May 2007 Senior Living Magazine Island Edition by INSPIRED 55+ Lifestyle Magazine

May 2007

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

Vancouver Island Woodturners The Power of Personal Story COVER_ISLAND_MAYJUN07.indd 11

Preparing for

BC Senior Games

4/23/2007 8:41:50 PM

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CELEBRATING SENIORS IN OUR COMMUNITY MAY 2007

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! COVER PHOTO: Peter Denby is a member of the Oak Bay Old Boys soccer team, who are gearing up for BC Senior Games 2007 in Nanaimo. Read more about the Games on page 6. Photo: Laura Leyshon Publisher Barbara Risto Editor Bobbie Jo Sheriff Contributors Norman K. Archer, Carol Baird-Krul, Bernard Brown, Joan Butler Gilbert, Goldie Carlow, Sandra Dyer, Peggy Folkes, Judee Fong, Gipp Forster, Nellie Gough, Janice Hall, Alan Howardson, Louise Latremouille, Laura Leyshon, Mayo McDonough, Tracy Merkley, Starr Munro, Pat Nichol, Mathieu Powell, Kathy Reilly, Maggie Ridler, Bobbie Jo Sheriff, Vernice Shostal, Barbara Small, Peter J. Smith, Winifred C. Smith, Bruce Whittington Design Barbara Risto, Bobbie Jo Sheriff Proofreader Allyson Mantle Advertising Manager Barry Risto For advertising information, call 479-4705 Ad Sales Staff IMG Innovative Media Group (Victoria) Mathieu Powell 250-704-6288 John Dubay 250-294-9700 Ann Lester (Nanaimo) 250-390-1805 Barry Risto (Vancouver) 250-479-4705 Glynn Currie (Nanaimo) 250-327-8005 Distribution Ron Bannerman, Jim Gahr, Bob O’Neill, Ron Peck, Lorraine Rhode, Barry Risto, Betty Risto, Ted Sheaff, Mark Stratford, Tanya Turner Contact Information Senior Living, 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave.,Victoria BC V8T 2C1 Phone 250-479-4705 Fax 250-479-4808

FEATURES 2 Stitched with Love

The Qualicum Arrowsmith Needle Arts Guild do wonders with a needle and thread.

6 Calling All Volunteers

Nanaimo residents get organized to host the 2007 BC Senior Games this summer.

8 Samoyed Knits and One Happy Pig

A Duel to the Death

38 TASTY TRADITIONS Fond memories and heritage recipes

46 AUTHOR Norman K. Archer

Columns 4 The Family Caregiver

12 Alaska’s Wild Side

26 Ask Goldie

Barbara Small Goldie Carlow

Cruise passengers take in more than an all-you-can-eat buffet in the chilly north.

28 Scam Alert

14 Unlocking Nature’s Secrets

36 Courageous & Outrageous

Vancouver Island’s woodturners find beauty in a chunk of wood.

18 A Sentinel’s Story

Mayo McDonough

Pat Nichol

37 Fit for the Adventure Carol Baird-Krul

48 Reflections:Then and Now Royal British Columbia Museum capGipp Forster tures history in its exhibits and its people.

20 Hidden Treasure

Like many Vancouver Islanders, Kay Corbett works hard to get her garden back in shape after a tough winter.

24 The Power of Personal Story

Web site www.seniorlivingmag.com Subscriptions $32 (includes GST) for 10 issues. Canadian residents only.

30 Senior Living Character

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 (10 issues per year), the Housing Guide (January & July) and Senior Living Vancouver & Lower Mainland (6 issues per year). ISSN 1710-3584 (Print) ISSN 1911-6403 (Online)

10 VICTORIA’S PAST REVISITED

Profile of multi-talented artist Effie Cunningham.

Christopher Bowers facilitates workshops, where participants learn from the experience of others.

E-mail (General) office@seniorlivingmag.com (Editorial) editor@seniorlivingmag.com

Departments

and nd... Home Support Directory 34 Crossword 39 Classifieds 40 Events 44

Lucille McRae lead a life of adventure and continues to challenge herself.

32 Recipe for Balance

Luella Morton mixes making connections with trying new things for a healthy, fulfilling life. MAY 2007

Stitched with Love BY VERNICE SHOSTAL

Photo: Peter J. Smith

etired nurse and vice“A lot of us are discriminatory in ‘60s she’s been interested in Brazilian president of the Qualicum what we stitch because we’ve run out needlework. She couldn’t get informaArrowsmith Needle Arts of wall space. Our families all have tion anywhere until she saw an ArrowGuild, Wendy Burns, a five-year mem- pieces to commemorate the birth of a smith display at an Art in Action day ber who has done needlework since she child, weddings and special events in at TOSH in Qualicum Beach. There, was a little girl, says there are about 20 their lives.” as part of the display, was a sample of different types of embroidery. A Guild The Guild also stitches Christmas Brazilian needlework with its brightly wall hanging, loom woven with sur- decorations. One of their projects is coloured rayon threads. face embroidery and views of the area stitching Christmas decorations for “I immediately asked who did it and done in needlepoint, is displayed at the the Festival of Trees, held at The Old where I could get in touch with her,” Qualicum Beach Civic Censays Iris. The guild member tre, where the group usually at the display table said the meets. group wouldn’t meet until The Arrowsmith Guild, a September, but Iris couldn’t name adopted from the local wait. She contacted the Mt. Arrowsmith, got its beBrazilian needlework artist ginnings when a needlework and, together, they ordered store opened in Qualicum the tapes, patterns, round Beach. Pat Weatherley, the thread and other material store’s owner, put up a sign Iris needed. She was ready that announced her willingto go when the Guild met in ness to teach cross-stitch. September. A group of 15 women Showing off the crossturned up for a lesson and stitch she’s working on, Iris with the help of the North says, “It’s almost like neeVancouver Guild, the Ardlepoint because it’s done rowsmith Needle Arts Guild, on 28-count fabric, which a branch of the Embroiders means there are 28 holes, Association of Canada, was or 28 threads per inch. This established in 1992. is worked over one or two Since Arrowsmith’s incepholes with one thread, so it’s tion, instructors have come very fine cross-stitch.” to Qualicum to teach variMaureen Robertson, an ous embroidery techniques: eight-year member, says her hardanger, canvas and paper grandmother, who earned embroidery to name a few. her living with a needle, “Anything you can do taught her to embroider Wendy Burns stands before a Guild wall hanging at the with a needle, we’ll try to when she was a little girl. Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. learn,” says Wendy, who “Mostly surface embroilearned to embroider on tea towels School House (TOSH), a local gallery dery as they call it now,” she says. many years ago. “That was big in and centre for the arts. For the past two When Maureen came to Qualicum, those days. Mama got you a set of tea years, the embroiderers have also sent a friend encouraged her to join Arrowtowels with the old-fashioned ‘iron on’ Christmas decorations to The Gardens, smith, where she could get any kind of stamps. Threads came from my aunts a new seniors’ residence in Qualicum embroidery instruction. who did big cross-stitch projects and Beach. “So that’s what I’ve been doing, gave us their left over threads.” Arrowsmith member, Iris Page, who getting instructions ever since,” says A love of stitching and the desire to moved to Qualicum Beach from Mon- Maureen, who has done hardanger, learn new techniques prompted Wendy treal in 1980, says she joined the Nee- bargello, fancy Florentine, canvas to join the Arrowsmith Guild. dle Arts Guild because since the late work and cross-stitch. 22

SENIOR SENIORLIVING LIVING

Currently, Maureen works on a piece of bargello, which she can turn into a glass case, or a small purse. Other uses for bargello are cushion fronts or decorative panels on tote bags. To celebrate their 15th anniversary this fall, members of the Arrowsmith Needle Arts Guild, are putting together an album of samples of embroidery techniques they will display at various public functions. Arrowsmith boasts 91 members. The annual membership fee is $45, of which $35 goes to the national group. In return, the guild receives any support they need and members receive a quarterly magazine, Embroidery Canada. The Embroiders Association stretches from coast to coast with 24 guilds in Western Canada and several on the Island. SL

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MAY 2007

THE FAMILY CAREGIVER

Creating Wellness and a Balanced Life

ecently, I interviewed Dr. Lara Lauzon, a professor at UVic whose research focuses on wellness. Lara, once the host of the local health and fitness show Body Moves, will be FCNS’s keynote speaker launching Family Caregiver Week on May 12. She will share practical tips with family caregivers on creating wellness in their lives while they care for others. Lara suggests creating a wellness plan that fits an individual’s lifestyle and interests. With an extensive fitness background, Lara uses physical activity as a baseline for her well-being. “If I am Dr. Lara Lauzon not active on a regular basis, I get grumpy,” she says. We all have at least one activity that makes us well and energizes us. Involvement in it motivates us to take care of ourselves in other ways. When we don’t have time to do a lot to keep us well, making time for this one thing can impact all areas of our lives. We become a better mother, son, wife, husband or caregiver. For some people, it will be physical exercise, for others, gardening, music, reading or painting. What makes you well? Well-being also includes connecting with others, asking for help and sharing the care. Lara was raised to be independent, so she had to learn that “you don’t always have to do everything yourself. Working with others can help you stay well. If you are so independent you’re trying to do everything on your own, you can easily burn out.” Growing up with parents who made volunteer work a large part of their lives, Lara learned to care for others, but not about self-care. After studying wellness, she realized if

BY BARBARA SMALL

people don’t take care of themselves first, it becomes difficult to take care of others. Without self-care, the mind and body become drained and the caregiver ends up becoming someone who needs to be cared for. Some people struggle for a long time, being ineffective and feeling guilty, while pretending everything is OK. Constant self-care along the way is a better plan for living well than attempting a crash course in wellness when it may be too late. Wellness does not mean you won’t ever feel stress or fatigue. Most people don’t exercise and eat healthy every day, but staying well is about embracing wellness as a lifestyle. Life will always have peaks and valleys. For family caregivers, staying well is especially important because caregiving involves so many unknowns. Getting off track is easy, but getting back on track can simply involve spending a small amount of time on the one activity that makes you well. For more tips on creating wellness in your life, join other caregivers for lunch and Lara’s presentation, “For the WELLth of it,” on May 12. Contact the Family Caregivers’ Network at 384-0408 or visit our website at www.fcns-caregiving.org for more information. FCNS’s new Caregiver Wellness Booklet will also be available at this event. SL Next month: Palliative Care Barbara Small is Program Development Coordinator for Family Caregivers’ Network Society.

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Calling All Volunteers! BY KATHY REILLY

Photo: Laura Leyshon

he City of Nanaimo is host to the BC Senior tant. With her at the helm, the 2007 Games will be a success Games 2007 and a stellar group of individuals has for the athletes, the volunteers, the spectators and the city of been recruited for Nanaimo. the organizing committee. At The Games require 1,200 the opening reception of the to 1,500 volunteers, says Games Office, the excitement Anne Smith, chair of the was palpable. volunteer committee. ApThe BC Senior Games Soproximately 200 people ciety was organized in 1987 have signed up so far. Volwith the assistance of the unteers are retired men and Recreation and Sports Branch women, people still in the of the Ministry of Municipal workforce and students. Affairs of British Columbia. “If you know how to The Society’s mandate is to make a sandwich, how to promote active participation stand guard, or have good in sport and recreation for people skills, that is all that B.C. residents, 55 years and may be required for some of over, in both active and pasthe positions,” says Anne. sive events, including contract People with physical chalbridge, floor curling, badminlenges are welcome, too, as ton, tennis, five pin bowling they will be assigned posiand horseshoes. tions that consider their limPresident Diana Johnstone’s itations. personality goes beyond charSome positions require ismatic. Her genuine smile is special skills like medical magnetic and people want to people to work the first aid work with her. Di has been stations, photographers to involved in previous Sumrecord the events and people mer Games, the Port Theatre, with computer knowledge Tourism Nanaimo and countfor registration and recordless volunteer projects. She ing results. As athletes around the province prepare for competibrings fun and excitement into The team of directors intion, BC Senior Games organizers in Nanaimo gear up every event. Di also knows cludes retired school princifor an exciting and rewarding event. Above, Oak Bay Old how to delegate and make her pals, retired B.C. Hydro and Boys soccer team members (l-r) Peter Denby, Howie team feel needed and imporTelus employees, former Anderson, Steve Hambelton.

SENIOR LIVING

city councillors and people involved in tourism for many years. Some chairpeople are from communities outside Nanaimo, like co-chairs of the Floor Curlers Committee Ed Peacock and Barb Ross from Bowser. Barb and her husband, Charles, started the Lighthouse Floor Curlers in Bowser. “I like to volunteer because it is so much fun,” says Barb. “You get to meet people from all over the province. My kids say I am the busiest retiree they know.” Young people are encouraged to get involved and the Nanaimo Youth Services has already signed up. With the current emphasis on lifelong fitness and the concern for increased obesity in children and teens, the Games can be a great learning opportunity. “We would really like to have the young people see the seniors compete,” says Anne Smith. “They may only be 15 years old now, but when they see 85 year olds compete, it will raise their awareness of being physically fit.”

