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Gordon Head Recreation Centre Tuesday, August 9th, 6:00-7:30pm
Commonwealth Place
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North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
RSVP or call to set up a group engagement with Julie Wallace at 250-475-5408 or email julie.wallace@saanich.ca
250-248-8543 | www.niwra.org Box 364, 1240 Leffler Road, Errington, BC
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Cover “For much of my life, I was in the right place, at the right time, and things just worked out. Life is about taking advantage of those right things and about having the right attitude, even when times are tough.” –The Honourable Judith Guichon, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
The Honourable Judith Guichon, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia on her ranch. Photo: Andrew Snucins 6
INSPIRED SENIOR LIVING
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Passion Land for the
T
BY STARR MUNRO
ravel, adventure, passion, tragedy, courage under fire – the life story of the Honourable Judith Guichon, the 29th Lieutenant Governor of BC, is composed of all the dramatic elements of epic novels and classic movies. Yet for this down-to-earth diplomat, the key to a successful, happy life remains simple – having family and good friends near and caring for the land on which we depend. Her Honour’s passion and commitment to these simple principles – nurturing intimate relationships, building community and caring for the environment – is what ultimately earned her the position as the second female vice-regal representative in BC for the Canadian Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. “I have a vision of healthy people, on healthy land, in healthy communities,” says Guichon. “We need healthy civilizations and healthy soils, to have healthy people.” Since her appointment nearly four years ago, the Lieutenant Governor has been working tirelessly to inspire youth, adults and seniors to better understand the importance of diverse groups of people, in neighbouring communities, working together to protect the natural landscape. Her fervour stems from her upbringing as a child, as well as her 40-plus years as a cattle rancher. Prior to her appointment as Lieutenant Governor, Her Honour operated the Gerard Guichon Ranch in the Nicola Valley in the interior of BC. Born in Montreal in 1947 and raised part-time on a farm in Ontario, Her Honour unknowingly began to acquire a unique understanding of the dichotomy of urban and rural living. An important understanding that would help shape the course of her life. “My driving force is my passion for the land. I think I have been one of the most fortunate people because, although I grew up in Montreal, my dad bought a farm for his retirement when I was only 10,” says Guichon. “I had the best of both worlds. I
had Montreal, and the Montreal Canadiens all week, and then I had cows and the beautiful outdoors and our farm, and all the freedom that offered, every weekend and all summer long.” But it’s Guichon’s sense of adventure and courageous nature that eventually lead her to the current position at Government House. It all began with an innate desire to travel and learn more about Canada. “As a young woman, I decided to leave Montreal and travel Canada,” says Guichon. “I left with two other gals in our 1960 Austin Cambridge. We drove from Montreal to Whitehorse – 8,850 kilometres, without a flat tire. We drove up gravel roads that had yet to be paved along the Alaska Highway.” “We actually came right across to Vancouver Island and then went back up the Alaska Highway. We toured and visited many corners of the country and all the major cities. Eventually, we landed in Whitehorse and all three of us got jobs there. Then all three of us went on to marry fellows we met in Whitehorse.” The Lieutenant Governor married Lawrence Guichon, a commercial pilot, at the time. In 1972, after about one year of marriage, they decided to move back to the family ranch. “My husband woke up one morning and said ‘what do you think about going back to live on the ranch?’ So, that’s what we did. We headed back to the ranch,” explains Guichon. “The only empty house available was the cook house with an old wood stove. I became the cook, which was interesting because I had never learned to cook and now I had to learn how on a wood stove. A very wonderful elderly First Nations lady that was like a grandma (to the crew) came and stayed for a short while and taught me how to cook. She taught me to make pastry and how to feed a large crew. Nellie was wonderful.” “Eventually, we moved up the line into some of the other houses – ones that were a little more modern,” recalls Guichon. The couple decided to adopt four children, one after the
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JULY 2016
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Snapshot with The Honourable Judith Guichon
Snapshot Q &A
If you were to meet your 20-year-old self, what advice would you give her? “The one thing I wish I had done when I was younger was to study music more. I play in a little band and I am taking lessons now, and it’s much harder to find time to practice. I think of all those years when I had more time, and how much easier it would have been. I play at playing the flute, but there are so many other instruments I would have loved to learn. Percussion, drumming, piano… all of them.” Who or what has influenced you the most and why? “My mother definitely was a great influence on me. My mother was a very good pianist. She was a great reader and I considered her very wise. My father-in-law also had a great influence on me because he was the first gentleman I encountered of his generation who treated me with such respect. We spent quite a lot of time together and he was always teaching me. He was a great mentor and teacher when it came to ranching. And then Allan Savory from Zimbabwe, who we studied Holistic Land Management under. He was the instigator of Holistic Management in North America and his book is sort of what I call my Bible.” What does courage mean to you? “Courage means carrying on. Courage is about carrying on in the face of tremendous adversity. I had to carry on after my first husband passed away suddenly. I was left with four teenagers and 700 cows. Courage is definitely about carrying on.” What does success mean to you? “I think we are successful if we have loving family around and if we can look around and count true friends for every finger on both our hands. To me friends and family – that’s success. I still have five older siblings alive and well. I am truly blessed.”
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other, and began to settle down into the ranching life. In 1989, Guichon’s father-in-law, after hearing a revolutionary farmer from Zimbabwe speak in Alberta, decided to buy the couple tickets to a week-long course on Holistic Management being taught by founder of the concept, Allan Savory. “Once we took up holistic land management as a practice, it was the beginning of a whole other journey,” beams Her Honour. “My oldest daughter came to the first courses with us. She was 10 by then. These courses, they changed the way we did everything. I often refer to it as when we began to ‘take our heads out of the sand.’” Holistic management is a systems-thinking-based approach to managing resources in order to reverse desertification. The goal with livestock is to carefully manage their movement and their grazing patterns in order to promote nutrient cycling. Savory believes effectively managed grasslands have the potential to sequester enough carbon dioxide to essentially reverse climate change. “Soil sequesters carbon, and grass is perhaps one of the best tools to do that. We always hear about trees. With trees what you see above ground and what you find below ground, the roots, are almost equal. But when you see grass, the roots of a healthy grass plant are probably about five times what you see above ground. So, if you see a foot-long grass plant, its roots will probably be four or five feet long. And that is where carbon gets sequestered,” says Guichon. “Holistic management is based on planning for the regrowth of your grass plants. We would start by spending 10 days in February, every year, where we would sit down and make big planning charts and formulas and define our holistic management program for the ranch,” says Guichon. “We plan every movement of the cows over the year. So, if they were on spring grazing, they would move every 3-5 days. We would also truck water to the cattle, so they wouldn’t overgraze in the areas near water.” Excited by the potential environmental impact of holistic land management, the Guichons quickly became advocates on a local, national and international scale. “We attended a lot of meetings. I organized meetings in our community for all the ministries. We wrote piles of letters. We actually were quite successful in getting many ministry folks and fellow ranchers to come out and take the courses that we put on,” she says. “And we, ourselves, went on to take more and more courses to continue to increase our understanding.” And then an unexpected tragedy rocked Her Honour’s world. “In July 1999, I lost my husband in a highway accident while he was riding his Harley. We had no idea what happened. Whether a deer crossed his path, or what. He was coming home from the dentist. He went off the road and he didn’t survive.” “I had to move on, with my children – thank heavens for my children – and the help of wonderful neighbours. I had to carry on.” In the face of tremendous tragedy, with four teenagers and 700 cattle roaming a 75,000-acre ranch, Guichon courageously decided to make the most of a difficult situation. She picked up the pieces of her life and continued ranching and advocating for holistic land management. “I had always been involved locally in my community with
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Photos: Angela Provost
