January 2010 Senior Living Magazine Island Edition by INSPIRED 55+ Lifestyle Magazine

JANUARY 2010 TM

Vancouver Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50+ Active Lifestyle Magazine

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POWER WALKER Jacquie Farris

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(Vancouver Island) is published by Stratis Publishing. Publisher Barbara Risto Editor Bobbie Jo Reid

editor@seniorlivingmag.com Contributors Norman K. Archer, Tiffany Auvinen, Goldie Carlow, Judee Fong, Gipp Forster, Barbara Haley, Eve Millington, Scott Morrish, Patricia Mullen-Baker, Pat Nichol, R.A. Propper, Candice Schultz, Rosalind Scott, Vernice Shostal, Barbara Small Proofreader Allyson Mantle Advertising Manager

Barry Risto 250-479-4705 For advertising information, call 250-479-4705 sales@seniorlivingmag.com Ad Sales Staff

RaeLeigh Buchanan 250-479-4705 Terry Cushing 250-479-4705 Ann Lester 250-390-1805 Mathieu Powell 250-589-7801 Barry Risto 250-479-4705 Contact Information – Head Ofﬁce

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No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Senior Living is an independent publication and its articles imply no endorsement of any products or services. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. Unsolicited articles are welcome and should be e-mailed to editor@seniorlivingmag.com Senior Living Vancouver Island is distributed free throughout Vancouver Island. Stratis Publishing Ltd. publishes Senior Living Vancouver Island (12 issues per year) and Senior Living Vancouver & Lower Mainland (12 issues per year). ISSN 1710-3584 (Print) ISSN 1911-6403 (Online)

FEATURES 4 The Bend in the Road

Power walker Jacquie Farris goes the distance for causes she believes in.

8 Swish, Swagger, Swoon

Former engineer Steve Ashton is using his skills to bring kilts into the 21st century.

12 City of Dreams

Beautiful Barcelona offers something for everyone – and more!

18 Living with the “A” word

When Alzheimer’s affected her mom, Eve Millington took up the cause and began her volunteer journey with Walk for Memories.

20 Ping-Pong

Members of the Victoria Chinese Seniors’ Association pick up paddles for ﬁtness and friendship.

26 Stitched Together

The Victoria Knitters Guild brings people together to socialize while they knit for family, friends and charity.

DEPARTMENTS 23 Classiﬁeds 25 BBB Scam Alert 30 Resource Directory

COLUMNS 2 The Family Caregiver by Barbara Small

10 Victoria’s Past Revisited by Norman K. Archer

17 Outrageous & Courageous by Pat Nichol

29 Ask Goldie

by Goldie Carlow

32 Reﬂections: Then & Now by Gipp Forster

31 Saving Lives

Coming from a family touched by heart disease, Volunteer Helen Lee keeps herself ﬁt – when she’s not giving back to the community. Cover Photo: When Power Walker Jacquie Farris enters a race, the charities she supports win. Story page 4. Photo: Scott Morrish

JANUARY 2010

THE FAMILY CAREGIVER

roviding care for a family member can bring out the best – and the worst – in everyone involved. People can come together to support each other or the stress can lead to frustration and conﬂict between family members. Past dynamics and family roles often re-surface when dealing with the stress of caregiving. All those old issues and unresolved tensions can often reemerge. Important to keep in mind is that everyone will respond to the situation in his or her own way. Frustration can occur if you expect other people to feel or act the same as you. Everyone in the family comes with a different history and perspective; a different relationship with the person who is ill; and a different comfort level with illness and the associated emotions. Also, family members each have their own strengths. Some will excel at the personal care aspect of caregiving, while others cringe from it. Others may thrive by doing housework, gardening, repairs or dealing with ﬁnances. Let people work in the areas where they shine. Even when two people are both doing the same duty, they may still do it

Family Dynamics and Caregiving BY BARBARA SMALL

differently. How you provide personal care to your spouse may be different than how his sister does when she relieves you. Different does not mean wrong. Ask yourself whether it is really worth butting heads over. Family meetings are important for keeping everyone up-to-date regarding the care-recipient’s health, as well as to delegate duties. The goal at these meetings is not to resolve long-time family issues, but to ensure everyone is on the same team, and to sort out what needs to be done. It can also be an opportunity for current concerns to be aired and miscommunications to be cleared up. Here are some suggestions for how family members can work together when caregiving:

• Be realistic in your expectations as to what each person is able to do.

• Start early. Clarify tasks and responsibilities. Be concrete, speciﬁc and ensure everyone has interpreted the plan the same.

Next issue: Can you prepare in advance for being a caregiver?

• Have one person (usually the primary caregiver) be responsible for coordinating what needs to be done and for keeping family members in the loop.

• Express appreciation to each other for the help each is able to provide. • Expect and accept differences of opinion and reactions and ﬁnd ways to compromise. Keep in mind that everyone has the right to his or her own feelings and point of view. You can agree to disagree and still complete the caregiving tasks as needed. • Take a moment to recognize what is old conﬂict and what is related to the current situation. Try to put aside longtime grudges for now so everyone has the energy to deal with caregiving. SL

Barbara Small is Program Development Coordinator for Family Caregivers’ Network Society.

• Let others know their help is both wanted and needed.

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The Bend in the Road

Photo: Scott Morrish

BY CANDICE SCHULTZ

acquie Farris goes the distance for causes about which she is passionate. And she does so one step at a time. Jacquie, who turns 60 in April, is a long-distance power walker who cultivated her enthusiasm through a series of life-altering events. Now, she participates in various long-distance runs and walks, including the Royal Victoria Marathon, the Great Lake Walk around Lake Cowichan and the Great Walk from Gold River to Tahsis. For many of the ultra events, which are classiﬁed as any distance longer than the traditional 26.2-mile marathon, Jacquie connects her participation to a fundraiser. The transition to power walking came from trying to ﬁnd a balance between work and life. “I was always athletic in school and enjoyed team sports, but distance running was not in my vocabulary,” she says. “To make a long story short, I

became a critical care nurse and sports went on the wayside. In 1994, I realized I was pretty much married to my work, and decided that there was more to life, so I stepped back from my career quite a bit.” Jacquie was already a swimmer and a cycler, so she got involved in triathlon. “One day, I was out at Elk Lake and in the quietness and privacy of myself, I thought, ‘Let’s see what I can do here.’ If I could run or walk, I could do triathlon. I walked really fast, and realized I got around [the lake] in reasonable time. I did some slow-paced running with triathlon in the ’90s.” In 2002, however, Jacquie developed a work-related bilateral hand injury called Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome. The complication, which affects her secondary sympathetic nervous system, brought Jacquie’s life crashing down.

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“I basically, overnight, lost my career. That threw the triathlon out the window. Swimming was very painful. I have limited use of my hands now, and signiﬁcant pain.” Around the same time, Jacquie’s mother, Ellen Rae Farris, was diagnosed with dementia. Jacquie attended, and later facilitated, support groups at the Alzheimer Resource Centre in Victoria. Although in pain and unable to work, this sequence of events made Jacquie realize she still wanted to contribute to her community. “In so helping others, you help yourself,” she says. When Jacquie gave up driving four years ago and began walking for transportation, she was relieved. “I went to turn into my [parking] stall, and I had splints on my hand at the time,” she recalls. “My hands slipped and I scraped the side of my car on a pillar. I brought the car to a stop; nobody was hurt. A car can be ﬁxed. I turned the ignition off and I never got in the car again. I think I already knew.” Soon after, Jacquie began power walking in running events. “I knew that I would be last, but I didn’t care. It was about participating. I don’t do anything fast. I’m the endurance kind of gal,” she says with a grin. Jacquie has lost count of the number of half marathons, marathons and ultra events she has participated in. The endorphins from the physical exercise relieve her pain, boost her self-esteem and allow her to contribute to her community in a meaningful way, all of which are motivating factors in Jacquie’s power walking. “I’m interested in participating and achieving my own personal goals,” she says. “I love pushing myself for the distance.” Although Jacquie is modest, her event times and fundraising efforts are impressive. In August 2008, Jacquie walked the length of the Galloping Goose and the Lochside Trail – a total of 80 km – in 10 hours and 55 minutes in support of the Family Caregivers Network. Jacquie’s mother matched her fundraising contributions and donated them to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. Between mother and daughter, they contributed over $12,000 to the organizations. Jacquie’s other passion revolves around someone much younger. In July of 2004, 21-year-old athlete Sean Marlowe was on his way to pick up his race package for a pre-World

