JULY/AUGUST 2007
VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
Vancouver’s 50+ Active Lifestyle Magazine
HOME EXCHANGE See more of the world for less
Dr. Swing Dal Richards
COVER_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 11
CENTURY HOUSE celebrates 50 years 6/25/2007 9:39:28 PM
JULY/AUGUST 2007
MAGAZINE
Senior Living (Vancouver & Lower Mainland) is published bi-monthly by Stratis Publishing.
FEATURES
Other publications by Stratis Publishing:
2 Emotional Wellness
• Senior Living (Vancouver Island) • Senior Lifestyle: A Housing Guide for Vancouver Island Publisher
Barbara Risto Editor
Preparing for a life in close quarters – on the open road
4 Century House Celebrates 50 Years
30 Labyrinth
Century House’s volunteer anniversary committee is gearing up for a special event in 2008
Bobbie Jo Sheriff Advertising Manager
Barry Risto 604-807-8208 Head Office 250-479-4705
6 Home Away From Home
Contact Information – Head Office
Senior Living Box 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1 Phone 250-479-4705 Fax 250-479-4808
26 A Life on Wheels
Maintaining a healthy emotional outlook on life after retirement
Walking a labyrinth becomes a meditative tool of discovery
DEPARTMENTS
One retired couple is fulfilling their dreams by swapping homes with like-minded couples in far-away lands
25 BBB Scam Alert 28 Tasty Traditions
10 Urban Explorers
29 Crossword
Fond memories and heritage recipes
Discovering the Lower Mainland on foot
E-mail office@seniorlivingmag.com Website www.seniorlivingmag.com
12 An “Alien” World Re-entering the dating game – online
Subscriptions: $32 (includes GST, postage
and handling) for 6 issues. Canadian residents only. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Senior Living is an indepdendent publication and its articles imply no endoresement 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 office@seniorlivingmag.com Senior Living Vancouver & Lower Mainland is distributed free in Vancouver, North & West Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Delta, Twawwassen, White Rock, Surrey, Cloverdale and Ladner. ISSN 1911-6373 (Print) ISSN 1991-6381 (On-line)
Cover Photo: Home Exchanger Ron Kelman consults a travel guide in a café in Montmartre, Paris. Story page 6.
COLUMNS
14 Dr. Swing
3 The Family Caregiver by Barbara Small
Big Band leader Dal Richards has become a Vancouver legend over the years
13 Between Friends
18 Reminders of B.C.’s Colonial Past
23 Ask Goldie
Visit three of Vancouver’s historical sites and step back in time
by Doreen Barber
by Goldie Carlow
32 Reflections: Then & Now
20 Signs of Summer
by Gipp Forster
Dedicated volunteers bring the Vancouver Folk Music Festival to life
Photo: Lynne Kelman
Senior Living Vancouver is available at most Community Centres, Senior Activity Centres and Libraries in the following municipalities:
D NLAN ER MAI & LOW UVER VANCO
JAN UA
RY/ FEB
RUA RY
200 7
• VANCOUVER • BURNABY • NEW WESTMINSTER • WHITE ROCK • NORTH VANCOUVER • LADNER / TSAWWASSEN • PORT MOODY • COQUITLAM • PORT COQUITLAM • SURREY • RICHMOND • WEST VANCOUVER
BALL INnGbe fuAn! Gone Sailing! HerAciV sing ca
es a uple tak ters wa ond co Richm on the open chance
Ex
ion in Adnct ess Love ding kin Sprea the world around dd 11
_JANF OUVER _VANC
7 3:40:44
PM
1/7/200
Call (250) 479-4705 for other locations.
MAGAZINE
EB07.in
COVER
JULY/AUGUST 2007
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 1
1
6/26/2007 12:30:11 AM
EMOTIONAL WELLNESS BY VERNICE SHOSTAL
F
eelings of pleasure and contentment enhance one’s physical health and lead to a sense of well-being and self-empowerment. While feelings of depression and loneliness often contribute to physical ailments. Just as physical health requires cultivation through good nutrition, rest and exercise, good emotional health requires cultivation through meaningful activities and positive relationships. University of Victoria, Department of Psychology Centre on Aging professor and researcher Dr. Holly Toukko, shares tips for seniors who want to maintain a healthy emotional outlook on life. Toukko suggests staying connected by participating in activities at recreation centres, and maintaining long-term relationships with family and friends as well as developing new relationships. Find someone to share feelings with. Another benefit to emotional health is pursuing a hobby. In addition to maintaining old activities and hobbies, seniors should develop new ones. To help keep the mind sharp, Toukko advises embracing technology. Surf the Internet and communicate with grandchildren by e-mail. Watch television and listen to the radio to keep up with current events. Do crossword puzzles, Sudoku, read, memorize poems or plays and join an amateur theatre group. “Nutrition, sleep and exercise,” she says, “keep the blood flowing and the mind sharp.” Pets can also provide good emotional support. “You can talk to them. They don’t talk back to you,” says Toukko. Spirituality, self-reflection and the desire to be a contributing member to society also enhance emotional wellness. According to Toukko, spiritual well-being ties in with mental and physical well-being. Former social worker Judith Everson, widowed for four years, is involved in meaningful activities and positive relationships. “Meeting people leads to new experiences,” says Judith. “Stay active by picking up a calendar from a seniors’ centre to find out what activities are available.” 2
It’s important to always have something to look forward to, she says. “Get up in the morning and plan your day. Ask yourself what you should do and work towards that plan.” Reading is also important. Good books are available at the library and second-hand bookstores. “When you read a good book,” says Judith, “you disappear into a different world.” Judith has three hobbies - her winter projects. She is learning calligraphy and takes lessons on Monday afternoons with a Chinese group. She also works with watercolours and thread embroidery. Judith’s friend and former polio victim Nicole Anderson, in her second year of living alone, says she makes use of her nearby seniors’ facility where she has joined an exercise group and a hiking group. “I use the facility mostly to meet new people,” she says. “I signed up to start taking bridge lessons in January. I haven’t played bridge since the kids were little.” When she’s not at the seniors’ centre, Nicole is either swimming with her postpolio group, walking with her neighbours or volunteering as a secretary at an outreach program. At home, in her spare time, she is a painter and a fabric artist. She is also taking free lessons in computer skills at the public library. Both women suggest there are many activities to get involved with that don’t require spending money. In addition to local seniors’ centres, Seniors Serving Seniors (www.seniorsservingseniors.bc.ca) is a resource that offers several avenues of assistance. For emotional counselling, peer counsellors help seniors get in touch with their feelings and solve their problems. One volunteer-run program, Seniors in Stitches, is a group that meets once a month to share patterns, sort through yarn and bring in newly made items, which are given to the children at the Cridge Centre for the Family at Christmas. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others. The mind, body and spirit work together for optimum physical and emotional health. Make the most of every day! SL
SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 2
6/26/2007 12:31:29 AM
THE FAMILY CAREGIVER
C
aring for a loved one from a distance can be as stressful – or sometimes more stressful – as living in the same city. An initial reaction may be to minimize the distance, but first consider which is more stressful: providing and arranging for care from a distance, uprooting yourself to move to a relative’s location or uprooting your family member from the familiar (family, friends, town, home) in order to move them closer to you. Below are some tips to facilitate caregiving from a distance: • An aging relative may not always be forthright about his or her needs or declining health. If you have a support network in place with key contacts, it may be possible to get a clearer picture of the real situation. Contacts might include a close friend, minister, doctor or regular visitors to your relative. They may be the first to notice a change in health or ability, so calling them directly can save time and effort. Ask them to alert you if they notice changes in your loved one’s behaviour, appearance, memory, mobility or food habits. • Ask a member of this support system to check in with your family member on a regular basis. When you live at a distance, there should be at least one person at the other end whom you feel comfortable phoning or who will agree to call you (collect) when problems arise. Keep the name and telephone number of the contact person with you at all times, and ensure they have your telephone number.
Tips for Long-distance Caregivers BY BARBARA SMALL
• You may need to hire someone to help with meals and personal care. Discuss with your family member what services might be helpful. If he or she resists, try to agree on one service and begin there. • Take home a local telephone directory. • Schedule regular visits. Plan, in advance, what you need to accomplish during this trip, in addition to visiting with your relative. Be observant over the course of your stay. Are they eating regularly? Are bills getting paid? • In a non-emergency situation, try to step back and evaluate whether or not you really need to go, or if you can send someone else in your place. Can someone take care of it locally? This will free you up for emergency situations or times when it is essential for you to be there. • Make sure legal and financial affairs are in place and upto-date. Find out who their lawyer is, where their bank is located and where they keep their important documents. Above all, remember, you may not be able to do everything, but you will be able to do something. Know that even the best caregivers feel a sense of guilt, believing they could have done more. SL
Barbara Small is Program Development Coordinator for Family Caregivers’ Network Society.
• Start a dialogue with your relative to discuss what care choices might be further down the road. Explore services, resources and other avenues for care available in the community.