Eveline O’Rourke, another moving force in many Nanaimo events, has volunteered for the Senior Games before, but this year will be her first as a director. She doesn’t believe any healthy adult is “too old” to volunteer or compete in the Games. “Our oldest competitor is a badminton player who is 92.” Susan Carlson represents Friends of the Games, the fundraising committee. She has been Executive Director of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce and many charities, including the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society. Sue’s co-chair is Marilyn Sullivan, who has worked tirelessly for the Chamber and other local events. While the Games do receive some government funding, additional monies are required from corporate sponsorships and donations. With 3,000 athletes, 500 coaches and their families

participating in the games, the infusion of cash into the economy is expected to top $2 million. In the past, Nanaimo businesses have proven that giving back to the community contributes to their business’ success and personal fulfillment. Excitement surrounds the upcoming BC Seniors Games in Nanaimo. And Nanaimo citizens have proven they can pull together as a team. Volunteering is a great way to get to know the community. Don’t wait. Pick up the phone and call the Games Office at 755-2007. Volunteers are warmly welcomed and can feel satisfaction and pride as a key participant in the SL community. For more information, visit the Nanaimo 2007 BC Seniors Games Office at #118-575 Fitzwilliam St., Nanaimo, phone 250-755-2007 or go to www.bcseniorsgames.org Next Event: Torch Lighting Ceremony June 3, Maffeo Sutton Park

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SENIOR LIVING

BY JUDEE FONG

fur when I can collect enough to spin.” Using commercial dyes suitable for her dog’s wool, Effie has an artist’s eye for mixing colours and patterns as she knits: broad bands, thin stripes, geometric shapes all blend in a pleasing visual effect. This artistic and creative ability has always been a part of her. Effie recalls ending her shift as a head nurse at West Vancouver’s Shaughnessy Hospital and bussing into downtown Vancouver to her second job, working for the best hat designer in the city. “Hats were a big thing with ladies in the 1950s. This was the dress-up era and everyone wore a hat. We made fabulous hats decorated with flowers, laces, ribbons and veils, which were custom-made right on someone’s head. There was a hat for coffee parties, a different hat for lunch and another one for tea parties. My favourite hat was the cocktail hat, because you could go crazy over the creation of a cocktail hat.” Lamenting the wearing of hats as a lost tradition, Effie sighs. “What put the hat business out were the big “beehive” hairdos that were such a rage in the ’60s.” Effie, which is a shortened version of her Scottish family name of Euphemia, recalls with a smile her third job working for a florist making arrangements on various holidays. “I was doing my nursing, the hat making and then the flowers on special holidays. It was hectic, but I was a lot younger then!” In 1973, Effie and her late husband William moved to Victoria where they bought a house on an acre of land. There, they raised their family and grew such a bountiful garden Effie never had to go to the store to buy vegetables. Today, Effie’s passion for flowers fills that acre of land. “Bill was sailing in the Victoria to Maui race one year. He said to me, ‘Would you like to meet me over there?’ And I said, ‘Not especially.’ So he said, ‘I know you want a greenhouse. How about a greenhouse or a trip to Maui?’ Now, I look out at my greenhouse and say, ‘That’s Maui!’ I just love my greenhouse. I can start all my seeds in February and transplant them outside when they’re ready.” Photos: Judee Fon g

legantly casual in her colourful Samoyed fur and wool knitted sweater, Effie Cunningham beams a warm welcome and ushers her visitor through the obstacle course of Finnegan and Briquette, her two miniature poodles. “I had heard that the underlying fur brushed from dogs like Samoyeds, Keeshounds and other big northern dogs could be spun,” says Effie. “I thought it’d be fun to try spinning and knitting with it, so I found a breeder who raised Samoyeds and she started me off.” The fine fur, found closest to the animal’s skin, keeps these northern dogs warm in the winter. In the spring and summer, it has to be brushed out to cool the dogs down. Saved until there is enough to spin into thin strands of delicate wool, it is then knitted with a thicker strand of pure sheep’s wool for strength. “I gave away the last of my mohair as I found them coarser,” says Effie, who now only wears Samoyed fur and wool, for its warmth and comfort. “I tried knitting with angora but they tend to flatten out after a bit. My favourite is still the Samoyed

When the garden is in full bloom, this energetic senior has no time for knitting or spinning. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busy filling her roadside stand with colourful bouquets from her garden. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love my â&#x20AC;&#x153;walk aboutâ&#x20AC;? in the morning, enjoying my garden. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an especially nice start to the day and leaves you with a wonderful feeling for the day ahead.â&#x20AC;? This year, however, after the heavy winter storms and constant rainfall, Effie admits it will be a challenge to bring the garden back to its fields of colourful blooms by summer. The view from Effieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back porch is a painterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream: rolling hills of lush farmland, a winding road and a few farm animals in the distance. In her sunny backroom, Effie displays some of her paintings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I first started, I told everyone I never have to go off Mt. Newton X-Road for thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a â&#x20AC;&#x153;paintingâ&#x20AC;? every two feet. Everything Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve painted is just in the valley here.â&#x20AC;? Enthusiastically, she continues, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I started oil painting when we first moved here in 1973. Two years later, I began teaching it. I still teach oil painting in Sidney; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fun thing that I enjoy.â&#x20AC;? Propped against a chair, Effie points to a painting of a happily dreaming pig. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve painted lots of sheep and for some reason, I decided to paint this pig â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I liked that look on his face!â&#x20AC;? With a natural affinity for people and zest for life, Effie Cunningham is a multi-medium artist who relishes every moSL ment with enjoyment, gusto and humour.

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VICTORIA’S Past REVISITED T he nine-day sea voyage from San Francisco to Victoria by the Sierra Leone in July 1858, proved to be an unusually eventful one. Firstly, the ship was notoriously overloaded with 1,200 gold-hungry passengers – many who, unable to get a bunk, had to sleep on the open decks. Secondly, the ship encountered heavy weather, not anticipated at that time of year, resulting in violent seasickness for most of the passengers. The water was bad, sanitation virtually non-existent and the stench unbearable. Thirdly, an altercation took place between two men culminating in Victoria’s first and last duel to the death. George Sloane, a recent university graduate, was a cultured and intelligent young man with a love of poetry and the Greek and Latin languages. Hearing of the influx of some 20,000 men to the Fraser River goldfields during the previous three months, he, along with many of his fellow passengers on the Sierra Leone, decided to investigate this phenomenon. Until this voyage, he was unacquainted with John Liverpool (alias Liverpool Jack), a man of an entirely different background and personality:

jovial, loud, brash, illiterate and a tendency to over-indulge. Mrs. Bradford, also on board, was a widow with an 18-year-old daughter in tow, who had survived by running a small boarding house in England. When the California gold rush began in 1849, she thought life might be a little easier for them by immigrating to San Francisco and opening a boarding house there.

George Sloane, a recent university graduate, was a cultured and intelligent young man with a love of poetry and the Greek and Latin languages. But when the opportunity arose to get back on British soil, she boarded the Sierra Leone with her daughter, intending to open a boarding house in Victoria. Four days out of San Francisco, however, she became violently ill and, probably exacerbated by the filth and squalor around her, her condition rapidly deteriorated and she died. She was buried at sea. Her poor daughter was distraught.

Now orphaned and penniless, she felt totally helpless and spoke to the Captain about staying on board the ship for its return voyage, so she could seek out some friends in San Francisco who might take pity on her. It was on the eighth day that Miss Bradford, pale and drawn, struggled up to the crowded deck. She had a mass of dark brown hair and pretty hazel eyes, but that day she was a picture of misery and despair and it was as she crouched, sobbing, that George Sloane first saw her. She told him of her plight and he brought her tea, fruit and biscuits. As he was about to hand the food to her, John Liverpool pushed through, grabbed the cup and plate and handed them to the girl himself. Sloane was incensed, but simply walked away. In his conversation with Miss Bradford, he learned the purse of money her mother was carrying had been stolen while she lay dying by some thief on board, leaving the girl destitute. Sloane’s anger and pity were aroused and he decided he would start a collection for the little waif, making the first contribution of $20. Within minutes, a sum of over $100 had been raised and Sloane moved to where Miss Bradford was sitting to

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give her the money. As he handed her the purse, John Liverpool, scowling behind her chair, reached out, grabbed the money and threw it overboard. Sloane was furious. “Miss Bradford,” he asked, “do you approve of this man’s beastly conduct? Please answer me, for if he has a claim upon you, I will go away and trouble you no more!” Before the girl could answer, Liverpool’s fist landed a heavy blow to Sloane’s face. Sloane staggered then lunged at the throat of his attacker and gave him the pummelling of his life. Liverpool, his face streaming with blood, sank to the ground in a daze. The girl ran off and Sloane walked away from the scene. The next day, the ship docked at Esquimalt. This might well have been the end of the story were it not for a strange set of circumstances that ensued. The passengers trekked on foot three miles to Victoria, but there were no lodgings available in the town. The gold rush had turned the little settlement into a sea of tents, and Sloane, who had endeared himself to many of the passengers by his courage, accepted the invitation to share a tent with three other men. Next day, to his horror he found that none other

VANCOUVER ISLAND’S

than John Liverpool and Miss Bradford occupied the next tent. It appears that, John Liverpool had taken the young girl to the Victoria District Church that morning and married her. “I demand satisfaction for the injury you have done me,” growled Liverpool, his face badly distorted from the torrent of blows Sloane had administered the day before. “I want to fight you now,

John Liverpool was a man of an entirely different background and personality: jovial, loud, brash, illiterate and a tendency to over-indulge. right here. Get your pistol!” “I will not fight you, now or ever,” Sloane replied. “Then I’ll brand you as a liar and a coward,” snarled Liverpool, and spat full in Sloane’s face. This was too much for Sloane. The duel, strictly illegal by Victoria’s laws, was set for that same afternoon. A miner loaned Sloane a pistol and the contestants with their seconds, accompanied

Palm Court

by a crowd of awestruck onlookers, made their way to a grassy knoll behind the Victoria District Church, opposite to where Christ Church Cathedral now stands. Liverpool won the toss for position and chose to face west. The two men stood back-to-back, walked ten paces, turned and fired. As they turned, the setting sun immediately dazzled Sloane and his bullet missed its mark. Liverpool’s bullet went straight to the heart and, with a cry of agony, Sloane fell to the ground and died instantly. He lies buried in Pioneer Square. A verdict of wilful murder was returned at the inquest, but the Liverpools had long since left for California. Word has it that John Liverpool was hanged shortly afterwards in San Francisco for another crime. Nobody knows what happened to the girl with a mass of brown hair and pretty hazel eyes. SL

Norman Archer is an historical city tour guide in Victoria and the author of Tales of Old Victoria.

MAY 20

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Alaska’s Wild Side BY BRUCE WHITTINGTON

Photos: Bruce Whittington

other wildlife and natural wonders to discover. Most of the cruises include time in breathtaking glacial fiords, bringing passengers close to glaciers like the massive Hubbard or the many glaciers of Glacier Bay National Park. While most of Alaska’s 100,000 glaciers are receding, some continue to advance to the sea, cracking and groaning, and then calving large slabs of ice that begin new lives as icebergs. Plump harbour seals use these fiords to haul themselves out onto the ice floes to give birth to their pups and, later in the summer, to moult. Sea otters, once hunted almost to extinction, now thrive in some places; the largest member of the weasel family, their fur is denser than any other mammal. Passengers with a view from the bow of the ship may be rewarded with a display by Pacific white-sided dolphins or Dall’s porpoises that dart below and leap in the ship’s wake. Humpback whales can be expected on every cruise, “blowing” and showing their tail flukes prior to diving for food. Some lucky passengers may see a whale “breach”, propelling its 40 tons almost clear of the water. A juvenile whale often starts the game and its mother sometimes joins in too. Dedicated whalewatchers also look for behaviour unique to humpbacks known as “bubble-net” feeding, in which whales encircle a school of tiny fish, trapping them with a curtain of bubbles from their blowholes. Then they surge to the surface with their great mouths open, while the small fish leap out of the water in panic. Other whales, like orcas, also known as killer whales, may appear almost anywhere in Alaska; some ships pass through the summer territory of British Columbia’s “resident” orcas. The fin whale, the second largest animal ever to live on the planet, is sometimes seen in more open ocean. The glossy brochures don’t say much about the open ocean, but it is a wilderness seldom seen or appreciated by travellers. Albatrosses and shearwaters spend almost their entire lives at sea, soaring effortlessly just above the surface on the slightest breath of wind. They land only for a brief period to nest, sometimes as far away as the southern hemisphere. Meanwhile, thousands of other seabirds are drawn to productive inshore feeding areas like Icy Strait and Snow Passage. With a little effort, it’s possible to find both

s March yields to April in the tropical waters of Hawaii, humpback whales respond to an ancient call. They winter in Hawaii, where many females give birth, but they do not feed. In the spring, they leave the islands and most travel across the open Pacific and, after a month-long journey, arrive at the Alaskan coast. Here they spend the summer feeding on abundant marine life in the cold northern waters. The whales’ arrival in Alaskan waters coincides with the first tourists who travel on some of the world’s finest cruise ships. Humpback whales are one of the biggest attractions on a cruise to southeast Alaska, but there is an abundance of

SENIOR LIVING

horned and tufted puffins among the large whirling flocks of kittiwakes and other gulls. Falcon-like jaegers harass smaller seabirds and force them to give up their catches in a behaviour known as kleptoparasitism. The wildlife is not limited to the sea. Brown (grizzly) and black bears and mountain goats are often seen along the shore (though at a distance they may look small). Even when a cruise ship is in port, a visitor can enjoy Alaska’s abundant bald eagles and other land birds, some unique to the West Coast. Within a short walk from the pier, in almost every port, the amazing temperate rainforest beckons. Annual precipita-

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tion on the coast can be as much as 200 inches per year. In the high mountains, up to 100 feet of snow may fall each year. The abundant moisture contributes to the lush growth. Tall Sitka spruces (Alaska’s state tree) dominate in most places, with a seasonal parade of wildflowers like Nootka lupine, yellow marsh-marigold, tall fireweed and the ferocious devil’s club. Most cruise lines offer shore excursions designed to take visitors out for more intimate experiences with wildlife. Whale-watching on a comfortable catamaran can be memorable; the sound of a whale exhaling next to the boat is only a little less memorable than the smell! In some ports, like Seward, tour operators take visitors among dozens of rocky islets that support thousands of puffins, murres, cormorants and other nesting seabirds. Some of the nests are built precariously on narrow ledges, but the eggs are secure because their pointed shapes force them to roll in tight circles instead of over the edge. Always a wonder to see, Alaska’s wild side does not have a schedule, and it’s a wise traveller who spends more time on deck, watching for those magical moments that make an Alaskan cruise so memorable. SL Bruce Whittington has made over 50 trips to Alaska as a naturalist for Holland America Lines. He has just released his second book, Wildlife Watch on an Alaska Cruise, published by Stray Feathers Press, www.strayfeathers.ca