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Cup triathlon event when he was involved in a motor vehicle accident with a tractor-trailer. The athlete, who once trained for the Beijing Olympics, sustained a permanent brain injury that left him immobile and unable to speak. Three years later, Jacquie read a newspaper article about Sean’s mother, Cherith. She learned that it was the family’s goal to bring Sean home from Aberdeen Hospital in Victoria. At the time, Jacquie was preparing to do the Great Lake Walk. A few nights later, she bolted upright in bed with an idea. Jacquie contacted Cherith and discovered that although the bigger picture was to bring Sean home, what his mother really wanted was to make him more mobile. Jacquie turned her participation in the 2007 Great Lake Walk into a fundraiser, and raised $6,000 for a custom-built adult jogging stroller for Sean, called the Red Racer. When the Red Racer arrived, Jacquie planned a community celebration at Beaver Lake Park the following April. “The event was both to present the

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Red Racer to Sean and to thank the community,” Jacquie says. “Nothing inspires me more when I’m doing ultra marathons, than when I have a cause that I’m passionate about.” At the celebration, Jacquie announced a commitment to annually complete the September Great Lake Walk as a fundraiser to support Sean’s ongoing needs. Now at home, Sean requires 24-hour care and support. At last year’s Great Lake Walk, Jacquie raised enough money to purchase a modiﬁed recumbent stepper for Sean so he can exercise. For her 60th birthday, Jacquie plans to power walk 100 km for another cause. Until then, her inspiration comes from her parents, helping others and her favourite saying, “the bend in the road is not the end of the road as long as you’re willing to take the turn.” “If I didn’t have my power walking, I don’t know where I would be with my pain,” says Jacquie. “It isn’t about high performance. More important is that I can get out, walk to see my mom and walk to town to do chores I need to do.”

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When Jacquie looks back on power walking, she thinks of her mother, once an avid walker, who appreciated the sense of community and connection with the environment that accompanied an afternoon stroll. “Now, I look back and I really honour my mother,” she says. “Yes, she did get dementia, but she has handled it so much better with her prudent lifestyle. My gratitude for some of my philosophies and values in life and my ability to move on are because of my mom.” SL

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SWISH SWAGGER SWOON

“W

Photo: Judee Fong

BY JUDEE FONG

hen I ﬁrst wore a kilt, I was immediately impressed with the comfort of the kilt and the attention that the kilt garners,” says Steve Ashton, Victoria-based designer and tailor of custom-made kilts. “The beauty of the kilt is its versatility. I can wear it with a T-shirt and boots for a casual look or I can wear a dress shirt, tie and jacket for a more formal look. Yet it’s the same kilt.” Earning a master’s degree in engineering in 1978, Steve ﬁrst designed large sailboats and yachts in Florida. Moving to Canada, he worked with a company designing and building kayaks. When the company closed, Steve cast about for new employment. Examining a traditional kilt, he noticed a few problems. “I’m an ‘ideas’ guy because it’s the way my engineer’s brain works. There were no pockets in the kilt; it was entirely hand-stitched and it was made of wool. From an engineering standpoint, I felt I could make it better by bringing the kilt, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century!” By moving interfacings, adding pockets and including machine washable fabrics, Steve and his team fashioned everyday, wearable, contemporary kilts. Casually slipping his hand into a cleverly hidden pocket of the kilt he’s wearing, Steve pulls out two bunches of keys, a pipe and a lighter – no bulge divulges the existence of a pocket. Steve believes there is a huge reawakening in wearing kilts. 8

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Men are discovering the comfort, the practicality and the allure. Recently, he became the owner of www.xmarksthescot. com, which is the largest international online community for over 9,000 kilt-wearers. “You can blog or learn about traditions and stories behind the kilts,” says Steve. “Xmarksthescot has its own tartan, which I’m wearing, clan crest and our own clan plant. In the olden days, clans recognized other clans by the sprig of plant they wore on their plaid or bonnet. Because Xmarksthescot is an international organization, we chose the dandelion, which is everywhere!” Steve’s claim to a Scottish background was an ancestor who stated on a census form that his father was from Scotland. “This ‘thing’ about the kilt is not necessarily Scottish anymore,” he says. “Yes, it is the recognized national dress of Scotland, but there are other kilts that do not belong to a Scottish heritage or clan.” Of the 7,000 registered tartans, only 1,000 are clan-affiliated. The others are regional, district, occupational and corporate tartans. There is even an official Scottish-Chinese tartan. “There is a young man, Todd Wong, who lives in Vancouver,” says Steve. “He started the tradition of ‘Gung Haggis Fat Choy,’ which combines Chinese New Year with Robbie Burn’s birthday. It’s incredible having haggis as part of the dim sum! And, yes, Todd wears a traditional kilt.” Tartan colours are meaningful only to the designers. Steve shows the “Victoria City of Garden” tartan he designed, which will be adopted as Victoria’s official tartan on January 14, 2010 by city council. “Mayor Fortin will be wearing the first Victoria City of Garden kilt at the 2010 New Year’s levee,” he says. Steve took the six colours from the First Nation’s poles and combined them into his tartan design. The blue represents the ocean that surrounds the Island. The band of green is the trees and the city’s green space. The black lines are the roads that connect citizens; the red represents the bricks of Victoria’s heritage buildings; and the white and yellow lines are the splashes of colour from the city’s famous hanging flower baskets. Steve’s kilts have found homes around the world and his kilt wearers have their stories and special requests. He recalls one gentleman who wanted a durable, hand-washable kilt with a specific arrangement of pockets. Apparently, he was an archeologist and needed a kilt to work in the fields.

He remembers another request for a kilt with 22 pockets. “This client was a Celtic musician who had an entire collection of 22 pennywhistles,” says Steve. “Before going on stage, he would select the pennywhistles he would need and snapped them onto his kilt. As he swings into his musical numbers, the pennywhistles swirl around his various kilt pockets. It’s quite funny to watch!” Every kilt wearer cringes when asked the age-old question. “If I asked a woman what she wears under her skirt, I would get arrested, so what’s the difference asking a man what he wears under his kilt?” Steve says. “It’s nobody’s business but your own.” However, Steve has had his embarrassing moments. “We have a large pear tree in the front yard and we let people pick the pears when they are ripe. My neighbour came over and couldn’t reach a few pears, so I got my stepladder. I was halfway up the stepladder when two of the legs sank into the soft ground and knocked me off. I did a complete ﬂip in the air, landed on my head and answered The Question for everyone!” Steve laughs. Steve has made kilts for clients as young as six months to the oldest at 94 years. Serious ﬁrst-time male kilt-wearers are often between 45 and 55 when they make that major decision to purchase their kilt. “If you’re going to have a mid-life crisis, purchasing and wearing a kilt is a lot cheaper than buying that red convert-

ible,” says Steve. By middle age, kilt-wearers have acquired enough maturity to feel comfortable and conﬁdent wearing their kilts. The biggest obstacle to overcome is the fear that people will ridicule them for wearing a skirt-like garment. “The reason the kilt is so attractive to women is because a man shows conﬁdence wearing it,” says Steve. “A man who wears a kilt walks proud.” Smiling broadly he adds, “RememSL ber, ‘Swish’ plus ‘Swagger’ equals ‘Swoon!’” For more info, contact Steve Ashton at 250-386-5458 or steve@freedomkilts.com. The online forum for kiltaholics is www.xmarksthescot.com

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T S A P S ’ A I VICTOR

A Boy Named Tom

hey called him “Happy Tom.” A delightful teen- high price. Harry Forman was excited by the prospect of joining the ager, he always whistled a merry tune and greeted those he met with a cheerful smile. He was tall, ranks of the rich and famous so, one evening, he invited athletic and remarkably intelligent. His simple philosophy Chooley to his home. Chooley was a striking man, but unof life: “I can’t imagine how any man can be unhappy as married. One look at the pretty and demure Ellen Forman long as he walks straight and acts right. I don’t mean to do and it was love at first sight. Although Chooley was at least anything wrong all my life.” 20 years older than Ellen, Harry thoroughly approved of the Yale was tough country in those early pioneer days of match, imagining gold, silver, silks, satins and furs for his the 1850s and poor Tom didn’t have much of this world’s only daughter. goods. His clothes were ragged and his boots had holes, The wedding, only a few short weeks later, was a dazbut nothing could daunt his hapzling affair. No expense was spared and it was the talk of the py disposition. He never swore, never stole, never gambled, never town. The couple went to San A delightful teenager, he alFrancisco for their honeymoon drank and never smoked. Everyways whistled a merry tune in an opulent hotel; and Victoria one loved him for his exuberant predicted a glorious future for the personality, twinkling eyes, infecand greeted those he met happy couple. tious laugh and his melodic whiswith a cheerful smile. While in San Francisco, howtling that never seemed to end. About 20 years later, an Engever, another side of Chooley’s character emerged. He had fits of lishman arrived in Victoria named Harry Forman, who settled in James Bay. Harry was a wid- anger, especially when he had been drinking and became ower and he brought his young daughter, Ellen, with him to abusive to his young bride. He accused her of infidelity help keep house. Ellen had a teaching certificate and since without any cause. The quarrelling that ensued was bitter. They returned to Victoria and lived at the Forman family teachers were in short supply, School Superintendent John Jessop hired her quickly. Not long after their arrival, Harry home, but relationships were strained. A child was born, but Forman re-married and the three lived very happily in their this did nothing to improve Chooley’s surly temperament. Harry Forman tried to remonstrate with him on one occasix-room bungalow. One day, the city became alive with news of a rich vein sion, so Chooley flew into a rage, pointed a gun at him and of silver that had been discovered near Hope. The princi- threatened his life. Forman ordered him out of the house, pal owners were Dunbar, Moody, Sutton and Chooley, who and Chooley took rooms at the Driard Hotel. After a few were reputed to be the four richest men in British Columbia. days, Chooley returned and an uneasy truce was declared. Then came news that the Hope Silver Mine was not as They came to Victoria to sell shares, which were fetching a