JULY/AUGUST 2007
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 3
3
6/26/2007 12:31:30 AM
CENTURY HOUSE
BY DALE AND ARCHIE MILLER
I
f a member of the Royal Family visits Century House in New Westminster again, there will be plenty of glasses available, just in case they might like a refreshing drink of water. Of all the exhaustive plans that were carried out flawlessly on July 28, 1958 when HRH Princess Margaret arrived to formally open the first municipally owned recreation centre designed specifically for seniors in Canada, the most frequently told story about that day is of the one missing detail. Reporters described in star-struck terms similar to those used in later years for Diana, Princess of Wales, the 28-yearold Princess Margaret’s dress, “a harem-skirted frock of white faille taffeta, patterned with mauve roses.” Her hat “of white petals which rippled in the breeze,” and her makeup, “light and perfectly applied.” She cut the white ribbon to open the facility and declared, “Century House is a marvellous place,” as she admired the various rooms and amenities. When they got to the kitchen, the Chairman of the Recreation Commission noticed her looking longingly at the refrigerator. Sealed bottles of distilled water are always placed along the route of royal visitors, and knowing that a bottle was in the fridge, he asked the Princess if she would like a drink. Gratefully, she said she would. Then the committee discovered, to their horror, that while the water was right where it should be, there was only one drinking glass in the entire complex. With true royal grace, the Princess said, “Why we can all share the same glass.” She drank first, followed by her ladyin-waiting, and went on with the tour as if no one would ever expect a new facility to have more than one glass. Recognizing that “success is in the details,” Jan Greenhow, president of the Century House Association, and all the 4
members of the 50th Anniversary Committee are working diligently to ensure that in 2008, every element will be in place to mark this special event. There were special celebrations to mark the 20th, 25th, 30th and 40th anniversaries of Century House, but the 50th will top them all. Everything is bigger now – the building, the number of activities and services, but mostly the membership. In 1958, there were about 150 members. Today, there are well over 1,500. The committee began work in earnest in 2006, breaking into smaller groups to tackle each separate event. They plan to have a fashion show featuring Ivan Sayers, who has devoted the past 30 years to preserving and teaching the history of fashion. They are creating a time capsule that will hold items that, when it is opened for Century House’s 100th anniversary, will show what New Westminster was like in 2008. Music students from New Westminster Secondary School are creating a special song to mark the anniversary. Ed Lewandowski, chair of the anniversary committee met recently with the music class and was amazed by the interest and commitment on the part of the young people. There will also be a gala dinner, a community Open House and other events, but the greatest challenge is a DVD that will be a permanent legacy of the anniversary. The committee is collecting photographs, films and other images of events that have taken place over the past 50 years, as well as having current events and interviews filmed for inclusion in the DVD. Finding images of the actual opening in 1958 has been one of the greatest stumbling blocks. It is hard to believe that with a personage of the importance of Princess Margaret in town, there weren’t plenty of cameras around throughout the ceremonies, yet very few photos or films have
SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 4
6/26/2007 12:31:35 AM
surfaced. Ed Lewandowski has issued a plea for anyone who has images of the opening of Century House in New Westminster, or any other pictures that capture the early days of the centre and would be willing to share them. Contact him by e-mail at EJLewandowski@shaw.ca or telephone Century House at 604-519-1066. The images will be copied for the DVD and the originals returned to the owner. Given the enormous amount of work involved in organizing this kind of event, one question comes to mind, “Why bother?” “It’s important for the community to know how well this is all working,” says Jan. “New Westminster is a small city, but it had the foresight to fund a special centre for seniors and to find a central location for it. It wasn’t a popular thing to do at the time, but they did it anyway.” Ed agrees. “Because of Century House – how good it is to us and because of the things it supplies. It gives us a chance to give something back for the special role it plays in our lives.” Others reinforce the importance of Century House in the lives of its members. “If Century House disappeared, a lot of seniors would just sit in their rooms and watch TV,” says Tom president Association se u o H ry tu w, Cen Jan Greenho
Photos: Arch ie Miller
R
CELEBRATES 50 YEARS
Ed Lewando wski, anniver sary
committee ch air
Baker, former mayor of New Westminster. “It gets them out and active and gives them a reason to get up every morning.” Jim Johnston has been involved with Century House, in some way, for over 40 of the building’s 50 years, including president from 1979 to 1986. “Right from the beginning, I saw it as a good project to be involved with,” says Jim. “I knew there were those who said it would be a ‘white elephant,’ and I’ve enjoyed working to see it become such a success and to prove the naysayers wrong.” Members from 1958 would hardly recognize Century House today with its wide variety of programs and services specifically designed for the 50+ age group. Health education, fitness, trips, support groups and more await members, as well as a weekday lunch service. But what they would recognize is the camaraderie and the commitment to help improve the lives of the seniors of the community – certainly worth planning the best 50th anniversary celebration they can. SL Archie and Dale Miller do historical research, presentations and writing in New Westminster. JULY/AUGUST 2007
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 5
5
6/26/2007 12:31:38 AM
HOME AWAY
An English garden STORY AND PHOTOS BY LYNNE KELMAN
A comfortable home in the South of France, Munich and beautiful Bavaria, Austria, Spain, England, California, Arizona and weekends in Victoria or the San Juan Islands. Sound intriguing? 6
SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 6
6/26/2007 12:31:41 AM
FROM FR OM HOM HOME E our home: how many bedrooms, bathrooms, area information, and proximity to amenities. We described ourselves as retired professionals wanting to exchange with folks like us: no children, no pets and non-smokers. Individuals determine what they will ask for and how to present themselves. Cost is minimal, in the area of $200 per year for a listing. A description of your home and a photograph you provide will appear in a periodic home exchange directory and on the website, which lists hundreds of homes around the world, including Canada, that people are willing to swap with other HomeLink members for periods that range from a few days to several months. There are additional forms to walk you through any insurance you might need, for example, if you decide to swap vehicles. We have swapped our car and had no problems. We spoke to ICBC and explained our situation, upped our liability so others could drive our vehicle, and that was it. Before embarking on our first exchange, we made up our Home Book, a file folder of instructions: how tos, where to find and how to operate things in our home. A list of available
»
Ron Kelman in Soubès, Southern France
W
AN
hen Ron and I retired, we knew we wanted to travel, to visit those places we had dreamed of during our working years. Retirement was a big step, but as we eased into it, we researched ways and means of making our dreams happen. We aren’t camping people, we like our comforts: a warm bed, indoor plumbing and a kitchen for cooking. Hotels wouldn’t work for us, and bed and breakfasts are impractical for long-term travel, so we looked at home exchanges. We researched many websites (see sidebar next page) and knew we wanted an organized and reputable company. We picked HomeLink International with its Canadian office based in North Vancouver. After we spoke to their approachable founder, Jack Graber, we jumped in with both feet. Home exchange organizations provide the forms and help you describe you and your home. They also make suggestions on how to pick your exchange partner and choose the locations you want to visit. We downloaded the form to describe
Daily Showtimes Hurricane on the Bayou 11am, 5pm; Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs 12, 2, 4pm; Ride Around the World: A Cowboy Adventure 1pm; The Human Body 3pm Extra Big Movie Night: Two films for $15! Fridays 7:30 pm: Ride Around The World & Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs Saturdays 7:30 pm: Pulse: A STOMP Odyssey & Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs
24-hour info: 604 . 443. 7443 or telusworldofscience.com/vancouver Main Street/Science World SkyTrain Station Showtimes subject to change without notice Media Partners:
JULY/AUGUST 2007
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 7
7
6/26/2007 12:31:43 AM
big step, a s a w t n e Retirem sed into it, but as we ea ed ways and we research king our means of ma en. dreams happ physicians, hospitals, shopping malls, cinemas, restaurants and theatres, bus timetables, the cost of bus fares (folks from overseas need to know how much change to carry). Plus a list of contact people, immediate neighbours, friends or family who know the house and would help in an emergency and also arrangements for the swap of keys and where to drop them off. Then we started the fun part, scrolling through listings all over the world and narrowing our choice of where we wanted to go first. When we found a home that looked and sounded like somewhere we wanted to stay, we sent an e-mail to the owners, gave them our listing number and asked if they might be interested. Be specific on dates, but give yourself some flexibility. The idea is that you find an exchange partner before making travel arrangements – dates can always be finalized along the way. Getting an exchange partner on your first hit is unlikely, so it is advisable to send out as many requests as you can. Keep track of whom you’ve contacted. It’s easy to forget who you have asked, and you do not want to be embarrassed by asking the same people twice. Alternately, you’ll receive requests for your home. If both parties are interested, a phone call may be ideal or more e-mail correspondence, to get to know your exchangers and to introduce yourself in a little more detail. Now you’re on your way. Keep in touch, and when the time nears, get 8
your home ready. Clean up, leave some empty cupboards and a few provisions such as milk, bread and eggs in the fridge, maybe a bottle of wine to greet them. Personal and private possessions can easily be tucked away in a locked cupboard. For high-end valuables, some people arrange security boxes or storage. We have
Village Street, France
never had a problem and have found our exchangers to be as careful in our home as they would be in their own. Arrange the exchange of keys for the house and mailbox etc. Ask a neighbour or friend to hand over the keys at a prearranged time and date, or wait for the exchangers to arrive, show them the house, hand over keys and go on your way. Arrange this ahead of time with your partners.