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UNLOCKING NATURE’S SECRETS G

ural. For example, Western maple is an attractive wood as the grains are highly configured like tiger stripes and it has a beautiful colour.” Graeme is actively involved with the Vancouver Island Woodworkers Guild’s “Wood Recovery Program,” which is an amiable arrangement between the Guild, municipal arbourists and private tree removers. Endangered trees such as Garry oak, dogwood and arbutus, which would have been destroyed for various reasons, have their salvageable parts recovered and milled by Guild volunteers. Other samples of recovered woods are walnut, Douglas fir, cherry, plum, cedar and poplar. Through this program, wood destined for firewood is bought at cost and used by Guild members. One of Graeme’s most challenging pieces of wood was a yellow cedar burl with a knob at the end. “When you turn the wood [with a lathe] at 1,200 r.p.m., you’re only touching it at three points and, boy, pressure at the wrong point could cause the burl to explode!” What happens to the scooped out bits when making a bowl or vase? Flashing his sense of humour, Graeme cheerfully answers, “You make a lot of sawdust and woodchips!” Fong Photos: Judee

raeme Evans always liked woodworking. Nine years ago, as a newly retired naval officer, he decided to pursue his interest in woodturning. While woodworking is the craft of making fine furniture and cabinetry with a saw, hammer and nails, woodturning is the art of shaping accessories like vases and bowls from a piece of wood using lathes, chisels and scrapers. Working with local woods whenever he can, several of Graeme’s pieces catch the eye: a plum wood platter with impressive grains and natural colours showing a hint of rose in certain areas; a black walnut

raft. and his woodc Graeme Evans

bowl with a zebra-wood lid and a mahogany bowl with a black walnut lid. “I don’t want to say the wood talks to me as it sounds so [pretentious],” chuckles Graeme. “For me, the size of the wood provides a form; its colour and the direction of its grains gives it an identity.” Graeme creates his pieces using a number of different lathes, chisels, skews, scrapers and specialty-type hollowing instruments. “When you’re turning, you’re working around and down on the piece of wood so the grains and colours appear nat14

SENIOR LIVING

BY JUDEE FONG

§§§

Ten years ago, Christine Davidson took a woodworking course, which launched her into a hobby that nurtured her spirit, opened her world and allowed her to develop numerous friendships. Her elegantly crafted pieces reflect an artisan unafraid to try out the new or different (her work displayed above). “I bore easily and one of the things about woodturning is you never conquer it,” says Christine. “There’s always something challenging about it.” Unlike her colleagues who first study the wood, Christine has her own method. “I just do it,” she says firmly. “I don’t plan. I don’t measure. I just go ahead and see what happens. I may wreck it, [and] then it becomes something else. Other times, the wood becomes something you have in your mind. Then, you feel

really good.” Although she works with other woods, her favourite is Garry oak. Christine proudly holds a bowl she’ll never sell. “This is a Garry oak bowl I green-turned and dried in my workshop, but it got a big crack in the bottom, so I put it in the fireplace to burn later. That night, I had a dream where I carved these four little feet under the bowl.” “So the next day, I took the bowl out of the fireplace and carved the little feet like my dream and the crack disappeared,” she says. “I placed this bowl on the shelf to dry some more, but the wood cracked again. I threw it back in the fireplace with the intention of burning it later. That night, I had another dream where I had sewed the crack up with a thin piece of leather. The next day, I took it out of the fireplace again and sewed up the crack with a piece of leather.” Christine entered the bowl in a turning competition in Vancouver and it took second place in its class. That’s why she’ll never sell it. Christine’s other talent, her ability to create custom-made tools, is eagerly sought by her colleagues. Seeing the prices of some of the gouges, skews, chisels and scrapers used in turning, she began making her own tools for far less. Soon other turners requested her customized tools. Christine enjoys the challenge of producing a tool that will make the job easier. Enthusiastically, she describes her current project.

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“At the moment I’m working on a rig that’s used for hollowing. Normally, the equipment is handheld. It’s very cumbersome and vibrates heavily making it hard on the body after a short period of time. The one I’m building is vibration-free and easy to work using two fingers.” A caring, generous woman, Christine credits her many supportive woodworking and woodturning friends who constantly encourage and inspire her. It takes talent and skill when unlocking nature’s secrets from a chunk of wood, but the Vancouver Island woodturners have found the key.

laburnum. European walnut, willow, apricot, apples, pears, peach, plum and hazelnut originally came from other places but are now all grown locally. Several years ago, Ray did a project using woods grown in B.C. “It opened my eyes and made me more knowledgeable about my woods. I made a series of lace bobbins – there were 45 sets of bobbins, each made from a different B.C. wood. The bobbin

§§§ Throughout Ray Franklin’s spacious home is evidence of his furniture making skills: a hutch, a few tables and an elegant Grandfather clock. “Woodworking was my best subject in school,” says Ray with a smile. “Over the years, I made several Grandfather clocks. The clocks have a few finials, those decorative tips like a spire, that required woodturning.” As he became more proficient at the lathe, plus using better equipment and tools, Ray says he “sort of drifted Ray Franklin’s Yew Laburnum Juniper. into woodturning.” Ray’s “segmented woodturning” tree is made from segmented pieces of grabs attention. Douglas fir.” “I appreciate nature. Everywhere The best advice Ray received was you look, it’s a miracle and I wanted to from a friend who said, “If you have show the different woods in a new way; an idea, just go ahead and do it and if combining natural contrasting colours it doesn’t work, fine, no big loss.” Ray and interesting grains; I think of it as smiles, “And that’s what I do!” unlocking nature’s secrets.” Christine Davidson, Graeme Evans, Ray’s patience and skill make pos- Ray Franklin and their colleagues’ cresible joining hundreds of small pieces ations are displayed at the Side Street of precisely cut woods, painstakingly Studio, 2250 Oak Bay Avenue. fitted and bonded together into a deFor more information on Victoria sign. The lengthy process of drying, Woodturners, contact Ray Franklin at careful reshaping on the lathe, several 250-656-5234 or franklinr@shaw.ca fine sandings and final polishing creates For more information on the magnificent Franklin pieces. Ray shows Wood Recovery Program, contact an exquisite vase made of segmented Wayne Holmes at 250-479-4694 or pieces of yew and juniper, accented by wgholmes@pacificcoast.net SL

Beginner Computer Tips BY LOUISE LATREMOUILLE

Cut and Paste, No Glue Required

ave you ever wanted to copy a picture and paste it into another document on your computer? How about wanting to copy information from one letter into another? Well, with only a little click here and there, it couldn’t be easier! Copy and Paste go together, like “peas and carrots.” Here’s how: 1. Hold the left-click down and highlight what you want to copy. 2. With what you want highlighted, right-click. 3. Slide your mouse up to “Copy,” left-click. 4. This will load whatever you have copied onto an invisible clipboard. 5. Open whatever document you want to paste your copied material to and place your cursor to where you want it to go. 6. Right-click, slide your mouse up to “Paste,” left-click. That’s it! It may look like you’re clicking up a storm; but when you do it a few times, the steps become natural – especially with the menus popping up from the mouse! To copy a picture, just hold your mouse directly over top of it and right-click to see the “Copy” command. Notice your other choices here, such as “e-mail picture,” “Save picture as” or, my favourite, if I really love the picture, “Set picture as background.” This will instantly send the picture to your desktop for a new background. I always say the best way to learn is to do, and it’s hard to break your computer, so go ahead and try new things. After all, computers are great tools that can be fun too! SL Louise Latremouille is the author of My Parents First Computer and Internet Guide. Available at local bookstores or through www.myparentsfirst.com Proceeds from the sale of this book go to the Canadian Cancer Society.

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A SENTINEL’S STORY BY JANICE HALL

Photo: Laura Leyshon

n any given day at the Royal British Columbia Museum, hundreds of tourists and locals pass through the doors to experience historically significant events and artifacts. On offer this year is the wildly popular Titanic Artifact Exhibition. Behind the scenes, a staff works to bring the mostly inanimate objects to life by sharing stories and fascinating facts with visitors. Phil Abernathy, a museum guard, is one of those people. And while museum guards tend to go largely unnoticed, many have a colourful history of their own. Although Phil has lived in Victoria for 33 years, his cadenced speech and vivid memories reveal an undiminished appreciation for his native country. Born in Liverpool, England on August 28, 1938, Phil lived in the heart of the city until his family moved to a suburb when he was nine, and stayed at home until he married at 25. “That’s normal in England,” says Phil. “You don’t disappear at 16 and get your own apartment. For one thing, there’s too many people. There’s no place to rent. So everyone just stays at home.” Phil’s bride was Welsh. They met in the Caven, a traditional jazz club on Matthew Street in Liverpool one February evening in 1961. The band playing on stage that night was a local group just starting out called The Beatles. Phil savours his memories of the early ’60s. “[It was] a really fun time to grow up in,” when, in the wake of the Beatles’ popularity, many youths sported a Fab Four haircut and wore the distinctive Beatle jacket that originated in Germany. “They’d been to Germany, and the 18 18

SENIORLIVING LIVING SENIOR

German fashion was a jacket with no collar. But when the Beatles wore it and the media hooked onto the story, [they] put it down as a Beatle suit. And they wore boots and tight, tapered pants.” Phil favored bellbottoms. “The worst I ever got,” he laughs, “was a 14 inch in bottoms.” Thick, crepe-soled shoes were also in fashion. “There were different names for them. Beetle crushers was one, or BCs. I don’t know how they got the name. The name my mother was most offended by was... brothel creepers.” After a courtship of two years and an engagement that lasted another two, Phil decided one day to deflect questions about his intention to wed by announcing that was all set for April 4. He and his fiancée attended lessons with the local priest in order to marry in the Catholic Church. The priest was an Irishman who loved racehorses “and all he talked about was the local horserac-

ing” until the final two minutes of the 45minute session. Having apprenticed as an automotive mechanic after high school, followed by three years in the National Service, Phil was ready to settle down. Economic conditions, however, forced him to toil at several jobs in order to provide for his wife and two daughters. “It was absolutely crazy,” he says. “I was out more than I was in... I was always working.” After eight years working days as a mechanic and moonlighting at various other jobs weekends and evenings, he developed hypoglycemia. “I was off from work ill and just reading the newspaper, and I looked down and it said ‘Canada – mechanics wanted.’ It said ‘$6.40 an hour,’ and I was making $2 an hour in England.” He promptly wrote a letter. “One week later, I had a reply asking ‘When can you come?’” He intended to settle in Kingston, until a fortuitous meeting with an acquaintance

prompted him to change his mind. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He came on holiday here before we were leaving. We talked [about Ontario] and he said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like the heat, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to go there, and if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like the winters, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to go there either, because theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got extremes on both ends. He said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;In Victoria, the weather is just like it is here.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; When we went to the Embassy in Manchester, I asked [if it] was possible to change our port of entry.â&#x20AC;? The official who interviewed Phil was from Victoria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He told me I could not have picked a better place â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that I would love it here.â&#x20AC;? The manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s words proved prophetic. The Abernathys arrived in Victoria on September 27, 1974. Their adjustment to life in a new country was made easier by their admiration for the city. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We used to chuckle with one another and say that [when] you walk out onto the street and you want to see the sky, you just look up at an angle, but where we came from, you have to look straight up to see the sky, through the buildings.â&#x20AC;? Two heart attacks followed by an arduous recuperation forced a career change in the late â&#x20AC;&#x2122;90s, which is what lead Phil to the Royal BC Museum. He relishes meeting â&#x20AC;&#x153;so many people from all different parts of the world,â&#x20AC;? including the older brother of a childhood friend whose backyard had bordered on his own. Having enjoyed a contented marriage, he readily dispenses marital advice. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The way to a peaceful marriage is to always have the last word in an argument, and the last two words are â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Yes, dear.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Phil lost his wife in January 2002. A stoical woman who â&#x20AC;&#x153;never complainedâ&#x20AC;? when her health failed, she exemplified a strength of will that earned her own mother a place in medical history. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Her mother was 75 when she had a triple heart bypass, and the doctors said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be in the ICU for at least nine to 10 weeks,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; [but] in two weeks, she was home vacuuming. The doctor said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d never seen anything like it.â&#x20AC;? At 69, Phil possesses a ready laugh and ageless blue eyes. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a grandfather who, having taken his granddaughter to England, looks forward to returning with his grandson. And as a genial storyteller, he takes pride in an entertaining reperSL toire that continues to grow.