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The murder of Alderman Harry Forman BY NORMAN K. ARCHER

productive as was originally imagined. The ore petered out when a second shot rang out and entered his lung. The famand so did Chooley’s wealth. This caused him to treat his ily fled for shelter at the Anderson home and as they left, wife even more viciously and his fits of violent temper were Chooley fired again, narrowly missing his baby. Harry Forever more frequent. His drinking became excessive. Many man died early the next morning. times, he thrashed his wife and, many times, he and Harry The militia was now called to assist the police. Entering Forman came to blows because of it. the Forman house, they found Chooley, passed out on the On the evening of January 22, 1874, there was a heavy floor in a drunken stupor. Chooley was taken to the cells snowfall. A banging on the door of James Anderson at and charged with murder. Each day, as he was led to the about 6:30 p.m. brought him to his entrance, where he saw courtroom for trial, angry crowds followed him. Feelings his neighbour Harry Forman fall in a heap on the door- ran high in the city. Harry Forman was a popular Alderstep, blood gushing from a bullet man and his daughter a muchwound in his chest. loved teacher. One day, Chooley’s lawyer was attacked by the Chooley, who had fired the Chooley, who had fired the infuriated mob. shot, barricaded himself in the shot, barricaded himself in Forman house with several loadThe jury returned a guilty vered guns by his side. The police dict after only the briefest of dethe Forman house with sevarrived, knocked down the door liberations and Mr. Justice Gray eral loaded guns by his side. and were greeted by a hail of passed a sentence of death. Six bullets. The police returned the weeks later, on a bright spring shots, but all missed their mark. morning, the miserable, surly The officers retreated to safety, while Chooley erected wretch was led to the gallows, climbed the steps and paused. more barricades, yelling death threats to anyone who dare Suddenly and very unexpectedly, this ugly, loathsome murcross his threshold. derer pursed his lips and began to whistle a beautiful melMeanwhile, Harry Forman lay dying in Anderson’s ody. Chooley’s first name was Thomas, now unhappy ThoSL home across the street. He recounted the events that led to mas, but known in his younger days as Happy Tom. the shooting. Apparently, when Forman arrived home that evening, Chooley was roaring drunk and refused to let anyone into the dining room. To try to keep the peace, Mrs. Forman prepared dinner for the family in the kitchen and as Norman Archer is an historical city tour they started to eat Chooley appeared at the door, brandished guide in Victoria and the author of Tales of a weapon and aimed it at Forman. He fired. The bullet went Old Victoria. Contact him at 250-655-1594 through Forman’s hand. The wounded man leapt to his feet or nka@canada.com

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City of Dreams STORY AND PHOTOS BY R.A. PROPPER

omewhere around the third century BC, legend has it the father of Hannibal, Hamilcar Barca, founded the city of Barcino named after his family. Another legend says Hercules founded the city 400 years before the building of Rome. Somewhere along the line, the city became Barcelona, now ﬁrmly settled into the 21st century as the second largest

Sculpture on the corner of 4 Cats Café building

city in Spain, capital of the semi-autonomous province of Catalonia and its fashion capital. Many famous artists and architects have lived and worked in Barcelona and their dreams nurtured the life and excitement of the city. Everywhere we went history ﬂourished just a few blocks from where we stood. Roman ruins are exposed under the Plaça del Rei, and the

layout of the old historical centre: Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) of Barcelona retains the typical Roman city grid-planning style. Barcelona’s cathedral, also known as the Basilica de La Sue, was founded in 343 and has remnants of Roman walls embedded in its structure. Fought over for centuries by the Visigoths, Moors and Christians, Barcelona’s art and architecture is a living trail of

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cultures that passed through the city as history unfolded. Outdoor cafés thrive throughout the city, and some are world famous. Take the café “Four Cats” or Els Quatre Gats. This café opened in 1897 and also operated as a hostel, cabaret, pub and restaurant. Around the turn of the century, Four Cats became one of the centres of Modernisme or, as we know it, art nouveau. The bar had revolving art exhibits including one of the first one-man shows by Pablo Picasso. The bar closed in 1903 because of the owner’s debts. In 1989, a group of restaurateurs reopened it. Today, you can enjoy the café’s creative atmosphere while dining, and imagining Picasso arguing with Dali and Miró about �� the finer points of painting. �� Art nouveau’s influence abounds throughout the city - from �� store windows to whole buildings - especially in the work of architect Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí designed many architectural �� works in Barcelona and became synonymous with the city. His Cathedral of the Sacred Family (Sagrada Familia) was �� his greatest work. Gaudí died in 1926 with the Cathedral unfinished. Drive by the Cathedral today and see scaffolds, �� Call cranes, and workers still finishing Gaudí’s grand dream. �� Did you know that the Eiffel Tower was originally to have �� been built in Barcelona for the 1888 World’s Fair of lights and new technology? Time was too short so, voila, it was built in Paris for the next World’s Fair. The Fair’s grounds are �� still there, but turned into a park with the same street lights �� that illuminated the Fair in 1888 – and they still work! One of the earliest submarines was built in Barcelona. The Ictineo II was originally constructed in 1862 from the plans of Narcís Monturiol i Estarriol (1819 -1886), and the original Ictineo II navigated the waters of the Port of Barcelona. The Ictineo II was the first vehicle of its time to submerge and navigate below the surface of the water. A full-size replica of the sub can be seen at the harbour. Christopher Columbus stopped at Barcelona’s harbour af-

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�� Casa Batllo by Gaudi JANUARY 2010

Hotels in Barcelona range from five stars to modest. For example: the Hotel Continental Barcelona on Las Ramblas Avenue is a modest hotel overlooking the broad avenue and costs about $150 dollars a night and includes all meals, with food and espresso available mostly throughout the day. Many other hotels have similar deals. Las Ramblas Avenue, a major thoroughfare, is also the stage for many street performers. Night and day, Las Ramblas is alive with crowds of pedestrians meandering down this long delightful street. There are many places where both tourists and city dwellers mingle. Families with kids watch puppet shows and eagerly grab balloons given out by performers. Seniors chat with their friends on park benches fitting in with the city’s ambience. Barcelona’s old city of narrow streets can be difficult to navigate. A ride on a modern day super rickshaw is the best way to tour this part of the city. The bicycle driver/tour guide, can easily pull

Street Angel g in – a perform as L n o artist Ramblas

ter his discovery of the new world, and there is a statue in the city of the great explorer shown pointing his ﬁnger in the wrong direction. He is pointing toward India, which he assumed he discovered – America was the other way.

over for a quick shot of a monument or street scene. It’s no limousine, but at bicycle speeds, the small bumps are hardly noticeable and passengers are at eye level with pedestrians. Barcelona has the only pre-modernist arch in the world that doesn’t celebrate a military victory; Arc de Triomf built in 1888. Speaking of arches, the architect who designed France’s Arc de Triomphe also designed a townhouse in Barcelona. If you happen to be travelling along the Carrer de Provença, you might run by the Casa Milà, otherwise known as La Pedrera, an amazing apartment house designed by Antoni Gaudí, built 1906 to 1910. Located at 92 Passeig de Gràcia, it was originally built for the Milar family, a wealthy patron of Gaudí‘s. Much of its interior had been abandoned and allowed to deteriorate, but it has been restored and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Free concerts are held on the roof every day from 7-9 p.m. Programs consist of jazz, classic, piano and other special events.