Research On line www.interva c.ca www.exchan gehomes.com www.sabbat icalhomes.co m www.homeli nk.ca
SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 8
6/26/2007 12:31:46 AM
We were once greeted at an airport in Germany by lovely exchangers holding a cardboard sign with our name on it. They whisked us off to see their house and invited us out for dinner before leaving us in the comfort of their home while they went to stay with family before leaving the next morning to travel en route to our place. Once, we stayed home waiting with fresh baked scones
to welcome a couple from California who had done battle with Seattle’s rush hour traffic to arrive at our home hot and tired. They were so happy to find our small and inviting garden waiting for them. This way of travelling provides so many wonderful benefits; our stays have usually been for a month or longer, which gave us time to make new
friends. Neighbours introduce themselves, local people get to know our faces and we have been lucky to make lifelong friends with our exchangers and their friends. We feel fortunate to have seen much of the world so comfortably, and will continue to travel this way, knowing our home is lovingly cared for, while we enjoy the pleasures of a home away from home. SL
Bavarian spring flowers
Senior Living is pleased to announce the launch of Gipp Forster’s newest book
Reflections, Rejections, and Other Breakfast Foods ti
Reflection3Fs,KFDUJPOT
r Breakfast Foods Rejections & Othe
st Foods
and Other Breakfa
Gipp Forster MAGAZINE
& Unpublished Writings A Collection of Published nist Gipp Forster by Senior Living Colum
A collection of Gipp Forster’s published columns in Senior Living magazine, with other unpublished writings thrown in for good measure. A unique blend of humor and nostalgia, Gipp’s writings touch your heart in such an irresistible way, you will want to buy not only a copy for yourself, but as a wonderful gift for friends and family members. 128 pages Softcover Available September 2007 Published by Senior Living Price: $14.95
PRE-ORDER NOW & $AVE
Only $12.95 if purchased before August 15/07 Name_______________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________ City_________________________________ Prov ___________ Postal Code_______________ Phone _____________________ Email _______________________________________________ ____ BOOKS @ $12.95 each
= $____________
GST (Add 6% on above total)
= $____________
SHIPPING & HANDLING FIRST BOOK @ $4.95
=$
4.95
ADDITIONAL BOOKS: ___ @ $1.95 = $____________ TOTAL
= $____________
___ CHEQUE (make payable to Senior Living) ___ CREDIT CARD
____VISA ____MC ____AMEX
CARD NUMBER ______________________________ EXPIRY DATE ________________ NAME ON CARD _____________________________
Mail to: Gipp Forster Book Offer c/o Senior Living Box 153, 1581–H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1
JULY/AUGUST 2007
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 9
9
6/26/2007 12:31:49 AM
Urban explorers: BY BETTY HO
A
Gordon Franks, Cynthia Cooke and Harriet Joachim
bout eight years ago, Sara Richmond, a Vancouver resident for the past 80 years, introduced transplanted retired New York lawyer Harriet Joachim to walking trips around Vancouver. Harriet moved to the West Coast with her husband so they could be in the same time zone as their daughter, who lived in San Diego. Harriet refers to herself as a “Woolworths’ baby” because she was born 5/10/15 or May 10, 1915. Sara met Harriet at the seniors’ fitness classes held at the Jewish Community Centre (JCC). After entertaining their fitness class with stories about where they went and people they met on their walks, Sara and Harriet soon found others like Ida Vechter and Cynthia Cooke from the class wanting to join them. 10 10
SENIOR LIVING LIVING VANCOUVER VANCOUVER && LOWER LOWER MAINLAND MAINLAND SENIOR
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 10
6/26/2007 12:31:53 AM
Discovering Lower Mainland This international walking group now consists of an American, a Zimbabwean, and three Canadians. They welcome anyone to join them on their explorations around Vancouver on Tuesday mornings, weather permitting. The meeting place is generally in the parking lot of the Jewish Community Centre, only for convenience’ sake because this is a walking group independent of the Centre. There are no fees of any kind, and the day’s itinerary is decided upon by consensus. The group usually walks for two hours, starting at 10 a.m., then takes a lunch break and continues for another hour or two. They may take a bus to wherever they choose to walk. Sara and Harriet’s enthusiasm about their weekly Tuesday walks and volunteer work with the Auxiliary to the Louis Brier Home and Hospital brought another walker and volunteer, Gordon Franks, into their fold. “This is the best thing that’s happened to me,” says Gordon. “After 31 years as an inside worker for the Post Office, I love being outdoors, seeing the flora and fauna!” Even though Gordon was born and raised in Vancouver, he’s learned more about the city since he started walking with the group. For example, a Jewish cemetery sits on the corner of 37th Avenue and Fraser and contains the graves of his grandfather and his wife and their son. Plus, he’s discovered gravestones dated at far back as the 1800s. Ida, 82, is originally from Montreal. “When I first began the fitness classes in 1990, I couldn’t last half an hour’s exercise,” says Ida. “Now with the walking and regular exercise, an hour’s exercise three times a week is easy!” Also easy for Ida is finding ideas to make recycled crafts or, as she says, “creating something from almost nothing, because the Centre had very little money for crafts material.” After 14 years of teaching and volunteering at JCC, she re-
cently gave up her craft class, where her students made items such as papier maché vases and containers, bread dough figurines, umbrella stands, and invitation cards. Formerly a sculptor, she now uses her artistic skills to paint in acrylics whatever she observes during the group’s walks around the many parks and beaches in Vancouver. Five years ago, shortly after retiring, Cynthia Cooke left Zimbabwe due to its political climate and came to Vancouver. Here, she joined the seniors’ fitness classes at the Centre and accepted Harriet’s invitation for anyone who wanted to walk with the group on Tuesdays. Like the others in the group, Cynthia loves to walk, read, travel, and is interested in exploring the areas in the Lower Mainland. Gordon echoes Harriet’s philosophy on walking, “There’s too many cars on the road! If I can walk, I’ll do it.” For more information or to join the walking group, call Harriet Joachim at 604-325-4306 to find out their meeting place. SL
#203-1538 Foster St. White Rock
604-538-5041
www.wrcoins.ca Easy access & ramp from Central Plaza parking lot, far corner by the Gallery Frame Shop
WE BUY
Photos: Omar Ruiz-Diaz
:
JULY/AUGUST JULY/AUGUST2007 2007
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 11
11 11
6/26/2007 12:31:55 AM
An “Alien” World Re-entering the Dating Game
BY BAILA LAZARUS
P
ublic speaking, it’s been said, ranks highest on most people’s list of fears. Nipping at public speaking’s heels is the fear of re-entering the dating world. Even the mention of it conjures up notions of a different planet, populated by aliens with strange customs and table games. The dating world is usually more accessible through the natural social networking of the teens, 20s and 30s. But as social networks diminish, where do people turn to meet others, who (or what!) is out there, and where can they find advice on dating dos and don’ts? Today, there are numerous ways to meet people: social clubs, introduction agencies, personal coaches, matchmakers, dating agencies and online services. Ads can be found in newspapers, magazines, on television, radio or the Internet. The two most popular means of connecting with people seem to be personal introduction agencies and the Internet. The advantage of these is that they are tailored to the individual, so people can determine (and find) the kind of person suitable to them. In the case of an introduction agency, you participate in about an hour-long interview with the person who you are going to hire to find you a mate. Since they do extensive interviews with everyone, the matches are more secure. The key here is quality, not quantity, with most agencies guaranteeing one (or fewer) dates per month. These are generally for people interested in a serious relationship. Examples of introduction services available in Greater Vancouver include: Like Fine Wine, Divine Intervention, Hearts Canada and Classique Introduction. Because the service is personalized, costs can be high. Prices range from a few hundred dollars a year up to a onetime fee of $5,000. But since you’re spending so much, be sure the agency does what you want. Make a list of questions to ask various dating agencies: Do they come to your home for the interview to learn more about you? Do they do detailed background checks? How many introductions will they guarantee? Do they match you only with other members? Is the person doing your interview going to be the same one looking for your partner? Online dating services give you control over whom you 12 12
meet, and it has the benefit of being less expensive. Seniorpeoplemeet.com starts at a monthly rate of $20 or $190 for 12 months. Silversingles.com is $30 for one month and $75 for five months. Lavalife uses credits, which you buy as you need and have no expiration date. The cost works out to about $2.50 to send an e-mail to a member on the site. Plentyoffish.com is a good place to try out the online dating scene, because it’s free. Signing up your own profile on any of these sites is free, and they all come with “Help” and “Advice” features that provide tips on everything from writing profiles and taking photographs to what to do on a first date. While Internet dating might seem a little foreign or odd, keep an open mind. It offers the best opportunity for meeting potential dates at a reasonable cost. As well, people who have experienced serious relationships in their lives often do well with online dating because they are more sure about what they want and will be less inclined to play games or date randomly. Also, if your children are grown and you’re not looking for a serious relationship or marriage, but perhaps a companion, it’s easy enough to say this in your profile in order to draw the right kind of match. In between the personal nature of the introduction agencies and the cyber-world of Internet dating are hosts of “dating agencies.” These include It’s Just Lunch, Executive Search Dating and LifeMates (the first two focus on working executives). These companies do one-on-one interviews, but the person doing the interview is not necessarily the one who’s going to interview your potential date, and matching might be done using computerized methods, rather than more time-consuming one-on-one meetings. Prices are usually annual membership fees. They are below that of an introduction agency but more expensive than the Internet. If you are interested in joining one of these groups, ask the same questions as those for personal introduction services listed above. Whatever you choose as a dating option, remember to have fun and treat this journey into the “alien” world of dating like a new adventure. For more information on Internet dating, visit SL www.tastierdates.com
SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 12
6/26/2007 12:31:58 AM
Between Friends Laughter: Good Medicine
BY DOREEN BARBER
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” -George Bernard Shaw
L