the hospital board and health care, but now I sort of stepped into the positions my husband had filled in the cattleman’s industry, such as the Grasslands Conservation Council, the Fraser Basin Council, and a whole lot of other players… and that’s how I got into cowboy politics.” In time, the Lieutenant Governor came to remarry Bruno Mailloux, an invasive plant specialist. She also came to serve on the Provincial Task Force on Species at Risk, became president of the BC Cattleman’s Association and was part of the Ranching Task Force for BC and the BC Agri-Food Trade Advisory Council. She also became involved with the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, met regularly with the Ministry of Environment, and was involved in the re-writing of the Water Act and Range Act. “When asked how I became the Lieutenant Governor, I often tell school children that if you go to 1001 meetings your name and face gets familiar on both sides of the House,” laughs Guichon. “I spent a lot of time in Victoria. I came to know a lot of the bureaucrats.” One day, in 2012, Her Honour received a call asking her to consider taking on the position of Lieutenant Governor for BC. “My initial reaction was ‘who is this calling?’” says Guichon. “I think, universally, that must be everyone’s initial reaction. I was wondering which one of my friends it was. Who was pulling my leg?” The offer, however, was legitimate and the timing was perfect. “My two oldest children and I had just been discussing and had actually drafted a new management agreement, which would allow them to take on more management of the ranch,” says Guichon. “This opportunity allowed me to back out, move on to learning something new, and to get out of their way. Because in agriculture, there is often no retirement plan.” In November 2012, Her Honour moved into Government House and into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “For much of my life, I was in the right place, at the right time, and things just worked out,” she says. “Life is about taking advantage of those right things and about having the right attitude, even when times are tough.” Besides fulfilling the vice-regal, constitutional, celebratory and promotional roles the Lieutenant Governor is also afforded the opportunity to develop unique programs or initiatives that highlight their interests. Guichon’s priority programs focus on land stewardship, community activism and music – areas of her life she has always been passionate about. She has been travelling extensively across BC engaging with people on these topics. “The children I meet often ask me, ‘what’s the best part of
your job?’ It’s learning about the wonderful communities that make up BC. We are so diverse both geographically and the people of our province,” smiles Guichon. “I am really enjoying meeting all the different people and hearing their amazing stories; the generosity of so many British Columbians that give their time and expertise, and assets they share to better this province. It’s just amazing!” While living at Government House has been a wonderful and unique opportunity, there are a couple of things the Lieutenant Governor is missing from home. “I am missing my dogs. Most of them have been here, but they can’t stay. Spot, my Rat Terrier would love to stay here, but he barks, a lot. He thinks he owns the place after two days!” In place of the dogs and in an effort to keep a little of the ranch with her in Victoria, Lamby, an orphaned lamb came to stay at Government House last year. Together, Her Honour and the lamb went for walks around the gardens, ensuring both of them got some daily exercise and fresh air. Lamby has since returned to his home on Guichon’s ranch. In a little over one year, the Lieutenant Governor’s term will come to an end and, for the first time in her life, she feels truly ready for retirement. “I just bought a house down the road from the Ranch, on the next lake down the valley. It has a very lovely deck and a beautiful little garden with raspberries. I’m looking forward to getting a nice rocking chair on the deck, and to gardening. I’m looking forward to sitting down and having more time with my grandchildren, family and friends. I was on the board of the Health Care Foundation, and I have already been asked if I’m interested in returning. I will keep active volunteering in the community. I might actually have time to join a book club and continue playing music in my community band. I would also like to do a little more travelling.” And what will Her Honour miss most about this unique opportunity when it is time to leave? “This is just such a wonderful community here at Government House. The volunteers, the gardeners, the tea house, the staff. It’s a tremendous community. It’s the people I will miss when this job is over. Oh, and the chef! We have such a wonderful chef,” laughs Guichon. Even in retirement, Her Honour plans to remain focused on the important things in life. “We live in the most beautiful province, in the most beautiful country on earth,” says the Lieutenant Governor. “We are so fortunate. I’m always telling people that democracy is not an armchair sport. We need to continue to look after our democracy and our land.” SL
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JULY 2016
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Sports
The Falling
Value of Gold
STORY & PHOTOS BY PHILLIP VANNINI
T
he University of Victoria track and field stadium is vibrating with a merry fracas. In the stands, 10-year-old “Rascals” giddily speculate on how to pin oversized number bibs on their new club singlets. Beside the bleachers, “Junior Development” pre-teens shriek as they chase one another under the guise of a pre-race ritual warm-up. On the field, older teenagers stretch silently and solemnly, in vivid contrast to the loudness of the frenzied music leaking out of their bulky headphones. It is in the midst of this festive hubbub that I spot Tim from a distance, quietly rehearsing his run-up beside the high jump runway. The bar is still low, for him at least, but it is the first jump of the season and he knows not to take anything for granted today. Nola, for her part, is all done with her pole vaulting for the afternoon and her focus is already on tomorrow’s long jump. She smiles and cheers as Tim smoothly clears his entrance height. The Hendries – Tim, 65, and Nola, 60 – are “Master” athletes competing for the Nanaimo Track and Field Club. They have been married for 34 years and for the last five their relationship has included shared training sessions and regular competitions throughout Vancouver Island and the rest of
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INSPIRED SENIOR LIVING
BC. Few married couples can boast medal collections like the Hendrie’s. Tim won the pentathlon in 2008 and the pole vault and pentathlon in 2014 at the 55+ BC Games. Nola placed first at the BC Masters Championships in 2015 in long jump, pole vault, and discus and nabbed the gold in pole vault at the 55+ BC Games the same year. “There may be others, but these ones popped up,” Nola tells me shyly when I ask them to remember all her major wins. It’s not about winning, Tim reminds me. I wish I had understood that 25 years ago. Unlike Tim and Nola, who adopted athletics later in their life, I was weaned on it. By the age of 18, I had collected three national titles and I was training 13 times a week. Then, suddenly, I stopped winning. Two years after, crestfallen, I quit. Excusably, giving up was not evidence of a character fault of mine. Track and field is a merciless sport and many – upon reaching maturity – are led to believe that unless they are stars they’d better be nobody at all. Surprisingly, however, things change when you reach the real age of maturity, much later in life. “When I was 50, I watched a friend of ours compete at the BC Seniors Games,” Nola tells me, “the atmosphere was
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relaxed, and there was lots of support and encouragement for all competitors. I saw an older woman doing the pole vault and that intrigued me. I couldn’t wait to be 55” – the minimum age to enter the Seniors Games (now known as the 55+ BC Games) – “so I could join the fun.” This was not the first time Nola had to wait for her chance to pole vault. Until 1992, pole vaulting was “only for the boys,” she recounts. The Olympics finally sanctified the event only starting with the 2000 Sydney Games. “I love to try new things and I’m always on the lookout for a bit of excitement,” Nola explains why she likes the event. Tim enjoys pole vaulting, too. A mountaineer in younger years, and still an avid hiker, he jokes that if he has to fall he’d much rather do it onto a landing mattress than a jagged rock. His heart is in the running events, though. As a former marathoner, running the 800 metres is a breeze for him. The real challenge, nowadays, comes from needing to perfectly time his Parkinson’s disease medication intake with the start of his races. Regionally, Masters compete in “open” events, together with much younger athletes. Rankings, however, reflect age categories with brackets set five years apart. Yet, as Tim and Nola never tire to remind me, it’s not about beating the others in your category or trying to keep up with younger competitors. Rather, it’s about improving yourself and having fun. “I find our practices to be a lot of fun, especially if there are other Masters at the track,” says Nola, “we work hard, have a few laughs, and breathe a few sighs of relief or satisfaction when the workout is over. We enjoy the social aspects of the practice, as well as learning new skills and stretching our
endurance.” Beside friendship and fun, fitness is a clear perk of their hobby. Masters’ track and field events attract a fraction of the crowds that yoga, cardio, and Zumba classes draw into city gyms. But unlike those activities, competitive meets give athletes like Tim and Nola the motivation to train hard and to perform their very best at key meets and championships. “It reminds me a bit of singing in the chorus at a choir concert,” says Nola, “we learn the music as well as possible, and the performance is like a kind of celebration. We encourage one another and are pleased with everyone’s successes, whether they have a personal best, a winning time, or just a good run, jump or throw.” In this ceremony, gold medals clearly aren’t worth writing a song about. With fun and fitness factored in, and without the pressure of winning and the stress of outdoing personal bests set in younger years, I wonder why more seniors don’t compete in events like today’s. “I don’t really know,” Nola ponders, “I think that some people don’t realize it is an option. On Saturday mornings in December, some people might choose staying in bed rather than driving to the track, getting out of their warm car, and running around in the rain.” Fortunately, the insistent sound of winter rain pelting down on the windshield is a distant memory today. Nothing brings out spring like the beginning of track and field season and today’s warm atmosphere, buzzing with the sound of hopeful excitement, is no exception. If only I had learned to tune into that music 25 years ago. SL
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I
BY KATE ROBERTSON
t’s the 21st century. Women are riding their own motorbikes, no longer willing to settle for a view of the back of a helmet. Sources report that around one-quarter of all motorcycle riders are women riders or passengers. And it’s not just young women; more and more women in their 40s, 50s, and up are taking to the road to feel the wind on their faces. According to Greer Stewart, founder of the Canadian Women’s Day Ride, the rate of women motorcyclists is increasing dramatically every year, and based on the current trend, should reach 50 per cent of riders in the next five to 10 years. “Women,” she says, “love getting involved in motorcycles. It attracts women of all ages, lifestyles and riding styles for the camaraderie/sisterhood, the thrill, and the empowerment it brings.” Greer started riding a Keystone Mini when she was seven years old, rode a trail bike as an adult, and then got her motorcycle license in 2009. Her current ride is a Harley-Davidson Road King. “I love everything about riding,” she says, “from the power, to the smells in the air that bring back childhood