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Trixi taxi driver/tour guide and prospective tourists

For an unusual outdoor experience, visit Parc Güell, an extraordinary architectural outdoor environment designed by Gaudí, originally part of an unsuccessful real estate project and named for Count Eusebi Güell. The site was a rocky hill with few trees and little vegetation. Gaudí’s intention was to enhance the beautiful views from the site. Today, it is one of the premiere places to visit and enjoy in Barcelona, taking leisurely walks through the complex seeing Gaudí’s buildings integrated into the wide expanses of open space. Barcelona is full of attractions. Good public transportation is available and is recommended. Special bus tours are also offered, as well as the metro. Museums are plentiful, including a special one just for Picasso. The El Parc de Collserola is a preserve of Mediterranean forests of pine and oak trees with fields of rockrose, heather and broom. Montjuïc, a hill overlooking the city, has many fine art galleries. On the north side of the city, the Plaça de Braus was a former bullring that now features various performances and where The Beatles played in 1966. Behind it, lies Parc Joan Miró named after the famous artist. The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya has an extensive collection of Romanesque art. La Font Màgica, the largest fountain in Barcelona, features free musical shows on summer evenings. The Centre d’Estudis d’Art Contemporani is Barcelona’s tribute to Joan Miró, the greatest Catalan artist of the 20th century and has the largest single collection of his work. If we could stay six months in Barcelona, we still couldn’t see and do all that Barcelona has to offer. After all, a city that has its history written in millenniums defies easy understanding. The dream still lives and thrives, and will do SL so long into the 21st century.

ThisÊisÊMargaretÊandÊherÊMotherÊClara.Ê InÊorderÊforÊClaraÊtoÊcontinueÊtoÊliveÊinÊherÊ home,ÊMargaretÊhasÊmovedÊinÊtoÊhelpÊcareÊforÊ her.ÊMargaretÊdoesnÕtÊhaveÊchildrenÊandÊisÊ wonderingÊwhoÊwillÊdoÊtheÊsameÊforÊher. TodayÊmoreÊthanÊeverÊbefore,ÊCanadiansÊareÊ requiringÊcareÊduringÊtheirÊretirementÊyears.Ê AreÊyouÊwonderingÊhowÊyouÊwillÊpayÊforÊtheÊ highÊcostsÊassociatedÊwithÊprivateÊin-homeÊorÊ facilityÊcare?ÊTheseÊcostsÊcanÊrangeÊfromÊ$3200Ê toÊ$8000ÊaÊmonthÊandÊareÊincreasingÊannually.Ê WhatÊkindÊof ÊimpactÊwillÊthisÊhaveÊonÊyourÊ assetsÊandÊestate?Ê If ÊyouÊwantÊqualityÊcareÊbutÊdoÊnotÊwantÊtoÊ decimateÊyourÊestateÊhavingÊtoÊpayÊforÊit,ÊfindÊ outÊhowÊyouÊcanÊtransferÊthisÊriskÊandÊpayÊforÊ theÊcostsÊof ÊyourÊfutureÊcareÊÒeffectivelyÓ.Ê MakeÊtheÊchoiceÊtoÊattendÊoneÊof ÊourÊupcomingÊ informationÊmeetingsÊtoÊfindÊoutÊmoreÊorÊgiveÊ usÊaÊcallÊforÊyourÊcomplimentaryÊconsultation.

www.ltcfc.com 250-590-6768 info@ltcfc.com Information Meetings: Union Club of BC - 805 Gordon Street �� JANUARY 2010

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Courageous s u o e g a r t Ou

BY PAT NICHOL

Photo: Frances Litman

THINGS AREN’T ALWAYS WHAT THEY SEEM

wish you all a new year of great adventures. Remember adventures are exactly what you make of them. What seems like a trial today, in six months may seem like a miracle. The following tale has been around for a long time. I am learning that having faith in what is, is an important aspect of life. I also am learning that sometimes – Things aren’t always what they seem.

their bed on the hard ﬂoor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, “Things aren’t always what they seem.”

Two travelling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion’s guest room. Instead, the angels were given a small space in the cold basement. As they made

“The ﬁrst man had everything, yet you helped him,” she accused. “The second family had little, but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die.”

The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had, the couple let the angels sleep in their bed, where they could have a good night’s rest. When the sun came up the next morning, the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the ﬁeld. The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel “how could you have let this happen?”

“Things aren’t always what they

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seem,” the older angel replied. “When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed that there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn’t ﬁnd it. Then last night as we slept in the farmer’s bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead. Things aren’t always what they seem.” Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things don’t turn out the way we think they should. Have faith to trust that every outcome is always to our advantage – eventually. SL

Pat Nichol is a speaker and published author. She makes her home in Victoria, but travels the world. She can be reached at www.patnichol.com

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JANUARY 2010

Living with the “A” word BY EVE MILLINGTON

t was a typical workday. While ways fussed and fretted over her six fect for her. Long unable to cook for herself, a sipping my early morning cof- children, she was the life of the party fee, I called my mom in Ot- and loved to entertain. She had many warm and welcoming staff now served tawa for our ritual weekly chat. Al- dear old friends and used to love to her meals. She made new friends though she answered the phone with make new ones. The mother of the past quickly, though unable to recall anyapprehension, I greeted her cheerfully knew everyone’s birthday. one’s name. Mom’s happiness was and and asked, “What was new.” I sensed As the eldest daughter, I was used is paramount and I encourage everysomething was amiss and after much to taking charge and I laid out a plan one around her to keep conversation prodding and reassuring her that I for Mom’s care. First, my elder brother light and cheerful. would not be angry, Mom reluctantly and baby sister would have power of Although I am fortunate to visit divulged that she had just given all her attorney over Mom’s affairs. Her finan- Mom every year, it’s tough to be far banking information to a away from a loved one. I’m stranger on the phone. “He thankful to my sibs in Othad such a nice manner and tawa – Mike, Dorothy and The hundreds of people who was so friendly,” she said, especially Patti, for looking had come out to walk on a chilly “but I’m not sure if I should after Mom. have told him my account When Mom’s diagnosis January morning, in support of numbers.” was confirmed, the first call loved ones, moved me. I joined It was the third or fourth I made was to the Alzheimer time in a year that Mom’s Resource Centre in Victoria. the volunteer walk committee behaviour had been comA kindly gentleman answered that year, four years ago. the phone and the empathy pletely out of character, and and compassion in his voice her confusion made her feel was a huge comfort. I needed stupid and at fault. She had set the table for a Christmas cial situation required assessment, and to educate myself on the disease, how birthday in October. She giggled loud- a long-term plan for Mom’s care need- an individual and family could best deal with it, available resources for ly at my dad’s funeral and then wept, ed urgent discussion and execution. telling everyone she was his widow, It came down to two choices: Mom long-term care and support services. A even though they had divorced 20 would sell her condo and either move few days after our conversation, I reyears earlier. She purchased a life in- into our home in Victoria, or she would ceived a large package in the mail, resurance policy that she couldn’t afford. move into a new assisted living resi- plete with a myriad of useful informaShe suddenly forgot birthdays and the dence a few minutes from my sister tion. I was so grateful; I decided then names of anyone new. I urged her to Patti’s home in Ottawa. Mom did not that I needed to get involved. see her doctor. want to leave Ottawa, despite the fact Serendipity played a hand in my He recommended that Mom take that its familiarity of 40+ years would chatting with one of the executive staff at the Fairmont Empress, one of my a memory test. Angry and confused, soon fade into oblivion. Fearful that Mom would burn the clients. Barb and I quickly discovered Mom walked out on the first test. It took almost a year before another test house down or be lost wandering the that we both had mothers with Alzhecould be scheduled but, this time, my streets, we devised a plan to ease her imer’s, and she was involved with the brother waited nearby while Mom transition into a new home. My sister Walk for Memories fundraiser. Barb was encouraged to stay the course. took her out and at day’s end surprised invited me to come to the walk that The test showed what we had sus- Mom with a weekend stay at a beautiful was just a few days ahead. I asked her if the event needed anypected; Mom was diagnosed with care facility. Some of Mom’s favourite paintings and family photos were al- thing in particular and she mentioned Alzheimer’s disease. Mom was angry, in denial, and of- ready on the wall in her new room and that something colourful would be ten cried in confusion, unable to recall she admired the familiarity of it. Mom welcome. I showed up in a bumblebee everyday details that shaped her life. went along and soon became used to costume and helped lead walkers at Once the stalwart mother hen who al- the idea that this new home was per- the beginning of the walk route out of 18

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Photo: Patricia Mullin-Baker

1949 SOOKE RD.

103 - 1964 FORT ST.

