Senior week celebrated with growing rock snake outside Veiner Centre

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on June 6, 2025.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

As Seniors Week, officially proclaimed in Medicine Hat and throughout the province, wraps up Sunday, a growing rock painting project outside the Unison at Veiner Centre continues to grow.

Residents are encouraged to bring their painted rocks to the Veiner Centre and add them to “Victor the Viper of Veiner” to celebrate seniors week.

On June 2 Mayor Linnsie Clark officially declared the week to be Seniors Week to honour the past, present and future contributions of seniors in Medicine Hat.

Jason Nixon, minister of assisted living and social services, says Seniors Week provides a great opportunity to establish connections between generations.

Seniors Week wraps up June 8.

Gnome painting

To wrap up Seniors Week, local artist Painter Girl will be hosting a workshop teaching aspiring artists how to paint their own campfire gnome.

Participants will be provided all necessary supplies and will learn techniques to create a fun piece of art they can take home and display.

The three-hour session begins at 6 p.m in the craft room Sunday evening. The Bistro will be open serving food and beverages.

The cost for members is $35 and $40 for non-members. Registration is required and can be made by visiting the reception desk, or by calling 403-529-8307.

Art therapy

Later this month the Veiner Centre is hosting a one-hour information session for individuals who are interested in participating in a six-week art therapy program designed for all skill levels.

The information session for “Art & Aging” will be held June 18 in the Craft Room from 10-11 a.m. to members and non members aged 50-plus to inquire about the seven-session program that will be presented by Shelby Macphil, who is currently studying at the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute.

“Each session is designed to encourage exploration and self-discovery, providing a safe and supportive environment where you can share your stories and experiences,” reads a promotional advertisement.

There are currently six spaces open for the program. Individual sessions run from 10-11:30 a.m spread out until August.

Registration for the information session is required.

Focus group

The Veiner Centre is teaming up with Medicine Hat College to run a two-day focus group to gather input on a new product being designed to treat Advance Sleep Phase Disorder.

According to the college’s Centre for Innovation, the Barcolux Inc. Light Therapy Device is currently being tested and refined, and is a portable light therapy device aimed to help seniors with sleep disorders.

Students will use the feedback from the focus groups as they design an app that tracks sleep patterns and device usage.

Individuals over the age of 60 can register for one of two sessions planned later this month and receive a complimentary lunch, coffee and snacks.

Sessions are planned for June 23 and 24 and registration is required.

Transportation program

Two years since launching the Veiner Veintage Transportation program, which supports aging adults who require round-trip transportation to medical appointments or independent outings, more than 950 rides have been provided by volunteer drivers, who have dedicated more than 1,600 volunteer hours of service.

Currently 78 individuals access the transportation program that offers seniors round-trip transportation for as low as $5 per ride through a sliding scale subsidy, encouraging aging adults to live more independently.

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