aughter is one of the best medicines known to man. out of the store to the We know through research that laughing lowers edge of the sidewalk, blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, increases pulled down his pants muscle flexibility and boosts immunity to infection. and proceeded to reHumour reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously. A lieve himself. To his wise man recognized this when he said, “he who laughs at mother’s horror, when himself will never cease to be entertained.” There is always she caught up to him room to see the amusing side of life. Emotions we experi- it was too late, all she ence have the capability to change our body chemistry. Doc- could do was stand tors Gael Crystal and Patrick Flanagan said, “Adults laugh on guard while he approximately 15 times per day, while children laugh about completed his task. Some people walking by smiled, some 400 times a day.” laughed, others nodded. One man said, Life is to enjoy, laugh and celebrate “Laughter is more impor- “You have to do what you have to do!” because you have been given today. It still brings a smile to my face when tant than knowledge. The I reminisce about that embarrassing Try to meet your frustrations with laughter. Taking pleasure from those difference between genius moment so very long ago. around us is our choice. Get pleasure Reading a comical book can do the and stupidity is that from each moment in life and express same as recalling a funny memory. amusement as much as possible. The mind can only hold one thought at genius has its limits.” He who laughs, lasts. a time, so make that thought a humor–Albert Einstein Have you ever felt like you are dious one. agonally parked in a parallel universe? And now, a couple of side busters from Bob Phillips’ There was a little boy about a year-and-a-half old who was book, Good Clean Jokes: shopping with his mother in an unfamiliar city. He indicated “The number one problem in our country is apathy – but it was time to “wee wee,” or in the language of a two year who cares!” old, “find me a bathroom quickly.” The store did not provide “A chaplain was passing through the prison garment facfacilities, and the child was told to wait. A washroom would tory. ‘Sewing?’ he said to the prisoner who was at work. be found. The little boy, who could not wait any longer, ran ‘No, chaplain,’ replied the prisoner gloomily, ‘reaping!’” SL
JULY/AUGUST 2007
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 13
13
6/26/2007 12:31:59 AM
DR. SWING
BY PETER HENDERSON
D
Photos: Peter Henderson
al Richards, known in Vancouver as “Dr. Swing,” started his musical career by accident. A mishap with a slingshot at age nine cost him the sight in one eye. His mother, an amateur pianist, encouraged him to learn to play piano. At 16, attending Magee High School, Dal heard the sounds of the great swing musicians of the ‘20s and ‘30s, like Benny Goodman on the saxophone, and from then on, he was “hooked.” Private lessons followed, and he joined Arthur Delamont’s Kitsilano Boys’ Band. This band became legendary in the annals of Vancouver. It included names that later became famous, such as Bill Millerd of the Arts Club, entrepreneur Jimmy Pattison, architect Bing Thom and Dal himself, all of whom now hold the Order of Canada. At the Chicago World’s Fair in 1933, the Band amazingly achieved first prize, beating out a local band from Chicago. This triumph was followed by two months in the United Kingdom, giving variety concerts. Most Vancouver residents best remember Dal, however, for the years he led his dance orchestra at the Panorama Roof of the Hotel Vancouver. Every Saturday, from 1940 to 1965, this was the focal point of Vancouver society, with many distinguished people holding permanent reservations. At the same time, Dal and his orchestra were on CBC radio every Sunday. They even played at the Orpheum theatre on Friday nights between the movies. At one point, Ivan Ackery who ran the amateur talent concerts at the Kitsilano Show14 14
boat pointed out to Dal that he had no female singer, and recommended a young Ukrainian girl who performed at the Showboat. Dal was, at first, reluctant to hear her. When he did, he became her legal guardian, because of her age, in order to hire her. This 14-year-old girl later became known, on radio coast-to-coast, as none other than “Our pet” Juliette. Dark times arrived in 1965. Changing tastes moved away from Dal’s “big band” swing sound, and he and his musicians were no longer needed at the “Roof.” This led to his greatest achievement outside music, and certainly one of which he is intensely proud. Dal, at age 50, enrolled in the two-year Hotel Management program at BCIT. To go back to studying in a demanding program at a rigorous institution in midlife, with no previous experience in the field, was a feat few would attempt. Nevertheless, on his coffee table today, is a small mounted trophy awarded to him for top of his class. He became Sales Director, first at the Georgia Hotel, then at the Devonshire. There, in 1980, with his musicians still active, he noticed an empty ballroom. He decided to put it to use, offering Saturday night dances, and was sufficiently successful to cut a record album, followed by his new CD, “The Swinging Years,” a blend of Dal’s stylings from the Panorama Roof and his orchestra of today. He appreciates the contrast between his working life at the Roof, which was a set pattern as the leader of an orches-
SENIOR SENIORLIVING LIVING VANCOUVER VANCOUVER&&LOWER LOWERMAINLAND MAINLAND
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 14
6/26/2007 12:32:05 AM
tra, with his later life where he’s managed musicians, dealt with clients and the musicians’ union, alongside publicity, sound stages and the media. He feels fortunate to have the help of his wife Muriel. In addition to her demanding work as a manager with the City of Vancouver, dealing with movie companies’ filming and other special events, Muriel keeps the books and records of his numerous activities including a weekly radio show on 600AM. Dal values music of all kinds, and regularly attends the symphony. Music remains his passion, but BCIT taught him how to run a business. He remains immensely grateful to BCIT for satisfying his great need in 1966, which he has repaid by setting up a scholarship for the Hospitality Management Program, as well as similar scholarships at the Vancouver School of Music and the Vancouver Jazz Festival. He has worked for the Variety Telethon, for which he was given Variety International’s Presidential Citation in 1993.
“The SAFER program has always been a lifeline for me.� The Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program provides seniors like John with cash assistance towards their monthly rent. If you’re 60 or older, paying rent and you or spouse has lived in British Columbia for the past 12 months, you may be eligible.
Every Saturd ay, from 194 0 to 1965, the Pa norama Roo f of the Hotel Vanco uver was the focal point of Vanc ouver societ y, with many disting uished peop le holding perm anent reserv ations. The openings of various Vancouver landmarks, like the Vogue Theatre in 1941, the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, the Coleseum, the new Art Gallery and most recently, the Canada Place Convention Centre are milestones in his career. He speaks warmly about his daughter by his late wife, singer Lorraine McAllister. Dallas Chapple worked for UNESCO, after graduating from the Sorbonne in Paris, and followed that with time at the CBC in Ottawa and sold real estate in Toronto. Now, to her father’s great delight, she’s studying jazz piano! Ready to turn 90 years old next January, Dal can look back on a successful life in the music world few people could achieve, and conquering obstacles in mid-life that few could overcome. He continues to enjoy making music, now for the children and grandchildren of his original audiences SL when he started his career.
To apply or learn more about SAFER, contact BC Housing at 1-800-257-7756 or visit www.bchousing.org.
H O U S I N G M AT T E R S
$ % & ' !
" #
!
" #
!
"
() *Or until the contract reaches maturity or upon the death of the last surviving annuitant. Provided withdrawal thresholds are not exceeded. * + + ,
ASK ME ABOUT INCOMEPLUS
FROM MANULIFE INVESTMENTS
<JohnZlotnik, Smith> President of Lynne <ABC Financial> Lynne Zlotnik Wealth Management <Suite #123, 456 Street,>
Suite â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1050 Pender St. <City,2050 Province X1XW.1X1> <Phone: 000 000-0000 ext. 0000> Vancouver BC, V6E 3S7 <Fax: 000 Phone: 604000-0000> 630 1879 <Toll Free: 1 888 000-0000> Fax: 604 605 1674 email: <john_smith@ABCfinancial.com> Email: lzlotnik@fmbrokerage.com
The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company is the sole issuer and guarantor of the Manulife GIF Select Contract. GIF Select, Manulife
and the block design are registered service marks and trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it and its affiliates including Manulife Financial Corporation. Coin image Š2006 Royal Canadian Mint - All rights reserved !"##$ % & '
JULY/AUGUST 2007
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 15
15
6/26/2007 12:32:07 AM
Garden Ornaments
Estate size statuary and fountains add Old World charm and elegance to settings deserving of a classic touch. Bo and Cathy Brantley, owners of Classic Rock, have been in the garden ornament business for over 10 years, selling their elegant fountains and statues to retail outlets across Canada and the USA. Last summer, they shifted their focus from wholesale national sales to the local market, opening a retail store called Garden Ornaments at their manufacturing premises located north of Victoria and just a 15 minute drive from the ferry. “Until now, we sold only to retailers, but the local interest in our product at a retail level is opening up a whole new marketing
of European villas. From playful cupids to Romanesque figures and Grecian urns, an Old World ambiance can be created through artful landscaping. “We have perfected the art of finishing our pieces to capture the ancient world. “ Adding a couple of pieces of statuary to your landscaping plans adds an element of elegance to any garden setting. A wide inventory of styles, sizes and shapes allows you to design your fountain to suit your individual taste and garden application. The Garden Ornaments retail display yard is open every day during the gardening season, April - September. Take a drive to Keating to see these magnificent pieces for yourself. “We supply fountains and statuary proportionate to the small backyard garden as well as the executive estate. We can give advice on size, styles and suggest various applications to achieve the look you want.” Whether you are a homeowner, or a contractor looking for the perfect piece to grace your client’s home, Garden Ornaments can help you choose the right product. If you’ve always admired the elegance of classic European statuary, why not give a fresh look to your garden or front yard this spring?
Drop by Garden Ornaments at 2046-B Keating Cross Road, Saanichton, adjacent to Home Hardware. Call (250)544-4999 or visit their web site at www.classicrockgarden.com for more information.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE, VICTORIA CARLTON HOUSE - OAK BAY, VICTORIA opportunity for our company,” say the Brantleys. A few imported items round out their inventory but the majority of their products are hand crafted on-site at their Central Saanich facility, ensuring statuary of the highest quality. Products manufactured in Canada tend to stand up better in colder climates. The move from wholesale to retail has launched Garden Ornaments in a whole new direction. “We are becoming increasingly well-known by local landscapers, designers and developers. Although we have fountains and statues of all sizes, we are the only company to give contractors access to a product line, especially fountains, appropriate for corporate properties and executive estates. We have customers all over Vancouver Island as well as the Mainland. Using life-size statues and fountains of commercial proportion, owners can now landscape their property in a fashion reminiscent 16
SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
ADVERTISING FEATURE SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 16
6/26/2007 12:32:10 AM
Add that
0-% 803-% $)"3. to YOUR garden • Executive Homes & Corporate Landscaping • Classic Old World Statuary – all types and sizes to fit your landscaping requirements • Hand-finished Grand Fountains • Full catalogue available on-line at www.classicrockgarden.com •
Garden Ornaments Come browse through our extensive selection • • • • • •
Oldfield Rd.
Vancouver Customers Welcome!
2046-B Keating Cross Road, Saanichton, BC (250) 544-4999
Garden Ornaments
fountains birdbaths statues tables benches planters and MORE!