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n a busy Esquimalt street, hidden behind a modest bungalow built in 1949, is a veritable treasure of creativity. Soon after the house was built, Kay Corbett planned her garden. Her vision came easily and she carefully drew it on paper. Trees were removed and soil prepared. Then came the first circular bed, which Kay laid out using a string tied to a stick; a method she used for all the raised beds. Her late husband Gordon helped with some of the physical work and the building of the raised beds. The first plants to make the yard their home were roses. These continue to be Kay’s favourite. Over the years, she’s grown over 40 different kinds of roses and was especially proud of two “standard” roses, which grew to be five-feet tall. Today, a 40-foot palm tree and an ornamental flowering weeping cherry have replaced them. An oval brick planter in the garden contains a yew tree, planted in 1904. 20

SENIOR LIVING

BY JOAN BUTLER GILBERT

In the 1970s, Kay won “best rose in show” at the Esquimalt annual garden show. Her favourite rose is a red one called “In Loving Memory.” She gave one to her daughter, Lynda, when her dad Gordon died, and received one herself from a friend in 2004 when Lynda died. For Kay, life here is about flowers and the backyard illustrates most of her efforts. She won a prize for her Oriental lilies, and her dahlia border is a myriad of colour and variety. The rhododendrons bloom from April to June. Strategically placed benches

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and a gazebo offer places to sit and contemplate the colour and the serenity. Complete with a gazing ball, the circular brick centre enclosure invites reflection. “No garden is complete without a pool and water lilies and the latest addition is a fountain,” says Kay. A strong believer in growing what naturally does well in the soil she has, Kay’s dahlias and tall Michaelmas daisies have taken root and flourished. She delights in giving them away for weddings and church arrangements. With no formal training, Kay says her love for growing flowers has always been her inspiration. “I think it is just something in me,” she says. “Growing up on the farm in Metchosin, I always had a flower garden. I have read books and magazines, but even before that I just wanted to grow flowers.” The only vegetables she grows are tomatoes and a few green vegetables such as beans, leeks, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Until recently, Kay did all the work herself but confesses the natural effects of aging told her that someone else needed to cut the lawn and do some of the heavy work and high pruning. An honorary life member of the Esquimalt Garden Club, Kay has been a member since 1964 and has won numerous ribbons and awards over the years. At one time, she and her second husband, Tom, belonged to five different garden clubs. “My garden has been my life and it is wonderful therapy. I don’t know what I would have done without it after my first husband, Gordon, died, and losing Lynda and then Tom. It’s a peaceful place and I have such a feeling of contentment when I’m in the garden.” One of her favourite activities is tea in the garden with loved ones, where she enjoys the fruits of her labour in the company of friends and family; she’s become friends with neighbours and people from all over the world through visits to her garden. A verse from a poem written by Dorothy Gurney adorns an embroidered sampler in her living room and a plaque made by Gordon in her garden. It speaks to Kay’s relationship with her beloved garden: The kiss of the sun for pardon The song of the birds for mirth One is nearer God’s heart in a garden SL Than anywhere else on earth.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

A new standard in seniors retirement residences in Oak Bay

hannon Oaks Oak Bay is setting the standard for retirement living in Victoria. Building on the very successful model of their Vancouver Shannon Oaks, The Baptist Housing Society made the decision to redevelop the Marrion Gardens property on Bee Street. Completed in February 2007, movein started in March 2007. This four-story residence features the “Arts and Craft” architectural styling with its distinctive peaked roofs, natural river rock clad pillars supporting the Porte Coshere and the tasteful heritage colours. Secure underground parking is provided for residents and their visitors. The main entry is protected from the elements by the Porte Coshere and as you enter the building you will note the “Welcome Home” mantle shelf on the stone fireplace, the coffered ceilings, the welcoming lounge with its “Mission” style furniture and the gracious dining room. Residents of Shannon Oaks are able to choose from a variety of spacious suites and layouts from: the one bedroom suite; the bedroom with a den; to the two bedroom suites, some with a den and some with two bathrooms, all with 9-foot ceilings and fully air-conditioned. The kitchenette features shaker style cabinets and a two-door apartment size fridge and provision has been made for small appliances such as a microwave and a toaster oven. The spacious bedrooms feature a full size closet and a ceiling fan. Shannon Oaks provides an abundance of social activities including bus trips and entertainment. Lunch and dinner is served in our gracious dining room; residents receive weekly housekeeping and flat linen laundry service. Safety has not been ignored at Shannon Oaks! The latest “state of the art” fire alarm system is installed and monitored 24 hours a day. The

residence is a secure building with management on site at all times to respond to any medical emergency. This $32.5 million seniors retirement residence is owned and operated by the Baptist Housing Society of BC, a non profit organization that aims to provide safe and affordable

ADVERTISING FEATURE

retirement and care residences for seniors throughout BC. Part of their mandate is also to offer residents the opportunity to understand the Christian faith and grow spiritually. The Baptist Housing Society of BC celebrated its 40 years of caring in 2004.

MAY 2007

The Power of Personal Story BY VERNICE SHOSTAL

Canadian Home Builders Association for building houses, condominiums and townhousChristopher Bowers es, and I can’t hold a hammer,” he says. “I hired architects, hristopher Bowers believes engineers and carpenters.” in the power of the personal Les has what he calls a knack for story to educate people, both turning a vision into a reality. young and old. He is the Executive DiWhen he was 50, he smashed his left rector and facilitator of Community leg skiing. It took him two years to learn School Interviews and the New Hori- to walk again. Now he walks four kilozon Seniors Program, The Power of the metres a day. Personal Story. Students are amazed with the sucCommunity School Interviews (CSI) cess Les has made of his life and the began in 2005, but the process started obstacles he has overcome. “What I about 30 years ago, says the Marshall learned from Les Lengyel,” says one McLuhan Award winning teacher. student, “is that there is no limit to “When I left teaching, I thought, what you can do in life as long as you ‘which of all the things I’ve done, do believe in yourself.” I really love?’ and what I really love is talking to people. I am fascinated with realtor with a PhD in Sociology their stories. The personal story is one from the University of Paris, of the most powerful tools for develop- Dallas Chapple advises high school ing self-confidence.” students to think outside the box. When Through CSI, Christopher involves she returned to Canada from France students in the personal story activity. with her PhD, Dallas landed a job as a He provides teachers with handouts to corporate planning consultant with the acquaint students with speakers who go CBC. into the classroom to tell their personal “My retirement date was printed stories. Students ask questions and, af- on the upper right-hand corner of my ter the presentation, write a journal from which Christopher gleans feedback.

cheque every two weeks,” she says. Not an ideal way to motivate the natural entrepreneur, Dallas left the CBC and went to work with Mary Kay Cosmetics, where she stayed long enough to own four of the famous pink Cadillacs. After spending some time in the

es Lengyel, a CSI speaker from Campbell River says, “It’s not the experiences we go through in life that are important; it’s what we think of them that matters.” Les lost his left arm in an electrical accident at the age of seven. The following year, he burnt his right hand, leaving him with only four fingers and partial use of that arm; yet, he has been involved in every natural resource industry in B.C. “I have received awards from the 24

SENIOR LIVING

Photos: Peter J. Smith

Les Lengyel

Dallas Chapple

U.S., Dallas and her husband returned to British Columbia, where she decided to try real estate. Now, 16 years later, Dallas talks to students about career alternatives. “A lot of students want to become rich and famous, but they don’t know the career choices out there. They don’t think about creating a job and a career for themselves.” Dallas says one of her talk themes, “Overcoming Challenges and Obstacles,” fits seniors as well as young students. Seniors who want to get back into the workforce face the same challenges students do – they need more confidence in themselves. She suggests

Retired from his military career, John still works with the Canadian Forces College in Toronto and does contract work with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization with its base in West Virginia. He contributes to the community as past president of the Maritime Museum society, and is a founding member and current president of the Victoria Tall Ships Society. In his spare time, John sings in an all-men’s choir. The Power of the Personal Story

Photo: Bernard Brown

f y

getting back into any line of work to gain confidence because, from there, “you can go anywhere.” Besides her full-time career, Dallas gives back to the community in her role as vice-president of the Symphony Board, board member of the B.C. Children’s Hospital and Rotary.

workshop for seniors and other groups helps people ask questions of one another to get responses that easily communicate their ideas, insights and experiences. “The results are absolutely profound,” says Christopher. As one senior participant in the workshop put it: “Ideas flourish and seniors actually start goal setting, rather than waiting to die.” For more information, visit www. csinterviews.com or call Christopher SL Bowers at 250-213-5340.

John Anderson

nother CSI speaker, retired Admiral John Anderson came from humble beginnings on a farm and rose to the highest position in the Canadian Forces. When John was seven, his father retired on a pension of only $49 a month, but his parents desperately wanted him to attend university. With that same desire, a strong work ethic and the help of a school counsellor, John joined the military in the Regular Officer Training Program and earned his degree. Highlights of John’s career include his appointment as Commanding Officer of the Equimalt-based HMCS Restigouche, Director General of the Marine Doctrine and Operations, head of Canadian Nuclear Submarine Acquisition Project, Commander of the Canadian Navy, and finally, Admiral and Chief of Defence Staff. One of the many challenges he faced in military life was moving his family 18 times over the course of his career. John tells students if they study hard, they can get ahead – teamwork and leadership are critical. MAY 2007

ASK

Photo: Jason van der Valk

Goldie

BY GOLDIE CARLOW, M.ED

Dear Goldie: My wife died two years ago from heart disease. We had been married 40 years, both working and raised and educated three children. We were a happy, loving family and had a comfortable life. Our son and daughter gave us three wonderful grandchildren. Since my wife’s death, our family seems to be changing. I rarely see or hear from them now. I, too, have been ill with a heart problem, but only get a visit if I am in hospital. They live in nearby areas so travel is not a problem. It is not just their absence, but also the fact that when we do visit they continually want to know my financial situation. Somehow, I feel that I have failed to keep us together as a family since my wife’s death. I do love all my family dearly. I will appreciate any suggestion. R.D. Dear R.D.: My first suggestion is to stop blaming yourself. Many things can contribute to family breakup. Work and busy schedules interfere. Usually the mother plans family gatherings and keeps up the contact. It doesn’t occur unless someone

organizes events. Maybe you could call them to see when they could all visit or, if scheduling is a problem, they could visit individually. You could take them out to dinner, planning as many times as necessary to finally see all of them. Another important issue is that you tell your family about the feelings you have expressed to me in your letter. I am sure you will get reassurance that your family does love you. About the interest in your financial status, most families are concerned about the future of aging parents. Care and medical expenses lie ahead. You probably will find no ulterior motives. Open conversation can clear up your worries and tighten the family bond. You really are fortunate to have a concerned family.

Dear Goldie: I am 72 years old and have been a widower for seven years. My son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren live in the neighborhood so we keep in touch and really have a good relationship. My problem concerns my upcoming vacation. I plan to go on a six-week European tour and have an old friend who will be going as well. She and my wife

were schoolmates and our families have remained close friends. We have no romantic attachment, but would like to share twin accommodation to keep costs down and for companionship. This idea does not cause her family or mine any concern, but I don’t want any rumours flying about to upset a very respectable lady. What do you advise? W.Y.

Dear W.Y.: Well, to begin with, you are very fortunate to have each other as friends when you share so many memories. People lose most of their friends as they age. It sounds like this matter of shared accommodation has been well hashed by both families so what is the problem? I would not worry about rumours and gossip. Families and friends who know you well will always be supportive of your well-being and happiness. Good friends make any vacation more pleasant. Enjoy! SL SENIOR PEER COUNSELLING CENTRES Victoria (250)382-4331 Duncan (250)748-2133 Nanaimo (250)754-3331 Sidney (250)655-4402 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. E-mail questions or comments to editor@seniorlivingmag.com or send a letter to Senior Living, 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria, BC V8T 2C1.

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ABC ENERGY WELLNESS TECHNOLOGY CO. 3931 Marjean Place Victoria BC (250)477-9696 www.mybiopro.ca/elenamarr SPECIAL OFFER: 10% Discount. International Company with SPACE AGE TECHNOLOGY to safeguard against radiation from cell phones, computers, etc. CHARISMA HEALTH & BEAUTY SPA 625 Vanalman Ave., Victoria BC (250)727-9375 www.charismatic.ca SPECIAL OFFER: Struggle to put on makeup every day? You don’t have to, anymore... Permanent Makeup is here to stay! 25% off first application: brows, eyeliner or lips; 35% off on all together. CRUISE HOLIDAYS NANAIMO 3150 Island Hwy., Nanaimo BC 1-800-465-7245 www.yourcruiseexperts.com SPECIAL OFFER: $50 Discount per cabin for 7 days or longer, $100 Discount per cabin for 14 days or longer. For more information, visit our website www. yourcruiseexperts.com FIT FOR RETIREMENT - CUSTOMIZED ISLAND RETREATS 955 Dirksen Road, Gabriola BC (250)247-9929 www.fitforretirement.ca SPECIAL OFFER: Create Your Retirement Dreams with a 3-Day Retreat experiencing the joys of beautiful Gabriola Island with one free afternoon activity included for Senior Living Readership Club Members. GARDEN ORNAMENTS 2046-B Keating Cross Road Saanichton BC (250)544-4999 www.classicrockgarden.com SPECIAL OFFER: 15% off all birdbaths until May 30/07. Visit our retail display yard to see our extensive selection of fountains, benches, planters, statues, and more. Check out our on-line catalogue. HAWAIIAN TOUCH MASSAGE 353 Milton St. Nanaimo BC (250)755-3032 www.hawaiiantouchmassage.com SPECIAL OFFER: Feel the spirit of Aloha through the soothing touch of Hawaiian Massage. Enjoy your first visit at half price, and subsequent visits at $20 off (includes existing $5 senior discount).

MARITIME MUSEUM OF BC 28 Bastion Square Victoria BC (250)385-4222 www.mmbc.bc.ca SPECIAL OFFER: Seniors 65 and older can enjoy the museum for just $5 - a $3 reduction off our regular admission rate. ROLL-A-SHELF INTERNATIONAL Contact Gary Walker for more info. (250)889-5315 SPECIAL OFFER: Free Estimate. 20% off installation. Roll-out shelving. Eliminates kneeling, improves cabinet access, allows use of entire cabinet, improves personal independence SHIMMER JEWELLERY 406-645 Fort St. Victoria BC (250)380-1333 www.makeitshimmer.com SPECIAL OFFER: Bring in two jewellery items and we will professionally polish, clean, and check them free of charge (offer limited to twice/yr per customer and does not apply to costume jewellery). 10% Discount on repairs and merchandise regular price. SOUTH ISLAND OPTOMETRY CENTRES 3994 Shelbourne St. Victoria BC (250)477-4711 www.sioptometry.ca SPECIAL OFFER: South Island Optometry Centres is dedicated to serving the needs of seniors and is pleased to offer 40% off your second pair of glasses.

SUNRISE SENIOR LIVING 920 Humbolt St., Victoria BC (250)383-1366 www.sunriseseniorliving.com SPECIAL OFFER: You are invited to come for a tour of our home and enjoy a complimentary lunch for you and a guest. If you are interested, please call today and ask for Shelly or Christa. For more info, visit our website. VIADVENTURES.NET Vancouver Island British Columbia www.viadventures.net/ SPECIAL OFFER: Welcome to the beautiful west coast of British Columbia, Canada. Here in our island paradise, covered by untouched rainforests & surrounded by the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean, you will find an experience like no other on the planet. Whether you prefer fishing or viewing whales off the coast, or taking part in an eco-tour in our vast old growth forests, we promise you, a visit to Vancouver Island will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Ask for the Senior’s Discount when booking your adventure. WINSTON’S TEA COMPANY LTD. 101-3200 Island Hwy North, Nanaimo BC (250)751-1031 www.winstonstea.com SPECIAL OFFER: 10% Seniors Discount on Mondays.

