Bernard Betel Centre
1003 Steeles Ave W M2R 3T6 Toronto, ON, Canada

Bringing food and hope to seniors in isolation We went from doing 165 to 200 meals a day before COVID, and this week we did 667 a day, said Gail Gould, Bernard Betel Centre's Executive Director. In the Saturday edition of The Toronto Star, the United Way section featured articles about the work that United Way Greater Toronto and their funded agencies are doing on frontlines of COVID-19 response including homelessness, food security, and more.

Don't forget to get your flu shot at the Walk-in Flu Clinic on Friday, November 20 (TOMORROW!) starting at 11am.

As the cold weather approaches, let us cook for you! The Bernard Betel Centre delivers nutritious, delicious and affordable kosher meals right to your home! All meals include a fresh soup, entrée, starch and vegetable. For more information, contact Alla Kolova at 416-225-2112, ext. 134 or [email protected], or visit www.betelcentre.org/meals-on-wheels.

Join us for our next online Facebook Live 'living room' concert session! On Sunday, November 22 at 1:00 pm, join guitarist and singer Jerry Rush for some original songs and Blues and Rock and Roll covers in a Facebook Live video. Join us from the comfort of your own home! For more information about our upcoming online virtual programs and how to register, visit: https://betelcentre.org/online-programs/.

The Bernard Betel Centre was pleased to participate in the Second Annual Littlest Volunteer Big Day of Giving organized by UJA Genesis. Faced with the challenges of the pandemic, this year, families were able to sign up for a volunteer activity that could be done in the safety of their own home. On Sunday, November 15, families assembled and decorated Chanukah gift bags to distribute to seniors who are isolated and alone. Through their creative and colorful Chanukah messages and drawings, these families have brought joy and happiness to those who need it most during this holiday season. Thank you to these amazing families!

Get your flu shot! Walk-in Flu Clinic run by Ontario Health Team - North York Toronto Health Partners. DATE: Friday, November 20 TIME: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm (or until vaccines run out) LOCATION: 1003 Steeles Ave. West, Toronto, ON... No appointment necessary. Walk-in appointments only. Regular and High-Dose available. For more information, please visit: https://betelcentre.org/2020/11/10/walk-in-flu-clinic/

Tuesday, December 1 is Giving Tuesday. This is the fifth year that the Bernard Betel Centre will be participating in Giving Tuesday Canada and we are asking for our community’s support. As most not-for-profit organizations, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a hard financial impact on the organization and the seniors that rely on it. Despite this, our incredible team of staff and volunteers quickly pivoted and have been working around the clock to ensure we continue to provide pro...grams and services to thousands of seniors in our community. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the incredible Bernard Betel Centre team has Cooked, packaged and delivered over 5,000 meals each month to older adults in the community, many of whom are vulnerable and face food insecurity. In September and October, the team cooked, packed and delivered over 8,000 meals each month! Made check-in and security calls to over 4,000 seniors (over 8,000 calls!), helping individuals navigate resources such as social programming, grocery and food programs, mental health resources, and more. Entertained and feed over 2,700 seniors at seven of our Healthy at Home program locations with meals and outdoor balcony concerts. Planned and delivered up to 93 online virtual programs, in four languages, each month, fighting isolation and helping to connect over 250 seniors a week with engaging programming and each other. Provided essential and meaningful volunteer opportunities for 117 community members and 2 corporate groups, assisting with Meals on Wheels, online programming, check-in phone calls, and more. Provided vital foot care services to over 200 seniors each month, implementing many new health and safety protocols in our chiropody clinic, ensuring we are serving our seniors the safest way possible. There are many ways you can give and all gifts are greatly appreciated. If you are interested in donating to our Giving Tuesday campaign to help us reach out $5,000 goal, please visit https://www.canadahelps.org///campaign/giving-tuesday-2020 For more information about our Giving Tuesday campaign, please visit https://betelcentre.org/2020/10/28/giving-tuesday-2020/. Thank you for your generosity and support! #GivingTuesdayCA #TorontoGives

This morning, our community came together to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. Because we couldnt gather this year, like we have in other years, local politicians joined Bernard Betel Centre staff and volunteers to pack and deliver 200 meals, many for Rosh Hashanah, for seniors in North Toronto and South York Region. Thank you CIJA, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, City of Toronto Councillor James Pasternak, City of Toronto Councillor Michael Ford, and City of Vaughan Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca for taking the time to provide this meaningful gesture for the community.

