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Our Upcoming Events:

Highlight Community In-Person Events for Fall 2025

Family Talks. Harmony Rocks!

Caring for and protecting our seniors is a shared responsibility of every family member. Join our two-day event dedicated to fostering family harmony and stronger relationships. (Free Admission)

Day 1: Sept. 20, 2025 (Sat.) - City of Toronto
Day 2: Oct. 25, 2025 (Sat.) - City of Markham

(Read more)
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Audible format for latest titles from our columnists available starting January 2023

NEW!

(Read more)
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In-Person Adult Drawing Class Starting April 7, 2025

NEW!

Drawing class will be held every Monday at 5:00pm to 7:00pm

(Read more)
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Our Recent Events:
(click on picture to view event detail and see our volunteers in action)





Special Announcements


  • Revanue Canada Tax Receipts

    2025 Revanue Canada Tax Receipts for donations will be issued for donations made in the period from January 1 to December 31, 2025. Donations made after December 31, 2025 will be recorded as donations for the 2026 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


  • 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



  • 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.

    Canadian Red Cross

    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.


  • 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.


  • 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.



  • 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

    Government of Canada

  • 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

    Government of Canada

Withdrawal and Rescheduled


  • No programme has been withdrawn or rescheduled.


  • 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.


  • 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 audible version available

    Read Full Article


    Transforming Negative Perceptions of Aging in the Chinese Community: The Importance of Education and Personal Growth for Seniors audible version available

    Read Full Article


    The Desirable Qualities, Abilities & Life Learning Skills To Be Fostered in Upbringing Our Youngsters  audible version available

    Read Full Article


    Building a Strong Online Presence: The Importance of a Website for Community Nonprofit Organizations audible version available

    Read Full Article


    Let's Look for the Teachable Moment  audible version available

    Read Full Article


    Reversing Diabetes: Understanding and Achieving Remission in Type II Diabetes  audible version available

    Read Full Article


  • 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.

    Drawing Class for Adults poster

    Date:         April 7, 2025 (Monday)