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The author with her mother Carol Mullin, 77.

the University of Victoria’s Centennial Stadium. The hundreds of people who had come out to walk on a chilly January morning, in support of loved ones, moved me. I joined the volunteer walk committee that year, four years ago. In 2008, I took on the co-chair position with a wonderful young father of two, Jason Heﬂin. We have a great team of dedicated volunteers; each with their own heartrending story of Alzheimer’s or other related dementia. The Investors Group Walk for Memories event has grown into an upbeat, yet poignant, celebration of ordinary people dealing with the realities of an aging population and the effects of living with dementia. Alzheimer’s and the many forms of dementia are amongst the last great societal taboos, particularly amongst today’s elderly. We hope that through events such as the walk, we raise awareness of the disease and inform patients, families and caregivers that they are not alone and it’s okay to talk about it. An estimated 70,000 British Columbians have Alzheimer’s or a related dementia and of these, 10,000 are under age 65. The next walk will take place on January 31, 2010. For more information, to make a donation or register for the walk, visit www.walkformemories.com SL

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JANUARY 2010

Ping-Pong I

n a small room, just large enough to set up three Ping-Pong tables, over 20 people ﬁll the space with positive energy in a rustic building in downtown Victoria. The players, who belong to the Victoria Chinese Seniors’ Association (VCSA) located in the Victoria Silver Threads Centre, socialize through healthy and challenging games of table tennis. “As soon as you touch the paddle, you win because your conﬁdence grows as well as your happiness,” says Shaohu

STORY AND PHOTO BY TIFFANY AUVINEN

Xu, a member of the VCSA Board and head of the Table Tennis Project. “So many individuals enjoy playing for fun and not for the competitive reasons. They want to make friends. This event allows seniors to break the isolation of the Chinese immigrants and allows them to make friendships with people outside of their culture. The Chinese Association applies the principle of including others from different communities in the organization.” The event was the Greater Victoria Seniors Table Tennis

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AUGUST 2009 VANCOUVER ISLAND

Senior Living Special Housing Edition

Up-to-date listings of senior housing facilities throughout Vancouver Island, including Independent/Supportive Living, Assisted Living and Complex Care. This guide is an indispensable resource to:

• seniors looking for alternative housing • seniors moving to Vancouver Island from other parts of BC or out of province • children of seniors who are assisting their parent to select a housing option • professionals who work with seniors or their families • businesses that provide services to seniors

Listings include addresses and contact information, housing costs, number of units in the housing complex, hospitality services, optional home care services, amenities and security features.

TO ORDER a copy... Please mail a cheque for $5.25 ($5 plus GST), along with your name, phone number and address, to Senior Living, 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1. We will mail you a copy of this resourceful housing guide upon receipt of payment.

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Tournament, held on November 16th. The Project set the following goals: facilitate and teach skill development through playing Ping-Pong; increase socialization and interactions among seniors; teach seniors how to organize and run recreational activities, including a tournament; provide the infrastructure to keep seniors fit, active and involved in the sport; and encourage seniors to create and build cross-cultural friendships with the non-Chinese community. With funds obtained from a Federal New Horizons Program grant, a new Ping-Pong table and equipment was purchased and a local expert player hired to help seniors learn technique and develop their skills. A pilot project began in mid-March to determine interest and assess ability of the players. The volunteer Steering Committee invited seniors from Monterey, Saanich, Juan de Fuca, James Bay New Horizons and Fairfield Seniors to join. “This is part of the fabric of Victoria,” says Donna Humphries, a Public Relations Volunteer for the VCSA. “Organizing to help others is an important community activity.” “One lady who took up Ping-Pong,” says Shaohu, “never went to school, but she learned Chinese writing and was encouraged to stay with the ESL class, offered through the Chinese Association. Now that she plays table tennis, she makes progress with her English and participates in the dancing program. Her confidence has increased and people see her in a positive light.”

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Duke Chu is the President of the VCSA. “Our group is growing larger and larger. We teach people language skills, such as key phrases that help them get directions, make doctor’s appointments, and other basic communication skills that any Canadian would know,” says Duke. “We help newcomers and teach them about Canadian society and encourage them to get out and play mahjong and cook Chinese delicacies. Organizing the Ping-Pong tournament was one way to increase awareness of our organization.” In the Chinese community, some people feel lonely and isolated in their new city. Joining an organization that combines fun activities with meeting new people helps them feel as though they are part of the larger community. “We even participated in the fall Moon Cake Festival, and we created a production line for making dumplings,” says Peter Hsu, a member of the board. “It was so exciting because we were singing and entertaining each other. Our members are healthy, more active and enjoy their life a lot more than inactive seniors. We even participate in ballroom dancing.” The Ping-Pong tournament serves to integrate Chinese people into Canadian culture by reaching out and inviting Canadian senior centres to participate. Regular Ping-Pong sessions will continue throughout the winter. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact the Victoria Silver SL Threads.

HISTORY OF PING-PONG

Like many oth er sports, tabl e tennis began mild social dive as a rsion. It was po pu lar in England in second half of the the 19th centur y under its cu name and vario rrent us trade names such as Gossim Wiff-Waff. After a and the name Ping -Pong (an imit of the sound m ation ade by the ball striking the tabl the vellum bats e and that were used ) was introduce Jaques & Son, th d by J. e game became a fashionable cr The game was aze. popular in Cen 1905-10, and tr al Eu ro pe before this, a in modiﬁed versio introduced to n was Japan and later spread to China Korea. It dropp and ed out of fashio n in Europe, bu revived in Engl t w as and and Wales in the early 19 that time, Ping 20s. By -Pong was a re gistered tradem the earlier nam ark, so e of table tenn is was re-intro National associ duced. ations were form ed and standard rules began, bo ized th in Europe an d the Far East. Over the next 60 years, table tennis has deve oped into a fa ster and more ldemanding gam now a major w e. It is orldwide sport , played by near million compe ly 30 titive players an d millions more play less serio who usly. In 1988, ta ble tennis was duced as an O introlympic sport in Seoul, South K orea.

Classiﬁeds WANTED ROOM AND BOARD. Quiet, clean, 40’s male. Will trade chores for lower rent. Or house sitting. Call John 250-891-2489.

RUTH M.P HAIRSTYLING for Seniors in Greater Victoria. In the convenience of your own home! Certiﬁed Hairdresser. Call - 250-893-7082.

INVACARE PROSPIN X4 - 1.5 years old. 4 wheel red Fortress 1700 - 4 years old. $1500 each / OBO. Lorna 250-721-3671. Leave message.

A LOT OF JUNK WON’T FIT IN YOUR TRUNK. You’re in luck, I own a truck. Seniors discount. John 250-891-2489.

BUSINESS / VIRTUAL ASSISTANT Correspondence; general bookkeeping; faxes; document editing/finishing; office organizing. Business services for small businesses and individuals. 100% Confidential. CHW Inc. 250-886-3975. sparebrain1@gmail.com

USING HYPNOSIS YOU CAN MANAGE: stress, pain relief, habit control. Tap into motivation and creativity. No-hands-on deep relaxation. Safe, comfortable, conﬁdential. Judith Grey, Registered Clinical Counselling Hypnotherapist. 250-388-3925.

UP TO $5000 PAID FOR OLD PRE-1970’S GUITARS by Fender, Gibson, Gretsch etc. Estate appraisals undertaken. 30 years experience. Call John Newman 250-537-9197. FOOT CARE NURSE with years of experience offering in-home visits. “Nursing Your Feet to Better Health.” 250-592-4788.

SAANICH VOLUNTEER SERVICES seeks volunteer drivers, visitors and home handymen. Start the New Year by committing to volunteer and call 250-595-8008.

Taoist Tai Chi �

WANTED: OLD POSTCARDS, stamp accumulations, and pre-1950 stamped envelopes. Also buying old coins, medals and badges. Please call Michael 250-652-9412 or email fenian@shaw.ca

DOWNSIZING? Consider our spacious apartments to make your transition easier in peaceful Oak Bay. Not assisted living, but we enjoy a dynamic community with many planned events you can join and make new friends. 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms available. 250-885-0751. COMPUTER BASICS IN YOUR HOME. Patient senior computer lady to show you e-mail, surﬁng. Hourly fee. Connect with your world. 250-516-5980.

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Improve balance, strength and ﬂexibility.

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COLLECTOR SEEKING vintage/collectable cameras, binoculars and microscopes. Nikon, Leica, Contax, Rolleiﬂex, Zeiss, Canon, etc. Mike 250-383-6456 or e-mail: msymons6456@telus.net

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HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE - Would you like a little assistance? Meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, shopping, appointments, or respite. We also hire seniors. Call 250-382-6565. HISTORIAN FOR HIRE. I can help you capture your personal or family history and genealogy, for the beneﬁt of your children and grandchildren. In Victoria, 250-477-6989.

WRITTEN A BOOK? Aldridge Street Editing can get your manuscript print-ready. Transcription - Editing - Cover Design - Book Layout. www.aldridgestreet.com Call 250-595-2376.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

$30 for 20 words or less. $1.25 per extra word. BW only. Boxed Ad - Small (2.2 x 1.2) $110. Boxed Ad - Large (2.2 x 2.4) $210. Add BW Logo - $25. Red spot color 10% extra. Plus 5% GST. All Classiﬁed ads must be paid at time of booking. Cheque/Credit Card accepted. Ph. (250)479-4705 or toll-free 1-877-479-4705. Deadline: 15th of the month. Make cheque payable to: Senior Living, 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1

Do you qualify for the Disability Tax Credit?

