Nov 2006 Senior Living Magazine Vancouver Edition by INSPIRED 55+ Lifestyle Magazine

SeniorLiving VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND CELEBRATING SENIORS IN OUR COMMUNITIY

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2006

PUPPY LOVE

White Rock senior raises dogs for visually impaired

Extra! Extra! Have fun (and make money) as a movie set extra

PLUS Other

White Rock articles • Interview with Mayor Judy Forster • Meet White Rock’s 107 year old resident

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2006

604 . 662. 4969

Come fly

with me A year ago, none of us knew each other. We weren’t looking for new friends when we came to Lifestyle. One day at lunch, we started talking about 5-cent ice-cream cones , the Eaton’s catalogue, our favourite hockey players when there were only six teams, and Frank Sinatra. The next thing we knew, we were singing “Come Fly With Me” at the piano. We drew quite a crowd. Now, we can’t imagine not knowing each other.

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2006

MAGAZINE

Senior Living (Vancouver & Lower Mainland) is published bi-monthly by Stratis Publishing.

MAGAZINE

Other publications by Stratis Publishing:

• Senior Living (Vancouver Island) • Senior Lifestyle: A Housing Guide for Vancouver Island Editor

Barbara Risto

FEATURES 4

Raising pups to be guide dogs is a labor of love for White Rock resident Isabel Powell

Advertising Manager

Puppy Love Students of Life Long Learning

30 Digital Cameras 31 Good Eyesight into Retirement

DEPARTMENTS

Seniors who return to the classroom

14 History

Contact Information - Head Office

The Royal Westminster Regiment

Senior Living Box 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1

10 Fun and Games

Barry Risto (604) 807-8208

Phone (250) 479-4705 Fax (250) 479-4808

Finding out about Arthritis

BC Seniors Summer Games offer friendly competition

12 Extra! Extra!

E-mail office@seniorlivingmag.com Website www.seniorlivingmag.com

Seniors as actors on local movie sets

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17 Computer Tips 24 Humor 25 BBB Scam Alert 28 Tasty Traditions Fond memories and heritage recipes

16 What can an Occupational Therapist do for you?

29 Crossword

18 Connecting People & Plants

COLUMNS

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)

VanDusen Botanical Garden senior volunteers build lasting relationships

Cover Photo: White Rock resident Isabel Powell and “Evelyn” strike a pose for photographer Omar Ruiz-Diaz. Evelyn has produced four litters of offspring for the BC Guide Dog Association. Story page 4

Meet Olander Nesting, possibly White Rock’s oldest citizen

20 White Rock Mayor Judy Forster talks about the past, present and future of this trendsetting city

Successful Retirement by Dorothy Orr

23 Ask Goldie

by Goldie Carlow

32 Just Rambling

by Gipp Forster

26 “Almost 107 Years” 27 Choosing a Senior Friendly Vehicle

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wo and a half years ago, Senior Living did not exist. Today, we have a thriving magazine on Vancouver Island, along with a very popular annual Vancouver Island Housing Guide for Seniors. We are also the founders of the annual Senior Celebration Festival in Victoria. This year, we were one of two finalists in the Victoria Chamber of Commerce 2006 Small Business Awards in the category of New Business. Shortly after launching our Vancouver Island publication in June 2004, we began getting calls from the Vancouver area from people who had visited the Island, read the magazine, and were looking for it on the Mainland. It’s taken us a couple years, but here we are! This is the premiere edition of Senior Living (Vancouver & Lower Mainland). We sincerely hope that you will enjoy our publication and look for it on a bi-monthly basis. It contains many of the same features as our island publication, but the stories are about people who live on the Mainland. Senior Living is a magazine that celebrates the lives and achievements of seniors and near-seniors. We write about people and groups who exemplify how to live life to its fullest. We are inspired with every issue we publish and we’re sure you will be too. Over 75 per cent

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of our current readers tell us they read Senior Living cover to cover. Seniors today are active, productive, energetic, contributing citizens. They have stories to tell of lessons learned and of circumstances surmounted. Coupled with perseverence, determination and often a sense of humor, they spin a tale that readers find irresistible. Our magazine is geared for the 50+ demographic, but we find a good number of our readers are younger. And why not? One can be inspired at any age. Senior Living (Vancouver & Lower Mainland) will be distributed at senior centres, libraries and major senior residences. As quickly as we can, we will expand to include other locations that have high senior traffic. Our area of distribution includes the municipalities of Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Delta, Tsawwassen, White Rock, Surrey, Cloverdale and Ladner. If you know of a place that a lot of seniors frequent, please let us know and we will try to add it to our list of distribution locations. Just drop us an e-mail, write us a letter, or call us at (604) 807-8208. While the magazine is free at all our distribution points, many readers like the convenience of having it mailed direct to their home. You can purchase a subscription for $32 per year (send in the form on page 1) and never miss an issue. We are currently hiring distribution people - every municipality needs someone to create a distribution route and keep the magazine stocked at key locations. Time required can vary from a couple hours to a couple days every two months, depending on the location and size of the route. We are looking for an experienced sales professional to take on the job of selling print ads to businesses and organizations that recognize the growing potential for sales in the senior demographic. This commission position would be ideal for a recently retired person with a wide network of business prospects, and the expertise to create effective ad campaigns for clients. Of course, no magazine is complete without reliable writers and photographers. We don’t necessarily look for professionals with published work; we are willing to take on new writers and photographers with limited experience – as long as they are willing to learn and accept direction and constructive criticism from our staff editors. Please tell your friends about us, show our magazine to businesses in your area that might benefit from advertising with us, and contact us if you would like to get involved in some way. We hope you will enjoy this publication and that you will become one of our thousands of faithful readers. We welcome your suggestions and feedback. Two and a half years ago, Senior Living was only a fledgling dream. Today, with this premiere Vancouver and Lower Mainland edition, we are watching it take wings. Sincerely, Barbara Risto

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

SENIOR_

SUCCESSFUL

Retirement BY DOROTHY ORR

Adjusting to the 21st Century

colleague recently asked me, entering old age, erroneous conclusions pasture,” as being superÀuous in a busy “What will be one of the most follow. Some of the temporary adjust- world of important people. A life with important factors affecting ments to retirement are then seen as at- no meaning is boring and tedious, creatthe success of our retirement?” ing people who tell themselves My response: “Attitude.” they are old, and therefore not Speci¿cally, the attitude important. People with a positive outlook towards aging and what age The Boomer Generation is have an easier time appreciating means mentally, not just physirewriting the book on cookiecally. cutter retirement in the 21st the challenges and losses Our chronological age is century. It is being rede¿ned, inherent in the aging process. only a number, which essenfor the better. People retiring tially tells us how many times now, and in the future, will play we have circled the sun. A much vital roles in their communimore relevant age is our functributes to the permanent onset of old ties. Mentoring, volunteering and ¿ndtional age, that is, how old we feel. Ev- age, thus creating the identity of an old ing creative ways to express their love eryone ages, but when do we become person. Adjusting to new roles, chang- of life, changing, forever, stereotypical old? ing identities and re-negotiating social ideas about aging. In my experience, it’s usually a self- relationships are all tasks associated When I ask people who are currentdeclared issue, not to be entered into with retirement that may cause tempo- ly retiring about the best years of their lightly. We tend to look at aging as a rary feelings of loss, and can be over- lives, I hear varying responses. Many process that will never happen to us, whelming without supportive under- people believe the best is yet to be, and until we look in the mirror and won- standing of this life change. the years ahead give them an opportuder whose reÀection this is and how it Children born after the Second nity to remake, renew and be creative in happened so quickly. We spend money World War and until the early ’60s – the the next stage of life’s journey. to avoid looking older. Have you ever Boomer Generation – have and are People with a positive outlook have tried to buy “pro-wrinkle cream”? It changing the face of retirement. Previ- an easier time appreciating the chaldoesn’t exist. ous generations considered retirement lenges and losses inherent in the aging If a person thinks of retirement as as lifelong leisure, as being “put out to process. The new retirement can be seen as a developmental stage, necessary to teach us new things about life and ourselves. For further information Inevitably, we will eventually expeSenior Living needs your help finding reliable distributorsorintoallregister areas offor Vancouver classes rience the biological changes of aging, and the Lower Mainland. Vehicle required. Flexible hours. Deliveries bi-monthjust as we have throughout our lives. ly. Distributor would be responsible for determining high callsenior traffic locations. And while we can’t control the progTaoist Tai Chi is suitable for all ages and abilities Payment is on per magazine or per drop basis. Ideal for retired person wanting a and is known to help with: ress of time, we can control our relittle extra spending money. • Strength and stamina • Flexibility & balance SL sponse to it. • Vancouver • North Vancouver • West Vancouver • Burnaby • General health and ﬁtness improvement Dorothy Orr is a Registered Social • New Westminster • Richmond • Coquitlam Worker, quali¿ed Executive Coach, spe• Stress management and relaxation • Port • Port Moody • Delta • Tsawwassen cialising in Retirement and Transitional • Recovery fromCoquitlam injuries & illness • White Rock • Surrey • Cloverdale • Ladner issues. She is also a Senior Peer Coun865Call Catherine St (Vic West) + 807-8208 400 locations world-wide Barry at (604) or e-mail office@seniorlivingmag.com sellor trainer.

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PUPPY LOVE

BY MARLENE ADAM

Raising puppies to be guide dogs is a labor of

wo years from retirement, Isabel Powell knew what she didn’t want. “I don’t like games like bridge or golf. I don’t like to travel. And whatever I did after retirement, I knew it wouldn’t involve hospitals or medicine.” After 40+ years working as a Registered Nurse, her back and shoulders felt the effects. “Now it’s all I can do to lift a five-pound puppy,” she says. “It was hard, heart-breaking work, physically, mentally, spiritually.” Some people look forward to retirement so they can relax. “I don’t consider relaxing a lot of fun,” she says, although she does enjoy sitting in front of the fireplace with a good book, neighbour or friend. “I wanted something I could involve the family and friends in, something I believed in, that was a contribution to the community and involved people with similar interests. And I wanted something that would get me out of the house.” Her investigations led her to the BC Guide Dog Association which raises and trains guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired. This year marks its 10th year anniversary, coinciding with the BC government pronouncement of 2006 as Year of the Working Dog. Isabel became a volunteer for the organization, starting out as a puppy raiser and then becoming a brood bitch holder. A brood bitch is a female dog with the physical qualities, intelligence and personality to be bred as a mother. Another term for these female breeders is dam bitch, which makes the persons entrusted with the care of these valuable dogs called brood bitch or dam bitch holders. “We have a lot of fun with that,” says Isabel, whose duties involve caring for the female dog as well as the litters that come along every 16 months or so. 6

