fatman.

How To Improve Your Sleep
Habits?   May 19, noon – 1 p.m.
Injury Prevention for Activities of Daily Living   June 14, noon – 1 p.m.

Meet chiropractor Chandler Kutney of Natural Sole Wellness Centre. She will be offering two free health-and-wellness workshops online. During the sleep-hygiene workshop, she will offer tips on how to fall asleep, stay asleep and wake up feeling better rested and less sore.

Many regular activities can cause soreness if done improperly. In her second workshop, Dr. Kutney will discuss overhead lifting and outdoor work (gardening, pruning, mowing) and ways to decrease soreness after these activities.

Dr. Kutney has her honours BScHK degree, with an emphasis on the biophysical aspects of the body. Her study focused on anatomy, physiology, neuromotor control and rehabilitation. At the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Dr. Kutney was taught to focus on evidence-based collaborative care to address the patient as a whole person. She applies this approach in her practice and her goal is to get her patients feeling better and confident in getting back to moving the way they want to. She does this with a combination of hands-on treatment, exercise and education.

You can also find Dr. Kutney’s earlier workshops on spinal-pain prevention, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis on GNAG’s YouTube channel. Go to GNAG.ca and scroll down to GNAG Online Videos.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Wills and Estates

On May 26 at 7 p.m., learn why it is important to have a last will and testament, what an executor does and what probate power of attorney mean. This free seminar is offered by lawyer Erin McNamara, who will explain everything you want and need to know about wills and estates.

Community Action Team
(CAT Squad) for Youth is back!
By Katie Toogood

This past winter, GNAG brought back the CAT Squad program. It targets high school students looking to make a difference in their community. Focusing on initiatives driven by the participants’ interests and passions, the program seeks to inspire teens to think outside the box and volunteer in creative ways.

While in winter lockdown, the teens worked together on three community initiatives.

First, they connected with seniors who are unable to see their loved ones during these difficult times. The CAT Squad partnered with Abbotsford House, creating a pen-pal program that connected the teens with individuals living alone in the neighbourhood through letters.

The second initiative involved creating fun community activities for children and families. They designed and executed a series of online family trivia challenges and a neighbourhood scavenger hunt. These events provided opportunities for fun and connection for more than 50 children in the Glebe.

The third initiative was a hugely successful bottle-drive fundraiser in support of Operation Come Home and its BottleWorks program. In two busy days of collection, the teens raised a remarkable $920 for programs to help prevent homeless youth from becoming homeless adults.

We are tremendously proud of all of their hard work over the winter months and cannot wait to see what these teens do next. Way to go CATs!