Let’s Paint! with Sharon March

Many people think they do not qualify, or are intimidated by the process. Some have tried and were denied by CRA due to technical errors. With a 95% success rate we can help! Our average tax reimbursements are over $5,000 and can be retroactive up to 10 years. Unless we are successful you pay nothing. We concentrate on ensuring you get what the law entitles you to. Visit us online to complete our evaluation form or for more information on the extensive list of conditions that may qualify for the disability tax credit. Call today for your free eligibility assessment!

Linda Chornobay Disability Refund Specialist (250) 514.2699 or linda@enabledfinancial.ca 550-2950 Douglas St.

www.enabledfinancial.ca Get Fi$cal About Your Disability

Where Friends Gather! Over 500 Painting Classes * Art Supplies Discover Your Artistic Talents Bring Out The Artist In You! Acrylic Painting, Ink & Oil Rouging & Oil Painting Including the Styles of Bob Ross, Sherry C. Nelson, Brenda Harris, Sharon March & many more! Specializing in Landscapes, Florals & Animals Beginner - Advanced, ages 3 & up! Group or Private Classes Available Birthday Parties & Special Occasions too!

Email: sssmarch@live.ca

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#103-721 Station Rd Tel: 250-391-0511 OCTOBER 2009 39

JANUARY 2010

Presented by:

10 am - 4 pm | Pearkes Recreation Centre 3100 Tillicum Rd., Victoria BC

A Full Day of Activity and Entertainment Exciting, Interactive Demonstrations and Displays. Meet active, enthusiastic participants over the age of 50. ��

Discover new hobbies or join a new club Enjoy a variety of entertainment all day long Over 65 exhibits by groups and individuals over the age of 50 Performance Stage 10am - 4pm dancers, musicians, singers, storytellers, etc. Over 55 exhibits by senior-focused businesses and organizations On-site antique appraisals (small items or photos only, please) Free Parking On-site Cafe

Last Chance to Book Booths If you are over the age of 50, we invite you to come share your passion and interests with others at the 50+ Active Living Celebration. We are seeking individuals over the age of 50 who are actively engaged in a special interest such as sports, ﬁtness, hobbies, crafts, art, writing, travel, learning, outdoors, collecting, volunteering, performing, etc. Applications must be submitted to the Event Planner for consideration. Selection begins January 1, so complete and send in your application as soon as possible. Application fee: $15 to share an 8’ table or $25 for a 6’ table.

Win a 7 Night Alaska Cruise for 2 Onboard the Celebrity Mercury Courtesy of:

Contact: Jill Stefanyk at McAllister Media Phone: (250)380.2299 E-mail: jill@mcallistermedia.com

SENIOR LIVING

in partnership with:

SCAM ALERT

Let ADT help you protect the things you value most.

BY ROSALIND SCOTT

Scams to Watch for in 2010

ach year the Better Business Bureau compiles a list of the scams that have most signiﬁcantly impacted consumers across British Columbia. The following is a brief summary of the top scams from the past calendar year and simple tips to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud in 2010.

Free Government Money Schemes – Consumers have reported a number of companies that promise “free” advice on how to get government grants when in reality they charge a fee for participation. TIP: Federal grant-related information is readily available for free on the Service Canada website servicecanada.gc.ca

Not So “Free” Trials – Many websites that offer a free trial for products do not disclose the billing terms and conditions or do not prominently display such details on their website. TIP: Before giving the company any credit or debit card information, review the website fully and be aware that free trials typically result in repeated billing.

Investment Opportunities – Watch for investment opportunities that appear lucrative, but often are more hype than substance. TIP: Go to the BC Securities Commission’s investright.org website for information on what to look out for when choosing to invest.

ID Theft – when someone uses your personal information to obtain loans, goods, or services and does not pay the bills. TIP: Never give out your personal information (especially your SIN, PIN, account numbers and passwords) to anyone, unless you have a personal reason to initiate a conversation in which such information is required. Home Repair Rip-Offs – Beware of “contractors” who use scare tactics to encourage you to perform unnecessary or over-priced home renovations. TIP: Do your research and comparisonshop before starting a renovation. Start with the BBB and search for a company reliability report at vi.bbb.org

Cashback Fraud – Be aware of situations in which you are sent a cheque for a sum of money and asked to return a portion via money transfer. TIP: Never wire money to a stranger. If you believe you are a victim of fraud contact phonebusters.com For a more detailed description of the top scams impacting consumers and tips to protect yourself, visit vi.bbb.org SL

If you believe you have been the target of a scam, call the Better Business Bureau Vancouver Island at 250-386-6348 in Greater Victoria or at 1-877-826-4222 elsewhere on the Island, so others can beneﬁt from your experience. E-mail info@vi.bbb.org

Get an ADT Safewatch® QuickConnect Security System, including a Keychain Remote, installed for only $199 after $50 mail-in cash back*

Call 1-877-258-6429

*Installation price you pay of $249. $50 cash back certificate will be mailed to you within 1-2 weeks after the installation purchase. To receive your $50 mail-in cash back, complete and return the original certificate to ADT Security Services Canada, Inc. with a copy of your signed ADT Residential Services Contract. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for receipt of cheque. This cash back offer is valid only with the installation of a new ADT Safewatch® QuickConnect System and customers and monitoring services contract from ADT Security Services Canada, Inc. Not valid on upgrades to existing ADT customer. Not valid on purchases from ADT Authorized Dealers. Valid only after system installation is complete. Limit one offer per new ADT customer and cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. The Safewatch® QuickConnect package includes Burglary monitoring. Two Way Voice, and Quality Service Plan (QSP) Monitored Fire protection requires additional purchase of the installation of ADT smoke or heat detection devices. Medical Alert devices are an additional installation charge. Medical Alert services not available in all markets. System to remain property of ADT. Prices subject to change. Prices may vary by market. Some insurance companies offer discounts on homeowner’s insurance, please consult your insurance company. Does not include one-time Communication Connection fee. Quality Service Plan (QSP) is ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty, 36-month monitoring agreement required from $42.99 per month, including QSP, Local permit fees may be required. Satisfactory credit history required. Additional monitoring fees required for some services. Offer subject to change. Photos are for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect the exact product/service actually provided. RBQ 3019-4070-50 © 2009 ADT Security Services Canada, Inc. ADT, the ADT logo, ADT Always There and Safewatch are registered trademarks of ADT Services, AG, and are used under license.

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250-478-1128 www.car-corral.com

JANUARY JANUARY2010 2010

STITCHED TOGETHER

SENIOR LIVING

knitting and knitting with beads. Their own day trips have taken them to Salt Spring and Gabriola Islands and retreats to Yellow Point and Kiwi Lodge. A “knit out,” a gathering of knitters and markets related to knitting, is held outdoors every June at the Saxe Point grassy area. Having knitted socks and mitts for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Mavis Butlin knitted a doll for each of her 12 greatgrandchildren. One of her dolls, Pat Sembaliuk,Val Kolsun and Mary Kozicki a sort of Mascot for the Guild, won ﬁrst prize in the “over-80” categoKnitters Guild quarterly publication. As well as hosting other knitters, ry at the Saanich fair this year. Now, she including a group on a Vogue knitting says, “I knit a few hats for Afghanistan. Cruise to Alaska, the guild has hired Otherwise, I usually just chat at the teachers and well-known designers and meetings.” An Air Radio mechanic in the British held one daylong workshop on mosaic Photo: Vernice Shostal

he Victoria Knitting Guild, a non-proﬁt organization with a current membership of 94, elected its ofﬁcial executive and adopted a constitution in 2003. The seed was planted when two knitters, Amy Ayres and Mary Byrne, knitting in the bleachers while watching their children play tennis, became friends. Together with a small group of knitting companions from a local yarn shop, they began meeting regularly on Newport Street, charged $10 for membership and called themselves the Newport Knitters. The group expanded until it became the current Victoria Knitters Guild and has proudly featured knitters on the local Go Show and Knit Together, a Canadian