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SENIOR LIVING READERSHIP CLUB APPLICATION FORM FREE membership cards available to Senior Living readers who are at least 55 years of age. Members of the READERSHIP CLUB will enjoy: • Discounts or Special Offers from registered local businesses across Vancouver Island • Automatic entry in Club prize draws Information provided will be held confidential by Senior Living magazine. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

NAME ___________________________________________ ADDRESS _________________________________________________________________ POSTAL CODE ________________ PHONE _____________________________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS __________________________________________________________ BIRTH DATE _____________________________ (MUST BE 55 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER) Mail Application Form to: Senior Living Box 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1 MAY 2007

DO YOU HAVE A SENIOR DISCOUNT OR SPECIAL OFFER? PLEASE CALL (250)479-4705.

BBB Better Better Better Better

Business Business Business Business

Bureau Bureau Bureau Bureau

BY MAYO MCDONOUGH

Garden Variety Scams

ccording to Statistics Canada, gardening is the number one leisure activity in the country. An estimated 80 per cent of Canadians take part in some form of gardening activity and spend an estimated $16 billion annually. On the West Coast, sufficient rainfall, mild weather and sunny summers make gardening the perfect pastime for retirees and homeowners of all ages. Gardening and landscaping service and product providers flourish during the spring and summer months, and many of these businesses’ entire livelihood depends on this “prime time” gardening season. Unfortunately, this is also the prime time for scam artists to take advantage of unsuspecting victims. Typically, at this time of year, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) sees an increase in gardening- and landscaping-related scams, often targeted towards the senior community. Many scams fall into the garden variety door-to-door scam, whereby the fraudster shows up on a person’s doorstep, offering to do some type of yard work, usually for an upfront fee to be paid in cash. Innocent homeowners eager to get their lawns cut, gardens weeded or trees pruned are relieved to have a friendly face offering help. Then the scam artist either takes off without completing the work, or is so unskilled and unqualified that the work is completely unsatisfactory. In some circumstances, the BBB has heard of fraudsters using yard work to scope out the property for future thefts. The BBB has also received a number of complaints of poor business practices in the industry. One example 28

SCAM ALERT

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is of a local yard maintenance company hired during the winter to provide yard care in the spring. Months later, the company returns (when no one is around to confirm the work has been completed), claims to have performed some service, and leaves an invoice for services rendered in the mailbox. When consumers try to contact the company or cancel future service, no one is available to address the matter. Thus, the cycle continues. In another case, a consumer spent thousands of dollars hiring a landscape architect to rip apart his yard and re-landscape it. When the project was completed, the consumer paid the landscaper. Six months later, every living thing on the property was dead. Failure to communicate effectively resulted in the consumer not understanding their responsibility in maintaining the yard (i.e. fertilizing, weeding and watering). And just as it is with the home building industry, the demand on businesses that provide gardening and landscaping services is ever expanding. Now, more than ever, consumers contact the BBB frustrated with the length of time their gardening projects are taking contractors to complete, and with the amount of down payments expected. So, what can consumers do to protect themselves from becoming victims of garden/landscaping scams or bad business practice? Consider these tips when planning your next gardening project: • Identify what projects you want to work on this season. What can you do yourself? How much can you afford to spend? Make a list, and stick to it.

• Never give a stranger money to perform work on your property. Before hiring anybody to help you, check him or her out. Ask for references and find out if the person has WCB insurance or if your home insurance will cover any potential accidents. Contact the BBB to check out a company’s Reliability Report. • Depending on the size and budget of the project, get three estimates from three different companies as to the supplies required, labour costs and length of time the project will take to complete. • Get the details in a signed contract. This protects both you and the company from issues arising due to miscommunication. • Stay on top of your gardening project once started. Try to be around while the gardeners are working on your property, and check in with them to see how things are going. • Understand what gardening activities you are responsible for in order to keep your yard alive and well! For more information on how to avoid becoming a victim of scams and how to be a smart consumer, visit the BBB website at bbbvi.ca SL

Mayo McDonough is the Executive Director of the Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island. If you believe you have been the target or victim of a scam, please call the Better Business Bureau Vancouver Island at 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@bbbvanisland.org

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MAY 2007

Characters

Lucille McRae

BY MATHIEU POWELL

their hands cut off.” Leaving Vancouver, the ship stopped in Los Angeles, went through the Panama Canal and on to Fort Lauderdale. It then steamed down the coast to Rio, Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Argentina and across to Cape Town. There, they disembarked for a three-day trip through Zululand. “I always had the philosophy that if

Photo: Mathieu Powell

inety-year-old Lucille McRae attributes a long life to good health, active living and constant goal setting. “I’ve always set goals in my life. And I’ve enumerated them all.” Lucille’s first major life goal was to teach, which she did after attending the University of Seattle. When her career brought her to Vancouver, she successfully reached another important goal: raising her two children. Later in life, when she remarried and reached retirement age, she and her husband, John, accomplished a third major goal: to journey around the world. But instead of a luxury cruise, the couple chose to go by way of cargo ship. “They were more intimate and not as glitzy,” says Lucille. “And besides, our ship had all the elements we needed: a lovely ballroom, an orchestra and a very nice dining room. Since they carried up to only 300 passengers, you could really get to know everyone.” During their four-and-a-halfmonth journey, John was the on-board minister, while Lucille wrote the services using Northern Aboriginal folklore about burial and wedding ceremonies and birthing rituals. They also collected donations during the services. “We collected $900 on Sundays, so when we reached Taiwan months later, we could donate the money to an orphanage for children who were set out on the streets as beggars after having 30

SENIOR LIVING

Adventure seeker Lucille McRae with Gigi (left) and Mia (right).

you were nice to the natives they would be nice to you,” says Lucille. “Well, that absolutely wasn’t true!” “The natives ran me into a barbwire fence and started trying to strip the clothes from me. My husband had to rescue me with the car. We had to move the car to dislodge the natives from it.”

Lucille recalls diminutive details of that poignant trip, and talks of going on a safari in Mulamula, Mozambique. “The zebras and giraffes were right beside our jeep. We were a few feet from a pride of lions. It was one of the most wonderful safaris you could ever hope to take.” They crossed the Indian Ocean, where they explored rubber plantations in Kuala Lumpur and Buddhist temples in Bangkok. On the last leg of their trip, they arrived in Taipei, where they presented the donations they had collected to the children of the orphanage. “I had worked with children who were deprived, so it wasn’t as hard on me, but my husband just broke down in tears when he saw the orphans. He had never seen children who were not completely whole before.” When the journey ended, the McRaes shifted gears and tried to settle down at a California retirement resort, but it was too late: the love of travel was in their blood. “My husband just wasn’t built for retirement,” she says with a smile. “A friend suggested he should apply for a job with CESO,” [Canadian Executive Service Organization]. CESO’s mission is “to build capacity in governance and economic development through the transfer of knowledge and skills by volunteer advisers.” To the couple’s delight, John was accepted and they started the next phase of their travelling life. Stationed

252* 1.5

^TM The Hyundai names, logos, product names, feature names, images and slogans are trade marks owned by Hyundai Auto Canada Corp., and are used under licence. **MSRP for 2007 Sonata GL of $25,340. MSRP for models shown: 2007 Sonata GLS of $29,440. MSRP prices include Delivery and Destination charge ($1,345). MSRP excludes applicable licence fees, insurance, registration and all taxes. Delivery and Destination charge includes freight, P.D.E., dealer admin fees and a full tank of gas. HPurchase Financing available O.A.C. from Hyundai Financial Services on 2007 Sonata GL of 0% for up to 60 month terms. Financing example: $15,000 at 0% per annum equals $250.00 per month for 60 months. C.O.B. is $0.00 for a total obligation of $15,000. *Leasing offers available O.A.C. from Hyundai Financial Services based on new 2007 Sonata GL with annual lease interest rate of 1.5%. Monthly payment is $252 for a 48 month lease. $0 security deposit on all models. 20,000 km allowance per year applies. Additional charge of $0.10/km. Lease offers include Delivery and Destination ($1,345) and lease acquisition fee ($350). Lease offers exclude applicable licence fees, insurance, registration, PPSA ($78) and taxes. Delivery and Destination charge includes freight, P.D.E., dealer admin fees and a full tank of gas. Total lease obligation is $18,552.33. All offers expire April 30, 2007 and may not be combined with any other offer. See dealer for details. Dealers are free to set individual prices. ^Government star ratings are part of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). The 5-star safety rating applies to Sonata GL and GLS models. HHHyundai’s Comprehensive Limited Warranty coverage covers most vehicle components against defects in workmanship under normal use and maintenance conditions. 3The XM name and logos are registered trade marks of XM Satellite Radio Inc.

first in Lagos, the McRaes then moved on to Manila for four poignant passage from Emily Carr’s Hundreds and Thousands captures Lucille’s philosophy for life: years before returning to Nigeria. Lucille’s principal role was hostess. One slumps fearfully as one grows old. It is difficult to un“It was a plum job,” she says. “I entertained people who derstand what one should give in to as belonging to one’s represented us in their country and the citizens who were years and what one should combat as lazy indulgence. It is so helping to develop businesses. We would travel out to varieasy to drift. There should come a time for quiet meditation ous posts, mining areas or plantations. It actually was a very and pondering over things spiritual. But great care should be wonderful experience that few people get to enjoy. I feel very taken not to sit vacant. privileged.” “There’s nobody who is going to knock on my door and In 1980, they returned to Canada when John joined the CESO head office in Montreal. Lucille confesses the adjust- say, ‘Lucille, come out and play with me.’ You have to go out that door yourself and join things and find people.” ment was difficult. Lucille continues to set goals for herself. “I had been very spoiled by being taken care of by maids “Every time my children misbehaved as they were growand pool boys and gardeners and drivers,” laughs Lucille. “All I had to do was smile and be a social partner to my hus- ing up, I told them they had better smarten up or I would leave for Bora Bora. It was a saying, like going to Timbuktu. So, band.” When Lucille and John finally decided to retire again in I decided after all those years of threatening my children, I might as well go and see it!” 1982, they moved to Victoria. SL Today, adventure continues to be a part of Lucille’s life. Four months ago, she bought her first computer, and she’s always on the go. “I attribute my good health to my father, who drummed being outdoors and athleticism into me. I think I’ve done every sport ever created, except American football,” she laughs. “Anything you can name, I can say I’ve done it.” Aside from a regular Keep Fit class, she participates in carpet and lawn bowling. She enjoys golf twice a week and, four mornings a week at 7 a.m., she swims with five other people. “My week is full and it’s all pretty well physical activity. Because, if I don’t do that I get lazy and I sit in my chair.” “That’s the one thing that older people should not do! They should push themselves and say, ‘Today, I am going to do this,’ MSRP: $25,340** for GL • GL model shown and get up early and get going and do it! Do it! Because once you take that first step and get % @ $ APR going, you feel great and you per mo./48 mos. $4,345 Down Payment Delivery and Destination incl. meet people.” Lucille encourages those who Jim Pattison Hyundai are tempted to take the way of 4123 Wellington Rd. • Nanaimo, BC the chair to work on staying ac1.866.758.6585 • www.hyundaicanada.com tive within their limitations. A MAY 2007

Recipe for Balance W

Senior Living Advertising WORKS! Advertising in Senior Living magazine has helped to introduce Global Securities to people who might otherwise not know us. TG Income Fund is just one of many investments available through Global. When people see our ad and call, it gives us an opportunity to connect with those people and see if we can help them. Thanks for your help, Senior Living... It’s great growing with you! Leslie Coultish (250)754-7728 and Mitch Gardner (250)728-4970

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was not alone.” Despite the demands of being a working single mother, she maintained a balanced lifestyle. She ate healthy foods, exercised routinely in the form of social activities (golfing, curling, swimming and yoga) and took naps when needed. Over the years she sought counsel from both allopathic and complimentary health-care professionals such as a reflexologist, a naturopath and a nutritional counsellor. During her 17 years as a widow, Luella was also an active volunLuella Morton teer with several organizations and her church. Meeting life face on, she cultivated a close circle of single friends who played games, travelled and went to the theatre and dinners together. Not afraid to try something new, Luella attempted her first horseback ride at 49, waterskiing at 50, snorkeling and being towed behind a catamaran in her late 60s, flying into a volcano in a helicopter in her 70s and hot-air ballooning at 80. She’s also a world traveller, with Greece and Portugal still on her wish list. Moving to a small town after re-marrying at 63, Luella quickly found a group of widows and single women to join her on her adventures (day tours to places nearby, but rarely visited) or theatre in the city. Marrying a life-long tennis player, Luella also took up the challenge of mastering the game and can still be seen on the courts two or three times a week. Once again she joined several organizations including the church (and numerous committees therein). Although her husband was very busy in the community, Luella seemed to know the importance and value of making her own connections. After 25 years of a rich married life, Luella lost her second husband. Once again, her fortitude shone through, but also her ability to look beyond herself. Only three weeks after the funeral, she hosted a surprise birthday lunch for 18 senior tennis players, bringing together many people who shared her loss and also her joie de vivre. Luella’s recipe for a happy, healthy retirement continues to serve her well as she experiences new adventures and makes SL new friends along the way. Bon appétit!

