Dec 2008 Senior Living Island Edition by INSPIRED 55+ Lifestyle Magazine

Dec 08 / Jan 09 TM

Vancouver Island’s 50+ Active Lifestyle Magazine

MARTIAL WELLNESS

Ken Marchtaler ﬁnds his true calling

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Stroll round the garden? We have taken great care with the outdoor spaces at Berwick Royal Oak, just as we have with everything else in this luxuriously different retirement residence. Our inviting and varied themed gardens, each offer an enchantingly unique experience: Zen-like design, the soothing sounds of a waterfall, enjoyable pathways, quiet ponds, and ﬂowers that change with the seasons. We know you’ll ﬁnd Berwick Royal Oak as varied, surprising and delightful outdoors, as it is in. Make your move to a carefree life at Berwick Royal Oak. We’ll see you here - come smell the roses! Call 250-386-4680 for a tour or drop in between 10am and 4pm daily.

4680 Elk L ake Drive, Victoria. Call 250-386- 4680 www.berwickrc.com DEC 2008 / JAN 2009

Happy Holidays!

CELEBRATING SENIORS IN OUR COMMUNITY DEC 2008 / JAN 2009

FROM THE STAFF OF SENIOR LIVING MAGAZINE

FEATURES COVER PHOTO: World Champion martial artist Ken Marchtaler says the timeless sport is ageless too. Story on page 6. Photo: Enise Olding Publisher Barbara Risto Editor Bobbie Jo Sheriff Contributors Norman K. Archer, Tiffany Auvinen, Goldie Carlow, Judee Fong, Gipp Forster, Arlee Gale, Frank Hajer, Mary Anne Hajer, Dr. Bala Naidoo, Pat Nichol, Enise Olding, Rosalind Scott, Vernice Shostal, Barbara Small, Judy Stafford Design Barbara Risto, Bobbie Jo Sheriff Proofreader Allyson Mantle Advertising Manager Barry Risto For advertising information, call 479-4705 sales@seniorlivingmag.com Ad Sales Staff IMG Innovative Media Group Mathieu Powell 250-704-6288 John Dubay 250-294-9700 Ann Lester 250-390-1805 Barry Risto 250-479-4705 RaeLeigh Buchanan 250-479-4705 Robert Doak 250-479-4705 Distribution Ron Bannerman, Gail Fattore, Jim Gahr, Lorraine Rhode, Barry Risto, Betty Risto, Sheila Rose Richardson, Tanya Turner Contact Information Senior Living, 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave.,Victoria BC V8T 2C1 Phone 250-479-4705 Toll-free 1-877-479-4705 Fax 250-479-4808 E-mail (General) ofﬁce@seniorlivingmag.com (Editorial) editor@seniorlivingmag.com

6 Martial Wellness

Ken Marchtaler brings Okinawa karate to students of all ages.

40 Scottish Country Dance

With Robbie Burns Day just around the corner, Vancouver Island Scottish Country Dance Society is kicking up its heels.

12 Behind the Book of 46 Voices from the Sound Everything Three local writers delve deep into the Vancouver Island story.

14 Cranberries

Author Margaret Horsﬁeld’s love of BC history had her hearing voices from the Clayoquot Sound.

At turkey time or any time, they may be magic little berries.

Columns

16 Making a Splash

4 The Family Caregiver

Victoria Crystal Silver Streaks Swim Club welcomes all swimmers – from newbies to veterans.

20 Platz, Portzelky and Plumi Moos

Mennonite cooking, steeped in tradition, brings back fond childhood memories.

28 At The Theatre

Meet two of the Belfry Theatre’s 250 dedicated volunteers.

34 Volunteer Spotlight

Port Alberni’s Gerry Fagan volunteers to help his community – and stay youthful!

38 A Gift of Time

A Christmas story – and resolution.

Barbara Small

10 Victoria’s Past Revisited Norman Archer

24 Scam Alert

Rosalind Scott

26 Ask Goldie

Goldie Carlow

36 Courageous & Outrageous Pat Nichol

48 Reﬂections:Then and Now Gipp Forster

and...

Home Support Directory 32 Classiﬁeds 43 Events 44

Web site www.seniorlivingmag.com Subscriptions $32 (includes GST) for 10 issues. Canadian residents only. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Senior Living is an independent publication and its articles imply no endorsement of any products or services. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. Unsolicited articles are welcome and should be e-mailed to editor@seniorlivingmag.com Senior Living Vancouver Island is distributed free throughout Vancouver Island. Stratis Publishing Ltd. publishes Senior Living Vancouver Island (10 issues per year), the Housing Guide (January & July) and Senior Living Vancouver & Lower Mainland (10 issues per year). ISSN 1710-3584 (Print) ISSN 1911-6403 (Online)

SENIOR LIVING

In the November 2008 issue, the article “This Land is Not to be Developed” in the special Planned Giving Guide should have been credited to Carla Funk. Ms. Funk is the Chair of Canadian Association of Gift Planners, Vancouver Island Roundtable, 250-479-8053. The article “A Renaissance of Philanthropy” was written by Ivor John. Senior Living apologies for the omission and any inconvenience it may have caused.

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THE FAMILY CAREGIVER

Holiday Tips for Caregivers

BY BARBARA SMALL

he holiday season, with all its added demands and commitments, can seem overwhelming for an already busy family caregiver. Many will try to keep old traditions alive, while, at the same time, juggle the responsibilities of a new caregiving situation. It may not be realistic to expect to do the usual holiday baking and socializing, while trying to ensure that your ill spouse or elderly parent’s personal care needs are met. Take time to think about how you want to spend the holidays. What do you truly have time and energy to do? What can you delegate to others? Which of those old traditions are you willing to let go, either for this year, or for good? Are you doing something out of habit, obligation or because you want to? Ask the person you are caring for how he or she wants to celebrate or feels up for, over the holidays. Remember, an ill or frail person may tire more easily during the holiday season and may need more quiet time than they did in the past. Below are some suggestions to help reduce holiday stress:

person you are caring for so you can avoid the stress and possible discomfort of having them travel to other people’s homes.

• Invite guests to come and visit the

• Ask other family members to carry

• Suggest a potluck meal or ask other family members to prepare the meal. Use paper plates and cups to make clean-up easier or order in a meal. Some restaurants or grocery stores offer a complete holiday meal for take-out, or eat Christmas dinner at a restaurant this year. • Keep the number of guests manageable. Noise and hectic activity can exhaust an ill person, as well as the burnt-out family caregiver. • Don’t be afraid to say “no.” Say “yes” only to the things you can comfortably manage.

on speciﬁc family traditions. Dividing the responsibility will help you manage your stress level. • Ask family or friends to provide respite care over the holidays. A few hours of alone time can help renew your energy. • Create new traditions that the care recipient is still able to participate in based on their current physical and cognitive health. • Avoid comparisons with past holidays. Yes, your family situation has changed and this year will not be the same as holidays in the past, but it can still be enjoyed in its own unique way. SL

Next month: Life after Caregiving Ends

• If you want to decorate your home, ask a friend, family member or volunteer to do it for you. • Take the hassle out of gift giving. Purchase gifts online, from a catalogue, or ask a friend to help with shopping.

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

• Take advantage of store delivery services for gifts or groceries.