BY VERNICE SHOSTAL

Fleet Air Arm, Mavis tested and fixed radio and radar for various aircraft in England. She came to Canada as a war bride in 1946 and lived in Ontario and Quebec, where she took a Red Cross Water Safety Course and taught swimming to children, adults and seniors. “At one time, about 40 years ago,” she says, “I taught Jean Chrétien’s wife to swim.” Six years ago, Mavis moved to Victoria. A perennial athlete, Mavis says that tennis is her greatest joy. “I play several times a week.” Guild President Marjory MacDuff, whose Grade 1 teacher taught her to knit, joined the guild five years ago. Having retired from a nursing career in psychiatry, Marjory was introduced to the guild through a friend. “During the years I worked as a night nurse, it seemed most nurses knit,” she says. “We were always sharing ideas and patterns.” She joined the Guild to learn new techniques. Growing up in Alberta on a farm that her father homesteaded in 1906, Marjory went to the school built on a piece of land her father donated for the purpose. The school, which housed Grades 1 to 9, had an average population of 13. “It was not difficult for me to be the top of my class,” says Marjory, who was the only one in her grade. Marjory obtained her RN from University Hospital in Edmonton. In 1961, she married and moved to Victoria and got a job at Royal Jubilee Hospital, where she worked for over 40 years. Joyce Marshall knits one-of-a-kind, special hats with an intricate interlace pattern, a knitting technique that produces a woven appearance – tiers of tilting blocks appear to run over and under each other, but are worked in one piece to create an interwoven look in a variety of textures and colours. Proceeds from the sale of these hats go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation for the benefit of African Grandmothers and the children they are caring for. Returning to knitting after a long hiatus, former teacher Barb Beukema learned about the Guild through an online group sponsored by Knitter’s Mag-

azine. She began knitting in 1961. Her ﬁrst project was a little white tie-on hat, which she learned to knit from a classmate at Kalamazoo College. The next item was a pair of garter-stitch slippers in pink acrylic followed by a pair of argyle socks for the man who became her husband two years later. “These days, I am knitting multicoloured hats for local charities,” says Barb. Over the years, she has knitted wool socks for children in Afghanistan and babies and toddlers in Russia. “One

of the things I enjoy about the Guild is that a number of us are knitting for various charities. Members are invited to participate in this knitting. Some do, some don’t, and that’s okay.” After Toronto and Barbados, where she taught for two years, Barb and her family chose Victoria as their home, and Barb continued her career as an educator in learning assistance and teacherlibrarian at South Park Family School for 16 years, a school her daughters also attended.

We know you have questions. We want to answer them! (250)-727-9191 PHILIP BISSET-COVANEIRO B.Sc Economics philip.bisset-covaneiro@investorsgroup.com

CHARLES (CHUCK) PALMER, consultant chuck.palmer@invstorsgroup.com

Call us, email us, or reach us through Senior Living’s Ask a Pro. We’ll give you answers.

www.seniorlivingmag.com

™Trademarks owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. MP1106 (12/2007)

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Brenda Ellis Certiﬁed Senior Advisor

JANUARY 2010

The Cost of a Leaking Toilet Did you know that a leaking toilet can cost you up to $355 per year?

High volume water leaks often come from toilets. They are hard to detect and are usually caused by worn or misaligned parts. A toilet that continues to run after ﬂushing could be wasting 20-40 litres per hour if not repaired. That’s 175,000 to 350,000 litres per year, enough water to ﬁll a swimming pool. Check your toilet annually for leaks. Free, easy-to-use leak detector tablets are available from CRD Water Services. 250.474.9684 www.crd.bc.ca/water

BC N IO EDIT

Barb hosts the at-home gathering of knitters two or three times a year. This year’s editor of the Guild newsletter, Barb enjoys being part of a supportive group with similar interests. Besides a weekly social event and knitting for themselves, the Guild knits for charities such as Afghans for Afghanistan (done in pure wool to very specific standards); baby hats for the newborn at Victoria General nursery, knitted mainly by Brenda Ferguson; and baby hats and sweaters, knitted by Sylvia Hatfield for Canada Comfort, a compassionate warehouse that ships material resources to developing countries from Victoria. Other charities include Blankets for Canada, scarves for Children at Christmas at Queen Alexandra, hats for Extreme Outreach, which works with children aged three to 18, and slippers for Cancer House Victoria, knitted by Janet Harper. The Victoria Knitting Guild meets every week with a short break after their potluck Christmas dinner. Members turn up regularly to knit, show off their projects and share their knowledge with less experienced members. The group meets at Saint Aidan’s every first and third Wednesday of the month and at members’ homes the other Wednesdays. Their annual SL fee is $20. For further information about the Victoria Knitting Guild, or to join, call Membership Co-ordinator Elizabeth Henry at 250-477-4231.

A Helpful Guide for Seniors Considering Their Residential Options

To Move or Not to Move?

Published by Senior Living January 2009

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ONLY

9.95

If you are a senior who has been wondering lately whether you should consider moving - either because you find the maintenance of your current home more difficult due to diminishing ability or energy, or you simply want a lifestyle that allows you more freedom and less responsibility - then this is the book that can help you ask the right questions and find the solution that is right for you. A handy reference guide for seniors and their families wrestling with the issues around whether relocation is the best option. This 128-page book provides helpful, easy to read information and suggestions to help seniors and their families understand the decisions they need to make.

Books may be also purchased at these Island locations: (Please call ﬁrst to conﬁrm availability)

ORDER FORM - “To Move” Name______________________________Address _______________________________ ___ BOOKS @ $14.60 each (includes $3.95 S&H plus 5% GST) = TOTAL $____________

___ Cheque (payable to Senior Living) ___ CREDIT CARD # _________________________________ Expiry ___________ Name on Card ____________________________________

Mail to: Senior Living 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1 28

SENIOR LIVING

Please allow 2 weeks for delivery

City______________ Prov ___ Postal Code____________Phone ____________________

• Falconer Books, Nanaimo (250-754-6111) • Home Instead, Victoria (250-382-6565) • Medichair, Victoria (250-384-8000) • Medichair, Nanaimo (250-756-9875) • Medichair, Duncan (250-709-9939) • Munro’s Books, Victoria (250-382-2464) • Pharmasave Campbell River ((250-287-3222) • Pharmasave Comox (250-339-4563) • Pharmasave Cook St (250-386-6171) • Pharmasave Duncan (250-748-5252) • Pharmasave Esquimalt (250-388-6451) • Pharmasave Hillside Ave (250-595-8106) • Pharmasave James Bay (250-383-7196) • Pharmasave Ladysmith (250-245-3113) • Pharmasave Quallicum (250-752-3011) • Pharmasave Sidney (250-656-1348) • Pharmasave Tuscany Village (250-477-2225) • Pharmasave View Royal (250-881-8887) • Pharmasave Westhill Centre Nanaimo (250-740-3880) • Tanner’s Books, Sidney (250-656-2345) • Volume One Books, Duncan (250-748-1533)

Photo: Jason van der Valk

ASK Goldie BY GOLDIE CARLOW, M.ED

Dear Goldie: I hesitate to take issue with you, but feel your November column does not respond adequately to O.L.’s problem when a previous fiancé meets her again many years later and wishes to renew their relationship. Granted, O.L. was jilted, but wars do impact people’s lives, especially those facing danger and loneliness far from home. They can result in heartbreak and more. Granted, too, that she has neither forgotten nor forgiven but, since she enjoyed his company, I question why the possibility of rapprochement and other options was not considered before suggesting alternative ways to deal with loneliness and a possible new relationship. The problem is far too complex to be resolved without more information (was there contrition? The whys and hows of the divorce, what sort of life had he led since then? Even what is meant by relationship – it is not necessarily marriage, and exploration of O.L.’s current life). Perhaps this is the difficulty in a brief column. –D.H. Dear D.H. Your last paragraph hits the nail on the head. It is impossible to indicate resolution to a difficult problem in a confined space. Occasionally, problems can only be dealt with in a clinical counselling session, as I have stated in previous columns. I do have to condense my answers. However, when problems are multiple and serious, I reflect on them from various viewpoints before replying. In this particular case, I contacted the client, and I assure you all possibilities you mention were explored. As you state, my “November col-

umn does not respond adequately” and perhaps this was not a suitable topic for condensation. Thank you for expressing your concern. I will keep it in mind. Dear Goldie: I read with interest the letter in the October 2009 issues of the Senior Living magazine from W.S. expressing concerns about the issue of dividing “non-titled” property, a dilemma shared by many seniors. Several years ago, when I retired and researched the same issue, I sourced some research and writings from a cross-section of authors. I ended up putting together a short workshop that I have offered several times at places where seniors gather. The workshop is a discussion stimulated by an excellent practical workbook, which I found in the U.S. and which can be used in a selfguided process. I have an extra copy that I can send to W.S. ($20 postage included – the manual retails for $12.50 US, plus postage of $6.50 US). If it is not useful to her, I will gladly buy it back. One of the authors of the manual writes: “Almost everyone has personal belongings such as wedding photographs, a baseball glove, a pie plate, a clock or jewelry that contain meaning for them and for other members of their family. What we’ve learned by listening to families and attorneys is that often the non-titled property is what creates the greatest challenges for families when estates are divided – not the money. When doing real estate planning, families too often talk about the house or the investments; but they forget to plan ahead or discuss personal possessions.” One of the examples given was: “Just before Anna Krueger was about to enter a nursing home at the age of 85,

she held a family gathering to discuss who should gather personal belongings. With each of her four children gathered, Anna shared family history and stories that went with the important possessions in her life, wishes were expressed, and decisions made. When Anna died six months later, her children not only held onto her possessions, but they also cherished the stories of her life. By making inheritance decisions ahead of time (about non-titled possessions), Anna also prevented disagreements about who should receive what items.” I hope this is helpful. –A.G. Dear A.G. Thank you for the information regarding the manual workshop for seniors who are involved with dividing non-titled personal property. This certainly is a troublesome issue, especially in large families. It is truly amazing to discover what some descendants deem valuable when grandparents or greatgrandparents die. I am quite sure some senior groups wishing to hold a workshop for their members will contact you. Their volunteers are asked to help elderly clients with these concerns and this manual could prevent many headaches and even SL lasting feuds in their families. SENIOR PEER COUNSELLING CENTRES Victoria 250-382-4331 Duncan 250-748-2133 Nanaimo 250-754-3331 Sidney 250-656-5537 Courtenay/Comox 250-334-9917 Salt Spring Island 250-537-4607 Port Hardy 250-949-5110