Photo: Maggie Ridler

omen often pass on their life learnings to their children in the form of recipes, family stories and handiwork. At 87, Luella Morton’s recipe is not one for yummy eats, nor is it written in words. But wisdom lies in how she leads her life. Studies from the Centre on Aging at the University of Victoria report several predictors for enjoying health and happiness in the senior years. These include getting regular exercise, activities to prevent social isolation and loneliness, having a sense of autonomy in decisions about health care and staying intellectually active. Luella called upon inner strength when she was widowed at 45 with three of her four children still at home. Instead of taking the sedatives and tranquillizers doctors prescribed, she went for a weekly Swedish Massage, using the hours afterwards to catch up on her sleep allowing her body and soul time to process her deep grief. Unfortunately, the death of her beloved husband was only one of life’s challenges. The following year, her 16-year-old son was taken from her in a motor vehicle accident. To be closer to her family, Luella moved back to her home city. She chose to work outside the home to “keep her mind busy so she didn’t dwell on her losses, and to remember she

BY PEGGY FOLKES

More than Bricks and Mortar BY TRACY MERKLEY

hen it’s time to replace dentures, the motivation could be pain or vanity. With most dental situations, however, pain is the primary cause for action. If dentures are loose or cause soreness, adjustments help alleviate discomfort. The base of the denture doesn’t change, but what supports it does – the gums. The other part of the denture environment that changes over time is the teeth. The quality of the acrylic or porcelain tooth that is used in dentures will likely be reflected in the overall cost. What differs is the density of the teeth – and density affects longevity. Be informed – a deal may not be a deal in the long run, especially if insurance pays a portion of the cost; the limits of coverage for dentures is five years. Now the question of vanity: how patients communicate their expectations to their denturist is vital for achieving the results they want. People can look younger with a new smile. This can be partially achieved by opening up the bite. That means increasing the distance between the nose and chin. Look in the mirror and relax. The face will elongate and show a more youthful look. Close the teeth together and see instant age, and maybe a grumpier look. This is measurable and practitioners are skilled at making that change. Another variable is the colour, size and position of the teeth: How much tooth shows during speaking and smiling? Just like that first grey hair, changes in the mouth happen gradually as well. The mouth tries hard to accommodate them, so the lack of regular denture check-ups could be harmful. Often there is a minimal fee for an examination, but it’s worth it to keep up with the changes. Take the time to find out about options and clearly explain desires and expectations when it comes to a new smile and be happier with the results. For more information, call one of our advertisers: Dr. Deanna Geddo (page 5) Accura Denture Clinic (page 9) Harbour City Denture Clinic (page 15) Central Park Denture Centre (page 19) Communitee Denture Clinic (page 23) Mobile Denturist (page 34) Christopher Nordell & Duncan Dental (page 47)

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THINK. FEEL. DRIVE Model shown is Forester 2.5 XS. Financing programs available through GMAC on approved credit. Offer of 1.9% ﬁnancing for 24 months is available on all 2007 Forester models. Example: $20,000 ﬁnanced at 1.9% equals $849.92/mo for 24 months. Total interest paid is $398.08. MSRP of base Forester 2.5X (7J1 XO) is $28,490 including freight and PDI. Administration fee, license, insurance, taxes, PPSA and registration are extra. Down payment or equivalent trade-in may be required. Accessories offer available at participating dealers only and is not applicable to Forester XT model. Dealers may sell for less. Finance and accessories programs expire April 30, 2007. Visit www.subaru.ca for more details.

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BY PAT NICHOL

Courageous Outrageous

DO WHAT YOU LOVE I

Photo: Frances Litman

often speak to people who decry the fact that as the calendar rolls over, activities they used to love slowly slip away. So, I was delighted to have the opportunity recently to speak with people, who still do what they love and make a difference in the lives of others. Listen to their words and follow their lead. People like Danny Bell, who has played banjo and guitar for 52 years and is the lead singer for Desperation Jazz Band of Courtenay. His face beams as he shares his enthusiasm for his craft. “It’s the energy from the audi-

ence that goes back and forth,” says Danny. “We smile, they smile back. It makes everybody happy.” Davey Jones of the Dixie Rovers of Orlando, Florida has played for 38 years. During the day he plays at Disney World, while the night is dedicated to a group he’s played jazz coronet with for 25 years and other musical groups. His first performance in Victoria was with a group called the Black Dogs in 1991.

“Music creates harmony in your heart and in your soul.” –Danny Bell

Playing music has taught him to respect other people as individuals, he says. And the discipline it takes to make good music can be applied to everyday life.

Then there was the High Street Band of Idaho. Ten members in zoot suits and fedoras – straight out of the ’40s – playing music you couldn’t help but bop to on the dance floor, pretending to be a teen again; adolescents with white hair. Jazz and music, of all kinds, have the ability to bring out a liveliness that can keep us young. You don’t have to play a musical instrument. If you’ve been a horn player all your life and your wind isn’t what it used to be, take up the piano or the fiddle. Life is too short not to do what you love with enthusiasm and joy. Listen to people like Danny and Davey. Listen to music, dance and smile – it doesn’t matter if anyone is watching. SL Just do it! 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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TAI CHI:

BY CAROL BAIRD-KRUL

The Gentle Art of Exercise

reduction, better balance and increased flexibility. According to long-time Taoist tai chi practitioner, Fia Cousineau, all moves involve spine stretching and each move starts from the feet up. During what is called a Set, practitioners perform a defined series of movements in a slow manner and each posture flows into the next without pause. Initially, in beginner tai chi lessons, the goal is simply to learn the moves and make the mind-body

a more gentle activity. But whatever forms their exercise takes, options abound: walking, yoga, swimming, dancing and circuit training are just a few of the choices available today. An increasingly popular form of exercise is tai chi. Collectively called “wushu,” tai chi is no longer used for self-defence, but rather as an exercise program or a complement to health care. While there may appear to be a confusing number of variations and names connected with tai chi, all come from the same ancient form originally developed in China over 2,000 years ago. Often described as a “ballet,” “poetry in motion” or “shadow boxing,” this graceful form of exercise has excellent health benefits, especially for older adults. Health benefits include stress

connection. The challenge for most beginners, according to instructor Barb Howardson, is to do the moves slowly and smoothly. As a student progresses, a tai chi class becomes more meditative and group synergy more apparent. And what are the health benefits of this ancient type of exercise? Various studies have shown that for older adults all forms of tai chi can definitely improve balance, flexibility and reduce the risk of falls. The movements are low impact and so put minimal stress on joints, while increasing muscle strength. For these same reasons, if someone has a condition such as arthritis, MS or is recovering from an injury, special Health Recovery tai chi classes can be helpful. Classes are often mixed both in age and gender. And getting out into the community and interacting with people

for the adventure of various ages does wonders for a person’s state of mind. Confucius said centuries ago that, “the firm, the enduring, the simple and the modest are near to virtue.” Tai Chi’s fundamental principles and poetic movements reflect this ancient Chinese wisdom through its gentle dance of mind, body and soul, and with that dance a sure way to a long and healthy life. SL

Photo: Alan Howardson

deas about healthy eating have changed over the years and so too have ideas about exercise. Today, those in the 50-plus range tend to choose exercises for the mind, body and soul. Different from a generation ago, when heart pumping aerobic exercise was considered the only way to get and stay healthy, today’s approach is more about balance. How a person decides to exercise is dependant on the individual – some prefer vigorous workouts, others like

FIT

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raditions TASTYTraditions

SNICKERDOODLES BY NELLIE GOUGH

his cookie is a must in my house. When my daughter was in school learning to make cookies, this was the first cookie recipe she was taught. It has a taste like no other cookie. After my children were married and returned for visits, the first thing they would ask was, “Got some Snickerdoodles?” All you have to do is make a batch and your family will be hooked for life.

1 cup margarine 1 ½ cups white sugar 2 eggs

2 ¾ cups flour 2 tsp cream of tartar 1 tsp baking soda Roll into a ball the size of a walnut. Then roll to coat in a mixture of: 2 tsp white sugar 2 Tbsp cinnamon Bake on a greased cookie sheet at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Enjoy! SL

Mix above ingredients together. Then stir in:

Diamonds are Forever ...until you lose them!

Jewellery, especially stone-set rings, should be cleaned and checked regularly to ensure their safety and beauty. Don’t wait for a diamond to fall out before you have your jewellery inspected. Updated insurance appraisals can help make sure your jewellery is insured for enough in case of loss. Insurance companies want some proof of what you had, and its replacement value, before settling a claim. Call Ed at Shimmer Jewellery for expert advise, cleaning, insurance appraisals, and purchasing new jewellery. In the jewellery industry in Victoria since 1979, Ed has a reputation for honesty and integrity in repairing and making jewellery. A trained goldsmith, he personally advises customers on what is, and isn’t, needed to be done to make sure their jewellery is safe. * Member Better Business Bureau

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Please send us YOUR favourite Heritage Recipe along with the memories it evokes. Without your contributions, Tasty Traditions doesn’t exist. Contact us at editor@seniorlivingmag.com or 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria, BC V8T 2C1

SENIOR LIVING

406 - 645 Fort St. (at Broad)

shimmer @ shaw .ca

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Down 1. Gap 2. Male name 3. Swill

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ANSWERS

MAY 2007

Classifieds 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 LOVING GRANNIES NEEDED - local Victoria babysitting service requires Mature women to go into families homes to care for their children. Grannies who love children, are creative and energetic are a perfect fit! We have on call, permanent and part-time jobs available. For more info call 516-5004. WWW.SENIORS101.CA Vancouver Island retirement guide includes recreation and travel, real estate, investments and health care information. www.seniors101.ca HAIRSTYLIST has a private and comfortable studio in her Sidney home. Christine offers a full, professional service. Special senior rates. Please call 882-4247. WANTED: OLD POSTCARDS, stamp accumulations, and pre-1950 stamped envelopes. Also buying old coins, medals and badges. Please call Michael 652-9412 or e-mail fenian@shaw.ca

6348). www.bbbvanisland.org E-mail: info@bbbvanisland.org JIMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOME CLEANING. Mature. Attention to detail. Flexible. Respectful. Uses environmentally friendly solutions. One hour minimum. $20/hr. References provided. 995-3084.

PERSONALS MID-ISLAND WIDOW, 74, petite, slim, active, seeks single man, educated (university) & cultured, with interest in country living, nature, literature, world affairs, etc., for committed relationship. File 102 (c/o Senior Living).

HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Do you need a little assistance? Meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, shopping, errands, or respite. We also hire seniors. Call Alistair or Susie 382-6565.

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PROVIDING COMPANIONSHIP to seniors for over 10 years. Services include; car rides, walks, reminiscing, activities, letter writing, story telling, shopping, pet visits, hand holding and hugs. Experienced and bonded. Call 381-7987.

$30 for 20 words or less. $1.25 per extra word. Boxed Ad - Small (2.2 x 1.2) $95 Boxed Ad - Large (2.2 xx 2.4) $180 Add Logo - $25 extra Plus 6% GST. All Classified ads must be paid at time of booking. Cheque or Credit Card accepted. Ph. (250)479-4705. Deadline: 15th of the month. Make cheque payable to: Senior Living, 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave.,Victoria BC V8T 2C1

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Line Dancing for Seniors I

BY WINIFRED C. SMITH

had always loved dancing, both old fashioned and ballroom, but the time came when I found myself without a partner. For several years I did not dance, then one day I decided to try the line dancing that had started at the Seniors’ Centre. Line dancing probably evolved from Folk dancing and group exercise to music. The dancers do the same steps in a line or lines, and usually have no contact with other dancers. It was originally associated with Country and Western music, but in the 1990s ballroom music and techniques were introduced, and now pop music is often used. To begin with I felt like “the new kid on the block,” and wondered if I would ever catch on. But I persevered and gradually became able to join in. Words like “scissors” or “grapevine” started to have some meaning. I was happy to find that some of the dances were done to waltz rhythm, also there were rhumbas as well western-type and pop music. We usually start with a slow number and work up to the faster ones. If you feel a bit puffed you can sit down and watch until you feel like dancing again. The ladies are all seniors and some are in their late

eighties, but we all have one thing in common: We love line dancing. You do not need special clothing. Comfortable pants and a blouse or top are suitable. Cowboy boots are not necessary, although some people like them. Well-fitting shoes or sandals with low to medium heels are fine. Leather or smooth soles are best as they allow you to turn easily. If you want to become part of an exhibition group later on, you will all dress the same. Exercise is one of the best ways to improve your balance, and your mind is put to work. When you have mastered the steps in a dance, there is a great sense of accomplishment. Line dancing is not just for the ladies, but fewer men tend to tackle it. For me, I cannot think of a more pleasant way to stay fit. For everyone, it might be a good idea to have an OK from your doctor before attempting this or any new SL physical activity.

Correction Notice In the “Creative Play” article in the April issue of Senior Living, we mistakenly identified Barbara Lover as the president of the Victoria Sketch Club. While Barbara served as president from 2003 to 2005, the current president is Peggy Capek. Our apologies to Peggy. MAY 2007

Victoria on a Shoestring BY SANDRA DYER

Photo: Sandra Dyer

of gardens with free admission. Visit Finnerty Gardens at the University of Victoria, known for its rhododendrons, and the Government House grounds include a rose garden, lily garden, herb garden, terraces and more. The Horticulture Centre of the Pacific in Saanich is a non-profit society that manages over 100 acres and demonstrates sound gardening practices. For a low admission fee, visitors are sure to be inspired by teaching and demonstration gardens amidst a natural landscape and bird habitat. Many of the region’s parks offer beautiful scenery, gentle walking trails and lend themselves to activities such as flying a kite at Clover Point or picnicking at Cattle Point. Take a gentle hike through Witty’s Lagoon, a bird sanctuary, beach and park. Lesser known parks include Latoria Park in Colwood that you can reach by heading down Wishart Road until Latoria Road. The entrance is just to the left, on the right-hand side. Rithet’s Bog is a sanctuary that offers information about native plant and bird species along the trail, which is easily accessible from Dalewood Lane at the corner of Chatterton Way. An extensive trail network criss-crosses the Capital Region. The Galloping Goose Trail meets the Johnson Street Bridge downtown, and then takes a fork into the Western Communities and into Saanich where Douglas Street meets Carey Road. Glendale Trail, accessed at Mann Avenue just after it crosses Wilkinson Road to the north, travels past the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific and up to the Red Barn Market. The Saanich Historical Artifacts Society in Central Saanich is like a living museum, including a collection of antique cars, trucks and tractors at Heritage Acres. There is an old schoolhouse, a boathouse and a working mill. Admission is by donation. Free tours are available at the Legislature and visitors can visit Totem Park, an outdoor exhibit next to the Royal B.C. Museum. The museum at Hatley Park has no admission fee, although donations are welcome. The exterior and garden of Anne Hathaway’s Thatched Cottage can be viewed at no charge. Emily Carr House has a low admission fee, and keeps the famous artist and writer’s ideal alive so that artists have opportunities to share their work with the public. Libraries offer much more than collections of books, magazines, large print and audio books. Branches offer programs that include book discussions, talks by authors, guidance on researching family history and computer training. Don’t be shy about taking a computer course. “We’re looking for absolute beginners,” says Susan Henderson of the Greater Victoria

bottomless wallet is not required to enjoy what Victoria has to offer. An abundance of activities are accessible and free or inexpensive. The Capital Region lends itself to simply being outdoors and walking. “Nothing beats getting out and enjoying the weather as it is,” says resident Robert Jamieson. “It’s good for the mind and body, and it doesn’t cost a thing.” Discover or re-discover Victoria with a stroll through Chinatown. Make a point of admiring the Gate of Harmonious Interest, and wind through the shops lining Fan Tan Alley. Look for the historical display that illustrates the city’s dubious connections to the opium trade. Mingle with the constantly moving shoppers and shopkeepers on Fisgard Street. Wander up Johnson Street, which is lined with colourful, false front stores that arrested the eye of painter Bob White, who has captured the array of colour in whimsical scenes of the city. Look for examples of elegant architecture, such as the old Victoria library building on Yates at Blanshard Street or the old Swan’s Hotel at Johnson and Wharf. Visit Bastion Square, and imagine what it was like when it was the site of Fort Victoria’s prison, or how Robert Service felt when he was a teller in the old CIBC bank building on Government Street. Wander up and down Antique Row and discover a collection of historical treasures. Take a tour of Christ Church Cathedral or other heritage churches. Enjoy Victoria’s proximity to the ocean. Ogden Point has a perfect view of Victoria’s busy port and the ice-blue silhouette of the Olympic Mountains. Many beaches throughout Victoria are easily accessible and afford attractive spots to walk or read. A place of interest is the beach on West Saanich Road across from the airport. Watch the planes take off and land while enjoying the view of the Saanich Inlet. Stroll along the inner harbour past yachts, buskers, seaplanes, kayakers, the Coho ferry and the Seattle Clipper. Wander the docks where fish are cleaned. Keep an eye out for a seal, which often hangs out near the Victoria Regent Hotel. Victoria is known as the garden city, so take advantage 42