Join our next Cooking Club! A variety of home chefs and experts will discuss cooking, recipes, healthy eating and have some fun in the kitchen! Next week, join Bernard Betel Centres Director, Programs, Maria Lindgren, and learn to make healthy make ahead breakfasts and snacks! Wednesday, September 23 11:00 am 12:00 pm Registration required: https://us02web.zoom.us//tZYocuyupjgtHdH4SkYK9XS69aolga5ns... For more information about our upcoming online virtual programs, visit https://betelcentre.org/2020/03/23/virtual-programming.

TODAY at 12pm, Maria Lindgren will lead us through a low impact Gentle Fitness class in a Facebook Live video. Join us from the comfort of your own home! No registration required. Like and Follow our Facebook page, and pop on at 12pm to join the class! For more information about our upcoming online virtual programs, visit https://betelcentre.org/2020/03/23/virtual-programming.

Get ENERGIZED! Join Marias Morning Energizer Fitness Class TODAY at 8:30 am! Maria will lead an energizing morning class every Thursday on Zoom working on strength and aerobic exercises! Registration required. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us//tZ0sc-mrqD0rHdECWm7kBWHmoslQ9b_Ax For more information about our upcoming online virtual programs, visit https://betelcentre.org/2020/03/23/virtual-programming.

We want to wish our members and the community a very happy, healthy and sweet New Year. Shana Tova UMetukah!

Great to join my colleague Councillor James Pasternak this morning at the Bernard Betel Centre to assemble and deliver kosher meals to seniors in the community.... During these difficult times, lets use every opportunity we have to help each other out. CIJA UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

Today, UJA and CIJA packed Kosher Meals on Wheels for clients of the Bernard Betel Centre ahead of Rosh Hashanah, along with local politicians. Thank you to Councillor James Pasternak, Councillor Michael Ford, and Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca for lending a helping hand! #JewishToronto

I was thrilled to pack and deliver meals to senior residents for Bernard Betel Centres Rosh Hashanah Food Drive alongside passionate and selfless individuals f...rom the community, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, Councillor Michael Ford and Vaughans Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca. Bernard Betel Centre has been consistently supporting local seniors during the pandemic! #yorkcentrestrong #yorkcentre #downsview #northyork #roshhashana #RoshHashanah

Join our upcoming workshop Diabetes Management! Do you have diabetes or want to learn more about the types of diabetes and how to best manage it? Join Diabetes Educators from Vaughan Community Health Centre to learn more! Tuesday, September 22 10:30 am 11:30 am... Registration required. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us//tZ0lf-uhrT0rGdZEXU0vYrNkaBDKmk5MN For more information about our upcoming online virtual programs and how to register, click https://betelcentre.org/2020/03/23/virtual-programming.

SAVE THE DATE! The Annual General and Special Meeting of the Bernard Betel Centre for Creative Living will be held Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at 7:00 PM (EST) by Zoom. In order to participate, you must request log-in/dial-in details by emailing [email protected] or calling 416-225-2112 ext. 126 no later than 5:00 pm on Monday September 21, 2020. For more information about the Annual General Meeting, please visit: https://betelcentre.org/2020/08/27/annual-general-meeting-3/

Were already halfway through September (!!!), but we still have some great programs coming up! We have Guided Mindful Meditation, Cooking Club, Art Appreciation, Improv Comedy, Ask the Expert, Fitness with Maria, Seniors Centre Without Walls, and some exciting workshops including Escape to Southeast Asia (September 15), Book Club (September 24), and more! Join us from the comfort of your home! For more information about our upcoming online virtual programs and how to register, visit https://betelcentre.org/2020/03/23/virtual-programming.

Every Tuesday afternoon, join us for Guided Mindful Meditation with Jen! Take a moment out of the day to be mindful, present and rest. Enjoy a short, simple guided meditation. Everyone is welcome! Tuesday, September 8 29 3:00 pm 3:30 pm Registration required: https://us02web.zoom.us//tZ0lceiuqjwvE9M-511Hs52DU6BkyduF-... For more information about our upcoming online virtual programs, visit https://betelcentre.org/2020/03/23/virtual-programming.

Chair fitness with Maria

Happy Monday! Its been a busy morning for our Meals on Wheels team already! over 500 meals have been packed and will be delivered to the community today. That is AMAZING team work! For more on our Meals on Wheels programs, please visit: https://betelcentre.org/meals-on-wheels/ Our Meals on Wheels program is funded in part through the Emergency Community Support Fund by the Government of Canada Employment and Social Development Canada and United Way Greater Toronto.

Get ready to move your body! TODAY at 12pm, Maria Lindgren will lead us through a low impact fitness class in a Facebook Live video. Join us from the comfort of your own home! No registration required. Like and Follow our Facebook page, and pop on at 12pm to join the class! For more information about our upcoming online virtual programs, visit https://betelcentre.org/2020/03/23/virtual-programming.