The Family Caregiver column is brought to you by the generous sponsorship of ElderSafe Support Services

SENIOR LIVING

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DEC 2008 / JAN 2009

MARTIAL WELLNESS

BY JUDEE FONG

iving martial arts a second chance steered Ken Marchtaler to his true calling. “When I was 15, I took kung fu because of Bruce Lee. When I realized how difﬁcult it was, I stopped,” Ken recalls with a chuckle. “Back in the ‘70s, [what] martial arts taught wasn’t very appealing to the Western mind!” Today, Ken, 51, is a 3rd Degree Black Belt, Two Time World Forms champion and holds the 2007 Legend of Martial Arts Award. He is currently Chairman of the World Martial Arts Games Committee (WMAGC), President of the Canadian National Martial Arts Association (CNMAA) and North American Director of 6

SENIOR LIVING

Photo: Enise Olding

Pan American Sport for All Association (TAFISA). For four years, he has been Head Coach for the CNMAA team. Ken has his own dojo specializing in Okinawa Karate with the main objective being martial wellness and the preservation of an ancient style of martial arts called “Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan.” “With martial arts,” he says, “the more you learn, the more you realize you don’t know, so it’s a constant learning process.” Ken describes martial arts as a sport for all ages. “People normally aren’t looking for a fight, so 90 per cent of students learn for fitness and self-defense, while gaining confidence. What’s really

important is knowing you can defuse a situation and resort to physical means as a last recourse. In self-defense, you never make the first move; but in fighting, you have to move first or get hit!” Martial arts embraces body, mind and spirit. Though Ken admits he’s never had to use the physical part of martial arts in the “real world,” he uses his martial arts brain all the time. On a physical level, every part of the body gets a workout with flexibility being most important. “I stretch first thing in the morning to loosen all the muscles,” Ken confesses. The foundation for any martial arts is the “kata.” Katas are a sequence of moves, similar to Tai Chi and can be practised outside

the gym. It provides a smooth transition from one martial art form to another. Each kata could have as many as 30 extensions from one movement, with each extension having over 80 moves. As a person learns and performs each kata, his or her brain is constantly being exercised. The “spirit” of martial arts is a connection to people or nature using emotional control. For example, in executing a “blocking” move there would be a short burst of energy followed by immediate relaxation; a control, which involves breathing, calmness and discipline. Martial arts helps an individual learn to combine natural abilities and trained responses. Students discover how to improve their focus, self-conﬁdence, balance, ﬂexibility and strength. Bruce Duncan, 54, who started classes 18 months ago, is proof that martial wellness is for any age. Suffering most of his life with severe Crohn’s disease, Bruce is enthusiastic about the changes he’s experienced. “I’ve gone from being a person with a debilitating disease to an aspiring athlete keeping pace with my nine-year-old son. Recently, we’ve both earned our blue belts.” In late September, Ken attended the 4th Busan TAFISA World Sport for All Games held in South Korea. He and a number of delegates visited an unusual site. “Everyone has to climb up this steep hill,” Ken says. “If you’re in shape, it takes about 15 minutes to reach the top to see this incredible view, but the real surprise is that it’s a fully equipped outdoor gym. There were benches to sit and relax [on] before heading

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back down. It was fabulous!” Another memorable moment occurred at the 2008 World Martial Arts Games when the Canadian National Martial Arts Association (CNMAA) gave one of two impressive exhibitions before other top Oriental schools. “As a group, we demonstrated our skills in Chinese hand and weapon forms, Japanese Okinawa hand and weapon forms, kick-boxing and sport jujutsu. One of the Masters of a Korean school came up to us and asked, ‘Are you all from the same school?’ We replied, ‘No, we’re not – we’re all from different schools, from different parts of Canada and even other parts of the world.” The Master asked, ‘How can you perform together if you’re all scattered?’ And we said, ‘We respect each other and we work together as a whole.’” Pausing, Ken explains, “We practise the ancient techniques with the courtesy and respect that’s part of the Okinawan cultural history. This reflects in our teamwork.” Chuckling at the thought of being labelled a “New Age Guru,” Ken prefers being known as the “Next Generation” martial wellness instructor. “I feel I’m definitely at the pinnacle of new developments in the martial arts,” he smiles. Seeking to encourage non-violence in sports, the World Martial Arts Games Committee (WMAGC), chaired by Ken, replaced in their WMAG rule book confrontational words, “fight, fighting and fighter” with “competition, match, sparring and competitor.”

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SENIOR LIVING

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“We received a lot of ﬂap from this,” says Ken, “but we believe kids don’t need to see players pounding each other and thinking violence in sports is okay.” This summer, Ken was involved in training 20 pro/junior college hockey players, including a few from Sweden and Austria, in his “ICE TUFF” program. This is a program developed to help hockey players sharpen their existing blocking skills. “At the same time,” says Ken, “they are taught ‘holds and locks’ so if anyone tries to strike them, they will be able to bring their opponent down on the ice without damage.” Away from his dojo, quality time with family is a high priority. “My favourite form of relaxation is spending time with my girlfriend and travelling to see my kids and my grandson.” But like anyone who loves what they do, he adds with a rueful grin, “Martial arts takes up a big part of my life as I have a hard time saying SL ‘no!’” For more info, call 250-479-7686 or visit www.omacmartialwellness.com

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DEC 2008 / JAN 2009

T S A P S ’ IA R O T C I V

he Church authorities had dragged their feet long enough. It should have been glaringly obvious that the little chapel behind St. Ann’s Academy was by no means large enough for the growing numbers of Roman Catholics in Victoria. To call such a little room a “Cathedral,” beautiful as it was, stretched the imagination of even the most credulous. The temporary building on View Street was larger, but was no Cathedral. The delay in construction on the beautiful new St. Andrew’s on Blanshard Street was due to a shortage of skilled workers. The congregation was growing impatient, so it was decided to recruit tradesmen from San Francisco. They’d decided against this previously because San Francisco was a known stronghold for the notorious Fenian Brotherhood movement; a passionate group of American radicals, determined to win independence for Ireland through violent revolution. But expediency prevailed; the tradesmen arrived, bringing with them the green Fenian ﬂag with its golden harp in the centre, and work began in earnest. Among the new arrivals was a stonemason named Larry Whelan from

MURDER AT THE CATHEDRAL

Seattle, whom contractor John Harbottle hired on the spot. Larry checked in at the Dominion Hotel for a few nights, but shortly afterwards he encountered Joseph Silk, a friend from Seattle and the two of them began rooming together. The foundations of the Cathedral were completed and by October 5, 1890, they were ready to lay the cornerstone. It was a festive occasion. The Fenians decided to make it more so by flying their banner on top of the massive crane. The crowd was furious. Immediately, another Irishman, Tom Deasy, the local Fire Chief, took the situation in hand and instructed one of his firemen to remove the flag. Whelan was incensed, picked up the flag from the rubbish heap where it had been thrown and soon had it back in place on the top of the crane. Again, Deasy had it removed, this time permanently. The Fenians were enraged. Their anger festered over the next few weeks and soon a plot was hatched to wreak vengeance on the Fire Chief for his insult to their flag and brotherhood. As Christmas approached, Larry Whelan was laid off as the stonework finished. Always a morose man, being thrown out of work during this season

made him bitter. However, acts of increasing nighttime vandalism at the Cathedral site warranted the hiring of a night watchman; Whelan applied and was hired. “Do you have a gun?” quipped the foreman. “No, but I know where I can get one,” was the reply. It was Christmas Eve. ***** David Findlay Fee, the manager of the general store in the coal-mining community of East Wellington, near Nanaimo, was homesick for his native Victoria and determined to go home for Christmas. Before he took the job the year before in East Wellington, he had been a volunteer ﬁreman with the Tigers. He was looking forward to reuniting with his mates and his former Fire Chief, the vivacious Tom Deasy. Then, of course, the highlight would be Christmas Eve Mass at the temporary Cathedral. It was a merry night for David Fee and his buddies. Dressed in white clown costumes, they weaved their way down the street, from the masquerade party at the Philharmonic Hall on Fort Street. Passing the new Cathedral site, they were heading towards the temporary cathedral on View Street to celebrate Mass