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INSPIRED SENIOR LIVING
memories. I love leaning into a corner. I love the exhilaration. I love the peace of mind I get every single time I go riding.” Apparently, Greer isn’t the only one reporting positives from riding. According to a 2013 Kelton survey of women who ride their own motorcycles, conducted for Harley Davidson, the women reported riding increases their happiness and confidence and relieves stress, and they even went as far as to report increased feelings of sexiness and improved communication with their significant other. They believe their lives had improved since they started riding and half said their bike was a key source of happiness. The motorcycle industry isn’t one Greer has always been involved in. At 40, as her three children were getting older, she decided to go into nursing, thinking it would be a fulfilling career. “But what I found was that it didn’t serve my spirit, handing out endless meds to people I believed needed so much more than medicine,” she says. “This ultimately led me to get involved in the motorcycle world. I saw such a great need
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Photo: Geoff Robson
Passions
Motorcycles The Sisterhood of
Photo: Geoff Robson
for women to come together and support one another, to have a greater sense of community and to empower one another in a world that had, for years, pushed them aside.” So, in 2012, she opened West Coast Roar in Mill Bay, initially catering to women only and being the first women’s motorcycle apparel shop in Canada. Although the shop is currently closed, Greer tells us to stay tuned, as they are currently looking to expand into the market and have an online presence. Greer isn’t alone in wanting to provide women riders with better products and services in this rapidly growing industry. Motorcycle companies like Honda and Harley Davidson are tapping into the market with special websites, incentives and product modifications for women. “How to ride” courses are being offered and riding clubs for women riders are growing. Previously, the only large women’s riding day was held the first week of May, which, for Canadians, can still mean winter weather, resulting in low participation. Hence, in 2013, Greer decided to create Canadian Women’s Ride Day. “I believed starting an event later in the year would allow everyone to ride. I also felt it was important to give the ride day a purpose where women could not only come together to celebrate riding, but could help other women in their own communities who are less fortunate. Women gathering together for fun is a great thing, but to come together for a purpose is very powerful,” she says. The Ride now happens every year on the third Sunday in July (July 17 this year) in Cobble Hill. More than just a ride, the event hosts a silent auction, 50/50 draws and prizes, a by-donation lunch, live music and special guests. All proceeds go to local women who can use some help. According to Greer, “this year the Lt. Governor, the Honourable Judith Guichon, will be returning to our event. We also have a number of well-known and inspiring women riders from all over the United States attending. There are some amazing fundraising organizations down in the States, and we are so happy to have reps from some of these coming to our event. Shoppers Drug Mart, one of our sponsors, is giving away 150 gift bags to women taking part in our ride.” She continues, “Each year we hear from so many women who’ve come to our event and are overwhelmed by the experience. A lot of women have never been involved in anything like this. The joy they experience is sometimes life changing! There is nothing more powerful than bringing hundreds of women together who feel such a deep sense of belonging.” When Greer is asked what lights her fire more these days, riding or fundraising, she thoughtfully responds: “Both. Riding, of course, brings me a lot of joy and inspiration, but connecting with people REALLY inspires me. My life has purpose and that is to be of service. The most powerful thing I can do is to help another person have a better life, whether that’s through this charity, through kindness, modelling, or whatever.” An inspiring combination. SL
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Included in Price: Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Vancouver Intl Airport, Air Taxes and Round Trip Air from Vancouver Intl Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of Fees/Surcharges of $670 per person $540 per person (subject to increase until paid in(subject full), Hotelto Transfers increase until paid in Full), Hotel Transfers.
Not included in price: Cancellation Waiver and Insur* All Rates are Per Person and are subject to change ance of $350 per person. Round Trip Air from Victoria **This tour was priced in USD and converted to CDN at a $1.20 exchange. ***Price is locked in against any currency fluctuation. Intl Airport add $50 per person.
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Call CallYour YourLocal Local Marlin Marlin Travel Travel for for Reservations: Reservations: Broadmead Village • Oak Bay 250-370-1222 Broadmead Village250-383-5414 250-383-5414 • Oak Bay 250-370-1222 Place 250-383-6101 Cadboro Bay250-383-6101 250-595-1181 • •Sussex Sussex Place Westshore 250-478-1113 • Sidney 250-656-5561 • Duncan 250-748-2594 Westshore 250-478-1113 Sidney 250-656-5561 • Duncan 250-748-2594 Ladysmith 250-245-7114 •• Nanaimo Ladysmith 250-245-7114 Nanaimo250-758-3924 250-758-3924 Parksville 250-248-2041 • 604-532-0507 Parksville 250-248-2041 • Langley Kelowna 250-868-2540 West Kelowna 250-768-6875 Kelowna 250-868-2540 Langley •604-532-0507
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JULY 2016
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Under the Grape Arbour I ’m sitting on a winery restaurant patio dining al fresco, watching the sun set over shimmering Okanagan Lake, a cool crisp glass of BC award-winning Sauvignon Blanc and a delicious locally-sourced elegant dinner placed before me. The conversation at the table drifts away as I look out over the neatly planted rows of grape vines and the mountains beyond. The azure sky is deepening and the company is pleasant. It doesn’t get any better. You don’t have to go to Provence or the Napa Valley to enjoy a fabulous wine and cuisine tour; one of the world’s best is only a few hours from Vancouver. There are over 200 wineries in the Okanagan Valley, with culinary offerings from picnic baskets to destination fine-dining. Organic farms, artisan producers, kitchen gardens, fruit orchards and cattle ranches are scattered through the region. From small garagiste vintners and family winery estates to large corporate cellars, boutique labels and small-batch producers, this journey is a geographic food and wine tasting adventure. I’ve learned a lot about the amazing Okanagan Valley during my return visits: it’s an extension of the Great Sonoran Desert with unique climate, soils and growing conditions. The proximity to cool marine air and areas of continental heat provide exceptional viticulture appellations. All the varietals grown here – Merlot, Pinot Blanc, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling and more – each have a different character and are completely Okanagan. The clear glacier-formed lakes – Okanagan, Kalamalka, Wood, Skaha, Vaseaux and Osoyoos – stretch through the valley; steep rock embankments and vineyard-covered benches jut up from the lakes and rivers; sheer scarps and rugged desert-like terrain with sagebrush and rattlesnakes further south; modulating vineyards and picturesque towns spread throughout: the complex geology, varied terroirs and microclimates that produce the mineralized white wines and full-bodied big reds in the moderate to high summer heat are ideal for growing grapes – the region has a bold producing presence. Flying into Kelowna International Airport with a suitcase and my golf clubs, I usually rent a car or book a tour (there are several tour companies) and travel down the valley to Osoyoos at my leisure, taking side trips to the Bottleneck Drive and Mt. Boucherie (an extinct volcano), the Naramata Bench, Similkameen Valley and the Golden Mile Bench – the Okanagan is always surprising, a world-class food and wine destination. From farm stays to agritourism to relaxing in a stately early 20th century hotel like the rebuilt Eldorado or modern resorts and romantic B&Bs along the 14 12
INSPIRED SENIOR LIVING
lakeshore, touring the Okanagan Wine Trail is full of rural holiday pleasures and foodie experiences. My favourites are the communal table dinners, roadside fruit stands and wineshops, farmers’ markets, superb tasting rooms and restaurants that warmly greet you. If you’re not here just for the wine and cuisine, there’s boating, hiking, winter skiing and you can also take in any of the many wine and music festivals throughout the year. If I drive from the Coast (I take my bike with me), my road trip starts in Westbank and crosses over to Kelowna, the centrepiece of the Okanagan, back down Highway 97 and the western shore to Summerland, Peachland and then Penticton, back up the east bank to the many Naramata wineries and on to Okanagan Falls and Oliver then, finally, to Osoyoos in Canada’s only desert. The restaurants, bistros and patios along the way offer outstanding culinary pairings to complement some of the finest wines in the world. Clear summer skies, warm Septembers, winter ice-wine harvests and spectacular vineyard vistas are unequaled anywhere else in North America. I know, I’m starting to sound like a travel brochure, but I can’t help it, it’s an awesome place to be! In the midst of this idyllic valley in Central Okanagan is the dynamic city of Kelowna, where businesses thrive and the exciting emergence of a high-technology sector and an entrepreneurial community is building an ambitious and cutting-edge presence. It’s not just a quiet rural setting, it bustles, too. The wineries, with stunning architecture and barrel-filled cellars, play an important role in this unique region - there’s even a wineaging pyramid! Impressive scenic landmarks, stately contemporary homes atop orderly rows of vines stretching over rolling hills and benches, brown bears and elk grazing on berries in wildflower fields and water-skiers gliding across glassy lakes – Pinterest perfect. I’m not sure if there are truffles in the forested areas but there’s wild asparagus and abundant mushrooms, seasonal root vegetables, herbs and spices and signature lush orchards; the local products are a chef’s dream from goat cheese and bread artisans to Ocean Wise seafood to specialty meats offering grass-fed beef – sustainability is a commitment in the region’s restaurants. The collaboration and support for the cultures of wine, food and art are paramount for the winemakers and farmers, chefs and designers, bakers and butchers. The vintners and restaurateurs, the entrepreneurs and artists, vineyard workers and hotel concierges, tour guides and developers, farmers and artisans have built a creative environment and an enviable lifestyle, which is why many are drawn to this part of the Pacific Northwest.