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Public Library. Victoria has several groups that offer 55+ members affordable activities for low annual fees, and drop-in fees are usually only a few dollars. Many seniors go for social reasons, others for exercise, but all benefit from continuous learning and keeping active. Jean Birtwistle of Silver Threads in Victoria says the centre has something to offer everyone. There are arts and crafts, health and wellness activities, social activities, travel and lifelong learning opportunities. There is a bulletin board available, which makes it easy to find a partner or a group to share activities with. Who doesn’t the centre see enough of? “Younger seniors,” says Birtwistle. Goward House in Gordon Head has similar activities that keep members active, socially connected and entertained, including painting, quilting, mah-jong, French conversation and exercise. As for member’s favourite activities, “you’d have to pick between tai chi and bridge,” says Marilyn Davis of Goward House. Don’t forget volunteering. “[Hundreds of dedicated seniors contribute valuable] skills they still have, and stay connected with the community,” says Lori Elder of Volunteer Victoria. If someone is interested in volunteering for an ongoing activity, an advisor will sit down with that person and help them choose a role that suits their needs, skills and interests. Activities abound in Victoria, and are accessible with a little imagination and initiative. Elder says, “seniors have reSL tired from work, but they haven’t retired from life.”

LEGION MANOR VICTORIA

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• New Supportive Housing facility (non-smoking) opened September 2006 • Tranquil location on the beautiful Saanich Peninsula of Greater Victoria • Open to all 55+ • 68 well designed, bright one-bedroom suites with kitchenette and balcony • Delicious meals (lunch & dinner) prepared by our professional staff • Peace of mind with our 24/7 emergency response system • A pleasant walk or short drive (.5K) to shopping and professional services • On-site Hair Salon, Games Room, Library, and more for your convenience • Wide variety of activities including exercises, entertainment, games & more • Weekly housekeeping and laundry service • Monthly rate* of $1950.00 (single) $2300.00 (couple) which includes meals, housekeeping, utilities and cable... offers extraordinary value *as of Sept. ‘06

To book a tour or for other info, contact Susan at 652-3261 E-mail: legionmanor@shaw.ca • website: www.legionmanorvictoria.com

“Your Friendly Neighborhood Law Firm”

www.legionmanorvictoria.com We provide flexible office rental packages for short or long term. Support services. Ample free parking. Call now and ask us about our Senior Living Introductory Special.

Derek Ashurst Robert J. Salmond Victoria Pitt

• Wills & Estates • Estate Administration • Real Estate

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.victoriaoffice.com or call Joanna 704-4430

Housecalls for Seniors with Mobility Challenges “It’s a relief to have your affairs in order.” (250)477-4143 1620 Cedar Hill X Road (Just off Shelbourne St. in Victoria) Conveniently open Saturday 10am - 2pm MAY 2007

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ART SAANICH WEST STUDIO TOUR May 5 & 6

Artists living in Saanich invite you to visit their studios. Pick up a tour brochure at a Saanich Recreation Centre, and drive through the rural countryside. Stop by any studio displaying the yellow STUDIO TOUR sign. Painters, potters, sculptors, jewelry makers, wood carvers and turners, artists working with clay, stone, hypertufa, wood and concrete. 11am to 4pm. No charge for parking. Admission free. For info, call 479-6470.

DANCE THE ART OF BALLROOM DANCING May 30

This dance performance presents the trials and errors of the Victorian years through modern age. The costumes and creativity of the dancers will correspond to each era. 2 pm (please arrive 15 min. early). Admission free. The Arthur Murray Dance School, #208-2504 Government St. For tickets, call 885-3075.

LA FLUTE MAGIQUE May 30

World premiere restaging by Roberta Taylor. This full length narrative classical ballet, first staged in 1860s St. Petersburg, Russia, tells the pastoral story of Luc & Lise, an anonymous act of kindness, and a magical gift. 8 pm curtain. Special senior rates. For tickets, call Royal & McPherson Box Office 250-386-6121, toll-free 888-717-6121 or online at www.rmts.bc.ca

FAIRS & FESTS MOTHER’S DAY TEA May 3

Nanaimo Star Society OES #43. Delicious refreshments. Home baking. Mother’s Day Gifts Table. 1-3pm. Admission $6. Brechin United Church, 1998 Estevan.

To avoid disappointment, check ahead to make sure the event you want to attend is still happening. If you have an event listing seniors might like to know about, e-mail info to office@seniorlivingmag.com

Community Radio For Seniors Every Thursday 2-3pm CFUV Radio 101.9 FM or 104.3 Cable May 3 Stepping Out – LaRun Theatre May 10 Seniors’ Organizations – Victoria Hospice May 17 Health and Well-being – Visiting Long-term Care Facilities May 24 Issues – Navigating the Levels of Care May 31 Senior Living Character – Lucille McRae 44

SENIOR LIVING

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MUSIC REMEMBER WHEN May 11, 12 & 13

Presented by the Peninsula Singers. Glenda Korella – Conductor, Elizabeth Skinner – Soloist. Proceeds to Sidney charities, including North Saanich Hospital Foundation Music Therapy Program. Donations of non-perishable food items to The Sidney Food Bank greatly appreciated. Tickets $15. Fri & Sat, 7:30pm. Sun, 2pm. The Mary Winspear Community & Cultural Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave, Sidney. For more info, call 656-0275.

MUSIC FOR A MAY EVENING May 27

With the Bel Canto Singers. Program includes the premiere performance of “Two Ways of Hearing Daffodils.” 7:30pm. Tickets $8 seniors. Church of St Mary the Virgin, 1701 Elgin Road. For info, call 360-0356.

MOOD SWINGS SERIOUS MUSICAL FUN May 27 & June 3

The Music Teachers CVMTA in Concert. Selection of music alternates between happy, sad, serious and comical. Eleven music teachers in recital perform voice, piano, violin, and clarinet. Two performances only. Reception to follow. Sun, 7pm. St Michael’s and All Angels Anglican Church, 2858 Mill Street, Chemainus. June 3 – Sun, 2:30pm. Sylvan United Church, 985 Shawnigan Lake, Mill Bay Rd. Tickets $18/$12. For tickets call 250-246-5050 or 250-746-4104.

OUTDOORS LAWN BOWLING LESSSONS May 2, 3, 7, 9 & 10

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Pound explains. May 13 – All the Little Children. For Mothers Day, mother-and-daughter team Linda and Ellen Richards visit the graves of many of the 19th-century orphans buried at Ross Bay cemetery. May 27 – Bruce County Pioneers. Many people buried at Ross Bay came from Bruce County. Who were they and what did they do here? Sundays, 2pm. Cost $5. Meet outside Starbucks Coffee, Fairfield Plaza. No reservations needed. For info, 598-8870.

GARDEN CITY WANDERERS

May 19 – 5/10 km walk (rated 2B): Layritz Park, off Wilkinson Road. Registration 9:30am, walk 10am. For more info, call Murray 721-3065. May 20 – 10km walk (rated 2b): Running Room, Broadmead Shopping Centre, 777 Royal Oak Drive. Registration 9:30am, walk 10am. For more info, call Michelle 477-0539. May 25 – “Swiftsure” 6/10km walk (rated 1A) Harbour Towers, 345 Quebec Street. NOTE early registration is Fri, 8am and walk 8:30am. For info, call Marion 477-9851.

13TH ANNUAL COWICHAN VALLEY GARDEN TOUR Jun 3

Six spectacular gardens. Self-guided tour – directional maps and garden info guide. Garden tea and other refreshments available. Master gardeners share their knowledge. Great raffle prizes. Sun, 10am–5pm. Tickets $15. All proceeds go to Cowichan Family Life Association. For info, call 250-748-8281 or www.cowichanfamilylife.org/upgarden.htm

SPEAKERS/SEMINARS/ WORKSHOPS OSTEOPOROSIS SUPPORT GROUP May 7

Six lessons for $10. Tues, Wed & Thurs, 1:30– 3pm and 7–8:30pm. Lawn Bowling Drop-in – Mon, Wed & Fri, 7pm. $5 per drop-in. The Victoria West Lawn Bowling Club, beside Victoria West Park, off Bay St. For info, call 382-0751 or www.vicwestbowls.ca

Join us for a presentation on “Bone Health–Naturally” with Dr Neil Kinney, ND. 7pm. Drop in $2. The James Bay New Horizons Seniors Centre, 234 Menzie St. For info, call 721-0880.

SPRING PLANT SALE May 12 & 13

Presenter Keiko Bottomley. Topic: ‘The Magic of Broom.” Parlour show: 1. Designer’s choice, 2. Interpret title “Weaved Beauty.” New members and visitors welcome. 7:30pm. Garth Homer Centre, 813 Darwin Rd. For info, call 652-9334.

Great selection of perennials, shrubs, herbs and fuchsia baskets. All plants are grown on site by Camosun horticulture students. Camosun College and Royal Roads University maintain a unique partnership in support of horticulture education. Visit the plant shoppe located just inside the Royal Roads gate at 2005 Sooke Rd. For info, call 391-2544.

COCKTAILS ON THE TERRACE AT ABKHAZI GARDEN May 4

The evening will bring a rare plant auction and a special wine auction. Eight bottles of Winchester Cellar wine will be auctioned. Each bottle will have an original label created especially for this event by Victoria artists – Robert Amos, Nixie Barton, Pat Martin Bates, Ted Harrison, Grant Leier, Phyllis Serota, and Andy Wooldridge. Enjoy cocktails and appetizers on the terrace. $100 per person. 6pm. Abkhazi Garden, 1964 Fairfield Rd. For info, call 598-8096.

OLD CEMETARIES SOCIETY

May 6 – Coastal Steamships. What was it like for passengers and crew on the steamers that plied the BC coast in the good old days? Tom

VICTORIA FLOWER ARRANGERS GUILD May 8

FOR THE WELLTH OF IT May 12

This session will be valuable to family caregivers who find themselves better at taking care of others than taking care of themselves. Dr Laura Lauzon will provide practical tips and techniques on how to create wellness in a healthy, balanced way. 9:30am-1:30pm. $35 for FCNS members, $40 for non-members. Limited seating. Register by May 7. The Holiday Inn, 3020 Blanshard St. To register, call 384-0408.

HEADS UP: KEEPING YOUR BRAIN FIT May 14

Guest speaker Guy Pilch takes a holistic, mindbody-spirit approach to brain health. He’ll outline a 3-level strategy to help you choose goals for mental fitness and give you the tools to achieve those goals easily at your own pace. 7pm. Check-in 6:15pm. Alix Goolden Hall, 907 Pandora Ave. To pre-register, call 382-2033.

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MAKING VISITS COUNT May 16

Visiting a family member in a residential care facility can be frustrating or challenging, especially if that person has difficulty communicating or is having difficulty adjusting to their new setting. Practical tips for family caregivers on how to enhance the quality of visits. 7-9pm. $15 Family Caregivers Network Society members, $20 non-members. Limited seating. Register by May 10. 4th floor meeting room, Sunrise Senior Living, 920 Humboldt St. To register, call FCNS 384-0408.

REDUCING YOUR FEELINGS OF GUILT May 26 Guilt is a powerful feeling and leads us back to childhood. As an adult providing care and support for another adult, guilt can be overwhelming. Discover useful ways through this profound part of your life and learn ways to help reduce your feelings of guilt. 9:30am-12:30pm. $25 for Family Caregivers Network Society members, $30 for non-members. Limited seating. Register by May 18. Canadian Cancer Society, Vancouver Island Lodge, 2202 Richmond Road. To register, call FCNS 384-0408.

VOLUNTEERS GARDEN VOLUNTEERS WANTED

Do you like gardening and working outdoors in a team environment? St Ann’s Academy National Historic Site is looking for volunteers to help maintain the Novitiate Garden. Enthusiasm and willingness to learn required. Call 953-8829 or e-mail stanns.academy@gov.bc.ca

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Put spring in your step, it’s a time for new growth. Open your heart & volunteer with us. NEED Crisis and Information Line. No experience necessary, training starts May 12. For info, call 386.6328 or www.needcrisis.bc.ca

NORTH ISLAND EVENTS KIDNEY FOUNDATION MEETING May 1

Nanaimo Chapter of the Kidney Foundation meeting, 7pm at Kiwanis House, 1233 Kiwanis Crescent, Nanaimo. Everyone welcome. For info, call Marian 250-758-4561.