“I didn’t know a thing about breeding dogs,” she says, “but I love animals and nature.” That, combined with living in the ideal location to nurture puppy litters, was an irresistible combination. Isabel and her husband, Charlie, have a large, fenced yard where, if it’s a summer delivery, the puppies can play and explore, protected in a controlled environment. In these first two months of life, the safety and well-being of the puppies is of paramount importance. It’s also a crucial time for the future development of the Photo: Mike Zrymiak dog. “It’s a proven fact that the more love, attention and stimulation you give a wee babe, the higher their intellectual growth. I believe it’s the same with pups. While they’re with me I give them all the love I can. They become a part of the family from the moment they’re born.” Isabel’s brood bitch, Evelyn, has her pups under a desk in the kitchen. Here the pups stay close to their mom who, for the first few days, doesn’t leave them except to eat and go outside. Isabel doesn’t leave them either. “For the first 9 days, it’s 24/7. Someone must be with them at all times.” The kitchen is a perfect spot for the pups. It’s a busy place and although the pups are born blind and deaf, they eventually start hearing the clattering of dishes,

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

the voices of humans, they smell the food, and get used to the normal sounds of family living. For the first three weeks they stay in a special box that fits in the corner. Eventually they grow big and strong enough to begin climbing out. At this point they move to a large pen on the ground level. Evelyn, their caring and attentive mother, eventually leaves them alone for longer and longer periods, allowing them the space to become independent. She begins weaning at around six weeks of age so that, by the time they leave the care of the brood bitch holder, they are fully weaned and partially toilet trained. “It’s hard to see them go,” says Isabel. “But it’s like sending kids off to school for the first time. There’s the pride and satisfaction of knowing you’ve done the best job you can.” New litters attract people but visitors are discouraged to avoid the risk of the puppies being exposed to germs. The only ones allowed to come and see the pups are the grandkids who must scrub up with surgical brushes and antiseptic soap, and wear gowns and cover their feet in socks. “They are not sterile, but they’re extremely clean,” says Isabel. The children put towels on their laps to hold the pups and then sing to them. “This external

of love for White Rock senior Isabel Powell. dog-in-training. Puppy raisers carry an of- guide dogs whose term of service ends at stimulation from the family is good for ficial letter with them at all times to show the age of 10. everyone.” any reluctant business owners that the law “In human terms, that’s 70 years of The care taken to protect the pups is exprotects these dogs’ right to go anywhere age,” says Isabel. “They deserve a rest.” traordinary. “If one dog gets sick, it could in public, except a zoo. At 70-something years of age, perspread through the whole litter,” says IsaEven though the guide dogs are given haps Isabel does, too. But she’s still going bel. The loss would be devastating. or sold to a recipient, BC Guide Dog re- strong. She walks Evelyn for at least an There is, currently, a two year waiting mains the owner. For purposes of breed- hour every day and, in White Rock, it’s list for guide dogs and only 60 per cent of ing history, the dog users keep the agency all hills. the puppies born have the particular qualiinformed of all significant events in the When asked what the most memorable ties suitable for becoming a guide dog. dog’s life. occasion has been for her in the eight and Some cannot tolerate the harness; others Since its inception, BC Guide Dogs a half years she has been volunteering for find it stressful to make decisions. Still has placed 53 dogs with seeing impaired BC Guide Dogs, Isabel doesn’t hesitate. others lack the confidence and steadiness people in BC and Alberta. It’s a remark- She gets up and brings back a picture that that allow them to be in new situations and graces a living room act accordingly. wall. It’s a photo of Yet, there is “It’s hard to see them go,” says Isabel. “But it’s like sending Rory, her first dog, no problem plackids off to school for the first time. There’s the pride and and a young blind ing the also-rans. woman at a gala The training they satisfaction of knowing you’ve done the best job you can.” graduation cerreceive, as well as emony where she their exceptional and the dog were breeding, makes able feat, given that it takes two years and declared a team. them highly desirable and there’s a wait$37,750 to raise and train a dog to the “It was the first time one of my dogs ing list for these dogs as well. While the stage where they’re ready to partner up was placed with a seeing impaired perblind recipients pay only $1 for their dogs, with someone. son,” says Isabel. The 25-year-old woman the others sell for approximately $1,000 And what of Evelyn, that valuable had, until that time, been housebound, and each, a welcome income for the organizabreeding mom whose impeccable pedi- completely dependent on other people to tion which depends solely on donations. gree and disposition makes her a superstar do things for her. Before becoming a brood bitch holder, of the canine set? “You cannot place a value on the freeIsabel’s first volunteer position with BC She is now pregnant for the fifth time. dom it gives people,” Isabel says. Guide Dogs was as a puppy raiser. Her Her sire, Baker, hails from England and is Isabel now has many such photos of first dog was Rory, a yellow Labrador. reputedly the “best stud they could fi nd.” other dogs and other recipients, people Puppy raisers are responsible for socialThe geneology of breeding stocks whose lives changed dramatically beizing the animal, taking it out to all the globally is closely regulated amongst in- cause of her work and dedication as well places their future guide dog user will go, ternational guide dog organizations which as that of BC Guide Dogs and the other like restaurants, shopping malls, buses work together to control and share breed- volunteers. and theatres. ing responsibilities. In BC, only purebred In Isabel’s case, it’s also a family affair. The dogs need to learn not to sniff, Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and She and her husband, Charlie, raised six not that easy a task because labs are “all lab/golden crosses are used by the asso- children between them as well. nose.” They must sit in a restaurant withciation, for their willingness to please and “Charlie is totally involved and supportout begging for food and must never leave to work. ive, as are the neighbours and friends.” A their owner to investigate a hot dog someThis litter will probably be Evelyn’s former school counselor, Charlie still sees one has dropped on the skytrain platform, last. She has whelped 32 pups and the students for tutoring and counselling. for instance. next litter is expected to produce anoth“He does kids. I do dogs.” The dogs wear special vests alerting er 8. She may retire after this. As do the And that about says it all. the public to their elite status as guideNOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2006

Students

BY BETTY HO

Life Long Learning

hen school began in early September, there were at least two grandparents who returned to classes. They joined 200 other students over the age of 60 in taking tuition free credit courses at Simon Fraser University (SFU). One such student is Dave Guild who retired at age 55 in 1991. Prior

to his retirement, Dave worked 36 years in food distribution at Kelly Douglas, a wholesaler and retailer of food and beverage. At first, Dave began taking non-

ly submits himself to deadlines for term papers, final exams, and reading assignments. “I’ve increased my cultural life, gained personal satisfaction, and

“I’ve increased my cultural life, gained personal satisfaction, and proved to myself that I can do it.”

Photos: Betty Ho

credit courses but he soon realized, “I was not getting credit for my ‘home work’ so I took credit courses to push myself to gain greater satisfaction.” Now, he willing-

proved to myself that I can do it.” He certainly can do it, having earned a Bachelor of General Studies, with minors in Humanities and History in 2005. This fall, he plans to complete his post-Baccalaureate degree in Humanities. Dave has attended classes at both Vancouver (Harbour Centre) and Burnaby campuses of SFU, taking advantage of

(Top) Elizabeth Jones and fellow classmates - (l-r) Wilma Laninga, Betty Sawyer, Elizabeth Jones and Lillian Newman (Left) Dave Guild - smiling because he doesn’t have to write any exams yet! 8

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

the Continuing Studies (credit and non-credit) courses offered. Dave enjoys the diversity in learning. Since 1999, he has taken courses at SFU in 13 different departments, among which are Latin American Studies, Asian Studies, Contemporary Arts, English, and Political Science. His favourite course taken to date was a Humanities course entitled, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A City in Its Time,â&#x20AC;? about Dublin with emphasis on the 19th and early 20th century. Being the only senior sometimes in his class doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t deter him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the end, it is the people that you are going to school with that make the experience enjoyable, whether they be mature or young.â&#x20AC;? Another grandparent taking credit courses at SFU is Elizabeth Jones, a former operating room and occupational health nurse. She recently attended her 50th nursing reunion at Montreal General Hospital. An enthusiastic lifelong learner,

Elizabeth says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to be involved with a group of interesting people, meet people and take courses to challenge me to think more.â&#x20AC;? She exercises her brain cells by doing daily newspaper crossword puzzles. She obtained her Bachelor of General Studies in 2003, with a minor in Humanities. Like Dave Guild, Elizabeth is also working on her post-Baccalaureate degree in Humanities. So far, the highlight of her SFU courses was a field study trip to Charles University in Prague for an eight-week Humanities course. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had a hard time deciding whether I was on holidays or doing a course that summer,â&#x20AC;? Elizabeth says with a smile. Being a student requires more than just the time spent in class but despite a lot of reading to do and papers to write, Elizabeth admits, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I do it because I like it. I have made attending SFU an important part of my life.â&#x20AC;? For the past four years, Elizabeth has been the vice-president of the Si-

mon Fraser University Seniors Lifelong Learners Society. This longnamed organization just recently became registered as a society. It was formerly known as The Opsimaths (meaning â&#x20AC;&#x153;mature studentsâ&#x20AC;?), and was established over 30 years ago as a liaison between seniors and the University. For more information on continuing education at a university level, contact Dr. Alan Aberbach, Director, Seniors Program, Continuing Studies, Simon Fraser University Vancouver, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5K3 or www.sfu.ca/ seniors

Author Betty Ho, herself a student at SFU and a â&#x20AC;&#x153;life-long learner.â&#x20AC;?

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Finding out about

ARTHRITIS BY MARGARET BARR

eniors living in Vancouver have a number of ways to learn about arthritis. The administration office of The Arthritis Society (TAS) on 7th Avenue is a good starting place to gather information about all their programs and services, including community activities such as land and water recreational exercise programs, a self-management workshop series and golfing or gardening with arthritis. TAS operates its Learning Centre at 895 West 10th Avenue. Here, you can learn more about the Arthritis Self Management Program (ASMP), facilitated by volunteeers who have arthritis themselves. You can also browse in the library, watch videos, use the Internet, ask questions of the TAS staff and volunteers and feel at home with comfy chairs, small reading nooks, friendly people and snacks from the gift shop. The information you’ll find includes alternative treatments and personal experiences, in addition to the standard medical practices and knowledge. “There are never enough community resources,” says Nancy Roper, Manager of Outreach Programs for the BC and Yukon Division of TAS, “but we are always coming up with new ways to get arthritis information to the 600,000 people with arthritis in our province.” The founder of TAS, Mary Pack, maintained “there’s always more to 10

do,” but there’s a lot we can do for ourselves - so here are a few suggestions. Visiting www.arthritis.ca/bc might be a way to begin an investigation. This website links you to an amazing amount of information about arthritis and the community programs available. Anything you read on this site has the backing of scientific research, current medical knowledge and, most significantly, the experiences and expertise of people with arthritis. Other websites, while containing lots of information, aren’t necessarily accurate or up-to-date. The Arthritis Answers Line, at 604714-5550 or toll free at 1-800-3211433, is another place to get information. The volunteers who answer know all the arthritis programs or education services offered in your community. They can also answer questions about your arthritis or direct you to the right source. You’ll find a knowledgeable, energetic and empathetic response to your questions - just pick up the phone and dial between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Are you waiting for a non-emergency hip or knee replacement surgery? The good news is that the waiting time will be shorter, thanks to the Centre for Surgical Innovation (CSI), which opened in April of this year at UBC Hospital with two operating rooms dedicated to hip and knee replacement surgeries.