N
Home Hardware
Co-op Hwy 17 Keating Cross Rd. On Keating X Rd., turn right down the long driveway adjacent to Home Hardware
JULY/AUGUST 2007
17
ADVERTISING FEATURE SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 17
6/26/2007 12:32:14 AM
REMINDERS OF B.C.’S COLONIAL PAST BY DALE AND ARCHIE MILLER
N
“On Friday morning, the 19th instant, His Excellency, accompanied by Captain Grant disembarked on the wet loamy bank of the Fort and the procession proceeded up the steep bank which leads to the palisade. Arrived there, a salute of 18 guns commenced pealing from the “Beaver” awakening all the echoes of the opposite mountains. In another moment the flag of Britain was floating, or to speak the truth, dripped over the principal entrance. Owing to the unpropitious state of the weather, the meeting, which was intended to have been held in the open air, was convened in the large room at the principal building. About 100 persons were present.” –Victoria Gazette, November 25, 1858
Three places in the Lower Mainland, dating back to the days before B.C. joined Confederation, are open to the public and allow visitors to clearly “see” the lives of those pioneers. Stand where they stood, view their private rooms, touch the fabric of their clothing, and imagine the stories that the walls, the bricks or the stones can tell. When gold was discovered on the Fraser River in 1858, the Mainland was generally known as New Caledonia. But with thousands of gold seekers flooding into the area, the Government and Colonial Office in England moved to make it a formal British Colony, and the name, 18 18
Photos: Archie Miller
ext year, British Columbia will mark the 150th anniversary of its founding as a British Colony. On November 19, 1858, in the Big House at Fort Langley, Chief Justice Matthew Baillie Begbie swore in James Douglas as the first Governor of the Crown Colony of British Columbia. The newspaper of the day described the event:
Fort Langley
chosen by Queen Victoria, became British Columbia. Fort Langley is often referred to as the “birthplace of B.C.” Careful restoration work has been done on the palisades, buildings and furnishings to create a glimpse of Canada’s pioneering past. Step through the massive protective gates and inside the palisade to the world of the Hudson’s Bay Company, of voyageurs and of the Sto:lo people, who provided a steady supply of furs and salmon, and labour for agricultural pursuit. Hear the ring of the anvil in the forge, the hammering in the cooperage, and heft the weight of a bale of furs, as costumed staff demonstrate the skills required of those who lived and worked in the fort. One of the guides admitted she was still struggling to master the art of finger weaving. As she sat in the shade concentrating on her weaving, she wondered aloud how the women from long ago had possibly managed to weave the intricate patterns they did using up to 500 strands, when she could barely cope with 16. While Irving House, circa 1865,
in New Westminster is not nearly as old as Fort Langley, this beautiful home of Captain William Irving is also from the colonial period. This elegant Victorian structure was described by the British Columbian newspaper of April 25, 1865 “...not only the handsomest but the best and most home-like house of which British Columbia can yet boast.” A visit to this home, with its 14 rooms looking as if the family has just
Irving House
SENIOR SENIOR LIVING LIVING VANCOUVER VANCOUVER && LOWER LOWER MAINLAND MAINLAND
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 18
6/26/2007 12:32:16 AM
gone out for the day, gives a true feeling of family life in the mid 1800s. At Fort Langley, it is easy to imagine the hard life of those people who centred their activities around the fort just above the river. At Irving House, the situation was much more comfortable in a more urban setting overlooking the Fraser River and the city’s small commercial area near the river’s edge. A third place to visit is in Vancouver. While it was moved to its current location, Hastings Mill Store, built in 1865, is also from the colonial period. It was an important part of the long departed Hastings Mill, and served a variety of valuable functions, including post office, for many years on the shores of Burrard Inlet. It is the last remaining building from the era before Vancouver’s Great Fire of 1886, during which it was used as a hospital and morgue. In 1932, it was saved from demolition and barged to its present location in Pioneer Park at the foot of Alma Street where it is owned and lovingly cared for by members of the Native Daughters of B.C., Post No. 1, Vancouver. Like the other two sites, this building is a wonderful reminder of a much earlier
age. A stroll around the building makes you realize that it really is a living part of the past. Pay attention to its doors, windows and finish – its solidity shines through. Enter the front door, noting its wide and high expanse, and it is easy to imagine its early role supplying goods and services to the local inhabitants. Native Daughter and guide, Gladys Hepburn, commented that most visitors enjoy the artifacts and archival examples on display, but only a few pay close attention to the building’s architecture and the story of its life as a valuable artifact in its own right.
These three sites – Fort Langley, Irving House, and Hastings Mill Store – are from a time when two separate colonies made up what people now regard as B.C. There was the Colony of British Columbia and the Colony of Vancouver Island. Far across the continent, Canada had not yet become a Confederation. These buildings and others like them, allow visitors to experience a part of history from what is now the Province of British Columbia. Jacqueline Gresko, retired professor of history at Douglas College, notes that it was in this colonial period that many important themes of B.C. were established, including transportation routes, the beginning of urban centres, rejection of the idea of annexation by the U.S., and even some positive interaction between the various ethnic and cultural groups. “In those years the First Nations and the newcomers worked together to support their families developing farms, salmon canneries, lumber mills, river steamers. The colonial people also came together for community celebrations, sporting events, and disaster relief – traditions that continue today.” A visit to these three special places gives people a chance to touch an element of the past; to stand within the walls of a coloHastings Mill Store
Finger weavi ng at Fort Langl ey
nial structure and share the space with the spirits of those from that age. It is an opportunity to experience a glimpse of an often forgotten time that is a part of B.C.’s history and heritage. SL Archie and Dale Miller do historical research, presentations and writing in New Westminster.
Discover the
Adventure
over 250 Adventures await you
www.VIadventures.net JULY/AUGUST 2007 2007 JULY/AUGUST
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 19
19 19
6/26/2007 12:32:20 AM
BY MARLENE ADAM
Photos: David Niddrie
BY MARLENE ADAM
N
ot all volunteer opportunities are created equal. The Vancouver Folk Music Festival, an event that attracts musicians and performers from all over the world, is unique in that it is almost entirely run by volunteers. The event takes place every July at Jericho Park attracting 30,000 people over the course of the weekend and requires an army of volunteers to handle the complex logistics of running an event of this magnitude. Is it difficult to find 1,200 people willing to help in this huge undertaking? In fact, the Festival gets more applications for volunteers than positions to fill. “There is a waiting list of between 200 to 300 volunteers,” according to Kate Lasiuk, this year’s Festival Volunteer Co-ordinator. “I co-ordinate the co-ordinators,” she says. Each co-ordinator heads a committee that takes care of different aspects of the festival such as transportation, which includes picking up performers from the airport, shuttling them 20
to and from Gage Tower where they are billeted, and site transportation. The stage committee deals with setting up equipment on the eight stages running 70 hours of music during the course of the weekend. Over 30 volunteer committees now exist: security, kitchen, shuttle, photography, bike lock-up, plates, blue room (upkeep of outhouses), box office, cappuccino, disabled access, entrance, special viewing, community relations, party, hotel hospitality, and many more. “The volunteers commit to 13 hours on the weekend,” says Lasiuk, “with three shifts of four hours or 20 hours of pre-festival work.” For this, the volunteers get free admission to the Festival for the weekend, meals and the right to purchase a volunteer T-shirt for $15. Plus, a committee gives massages to performers and volunteers. On Saturday and Sunday night, a late-night party is held for volunteers where the performers come to jam and the fusion of different musical genres continues in earnest.
Many volunteers come back year after year. As Barbara Chirinos, now Managing Director of the Festival says, “The first time I volunteered, I was immediately addicted.” Barbara moved to Vancouver from New York five years ago and was looking to meet people and
SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 20
6/26/2007 12:32:24 AM
make friends. “I came away with a lot more than just friends. I got a new community, a new family.” Building relationships is a powerful motive for veteran volunteers. Bill Hooker, a 66-year-old instructor at BCIT, is volunteering for his 16th year. He’s on the pre-festival pick-up committee, charged with shuttling performers from the airport. “My Class 4 licence came in handy,” says Bill who has gotten to know dozens of performers. “People in folk are warm-hearted, very polite.” But it’s the friendships he shares with other volunteers that brings him back year after year. “There’s a huge camaraderie among volunteers and staff, and lots of interface with other committees.
For the most part, we don’t see fellow volunteers except during the festival. It’s nice to come back and see people. It’s also nice to be involved as more than just a spectator.” Dr. Ernie Ledgerwood concurs. “It’s way more fun to be a part of it than just to watch.” Ernie, his wife, Lynne and their daughter, Muff, have attended the festival since its inception in 1978 at Stanley Park. The family knew Valerie Rogers, mother of Stan Rogers, a well-known Canadian singersongwriter whose lively Acadian folk songs are still enjoyed around the world although he died a few years after that event. Valerie encouraged the family to come to the
Festival. Ernie and Lynne bought tickets but their daughter, Muff, was only 14 that first year. “I couldn’t afford to buy a ticket so I volunteered.” Muff was asked to head the garbage committee the next year. “I said to Gary Crystal [founder of the Festival] that I was just a kid but he seemed to think I could do it. The food that year was a seafood chowder and fresh watermelon,
»
JULY/AUGUST 2007
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 21
21
6/26/2007 12:32:26 AM
Photos: David Niddrie
which attracted wasps making it dangerous to approach the garbage.” Ernie and Lynne got involved behind the scenes as well. In 1980, they provided extraordinary assistance by cooking up dozens of turkeys, thousands of cookies, lending the festival a piano and billeting a folk band from Newfoundland. “That was back in the days when you could cook and bring food to the festival,” says Lynne. Now it’s a family affair with Lynne and Muff sharing a committee called the Tea Bags, which evolved from a sideline when Lynne provided a delicious herbal tea concoction for the volunteers. The two women prepare 90 to 100 quarts of tea concentrate that is mixed with water and dispensed behind the scenes. Ernie joined the medical committee and has been with them ever since. “The thing I like best about the festival are the good friends we have made over the years,” says Lynne. “Later in the summer, we will visit friends in France whom we met at the Festival 20
22
years ago. Being involved with the festival keeps me on the cutting edge. I’m 70, and when I think of my grandmothers, they were old ladies, although vigorous and busy. I don’t consider myself to be an old lady. I have more physical holdouts than they did. But I’m more part of the mainstream. I have not retired from life.” Volunteers come from all over the province, from the rest of Canada and from the States. It’s a rare opportunity in volunteering and perfect for people who want to enjoy the mix of a musical smorgasbord with good company, warm breezes from the sea and the excitement of being at an event that is growing better each year. This year, the Festival is celebrating its 30th Anniversary with a slate of popular repeat performers as well as fresh new artists. “We consider VFF a worldclass festival and, across Canada, are considered innovators,” says Barbara Chirinos. “Folk is a music of the people created by instruments they have at hand. This can mean guitars and violins or it can mean tablas from India and djemb and dhol drums from Africa.”
