New Horizons Seniors Program

Deshantari’s NHSP project started on 14 March, 2016 and will continue until 13 March, 2017 and the following members will be organizing the various senior activities during this time complementing Deshantari’s other regular activities:
  1. Prabir Neogi (Chair and Core-Member)
  2. Atulesh Nandi (Core-Member) 
  3. Arun Roy (Core-Member)
  4. Angsuman Rudra
  5. Manas Dan
  6. Anindo Maiti
The NHSP team welcomes feedback from the community on the type of senior activities they would like us to organize that relate to enhancing the seniors’ social well-being and community vitality. These senior activities are open to all Deshantari members and will be held in strong collaboration with organizations like Indo-Canada Community Centre (ICCC), India-Canada Association (ICA), and Nepalese Canadian Association of Ottawa (NCAO). At the moment the NHSP team plans to use these funds primarily to organize 10 Workshops (usually one per month) that will address various senior well-being issues.

Event Calendar Agenda View

Feb
9
Sun
2014
Saraswati Puja: February 9, 2014 @ Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre
Feb 9 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Saraswati Puja

Sunday, February 09, 2014

 

Deshantari celebrated Saraswati Puja on Sunday February 9th at the Ron Kolbus Center. The schedule of activities was as follows:

  • Puja and Pushpanjali: 10 am-11.30 am (Hathekhori will be after puja)
  • Children’s drawing competition: 11.30-12:00 pm
  • Children’s talent show: 12:00-12:20
  • Kobitar Asor: 12:25-1:00 pm
  • Lunch: 1-2 pm

Among the other cultural programs Deshantari organized a “Kobitar Asor” performed by Mabhin Ghosh
Datta from Kalavatee Dance Centre and Saumita Banerjea, an invited elocutionist from Toronto. This
event received excellent response from all sections of the Community

Oct
3
Fri
2014
Durga Puja: October 3-5, 2014 @ Heron Road Multi-Service Centre, Ottawa
Oct 3 @ 10:00 am – Oct 5 @ 4:00 pm

2014 Annual Autumn Festival & Sharad Utsav
Durga Puja

Fri Oct 3 to Sun Oct 5, 2014

 

Oct
11
Sat
2014
Lakshmi Puja: October 11, 2014 @ Heron Road Multi-Service Centre, Ottawa
Oct 11 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

2014 Annual Autumn Festival & Sharad Utsav
Lakshmi Puja

Saturday Oct 11, 2014

 

Aug
11
Thu
2016
NHSP – Visit – Seniors’ Motor coach trip to Brockville (1000 Islands) @ 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises
Aug 11 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm

Seniors’ Trip to 1000 Islands, Brockville

In collaboration with ICCC Seniors

This trip will include a cruise of world famous 1000 islands (1.5 hour Sightseeing Cruise) and picnic at 30 Block House Island Pkwy, Brockville, ON.

Capacity: Max 112 (Two Bus Loads) [First come, first served — All tickets are now sold out]

Tickets: $25 [Special price for Indo-Canadian seniors – Actual cost is $55]

Program:

PREPARATION: Be prepared for rain or shine! Light jacket, hat, sunscreen and a good sense of humour :). For the picnic, feel free to bring your lawn chair or picnic blanket.
At 10:00 One bus picks up from Orleans, Shenkman Arts Centre, 255 Centrum Blvd (map) from the parking lot behind the Orleans City Hall.

Second bus picks up from Kanata, Beaverbrook Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Drive, Kanata, (map)

10.30 – 11:00 Board the Buses at Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave (map) – Both buses are expected to arrive by 10:30 AM, board, and depart between 10:45 and 11:00 AM.
BOARDING THE BUS: You may board the bus at any one of the above listed places. You are expected to be there 15 Minutes before the bus arrives. Please keep the seats at front of the bus for passengers with compromised mobility.
12:30-17:00 Lunch, 1000 Islands Cruise (1.5 hrs) and Picnic – We will have pizza, green salads and soft drink for lunch on the boat.

WATER: We are taking bottled water with us. A 500 ml bottle for each person. This you can refill from drinkable running water. It will help reduce plastic waste.