    Time:        Drawing Class will be held every Monday at 5pm to 7pm

    Location: 300 Silver Star Boulevard, Scarborough

    Fee:           $120 / 10 classes

    Inquery:  info@opera1.org

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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)
February 1, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Streching Exercises and Modern Seniors (Part 2)
Speaker: Ms. Yuki Cheng   (Language: Cantonese)
February 8, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
The Path to Health and Longevity
Speaker: Dr. Jason Kwok   (Language: Cantonese)
February 12, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Introduction to Digital Painting Part 2 (5/5)
Speaker: Mr. Philip Ho (Digital drawing instructor)   (Language: Cantonese)
February 15, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Lanterns for Valentine's Day
Speaker: Irene Hung   (Language: Cantonese)
February 22, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Crispy Almond Tuiles - A Pastry Workshop
Speaker: Queenie Chen   (Language: Cantonese)
March 1, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Butter Square Buns - A Pastry Workshop
Speaker: Master Chow   (Language: Cantonese)
March 8, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Dancing Tulips - A Drawing Workshop
Speaker: Maria Waye   (Language: Cantonese)
March 15, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Mango Pancake - A Pastry Workshop
Speaker: Queenie Chen   (Language: Cantonese)
March 19, 2025 (Wednesday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Age Well At Home, Aging in Place and Social Support Services
Speaker: Paul Wong (Yee Hong Centre)   (Language: Cantonese)
March 22, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Drumming Together - A Music Therapy Workshop
Speaker: Karen Kwok (Registered Music Therapist)   (Language: Cantonese)
March 29, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
On Chronic Inflammation
Speaker: Dr. Jason Kwok   (Language: Cantonese)
April 5, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
How to Avoid Mental Exhaustion
Speaker: Mrs. Leung Kit Yiu   (Language: Cantonese)
April 12, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
High-Functioning Depression
Speaker: Ms. Tweety Yuen, RSW, DTM  (Language: Cantonese)
April 19, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Light Physical Exercise and Modern Seniors (On Osteoporosis)
Speaker: Ms. Yuki Cheng   (Language: Cantonese)
April 26, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Positive Psychology
Speaker: Ms. Florence Wong, Sinai Health, Mount Sinai Hospital  (Language: Cantonese)
May 3, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
On Heart Failure
Speaker: Dr. Jason Kwok   (Language: Cantonese)
May 10, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Blueberry Cheese Rolls - A Pastry Workshop
Speaker: Master Chow   (Language: Cantonese)
May 17, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
The Origin of the Dragon Boat Festival
Speaker: Dr. Leung Kwong Hon   (Language: Cantonese)
May 24, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Ducklings by the Pond
Speaker: Maria Waye   (Language: Cantonese)
May 31, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Japanese Style Fluffy Pancakes - A Pastry Workshop
Speaker: Master Tam   (Language: Cantonese)
June 7, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Understanding Depression in Older Adults
Speaker: Ms. Koko Lung, BA, BSW, RSW (Mount Sinai Hospital)   (Language: Cantonese)
June 14, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Understanding Chronic Cough
Speaker: Dr. Jason Kwok   (Language: Cantonese)
June 21, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Bunny and the Ants - A Drawing Workshop
Speaker: Ms. Maria Waye   (Language: Cantonese)
June 28, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Cook Well with Mrs. Chow - Fried and Baked Spareribs
Speaker: Mrs. Chow   (Language: Cantonese)
July 5, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Today Fathering is Challenging
Speaker: Dr. Leung Kwong Hong   (Language: Cantonese)
July 9, 2025 (Wednesday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Digital Painting (Part 1 of 5)
Speaker: Philip Ho (Digital Drawing Instructor)   (Language: Cantonese)
July 12, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Layered Coconut Juice & Water Chestnut Cake
Speaker: Ms. Queenie Chen   (Language: Cantonese)
July 16, 2025 (Wednesday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Amazing Magic - Mind Reading Magic
Speaker: Magic Henry   (Language: Cantonese)
July 19, 2025 (Wednesday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy
Speaker: Florence Wong & Angel Lau (Mount Sinai Hospital)   (Language: Cantonese)
July 23, 2025 (Wednesday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Digital Painting (Part 2 of 5)
Speaker: Philip Ho (Digital Drawing Instructor)   (Language: Cantonese)
July 30, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Amazing Magic - Money Magic
Speaker: Magic Henry   (Language: Cantonese)
August 6, 2025 (Wednesday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Digital Painting (Part 3 of 5)
Speaker: Philip Ho (Digital Drawing Instructor)   (Language: Cantonese)
August 9, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Flipbook Animation 2
Speaker: Aiken Chau   (Language: Cantonese)
August 13, 2025 (Wednesday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Amazing Magic - Card Magic
Speaker: Magic Henry   (Language: Cantonese)
August 16, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Beware of Gains
Speaker: Dr. Leung Kwong-Hon   (Language: Cantonese)
August 20, 2025 (Wednesday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Balloon Rhapsody
Speaker: Viki Cheng   (Language: Cantonese)
August 23, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Introduction of Figure Drawing
Speaker: Aiken Chau   (Language: Cantonese)
August 27, 2025 (Wednesday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Digital Painting (Part 4 of 5)
Speaker: Philip Ho (Digital Drawing Instructor)   (Language: Cantonese)
August 30, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Stretching Exercise for Modern Seniors - Fall Prevention
Speaker: Yuki Cheng   (Language: Cantonese)
September 6, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
A Dialogue of Generational Differences and Modern Change
Speaker: Ivy Cheung (Mount Sinai Hospital, Wellness Centre)  (Language: Cantonese)
September 13, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Chinese Mooncake with Five Nuts
Speaker: Master Tam   (Language: Cantonese)
September 24, 2025 (Wednesday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Digital Painting (Part 5 of 5)
Speaker: Philip Ho (Digital Drawing Instructor)   (Language: Cantonese)
September 27, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Glutinous Rice with Cured Meat
Speaker: Master Chow   (Language: Cantonese)
October 4, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Understanding Anxiety in Older Adult
Speaker: Isaac Shum (Mount Sinai Hospital, Wellness Centre)  (Language: Cantonese)
October 11, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Lavendar in a Vase - A Watercolour Workshop
Speaker: Ms. Perry Chow   (Language: Cantonese)
October 18, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Beware of Gains - Put Into Practice
Speaker: Dr. Leung Kwong Hon   (Language: Cantonese)
October 25, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Understanding Elder Abuse Through a Mental Health Lens
Speaker: Koko Lung (Mt. Sinai Hospital)   (Language: Cantonese)
November 1, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Fall Colours - A Watercolour Workshop
Speaker: Perry Chow   (Language: Cantonese)
November 8, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Pain Management Stretching Workshop
Speaker: Lam Ting Kwong   (Language: Cantonese)
November 15, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Cantonese Chicken Cookies
Speaker: Master Tam   (Language: Cantonese)
November 22, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Effective Emotion Management
Speaker: Mrs. Kit-Yiu Leung   (Language: Cantonese)
November 29, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Innovative Ways to Care for Yourself and Your Loved One with Dementia
Speaker: Ms. Maria Choi, RSW (Mt. Sinai Hospital)   (Language: Cantonese)
December 6, 2025 (Monday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
"Long Live Your Majesty"
Speaker: Dr. Leung Kwong Hon   (Language: Cantonese)
December 13, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Chinese White Sugar Shortbread
Speaker: Master Chow   (Language: Cantonese)
December 20, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Stretching Exercise for Modern Seniors - Fall Prevention 2
Speaker: Yuki Cheng   (Language: Cantonese)
December 27, 2025 (Saturday)
10:30am to 12:00 noon
Sketching Our Favorite Squirrel
Speaker: Maria Waye   (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.  

About Opera One

Opera One is a charitable organization registered in Ontario and federally with Canada Revenue Agency.


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Multi-Lingual Website

This website is provided in both English and Chinese versions. Click the button below to access the desired language.


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Keeping in Touch

  • Phone:

    (416) 800-9868
    (647) 321-8878


  • Email:
    info@opera1.org

  • Address:

    PO Box 64588
    Unionville, ON
    L3R 0M9