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Photos: Courtesy of Okanagan Wine Festival Society
Food/Wine
BY G.W. PEARSON
Photos: Courtesy of Okanagan Wine Festival Society
The sustainable practices of organic farming and viviculture, with wine professionals working together, create memorable experiences. Summer and autumn are extra special for harvests and vintages. I eat and drink my way from West Kelowna to Osoyoos with absolute guilt-free abandon. The relationships between local food producers, restaurants and wineries remind me of the Napa and Sonoma regions. Rural, yet sophisticated; rustic, yet elegant. The valley’s dining experience varies from traditional comfort food restyled to modern tastes and new takes on classic wine country cuisine: wood-fired al forno pizzas and home-made charcuteries and preserves, inspired haute menus and garden freshness plated for you at every stop. You can put together your own picnic lunch from local shops and patisseries or take advantage of the winery bistro and patio specials, as always with a glass or two of the local VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) Reserve. Don’t go alone, you may need a designated driver! Exploring the unique culinary culture of the Okanagan Valley and the abundance of regional ingredients sourced from biodynamic gardens by the sophisticated kitchens of the many distinguished winemakers, I’m in gastronomic heaven. When you sit down in a restaurant in Vancouver or Victoria or Calgary or Portland or Seattle, you often ask the server or sommelier which wine would pair best with your food choice – well, in the kitchens of the outstanding restaurants in the Okanagan, the chefs build their menus to pair with the wines! How brilliant is that? Almost the entire production on 10,000 acres of vineyards in the province’s wine industry is snapped up by locals, so to experience the exciting vintages, regional
cuisine and the alluring wine country, you really have to be there. Spring is a great time to catch the early releases and autumn is harvest time (the tasting rooms are less crowded and there are more accommodations choices), so there’s lots of reasons to go back. Do a little bit of everything: overnight stays at quaint B&Bs, modern Kelowna hotels, funky cottage-y motels and well-appointed winery accommodations. It takes a week or two to sample everything: from farm-to-table vegetarian lunches to gourmet multi-course dinners
like seared elk carpaccio, just-picked salad greens, fresh-caught planked trout and roasted duck with seasonal garden vegetables. Sip aromatic Rieslings and dry Pinot Blancs, heady Syrahs and bold Bordeaux wines. Sit back, relax, enjoy the view and the company, tomorrow will be another winery, another beautiful sunset and another wonderful restaurant patio under the grape arbour. I’ll be at the next table… cheers! SL Photos courtesy of Okanagan Wine Festival Society
250.590.0811 1.844.590.0811 www.MileZeroTours.com
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Beauty
Healthy Habits for Healthy Skin E
BY ANGELA JUNKER
For Judy Borsato, lemon water is a daily staple.
To maintain that youthful glow, Judy is adamant about applying a moisturizer every morning containing an SPF 30. And not just for spring/summer – she does it year-round to maintain ultimate sun protection. She is equally fastidious when it comes to her before-bed cleaning ritual. The minimal amount of makeup she wears is removed, a scrub is applied to rid her face of oils and dead skin cells, and her regimen is completed with a light overnight moisturizer with few ingredients. It doesn’t end there. Judy is a firm believer in a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables are essential for healthy skin, so she incorporates as much as she can into her daily menu – that and a multi-vitamin, as well. She’s not the only one. An extraordinarily fit Virginia Posadas works by day and is an exercise instructor by night. Like Judy, she believes strongly in exercise, a healthy diet, and plenty of water to keep her skin looking soft and youthful. Also like Judy, she is an adamant believer in the benefits of vitamins on the skin and takes a daily array to keep the wrinkles at bay. It’s working. Her skin is beautiful, making it difficult for anyone to accurately guess her age. She says part of it is due to her Filipino heritage, and how she grew up. 16 14
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“As kids, we drank a lot of coconut water,” says Virginia. “It’s just what we did. We never thought about the health benefits, it was there and we drank it. In hindsight, I think it was setting me up for future healthy skin. I still drink it, I fill my water bottle with it and drink it in exercise class.” Growing up in a tropical country, Virginia learned early on to avoid direct sun on her face and has retained that same aversion to this day. She says it is a bit of a joke among friends on the golf course that she carries a little umbrella with her to ward off the harmful rays on her skin. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Unlike many of her contemporaries who are dealing with years of sun damage to their skin, hers is still smooth and blemish free. Like Judy, she is careful to wash her face clean every night, and uses nothing more than a simple fragrance-free serum on her skin before bed. Her morning ritual includes a light moisturizer before applying makeup. “I also make sure to get a micro-derm abrasion after every golf season,” she says.
Virginia Posadas protects her skin from the harsh rays of the sun.
Photos: Angela Junker
ven in the unforgiving light of mid-day, her skin looks soft, wrinkle and blemish-free. What it doesn’t reveal is that she is 55 years old. To that, Judy Borsato attributes a bit of genetics, a strict cleaning regimen and good old-fashioned water. “I drink a lot of water to keep my skin hydrated,” she says. “About six cups per day. Plus a lot of green tea, it’s good for antioxidants.” Intermittently sipping from a large bottle filled with lemon water, it sits on her work desk during the week, and is replenished again at home in the evening.