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SENIOR LIVING

THE TALE OF LAWRENCE WHELAN BY NORMAN K. ARCHER

before they went back to the revelries. Larry, also more than a little tipsy, was on duty near the new Cathedral steps, brandishing the riﬂe he had borrowed from Edward Wrigglesworth, a bartender at the Dominion Hotel, waiting for his chance to get a Fenian revenge on Tom Deasy. Seeing the merry-makers approaching, and knowing that Tom Deasy always wore a fashionable long white coat, he confused the white clowns with his intended victim. Whelan stepped out of the shadows, raised his gun and snarled, “I challenge you!” Without waiting for a reply, he pulled the trigger and shot a hole through David Fee’s heart. Fee collapsed and died on the cathedral steps. Evident ineptitude by the authorities delayed the inquest and frustrated Judge Matthew Baillie Begbie. Further delays instigated by the defence counsel exasperated him still more. Evidence was confused and the trial dragged on. Finally, it was over and the court waited for the jury to return with the inevitable verdict of guilty of premeditated murder. But the 12 “good men and true” took their time while the impatient Judge fumed. At long last, they returned and the

Judge read the verdict, “The accused shot the victim with intent to do bodily harm but without premeditation.” The court gasped. It made no sense! “I cannot accept this verdict,” the Judge roared. “How can it be without premeditation and still be with intent to do bodily harm? It is not a verdict and again I must ask you to retire.” It was almost midnight before they came back with a new verdict. “We ﬁnd the prisoner guilty of murder but unpremeditated.” This was too much. The Judge sighed. “Again, that is no verdict at all! The killing must have been premeditated in order to make the crime murder!” It was very late. The Judge said they only had three choices: the prisoner was guilty of murder, manslaughter, or he was not guilty of any crime and should be released. The jury never left the room, they whispered for only a few minutes and the foreman announced, “We ﬁnd the prisoner guilty of manslaughter.” Begbie was very angry and when the court reconvened on Monday morning for sentencing, the judge exploded, and began one of the tirades for which he was famous. “I am as convinced that you stand there as guilty of wilful mur-

der, premeditated all along, as I am of my own existence... So, I must deal with you. Never again will you be allowed to call yourself a free man. Never again will you be allowed to go on your drunken brawls. Never again will you carry your ﬂag on your shoulder and challenge a ﬁght. Never again will you shoot down like a dog an estimable young man, a worthy citizen. Believing you are guilty of wilful murder, I will protect you from the dogs. You shall not be torn to pieces by your indignant fellow-citizens. You shall go from here and be made miserable for as long as you live... The sentence of this court is that you be sent to penal servitude for the rest of your natural life.” Less than 10 years later, on Christmas Eve, Lawrence Whelan was released from the New Westminster Penitentiary a free man. And Matthew Baillie Begbie turned in his grave. SL

Norman Archer is an historical city tour guide in Victoria and the author of Tales of Old Victoria. Contact him at 250-655-1594 or nka@canada.com

DEC 2008 / JAN 2009

Behind the Book of Everything Vancouver Island Style

SENIOR LIVING

ports and 25 chapters for the Canadian Encyclopedia. His first piece published in Monday Magazine paid $75 and, at that time, he thought he’d died and gone to heaven. “It was supposed to be a small article, but it got to be the cover after I built it into a huge story.” Peter has four or five more books in him about Vancouver Island. What he calls his home and native land. “I over-research everything and I don’t believe in rushing into print,” he says. “I would rather get to know my subject in detail. I recently saw John S. Saul speak and I was very impressed. I aspire to have that kind of knowledge, insight and drive to make things better.” Suzanne, equally passionate about Vancouver Island, which she has called home since 1994, has a journalism degree and worked at CBC in Yellowknife for nine years learning way too much about the inner workings of politics. Suzanne and her husband eventually returned home to Victoria after living in France during a year off. Being a mom for a few years became her passion, and then she dabbled in different ventures before finally settling on a freelance writing career. “I do various corporate writings now,” she says. “I write travel pieces for fun and medical writing to pay the Photo: Judy Stafford

his time last year, Vancouver ter, “he fulfills my every expectation Island Book of Everything of a Maritimer. They’re very friendly was not even on the radar of people and they have a way of relatco-authors, Peter Grant, Suzanne Mor- ing – they’re so warm. He was always phet and Diane Selkirk. Today, it’s the like that with me, very supportive and No. 1 seller of the Book of Everything encouraging. The whole thing was bit series published by MacIntyre Purcell of a seat-of-the-pants operation, but it Publishing Inc. in Nova Scotia. The concept is relatively simple: design a book idea with parametres; hire writers in a city or region, as was the case for this book; set them free to gather mass amounts of facts and tidbits; and produce a small, but detailed, and concise plethora of information, “For the reader who wants everything!” Even long-time reader and Islander co-author Authors Suzanne Morphet and Peter Grant Peter Grant was surprised to find out so much more about the Island since he first ap- was a lot of fun. In writing most proached the publisher to collaborate books, the publisher handles the dison the project. “It’s not a linear book,” tribution and the writer is left to mansays Peter, “it’s a mosaic – a patch- age his own promotion. This publisher work. I loved the name. I loved the takes care of all of that. As John said, idea. I loved the idea of a book like this the writers are spared the heavy liftfor Vancouver Island and I wanted to ing. How nice is that? So, this was a come on board.” refreshing change.” Suzanne heard about the project Born in Victoria, married with one from a friend who had helped write the daughter, 21, Peter has penned a few Ottawa Book of Everything and was books over his 30 years as a full-time told it was a fun project. “As a writer, writer, including: Victoria: a History in you don’t know what you’re getting Photographs, The Story of Sidney and into sometimes, but this worked out Wish You Were Here: Life on Vancouvery well. John MacIntyre was a good ver Island in Historical Postcards. He’s guy to work with – he kept his word.” written about the forestry industry and “He’s an interesting guy,” says Pe- the environment; he’s written annual re-

BY JUDY STAFFORD

rything,” Suzanne admits, “It certainly has something about everything.” And, as Gary Fjellgaard, a singer from Gabriola Island, states so eloquently in his song, “Somewhere on the Island” at the beginning of the book, Vancouver Island is truly a changing SL and beautiful place.

VANCOUVER ISLAND TRIVIA The ﬁrst 4 readers who can answer this trivia question will win a FREE copy of Vancouver Island Book of Everything. Mail your answer to Senior Living 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave.,Victoria BC V8T 2C1.

