Retirement Explorers
Retirement Explorers is a free, drop-in program for retirees who love to learn, explore new ideas, deepen their knowledge, engage in meaningful discussions, and connect with friends.
In partnership with the Thunder Bay Public Library, sessions run every Friday from September 25 to December 11 and January to April at the Mary J.L. Black Community Hub (901 Edward Street).
No registration is required—just drop in and join the fun!
Fall-Winter 2026
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Date
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Activity
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What to Bring
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Location
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Friday, September 25
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
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Welcome Back – Summer Recap & Book Club
Reconnect with friends, share highlights from your summer adventures, and help shape our next reading list.
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Come prepared to recommend a favourite book!
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Mary J.L. Black Community Hub
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Friday, October 2
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
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Plan with Confidence: Wills, Powers of Attorney & More
Join Megan Stuckey, Staff Lawyer with Advocacy North for Elders & Seniors, for an informative session on topics that can help you prepare for the future with confidence.
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Curiosity & questions
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Mary J.L. Black Community Hub
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Friday, October 9
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
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Discover the Healing Power of Reiki
Curious about Reiki? Join Katherine Keeping, Lightworker, for an introduction to this gentle energy-based wellness practice.
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Curiosity & creativity
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Mary J.L. Black Community Hub
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Friday, October 16
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
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Belcourt Dot Painting Pumpkin Workshop
Celebrate artist Christi Belcourt with the Thunder Bay Art Gallery while creating pumpkin-shaped paintings in her distinctive dot-painting style.
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Curiosity & questions
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Mary J.L. Black Community Hub
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Friday, October 23
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
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Texting & Balance: What the Research Reveals
Join Lakehead University Master's student Milena Ljubicic as she shares fascinating research on cellphone use and balance performance in older adults.
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Curiosity & questions
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Mary J.L. Black Community Hub
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Friday, October 30
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
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Monster Mash Zumba Party!
Put on your costume and get ready to move! Join us for a fun-filled Halloween-themed Zumba. Costumes are encouraged!
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Comfortable shoes and a water bottle!
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Mary J.L. Black Community Hub
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Friday, November 6
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
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Building an Age-Friendly Thunder Bay: Be Prepared, Stay Connected
Learn about the Age Friendly Thunder Bay initiative and discover how Emergency Response Information Kits (ERIKs) can help during an emergency.
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Curiosity & questions
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Mary J.L. Black Community Hub
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Friday, November 13
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
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Fairy House Creations: Build Your Own Enchanted Mini Home
Join CAHEP for a magical hands-on workshop where you'll create your own charming fairy house.
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Sticks, rocks, or decorations!
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Mary J.L. Black Community Hub
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Friday, November 20
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
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Benefits & Supports: Navigating Government Programs
Join Emily Green from Service Canada for a helpful overview of key programs, including the Canada Disability Benefit, Canada Pension Plan, and more.
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Curiosity & creativity
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Mary J.L. Black Community Hub
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Friday, November 27
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
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Behind the Scenes: Thunder Bay Archives Tour
Step inside the newly renovated City of Thunder Bay Archives for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience of our City’s history.
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Curiosity & questions
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City of Thunder Bay Archives, 235 Vickers St N
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Friday, December 4
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
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Holiday Gift Guide for GRANDS: What's Under the Tree This Year?
Join Nancy Angus from Age BIG for a festive look at the season's most practical, useful, and exciting gift ideas for grandparents.
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Curiosity & questions
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Mary J.L. Black Community Hub
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Friday, December 11
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
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Holiday Celebration, Trivia & Luncheon
Wrap up the year with friends, food, and festive fun! Test your knowledge with holiday-themed trivia and celebrate another wonderful year together.
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Feel free to bring a favorite treat to share!
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Mary J.L. Black Community Hub
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Stay in Touch
Stay Connected with the Retirement Explorers Newsletter!
Sign up to receive weekly updates featuring:
- Session recaps
- Upcoming topics
- Event highlights
- Updates to programming
Don’t miss a moment—click here to sign up!
Have questions? Feel free to email us anytime.
Clubs and Groups
The following groups meet at the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre, located at 700 River Street. There may be a small drop-in fee to attend one of these activities or a club membership fee to join. These groups operate independent of the 55 Plus Centre.
Northwestern Ontario Senior Amateur Radio Club
The radio club is located inside the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre and boasts a wide array of technical equipment for amateur radio enthusiasts. New members are welcome to join, however they must be age 55 or older.
You do not need a radio license to join this club.
Members often drop into the club on Sundays from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
We encourage interested people of all ages to visit on Sundays to learn more about this hobby. Formal business meetings are held the second Sunday of every month at 2:00 pm.
The radio room is available to members during Centre operating hours.
If you have any questions, please visit our website
Northwestern Ontario Senior Citizens Amateur Radio Club website.
Senior Social & Fix-It Club
The Fix it Club offers a full woodworking shop with a large selection of tools and equipment for a $50 annual membership fee paid to the club executive.
Members are normally in the shop Monday to Friday mornings between 8:30 am and 11:00 am, a great time to stop by for a tour. The shop is open during Centre operating hours for use by all members, but there must be two people in the shop when working with any power tools or equipment to ensure personal safety.
Everyone 55 plus is welcome to join!
The Fix-It Club hosts fundraising activities throughout the year to maintain their equipment or to purchase new equipment.
For more information, call the shop directly at 807-346-9309.
Connect