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

“With a more efficient process in place, surgeons are able to do up to eight replacements a day,” says Bev Hills, Manager of the Mary Pack Arthritis Program (MPAP) at Vancouver General Hospital. The CSI is working closely with another program, the Osteoarthritis Service Integration System (OASIS). In Vancouver, ask your family doctor about OASIS, or look on the Vancouver Coastal Health website at www.vch.ca to learn more. OASIS uses a screening assessment completed by your family physician to direct you on the right surgical path. If you are a healthy senior able to return home quickly following surgery as well as self-manage a good part of your recovery phase, you’ll be on the fast track! Medical staff at the MPAP clinics provide treatment and rehabilitation for people with arthritis in Vancouver - though services aren’t limited to Vancouver residents. “Anyone can stop by our front desk to find out about free lectures on topics like pain management, osteoarthritis, exercise or stress management,” says Bev. “There are 19 programs to choose from. You don’t need a doctor’s referral to sign up for education classes.” However, you will need a family physician referral to see a rheumatologist or therapist. Satellite facilities exist in Victoria, Penticton and Cranbrook and MPAP

Photos: Margaret Barr

The Arthritis Society’s comfortable 10th Avenue Learning Centre offers a library, information centre, Internet access, and staff and volunteers willing to answer your questions.

NOW OPEN

Tickets available online at telusworldofscience.com/vancouver or call 604.443.7530 Senior and Group Rates available Seniors receive 25% off at Triple O’s (TELUS World of Science location only)

maintains professional liaisons with other hospitals in the Fraser Valley and across the province. A traveling consultation clinic goes out to some of BC’s remote communities. “Learn everything you can about your arthritis and how to manage it,” says Paul Adam, Outreach Liaison Coordinator at the MPAP. “You are your best advocate.” At the TAS Learning Centre, across the hallway from the MPAP clinic, Linda Friesen agrees. “Learn all you can about your arthritis. And keep your mind and body moving!” Two floors above the Learning Centre, the Arthritis Research Centre of Canada (ARC) attracts top researchers from around the world. One of the newest projects looks at the identification of biomarkers for osteoarthritis. In the next two years, results of this study may provide both a screening process and preventative treatment for joint cartilage wear and tear. The ARC works closely with TAS and the MPAP, though they are all funded and administered separately. The activities in this building hum with the spirit of Mary Pack - advocating, supporting, learning and doing for people with arthritis. “The most important thing about a chronic condition is you don’t sit down and give up,” says Linda. In Vancouver there’s no need to give up – there are lots of options for finding out about your arthritis! • The Arthritis Society administration offices are at 200-1645 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver. Or call (604-7145550). • The Arthritis Society Learning Centre, the Mary Pack Arthritis Program and the Arthritis Research Centre share the same building at 895 West 10th Avenue. The Learning Centre and Arthritis Answers Line are open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

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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 479-4705 or email office@seniorlivingmag.com

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2006

Funand

Games BY BETTY HO

Cyclist Peter Reichman

BC Seniors Summer Games offer friendly competition

unny Abbotsford played host this past August to over 3,400 participants competing in 25 categories of active and passive sports events in the 19th Annual B.C. Seniors Summer Games. The competitions gave men and women over 55 years old opportunities to win gold, silver, or bronze medals from a variety of events from archery to whist. BC SENIOR GAMES ZONES 1. Vancouver Island South 2. Vancouver Island North 3. Fraser Valley 4. Lower Mainland 5. Okanagan-Similkameen 6. West Kootenay Boundary 7. East Kootenay 8. South Central 9. North Central 10. North West 11. Bulkley Valley-Lakes District 12. Peace River-Liard 12

Three of the 425 athletes who competed this year were swimmer Nelson Wong, tennis player Howard Lowe, and cyclist Peter Reichman. A newcomer to the BC Seniors Summer Games this year, Nelson Wong (57) was pleased to have the opportunity to participate. “I’ve finally reached the age of eligibility to compete!” He was one of 20 swimmers entered from Zone 4 (see sidebar) and was a member of the relay swim team in the 55

to 59 category. He hoped his breast stroke would help his team earn a medal, which they did, winning a bronze medal for men’s 100 meter freestyle relay. Nelson’s efforts also earned him a bronze for his 25 meter, 50 meter, and 100 meter breast stroke. Nelson is no stranger to sporting events, having previously competed as a triathlon athlete (cycling, swimming and jogging). Playing tennis and learning to play electric guitar helps Nelson keep men-

How Zones Work To promote active participation from all areas, the BC Seniors Games Society with assistance from Recreation and Sports Branch, Ministry of Municipal Affairs, divides the province into twelve zones. The 2006 host city of Abbotsford, in the Fraser Valley, is in the heart of Zone 3. Zone 4, the Lower Mainland, covers the areas from Burnaby, Delta, Ladner, New Westminster, North and West Vancouver, Pemberton, Richmond, Squamish, Sunshine Coast, Tsawwassen, Vancouver and Whistler.

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

tally and physically alert. Being at the Senior Games this year demonstrated for Nelson the activity that is possible, regardless of one’s age. “I found inspiration and motivation from strong swimmers who were close to 90 years old.” Sinewy and suntanned, Howard Lowe still loves playing tennis after first learning to play the game in 1974. As a member of the Richmond Tennis Club, he plays regularly in club tournaments and social round robins. A tennis highlight for Howard was playing against legendary 76-year-old

ing up with partner Raymond Lee from a bronze to a gold medal and earning another bronze for mixed doubles with Betty Huang. “Winning the medals were bonuses because I appreciate the friendships and goodwill at the Games. I’m looking forward to next year’s Games in Nanaimo.” Intensely dedicated, cycling team coordinator Peter Reichman (63) cycles 10,000 kilometers a year to keep his racing edge. Peter, with a biking group, has cycled from Vancouver to Calgary and back, taking a southern route through the Okana-

“Winning the medals were bonuses because I appreciate the friendships and goodwill at the Games. I’m looking forward to next year’s Games in Nanaimo.” - Howard Lowe

• Archery • Badminton • Bocce • Bridge • Carpet Bowling • Cribbage • Cycling • Darts • Five-Pin Bowling • Floor Curling • Golf • Horseshoes • Ice Curling • Ice Hockey • Lawn Bowling • One-Act Plays • Slo-Pitch • Snooker • Soccer • Swimming • Table Tennis • Tennis • Track and Field • Whist

Burnaby Velodrome. With the 2006 BC Senior Games under his belt, Peter has been training for his next competition - the Huntsman World Senior 20th Anniversary Games in Utah. As these three individuals illustrate, participation in the BC Seniors Summer Games offers experience and motivation for the novice, provides camaraderie for all, and gives credit to the swift and skillful athletes of all ages over 55. To everyone who competed, well done!

gan and the Kootenays. He and his wife have also cycled from Calgary to Nakusp through the Monashee Mountains. Last July in Edmonton, he placed second in the 60-64 year category in the World Masters Games. He earned bronze Nanaimo, B.C. will host the next in the Games’ 60-69 Men’s Road Race. Senior Games on Sept. 12–15, 2007. “I’ve cycled for the last 20 years but I’ve only raced competitively the last five Tennis Player Howard Lowe years,” Peter reveals. He practices regularly at the

Photo: Betty Ho

Lorne Maine, a former world tennis champion. “I enjoy meeting people through playing tennis,” says Howard, and it was through tennis that he met a former coordinator of the B.C. Seniors Summer Games, George Soika, who asked him to be this year’s tennis sports coordinator for Zone 4. Howard entered the 65-69 doubles event hoping to improve upon his last year’s bronze medal, which he did, trad-

Games Events

Swimmer Nelson Wong NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2006

Hollywood North BY PETER MARCIN

Extra! Extra! Seniors as actors on local movie sets

Movie sets need people of all ages to make the background look real or legitimate. People sitting on a jury. The doctors, the lawyers, the judges, the guests at an upscale party... They can’t ALL be 20-year-olds!

id you ever dream of being in the movies when you were younger? With British Columbia one of the busiest places in the world for film and television production, now may be your chance. There are many opportunities to work on a film set, especially if you live near Victoria or Vancouver. Most productions need extras or background performers to provide what is known as atmosphere or background. How would they have made a boxing movie like “Rocky” without people in the seats watching the “fight,” or in the stadium watching the “big game,” or in

restaurants, or simply walking down the street or waiting for a bus or …. Well, you get the picture (pun intended). As you can imagine the scenarios are endless. And best of all, they need people of all ages to make the background look real or legitimate. People sitting on a jury. The doctors, the lawyers,

Actor Graham Greene (Dances with Wolves) poses with movie extra John Dawson, from Campbell River, on the set of “Luna: The Way Home,” filmed in Gold River, BC. 14

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

the judges, the guests at an upscale party, etc, etc, etc. They can’t all be 20-yearolds. To give you an example, my mother worked on her first movie as an extra at the age of 86. Her job was simply to drive her car along the highway (which was closed to regular traffic during the film shoot) to make it look like the highway was in use. All that is necessary, in most cases, is that you have free time on your hands and plenty of patience, as one scene can sometimes take quite a bit of time to set up and film. Many people who do extra work love the social aspect as well. You can meet some very interesting people amongst the other extras. The pay to be a general extra usually starts at minimum wage, but there are al-

(Right) Denis Corbet and wife Yolanda have been taking part in movie shoots since 1987, before they retired. Here, Denis gets his makeup applied during the filming of “Mermaid Chair.” Recently aired on Movie Central, it was filmed last spring near Victoria (Hatley Castle, Brentwood Bay and Cowichan Bay). (Left) Richard Swinburne, on the right, off the set of “Dungeon Siege,” now called “In the Name of the King.” The village scene (left below) was located on the Becher Bay Indian Reserve in a secluded bay in August 2005.

ways refreshments and snacks provided and, depending upon how many hours you are on set, they may also provide meals. The wage can increase dramatically if you are lucky enough to be asked to do something more than general extra work. And on very rare occasions they might even pick you out of the crowd and ask you to “say a line.” Perhaps you will be one of the lucky few who make it past the “cutting room” floor to see yourself on the “big screen,” which is always very exciting. Most people do not do this job for the money. They simply find the film industry fascinating. I have worked on over 90 productions and I rarely tire of it. I find it’s like being a little kid again. Every day is different and you get to “play” at something new each time. Plus, you get to see how a movie is made - and perhaps you may even get to see one of your favourite stars. The easiest way to get started is to contact an “Extras Agency” in your area and let them know that you are available to give this a try. (The provincial government has a list of all licensed agencies in BC and so does the Union of BC Performers office in Vancouver, B.C.) The Extras Agency you contact will need a regular photo of yourself, contact information, your availability, some general information about yourself and any special skills you may have. Special skills are things such as golf, cycling, driving, juggling or any num-

(Above) Margaret Swinburne on the set of “No Night is Too Long.” (Below) Richard Swinburne on the set of “Fierce People.”