According to Tanya Morawski, both Judy and Virginia are doing everything correctly to maintain beautiful and healthy skin well into their senior years. Tanya, who works for a popular cosmetics and spa chain, has had nearly 20 years’ experience in the industry and says the bottom line when it comes to maintaining good skin is staying out of the sun. It’s the No. 1 issue seniors have when they come to her looking for a solution to problem skin. “They come in complaining of fine lines, wrinkles and brown spots all from the culmination of years of sun exposure
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and damage to the skin,” she explains. In many cases, they are looking for a quick fix to a problem that has been years in the making. “The skin is a living organ and it needs to be taken care of,” she says. “Stay out of the sun or use sunscreen. Drink lots of water and less coffee as it is very dehydrating.” Both Judy and Virginia are strong believers in the power of vitamins for skin health and Tanya concurs. She says Vitamin A is important as it contains retinol, which helps to even out skin tone and fine lines. Vitamin C is important for brightening the skin. Vitamin D is important to take as well, especially if one is a frequent user of sunscreen. If someone is looking for advice on how to deal with problem or damaged skin, Tanya says there are a number of solutions to help mitigate the common complaints. Lanolins and mineral oils are good for hydration, and are key to helping seniors who are losing hyaluronic acid and experiencing a thinning in the connective tissues. Of particular concern is the eye area. She said proper eye creams with retinol are important to use as the skin is so much thinner in that area than anywhere else and will lose elasticity faster, if it is not properly hydrated. New on the market is an anti-wrinkle cream containing an ingredient called argireline, which is a peptide compound that works to plump and firm skin and reduce expression lines. Tanya says to see the benefits it has to be used for about four weeks, which is how long it takes for the skin to “turn over.” “Some would like instant gratification but these products need to be used continually and over time to see the benefits,” she says. Chemical exfoliation can also aid tremendously in mitigating sun damage. The bottom line, she says, is being proactive in skin care and damage prevention. That is the best anti-wrinkle solution. “Stay out of the sun and moisturize.” Advice not lost on Judy or Virginia. SL This article does not attempt to offer medical advice. Before using a new skin care product, speak with your health care provider to discuss your specific needs.
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JULY 2016
15 17
Make-Over
& Before ongratulations to Brooke Campbell, the third in a series of INSPIRED Senior Living’s Make-Over contestants. As with all our winners, Brooke had never experienced a total make-over and was eager to see how we would change her look. “I am a minimalist as far as spending time doing hair or makeup. I use few products and I am basically a wash-and-wear-hair gal. Hana seemed to understand my lifestyle and what would work for me. I really loved what she did. I did not go home and wash it out... it was fun to try on a different persona rather than the ponytailed Brooke, all sweaty after a kick-ass dragon boat practice.” Immediately following her make-over experience, Brooke headed off to Adelaide, Australia to compete in the Club Crew World Championship (CCWC) in dragon boating. “Getting the make-over was a real celebration for me,” she says. “It seemed fitting to launch that amazing trip with a whole new look.” Brooke made good on her make-over success, scoring another success as her women’s team brought home a gold medal for Canada in the 2,000-metre race and a bronze in the 500-metre. She was also thrilled to be picked to race in the Open category (primarily men) where her team won gold medals in the 500- and 200-metre races. Brooke says she attributes her affinity toward accepting challenge to her mum, who just recently entered care because of advancing vascular dementia. “She was, and still is, a magnificent person who models how to move through difficulties with tenacity, strength, a positive attitude and resilience. I try to bring those qualities to my life and my dragon boat training with my Vancouver Island Paddling team in Victoria.” Not one to shirk a challenge, Brooke is the Communications Chair of the BC Senior Games Society, the umbrella organization for the 55+ BC Games, the largest 55+ provincial games in Canada. “The Games are almost totally run by volunteers. It’s a pretty amazing group to work with!” This year, the Games will be held in Coquitlam on September 20-24th. This popular event has been around for almost 30 years and regularly draws around 3,500 athletes from across the province. Planning, organizing and helping others fuels Brooke’s interests and love of life. Regardless of whether it is the
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Photo: Geoff Robson
C
After After competition of sports, or the challenges of Before family, her dedication is a quality that keeps her focused and grounded in the present. While she navigates her immediate family and volunteer responsibilities, Brooke has her sights set on the next dragon boat CCWC in Hungary 2018. “One of my main goals is to stay healthy and continue with my training,” she says. “I’m excited about doing more travelling, meeting new people and setting new goals.” SL INSPIRED Senior Living would like to thank Akai Hair Design & Esthetics for Brooke’s new look. Specializing in colouring, precision haircutting and make-up application, Hana Akai is accepting new clients at her Victoria location. Call 250-383-3227 or visit www. akaihairdesign.com Thanks also to Auréa Gems & Essential Luxuries, who supplied the clothing and jewellery. For more information, visit www.seniorlivingmag.com/articles/make-over-jul16
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Fashion Crimes Past and Present Observations of a Baby Boomer
BY CATHERINE DURNFORD-WANG
W
hile having dinner with other baby boomers recently, a discussion came up about a current fashion crime that, quite frankly, had us all shaking our heads: the wearing of pajama bottoms in public. It’s true. How often do we see people walking around with fleece pajama bottoms decorated with clowns or perhaps little sleeping cats or even Christmas trees? As we talked about it, I wondered how “pajamas-asstreet-wear” had gained such acceptance. What could have sparked this fashion crime? A couple of scenarios popped into my head, both of which may or may not have spawned this unfortunate trend. Picture this: One morning, having overslept and running late for work, did someone quickly throw on a sweatshirt, look down and decide maybe pajama bottoms could double as pants? Or, was it just plain old laziness? While idly thinking about meeting with friends for an evening at the pub, did someone sluggishly raise him or herself from the couch, look down and think, “I’m only going to the pub. Why go to all the trouble of dressing?” and then sauntered out the door, clad in pajama bottoms? This got me thinking: What did we do back when we were in our youth that had our elders shaking their heads in wonder at their dinner parties? What fashion trends – or fashion crimes – would have sparked a discussion back then? Sadly, several possibilities spring to mind that most baby boomers will remember with fondness, mixed with a certain amount of humiliation. Let’s start with the tie-dyed t-shirt. An ordinary, white t-shirt (back then, they were all “ordinary,” since designer labels were still a thing of the future) was tied into a knot and then dipped in dye – any colour. When dry, it was tied into another knot and dipped into a different colour of dye, and on and on. Out into public we went, our brand new and exclusive t-shirt tucked into too-short bell-bottoms, our fringed belt swaying gently down by our knees. Peeking out from underneath our bell-bottoms were Elevated Orthopedic Nightmares, otherwise known as platform shoes, à la Elton John. At least four inches high, males and females alike teetered precariously on them. Incidentally, like most fashion trends, platform shoes were not new in the late ’60s – far from it. They were worn in ancient Greece to elevate important characters in the Greek theatre and, by the 16th century, were worn by high-born callgirls in Vienna. Try as we might, can we ever forget the leisure suit worn by trendy males? That pastel jacket-and-pants combo made of polyester – and probably highly flammable – was characterized by the casual belting of the jacket. Thankfully, being female, I
never had to sport one, but I certainly wore my share of polyester. By the way, for those interested, it is still possible to purchase leisure suits on the internet. Pajamas, however, are manufactured, marketed and sold to be worn at night, in bed, with the lights out. The boomer fashion errors I have mentioned were all manufactured, marketed and sold to do exactly what we did with them – wear them out in public. They can, therefore, be chalked up to poor judgment – not a true fashion crime. So, lest we get too smug, I wracked my brain trying to come up with a horrible error we boomers made back in the ’60s. A self-induced fashion crime, so to speak, that matches the severity of the pajamas in public we see today. My personal fashion horror and one I believe compares favourably, or unfavourably, with the pajamas as casual attire is curlers worn in public. Back when we were young, females merrily went about their business, huge curlers bobby-pinned into place, half hidden under a scarf. We foolishly pretended no one would notice these enormous cylinders. Consider the irony of it: looking grotesque in public so as to look good in public a few hours later. Wearing curlers in public was not an error in judgment – it was just plain wrong. The extent of the “wrongness” was characterized by the type of rollers you happily sported. There were the pink spongy curlers that sat tight to the head and were oh so easy to sleep in. There were the crisscross mesh curlers that had bits of bristle sticking out of them to make sure the hair adhered. These were fixed into place by a horrible pink plastic stick that really did poke into your scalp and cause sores. But hey, it was all in the name of beauty. My all-time favourite, which I freely admit I used, was the cardboard inserts from rolls of toilet paper. Seems a contradiction in terms, but they were huge and, rather than actually curl hair, they did the opposite and helped to smooth out the hair to attain the coveted flip of the ’60s. Some of us wandered around with our curlers semi-hidden beneath our artfully arranged scarves, but neglected to hide the strip of pink scotch tape that kept our bangs plastered flat to our foreheads. Perhaps you remember that tape – Scotch Hair Set Tape – a pretty shade of pink? So, lady baby boomers, raise your hands if you are guilty of this. No one will see you, honestly. Sadly and sheepishly, I can recall at least one occasion when I wandered the streets, big pink curlers peeking out from under a head scarf, sure no one would notice. They did! SL