This year, for the first time, tickets to the Festival can be purchased online. For more information about the festival, volunteering and attending, visit: SL www.thefestival.bc.ca
Licensed Bed & Breakfast near Mt. Doug in Victoria Great ‘in-law’ accommodation potential and 6 bedrooms in the main house for B&B guests or students. Call Rick Hoogendoorn at Royal LePage 250-592-4422 or 1-800-263-4753 Asking $689,900. Your living expenses could be very low in Victoria. Call me today.
www.seniors101.ca Vancouver Island retirement guide includes recreation and travel, real estate, investments and health care information. www.seniors101.ca
SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 22
6/26/2007 12:32:29 AM
Photo: Jason van der Valk
ASK
Goldie
BY GOLDIE CARLOW, M.ED
Dear Goldie: I feel very puzzled about what is going on with my family now that I have reached my 80s. I have a wonderful son, two daughters and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We certainly love each other. However, when more than one of them visits me they talk to each other – and often about my life – but don’t include me in the conversation. I am not deaf or dead just yet. Why is this happening? M.B Dear M.B.: Have you told your family how you feel about this? Sometimes younger family members assume older people need rest and shouldn’t be troubled about daily events or problems. If you want to participate, let them know. Speak up and tell them how you feel. Otherwise, they will continue to protect you by exclusion. About 20 years ago, Judith Viorst wrote a book called Necessary Losses in which she emphasized that the losses and changes in life are there so we can continue to grow. If we are fully aware, there are many opportunities to make this growth positive in the aging process. This will only occur if you communicate with your family members. Start now. Dear Goldie: After 28 years of marriage, my husband asked for a divorce. I never suspected he was unhappy and so was completely devastated. He was always patient and kind and a wonderful father to our three children. We have been divorced for five years now, but I can’t seem to get over it. We meet occasionally at family events. He is polite but cold towards me. The grandchildren think he is wonderful. I keep hoping he will change his mind and come back to me. So far, he doesn’t seem to have a steady girlfriend. What do you think? S.L. Dear S.L.: I am sorry for the unhappiness you have experienced from your marriage breakup. I wonder, however, if your expectations are realistic. Your husband seems to be firm in his decision to leave you, so why waste your life waiting for him to return? Have you taken an honest look at what happened? Maybe a short holiday away from family would give you a better
perspective of your situation. You must plan for your own future. You are a single person now and responsible for your life ahead. You did not mention income, but if you are in need, perhaps you could take a training course or even attend college. Many seniors your age would see this situation as an opportunity to achieve education they missed earlier in life. Whatever you decide, remember you are beginning a new life. As to your husband’s cold manner, this will probably change as soon as he realizes you are no longer trying to get him back. Family gatherings will improve for everyone. Good luck in your new life! SL
Goldie Carlow is a retired registered nurse, clinical counsellor and senior peer counselling trainer. Send letters to Senior Living, Box 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria, BC V8T 2C1. Senior Peer Counselling Centres (Lower Mainland) New Westminster 604-519-1064 North Vancouver 604-987-8138 Burnaby 604-291-2258 Richmond 604-279-7034 Vancouver West End 604-669-7339 Coquitlam – Tri-Cities 604-945-4480
CLASSIFIEDS General listings • Events • Personals
Advertise in Senior Living magazine’s Classified section. COMING SOON Contact info must be included in each ad, Box #s will not be provided. $30 for 20 words or less. $1.25 per extra word. Plus 6% GST. Payable in advance by cheque or credit card. Make cheque payable to Senior Living, Box 153, 1581-H Hillside Avenue,Victoria, BC V8T 2C1. Call 250-479-4705. Deadline 15th of the month.
JULY/AUGUST 2007
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 23
23
6/26/2007 12:32:32 AM
PRINT AD SALES REP Enjoy the challenges of helping Senior Living magazine grow and expand successfully in the Vancouver & Lower Mainland area. Join the Senior Living sales team. Are you adept at prospecting and providing reliable service to clients? Do you understand how to create effective print ad campaigns for businesses? We are looking for someone who understands the potential of our magazine in the rapidly growing senior market, appreciates the quality and pride we invest in each issue, and wants to work with us to expand the revenue base of our magazine.
Fax cover letter and resume to (250)479-4808 or e-mail office@seniorlivingmag.com
24
This is a ground-floor opportunity with outstanding potential for the person who wants to work hard to build their income base to an above average level by providing reliable service to our business clients. Do you understand the growing senior demographic and how this impacts businesses? Do you enjoy the challenge of commission based selling? If so, please contact us.
SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 24
6/26/2007 12:32:35 AM
BBB Better Better Better Better
Business Business Business Business
Bureau Bureau Bureau Bureau
SCAM ALERT
BY LYNDA PASACRETA
Avoid Vacation Blues
T
he Better Business Bureau of Mainland BC (BBB) and the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority (BPCPA) have joined forces to help consumers avoid vacation fraud and make informed choices when booking their holidays. Consumers across North America lose over $10 billion each year to vacation fraud. Out of the 3,900 industries the BBB monitors, the travel industry consistently ranks near or in the top 25 for number of complaints. It is one of the BPCPA’s top three areas of inquiries. While many legitimate businesses exist, consumers should make sure they aren’t swindled. Travel related vacation scams may include:
5. Review all documentation and check with your travel provider prior to departure for any changes. Be aware of identification and other documents you may require on your trip. 6. Pay with a credit card and avoid deals that require you to book 60 days in advance. Credit card companies may allow consumers to dispute a charge within 60 days of purchase. 7. Consider your travel insurance needs, and find out what is covered through your house insurance or credit card benefits. Shop around. 8. If you do not receive the travel services you purchased and are unable to obtain compensation through your travel insurance, credit card, or via other sources, you may be eligible to receive compensation through B.C.’s Travel Assurance Fund.
• Telemarketers promise a dream vacation and then steal personal or credit card information for identity theft • Timeshare operators trick consumers into lengthy highpressure sales seminars • Vacation operators employ bait-and-switch tactics that lure consumers into paying more for a vacation than originally planned
Know your rights and responsibilities before you travel to avoid losses due to unforeseen circumstances. And remember, if an offer is too good to be true, it probably is!
Protect yourself. Always do your homework before sharing personal information or booking travel. Know who you’re doing business with. Only use a reputable, reliable travel service provider. Travel agents and wholesalers located in B.C. must be licensed.
Lynda Pasacreta is President of the Better Business Bureau of Mainland B.C. For confidence in marketplace transactions, contact the Better Business Bureau to check a company report or Buyers’ Tip before you purchase or invest. www.bbbvan. org or 604-682-2711. To contact Lynda Pasacreta, e-mail her at president@bbbvan.org
SL
Be aware. Consider the following tips when making travel arrangements: 1. Look before you book. Use a licensed B.C. Travel Agent. (Visit www.bpcpa.ca to search for licensees)
Reverse Mortgages & Alternatives
2. Don’t be fooled by professional-looking websites, emails or telemarketers. Few legitimate businesses can afford to give away products and services of real value or substantially undercut other companies’ prices. (Visit www.bbbvan. org to check out a company’s Reliability Report.)
The Canadian Dream - to own a home and have a healthy and active retirement. Many seniors are finding their cash flow is not sufficient to met their basic needs but most have built up equity in their home as a savings plan. Releasing equity can increase cash flow. Call or visit www.equityrelease.ca for more information.
3. Get the details of any vacation package in writing, including refund and cancellation policies and check the fine print for all the terms and conditions. 4. Request a copy of your travel services contract and keep all receipts.