ber of talents that someone “off the street” may not be able to do. You can sometimes get paid quite a bit extra for these “special skills,” so don’t be shy in listing your hobbies or abilities. The movie business needs a remarkable variety of skills and people. The agency will place you on their roster and call you when they need you. Most agencies charge a commission of 10 to 15 per cent of your wages. Remember, and be cautious, about the following: • You do not need expensive professional photographs to work as an extra. A simple picture taken on your own camera showing what you look like is fine. An agency is allowed to charge an annual photo fee of $25 maximum, deductible from actual earnings but many will waive this fee if you ask. • Never pay an upfront fee to an agency as they make their money from the commissions they charge, which will be deducted from your wages when you RECEIVE your wages AFTER you have worked on a film. The commissions should never exceed 15 per cent. • You do not need to pay to take any spe-

cial classes or acting classes. No experience or training is necessary to be a general extra. The following is from the Government of BC Ministry of Labour and Citizens’ Services website: • Talent agents in B.C. must be licensed by the Director of Employment. • Talent agencies may not charge more than 15 per cent commission on wages. • Photo fees (up to $25 annually) may only be deducted from actual earnings. • No other fees may be charged by a talent agency. If you don’t live near Victoria or Vancouver, your local community may have a Film Commission with whom you can register in the event a movie or production comes to your area. So “break a leg” as they say, and perhaps I’ll see you on “set” one day. Peter Marcin has worked as an actor, stand-in, photo double, special skills extra, general extra and background performer in the BC film industry for over 12 years and is an apprentice member of the Union of BC Performers, the BC branch of ACTRA. NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2006

“Pro Rege et Patria” Preserving the History of The Royal Westminster Regiment BY DALE AND ARCHIE MILLER

he 111-year-old white wooden armoury of The Royal Westminster Regiment, longest-serving Reserve Army unit in British Columbia, sits protectively on the hill overlooking downtown New Westminster and looking southward across the Fraser River toward Mount Baker. As a civilian, you might find the process of gaining entry a little daunting, though the requirement for security is readily understood, given the times in which we live. You push a button beside the exterior door, a disembodied voice bids you enter, and the door unlocks. Once inside, you will find yourself in a cavernous drill hall, in the far corner of which is the Regimental Museum. Run by The Royal Westminster Regiment Historical Society, the museum is actually in the old gunroom of the original 1895 structure and still contains the firing ports and sloping floor to support cannon fire over the Fraser River. The museum, opened in 1973, is small but filled with fascinating, colourful displays that portray The Royal Westminster Regiment and its antecedents, beginning with the Royal Engineers in 1859 and culminating in the current designation of “Royal” being granted to The Westminster Regiment in 1967. You will be warmly welcomed and, depending on your preference, given a personal tour of the displays, or left to wander on your own, knowing that there are knowledgeable people close by to answer all your questions. You’ll see weapons, uniforms, medals, photos, trophies 16

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

and flags. One of the most popular and intriguing displays is a large diorama of model military vehicles that accurately shows what The Westminster Regiment (Motor) looked like on full parade. As you might expect, many of the volunteers who are so dedicated to preserving the history of the Regiment and to educating the public about it, are part of the military family themselves. Lt. Col. Ret’d Basil Morgan, Curator Emeritus of the museum, joined cadets while in school and then became a soldier in 1933. He started working with the museum over 30 years ago and became fascinated with the stories and information he found there. Now 90, he still spends many hours each week at the museum, answering questions, doing research and telling the story of those soldiers who went before the sacrifice and dedication of “ordinary people who were trained to kill.” Museum Curator, Brig.Gen. Ret’d Herb Hamm, joined The Westminster Regiment in 1952, serving twice as Commanding Officer, as Aide-deCamp for Lts. Gov. John Robert Nicolson and Walter Stewart Owen, and as CD Commander Militia Area Pacific. One of the recent projects in which he was very heavily involved was the restoration of two 19th century cannons that had been on display at the WestMuseum Curator, minster Quay. He was presiBrig.Gen. Ret’d dent of The Royal Westminster Herb Hamm Regiment Historical Society in 1999 when the group decided to rescue the cannons. They researched the cannons, found a Photos: Archie Miller restoration site, located materials and fundraised to make the dream a reality. Five years later, in 2004, they were placed in front of the Cenotaph in the Memorial Plaza in front of New Westminster City Hall on Royal Avenue.

“We think they’ll be an asset to where they are,” says Herb. “It’s a proper tribute to our predecessors.” Not all museum volunteers have a military background. Lila Wood takes care of most of the clerical and computer work for the museum. For her, it’s important for people to understand that “the military is more than a bunch of people in uniform marching off to war.” She sees the military as a huge family and recognizes that one of the roles the museum plays is to provide a place where members of that military family can come and remember. “They can talk about their memories and experiences and people here will understand.” Recently a father and son visited from Ontario and spent the whole day at the museum. The son was fascinated by the artifacts and displays of the museum, but his father spent most of his time reminiscing about his war experiences. “He wanted to talk and I wanted to listen. It doesn’t matter how many medals I have to identify or artifacts to catalogue, if someone comes in and wants to talk, I’ll gladly put it all aside.” Earlier this year, thieves stole two bronze plaques that were mounted on monuments in front of the armoury. One of the plaques was the city’s dedication to the regiment and the regimental museum. The other was a dedication to Jack Mahony and Filip Konowal, two Regimental Victoria Cross winners from World War II and World War I respectively. “Basically, someone has stolen them for scrap,” says Herb, outraged. “The fact that someone would do that in the first place just boggles the mind. The war they were fighting in gave people the freedoms that we have today - someone has taken terrible advantage of it.” The museum, located at the corner of Queens Avenue and 6th Street in New Westminster, is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is by donation. Call 604-526-5116 for information or visit their website at www.royal-westies-assn.ca. Authors Archie and Dale Miller do historical research, presentations and writing in New Westminster.

Lt. Col. Ret’d Basil Morgan, Curator Emeritus of the museum

NEW 2006 EDITION VANCOUVER ISLAND

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What can an Occupational Therapist do for you? BY SANDY DAUGHEN

re you concerned about your safety and falling at home? Are you having trouble with your memory? Do you have difficulty performing activities of daily living, such as bathing or dressing? Are you restricted in your ability to perform tasks you enjoy, like gardening? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might benefit from the services of an occupational therapist. “Occupation” can be anything people do to occupy themselves, including looking after themselves (self-care), enjoying life (leisure) and contributing to the social and economic fabric of their communities (work/productivity). Self-care refers to eating, dressing, personal hygiene, mobility and functional communication. Work, or productivity, includes play, school work, employment, homemaking, creative and expressive activities and volunteer

work. Leisure encompasses socializing, physical activity and recreational pastimes. Occupational therapists — or OTs, as they are frequently referred to — are university-trained, self-regulated health professionals. They play a vital role in helping seniors -- especially those with disabilities, injuries or disease -- to work, play and do everyday activities to the best of their abilities. Occupational therapists help their clients work within their limitations to regain their abilities and increase their freedom and independence. Physiotherapists can help make your home more accessible They work with seniors in their homes, in assisted living fa- lie and where he/she needs help. In care facilities, occupational theracilities and in intermediate or long-term pists will work with care staff to ensure the person is functioning as independently as possible and is using the right equipment to maximize their abilities. and pieces of special equipment Some community occupational therthat can make daily activities easapy services are provided by the Minier. These are available at local istry of Health through the Vancouver medical equipment supply stores. Island Health Authority home and com• Keep a date book or calendar munity care program and are available and write down everything that by contacting your local community needs to be done or remembered health unit. • Use written “To Do” lists and In addition, occupational therapy keep the list in the same spot all the may be covered by some insurance time, checking it every day companies as an extended health care • Keep the home organized and benefit. If you are not covered by an uncluttered extended health plan, you can still ac• Use visual cues to remember cess an occupational therapist. Many things whenever possible. For exare self-employed and offer competiample, if the telephone bill needs to tive rates for their services. be mailed, leave it where it will be When invited to assess a client, an seen on the way out of the house. occupational therapist will try to find

“OT Tips” to improve independence • Install grab-bars in bathtub area so you don’t rely on a towel rack or soap dish for support. • Use small appliances and utensils that have safety design features, such as a cool-touch toaster, automatic shut-off kettle, bladeless electric can-opener, secure-grip utensils. • Always turn on the light before entering a room; there may be an article on the floor that you could trip over. • Consider appliances that are both energy-efficient and safer to use; e.g. microwave, cordless tools. • Investigate different gadgets 18

care facilities. Many of the seniors occupational therapists see have complex health care needs and are struggling with decreased function due to illness, aging or injuries. Home care case managers, general practitioners or families who ask for the assistance of an OT usually want to know whether the senior can function not only independently but also safely. When visiting the senior in his/her home, an occupational therapist is able to look at how the senior functions in various tasks, where his/her strengths

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

out why the senior cannot do what he/ she would like or needs to do. This may include: • What he/she can and cannot do physically (strength, coordination, balance, or other physical abilities) • What he/she can and cannot do mentally (memory, organization skills, coping strategies, or other mental abilities) • What materials he/she uses to participate in the occupation (work tools, furniture, cooking utensils, clothes, or other materials) • The social and emotional support available to him/her at home and in the community • The physical setup of his/her house, community, or other environment Once the senior and the occupational therapist identify the problem(s), the senior can learn new ways of doing things such as dressing or cooking using one arm or employ useful strategies for remembering things if his/her memory is poor. Seniors will be encouraged to try new activities that help maintain or improve their abilities, or increase their strength, confidence and belief in themselves. Occupational therapists will often adapt the material or equipment the senior uses, such as recommend properly fitted wheelchairs or a special bath or toilet seat. They can also recommend changes to the environment where the client does his/her activities, such as changing the layout of the senior’s home or room to make it more accessible. To find an occupational therapist in your community, check the Yellow Pages of your local telephone directory, contact the BC Society of Occupational Therapists at 1-888-7365645 or by email at info@bcsot.org or contact the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists OT Finder at http://www.otworks.ca/ (This information was taken from the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists and the BC Society of Occupational Therapists.)

Computer Tips & Tricks

Viruses, Worms and Trojan Horses BY CHRIS WAKEFIELD

ince I’m known as the “tech guy” in the family and among my circle of friends, I’m often asked to remove viruses from infected computers. Looking after your computer is like servicing your car. All that’s needed is a bit of common sense. A little regular maintenance will keep your car (and your computer) in good working order. Viruses, worms and Trojan horses can all infect and damage your computer. They are different, however, not only in how they are transmitted but how they behave once they have gained entry to your computer. A computer virus is a program designed to replicate itself and spread from file to file, usually attaching itself to applications. When this application is run, it can infect other files on a user’s disk. By definition, human interaction is necessary for a virus to spread to another user’s files. This can be performed by downloading files, trading diskettes with others, copying files to/from file servers, or sending e-mail attachments. The easiest way for one to get a virus is through e-mail. (I get about 200-400 a day!) If you get e-mail with an executable file extension (.pif, .bat, .com, .exe, .cmd, .hlp, etc.,) do not open it! If you don’t know who sent you the file just delete it. If you unexpectedly get sent a file from someone you know but that looks suspicious, contact them before you open it and ask what they e-mailed you. This can be a hassle, but it can certainly save a lot of frustration (and money!).