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JULY 2016
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Fashion
The ABCs of
Accessorizing
“I
STORY & PHOTO BY KIANA KARIMKHANI
f the painting’s not finished, I don’t take it out into the world,” says Tziporah Salamon, 62, one of the subjects of the documentary, Advanced Style. The painting she is referring to is her attire, and what completes it are her accessories. The documentary (available on Netflix) focuses on women over 50 with ageless style; it challenges the notion that as women age, their appearance is not as necessary or appreciated as it once was. These intrepid women wear bold tangerine scarves and squared-off periwinkle bangles, testament that feeling good and having fun with your personal style helps to keep the heart young. However, you don’t have to be one of these New York City fashion maven’s to understand or integrate accessories into your everyday style. Wendy, a salesperson at Auréa Gems and Essential Luxuries in downtown Victoria, details a few tips for choosing what accessories work best for you. For scarves, she says, “There are no hard and fast rules,” but hair and eye colour, skin complexion, and the length of your neck are points to consider. For a shorter neck, a lightweight, soft textured scarf works best to not overpower your neckline. The taller you are, the bolder the accents can be as there is more space available. Women with red hair might assume that a green scarf looks best, but Wendy suggests playing around with colour combinations: hold the scarf up to your skin and look at yourself in a mirror from a distance to assess how others will see you. When it comes to handbag selection, most women want quality first. This means that leather is the most popular material. Despite neutral colours being a go-to as they “go with anything,” soft, relaxed leather and a pop of colour (yellow or dark blue, for instance) adds a fresher touch. Whether you prefer a large tote bag or a small handbag is a matter of preference, but height and body type play a factor in how it will look. Petite women appear taller with a small handbag and taller women benefit from a large bag to make them look smaller. It’s also important to note where the bottom of the bags hits the body, as that part will be the most emphasized. About a quarter of the women who come into Auréa wear
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belts, Wendy estimates. In their younger years, they may have worn it cinched at the waist or right under their breast, but these women are now experimenting with the belt’s position. A popular twist is to wear a sling belt loosely off to the side of the hip – it adds texture to an outfit but it’s draped in such a way that’s flattering for most waist sizes. An important staple for anyone’s style is jewellery – it’s an easy way to add a different luster to an outfit (too much of one colour/texture/sheen can be bland). Many women turn to modern pieces to finish off their outfits. Trollbeads, a line Auréa carries, and Pandora are popular companies of recent years because they allow you to craft your own jewellery, deciding how bold or subtle you want your look to be. Wendy says that rubber is on trend for necklaces, something overheard from their customers coming back from Europe. When choosing a necklace, it’s important to consider where it sits on the body; for instance, a long chain worn by a woman with larger breasts might not stay in place as well. Experiment with flashier pieces, but be wary: there can be a tendency to jazz up an outfit with sparkly jewellery, but consider that too much “bling” (especially if it’s not real) can detract from the rest of your clothing. Jewellery shouldn’t overpower your look, it should accentuate it. Play around with chunky rings or bold earrings to add another layer to an outfit. When pressed about the “best” accessories available for older clients, Wendy was hesitant to give specifics. She says that it’s really the women that are deciding their own trends. “They’re in a more confident stage in their life and know what they want.” What looks best on you and what you feel best wearing can be divergent; it’s about how confident you are with your choices. One woman’s fuchsia studded handbag is another woman’s accessory nightmare, but if you have the attitude required, people accept the boldness. For inspiration on how other women are playing with style, visit Ari Seth Cohen’s blog www.Advanced.style. You’ll see how these stylish mature folks are breaking – and making – the rules. SL
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Fashion
Understanding Undergarments K
BY KIANA KARIMKHANI
irsten Livingston has worked at Victoria Classic Lingerie, located on Fort Street, for 10 years (jokingly referred to as the “newest” on staff). Her boss and co-workers have 18+ years of experience in the lingerie business, and bra fittings are the shop’s specialty. Their racks of bras range in colour from black lace to leopard print to, the most popular choice, nude; it can be overwhelming to know the proper fit for you. A specialty shop can be a good place to start, especially if you have individual needs that deviate from the “norm” (many department stores don’t go beyond a DD). Women typically come in and say, “I’m [a particular size] and I’ve been it for years,” but Livingston notes that sizing has changed, even in the last five years. No woman is just one size because every bra company has different specifications. The two main issues customers have when they come in are that their bra’s band is too big and the cups are too small. When you try on a bra, it should be on the loosest settings available. Then, as the bra inevitably wears, it can be tightened appropriately. One way to test if the bra is fastened properly is to slide the bra straps off; the bra should hold in place relatively well without the straps for support. For comfort sake, one finger should fit under the straps and two at the back of the bra – you should not be able to tug the band too far out and fit “a grapefruit through there,” says Livingston. The band should be as low in the back as it is in the front and the underwire should fit at the crease between the body and the breast. There has to be enough material in the cup to encase the breast tissue and give a smooth transition from bra to body. If one of those elements is missing, it doesn’t fit and you need to go to with another option (a different size combination, style or fabric). Livingston says the majority of women she fits have some degree of breast asymmetry, whether in size or shape. This can be an area of frustration, as there aren’t two different cup sizes for a single bra. If this is an issue, she says to fit the bra com22 20
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fortably for the larger breast to prevent it from spilling over the top of the cup. If concerned that there is a noticeable discrepancy between the two breasts, the smaller breast can be filled out with padding (breast pads can be found in foam, silicone or gel form) or the tried-and-true method of using tissue paper to narrow the gap. If sagging is an issue, Livingston recommends the brand Chantelle. It’s been on the market for 30 years and is made of a thin, but firm fabric (when the bra is laid out on a flat surface, it still holds it shape). It has an underwire, but it’s not a push-up; a properly fitted bra should give a push-up effect. If women still want more of a lift, Livingston recommends trying a Freya Deco bra. Wacoal is a brand that the shop’s older clientele gravitate towards. As women age, their shoulders tend to slope, and Wacoal’s straps are closer to the neckline to prevent them from sliding off. Wacoal also has a larger back, which helps to smooth out the bulges in that area. A lot of women want a thin band because they don’t want it to show through their clothes, but the thinner the back, the more it cuts into the soft tissues. A general rule of thumb is the wider the side, the less compression there is and the less it will cut (which makes any bulges less apparent). If the appearance of bulges is a major concern, Body Wrap Shapewear (the Canadian equivalent of Spanx) is a must-try item. It works particularly well under dresses, as it goes from right below the breast to mid-thigh. There are no seams or lines, just a nice smoothing effect that, Livingston jokes, “Reminds you to suck in your stomach.” Regardless of age or size, Livingston says every woman who comes in is trying to accentuate or conceal some part of their body. That soft, squidgy bit near your armpit? Yes, most women have it and want it to go away. What is most important is finding something that’s comfortable and allows you to feel like your best self in it (without the impulse to tug at your underwire every hour). SL
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Live Age Well. Well. Live Well. Well. Age
Unexpected Fall Colours
F
BY LEAH RUBIN
all is always the most exciting fashion season. It garners the most attention at the New York and London Fashion Weeks, and fashion “bibles” like Vogue are always juiciest in the fall. The stakes are highest then – fall fabrics are more expensive than in the spring or summer seasons, and usually require a lot more tailoring and seamstress mastery. And the fashion critics are everywhere. Even in our 20s, there were “haute-couture” fashion trends we wouldn’t be caught in, and this year is no exception. But fall 2016 has something for the more practical, less susceptible, battle-weary trend watcher. One of the highlights this season is the pretty “statement choker,” which can either be an actual piece of jewellery or a cleverly positioned scarf. The always gorgeous, almost 80-year-old Jane Fonda, who can be seen on Netflix’s Frankie and Grace, has mastered this by using beautiful scarves knotted “just so” at the neck. But the real treat for fall this year are the colours! Back are many of the expected fall hues such as earth tones, olive, chocolate and burgundy, but so too are surprises like baby blue, yellow and pink, not usually seen on the fall palate. Grey plaids are also strong this year, as are pinstripes, always a great “goto” look for adding height and concealing a missed spin class or three. So, add a little unexpected colour to your outfits this fall, and be fashion forward on your own terms. SL
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Travel STORY & PHOTOS BY CHRIS & RICK MILLIKAN
Walking Shakespeare’s Way Stratford-Upon-Avon and Beyond
A