Join our next workshop Escape to Southeast Asia! Since we cant travel right now, join Susan Brown as she takes you on a photographic journey to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Tuesday, September 15 10:00 am 11:30 am... Registration required. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us//tZUtdu-oqz8vH9zTN2UX37dEVVnuHas09 For more information about our upcoming online virtual programs, please visit: https://betelcentre.org/2020/03/23/virtual-programming/

Join our Book Club! Join facilitator Norma Vale, as we review and discuss the book, Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff. Friday, September 24 1:30 pm 2:30 pm... Registration required. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us//tZMsd-6qqjwvHdf8S4IDjCfco0uA5zBEO For more information about our upcoming online virtual programs, please visit: https://betelcentre.org/2020/03/23/virtual-programming/

Online Art Appreciation Join Jen MacDonald, BFA, MA Art History, for a short lecture and discussion about some of the most exciting artists from the 20th and 21st centuries.The lectures will explore an artists oeuvre, personal life, and the socio-cultural framework that shaped their practice. Friday, September 11 Maud Lewis... 1:00 pm 2:00 pm Registration required. Register here: https://us04web.zoom.us//u5AqdumspzMvLNf9lgxUruFkfKXmrdoF5w For more information about our upcoming online virtual programs, please visit: https://betelcentre.org/2020/03/23/virtual-programming/

Memoir Writing: Whats Your Story? Everyone has a story to share! Through exercises, motivational prompts, and congenial discussion, you will record your memories for future generations. Your family and friends will cherish the stories of the events that shaped your life and the lives of those around you. Begins Wednesday, September 16 1:30 pm 3:00 pm... Registration required: https://us02web.zoom.us//tZYtfuisqjotH90A2ha3yTAlNrFKYKTCN For more information about our upcoming online virtual programs, visit https://betelcentre.org/2020/03/23/virtual-programming.

Dont forget to join us for this excellent (FREE) workshop TODAY at 10am!

REMINDER! Tomorrow is Labour Day, so the centre will be closed and we will not be running any online virtual programs or Seniors Centre Without Walls programs on Monday. Well be back online on Tuesday!

Join our next workshop Antisemitism Then and Now. History lover, Warren Green, will discuss antisemitism in the past and what we still see now. Tuesday, September 8 10:00 am 11:30 am Registration required. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us//tZYkdOCsrzMiG9D4cf50Y7cMn461nI_KU... For more information about our upcoming online virtual programs and how to register, click https://betelcentre.org/2020/03/23/virtual-programming.

Monday, September 7 is Labour Day, so the centre will be closed and we will not be running any online virtual programs or Seniors Centre Without Walls programs on Monday. We wish you a safe, fun and healthy long weekend! Well be back online on Tuesday!

Dont forget to check out this FUN and FREE program starting TODAY at 3pm! Dont miss out! Register now!

Join us TODAY at 1:30 pm for our next FREE workshop Computer Safety! It is always important to brush up on our computer safety skills! Join our very own computer wiz, Dianne Erdos-Rush, to learn more on the latest scams and how to keep safe online. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us//tZYsde6rpjovGtR1HslONpJ8Qsu6HwXjh For more information about our upcoming online virtual programs, visit https://betelcentre.org/2020/03/23/virtual-programming.

Join our volunteer team! We have various positions available, including Spanish Conversation Club Facilitator. Hablo espaol? The Volunteer Facilitator for this program will provide a welcoming, friendly environment for our members to engage with one another in Spanish over Zoom. Using poems, music, articles, you will facilitate conversation among the group. You must be fluent in Spanish, have strong interpersonal and leadership skills and be comfortable using Zoom. Visit https://betelcentre.org/current-opportunities/ for more information the Spanish Conversation Club Facilitator and our other volunteer opportunities.

Intro to Improv Comedy! Do you have a sense of humour and are looking to try something new? Try the Intro to Improv Comedy program with Jordan Max! This 4-week workshop starts you at the ground floor. Explore storytelling, skits, character building, movement, dialogue, and quick-thinking. Thursday, September 3 24 3:00 pm 4:00 pm... Registration required. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us//tZUvf-utpz4qEtHjFAwJfRT1d2_wnEMVd For more information about our upcoming online virtual programs and how to register, click https://betelcentre.org/2020/03/23/virtual-programming.

Ask the Expert! Book a one-on-one 30 minute session with computer expert, Ron Berman. Appointments can be done over the phone or via Zoom. To book an appointment email Dianne at [email protected] or call 416-225-2112, ext 128. Every Monday and Wednesday starting September 2 2:00 pm 4:00 pm... For more information about our upcoming online virtual programs and how to register, click https://betelcentre.org/2020/03/23/virtual-programming.