A computer worm is spread between computers on a network automatically, without the action of humans. Because of this, they spread more rapidly than viruses. A worm doesn’t alter or delete files but it will hide in the computer’s memory, eat up system resources and slow down your computer. To protect against a worm, networked users must keep up with operating system patches and updates and be aware of any suspicious traffic. A Trojan Horse is a program that initially appears useful or benign and fools a user into running it. But while it runs, it could be allowing “back door” access to your computer for hackers or destroying files on your hard drive. For protection against a Trojan Horse, users should be careful about the programs they are installing or downloading. Computer users should consider at least two forms of protection. First, an up-to-date Anti-virus program is a definite must as many viruses can be caught before they do damage. Because new viruses come out almost on a daily basis, update your virus definitions every week. Make it routine so you don’t forget. You can set your antivirus program to run automatically at a certain time each week. Second, a firewall in the guise of either a router (hardware) or software will also protect your computer. This method can be a hassle to configure, but it’s highly effective. Viruses, worms and Trojan horses can cause a lot of damage and inconvenience. A little foresight and common sense can go a long way in protecting your computer, data and your sanity! NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2006

People & ConnectingPlants

BY MARGARET BARR

VanDusen Botanical Garden senior volunteers build lasting relationships

amaraderie,” is what Claire es’ Association of BC. “I don’t seem to didn’t like that so much. Then I discovered Kermacks enjoys most about be able to say no,” she smiles. “I couldn’t the Manure [Sales] and Compost Sales.” Syd is now the brains and the brawn beher volunteer hours at Van- then and I can’t now.” Nancy Wong, Director of Marketing hind both sales, as well as the annual Plant Dusen Botanical Garden. Sitting in the shade by one of the ponds and Public Relations at VanDusen, says Sale. It seems Syd has ended up in a warm in this 55-acre plant heaven at 37th Avenue there’s nothing Claire won’t do and hasn’t and sticky spot and sometimes gets teased and Oak Street in Vancouver, Claire says, done already for the VanDusen volunteer about his ability to shovel it, but Nancy is “It’s amazing how much fun it is to get to effort. At the moment Claire sits as a gov- quick to point out that he “brings organiknow people when you’re all involved in ernor on the VanDusen Botanical Garden zation and quiet humor to everything he Photos: Margaret Barr does.” the same task.” A local feedlot deSyd Hartley, anlivers manure to Vanother volunteer, nods Dusen in the spring. in agreement. “You This is an endowed meet every kind of arrangement - for evperson and by workery three truckloads ing together you VanDusen buys, one learn and share infortruckload is given mation.” free. Then the work Claire and Syd begins, as volunteers have been volunteers fill the bags to be sold at VanDusen since on the third Saturday 2002 but they are in March. relatively new com“One year we had pared to some other a film crew here in volunteers who have the parking lot at been involved for 20 the same time we years or more. were bagging - they I n t e r e s t i n g l y, were always coming when Claire and Syd Volunteers at VanDusen Botanical Garden since 2002, Claire Kermacks back and forth and chatted at their oriand Syd Hartley never tire of their tasks. it slowed us down,” entation workshop four years ago, Claire discovered she knew Association’s Board of Governors and she Claire recalls. “We would tell them at the Syd’s wife, Pat, who now also volunteers at is chair of the Guides (the guide docents). end of the day we expected them to do She puts in her day of volunteer time once some bagging at night.” the Garden. The head gaffer looked at the bagging “I wanted to do something different when a week, driving the carts for visitors who I retired,” says Claire. “I thought about be- are unable to walk the extensive park-like setup and thought there could be improvement – so he gave the manure bagging coming a Master Gardener, but I wanted to grounds. “I wanted to learn and get ideas, and I crew several heavy duty clamps for holdspend time in [VanDusen] so volunteering wanted to do something physical,” Syd ing the bags open. was a better choice for me.” “Sure enough, every morning there Before she retired Claire worked as a says, referring to what he looked for in his registered nurse, a manager in healthcare, volunteer position. “After the orientation were a few more bags filled,” Claire as well as registrar at the Registered Nurs- workshop I started on the phone lines, but I chuckles. “We all had some fun. And we 20

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

To find out more about volunteer opportunities at VanDusen go to http://www.city. vancouver.bc.ca/parks/parks/vandusen/ website/volunteers/volunteers.htm

Festival of Lights

still use the clamps.” Wandering over the floating bridge to the Garden exit, Syd spots a blue heron fishing from a log. Carp swim among the water lilies and, on the rocks, turtles turn their heads to the sun. A multitude of birds attract quite a few birdwatchers as regular visitors. Squirrels are everywhere. “They drop the chestnuts down onto the ground to break them open,” Syd says, “so you want to avoid standing under the chestnut tree at this time of the year.” The coyotes are more elusive since one pair had pups that got too friendly. “The gardeners had to start scaring them away – they were just too cute and people wanted to pet them,” Claire explains. “It’s easy to forget they are wild animals.” On a shaded deck, three volunteers in their red VanDusen volunteer jackets are at the Seed Sales table, the seed packets carefully labeled and lined up in al-

phabetical order in a large box. “You said you wanted something red in your pictures,” laughs Claire, “and here they are.” The Christmas Festival of Lights is one of VanDusen’s favourite seasonal events. The light show, spread across 12 acres, demands the hanging of hundreds of strands of lights. “The volunteers check every light bulb before they go up,” says Claire. Stuffing envelopes, filling bags with manure, checking light bulbs, potting plants, labelling – these may seem mundane tasks but Claire and Syd say lots of fun is had when a group gets going at a routine activity. Each volunteer finds their own way to participate. With a total of 1,800 volunteers, there are a lot of hands to help out. Not everybody gets involved with every project, but most people turn out to help in some way with the two largest events - the Plant Sale and the Garden Show. “You meet every kind of person,” says Syd, “and by working together you learn and share information.” Seems like that’s a recipe for growing good people and good gardens.

Running December 8-31 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. every night (except December 25th when the Garden is closed), Festival of Lights creates an enchanted wonderland illuminated by more than a million lights spread over 12 acres of VanDusen Garden. Now in its 21st year, the Festival is comprised of a number of unique features that will enchant and delight visitors of all ages.

From Golf Course to Garden Until the mid 1960s this site, owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway, was one of Vancouver’s first full length golf links known as the Old Shaughnessy Golf Course. Destined to become a housing development by the 1970s, a dedicated group of citizens joined forces with the Vancouver Park Board to set aside 55 acres of the site for a botanical garden. This parcel of land also included the still undeveloped land (11 acres) located on the east side of Oak Street just south of Eric Hamber School. Through a unique partnership at the time, funding for the land, then valued at $3 million, was made possible by three contributors: $1 million (Provincial Government); $1 million (City of Vancouver) and $1 million (W.J. VanDusen). Mr. VanDusen’s generosity was recognized by naming the garden for him. This spectacular garden in the heart of Vancouver has matured into a botanical garden of international stature since opening to the public in 1975. There are over 7,500 different kinds of plants assembled from six continents. The VanDusen Botanical Garden is operated by the Vancouver Park Board and the VanDusen Botanical Garden Association. NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2006

White Rock chenski Photo: Rob Kro

Mayor Judy Forster reveals the past, present and future of this trendsetting city BY BARBARA RISTO

hite Rock offers a lifestyle that is second to none. That is Mayor Judy Forster’s belief and it is echoed by the people you meet on White Rock’s busy streets. Located 45 kilometers south of Vancouver and only three kilometers from the United States border, this vibrant city on the shore of Semiahmoo Bay is home to over 20,000 residents, 30 percent of whom are over the age of 65. White Rock owes its name to a large white granite rock that stands sentinel on the shore, just east of the pier. It is believed to have been deposited there by a glacier in the Ice Age. “People come here for the beauty of the place, the friendly atmosphere, it has a wonderful climate, it’s a vibrant city with a lot of activities, wonderful recreational services – everything from curling rinks, skating, swimming pool and great library services. Everything is very accessible,” says Mayor Forster. “We’re close enough to Vancouver and right next to the United States. We’re the gateway to Canada.” Known for its temperate year-round climate, warm summer sands and colorful seaside Marine Drive with restaurant patios and specialty shops lining the street, one can easily forget that behind this picturesque paradise is a bustling, trendsetting community with one foot firmly planted in today, 22

but the other poised to step into the future. Mayor Forster, who has lived in White Rock for 30 years, is pleased at the way the city has stepped up to the plate time and time again to meet the needs of its citizens. “Back in the early 80’s bold people on our city council said we needed to clean up our waterfront, we needed to revitalize Marine Drive, and we needed to create a world class beach front promenade. And they did it, by using all levels of government including federal, provincial and municipal. They got corporations to contribute as well. “Then we widened the sidewalks to enable restaurants to build outdoor patios, plant flowers — they created an ambiance for tourists, with lots of shops that have done really well. “We’re absolute trendsetters,” declares Forster. “In the early 90’s we went through a process called the Healthy Communities Initiative. We surveyed our citizens and asked them what we needed and what we needed to work on. “At the time we identified about 350 isolated and lonely seniors, some whose spouses had passed away. What they needed was to be connected to services. So, in 1993, the Seniors Support Services was established to link partners up with seniors - volunteers would go and visit seniors who were isolated and hooked them up to the community, through visitations, or taking them out to lunch. That was a very innovative program and I’m very proud of it.”

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

White Rock is a very accessible city, with chirping indicators at intersections to assist the visually challenged, and with all its curbs cut. In 1996, White Rock won a national access award for its waterfront promenade being so user-friendly with ramps leading right to the water for the benefit of people with walkers or scooters. A couple years ago White Rock had a scooter rally (and several since) where businesses were challenged to be more accessible. “People would go into stores and judge who was the most accessible. I spent an hour riding a scooter myself. You have to step into someone else’s shoes to know what it’s like. My mother-in-law had multiple sclerosis for 30 years; she used a scooter for the last 15. That was her mobility, her life.” The city is very veteran-friendly, granting free parking to veterans near the beach, around the hospital and in the Centennial Park. “We started that in 2005, the Year of the Veteran,” says Forster. “I brought forward a notice of motion, in honour of our veterans who have done so much for us. The freedoms we enjoy today are because of our veterans who many years ago put their lives on the line for us.” The city begins construction next year on a new Wellness Centre project. Together with the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation and the White Rock – South Surrey Foundation, this 12,000 sq. ft. complex, to be locat-

ed in Centennial Park, will house programs for wellness, osteoporosis, arthritic care, health promotion and the already existing Mel Edwards Cardio-Rehab Program. Cardio-rehab is very dear to the heart of Mayor Forster. “There are many people who have been touched by heart disease in this community. My husband had a heart attack when he was 46 years of age — he takes regular cardiorehab on Mondays and Wednesdays. He’s now 56 years of age. So my family has been touched by heart disease and I really believe that cardio-rehab is the way to go — and health promotion goes hand in hand.” “Every year I host a heart-smart luncheon to raise money for the cardio-rehab program. Someone gives a little testimonial. Several hundred come and we raise a little money.” It’s very important, says Mayor Forster, for city council to stay connected with the people and have an open ear. “We have a social planning committee which covers senior’s issues — we have seniors who serve on our committee, who deal with the senior issues. “I meet with citizens every day. I have friends who are seniors. My parents used to live here (they’ve since passed away) but I know what it’s like living with seniors. I’m very in touch with what happens when it comes to seniors. I make sure our city council and our staff are tuned in as well, so it’s not just one person, it’s an integrated approach.”