For more info about Vancouver Island Book of Everything or the rest of Question: When was the Great 08-1471 SeniorLivingHolidayGreeting:07-0359 VAN SeniorsLiving .eps the series,WR visit www.bookofeverything. Vancouver Island Fire? com

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An Invitation to all Seniors to experience

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11/13/08

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and a New Year brimming with

08-1145

bills. I do other things like writing real estate stories and I write for the Canadian Tourism Commission. This was my first book.” The point of the Book of Everything series is to pull together a compendium of information including statistics, history, stories and lists. They contacted people who were notable in different fields and asked them for their lists of five things: five books to read, five excellent wines, and so on. There are little snippets on the economy, the environment, culture, history, crime, first nations, the weather, places, and even a section on slang. The structure of the book was given to them as a template for each chapter; they provided the information and beyond. Peter and Suzanne estimate they have 10 times more material than what made it into the book. “I have reams of information,” says Peter. The “Did you know?” sections scattered throughout the book provide fascinating blurbs such as: Jacques Cousteau ranked Vancouver Island as one of the best scuba destinations in the world. And there are secret messages written in Morse code on some street signs on Broad Street in Victoria; carved in granite are words like “bemused,” “ghosts” and “just a moment.” The book also shares that the name “Cowichan” means, “land warmed by the sun” in the Coast Salish Dialect. The Cowichan Valley receives more than 1,800 hours of sunshine per year on average. The third collaborator on the book, Diane Selkirk, is a sixth-generation Vancouver Islander who was born in the Comox Valley. Now living in Vancouver, Diane contributed research to the project. She’s been interested in Vancouver Island history for years and has been published in numerous national and international publications, including Reader’s Digest, The Washington Post, Canadian Family, Northwest Travel, Northwest Palate and Pacific Yachting. And although this book, as Peter explains, “Obviously doesn’t have eve-

Wellness & Vitality™! From all your friends at Amica Mature Lifestyles DEC 2008 / JAN 2009

CRANBERRIES Not Just for Turkeys! C

BY DR. BALA NAIDOO

ranberries have long been a popular addition to turkey dinners, but there are plenty of reasons to enjoy them year-round. Native to North America, cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) belong to the same family as blueberries and have been used for centuries as food and medicine by the First Nations. Pemmican, a survival cake made of dried meat, crushed cranberries, cornmeal and fat, was the cranberries’ most popular use. It was dried in the sun and, since it did not spoil, was used as food on long journeys. Modern research has shown that cranberries may protect human health because of their antioxidant and antiadhesion properties. Cranberries are rich in several antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals in the body that are linked to diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. On the antioxidant scale, cranberries are near the top according to scientists at the Agricultural Research Service of USDA and the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. Of 20 common fruit juices tested, cranberry juice cocktail had the highest antioxidant level. Cranberries contain ﬂavonoids, polyphenols and other antioxidants that have been shown to inhibit “bad” LDL cholesterol oxidation, a ﬁrst step leading to atherosclerosis. In addition, the fruit

is rich in ﬁbre, especially pectin, which can also help lower cholesterol. In fact, human studies have shown that drinking three glasses of cranberry cocktail per day increases the “good” HDL cholesterol level in blood, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. Cranberries may also possess anticancer properties. Scientists at the University of Illinois and the University of Western Ontario have isolated several bioactive compounds from cranberries, which have been found to have anticancer properties against some tumour cell lines. Since cranberries are high in antioxidants, they may also protect against age-related afﬂictions such as loss of coordination and memory, which may be caused by free radical damage. Experiments using animal models have shown that rats’ brain cells, whose diets are supplemented with cranberries, have more protection against free radical damage and subsequent loss of motor skills and cognitive function in old age. In studies carried out at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, cranberries were found to inhibit the growth of several common pathogens, although it did not seem to affect the growth of good bacteria. In this respect, cranberries behaved like a probiotic, helping good bacteria but killing off bad ones. Cranberry juice has long been used

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to treat urinary tract infections. It was thought that acidification of the urine by the juice was responsible for its antibacterial action. However, a 2002 article in the Journal of the American Medical Association identified proanthocyanidins in cranberries as the active agents. They inhibit the adhesion of bacteria to the lining of the urinary tract, which is necessary for infection to flourish. An eight-ounce [227-gram] serving of cranberry cocktail was found to protect bladder cells from E. coli bacteria for up to 10 hours. So, two servings per day could offer complete protection against the disease. The antimicrobial effect of drinking cranberry juice daily for six months continues for a further six months, even if no extra juice is consumed. The benefits of anti-adhesion may also extend to the mouth and the gastrointestinal tract. Research is singling out a high molecular weight constituent of cranberries as protecting against peptic ulcers by preventing the adhesion of Helicobacter pylori bacteria to the stomach lining and gastric mucus. Similarly, the same component can limit the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans bacteria to gum surfaces, which gives rise to dental plaques responsible for cavities and gum diseases. Cranberry juice is also rich in oxalic acid, so, those prone to kidney stones should not overindulge. By the way, cranberry sauce was born in the misty past by sweetening cooked cranberries with maple sugar or honey. SL Happy holidays! Dr. Naidoo resides in Ladysmith and is the author of Nature’s Bounty: Why certain foods are so good for you and Nature’s Bounty: More about foods for a longer and healthier life. Both are available on Seniors Living’s online bookstore.

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MAKING A SPLASH “S

wimming gives me a balance in life,” says world traveller Dorothy Odendahl of the Victoria Crystal Silver Streaks Swim Club. A former extended care hospital employee, Dorothy swam eight races at the Senior Games in Prince George in September and came home with seven medals. Eight days later, at the Senior Games in Port Angeles, she won six golds. Combined, the Silver Streaks left Port Angeles with 42 gold and six silver medals. “I just thrive on it,” says Dorothy, who, in addition to her Monday, Wednesday and Friday aquatic participation, works out at a ﬁtness health centre three times a week. Silver Streaks Swimmer 86-year-old Peter Lofts has a box full of swimming medals. “It’s in a shoe box,” says the trim

BY VERNICE SHOSTAL

athlete who has recently broken records in the 400-yard freestyle and the 50-yard freestyle Canadian. Born in the Essex seaport town of Harwich, England, Peter started swimming at the age of three. “I swam in the North Sea,” he says. Joining the Royal Air Force in 1942, at age 18, Peter served in the Burma Campaign as well as doing a “spell in Germany” during the war. Demobilized in 1947, Peter gravitated to library work. He passed all the required exams and was successful in ﬁnding work with the travelling library. But with too many people chasing too few jobs, in 1957, Peter, with his wife and two children, immigrated to Canada, where library services were growing speedily. “Best thing I ever did,” says the veteran swimmer. For 40 years, Peter continued swimming where he lived in Kelowna. In 1988, he competed in the Senior Games in Vernon and won a silver and a gold. That was good enough to keep him going for a bit, he says. Moving to Victoria in 2000, Peter says, “I heard there was a Master Swim Club here three days a week and I thought, well, I better keep going,” so he joined the Silver Streaks to participate in competitive swimming. “It’s a fantastic exercise and it doesn’t put pressure on your knees and your hips like running does because you’re supported by the water and it’s great for cardiovascular. It’s good for eve-

Photos: Vernice Shostal

Sue Warren practising her stroke. Above, Coach Leon Politano talking to Peter Lofts.