PICNIC: After the boat cruise there will be a picnic (Tea, with muffin, Dhokla and Fruit Salad) – There are several picnic tables on the site, but not enough to seat everyone of us.
17:00-18:30 Buses load and depart for Ottawa.
Both buses arrive and drop off first at Nepean Sportsplex. Then one bus goes to Kanata, the other bus goes to Orleans for the final drop-off.

For further information: Please contact

  • Prabir Neogi (613-746-2329)
  • Atulesh Nandi (613-820-7214)
  • Arun Roy (613-837-1936)

R.S.V.P. by Email: Arun Roy

Sep
14
Wed
2016
NHSP – Visit: Seniors’ Motor coach trip to Mont Tremblant @ Mont Tremblant Resort
Sep 14 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Mont Tremblant Trip for Seniors

About the Trip: You will have four hours to explore the village on your own individually and in small groups. You can have unlimited free gondola ride between the bottom of the village and the top of the village.

Here is an interactive pedestrian village map of Mont Tremblant.

Boarding the Buses:

  • You can board the bus in i) Kanata, ii) Orleans, or iii) Nepean Sportsplex – See the timings below.
  • Prior to Boarding the bus, please write your name on the back of your ticket and hand over your ticket and the signed Waiver form. Each person travelling on this trip must give a separate Waiver form.
  • In the morning, you will be handed a pack of snacks and water at the time of boarding the bus.
  • On return from Mont Tremblant, you will have coffee/tea + snack at McDonald/Tim Hortons.

Program for the Day:

  • At 08:45 AMBoard buses at Kanata and Orleans
    • Bus 1 comes to Kanata at Beaverbrook Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Drive [Those boarding at Kanata, please arrive by 08:30 AM]
    • Bus 2 comes to Orleans at Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd [Those boarding at Kanata, please arrive by 08:30 AM]
  • At 09:15 AM – Board the buses at Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Drive, Nepean [Please arrive by 08:30 AM]
  • At 09:30 AM – Both buses leave Nepean Sportsplex for Mont Tremblant
  • Around 12:0o PM– Buses arrive at Mont Tremblant
  • 12:00 – 4:00 PM – People explore Mont Tremblant village on their own – individually or in groups
  • At 4:00 PM – Everyone boards the bus at the foot of Mont Tremblant village
    • Kanata passengers Bus 1
    • Orleans passengers board Bus 2
  • At 4:30 PM – Buses stop at a McDonald/Tim Hortons location for coffee/snacks
  • Around 7:00 PM – Arrive in Ottawa:
    • Bus 1 goes to Kanata, then to Nepean Sportsplex
    • Bus 2 goes to Orleans, then to Nepean Sportsplex

Preparation:

  • Be prepared for rain or shine! Light jacket, comfortable shoes, hat/cap, sunscreen, umbrella and a good sense of humour with a spirit of adventure :).
  • For the picnic, feel free to bring your lawn chair or picnic blanket, walking poles or stick.
  • Lunch: You may bring your own lunch, and also have fun if you arrange picnic potluck in smaller groups with your circle of friends. Or, you could purchase your food at one of the many restaurants in the village, or enjoy the Food Festival at Mont Tremblant that week.
  • Have essentials on hand for the day-long trip: The trip is almost 11 hours long — Do consider to bring what you need, i.e. extra snack food, drinks, medicines, etc.
  • Departure from Mont Tremblant: Return to the boarding spot by 4:00 sharp. Do not miss the bus; there is no public transportation available from Mont Tremblant to Ottawa.

About Mont-Tremblant

Mont-Tremblant is a municipality in the Canadian province Québec, set within the Laurentian Mountains north-west of Montréal. The year-round Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort, on the shores of Lake Tremblant, features acclaimed winter sports, golf courses and a pedestrian shopping village.

Special Feature during September 10-18: Tremblant Gourmand
This don’t-miss event for died-in-the-wool gourmets features conferences, dynamic activities, culinary demonstrations and tastings of delicious local products! This year, the chefs include Max Lavoie (the Guru of BBQ), Éric Gonzalez, Patrick Bermand, Jonathan Garnier, Olivier Tali and many more!