Goldie Carlow is a retired registered nurse, clinical counsellor and senior peer counselling trainer. JANUARY 2010

RESOURCE DIRECTORY RESOURCE DIRECTORY RESOURCE DIRECTORY RESOURCE DIRECTORY RESOURCE DIRECTORY RESOURCE DIRECTORY RESOURCE DIRECTORY

RESOURCE DIRECTORY A concise reference guide of services and products offered by businesses and organizations on Vancouver Island

Live safely and independently in your own home

Low Overhead Prices from the Island’s only Mobile Showroom

www.bclifeline.com

• Service all makes and models • Sales of new and used scooters, powerchairs and walkers • Free in-home demonstration • Road-side assistance • Free service loaners • Financing • Processing secondary insurance claims • Safety orientation seminars

Contact the program nearest you. Victoria Lifeline 1-888-832-6073 Eldersafe Support Services 1-866-457-8987

South Vancouver Island and Ladysmith

Nanaimo Lifeline Program (250)739-5770 or (250)947-8213 Mid Island, Cassidy to Bowser

Comox Valley Lifeline Society 1-866-205-6160 North Island, Cowichan Valley and Chemainus/Crofton

250-812-0400

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Monthly rent from $2600 (includes all meals). Laundry, housekeeping, hairdresser, transportation to appointments, bathing, personal care & medications. 24hr RCA on site. Beautiful grounds near Hospital. Family environment. • ECONOMICAL • 12-MONTH EXPOSURE • TO LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN THIS DIRECTORY, CALL 250-479-4705

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Compression stockings, diabetic socks, fashionable canes, Dr. Comfort diabetic/orthopaedic shoes, an excellent book selection, & full prescription services.

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EAVES, 81 YOGA SINCE 1973

SAVING LIVES

BY TIFFANY AUVINEN

long-time volunteer of the tion centres,” she says. Getting involved, volunteering and Heart Stroke Foundation in Victoria, Helen Lee enjoys keeping busy doing activities she engiving back to the organization. Helen’s joys also adds to Helen’s balanced life. father died of a heart attack. Her late “I am very fortunate that I do have good Volunteer husband suffered for many years with health and am able to do these things,” Helen Lee heart disease and passed away three she says. “Volunteering at the Heart and and a half years ago after triple bypass Stroke Foundation has been a very reGet Medical surgery. His entire family had a history warding experience for me. The staff Treatment Q uickly of heart disease. In addition, Helen’s are efficient, capable, and fun to work Learn to reco gn ize the signs mother passed away after suffering a with, and genuinely appreciative for of a heart attack, in order to react any tasks that I perform. I look forward stroke. qu ickly to save a life: In fact, one in three people will die to my four-hour shift each week.” • Pain The Heart and Stroke Foundation, from a heart-related disease, and only • Nausea/indige one in eight women realize it’s their a volunteer-based organization, leads stion/vomiting • Sweating/coo l, clammy skin biggest health risk. Profoundly im- in eliminating heart disease and stroke • Fear/anxiety/d pacted, Helen is aware of the astound- and reducing their impact through the enial advancement of research and its appliing heart facts. If you experien ce any of these “I feel that through the efforts of cation; the promotion of healthy living, signs: • Call 9-1-1. the Heart and Stroke Foundation, great and advocacy. • Stop all ac tivity and sit According to the Heart and Stroke strides are being made in the form of or lie down. research,” she says. “Many of my fam- Foundation, every seven minutes some• If you take ni troglycerin, take ily members, in-laws included, would one dies from heart disease and stroke your normal dosage . probably be alive today with all the ad- in Canada. Now, more than ever, the • If you are ex periencing ches vances that have been made as�� a result Heart and Stroke Foundation needs volt pain, chew and swal low one adult SL ARTHERITIS CHRONIC unteers.BACK PAIN FIBROMYALGIA of this research. Regular exercise and 32 5 mg ASA tablet (A spirin) or two activity, companied with a healthy diet �� 80 mg tablets. Acetam inophen (e.g. Ty can promote a healthier, stroke-free For HORMONES more information about volunBLOOD lifePRESSURE WEIGHT lenol) or ibuprofen (e .g.Advil) do no style for [everybody].” teering, visit www.heartandstroke.ca/ t work the same way an d will not help As part of her active lifestyle, HELP in the emergency desc ribed above. The Heart and Stroke Foundation Helen enjoys playing golf three to • Rest comfort ably and wait fo four times per week during the peak is a leader in setting the standards for ambu r the lance to arrive . season. “I love to walk and, over the CPR techniques and instruction. To find past years, I have taken part in stretch out about local courses, call 1-888-473and strength programs at local recrea- 4636 or the local office.

Photo: Barbara Haley

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

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�� JANUARY 2010

Reﬂections THEN & NOW ARM-A-JELLO

f anyone should happen to ﬁnd some loose arm muscles lying about, I’d appreciate it if you would pick them up and put them in a safe place. They’re mine! I’m sure I had them yesterday (or maybe it was the day before!). But when I woke up this morning, someone – without so much as an “If you please” had put “arm-a-jello” in their place. I don’t know who coined the term arm-a-jello, but they know what I’m talking about. Where my biceps (I call them arm muscles) used to bulge, they now jiggle like a bowl full of jelly. I mean, what’s the world coming to? Go to bed feeling like Charles Atlas or Sylvester Stallone, and then wake up feeling and looking like George Burns on his 100th birthday! Something strange is afoot. Someone said, “It comes with years.” What comes with years? Sadistic thieves? They have no right to take away my yesterday and disrupt my tomorrow. What nerve! It’s too bad there isn’t a law against years. They’ve been getting away with this nonsense far too long. They’re okay for the ﬁrst half-century, but then they seem to lose control. They draw lines on your face when you’re asleep. Wrinkle your lower arms

and paint ugly spots on your hands that even lemon won’t take off! And, of course, steal your muscles and leave arm-a-jello to infuriate and frustrate. What is it they used to say about the progression of years? “Some bring cheers, some bring fears, some bring tears, followed by leers and then comes sneers.” I’m right in the middle of leers and sneers! It’s bad enough when one’s chin starts to grow other chins. And one’s second stomach overlaps the original. But when your upper arms on the underside start waving like ﬂags in a gentle breeze, that’s just a bit too much to take! I remember when the theft occurred in my Mom and Dad’s lives. Even friends before and now are going through the same thing. I wonder if there’s a lost-and-found for missing muscles and taut skin. If not, there should be. But I refuse to quit or surrender! I still wear runners though I can no longer run. And sneakers though I’m now too tired to sneak. I even wear a windbreaker when there is no wind and continue to belong to the human race even though my racing days are over! No sir! I’m not used up yet!

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BY GIPP FORSTER

But at the rate those outlaw years keep stealing from me, I wonder about tomorrow. If years steal away any more “parts,” I may not be able to part-icipate! Get it? “Part”-icipate. At least they haven’t stolen my sense of humour! My wife just advised me to check again. “Corn,” she says, is not humour. (How did corn get into this?) She’s a strange woman, but I love her! Corn? I’m starting to fear sleep – I never know what will be missing or traded come morning. But at least I don’t have to wear Coke-bottle glasses to see, although I still need glasses. I own my own teeth (I should, I paid a fortune for the plate!). I can still drive, as long as it’s not at night. And I can still dance, as long as I’m sitting down. But I’m upset that my arm muscles are missing and arm-a-jello keeps jiggling around with me wherever I go! Until I get my arm muscles back, I guess I’ll wear long-sleeved shirts and sweaters – even in the summer so as not to advertise the theft of years. But all of you over 50, be warned! The thieves are out there and when you least expect it, they will pounce! Go to bed one night; wake up the next morning with your arm muscles missing. The time bandits leave arm-a-jello where youth used to be. Ah yes! I reSL member it well.

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