SENIOR LIVING

rything. I can’t say enough.” Peter encourages everybody to take up swimming. Born in Warwickshire, England, where her mother’s family farmed and her father owned a motorbike business, Sue Warren, 62, immigrated to Canada when she was 21. Her intention was to use Canada as a stopping point on her journey around the world. Her plans changed when, on the second day of her voyage, leaning on the ship’s rail watching the coast of Scotland slip away in the distance, she met Brough Warren, a Canadian, who later became her husband. Living in the Kootenays with Brough, Sue took up skiing when she was 23. “I was hopeless to start,” says the former travel agent, “but had to keep going as I didn’t want to be left behind to cook dinners while my husband and other friends were zooming down the slopes. In the Kootenays, it was easy to find a place to ski.” It wasn’t until she was 45, watching swimmers do the breaststroke, Sue decided she wanted to try. After becoming an accomplished swimmer, she joined the Victoria Crystal Silver Streaks to compete. Also a runner, Sue did her first triathlon this year in Kelowna and won firsts in the over-60 and over-50 categories. Two years ago, she went to the Worlds Fina championships in San Francisco to compete with 5,000 other Masters swimmers. Competing against 43 women in her age group, “all looking very fit and muscular,” she says, she got ninth in the 100-metre breaststroke and tenth in the 200-metre breaststroke. “They are very intimidating events,” says Sue. “A lot of the competitors are past Olympians.” She hasn’t made up her mind about going to the Worlds in Sweden in 2010. Sue’s husband also swims with the Victoria Crystal Silver Streaks. “I think we have to be responsible for our own health,” she says. “We all know that in order to maintain good health, we should eat properly, maintain a good weight and exercise. Exercise is addictive. The more you do, the more you want to do.” Sue never asks herself if she wants to go to the pool to swim that day because

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Letter to the Editor Letter to the Editor from Dor- SCHO OL DAYS othea Adaskin, proﬁled in Senior Living, September 2008. The article “School Days,” written by Vernice Shostal, was about Dorothea F embarking on a new challenge – to study in Denmark. BY VERNIC

E SHOSTA L

his wife visited Dorothea’s home With $15 in in 1946. her pocket, a one-way ticket and a college friend, she set out. Following a few in a boys’ detention months’ employment school, she friend enrolled in Asksov Højskoleand her 49). Since Dorothea (1947Navy, the presiden had served in the U.S. t of the college tended prior she atto enlistment made consider able diplomat ic effort Denmark approved to have the school in for the GI Bill. allowance made “The my studies, turn ticket home stay and repossible,” she says. Since her attendan ce at Askov Højskole Dorothea made , five more trips to travel the to Denmark country, visit friends and tend a classical atmusic Dorothea received festival in Roskile. a bachelor ’s in education degree from Dorothea Adaskin, ington after which the University of WashHere, Parkwoo centre, 83, is attending she and her baby ter moved to d Place presents university daughCalifornia. She her with a scholarshin Denmark this continue studies in San ip toward her month. ormer GI, single Diego and received d her studies. ter’s degree a masin psychiatric munity mental mom, com- courageo us and ambitiou social health worker a doctorate in s dream. and police psychiatric social work and “We believe officer Dorothea Berkeley. work from Adaskin is about in encourag honourin ing and to embark on From Californi challenge – a new traordina g those residents who one that will a, where Dorothea do ex- 25 ry things,” have her study years working in Denmark. spent says Director Marketing Amber in Commun of Health, ity Reis. Mental Born of Danish she moved “To us, the decision to Anacorte parentage in to attend universit making ington to build City, Oregon s, a 4,000-square-foo Washin 1924, DorotheaJunction age of 83, and y at the shelter in a foreign tend Grundtvi t earth will at- somethin on a one and country, was g Højskole, a quarter acre g to celebrate overlooking 30 minutes from Copenha hillside Guemes Channel gen, to experien Attending school .” below. Single, 1,000 feet learn among ce and new in Denmark she wanted today’s is to Dorothea, a low mainteis always somethin students. “There who says a lifetimenot nance home, which events and took advantag g old and new of south sun experiences learn,” says e of the for heat and to decision. influenced her the veteran light. She fenced The third oldest a large area scholar and grandmother in a family of against deer six children, of three who for an organic garden and Dorothea and will pursue her studies from grew shallots her siblings grew up with the first of Septemb as Accordin a the cash to Christmas Danish crop. g to er tradition with s. “The Danes language and house would the structural engineer ing her four-mon the option of renew, the integrated into withstand earthqua the greater th visa and continuin society, yet to her delight, studies, if she g was Danish,” their heritage the deer grazed kes. Much likes it. yard that was the roof and says Dorothea Dorothea received not fenced. . siblings, she learned English Like her While in Seattle, ship from Parkwoo a $2,020 scholarby playing Dorothea was d Place in Victoria, with other children. ed as a police where she is officer, assigned recruita resident. Jan At age 22, after with battered ecutive Director Bard, Exto work children and the navy (1944-46 a two-year term in of often went on drug patrols. Parkwood Court, Parkwood Place and ) where she At 64, while a police served as Victoria, established the housesitting arship fund schol- became officer on base, Dorothea Dorothea met in to help Dorothea first Universi and married interested in 14 SENIOR with former ty attending school her in Denmark of Saskatchewan LIVING music when a Danish sor and compose teacher and r Murray Adaskin.profesray was 83. Mur“Murray wrote a total of 130 Shostal

Welcome to

Photo: Vernice

•

• Sai

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rancis M tF

Dear Senior Living magazine, “I got ‘lots of mileage’ out of the article. Last week, a niece wrote it could be found on Google. I’ve heard from other people too. If everyone gets as much reaction to their article as I have had you will know you have made a difference. It is good for us (both young and old) to have something to react to and feel good about. Senior Living magazine has an important place. Is there another publication that provides information about options, makes us feel good about looking at them and then ﬁlls the magazine with articles on positive experiences and humour? If we can’t get up and go, we can follow along. Keep up your good work.” –Dorothea Adaskin

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the answer would be ‘No.’ “I just get up, ﬁnd my swim bag, put on my sweats and head out the door. Afterwards, hanging up my swimsuit on the line, I am so pleased with myself and can’t wait for the next swim practice.” The Victoria Crystal Silver Streaks, coached by retired educator and former Special Olympics swim coach, Leon Politano, meet three mornings a week at the Crystal Pool. Besides swimming, the group meets socially once in the summer at a swimmer’s house in Glen Lake, and once in the winter at a swimmer’s place for a potluck supper to thank Leon and his wife, Colleen, who is also a member of the swim club. “Leon spends a lot of time making up our routines for the pool and it’s different every time,” says Dorothy. In addition, the group meets for a half-hour social interaction SL before each swim. And they welcome new members.

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For more information about joining the Victoria Crystal Silver Streaks Swim Club for stroke improvement or for entering competitions, call Mary Alford at 250-479-6445 or Annette Kirk at 250-414-0557.

Reunited after 58 years Jim Portelance and Graham Johnston reunited at the Victoria Crystal Pool on August 29, 2008 after 58 years. They met in 1950 at the British Empire Games in New Zealand where they competed against each other in the 1650-yard [1500 m] freestyle. Jim represented Canada, and Graham represented South Africa. Both men barely made the ﬁnals, earning the last two qualifying spots, but the race had a fairy tale ending with Graham winning gold and Jim silver. Jim, 76, is a semi-retired doctor living in the West Shore of Victoria and swims three times a week with the Victoria Crystal Silver Streaks, a masters swim club. Graham, 77, a retired heavy equipment sales representative, now lives and swims in Houston, Texas and is a member of MOST (Masters of South Texas) and recently competed in the U.S. Masters Long Course Nationals in Portland, Oregon. While visiting friends in Sooke recently with his wife, Janis, Graham swam a 2400-m hour-long practice session with the Silver Steaks. He and Jim teased each other with their speed and skill. Their next meeting came in October at the Huntsman World Seniors Games in St. George, Utah, competing in the age 75 to 79 men’s group. When it comes to these two mates, time and distance only matter in the pool.