guided walkabout kicks off our summer rendezvous with Shakespeare. “At Shakespeare’s birth, only 1,500 people lived in Stratford-Upon-Avon,” David explains. “Guildhalls, 50 taverns and small, straw-thatched houses with open-pit fires crowded the foul, muddy streets. Three fires destroyed much of his hometown.” Shakespeare’s Birthplace has long attracted literary pilgrims like us. In the large, Tudor-style home, carved oak furniture and linen wallpaper suggest his family’s comfortable, middleclass life. The still-equipped workshop recalls his father’s prosperous leather glove business. Upstairs, the nursery showcases the bed where Will and his siblings were born and slept. And after their marriage, William and Anne lived in this childhood home another five years. His granddaughter’s house on Chapel Street lies adjacent to the foundations of New Place, Shakespeare’s last residence. Will attended the still-functioning grammar school just beyond, leaving at 13 when family fortunes reversed. Daughter Susanna and husband John Hall’s elegant house, Hall’s Croft also remains in this neighbourhood. Walled gardens enclose the eminent physician’s beds of medicinal herbs. Holy Trinity Church towers nearby. Inside, Will’s marble baptismal font stands beside the parish register listing his 1564 baptism and 1616 burial. His bust sits on a shelf above the chancel where he, Anne, Susanna and Dr. Hall rest. Near our B&B, a two-kilometre footpath leads us to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. Lush Elizabethan gardens surround this thatched farmhouse. Antiques include the “settle” where Wil24 22
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liam wooed Anne. A Hop-On-Hop-Off bus takes us on to Mary Arden’s Farm, five-kilometres further. His grandmother’s 1570s farmhouse remains central to this working Tudor farm. Our explorations here conclude at Gower’s memorial in Bancroft Gardens. Shakespeare sits upon a pedestal. Below pose Hamlet, Prince Hal, Lady Macbeth and Falstaff, evoking his remarkable insights into philosophy, history, tragedy and comedy. Leaving the Bard’s hometown under blue skies, our self-guided walk along Shakespeare’s Way begins, approximating his route toward London. Unlike him, our baggage is shuttled ahead; guidebook maps direct us cross-country to Oxford. Bridging the Avon, the footpath heads southward; above the river Stour, distant church spires, a manor house and black-faced sheep inspire us onward. Hoofing through rolling pasturelands, a roadway ultimately leads to our lodgings, an 18th century coaching house in Alderminster. In time for traditional “Sunday roast,” day one ends in scrumptious style. Hearty English breakfasts launch each day with eggs, sausages, mushrooms, baked beans and grilled tomatoes. Bypassing kidneys and kippers, we instead sample regional favourites like black pudding, fried bread and bubble-and-squeak. Our leisurely pace allows chats with locals, country pub refreshments… and photos. Averaging 16-kilometres daily, treks sometimes take up to six hours. Climbing stiles into pastures, we traverse peaceful woodlands and parks and squeeze through metal “kissing gates” into delightful villages. Around 1585, Shakespeare began commuting to London’s Globe Theatre, covering this same terrain, seeing similar honey-hued stone cottages.
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Way markers bearing Will’s image confirm directions. Especially crucial at junctions, riotous summer growth often obscures these discs; locating them prompts excitement – and relief! Still, that afternoon our route vanishes amid a wheat field. Wandering and trapped, we barge desperately through a hawthorn hedge toward some power lines, wade across another field of waist-high wheat and Eureka! A riverside path! Triumphantly crossing the bridge into Shipston-on-Stour, we easily locate our accommodations. Steak and ale pie in a nearby tavern celebrates our escape. Morning birdsong cheers us from thickets threaded with wild roses and blackberries. Leaping up from a leafy hideaway, one handsome stag bounds over the rippling barley and disappears. Our track later follows Long Compton’s busy roadway past 13th century St. Peter and St. Paul. A local tells us its unique, twostory thatched lichgate once housed a cobbler’s family. Carrying fresh Cornish pasties and sausage rolls from the village store, Vicarage Lane leads to our destination. The family farm’s renovated barn annex perfectly suits our rustic picnic supper and restful Scrabble evening. Breakfasting in the stone farmhouse, we discuss today’s 21-kilometre challenge. Our host beams, “Ride inta Chipping Norton wit me; I’m goin’ there anyway.” His car putts up a backroad
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BRANSON, NASHVILLE & MEMPHIS Oct 5-17th: 11 Days
Join us on this historical, entertaining and music extravaganza to Branson, Nashville and Memphis. Explore the grounds of Graceland in Memphis Tennessee and Dollywood Theme Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Book by July 6 to guarantee air availability and pricing. $3,795 Cdn, pp dble occ. Includes return air from Vancouver and taxes. (4 seats left)
CUBA CRUISE & JAMAICA Jan 5-17, 2017: 13 Days
Join Teresa as she hosts this amazing 13 day all inclusive adventure to Jamaica and Cuba. Highlights: 7 night Celestyal Cruise around Cuba with 4 ports and included beverages and excursions. 3 nights in a 5 star all inclusive resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. 2 overnight stays in Toronto in transit to Jamaica and return air from Vancouver. inc taxes. $4,395 Cdn pp dble occ. 3 Cabins left ! BOOK BY JULY 31 AND SAVE $100 pp.
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This page, Stratford, Shakespeare’s birth place. Page 22, one of many thatched cottages along the path.
above Long Compton and onto Oxfordshire’s limestone ridge. At the Neolithic Rollright Stones, he shows us King’s Men, a ceremonial circle of 77 stones. “They say a witch turned an ancient king and his army inta stone here,” he remarks. Just across the road in Warwickshire rises the King Stone; his five Whispering Knights lean together as if plotting. Dropped on Church Street, a 12th century Norman Church merits investigation before trudging uphill past centuries-old almshouses to Market Street. At an outdoor market, a jolly baker directs us toward the trailhead. Once part of the old London Road, Shakespeare’s Way now bisects peaceful meadows strewn with scarlet poppies, daisies and purple thistle. A lakeshore lawn becomes our snack stop. A fellow walker joins us, excitedly describing wild orchids he’d seen. Winding onward through hamlets of thatched cottages, their walls covered in climbing roses, we eventually crisscross immense hayfields into Enstone. Awaiting our transfer in front of St. Kenelm’s, a plaque tells us this church was dedicated to a martyred Anglo Saxon boy-king. At 4:30 sharp, the prearranged
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COMING UP
FOOTLOOSE The Musical
Stage adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie
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taxi whisks us to Churchill and cozy rooms in a transformed 19thcentury blacksmith forge. The morning driver returns us to a spot near ancient forests, pointing confidently, “Your trail’s down the bottom of this lane.” Skirting King’s Wood and Wooten Wood, we tramp up hillsides and down into forested valleys to the steep Stonesfield Steps, enabling us to span Blenheim Estate’s 14-kilometre, dry-stone wall. The public footpath proceeds through shady woodlands and countless pastures. Relaxing under copper beeches, we watch sheep snooze and white pheasants strut the fenceline. Following farm roads and crossing more sheep-filled fields, we arrive at the Column of Victory and sight distant Blenheim Palace. Angling down grassy slopes, over an electric fence and along a paved walkway gets us to the huge green door opening into Woodstock. Our heritage inn lies around the corner from the cobbled town square. Our off-trail day at World Heritage Blenheim Palace bedazzles. Using multi-media magic upstairs, a bonneted “apparition” appears in chambers representing three centuries of aristocratic history. Affectionately sharing family stories in each, she relates John Churchill’s romantic intrigues and military successes, including the Battle of Blenheim victory gaining him the 1st Duke of Marlborough title… and this estate. Downstairs, tapestries and paintings depicting Churchill’s triumphs decorate state apartments. And birth room exhibits honour Winston Churchill, one renowned descendant’s achievements. Strolling the formal gardens of this baroque palace concludes our splendid visit. Passing Bladon’s churchyard the last day, we stop by Sir Winston and Lady Clementine Churchill’s simple tombstones. Photos and news items displayed in the tiny church further memorialize Winston’s accomplishments. Outside the village, a long, steep farm road bestows magnificent panoramas. Descending through a wooded arcade to Yarnton, we discover tributes to John Churchill’s relatives in its medieval church. Like Shakespeare’s, his family came from Snittersfield near Stratford-Upon-Avon. Our ramble through rural countryside ends at Duke’s Cut. Canal towpaths carry us on into bustling Oxford. Bidding Will adieu at old Crown Tavern where he’d often stayed with friends, our 96-kilometre journey wraps up in a guesthouse beyond Folly Bridge. Stratford-Upon-Avon and Shakespeare’s Way provide wondrous walks in English history, culture and landscapes. SL For IF YOU GO information, visit www.seniorlivingmag.com/ articles/walking-shakespeares-way
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Rediscover Your Natural Joy
J
oy and happiness are up to us. We come from joy; as babies we come into life with a natural joy. Joy is inherent in every one of us, however, sometimes our physical selves forget we are meant to be joyful creatures. We need to rediscover that natural joy. When I began to research the concept of joy, I went to the library. There are many books on joy and happiness. Interestingly, most of them had been checked out. We seem to be searching for our joy outside of ourselves. If only we could remember we carry it inside us. I am going to give you some tips over the next two issues, so when you finish reading this column, you will carry with you the tools to bring out and share with others baskets full of joy and happiness. When we share joy and happiness, we give two of the most powerful healing medicines in the world. Healing with the Power of Joy – If someone you love is going through chemo, here is how you can help: First, begin synchronizing your breathing, soon the heart rates are synchronizing and the healing power of the stronger person begins to take over. The challenge? We don’t trust it. We’ve been taught hard work is the only thing that works. Speak with Joy – How do you respond when someone asks how you are? Do you demur, “been better,” or “still standing, not bad”? We are terrified to say, “I’m fabulous, thank you very much.” We don’t want people to think we are arrogant.
