Starting September 18, the Toronto Latvian Pensioners’ Association (TLPA) opens its doors for another season of Thursday gatherings. Each week includes an exercise and wellness class, a hearty lunch prepared by Chef Ingo and a guest presentation.
This fall, we’ll travel to Puerto Rico, get a behind-the-scenes look at a Baltic choral tour, discover the stories behind diaspora Latvian tattoos, and admire the elegance of Riga’s Art Nouveau architecture.
Mark your calendars for Sept. 18, Oct. 2, Oct. 16, Nov. 6, and Dec. 4. If you can’t attend in person, join us online.
Fall lineup
TLPA’s autumn program explores travel, music, art and architecture.
September 18: Magical Puerto Rico
“Visit Puerto Rico – with or without a yacht,” say Silvia Grava and Allen Lewis, returning to TLPA with stories about sailing around the island, and its inland wonders. The magical old city of San Juan (a UNESCO World Heritage site), cacao, coffee and dragon fruit plantations. And, of course, plenty of photos.
Chef Ingo’s lunch. Register for lunch by September 14 with Aijas Fogels-Wood: 416-993-0149, aija.riga.1955@gmail.com
October 2: Baltic choral tour – Nations that sing
Ten Canadian choral composers and conductors spent 10 days immersing themselves in Baltic choir culture in Estonia and Latvia. Join producer Laura Adlers and Orpheus Choir conductor Thomas Burton for behind-the-scenes stories and the premiere of a short film capturing what some called “the trip of a lifetime.”
Chef Ingo’s lunch. Register for lunch by September 28 with Aijas Fogels-Wood: 416-993-0149, aija.riga.1955@gmail.com
October 16: More than jewellery – diaspora Latvian tattoos
Tattoos of favourite Latvian symbols are increasingly popular among diaspora Latvians. For some, they’re a tribute to parents or grandparents; for others, a sign of belonging to Latvia and its people. Dr. Daina Gross will explore which motifs are most popular and why. Tija Freimutaand tattoo artist Anna Ziemele will provide personal examples.
Chef Ingo’s signature soup.
November 6: A passion for Art Nouveau
Latvia’s Ambassador to Canada, Kaspars Ozoliņš, will guide us through Riga’s Art Nouveau treasures. Discover why the city is celebrated as the Art Nouveau capital of the world and what makes its architecture so remarkable.
Chef Ingo’s lunch.
December 4: The Baltics: Navigating the unwritten future
As Chair of Estonian Studies at the University of Toronto and author of the award-winning A History of the Baltic States, Prof. Andres Kasekamp brings deep expertise in Baltic history, politics, and culture. His timely talk will reflect the rapidly changing world around us.
Chef Ingo’s lunch.
What, when and where
TLPA meet-ups take place every Thursday at the Latvian Canadian Cultural Centre. Programs are usually in Latvian, except for “First Thursdays,” when the program is in English and Chef Ingo serves a full lunch.
Thursday schedule
11.30 Exercise and health session; Zoom open
11.50 Chef Ingo’s lunch
12.30 Group songs, news
1.00 Guest presentation
Join us from anywhere
Learn more at Latvianseniors.org
Mara Gulens / TLPA