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love eating out in Vancouver. It’s a tremendous adventure. I can explore the world, gastronomically speaking, without leaving the city. If I wanted to I could dine on Japanese sushi Monday and enjoy Indian curry on Tuesday. On Wednesday and Thursday, I could feast on Greek moussaka and Thai satay, respectively. On Friday, I might fancy Mongolian hot pot. But what if, on Saturday, I was in the mood for a bowl of plumi moos with a side order of glums koki? Or roast pork with downhome schmeer kohl? And what if I really, really craved warm, sweet, raisin-studded portzelky for dessert? I’d be out of luck, because no restaurant serves any of these traditional Mennonite dishes. I would have to make them myself – and, occasionally, I do. My husband, Frank, and I are ethnic Mennonites. Centuries ago, our ancestors ﬂed religious persecution in Switzerland and Holland to settle in eastern Europe, primarily Poland, Russia and Ukraine. There, they agreed to develop often inhospitable tracts of land agriculturally in return for permission to live a lifestyle that followed their religious beliefs. They established their own schools, hospitals and churches, spoke their own language (a Low German dialect), and developed a distinct culture that included a unique culinary tradition. As colonies became crowded, groups left to establish new settlements, taking their recipes with them. Some travelled as far as the New World, to both North and South America, but wherever they went, they served bubbat with their chicken and ate sausage and platz at Faspa. Traditional Mennonite food reﬂects their early connection to the land. They raised and butchered their own meat, primarily pork, and smoked their own hams, bacon and sausages. Ah, those sausages – those rosy, crisp-skinned, juicy, perfectly seasoned sausages! We love them baked, boiled, fried or barbecued. They are now sold in many supermarkets under the name of farmer sausage, but for a long time they were only available in communities with a high Mennonite population, such as Clear20

SENIOR LIVING

BY MARY ANNE HAJER

Photo: Frank Hajer

Platz, Portzelky and Plumi Moos I brook, B.C., or Altona in southern Manitoba. There, tourists have been reported buying old suitcases at thrift stores and filling them with hundreds of pounds of delicious sausage to take back home. Mennonites grew all their own vegetables, and my husband remembers a lot of potatoes, carrots and cabbage on the dinner table. His family made their own sauerkraut, and we still have the ceramic crock they used, although its function is now purely decorative. They also loved fruit and, in the Fraser Valley, cultivated huge fields of strawberries and even larger fields of raspberries for the commercial market, helping to turn Clearbrook into the raspberry capital of Canada. Most farms boasted apple, cherry, plum and pear trees. Much of the fruit found its way into pies and jams, but a significant amount was used in the making of platz, a kind of coffee cake with a fruit and streusel topping. Any fruit would do, but rhubarb was a frequent choice. In fact, rhubarb was so prevalent in Mennonite cuisine that, when a Mennonite literary magazine was launched, it was given the title Rhubarb. Mennonites understood the reference immediately. Wherever the climate was suitable, Mennonites grew wheat, so it is no wonder the women excelled in baking of

all sorts. They baked their own bread, of course, but their piece de resistance was a type of bun called zwieback (not to be confused with the dry rusks sold as zwieback in supermarkets). Mennonite zwieback had a unique form, and making them properly required practice. A piece of dough the size of a walnut was pinched off and placed on a baking sheet and then another smaller piece pressed down on top. Because of their high butter content, they were very rich, but, like potato chips, it was impossible to eat just one. While my mother excelled at making zwieback, my husband’s mother was a whiz at streusel kuchen. This is a type of coffee cake made with yeast. The dough is spread out on a baking sheet and covered with streusel, a mixture of flour, sugar and lots of butter. The sight and smell of a slab of streusel kuchen cooling on the kitchen counter, golden and sweetly yeasty, can still make my husband weak in the knees. Christmas, everywhere, is a time of feasting, and Mennonite women pulled out all the stops. Besides the usual buns, squares and pies, they baked special cookies with ingredients never used at any other time. Of these, peppermint cookies are my family’s favourite, and, although my recipe makes six dozen cookies, I often have to bake two batches. They are made using baking ammonia (ammonium carbonate) as a leavening agent, which gives them a unique smell and taste. I also use peppermint oil, not extract, as flavouring. The oil is much stronger than extract, with half a teaspoon providing plenty of minty flavour for an entire batch of cookies. There are almost as many recipes for these cookies as there are Mennonite women, and every one is delicious. I, of course, use my mother’s recipe, which calls for two cups of whipping cream, but only two tablespoons of butter to mitigate the calorie count and fat content. Few Mennonites cook in the old way anymore. Most have left the farms and live an urban lifestyle now, enjoying takeout pizza, backyard barbecues and dim sum, like everyone else. My family loves

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eating internationally, too, but I know that as long as I am the principal cook in our home, farmer sausage will appear on our table at least once a month, and every Christmas we will enjoy peppermint cookies with our after-dinner coffee. And, I am proud to say that my daughter, Lisa, an artist and architect, bakes excellent streusel kuchen!

Platz (Mennonite Streusel Cake)

This recipe from Johanna Burkhard’s wonderful book, 400 Best Comfort Foods, is my favourite for platz; the recipe was given to her by a Mennonite family from Niagara, Ontario. 2 cups ﬂour 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 tbsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. salt 1/3 cup butter, softened 1 egg 1 cup half-and-half (10%) cream (I use milk) 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla 4 cups fresh or frozen fruit (any kind) Crumb Topping 1 cup all-purpose ﬂour 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup butter, softened (I also add a package of vanilla sugar.)

1. Combine ﬂour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter to make coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, cream (or milk), and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients. The batter will be thick. 2. Spread the batter evenly in a greased 13 by 9 inch pan. Top with a single layer of fruit. 3. Crumb Topping: Combine ﬂour and both sugars. Cut in butter. Sprinkle evenly over the fruit. Bake on the middle rack of a preheated 350 degree oven for 50 to 60 minutes until the SL crumb topping is golden. Cool. Enjoy!

Mennonite Food Terms: Plumi Moos – a sweet soup usually made with dried fruit, although sometimes canned fruit is used. Glums koki – cottage cheese pancakes Portzelky – lumps of rich yeast dough studded with raisins, deep fried, traditionally made for New Year’s Schmoor kohl – stewed cabbage with fruit Bubbat – a baked accompaniment to meat, especially chicken, similar to biscuit dough and contains raisins Platz – coffee cake with a fruit and streusel topping. Zwieback – very rich buns, formed by pressing together two balls of dough. Streusel kuchen – coffee cake made from yeast dough topped with streusel Faspa – a light meal of buns, sausage, cheese and baked sweets, usually served on Sunday evening

Hydrotherapy, or water therapy, is one of the oldest, safest, and least expensive methods for treating many common ailments. “It’s All About Me!” Diana, Retired Nurse & Derma Spa Client

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SENIOR LIVING

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GIFT CARD AVAILABLES ive the gift of Derma Spa this Christmas and make it all about them! Purchase a relaxing massage, facial, manicure or any other spa treatment. We have something for everyone on your list. Ask us about our Spa packages. Derma Spa is Victoria’s medical esthetics spa operating under the supervision of well known Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Harlow Hollis. We offer medical and non-medical spa treatments with a focus on service, quality and experience.