Courageous
&
I often pause for a moment, then respond with “out of 10, about a nine-and-a-half.” This will evoke a laugh from the other person, and they will respond in kind. Affirm your joy with words. “Words are, of course, the most powerful BY PAT NICHOL drug used by mankind.” –Rudyard Kipling Protect Your Joy – If you watch the 11 o’clock news before you go to bed, stop. You won’t miss anything, you will sleep better and you will feel more joyful when you wake up. Eat Joyfully – eat sensuously, take small bites, and enjoy food so much more. Joy affects our metabolism – when we eat slowly, we get full on far fewer calories. Want to keep your brain happy and joyful? Eat mindfully. Choose Joyous Company – stay away from people who make you feel you need to wear your emotional raincoat. Your mission over the next three weeks, if you choose to accept it, is to find out how much joy your friends can stand coming from you. SL
Outrageous
Pat Nichol is a speaker and published author. Reach her by email at mpatnichol@gmail.com
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The Family Caregiver
Refill Your Cup
W
hat do you think about when you hear the words “renewal and rejuvenation”? Indulging in a day at the spa? Enjoying the luxury of a day with no to-dos, tasks or appointments? For most family caregivers, finding ways to renew their spirit or taking pleasure in a day where they put themselves first usually falls in the optional category. Turns out caregivers who do make time to nurture their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being end up healthier on the whole. A caregiver’s spiritual health – the peace, values and strength carried within – is a vital part of overall well-being. Much of what supports physical, mental and emotional health also maintains spiritual strength. Spiritual health is as unique as caregivers themselves. One thing is universal about spiritual well-being. Unplugging from being a caregiver and plugging into something that provides pleasure and peace is vital for caregivers. Take a moment to write down what provides energy or renewal on a spiritual level. For some, it is adding regular quiet time to the day to collect thoughts or to practice faith-based exercises to provide on-going strength to continue providing care. Others find rejuvenation in more natural settings, like a park or woods or use inspirational readings or calming music. Relaxation exercises or meditation are also techniques enjoyed by some.
BY WENDY JOHNSTONE
Occasionally, family caregivers require a longer period of time to achieve renewal. Family caregivers can find it difficult to “turn off” from caring for someone and, over time, it can take a toll, leaving them feeling empty emotionally and spiritually. Having a longer period of respite or relief gives caregivers a chance to become reacquainted with themselves, restore balance and often lead to rearranging priorities. Maintaining balance is important to all areas of a caregiver’s life. Too much focus in any one area disrupts the others. Balance doesn’t just happen. It is created by choices made. Although easier said than done, finding time (even if for only 10 minutes) to “recharge your batteries” can have a significant impact on stress levels. Many caregivers say their roles feel a lot like work. Lailah Gifty Akita says it best, “If you work all day, when can you connect with your soul?” Each time a caregiver gives to the person they are caring for, they empty their own cup, bit by bit. It’s important to refill your cup. SL
Wendy Johnstone is a Gerontologist and a consultant with Family Caregivers of British Columbia in Victoria, BC. For more information, visit www.familycaregiversbc.ca or call 250-384-0408.
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Forever BY EVE LEES
Vancouver 55+ Lifestyle Show
Fit
September 22nd 2016 9am - 3pm
• 100 Exhibitors • All Day Entertainment • Exhibitor & Sponsorship Packages
Carb is Not a Four-Letter Word
W
e need carbohydrates (carbs). They are our chief source of energy – like gasoline is to a car. Carbs fuel your body LOCATION: and your brain, too. The richest sources are anything that The Forum at Hastings Park grows from the earth; fruit, vegetables (and root vegetables), grains (the PNE grounds) and legumes. These are whole foods or complex carbohydrates, 2901 E Hastings St. which our body breaks down slowly during digestion. Vancouver BC Volunteers What we don’t need is the simple carbs so prevalent among Needed our food choices today – the processed, refined foods. These are Variety of tasks and whole foods or complex carbs that have been drastically altered flexible hours. before we eat them. Can you help tell more Sadly, misinformation has made carb another four-letter word. people about this show? Low-carb diets tell us carbs are the reason we become insulin Newsletters, clubs, social and resistant and gain weight, as indicated by the rising incidents of activity groups, church, coffee obesity and diabetes. But carbohydrates were around long beshops, gyms, etc. Let us know Special Guest how you’ve helped spread the fore these high disease rates occurred. Processed carbs weren’t. Vicki Gabereau word and we’ll enter you to win Therefore, carbohydrates aren’t the problem, say nutritionists. It’s 1 of 25 complimentary tickets! the processed, refined carbohydrates that throw our bodies out of Come enjoy a fabulous day filled with fun, balance. If we had left carbs in their natural state, they wouldn’t fashion, food and fabulous prizes. have become a problem. • Information & Activities The body is designed to slowly and methodically break down • Makeovers, massage and manicures a whole food into the nutrients it needs. Refined sugars and other highly processed foods are already broken down and absorbed very • Fashion Shows quickly. Eating them too frequently is confusing and stressful to Door Prize: an all-inclusive 3 night “Winter Celebration” package for 2, the body. Nutritionists advise not to follow a low-carb diet, but a courtesy of Fairmont Chateau Whistler “proper carb diet.” The human race is getting sicker. It’s not just obesity and diabetes, but cancers and heart disease are also on the rise. Processed, Featuring “Freedom 95” - a live band refined foods are a contributing factor to declining health. They lack playing the top hits from the 50’s to the nutrition needed to strengthen our bodies and our immune syspresent day. tems. Same for the restrictive low-carb diets, say nutritionists. These 70% SOLD diets lack fibre and many phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables – including nutrients science hasn’t discovered yet. Book Your Exhibit Booth NOW Perhaps the best strategy to correct an insulin imbalance and lose Promote your products and services to this rapidly the resulting weight is to eat more natural carbs and less of the carbs growing 55+ consumer group. that can create an insulin problem — the “junk” food. If your carb www.55pluslifestyle.com choice isn’t in a form Mother Nature created, it may not be a healthy PRESENTED BY: vanshow@seniorlivingmag.com choice. Cut back on foods designed and altered by humans. Choose INSPIRED 250 479 4705 ext 103 an apple as a snack instead of a cookie or a sports bar. Eat more Senior Living fruits and vegetables, legumes, root vegetables and whole grains. SPONSORS: Tick Carbohydrates are not “bad” for us. We must avoid using the e t Tickets $8 Available at word carbohydrate when we are referring to processed, refined t e Tick the door. foods. SL Eve Lees is a Certified Nutrition Coach, a Health Writer & Speaker, and a former Personal Trainer with over 30 years experience in the health/fitness industry. www.artnews-healthnews.com 30 28
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