For Ida Shchupak, Circle of Care’s Let’s Get Together program offers more than just activities—it provides a sense of connection and belonging.
Living alone since her husband’s passing 15 years ago, Ida finds joy in gardening and creating art, but aging has made socialising more challenging. That’s why Let’s Get Together has become such a cherished part of her life.
The monthly program, offered in both English and Russian, brings participants together for engaging activities, guest speakers, and camaraderie. Circle of Care’s dedicated staff and volunteers create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making every event a highlight for attendees like Ida. A crucial component of the program’s success is the iRIDE transportation service, which ensures seniors with mobility challenges, such as Ida, can participate.
Ida first joined the program in 2018, before the pandemic temporarily paused activities. When it reopened, she was overjoyed. “This is practically the only source of entertainment for many members,” she shares.
Among her favourite experiences are the lectures and live performances. She fondly recalls a singer performing in English, Yiddish, and Russian, whose songs brought comfort and nostalgia. Another memorable event featured a published poet reading his work, which deeply inspired her. Ida hopes to see more live music and dreams of hearing fellow group members share their poetry.
“I treasure the conversation and connection the program provides,” she says. “This is most vital for seniors and their health.”
Her admiration extends to the volunteers, especially one she describes as a “true miracle,” who always greets her warmly and ensures she feels cared for.
A Journey of Resilience
Ida Shchupak, a Holocaust survivor born in Babruysk, Belarus, had a normal childhood until her world changed with the invasion in 1941. At just five years old, she and her mother had to flee to Siberia, where they ended up living in one room with three other families. To keep them warm, Ida’s mother came up with a clever idea—she knitted shawls from rope. Her creativity amazed the other families, and before long, they were learning the craft from her.
Even in those tough times, Ida found comfort in her love for drawing and wood carving. After the war, when she and her mother moved back to Belarus, she continued to develop her artistic skills, entering many of her drawings into competitions and sharing her talent with others.
Turning Fish Bones into Beauty
Ida’s passion for fish bone art began by chance at age 50. After an operation, a friend brought her a fish, and while deboning it, she noticed the bones resembled lily petals. Intrigued, she crafted her first fish bone flower. For nearly 40 years, Ida has refined this intricate craft, creating art displayed in Finland, Ukraine, the U.S., and Canada.
Her connection to fish bones dates back to her childhood in Siberia, where she had her first memorable encounter with a fish. A pike bit her finger, leaving a small scar that still remains today. Despite the hardships of that time, Ida recalls the incident with laughter, a testament to her resilience and ability to find joy in life’s challenges.
The process of creating her fish bone art is painstaking, with each project taking months to complete. Despite limited materials, Ida’s resourcefulness ensures her art continues. Her oldest son supports her by bringing fish bones from Ukraine, but she often relies on remnants from previous projects.
Ida’s dedication to her craft mirrors her life’s resilience and creativity. Programs like Let’s Get Together allow her to share her stories, celebrate her art, and stay connected to a caring community that values her unique contributions.
By Margarita Tcharnolousskaia, Circle of Care Volunteer Writer