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SCAM ALERT BY ROSALIND SCOTT

Phoney Grandchild Emergency Scam

etter Business Bureau (BBB) is warning seniors to be aware of an emerging telephone scam preying on grandparents across North America. BBB has recently received reports about grandparents who’ve been swindled into giving thousands of dollars to con artists, when they thought they were helping a grandchild in an emergency situation. The scam generally works like this: The grandparent receives a distressed phone call from someone who they believe is their grandchild. The supposed grandchild typically explains that they are travelling and have been arrested or involved in an auto accident and need the grandparent to wire money to post bail or pay for damages.

Car Buyers... Are you thinking about buying a new vehicle, but can’t choose from the hundreds of models available? Do you dread walking onto a sales lot, trying to negotiate the best price possible? Do you know you are getting value for your money? Motor cars have long been a passion of retired Anglican priest Michael Wimmer. Today, he uses his knowledge to help people buy vehicles that match their needs and lifestyle. For as little as $150, Michael can help you clarify your buying priorities and will recommend a vehicle that’s right for you. For a further $250, he will negotiate the purchase for you, drawing on 40 years of automotive experience. Michael works for you, not the car dealership. He loves what he is doing and sees providing satisfaction to clients as his primary goal. “Michael has a vast knowledge of automobiles and was invaluable in helping me with my purchase. I am delighted with my new car and with the services rendered by Michael Wimmer,” says Heather Roberts. Call 1-866-926-4542 or email angliaconsulting@telus.net for a free sample proposal of services Michael can offer.

The scammers’ basic tactic is to pose as a grandchild and let the unsuspecting grandparent fill in the blanks. For example, the caller might say, “It’s me, your favourite grandchild,” to which the grandparent will guess the name of the grandchild it sounds the most like, and the call proceeds from there. While many seniors have reported the scam without falling prey to it, unfortunately, many others have been victimized. One well-meaning grandmother sent $15,000 to a con artist, thinking she was helping a grandchild who had been in an auto accident. This scam preys on the emotions of grandparents who want to help their grandchildren. People need to take a step back when they are called and verify that this is a real relative. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre is reporting a significant increase in complaints for this scam. In 2007, the Centre received 128 complaints; since the beginning of 2008, over 350 complaints have been filed. To protect yourself from becoming a victim of this scam, consider the following tips: • Confirm identity. Never send money to anyone without being convinced you know with whom you are dealing. If a distressed relative calls in need of money, check with another relative first to confirm the situation, before you send it. • Wiring money is a red flag. Any request to wire money through Western Union or MoneyGram should be seen as an immediate warning that the call may be part of a scam. Funds sent via wire transfer are hard to track once received by scammers and are usually not recoverable by law enforcement or banking officials. • If you are a victim, report it. For anyone victimized by this type of “distressed loved-one call,” report the incident immediately to local police and contact PhoneBusters at www. phonebusters.com or by phone, toll-free at 1-888-495-8501. SL

Rosalind Scott is the Executive Director of the Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island. If you believe you have been the target or victim of a scam, please call the Better Business Bureau Vancouver Island at 250-386-6348 in Greater Victoria or at 1-877-826-4222 elsewhere on the Island, so others can beneﬁt from your experience. E-mail info@vi.bbb.org 24

SENIOR LIVING

50+ Active Living Celebration presented by Senior Living magazine Friday, March 13, 2009 10am-4pm

Pearkes Recreation Centre 3100 Tillicum Rd., Victoria BC

If you are over the age of 50, we invite you to come share your passion and interests with others at the 50+ Active Living Celebration. Exhibitors must: • be 50 years of age, or older • be involved in an activity that is interesting and engaging, physically and/or mentally • be able to physically demonstrate the activity or provide an interesting, eye-catching display that shows how they and/or others are involved in this activity.

Personal interests may include sports, ﬁtness, hobbies, crafts, art, writing, travel, learning, outdoors, collecting, volunteering, performing, etc.

Applications that best demonstrate the 50+ Active Living theme and represent a varied cross-section of interests and activities will be selected by Senior Living. Successful applicants will only pay a registration fee of $25. (Additional fees will apply for power, to conduct a rafﬂe or to sell products or services.)

Selecting exhibitors will begin January 1, 2009. Please apply as soon as possible to increase the chances of being chosen to demonstrate YOUR favourite pastime or activity. Only 45 booth spaces available. Exhibitors can be a single individual, a couple, a group, or a club.

For more info, or to request an application form, please call (250)479-4705 or email DEC 2008 / JAN 2009 25 ofﬁce@seniorlivingmag.com

Photo: Jason van der Valk

ASK Goldie BY GOLDIE CARLOW, M.ED

Dear Goldie: I am in my mid-eighties, a grandmother and great-grandmother of a large family. Every Christmas, I am invited to the home of one of my children for the holiday season. I know I am very fortunate to have a loving family, and I enjoy watching the children open their gifts. It’s an exciting time, but I really feel tired of all the noise and celebration. What I would like to do is stay in my for ralph 1:Layout 1 11/10/08 12:35 PM Page 1 cozy apartment, read and listen to music and attend a Christmas church service. Am I being selﬁsh? I know many people would love to have a big family Christmas, but I ﬁnd it overwhelming. What should I do? –L.O. Dear L.O.: It sounds like you are looking at your situation sensibly. It is wonderful to experience the love and companionship of your family, and it is equally important to look after your health and well-being. Clear communication promotes understanding. Explain your feelings to

your children. I am sure your health concerns them too. They will miss you over the holidays, but will realize your limitations. Don’t delay, share your feelings with your family and have a wonderful restful Christmas! Dear Goldie: I am getting on in years (mid-seventies), and I realize I am carrying some old emotional wounds as a result of family feuding. Most of my family has passed on, but one sister remains and we keep in touch. We have always got along well. I feel sad that I never made peace with other siblings before they died. Is there any way to heal myself? –V.A. Dear V.A.: There is a way to heal your wounds, but it would be difﬁcult to do by yourself. You need professional help, such as a clinical counsellor or even a Senior Peer Counsellor. Empty out bad feelings by writing how you felt at the time

of the incident and how you feel about it now. By examining the residual feelings, you will become aware of remaining problems. Your counsellor will then guide you in working on solutions. James Pennebaker, a psychologist in this ﬁeld, found that expressing or writing about it could improve both the emotional and physical health of the client. Have a discussion with your medical doctor about your worries. He or she SL can refer you to counselling.

SENIOR PEER COUNSELLING CENTRES Victoria 250-382-4331 Duncan 250-748-2133 Nanaimo 250-754-3331 Sidney 250-656-5537 Courtenay/Comox 250-334-9917 Salt Spring Island 250-537-4607 Port Hardy 250-949-5110

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



                         26

SENIOR LIVING

R UVE O C VAN AND ISL ON I EDIT

To Move or Not to Move?

To Move or Not to Move? A Helpful Guide for Seniors Considering Their Residential Options

A Helpful Guide for Seniors Considering Their Residential Options

To Move or Not to Move?

Published by Senior Living October 2007

ONLY

9.95

MAGAZINE

Purchase this book and pick up your free copy of the Vancouver Island Housing Guide for Seniors and Senior Living magazine at any Island Pharmasave store.