Activities and attractions
100% adrenalin outings. Excursions in nature and lungs filled with fresh air. Leisure spots to relax and fill up with energy. Mont-Tremblant is the perfect destination for entertainment as a family, a couple, between friends or solo.

Events
World-class events. Welcoming local festivities. Throughout the year, Mont-Tremblant is a unique gathering place for families, sports fans, music, culture and art.

Restaurants and bars
Chefs, craftsmen, artisans, sommeliers and reputable establishments. Local tastes, fine or traditional menus. One of the largest wineries in Québec. Warm and accessible tables. Festive bars. Everything for feasting and having fun in the evening.

Shopping
Jewellery stores, sports stores, clothing stores and retail outlets – all nearby. For a window shopping sessions, a holiday souvenir, and a surprise or for the item you completely forgot at home, Mont-Tremblant makes your life easier!

For further information: Please contact

  • Prabir Neogi (613-746-2329)
  • Atulesh Nandi (613-820-7214)
  • Arun Roy (613-837-1936)

R.S.V.P. by Email: Arun Roy

Sep
17
Sat
2016
NHSP – Seminar: Safety and Seniors @ Tanglewood Park Community Centre
Sep 17 @ 11:30 am – 4:30 pm
ICCC Seniors and Deshantari of Ottawa present:

Interactive Workshop: Safety and Seniors

Speakers:

  • Mr. Jasdeep Bajwa, Ottawa Police Officer: “Physical abuse, Cyber fraud, Phone threats, home support providers, and issues to consider
  • Mr. Daljit Nirman, Ottawa Lawyer, Nirman’s Law Professional Corporation: “Safety issues to consider when giving power of attorney for personal care or financial and Wills”
  • Mr. Spencer Campbell and Mr. Mike Foster, Investment Specialists, Scotia Bank: “Financial safety issues with Joint accounts, Credit card or loan co-signing”

Program:

11:30 – 12:00 Registration
12:00 – 12:50 Mr. Bajwa — Physical Safety, abuse
12:50 – 01:30 Lunch (will be provided)
01:35 – 02:30 Mr. Nirman — Power of Attorney & Wills
02:30 – 02:45 Snack Break (Will be provided)
02:45 – 03:15 Mr. Bajwa — Fraud
03:20 – 04:00 Mr. Campbell & Mr. Foster — Financial Safety Issues
04:10 – 04:30 Evaluation

Who is this for? Seniors and their care providers should consider attending this workshops.

For information, please contact (by email): Prabir Neogi

Feb
19
Sun
2017
NHSP – Seminar: Love, Compassion and Caring @ Palki Cuisine of India Restaurant
Feb 19 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
In collaboration with ICCC SeniorsDeshantari of Ottawa present:

Love, Compassion and Caring Seminar

Event Details:

  1. Date, time and location: Sunday, Feb 19, 2017 (5 pm to 9 pm) at Palki Restaurant, 1060 Ogilvie Road. See the map above.
  2. Seminar – “Love, Compassion and Caring” by Dr. Sunder Arora, a private practitioner in holistic psychiatry (website: www.meditationforlife.com).
    • Dr. Arora has published a CD set, Be Free Now, a synthesis of his clinical insights and spiritual journey, and
    • He has also authored and published a book: “Ushering in Heaven, a Psychiatrist’s Prescription for Healing, Joy, and Spiritual Awakening.”
    • Dr. Arora teaches by sharing spiritual lessons and points the way for the spiritual aspirant to find more joy in everyday life. Here is an example: Wisdom is not mere intellectual understanding: instead it needs to be assimilated at a cellular and vibrational level.
  3. Musical Evening – There will be local singers from within the community.
  4. Dinner

For further information, contact:

  • Prabir Neogi (613-746-2329)

 

Mar
5
Sun
2017
NHSP – Seminar: The World We Want to Live In @ Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre
Mar 5 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Deshantari of Ottawa partnered with ICCC Seniors in:

The World We Want to Live In Seminar

Event Details:

  1. Date, time and location: Sunday, Mar 5, 2017 (5 pm to 9 pm) at Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre (Brittania Park). See the map above.
  2. Seminar – “The World We Want to Live In”
    1. The winners of the essay contest held by Festival of India will present their winning essay.
    2. Table discussions on this topic with a brief presentation of key ideas from each table.
  3. Musical Evening – There will be a cultural program and local singers from within the community.
  4. Vegetarian Dinner

For further information, contact: Arun Roy (613-837-1936)

 

Jul
9
Sun
2017
ICA Unity Picnic: July 9, 2017 @ Saunders Farn
Jul 9 @ 10:30 am – 4:30 pm

ICA Unity Picnic

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Details on ICA’s website: http://www.indiacanada.org/

Jul
29
Sat
2017
NHSP – Picnic at Rideau Provincial Park @ Rideau Provincial Park
Jul 29 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

NHSP – Picnic at Rideau Provincial Park

Trips & Outings:

-All day inter-generational outing and picnic at the Rideau River Provincial Park, with volunteers cooking lunch, as well as preparing and serving Indian snacks and refreshments.

-Transportation Assistance was provided to 10 seniors with mobility issues.

Aug
26
Sat
2017
NHSP – Trip to 1000 Island Boat Cruise @ 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises
Aug 26 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

NHSP – Trip to 1000 Island Boat Cruise

All day Inter-generational outing by motor coach to Kingston and Gananoque, combined with a 2.5 hr. Boat Cruise of the 1000 Islands.

NHSP funds used

– Funds used mainly for the rental of the motor coach, and for the 1000 Islands Boat Cruise

– Pizza Lunch provided at the Kingston Lakeside Park; tea and refreshments at a picnic spot on the St. Laurent river, during the return trip from Gananoque.

 

Sep
29
Fri
2017
NHSP – Transportation Assistance to Seniors
Sep 29 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

NHSP – Transportation Assistance to Seniors

Transportation Assistance Service

1) Shared Taxi service to and from the venue of the event, provided to a limited number of Deshantari seniors with mobility issues

2) Durga & Lakshmi Puja celebration events at the Ron Kolbus Centre

3) Bijaya Sammilani event at the Kailash Mittal Theatre, Carleton Univ.

NHSP funds used

– These seniors are long standing members of Deshantari, who have mobility issues that prevent them from driving or taking OCTranspo,

-Without this assistance it would be impossible for them to attend these key religious and cultural events.

-Response from the seniors assisted was extremely positive.

Maha Sasthi and Maha Saptami Puja: Sept. 29, 2017 @ Ron Kolbus Lakeside Center
Sep 29 @ 10:30 am – 10:00 pm

Maha Sasthi and Maha Saptami Puja

Friday, Sept. 29, 2017

Priest: Sushil Bhattacharya (Sasthi and Saptami morning)
Tantra-dharak: Subhankar Pandit (Sasthi and Saptami morning)
Priest: Nirmal Sinha (Saptami evening)
Tantra-dharak: Mita Das (Saptami evening)
Bhog: Shipra Chandra (morning) & Ila Datta (evening)
Puja Lead: Sharmista Roy (morning) & Shila Biswas (evening)
Timings
Maha Sasthi puja and Bodhan 10:30 A.M. – 12:30 PM
Maha Saptami puja 12:45 P.M.– 3 PM
Evening puja 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Sandhya Arati 7:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Cultural Program (play by children) 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Dinner 8:30 PM – 10 PM
Hall Closes 11 PM
Sep
30
Sat
2017
Maha Astami and Sondhi Puja: Sept. 30, 2017 @ Ron Kolbus Lakeside Center
Sep 30 @ 8:30 am – 10:30 pm

Maha Astami and Sondhi Puja

Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017

Priest: Sushil Bhattacharya
Tantra-dharak (Astami puja): Bonnie Chakraborty
Tantra-dharak (Sondhi puja): Subhankar Pandit
Bhog: Shibani Cherla (morning) & Chitra Ghosh (evening)
Puja Lead: Mita Das (morning) & Manoshi Kumar (evening)
Timings
Maha Astami puja 8:30 AM – 12 Noon
Anjali 12 Noon
Lunch 1 PM- 2:30 PM
Sondhi puja 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Sandhya arati 7:00 PM
Dinner 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Cultural Program (Bangla Natak) 9 PM – 10:30 PM
Hall Closes 12:30 AM
NHSP – Transportation Assistance to Seniors
Sep 30 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

NHSP – Transportation Assistance to Seniors

Transportation Assistance Service

1) Shared Taxi service to and from the venue of the event, provided to a limited number of Deshantari seniors with mobility issues

2) Durga & Lakshmi Puja celebration events at the Ron Kolbus Centre

3) Bijaya Sammilani event at the Kailash Mittal Theatre, Carleton Univ.