VERICO
Team Kits
Mortgage Consultants and Strategists Accredited Mortgage Professionals Proud Supporters of the Canadian Dream! JULY/AUGUST 2007
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 25
25
6/26/2007 12:32:36 AM
A LIFE ON WHEELS
Derby Reach Regional Park on the Fraser River
“W
e’re retiring!” I recently announced to my parents on the phone. “We’re selling our house and furniture and moving into our fifth wheel. We’re going full-time!” After the words tumbled from my mouth, the silence from the other end of the phone seemed to last forever. Many people dream of running away and living in a home on wheels, travelling the world and following the sun. We were no exception. Breaking the news and handling the backlash can be difficult. Friends and family want the best for you, but don’t always understand why you would sell all your possessions, move into a little box on wheels and leave home. RV friends had regaled me with horror stories from their families when they made the “big announcement,” so I had practised our conversation in my mind many times before calling my own parents. To my relief they responded, “Good for you! You’re finally doing what you’ve talked about for years! Follow your dreams.” Wow! The reality of living this adventuresome lifestyle is possible, as hundreds of Canadians have discovered. As full-time RVers, like any other lifestyle change, there are many plans to consider: Where are we going to live? How much is it going to cost and can we afford it? Why are we doing this? Plus RVers have to figure out: What type of RV to choose – motorhome, fifth wheel or travel trailer? How much room is needed? What am I capable of driving? Is a special licence required? Every26
Photos: Carol Ann Quibell
BY CAROL ANN QUIBELL
one has a reason for choosing his or her mode of travel and research definitely pays off. One couple, Ted and Barb, spent more than two years visiting every RV dealer within 500 kilometres – “kicking tires” they called it. Every person willing to talk RVs with them was pumped for information. Their dream included a 40-foot diesel-powered motorhome pulling a fourwheel-drive jeep. The reality, after two years of research and more tire kicking, was a 38-foot converted bus and the jeep. They matched their budget with their needs and both obtained their air brake tickets, legally enabling them to drive the bus. We purchased a 30-foot fifth wheel two years ago, with the intent of upgrading to a motorhome when we semi-retired. After reviewing our budget and determining how much it would cost to upgrade, reality set in. The added expense would delay our departure another two years, so we decided it wasn’t worth it. Our fifth wheel is now our home. We are very comfortable with two slide-outs, a full bathroom, oven, microwave, and flat screen TV, but we had spent hours, days and years dreaming of cruising down the Gulf of Mexico in a motorhome. Sometimes, when we start out on a journey, we don’t always end at the destination we planned. And that’s what the RV lifestyle is all about. Making the decision to become full-timers was the easy part since our interest had always been in RVing and travelling. Putting the two together was inevitable. More difficult was
SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 26
6/26/2007 12:32:39 AM
S
downsizing from our house – it’s not easy letting go of precious mementoes collected over 50 years. What do we do with all that stuff? Store it or sell it? It is heart-wrenching to throw away a picture your granddaughter painted especially for you. However, there is only so much room in the RV. We solved this problem by taking pictures of items important to us. These became our computer’s screensaver, which we can see anytime we feel the need. Our kids benefited by receiving most of our furniture and a moving sale took care of the remainder. Gone are the fancy clothes, crystal wineglasses and my beloved fish tank. In their place are Corelle dishes, plastic wine goblets, jeans, shorts and sweatshirts. Where we go high heels are not welcome. Our dog, Dexter, happily signed on. Lorne and Marilyn, another full-time RV couple, couldn’t part with any of their belongings and, therefore, rented a storage unit for their treasures. A year later, they laughed sorting through it in preparation for a huge sale, surprised at what they had put away. The sale proceeds enabled them to purchase a satellite system for their motorhome! No one likes to be practical, but this is not a vacation – we’re planning a lifestyle change and the cost of living, travelling, communication and saving for emergencies all must be considered. Knowing our monthly income gives us a starting point. Without proper preparation, however, it doesn’t matter what the total income is – a budget is needed. We take our known yearly expenses; such as vehicle insurance, loan payments, life insurance, medical insurance, etc. and divide the total by 12 months. This is subtracted from our monthly income. The remainder covers fuel, campgrounds, food, entertainment, cellphones and miscellaneous expenses. If there’s money left it goes into a savings account for emergencies. To some of us, $2,000 a month is a great deal of money, and to others it’s not nearly enough. Everyone has his or her own comfort level. Many people I’ve talked with say their expenses are reduced almost 40 per cent over their pre-retirement days and if they had known this, would have retired sooner. RVing can be as economical or as expensive as you wish. If fuel costs are an issue, we sit in one place for a few weeks, exploring the area, giving us an opportunity we wouldn’t have had if we rushed from place to place. In today’s marketplace, there are hundreds of part-time jobs
For more in formation: www.rvtime s.com www.rvwest .com/ www.rvhotli necanada.co m www.worka mper.com/C anada
available; campground workers, retail sales, and landscape helpers are just a few. So, there’s always the option of subsidizing our pension with part-time work. The potential is limitless, because this income may not be required to support, only supplement the lifestyle. We recently accepted an eight-month contract with the Greater Vancouver Regional District to be Camp Hosts at Derby Reach, near Fort Langley. Living in our fifth wheel has enabled us to live on-site, work at what we enjoy and spend the next few months exploring the Fraser Valley. An opportunity we never expected. One of the most important preparations for this new venture is establishing avenues of communication. Those parts of life normally taken for granted can become challenges to an RVer, such as where to get mail. After all, even though we’re travelling, we still have bills to pay, magazines to subscribe to, and birthday cards to receive. With a laptop and the Internet, we can take care of many details from the front seat of our vehicle or a community library. Still, having a service to collect and forward mail is invaluable. Many people successfully have a family member collect their mail and forward it. This can be inconvenient, but less costly than using a service, such as UPS or Canada Post. In Canada, it’s imperative that RVers have a permanent address, so Jim and Louise, one RV couple, rented a room in their daughter’s house, enabling them to legally have a B.C. driver’s liThe author’s front porch cence and medical coverage, plus have a place to store those special mementoes they couldn’t part with. Making a significant lifestyle change requires a number of considerations, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. By being realistic in your expectations and planning and budgeting wisely, becoming full-time RVers can be a dream come true. Look at us; today we are parked along the Fraser River in a beautiful setting, can catch fish while seated on our patio; meet new people daily and subsidize our income all at the same time. What more could we ask for? More sun? Maybe next year! SL JULY/AUGUST 2007
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 27
27
6/26/2007 12:32:42 AM
TASTY Traditions BY AL GOGUEN
BREAD PUDDING
I
loved to spend time at my parents’ farm when I was young boy. They knew how to spoil me and feed me well. I still remember my grandmother always busy, cooking it seems. And I would be fascinating watching her prepare meals, while she hummed a tune. So many of her recipes are fresh in my mind, but this bread pudding has to be my favourite. And it’s easy to make.
Ingredients: 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 egg, beaten 2 slices heavily buttered bread 1 1/2 cups milk 1 tsp. vanilla or to taste pinch of salt
Method:
MAGAZINE
WRITERS and PHOTOGRAPHERS REQUIRED Senior Living needs your help finding writers and photographers in the Vancouver area. We are looking for people who enjoy writing or taking photos, meeting people, and are able to meet deadlines. Professional experience is not necessary. We are willing to assist people who enjoy writing or have a knack for taking interesting photos - as long as they are willing to learn and take direction from our editorial staff. May be any age.
SALES REPS NEEDED Do you have a passion for seniors and enjoy print ad sales? If you possess a desire to be part of a team and would enjoy the challenges of helping a young magazine grow and expand successfully, then you might be the person we’re looking for. You must be adept at closing sales, provide reliable service to clients, and understand how to create effective print ad campaigns for businesses. We are looking for part time or full time sales reps in all areas of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Call (250)479-4705 or email office@seniorlivingmag.com
28
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pack sugar in a buttered casserole dish. Cut buttered bread into small pieces and place buttered side down on the packed brown sugar. Mix egg, milk, vanilla and salt, and pour over mixture. Place in the preheated oven and bake until nicely browned, for about 30-45 minutes. Serve with your choice of cream, ice cream, fresh fruit, nuts, icing sugar, fruit compote or a combination. I like it best with cream. SL Serves 4.
Please send us YOUR favourite Heritage Recipe along with the memories it evokes. Without your contributions, Tasty Traditions doesn’t exist. Contact us at office@seniorlivingmag.com or Box 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria, BC V8T 2C1
SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 28
6/26/2007 12:32:45 AM
Crossword PUZZLE Across 1. Pertaining to the eye 6. About 11. Drunkard 14. Pale bluish purple 15. Pungent bulb 16. Belonging to us 17. Go away 18. Anguish 19. Israeli submachine gun 20. SE Missouri town 22. Third son of David 24. Hoot 26. Fog composed of minute ice crystals 30. Pertaining to a particular place 34. Wreath of flowers 35. Sucking fish 36. Bright star 37. Alleviate 39. Malt beverage 40. Shackled 41. Piebald
Mind GAMES 42. Believable 44. Before 45. Fragment 46. Embrocations 48. At that time 49. Notice 54. Speech 59. Exclamation of surprise 60. Western 62. Laxative 63. Female name 64. Attempt to get away with something 65. Spanish river 66. Be seated 67. Religious odes 68. Lacerate
Down 1. SW Russian city 2. Tempo 3. Rotate
4. Terrible leader? 5. Burial ground 6. Flexible armor 7. Tavern 8. Capital of Latvia 9. Comedian Bill 10. Social insects 11. Spiritual part of a human 12. Liqueur of Greece 13. Cut to required size 21. Pitch 23. Prolonged pain 25. Box of equipment 26. Wing extensions 27. Souvenir 28. Oilcan 29. Tyros 31. Assembly of witches 32. Turn away 33. Loads up 38. Proverb 40. Athletes 43. Someone lying in wait 47. Endocrine gland 49. Clods 50. Indonesian resort island 51. Discharge of a firearm 52. Novelist Phillip 53. Etymology 55. Small dabbling duck 56. Tree with pinnate leaves and usually white flowers 57. Responsibility 58. US comic versifier 61. Long period of time ANSWERS
JULY/AUGUST 2007
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 29
29
6/26/2007 12:32:46 AM
Labyrinth a tool for reflection
BY BETTY HO
R
Photos: Omar Ruiz-Diaz
ecent years have seen resurgence in the design and construction of floor labyrinths that are often used as accessible meditation tools. Floor labyrinths are different than mazes because they are unicursal, meaning only one path leads into the centre and the same path leads back to the beginning. Mazes have several paths and, like puzzles, are intended to confuse and trick the mind. In Vancouver, there are at least two indoor labyrinths available to the public. Both are located in downtown places of worship. The one located at St. Paul’s Anglican Church at 1130 Jervis Street is permanently painted on the floor of the hall and is a replica of a medieval 11circuit pavement labyrinth located near the entrance of the Chartres Cathedral in France. It measures 42 feet 4 inches (12.89 cm) in diameter. Contact the Labyrinth Office at 604-685-6832 ext.17
Labyrinth at St. Paul’s Anglican Church 30
for specific times when it’s open to the community. On the last Friday evening of each month, visitors can listen to live music while walking the labyrinth. The other floor labyrinth is located at Christ Church Cathedral on 690 Burrard Street. Because this labyrinth is a portable canvas design and requires a laid-out space for walking, it is normally only open for special events and ceremonies. Contact the Cathedral office 604-682-3848 for its availability. There are several reasons for walking a labyrinth. A person may enter this quiet sanctuary to find or rekindle a spiritual experience, to go on a pilgrimage of discovery, to have a time of reflection on one’s life, or to explore opportunities for transformation. The twists and turns taken before reaching the centre may cause people to wonder if they are following the right track, but they will reach the centre, the half way mark, if they stay on the path. Once there, spend a few minutes in the centre and then, when ready, return the same way. When walking a labyrinth, place one foot in front of another and take one step
Pondering on Pers onal Pilgrimage
I learned pilgrimag es begin with a callin g. When did I hear m y call? What was it I hear d? I love to read. Reading and writ Is my love for read ing go hand in hand. ing and writing a Pilgrimage is solitar pilgrimage? y. Writing is solitary. Pilgrimage is purpos eful. What is my goal? Pilgrimage is menta l discipl Pilgrimage is search ine. ing What am I searching . ? Is a writer in search of identity? I am daughter, wife , mother, grandmot her, what are my other identities? Pilgrimage is transfo rmation. Writing transform s voices into word s. I hear voices. Voices of friends, of family, my voice. People I meet beco me part of my life. Pilgrimage is discov ery. I discover labyrint hs are metaphors for life journey. God, you are not fi nished with me ye t, I am your work in progress. –Betty Ho
at a time. Reverend Dr. Lauren Artress, Canon Pastor of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, refers to the classic 11-circuit labyrinth design, as a sacred path. She considers the walking of labyrinth as a body prayer that is non-threatening. All one does is walk, “to know and trust that there is guidance to help us live our SL lives on this planet.”
SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 30
6/26/2007 12:32:47 AM
n
Senior Living Magazine Presented Award from Canadian Academy of Senior Advisors
S
?
enior Living magazine has achieved another milestone in its efforts to celebrate the lives and achievements of seniors. At its recent International meeting in Las Vegas, the Canadian Academy of Senior Advisors (CASA) announced that Senior Living magazine won the Award of Merit, presented to businesses, for service to the Canadian senior community. Publishers Barbara and Barry Risto believe Senior Living magazine contributes strongly to their community, highlighting the positive influence of people over the age of 50. The first magazine was launched in Victoria in June 2004. It grew quickly to encompass Vancouver Island, and in October 2006, a second magazine was launched in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. In addition to these two magazines, Senior Living also hosts an annual Senior Celebration Festival, and publishes a semi-annual directory of senior housing on Vancouver Island. The company is about to also launch two books – one a helpful guide for seniors considering their relocation options as they age; the other a collection of writings by popular Senior Living columnist Gipp Forster. Senior Living, through its positive, inspirational focus, has begun the process of changing the way people view seniors and the issues centered around aging. A readership that has grown to over 60,000 in three years is proof that Senior Living has hit its mark. Each nomination was scrutinized and vigorously debated by rthe inte ian licensee of ad an impartial Review an C e th is rs dviso C ASA tified Senior A er C Committee, and of y et ci ngero national So tric physicians, ria ge only those meeting of p ou gr n(SCSA), a countants, fina the standards of law lawyers, ac ified in tologists, elder trained and cert rs he leadership, innovaot d an , rs ’s) SA cial planne nior Advisors (C Se ed tion and quality of tifi er C s. p bershi senior issue ld’s Largest Mem or service to the 55W e th in g, e t agin participat ofessionals abou pr plus community ng ni ai tr n le credib organizatio access a single, n ca , advanced in the SA A C g h in ls serv and throug for professiona n io selection process. at rm fo in source of n. tio “We are proud la pu po s the 55-plu and honoured to have been selected for this award,” said Barry Risto, “and we look forward to continuing to build a strong presence in our community by producing a high quality magazine that brings enjoyment and inspiration to our senior and pre-senior readers. Our readers have a strong emotional attachment to Senior Living and we believe it’s because we touch their hearts through the content of the magazine. We publish Senior Living with the intention that it make a difference in the world around us, and we believe that it has.”
“In Canada, seniors are the fastest growing segment of our population,” said CASA President Rhonda Latreille (presenting the award above). “Certified Senior Advisors, like these stellar honourees, understand the evolving needs of their clients, and provide relevant and ethical services to Canada’s boomer and senior populations. We are proud of our association with Barry and Barbara Risto and Senior Living.” ••••• Victoria was twice a winner at the Canadian CASA awards. Realtor Rick Hoogendoorn was the co-recipient of the first CASA Award of Excellence for his achievements as an individual providing service to the senior community. After earning his CSA certification, Rick founded the Senior Focused Business Network. He set up a website www.seniorsvictoria.com where seniors could go not only to get information but to contribute suggestions. Concurrently, Rick participated in and took a leadership role in the Elder Friendly City Project, designed to solicit suggestions from seniors in the community on how businesses and professionals could make their services more “senior friendly.” Rick then spear-headed a special evening workshop for more than 100 local business people to learn how to incorporate this feedback and additional information to make their businesses more age appropriate. He is also vice-president of the board of trustees of the Family Caregivers’ Network in Victoria. Rick expressed his appreciation to CASA for being selected from among numerous qualified nominees. “I am honoured to received this award. The Canadian Academy of Senior Advisors is not only helping professionals better understand the needs and concerns of seniors in our community, but also helps us understand those in our own families, while forcing us to face the issues we personally face in the future. I will continue to enthusiastically champion the health and wellbeing of Canada’s senior citizens, and seek to live up to the spirit of this award.” JULY/AUGUST2007 2007 JULY/AUGUST
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 31
31 31
6/26/2007 12:32:54 AM
Reflections
BY GIPP FORSTER
THEN & NOW
M
y wife never taunts me about being overweight. She just quietly lets out an inch here and an inch there on my shower curtain. But if the truth be known, I’m actually losing weight. Not a whole lot, mind you, but some! My wife just said that getting a haircut didn’t count as losing weight. What a kidder! But I really am losing weight. I got a glimpse of the toes of my shoes the other day, and I can actually button my suit coat again. I know the reason. It’s because I sing in the shower. Not only do I sing in the shower, I sing with gusto! I throw my arms out and flay my hands. My shower isn’t very big – that’s why my knuckles and elbows are bruised all the time. It’s the exercise that’s doing it, knocking off the weight, I mean. I sure wish my wife would stick around long enough to hear me sing. I know she’d be impressed. It seems unfortunate that every time I start to sing, she remembers chores she has forgotten to do or people she needs to visit, outside and away from the house. As soon as I open my mouth to serenade the world, zip, she’s gone! Pity. I think singing in the shower can be very therapeutic. It clears out the sinuses, the cobwebs, and the neighbourhood. It makes me sad to think of those lost opportunities; if only I’d discovered my talent earlier. I know my wife would agree, if she would just stay around long enough to hear me. I might have given Mario Lanza a run for his money. Or David Whitfield or 32
Srul Irving Glick. My “Climb Every Mountain” is very impressive. That’s the one even some of our neighbours like. I can hear them shouting when I sing it. I tried to join a choir once. The choir director recognized my talent immediately. He told me never, in his long career as a choir director, had he heard a voice like mine. He told me a choir could never do it justice. I guess that’s why he wouldn’t let me join. My voice was too far advanced and would intimidate the other members. Often I feel guilty letting an incredible talent such as mine slip through the fingers of the world. My friend, Norman, agrees. About being guilty, I mean. He says anyone with a singing voice like mine should feel guilty! Norman’s a good friend. Being overweight adds to the volume, the richness of a gifted voice. It adds to the performance, too. Take Pavarotti, for example. What a presentation he gives! I once tried holding a large white handkerchief like he does when I sang “Old Man River,” but it just got soggy. The shower rather limits any “flair” one might want to use to highlight a performance. One should probably be fully dressed too! Pavarotti has sung with opera stars, country singers, pop stars, nearly everyone really! I could be next. I guess I’d better brush up on my Italian for when the call comes. I hope it doesn’t come when I’m in the shower! I would love to sing an aria, but an aria needs instrumental accompaniment and my shower’s pretty small.
Photo: Krystle Wiseman
THE SINGER
But if I could, I know the opera world would flip! But alas, these are the fortunes of chance. Some are applauded and some are not. But the day may still come when genius will be recognized and inscribed on the face of posterity. In the meantime, I honestly think I am losing weight. I realize that most people don’t consider singing exercise. But, then again, they haven’t seen my knuckles and elbows either. In fact, I’m feeling quite dapper lately. I have an extra lilt in my step and a bit of a twinkle in my cataracts. My wife puts on two benefit concerts a year. I’ve offered to sing at either or both, but she declined stating my voice needs a much larger venue. I guess she hasn’t really looked at my shower. I hope the world will forgive me for not sharing my voice on a wider scale, but there wasn’t always a shower in the places I ended up. And speaking of showers, I feel a song coming on. Oh darn! My wife just shot out the door again. Another missed opportunity. Oh well! There’s always tomorrow. SL
SENIOR LIVING LIVING VANCOUVER VANCOUVER & & LOWER LOWER MAINLAND MAINLAND SENIOR
SL_VANCOUVER_JULAUG07.indd 32
6/26/2007 12:32:57 AM