City council has supported a number of initiatives beneficial to seniors. Kent Street Activity Centre, owned and operated by the city, has dances every Wednesday. They welcome 5,000 visitors every month. Hundreds of people go through the centre every day to take courses. “Our fastest growing club with the most members is the computer club,” says Forster. “We have over 175 members in the computer club. All these seniors want to learn how to communicate with their grandchildren. Everything is on-line these days; they want to get up to speed with the latest technology. A lot of them have become computer whizzes. They’re really keen. “They have a wonderful seniors Photo: Craig Mutch choir. They’re going to be hosting a choral fest this June, inviting seniors choirs from all over the North West and Canada.” Another way that Mayor Forster says city council supports its citizens is by waiving taxes on projects that benefit the community. “The Peace Arch Hospital Foundation was very visionary,” explains Forster. “They bought property across from the hospital this year with the idea of having expanded services - like building an MIR clinic or something. But because the Foundation purchased it, they were subject to paying property taxes, so what the city did was waive the $96,000 taxes that they will put toward health care instead.

Photo: Craig Mutch

iuk ike Gural Photo: M

Photo: Craig Mut ch

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2006

“We also exempted the Peace Arch Community Services, which is the social services agency in our city, who would have been paying $20,000 in taxes. That’s the way the city works together [with the community].” The safety of its citizens is very important. Thirty-seven per cent of White Rock’s budget is for police and fire. “Someone in another city had her house robbed and vandalized. When she called the police, she was told no one could come to her house so could she file a report. That was very disconcerting for her. “We have a motto ‘No Call Too Small’ – so if someone calls the RCMP in White Rock, they would not only have a police officer visit them, but they would have a victim assistance worker there too to counsel and make sure the right support services were in place. “We have lots of volunteers, like the bicycle patrol that patrols the waterfront. We have volunteers patrolling the streets at 1 o’clock in the morning.”

Ten to Twenty Years From Now? “White Rock will continue to be a trendsetter, one of the most live-able cities in Canada,” promises Mayor Forster. “A city that is proud of its heritage and optimistic about the future.” The face of White Rock will change, however. As White Rock continues to welcome people from all over the world, it will definitely become more multi-cultural, says Forster. “I’m excited about that.” White Rock is currently building a new cultural community centre. “We will have some beautiful stores, a beautiful enhanced park, and a greenway that links the whole town centre. We just approved another development that had a beautiful outdoor plaza with a water feature and recreational space, nice stores and 14-storey zoning.” Forster foresees the need for more senior services, like assisted living, in the future. “We’re encouraging builders to come and build quality seniors care services so in 20 years there will be enhanced social 24

services, health services, senior services and a tax base that can support it; that’s what’s critical to the whole thing. “Sustainability is the

Mutch Photo: Craig

WHITE ROCK PHOTOS: (Above) Mt Baker as viewed from White Rock’s busy shoreline. (Previous Page) A.The Pier - Saved from demolition in 1977, it now is one of the major focal points for local residents, as well as tourists. B.The Promenade - 2.2 kilometres in length, the promenade is accessible to people of all abilities. C. Marine Drive - Restaurants, cafes, and specialty shops line the north side of the street, facing Semiahmoo D “half moon” Bay. D.The White Rock - Gleaming with white paint, this naturally grey piece of granite was a landmark used by early mariners.

key. You need to be economically, socially and environmentally stable. You can’t have one without the other as far as I’m concerned,” says Forster. “We want to see clean air, clean water, a great bay and I want to see more activity along the waterfront.” “We want families to move here, we want people to rent here, build more senior housing. I’m really excited about the future. White Rock is going to be transformed.” Mayor Forster views the future with optimism as a private citizen as well.

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

B C

“I am going to embrace my senior years. I really look forward to it. My husband and I love to travel. We have this “just do it” philosophy. I’m not going to wait until I retire. I’m 48 years old now. In November I turn 49, so next year I will be turning 50 and the city of White Rock will be turning 50.” Juggling a personal life while holding public office may be daunting for some, but Mayor Judy Forster relishes the challenge. “Life is busy these days, but I’m having fun.”

ASK

Photo: Jason van der Valk

Goldie

BY GOLDIE CARLOW, M.ED

Dear Goldie: I have been a widow for 10 years. Still in my 60s when my husband died, I became active in community work, especially local theatre groups. Many of my friends are men and I have had a few offers of marriage. However, I have no plans to marry again. My life was happy with my husband and children and I now enjoy being a single grandmother. It’s time for me! My reason for writing is that I would like to share with other women how happy a single life can be. I date whom I wish to be with, but I’m always my own boss and love it. –G.S.

Dear G.S.: You sound like you have had a full life and are still enjoying new experiences. It is refreshing to hear such acceptance of life’s changes. Many people see only the negative side of loss and change in aging. With continued grieving and longing for

Goldie Carlow is a retired registered nurse, clinical counsellor and founder of the Senior Peer Counselling program.

the past, they miss new opportunities. Some men and women cannot face life without a mate. Thank you for sharing your positive outlook.

Dear Goldie: I am worried about my best friend, June. She met a married man in her church choir and she has become involved with him. She is also a friend of his wife. June and this man often go for lunch after choir practice and occasionally to the local pub. My friend insists there is nothing to worry about and the wife seems to agree. I am sure June is getting in over her head, but she won’t listen to me. What can I do? –F.M.

gins. June and this gentleman are responsible for their thinking and behaviour. You are only responsible for your own. I can understand your concern, but this relationship does not involve you. Remain a friend to June as long as you wish, but allow them to face their own responsibilities. If you meddle in this relationship, you may lose your best friend. For a Senior Peer Counselling Centre SL near you, see below: Senior Peer Counselling Centres

Dear F.M.:

SENIOR PEER COUNSELLING (Lower Mainland) CENTRES New Westminster (250)334-9917 (604) 519-1064 Courtenay/Comox North Vancouver (604) Duncan (250)748-2133 987-8138 Burnaby(250)754-3331 (604) 291-2258 Nanaimo Richmond (604)(250)537-4607 279-7034 Salt Spring Island Vancouver West End Sidney (250)655-4402 (604) 669-7339 Coquitlam - Tri-Cities (604) 945-4480 Victoria (250)382-4331

Friendships are usually a source of enjoyment and a means for personal growth. Intelligent adults realize when friendship ends and a love affair be-

Ask Goldie letters can be sent to Senior Ask Goldie letters can be sent to Senior LivLiving magazine at 1581-H Box 153, 1581-H ing magazine at 153, Hillside Ave. Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1 Victoria BC V8T 2C1

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ENTER AT YOUR BY CJ PAPOUTSIS

fter nearly taking a magic carpet ride on my old bathmat, I headed to a big store at the mall on a scorching July afternoon to buy a new one. As I entered, an arctic blast reduced me to a shivering wreck. I was tempted to commandeer a quilt from the bedding department, but my better judgment prevailed. Ten minutes later, I found the bathmats; none of them had price tags. Nobody ever seems to work in these stores, but after what seemed like an eternity, a child with braces on her teeth, wearing a smock and a pin with “Kiki” printed on it, appeared from behind a crate full of plastic shower curtains, slowly releasing their pent-up plastic fumes. She Àashed me a metallic smile and said she didn’t know the price of the bathmat, but took it and disappeared. Frostbite had already started on my nose when she ¿nally returned and said the bathmat was $10. I made my way towards the eight checkouts. Only three were open. The lineups, of about 15 people each, moved like arthritic snails. Disoriented from the cold, and wheezing from the vapours of all the synthetics in the store, I noticed everyone looked seasick. Was it the Àuorescent lighting?

be on your account?” “No,” I replied, forcing a smile. “Cash.” “Would you like to open an account?” She reached for a 10-page application form. “You could ¿ll it out now and receive a 10 per cent discount on your purchase.” One whole dollar. I looked at the people behind me and decided life was too precious. They would have strung me up from a home improvement display if I started ¿lling out a credit card application. “No thanks,” I replied. “Are you a club member?” ”No, I work alone.” It’s hard to be polite when you have hypothermia. “Do you have Air Miles?” “No, I have an elderly Volkswagen Rabbit melting in the parking lot.” “Would you like to donate a dollar to (disease of the week) research?” “No. I gave at the of¿ce – for 35 years. What I’d really like is to pay for this freaking bathmat and get out of this glacial wasteland before I catch pneumonia or choke to death on toxic fumes.” Heidi stuffed my bathmat into a nonbiodegradable plastic bag. I ran for the exit as she shouted, “Thank you, and enjoy your day.” SL

OWN RISK I ¿nally reached the cash register. Another child, whose nametag read, “Heidi,” asked, “Will this be all today?” I was wearing a tank top and shorts, how could I hide anything? She scanned the tag on the bathmat with a little machine that beeped and Àashed, but nothing happened. I told her Kiki said it was $10, but apparently I didn’t look trustworthy. She picked up a microphone and shouted “Kiki to checkout nine please, Kiki to checkout nine.” Meanwhile, the 15 people behind me “tsked,” stamping their feet aggressively. Who could blame them? They were probably trying to keep warm. Kiki raced over and con¿rmed the price and Heidi punched a bunch of buttons on the cash register. I was so close to freedom; whiffs of melting blacktop from the parking lot wafted in every time the door opened. I couldn’t wait to jump into my hot car. Heidi looked up and asked, “Will this

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SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

SENIOR_LIVING_OCT06_ISSUE.indd 42

9/22/2006 1:29:46 PM

BBB Red Flags Revealed by InvestRight Better Better Better Better

Business Business Business Business

Bureau Bureau Bureau Bureau

SCAM ALERT

BY MAYO MCDONOUGH BY SHEILA CHARNESKI

Red Flags Revealed by InvestRight

at, a retired bookkeeper, recently moved to Vancouver Island and joined a local club. One of his new friends, Steve, a retired investment advisor, told him about a special “offshore” opportunity that had huge ¿nancial returns and was tax free! Steve encouraged Pat to invest at least $5,000 cash, before the opportunity was gone, but told Pat to make real money he should invest $25,000. Pat trusted Steve and believed the potential returns were spectacular. Pat handed over his money to Steve. Within weeks, Steve gave Pat a cheque for $50,000 – what a success! Steve then let Pat in on another opportunity. This time, Pat must invest $100,000 and keep the deal secret. Pat re-invested his $50,000 and re-mortgaged his home to get the other $50,000. But, Steve was not at the next club meetings and then his phone was disconnected. Steve, a scam artist, was gone, along with Pat’s money. Pat was now stuck with an outstanding mortgage payment he couldn’t afford. People don’t have to end up like Pat or the thousands of B.C. investors who lost over 60 million dollars last year. The BC Securities Commission just launched www.InvestRight. org, which offers a wide range of tools to help British Columbians with their investments. The site offers questions to ask before people invest, tips to monitor one’s existing investments, a scam meter that allows investors to evaluate opportunities, and RED-FLAG seminars aimed at helping investors recognize unrealistic offers. Here are ¿ve examples: 1. Guaranteed High Returns – No Risk! There’s no such thing. The higher the returns the higher the risk. 2. Insider Tips – Get in Now! Scam artists use this tactic to pressure potential investors to make a quick decision. The offer seems more attractive when its suggested they have secret information about a company that the general public doesn’t have. 3. Offshore Investment – Tax Free! People can defer paying taxes, but they can’t avoid paying them. End of story. 4. Pro¿t Like the Experts! These scams are pitched as opportunities known only to a select few who make a lot of money. The scam artist suggests he or she has access to this special deal. An example of this is the “prime bank” scam,