NHSP funds used

– These seniors are long standing members of Deshantari, who have mobility issues that prevent them from driving or taking OCTranspo,

-Without this assistance it would be impossible for them to attend these key religious and cultural events.

-Response from the seniors assisted was extremely positive.

Oct
1
Sun
2017
NHSP – Transportation Assistance to Seniors
Oct 1 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

NHSP – Transportation Assistance to Seniors

Transportation Assistance Service

1) Shared Taxi service to and from the venue of the event, provided to a limited number of Deshantari seniors with mobility issues

2) Durga & Lakshmi Puja celebration events at the Ron Kolbus Centre

3) Bijaya Sammilani event at the Kailash Mittal Theatre, Carleton Univ.

NHSP funds used

– These seniors are long standing members of Deshantari, who have mobility issues that prevent them from driving or taking OCTranspo,

-Without this assistance it would be impossible for them to attend these key religious and cultural events.

-Response from the seniors assisted was extremely positive.

Maha Navami and Bijoya Dashami Puja: Oct 01, 2017 @ Ron Kolbus Lakeside Center
Oct 1 @ 9:30 am – 1:30 pm

Maha Navami and Bijoya Dashami Puja

Sunday, Oct 01, 2017

Priest: Aditya Chakraborty
Tantra-dharak: Sumit Banerjee
Bhog: Hasu Ghosh
Puja Lead: Jyotsna Seal
Timings
Maha Navami 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Anjali 11:30 AM
Dashami puja and Biswarjan 12 Noon – 1 PM
Sidur Khela, Kolakuli & Bijoya Greetings 1 PM – 1:30 PM
Sandhya arati 1:30 PM
Hall Closes 7 PM
Oct
8
Sun
2017
NHSP – Transportation Assistance to Seniors
Oct 8 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

NHSP – Transportation Assistance to Seniors

Transportation Assistance Service

1) Shared Taxi service to and from the venue of the event, provided to a limited number of Deshantari seniors with mobility issues

2) Durga & Lakshmi Puja celebration events at the Ron Kolbus Centre

3) Bijaya Sammilani event at the Kailash Mittal Theatre, Carleton Univ.

NHSP funds used

– These seniors are long standing members of Deshantari, who have mobility issues that prevent them from driving or taking OCTranspo,

-Without this assistance it would be impossible for them to attend these key religious and cultural events.

-Response from the seniors assisted was extremely positive.

Lakshmi Puja and Cultural Events: Oct 08, 2017 @ Ron Kolbus Lakeside Center
Oct 8 @ 4:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Lakshmi Puja and Cultural Events

Sunday, Oct 08, 2017

Priest: Nirmal Sinha
Tantra-dharak: Subhankar Pandit
Bhog: Ruma Bose
Puja Lead: Jayanti Roy
Timings
Laxmi Puja 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Prasad distribution 6 PM
Cultural Program 6:30 -7:30 PM
Dinner 7:30 PM
Hall Closes 12 AM
Nov
5
Sun
2017
NHSP – Transportation Assistance to Seniors
Nov 5 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

NHSP – Transportation Assistance to Seniors

Transportation Assistance Service

1) Shared Taxi service to and from the venue of the event, provided to a limited number of Deshantari seniors with mobility issues

2) Durga & Lakshmi Puja celebration events at the Ron Kolbus Centre

3) Bijaya Sammilani event at the Kailash Mittal Theatre, Carleton Univ.

NHSP funds used

– These seniors are long standing members of Deshantari, who have mobility issues that prevent them from driving or taking OCTranspo,

-Without this assistance it would be impossible for them to attend these key religious and cultural events.

-Response from the seniors assisted was extremely positive.