RHODODENDRON DAYS May 3–13

Enjoy the named and labeled collection of Rhododendrons and other spring flowering plants in a series of weekend walk-talks or self-guided tours. 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm). Admission $10. The Milner Gardens and Woodland, 2179 West Island Hwy, Qualicum Beach. For info, call 250-752-8573 or www.milnergardens.org

VOICES OF THE ISLAND May 4

The voices of Island choirs in perfect harmony. A Cappella Plus from Nanaimo, Concenti Singers from Duncan, Timbre from Port Alberni & VillageVoices from Qualicum Beach. 7:30pm. All seats $15. The Port Theatre, 125 Front St, Nanaimo. For info, call 250-754-8550.

HIKE FOR HOSPICE May 6

Walk, hike, wheel or stroll on our beautiful waterfront in memory of a loved one to celebrate

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life and to raise awareness and support for Hospice. Following the walk, join us for a picnic in the park–rain or shine! No registration fee –free t-shirt with $100 pledges. All proceeds support the work of Hospice in our community. 11am-3pm. Maffeo Sutton Park, Lion’s Pavillion, Nanaimo. For info, call 250-758-8857 or www.nanaimohospice.com

AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL ONDAATJE May 6

Presented by the Crimson Coast Dance Society. The evening will consist of a reading from Divisadero and earlier writings. Finger foods, live music and an opportunity to purchase signed books. 7:30pm. Tickets $15 and may be purchased at www.crimsoncoastdance.org Malaspina University Theatre, Nanaimo. For info, call 250-716-3230.

VENUS May 6 & 7

THEATREONE’S Last Fringe Flick of the Season, starring Peter O’Toole. The story of Maurice and Ian, a pair of veteran actors whose comfortable daily routine is disrupted by the arrival of Ian’s grand-niece, Jessie. Sun, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm. Mon, 7pm. Tickets $10. The Galaxy Cinema, 4750 Rutherford Way, Nanaimo. For tickets, call 250-754-7587.

FESTIVAL OF BANNERS Until May 15

The Nanaimo Art Gallery is inviting the public to come out and paint a banner. The deadline for submitting your entry form and design has been extended. There is still time to create your masterpiece and enjoy the sight of it decorating city streets from May until October. Banner entry forms can also be e-mailed in PDF format by e-mailing nataliet@nanaimogallery.ca. For info, call Brenda at 250-713-8197.

IT’S SHOWTIME! MUSICAL REVUE! May 19

Presented by the Bard to Broadway Theatre Society. A fabulous evening of music and drama previews the 2007 season productions playing under the tent this summer. Annual fundraising event. No-host bar and desserts, coffee served at intermission. Seating is reserved/tables seat 10. Tickets $30 or $25(when purchased with season pass). Doors open 6:45pm, show 7:30pm. The Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, Qualicum. For info, call 250-752-6813.

LADYSMITH EVENTS

May 12 & 13 – Vancouver Island Paddlefest at Transfer Beach. For more info, 250-245-4096 or wwwpaddlefest.bc.ca May 27 – Rotary Garden Tour – various locations in Ladysmith. For more info, call Andy at 250-245-3732. May 27 – 5th Annual C.O.P.S. Crunch Adventure Run at Holland Creek. For info, call the Community Centre 250-245-6424.

FREESTYLE IKEBANA Until May 19

Back by popular demand, Keiko Bottomley will teach her “Freestyle Ikebana” – Japanese Flower Arranging – at the Nanaimo Art Gallery Downtown, 150 Commercial Street, Nanaimo. Sat, 10am to noon. Cost $60 plus GST. To register call 250-754-1750.

HANDMADE SILK PAPER WORKSHOP May 26 & 27

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With Karen Wallace. Learn how to layout, weave & combine silk fibres to make colourful & exotic paper, a wonderful material for book covers, art pieces & cards. 10am-4pm. Cost $160 + $50 materials fee. The Denman Island Arts Centre, 1016 Northwest Rd, Denman Island. For info and to register, call 1-888-335-1221.

8TH ANNUAL JAZZ FESTIVAL Jun 1–3

Presented by North Island Hot Jazz Society in Courtenay. This year with 8 bands in 3 venues. The Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Ave and the Native Sons Hall across the parking lot. Food and refreshment available. 3-day pass $70. Fri, 4:30pm-Midnight ($25). Sat, 12pmMidnight ($40). Sun, 10am-4pm ($20). Sunday Gospel Hour from 10-11am. For info, call 250334-3499 or www.northislandhotjazz.com

15TH ANNUAL OUTDOOR RECREATION SHOW Jun 2 & 3

Exhibits, activities, prizes, food, bake/book sale and beer garden. Courtenay and District Fish and Game property on Comox Lake. For info, www3.telus.net/courtenayfishandgame/

GARDEN AND ART TOUR Jun 9 & 10

The Campbell River Art Gallery celebrates the return of summer and the love of gardening. The tour will showcase 10–12 gardens of various sizes and composition. 11am-4pm. Tickets $12 for either or both days and are available through the Gallery. For more info, call 250287-2261.

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Tours through Time BY STARR MUNRO

Photo: Bobbie Jo Sheriff

ombine a little old school charm, a splash of gallantry and a heap of local historical knowledge, and you’ve got Norman Archer’s newly released book Tales of Old Victoria. Published in March 2007, and released at the Senior Living Seniors Celebration Festival, Tales of Old Victoria contains 25 mini-biographies of some of the greatest known and unknown nineteenth century West Coast pioneers. “The book is meant to fill a very evident void,” says Norman. “There are many exhaustive historical tomes on the stories of Victoria and an equal number of excellent biographies on many of its early pioneers. What, until this time, did not exist, is a light, simple, inexpensive, overall synopsis that can be read in a couple of hours.” Designed specifically with the “busy” reader in mind, Norman designed both the content and layout of his new book to encourage easy reading. Several illustrations, including original pencil sketches provided by Norman’s oldest son, and lots of white space encourage people to pick up the book for a quick read. What holds their attention are the intricately woven stories this Victoria city tour guide has to offer. “I have selected a cross-section of people who laid the foundations of the City of Victoria. Many of the names are well known: Captain Vancouver, James Douglas, Matthew Baillie Begbie, John Helmcken. Others are less well known: John Butts, Boone Helm, Belle Adams. All of them helped to shape the fabric of the city in one way or another,” says Norman. “The tales are arranged in an 46

SENIOR LIVING

approximate chronological sequence, so one is able to detect the historical flow and interplay of events.” Interspersed among the biographies, Norman has woven some scenarios to help complete the picture, such as details of the gold rush, the catastrophe of the smallpox epidemic, the horrors of the leprosarium on Darcy Island and the mysteries of old Chinatown.

So, what inspired Norman to write this book? “Each summer, I conduct over 100 tours of the city. At the end of a tour, where I have been recounting the bizarre exploits of some of our founding fathers – and mothers, too – I am frequently asked ‘Are these stories in print?’ Well, yes, they are, but they have to be dug out from the multitude of historical records, websites, analytical books and detailed biographies. Most of my tourists don’t want that kind of trouble. They are looking for the cursory glance and the entertaining style. This book is an attempt to meet that very real need, not only for tourists, but for anyone who would like to know just a little about Victoria’s birth and early life.” “I make no claim of originality. Most of the material in my book can be found in other books and articles. What is unique is the way the stories are presented. Each story is capsulated and can be read in about five minutes.” Born in London, England before the outbreak of the Second World War, Norman’s colourful past helps make him a charismatic storyteller. Educated at Oxford and London University, Norman,

Tales of Old Victoria By Norman K. Archer Mountainside Publishing House $11.95

in his early years, worked in Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s printing and publishing industry. During his second career as a Baptist minister, he met his wife under a street lamp on a Saturday night in the middle of London. They hitchhiked across Europe, married, began a family and eventually immigrated to Canada, where they moved first to Victoria in 1966, left, and then returned in the â&#x20AC;&#x2122;80s. During Normanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many adventures in Canada, his fondness for informing and entertaining others inspired him to start a tour company where he spent 15 years escorting church groups to nearly 50 different countries. Upon retirement, Norman was approached to lead a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Birds Eye View Historical Tourâ&#x20AC;? of Victoria, a summer walking tour for locals and tourists that provides insight into the historical and cultural landmarks of the city. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tour guiding is an ideal occupation for my interest and abilities,â&#x20AC;? smiles Norman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am descended from a line of circus performers and the genes are certainly there. I am very much at home in the public eye and on the stage. I love drama!â&#x20AC;? In his younger days, Norman did amateur dramatics and enjoyed every minute of it. And while heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to do it again, he says he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know where heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d find the time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My tours include a large percentage of narrative. Most people are still children at heart and love a story. I am a born yarn-spinner. I love telling stories. My book has given me the perfect outlet for this natural inclination.â&#x20AC;? As a boy, Norman had a profound dislike for history until Mrs. Black became his history teacher. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I well remember her saying that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;history is people. Get to know the people and you will understand the history.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? The light went on for Norman that memorable day. Who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enjoy stories about people? And people remain the heart of his tour guiding and the essence of his book. For more information or to purchase a copy of Tales of Old Victoria, e-mail nka@shaw.ca SL

Senior Driver Refresher

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FREE Seniors Driving Seminar

Tuesday, June 12th 2:00 - 4:00 pm

What should you expect when it comes time for driver re-examination? In this informative seminar Roadmasters Safety Group Inc., will outline course curriculum to help prepare you for passing your next road test. To Register for this fun and informative event at Shannon Oaks, call 595-6257. â&#x20AC;&#x153;

55 ALIVEâ&#x20AC;? Refresher Course Developed by the Canada Safety Council

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WHAT IS A BPS DENTURE? The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bio-functional Prosthetic Systemâ&#x20AC;? or BPS is a co-ordinated sytem of the highest quality materials, instrumentation and techniques available today for denture construction. A quality life includes a quality denture and BPS can provide you with the esthetics, comfort and function to eat and smile with confidence. MAY 2007

Reflections

BY GIPP FORSTER

THE BOAT

used to own a boat. In fact, over the years, I have owned two. An 18-and-a-half footer and a 24 footer with a command bridge, or as some call it, a flying bridge. But I don’t own a boat now. A friend asked me recently if I wanted to go halves on a canoe. I declined. The way my luck seems to go, I would have gotten the half that always tips over! The closest I am now to being an old salt is the amount I put on my fries in a restaurant. But when I was younger, I was a sailor second to none. What that means is I wasn’t a sailor at all. If someone said: “See to it aft.” I thought there would be lots to see in the afternoon. Or if a person exclaimed: “Look to port.” I thought it was a comment on my figure! My boats were powerboats. They were best for salmon fishing, and that’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to be a top navigator, but it didn’t quite turn out that way. More than once, I charted my course for home after a day of fishing, only to find after 15 minutes at full throttle, I was heading further out to sea! Boats are great, especially if they’re parked in the driveway. They’re good to lean up against and tell tall tales about the size of a salmon or halibut you al-

SENIOR LIVING

most had, but then got away. On land, I’m a great sailor. I can lean with the best of them. It’s when the boat’s in the water that my troubles begin. When I bought my first boat, I kept looking for the oars. Then someone told me it was a powerboat with a motor. It didn’t surprise me. The amount I paid seemed awfully high for a rowboat. I’ve caught a few salmon in my day. The smaller ones I kept. The bigger ones got away. I thought myself quite a sportsman. One morning when I was heading out, a guy on the dock said: “Going out to kill some fish are you?” That dampened my enthusiasm, so I moored my boat and went and had a salad. I’m too old now to go traipsing on the ocean. Actually, I just don’t have the desire. I’ve experienced some problems with balance, so more than likely, I’d fall over the side of the boat! My wife just told me not to fret. The fish would probably throw me back anyway. They need to brag about the big one that got away too! I’m going to stick to the land from here on out. No need to tempt fate. Still, a boat sure is a great status symbol. If I had a boat on a trailer moored in my driveway, it would show the world I had plenty of spark left. I could stand outside all day (if it wasn’t raining), and

Photo: Krystle Wiseman

THEN & NOW

lean up against it looking swarthy. I could wear one of those sea captains’ hats, hold an unlit pipe in one hand and a fishing rod in the other. I’d wear gumboots for added effect and whistle a seafaring tune as I studied the sky to see what the weather was up to. I’m sure those passing by in cars or on foot would admire such an impressive sailor. My wife just chimed in again. She said not to put a big salmon net with the other gear because someone might decide to use it on me and not the fish. But I guess none of the above will ever happen. I can’t stand for too long. I don’t like wearing hats. I never did learn to whistle. I don’t smoke, so I don’t have a pipe and I haven’t handled a fishing rod in years. Gumboots make my feet sweat and I’ve never been good at guessing the weather. I can’t afford a boat and there’s no room in my driveway. So, that leaves only one thing for me to do. Go and feed my two goldfish, “Lucky” and “Louie,” and then go and take a nap. Sea air always makes me sleepy! SL

AWARD-WINNING DESIGNS AND SERVICE We are pleased to share Berwick Retirement Communities has recently been honoured with three awards. Business of the Year for Construction and Development, and first runner up for Business of the Year (50+ Employees) by the Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards, as well as a finalist for Business Leadership by the Victoria Chamber of Commerce. We would like to thank our staff and the

Berwick House Victoria (250) 721-4062 Berwick On The Lake Nanaimo (250) 729-7995

Berwick On The Park Kamloops (250) 377-7275 Berwick Comox Valley Comox (250) 339-1690 Berwick Royal Oak [Opening Spring 2008] (250) 386-4680

community for 17 wonderful years!

Owners, Gordon (left) and son Chris Denford

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Island Owned & Managed www.berwickrc.com

4/23/2007 8:41:59 PM

Welcome to Retirement Concepts! We are a family-owned Canadian Company head-quartered in Vancouver, BC. We strive to provide a holistic approach to seniors housing by creating a warm, inviting homelike environment at all our communities, regardless of the level of care provided.

Get to Know Us! Call us today for information or to schedule a tour at one of our facilities.

The Wellesley

2800 Blanshard Street, Victoria BC (250) 383-9099, Ext. 207

Nanaimo Seniors Village

6085 Uplands Drive, Nanaimo BC (250) 760-2325

Now Leasing 1 & 2 Bdrm. Suites Opening Nov. 2007 Casa Loma

4646 Headquarters Road, Courtenay, BC (250) 897-1033 or (250) 897-4033

visit us on the web: www.

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1888-388-8811 4/23/2007 8:41:31 PM