where investors are told about a secret market that only the world’s largest banks know about. 5. Great Investment Opportunity – Your Friends Can’t Be Wrong! This scam relies on the trust one places in friends and the fear of not keeping up with them. Scam artists target religious, ethnic or close-knit groups by working their way in and befriending members in order to rip them off. InvestRight helps people, like Pat, before they become victims. Topics include: know yourself, your investment goals, your risk tolerance, and the limits of your own investment knowledge. Know your investment type, expected return, risk and liquidity. Is management competent and reputable? Know your adviser. Check quali¿cations, registrations, experience, fees, commissions, reputation, references and disciplinary action. Understand pressure tactics used by scammers and resist them. Get everything in writing. Be suspicious of payments to individuals or their private companies. Be suspicious of advice to cash out of your current investments. For more info, contact BC Securities Commission at 604899-6854 or 1-800-373-6393, or visit www.InvestRight.org The Better Business Bureau will provide information about InvestRight as part of our consumer and business education programs. SL Mayo the Executive of the Bureau Better SheilaMcDonough Charneski isisPresident of the Director Better Business of Mainland B.C.ofFor confidence in marketplace transactions, Business Bureau Vancouver Island. If you believe you have contact Better Business check been the the target or victim of aBureau scam, to please calla company the Betterreport Busior Buyers’ before you purchase or invest. ness BureauTip Vancouver Island at 386-6348 in www.bbbvan.org Greater Victoria orat604-682-2711. or 1-877-826-4222 elsewhere on the Island, so others can beneĦt from your experience. E-mail info@bbbvanisland.org

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WHITE ROCK RESIDENT Photo: Edna

Horstea d

“Almost 107 Years” BY EDNA HORSTEAD

lander Nesting has debunked a recent e-mail I received stating that, one hundred years ago, “the average life expectancy was 47 years.” You see, Olander was six years old at that time, and he has lived “almost 107 years.” He says he spent 53 years in Alberta and 53 years in British Columbia, so that makes him 106 years old; but the reason Olander states he is “almost 107 years” is that he was born on January 8, 1900, making him 106 years and 9 months. Possibly the oldest person residing today in White Rock, and maybe even in the whole of British Columbia, Olander is very aware of what goes on around him, but has two afflictions hampering his daily life, one being the loss of the use of his legs, the other his hearing. The condition that bothers him the most is his hearing - even with a hearing aid, he finds it extremely difficult - but with the help of his very devoted grandson, Keith Johnson, was able to participate in an interview. Keith (a grandfather himself) visits his grandfather whenever he can and a real warmth between them is evident. Olander was born to Thomas and Ella Nesting in North Dakota but shortly after moved to a farm in a small town named “Seven Persons,” slightly south and west of Medicine Hat, Alberta. Olander lived there for 25 years with his parents, his two brothers and two sisters until, in 1925, he met and married the love of his life, Nora Worts. Nora was a young school teacher in Redcliff and Olander was a young man who obviously had a way with words because he soon became the sales rep28

resentative of International Harvester, selling farm machinery. A year or so later, the first of their two children, Eileen, was born and, in 1929, a son, Keith. [Grandson Keith says he was given the same name as his uncle, because “they ran out of names.”] Both of Olander’s children graduated from the University of Alberta; Eileen as a registered nurse and Keith as a medical doctor. Now 77, and living in Hawaii, son Keith’s failing memory causes him difficulty remembering family members. Olander, although sometimes needing a bit of time to think, has good recall of past events. He remembers the “Dirty 30’s” when, in Medicine Hat, they would see train loads of men going east looking for work and then the next train load of men going west, also looking for work. Work was scarce and pay was low. An average worker who was able to find work would be lucky to earn $400 a year. Most would earn closer to $200 per year. The five leading causes of death in those years were pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis, diarrhea, heart disease and stroke. Many men “rode the rails” taking any job that was available in order to feed their families. Ravaged by the elements, many succumbed to their ailments before a job became available. A sight often seen in around Medicine Hat was the congregating of First Nations peoples in the town square with many teepees. Olander was fascinated by these gatherings and loved the color they added to the atmosphere of

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

the town. It has been suggested that the name of the small village, “Seven Persons,” was a name given by the First Nations people prior to farmers moving in. At 16, while still on the farm, Olander joined a South Alberta Baseball League. He played first base and loved the game. However, with a young family to support, and travel necessitated by his job selling farm machinery, he gave up the game he loved. The players did not have a contract but were paid “so much for each game played,” says Olander. Fans usually paid by donation. In 1939 Olander managed to purchase a brand new Chevrolet and decided he would like to return to his birthplace, but landed, instead, in a hospital in Chicago where he entertained doctors and patients by relating life and its hardships on the prairies - everyone wanted to hear what life was like there. In those days, there were only a few newspapers, a few telephones, and only two of every 10 adults could read and write. Olander was released from hospital after his wife and daughter arrived to drive him home. The roads that Nora had to drive over were deep rutted “gumbo” roads, a lot only vaguely marked, many gravel or dusty dirt roads, very few paved. It was a real trial keeping a recovering patient comfortable while negotiating curves and

ruts but Nora was successful in getting her husband home and keeping him healthy. In 1945, Olander took over a farm machinery business in Calgary, where he and the family resided until 1953 when they moved to White Rock where Eileen met and married grandson Keith’s father. As farm machinery was not in great demand in White Rock, Olander joined the General Motors firm of Midway Motors where he was employed until 1973, retiring at age 73. During the 33 years that have followed, Olander lost his wife, sisters and brothers. He is now a resident in the Weatherby Pavilion of the Peace Arch Hospital where he is a favourite of staff and residents. Despite his “almost 107 years,” Olander still has a great sense of humour. When asked what he attributes his long life to, he says, “Probably coffee.”

Choosing a senior friendly vehicle When picking out a new vehicle, it’s important to find one that fits your requirements. In a recent research project, seniors identified these design features as key to their comfort and needs. * The right height, width, and weight of doors to make getting in and out of the car easier. * Automated seat adjustments (seat height and distance from the steering wheel) to increase comfort and improve visibility. * Adjustable pedals for shorter drivers. * Lights that turn on as the driver approaches to make unlocking the car easier and enhance one’s vision getting in and out of the car. * Larger windows for better view. * Automatic breaking systems (ABS) to help control the speed and stop the car. * An instrument panel that is easy to

read and doesn’t have too much information. * Information on the instrument panel that is visible both during the day and at night. * Automated release mechanisms to increase security and reduce the need for hand control when opening and locking doors and trunks. * An infrared function to detect objects behind the vehicle. This information was taken from work done by Dr. Miller Polgar who is an associate professor in the occupational therapy program at the University of Western Ontario and a project leader with Dr. Michel Bédard from Lakehead University. Together with a multidisciplinary team they are investigating issues related to seniors’ safe transportation. This research is funded through AUTO 21 – The Automobile of the 21st Century (www.auto21.ca).

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TASTYTraditions

BY ALDÉRIC GOGUEN

Old-Fashioned Blueberry Pie Ingredients:

was born during the Depression on a big farm near the ocean, within walking distance to the best wild strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries and fruit trees of all kinds. Lean times meant we could not sell our lobsters or farm products. So, my dad, with pain in his heart, stood in line, like everybody else, to get the essentials, including sugar and Àour. Meanwhile, my mother and my grandmother invented recipes using as little sugar as they could. I remember enjoying this blueberry pie with or without a crust. It gives one the sensation of eating fresh uncooked blueberries. I believe it was everyone’s favourite. Once you have tried it, you become an addict. This recipe can be adapted using strawberries, which is also delectable.

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w w w. t a x i c a b . c o m

9-inch pie pastry (ready-made or homemade) 4 cups blueberries ¼ cup water 2/3 to 1 cup sugar (depending on taste) 2 Tbsp. cornstarch (heaping) 2 Tbsp. water whipping cream

Method: First, line a 9-inch pie plate with the pastry of your choice. Bake at 400 degrees F until golden. Cool and unmould. Wash 4 cups of blueberries. Cook 1 cup of blueberries with 1/4 cup of water until tender. Force through a sieve or put through a food processor to thoroughly mash. Place the purée in a saucepan; add 2/3 to 1 cup sugar and 2 heaping Tbsp. of cornstarch blended with same amount of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth, transparent and creamy. Pour this sauce (very hot) over the remaining blueberries. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. To serve, pour the blueberry mixture into the cooked pie shell and garnish with whipping cream, sweetened to taste. In the old days, as we say, my mother would go outside to the well near the house and lift out a container of fresh cold cream, so thick it needed only a fork to whip it. Ah, the good old days! SL

Please send us YOUR

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

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Mind GAMES

Crossword PUZZLE Across

2. Compass point 6. Having the same score 11. Unit of length 13. Town administrative of¿cer 15. Acquire through merit 17. Chamber 18. Command 19. Agitate 20. Drinking vessels 21. Performance 22. Filled tortilla 23. Exploit 25. Frozen water vapor 26. British Expeditionary Force 30. Pertaining to sound reproduction 32. Consumers 36. Police forces 37. Loincloth worn by Hindu men 38. Christian writings

40. Falsehood 41. Fruit 47. Social Security Board 49. Ripped 50. Diminish 54. Cereal food 55. Chilled 56. Motorized bicycle 57. Adhesive 58. Migrant farm worker (Disparaging) 59. Fork 60. Rave 61. Bring about 62. Classi¿ed

Down 1. Limitation 2. Extent 3. Units of resistance

4. Stepped 5. Illustrious warrior 6. Level 7. Margin 8. Bird homes 9. The devil 10. Quiet 12. Intellect 14. Prepare for publication 16. Act allowing crime victims to sue criminals for damages 24. Lawn grass 26. Low plant with many branches 27. Decree 28. Incandescent lamp 29. Small burrowing rodent 30. Besides 31. Off-Broadway theater award 33. Travel on water 34. Vex 35. Perceive with the eyes 39. Sets within a set 42. Device for securing 43. Relating to urea 44. Jason’s wife (Myth) 45. Lanterns 46. Ma¿a boss 47. Dish of raw vegetables 48. Astound 51. Drill a hole 52. Portable shelter 53. Nervously irritable 54. Barbarous person ANSWERS

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2006

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All I Want For Christmas Is… A Digital Camera BY MARGARET BARR

Is a digital camera on your wish list for Christmas? Whether you hope to give one or to receive one, a digital camera is a great gift to find under the Christmas tree. Wrapping it is easy. The hard part is choosing which digital camera to buy so here are a few things to consider.

