Picture it: the lights dim, the chatter dies down and the music swells; the movie starts and you are transported to another world by a compelling story.

At Tapestry at Wesbrook Village, we’ve been able to recreate that incredible “movie night” experience right here in our community, thanks to our in-house theatre and the talents of a dedicated long-term employee.

The nightly movie offerings are selected by Greg, a 12-year Tapestry employee who is a member of the Concierge team. Greg, who has a background in restaurants and hospitality, offered to curate the movie nights because of his lifelong love of the movies.

Greg says up to 20 residents attend the movie screenings, and that the most popular are historical films such as Elizabeth, West Side Story and Murder on the Orient Express. Genres range from drama to mystery to musicals, romance, adventure and documentaries.

To select the films, Greg says, “I will go through all the platforms and choose movies that are newly available or haven’t been shown in the community yet.” And, he adds, “I realize that people who live here spent a lot of time in the 70s, 80s and 90s raising their families and perhaps didn’t get out to theatres to see movies from those decades, so I try to find and show the good ones they may have missed.”

Greg also asks residents for their requests, and will sometimes repeat a popular selection.

Movies are shown on a large screen in a comfortably appointed in-house theatre with padded armchairs, and you can even bring your own popcorn. Subtitles are available for those with hearing issues. The in-house theatre is also used to stream special events, for example the coronation of King Charles III.

Besides the obvious entertainment appeal, movie nights are an important social opportunity for Tapestry residents. “It’s an outing without having to leave home,” Greg says. “The movie starts later in the evening so residents can enjoy their dinner in our Restaurant and then go to the movie.”

The Wesbrook Village community also has a group of residents – the Stephen Drance Film Society – who select, show and discuss ‘arthouse’ movies on a weekly basis in the first floor classroom. The Society is named in honour of a former resident who passed in September 2020 after a distinguished career in ophthalmology, widely recognized with numerous honourary fellowships, degrees and awards, including the Order of Canada. Dr. Drance also had passion for music and arts.

The movie offering is just one of a wide variety of programs and activities offered at Tapestry each week designed to suit varied interests and desires, including diverse intellectual and artistic opportunities such as art classes, choral group, music events, academic and guest lectures. Many of our residents say the most difficult part of their day is deciding what to do from the many options on offer!

If you are considering making a move to seniors’ living, please contact us to learn more about the engaged and wellness-inspired environment we offer. It would be our pleasure to host you for a complimentary lunch and tour. And upon arrival, you’re likely to meet Greg, who curates our movies with care. Don’t hesitate to share your favourites when he greets you and welcomes you to Wesbrook Village!