Why digital? Well, you get instant feedback on your picture, you don’t have to carry film, it’s cheaper once you’ve made the initial investment, you can store pictures in the camera until you want to print them and you can choose which ones to print. But, you do need to recharge the batteries frequently, carry enough memory, and take the time to download and sort your images for long term storage or viewing. Make sure a digital camera is the right choice! Put a film in your camera and you can take a few pictures at intervals over several weeks without worrying. You take the film into the shop and voila! In a couple of days you have pictures to put in your album. With a digital camera – oops! You’ll have to check the battery levels each time you take it out. Then you need to sort which pictures to keep, decide if you want to crop or modify them, and transfer them to a disc or download to a store for printing – unless you plan to print your own.

Two kinds of digital There are hundreds of digital cameras on the market and the industry is constantly evolving. So whichever camera you choose, there will be a new model produced within weeks or months of your purchase. The good news – with the huge range available you should be able to find the one that best suits your purpose. So, what kind of images do you want? For highest quality digital images you’ll need a digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera. These cameras have removable lenses and a reflex mirror which lets you see the image you want to record through a viewfinder. The cameras are larger, bulkier, heavier and more expensive but they have 32

a bigger sensor (= larger pixels) so they can work at much slower ISO (speed) levels than a point and shoot since they gather light more effectively. Images are less grainy, of higher quality and hold their quality with enlargements. The operation of a DSLR is fast and adaptable and it gives the photographer more options for creativity but it is more complex to learn and there is no live LCD – you have to use the viewfinder to frame your shot. And, with a DSLR camera you’ll find you’re spending time at the computer in post processing the images. For convenience, you’ll probably prefer a digital point and shoot. Slim, light, quiet and cheaper than a DSLR, the point and shoot is a versatile traveler. It pops in your pocket or purse. And for many people, the ability to use an LCD screen to frame the picture on these cameras is an added advantage. You don’t have to disappear behind that viewfinder! If you want good pictures for standard 4x6 printing or e-mail, if you like the idea of using auto modes, if a video option is attractive and portability a high priority, then a point and shoot is the way to go. It’s not as fast as a DSLR, especially in the start up, and it’s less adaptable with fewer creative options, but the overall output can more than satisfy the average photographer.

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The 3 most important items to know when choosing a digital point and shoot • Optical zoom range – a 3xoptical will give you the equivalent of about 35-105mm on an SLR camera. A 10xoptical will give about 35-420mm so if you like to take pictures where you zoom in close to a subject from a distance, choose the larger optical. It gives you more flexibility. Digital zooming is not the same – you lose all the pixels outside the zoom area so you end up with a poorer quality image. • Comfort – if the camera doesn’t feel comfortable or you get frustrated by the mechanism, you won’t use it. Make sure it fits comfortably in your hand and you can use the dials or buttons easily. The menus and modes should be easy to understand and access. Take time to try several makes and models. • Lens quality – the lens is a big factor in quality of the final image. You want crisp, sharp pictures so look for the best quality lens. I’ll add a couple more to this list – speed of response and ISO. There’s nothing more frustrating than to have your subject ready and the camera response is so slow you miss the shot. Try taking a few pictures in the store before you buy to test this out. Look for a higher range of ISO – if you can get 1600 that’s a bonus, especially if you want to be out with your camera at night or taking pictures indoors. Auto modes are what digital point and shoot cameras are made for and most of them are good at it. All cameras will have

a variety of automatic modes to choose from depending on the type of images you are making. Some cameras will come with manual options if you like the idea of having more control. The trendy items that appeal with their colors or flashy design don’t always take the best pictures so know what it is you want. You’ll notice I haven’t discussed mega pixels. So often mega pixels are the first thing people want to know, but the quality of the camera is not determined by the number of mega pixels. Pixels in a digital point and shoot are necessarily much smaller (as much as 25 times smaller) than those of a DSLR because the sensor is much smaller. Increasing the number of mega pixels doesn’t make up for the small pixel size – a large sensor (i.e., a DSLR) will produce higher quality images because its pixels can gather more light. Though digital point and shoots are improving all the time, for high quality images and enlargements bigger than 11x14, consider buying a DSLR. If most of your pictures are standard 4x6 through to 8x10 you’ll get good quality with a 4 megapixel point and shoot – there’s no need for more. To add good close-up shots (macro) to your repertoire you may need to go to 5 or 6 megapixels - and you’ll add the ability to get quality prints at 11x14. Which camera to choose? Well, that’s really up to you. You know what kind of photographer you are, the kinds of pictures you want to take and how much you can afford, so write down which features are most important to you and start looking. A good place to begin is your local camera store where you’ll find knowledgeable camera staff. You can look on the internet or in magazines for camera reviews. Camera users post their experiences on some sites, usually under “user review” – you may find these helpful, too. Enjoy looking for the right one. Have lots of fun when you find it! I know somewhere out there, there’s a digital camera waiting to make your wishes come true. The author owns a Canon EOS 20D digital DSLR but still uses and loves her Olympic Stylus Epic film point and shoot for those quick trips and family outings.

Good Eyesight into Retirement BY DR. AMANDA WEINERMAN, OPTOMETRIST

Good eyesight is important. To understand the value of good sight, picture all the activities that have been saved up for those golden retirement years. Now picture the future again but with failing sight. Could a person still golf, play tennis, paint or draw, play the piano, play bridge, or even travel? The key is to look after eyes before problems occur.

The best way to look after eyes: By the time people notice a problem with their vision, it may be too late. This is why it is important to have a full eye examination each year. A routine annual eye exam by a qualified optometrist can uncover a problem before it leads to loss of vision.

How soon should individuals be seen if they have a problem? Call an optometrist IMMEDIATELY if a sudden or new symptom is noticed. A delay of a single day can mean the difference between sight and no sight in many eye emergencies.

What are the most common eye problems as people age? Glaucoma:

This is a disease in which the retinal nerve sensitivity is slowly lost leaving a person with blind spots which group together until there is only a tunnel to see through. The risk is 10 times higher if a family member suffers from glaucoma. To check for glaucoma, an optometrist needs to look at the appearance of the optic nerve head, take an eye pressure measurement and possibly schedule a visual field analysis. Yearly exams are also important so changes in the appearance of the optic nerve head can be detected by an optometrist when compared to last year’s exam.

Macular degeneration:

Macular degeneration results in a central blind spot, leaving only peripheral vision intact. An individual suffering from macular degeneration may look at an object with his peripheral vision, but when he turns towards it, it disappears. When he looks away, it reappears. To diagnose macular degeneration in time, any sudden distortion of lines in central vision should be reported to a doctor. Sufferers often say their fence suddenly has a kink in it. Prevention is important for all types of macular degeneration, but especially the dry-type as there is no treatment. Prevent this by wearing sunglasses (especially if fair skinned and starting from youth), eating greens such as spinach, broccoli and kale and not smoking. Those who have a family history of macular degeneration should take an AREDS study-approved vitamin supplement, which can be obtained without a prescription at a local pharmacy. Cataracts:

The lens which sits in a pocket behind the iris and focuses the eye is crystal clear as a child. Gradually, from exposure to the sun, it becomes brown and frosted like a bathroom window. This makes the world look discoloured and broken and scatters light causing a lot of glare, particularly at night. Sunglasses and hats will reduce the glare and slow the development of cataracts. Eventually, surgery to remove the cataractous lens and replace it with an artificial implant is necessary. This surgical procedure now takes just 10 minutes to perform, and people are amazed by the brighter world they see afterwards. NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2006

JUST RAMBLING

Reflections

ON THE PAST

BY GIPP FORSTER

think the thing I coveted most as a teenager, was freedom. I realized, and was amazed, that my parents knew absolutely nothing about life. On top of that, they were task masters and totally unfair. When I wanted to stay up past midnight, they said, “No.” When I wanted to borrow the car, they said, “No.” When I wanted to join a gang and asked for a switch blade knife, they said, “No.” When I wanted them to put my sister up for adoption they said, “No.” It just went on and on. Surely they realized that it was totally unfair. I mean, I was a teenager now… I was 13. So, as you can see, I learned persecution early. Freedom was denied me. Authority became my enemy — seeing I didn’t have any, how else could it be? It was hard having to be a martyr at so young an age. Misunderstood, unappreciated, unsung. This went on for the next three to five years. But I persevered, even through my suffering. And finally, I turned 16. By then, I knew all there was to know and, at last, was free to share it with the rest of the world. But, strangely, no one paid attention. No one seemed to care. No one noticed that I had arrived. This was devastating, to say the least! But, in spite of the indifference, the total ignorance of all those around me, I was at last, free. I have to admit, however, that freedom wasn’t all that easy. A couple times, I had to set my alarm clock to wake me up when I’d fall asleep before midnight. And even though I was 34

“free,” my dad still wouldn’t let me borrow the car. At least I could go and party. But when I asked my dad for money to do so, he said, “No.” He had the nerve to tell me that if I wanted money, I’d have to earn it myself. It took another two years to rid myself of the chains completely. At 18, I was legal. I left home as a seasoned warrior. The problem was that the more freedom I sought to use, the more trouble I got into! I was shocked to learn the freedom I longed for so desperately over what seemed so many years, had principles, and rules, and limits. It had responsibilities. This totally confused me. It angered me. It wasn’t at all what I thought it would be. Within a couple years, I was in debt, tired, and needed time to think. I phoned my dad to see if I could come home for a while so I could get my head in order. He gave me the usual answer — “No.” Instead of an adventure, freedom had turned into a misadventure and it would be many years before I would come to grips with it and live by its rules, just as I had to do as a young teenager under my parent’s rules. It was over half a century ago that I took my giant step out into what I thought was total freedom, only to discover its chains. It’s taken half a century to fully realize that concern and love can be found in a two-letter word, “No”; to realize that nothing worthwhile is truly free. That somewhere along the line freedom costs. It may cost us, it may cost others, but pay we must.

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Photo: Krystle Wiseman

FREEDOM

When Hitler demanded that the world bow down to his dictates, the free world said, “No.” Our freedom was paid for in blood. Freedom has many demands. It demands sacrifice, respect, honour and integrity. Often, it demands all that we have to give. It commands us each year to stop, if only for a few minutes, and hear the echo of the brave on the distant plains of war, and remember them… and the cost… of the freedom we breathe today. Some of our youth say, “It no longer matters. Let’s move on.” The old and the older must answer, “No.” We must never forget. Freedom without responsibility is a prison without doors. Freedom is a wonderful and treasured thing, but we need to always remember — Freedom is never free! SL

Thinking of Retiring to Victoria? Ross Place Retirement Residence Invites You to Share in the Magic of a Victorian Christmas Located near downtown Victoria, Ross Place Retirement Residence has created the perfect Christmas Vacation Getaway package. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to experience the amenities of Ross Place and all that this beautiful City has to offer, including: • 3 days/2 nights in a lovely Ross Place guest suite including 3 meals per day • a tour program hosted by Victoria’s own Danda Humphreys including a dynamic pre-tour presentation entitled “Victoria: A Lady with a Past” • Christmas shopping at your leisure And so much more!! Optional activities can be arranged. 55+ and subject to qualification. All this for only $250/couple or $175/single person. Transportation not included. Extended stays possible.

Your Gift Brightens Her Future

Call Ross Place and talk to Audrey 250-360-7563 Vacation package starts December 4th to 15th

Presented by: Ross Place

Ross Place