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

Books may also be purchased at these Island locations:

• Crown Publications Inc 106 Ontario St., Victoria (250-386-4636) • Falconer Books #77 650 Terminal Av., Nanaimo (250-754-6111) • Home Instead #222 - 1595 McKenzie Ave, Victoria (250-382-6565) • Medichair Victoria 1856 Quadra St. (250-384-8000) • Medichair Nanaimo 2517 Bowen Rd. (250-756-9875) • Medichair Duncan #6, 2628 Beverly St. (250-709-9939) • Munro’s Books 1108 Gov’t. St., Victoria (250-382-2464) • Paradise Isle Senior Centre 1013 Victoria Cres., Nanaimo (250-754-9566) • Russell Books 734 Fort St., Victoria (250361-4447) • Tanner’s Books 2436 Beacon Ave., Sidney (250-656-2345) • Volume One Bookstore 149 Kenneth St., Duncan (250-748-1533) DEC 2008 / JAN 2009

AT THE THEATRE

Photo courtesy of the Belfry Theatre

BY VERNICE SHOSTAL

resenting ideas and dialogue that give patrons an opportunity to look at the human race from a different point of view, the notfor-proﬁt Victoria Belfry Theatre has brought the world stage to the theatre stage for over three decades. Producing up to 12 plays a year, including a fourplay subscription series, one or two summer productions, and a mid-winter Spark festival of innovative and alternative work from across Canada, the company has premiered over 30 plays, most of which have gone on to acclaim across

Canada, the U.S., Australia, Europe and London’s West End. Committed to producing contemporary plays with an emphasis on Canadian work, Belfry productions have won Canadian awards in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary. The venue, a Baptist church built in 1891 and later turned into a homeless shelter, rented space to the theatre company from 1976 until 1990, when they ﬁnally purchased the entire heritage building. Renovations were done over a period of 12 years. “We did it in stages,” says Publicist Mark Dusseault, “because

we couldn’t shut the building down.” Eveline Pirie has had a lifelong interest in the theatre. A volunteer at the Belfry’s concession since 1992, she is one of 250 dedicated people who assist as ushers and bar staff during performances. An amicable asset to the volunteer team, Eveline says, “The thing I like is pulling the pints because I feel like I’m on Coronation Street.” A health-care worker, Eveline was born in Durham, northern England, and got her nursing education in Edinburgh where she trained to work with sick children and midwifery. Unhappy with having to choose work in one stream or the other in Britain, Eveline decided to look for a place where she could use all her skills. The search landed her in the town of St. Anthony, Newfoundland, where she was hired as head nurse of obstetrics and gynecology. In a small hospital with a small nursing station, she says she had the opportunity to do everything. Eveline has never lost the travel bug, but her first adventure was a surprise. Coming to a strange country in the middle of October, she landed in the snow on an airstrip 18 miles [29 km] from Gander and wasn’t sure where she was going. “The literature that I got,” she says, “said there was a flight up from Gander to St. Anthony, about an hour’s flight, but if I was going to drive, then to be sure to take at least two spare tires and an oil pan.” The hospital in St. Anthony, founded as a mission by Sir Wilfred Grenfell, a British doctor, and now run by the

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SENIOR LIVING

government, was the main employer when Eveline arrived. “There was the hospital and the ﬁsh plant,” says Eveline. “And so, people came from all over the world and we had to make our own entertainment.” While at St. Anthony, Eveline wrote, produced and directed several pantomimes, which involved the hospital staff as well as members of the clergy and children in the town. “The whole town would come to this show,” says Eveline. “We would run it for two nights and the money generated from the plays went to a scholarship in memory of a doctor and nurse that we lost in a plane crash.” The scholarship fund supported students going into nursing, medicine or dentistry. Eveline’s love of theatre didn’t stop with writing plays. While living in the far northern tip of the Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador, she often travelled as long as six hours to see a production. Currently, in Victoria, “I go to a lot of theatre,” she says. In 1987, Eveline came to UVic on sabbatical and two years later continued her career in the health ﬁeld with Victoria as her permanent residence. In addition to donating time to the Belfry, Eveline also volunteers at the Hospice Thrift Boutique. A perennial volunteer, mother of two and caregiver who received her education from UBC with postgraduate work at BCIT, Donna Prelypchan, a friend of Eveline’s and co-volunteer, has worked as a resident care manager for VIHA and managed several long-term care facilities during her career. After seeing several plays at the Belfry as a patron, plus her interest in theatre classes, the idea of volunteering at the venue appealed to her; she has been at it for 11 years. Donna’s other volunteer activities include serving as vice-chair on the board of the Shakina Home Society, a small housing society for people, mostly adults, with developmental challenges, working at the Red Cross medical equipment loan service and Pearson College. She hosts students from Pearson College in her home during breaks, which include a week to 10 days in the fall, a three-week Christmas break and

NEW RELEASE

Embrace the Journey - A Care Giver’s Story

by Valerie Green The very personal story of her own journey as a care giver to her elderly parents. This is a story which will touch many hearts and be relevant for numerous adult children who, in mid-life, are faced with a similar challenge and must make agonizing decisions and choices. It painfully addresses the problems encountered of ‘aging in place’ and the desire for loving couples to stay together in their home until the end of their lives. 96 pages. Softcover. 5.5” x 8.5” Published by Senior Living. Price $14.95

To order, please send cheque for $19.84 ($14.95 plus $3.95 S&H & GST) payable to Senior Living. MAIL TO: Embrace Book Offer c/o Senior Living 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1 Please include your clearly written shipping address and phone number. Allow two weeks for shipping.

Planned Giving Directory Celebrate a life well lived with a bequest or gift to support a cause you care deeply about.

LEAVE A LEGACY™ ��

Call Peter Chipman 1-800-381-2040 peter.chipman@variety.bc.ca

Leave a Bequest in your Will to Variety - The Children’s Charity and BC’s children who have special needs.

��

The Gift That Grows

Haven Society exists today because of the generosity of individuals who envisioned a violence free world. Many have provided funding through their wills to build a magniﬁcent legacy to women, children, youths and families. (250)754-4243 Ext. 2 Haven Society P.O. Box 311, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5L3

To place your ad in this section, call 250-479-4705.

��

DEC 2008 / JAN 2009

Photo: Vernice Shostal

Volunteers Donna Prelypchan (left) and Eveline Pirie in the Belfry concession booth.

a spring break at the end of February. “I have two girls right now,” says Donna. “One is from Senegal and the other is from Haiti.” Over the years, Donna has welcomed students from Japan, Africa, South America, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile and Peru. “I have continuing relationships with former students,” says Donna. “They bring a lot of joy into my life.” Born in Vancouver, Donna moved to Victoria when she was a young girl and has only left to travel. Both Eveline and Donna have planned a trip to South Africa, including a safari. In addition to travelling and golﬁng, Donna likes to cook, sew, quilt, play Duplicate Bridge, tennis, ski and kayak.

Both Donna and Eveline like the eclectic group of plays at the Belfry while Eveline enjoys the charm of the theatre being in an old church. “Also, because we have a ﬁxed night,” she says, “we often see all the same people and we’ve kind of built up a rapport with them.” The Belfry offers a variety of plays that appeal to people of all ages. On the second Thursday of each production run, audience members have a chance to meet the actors and ask questions. “We have a healthy audience that crosses a lot of boundaries,” says Mark. “We welSL come everybody.” For more information about the Belfry Theatre and opportunities to volunteer, visit www.belfry.bc.ca

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Campus Honda 506 Finlayson Street Victoria, BC V8T 5C8 Tel: (250) 388-6921 Fax: (250) 388-7968 www.CampusHonda.com

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SENIOR LIVING

The cost of a leaking toilet

High volume water leaks often come from toilets. They are hard to detect and are usually caused by worn or misaligned parts. A toilet that continues to run after flushing could be wasting 20-40 litres per hour if not repaired. That’s 175,000 to 350,000 litres per year, enough water to fill a swimming pool. Did you know that a leaking toilet can cost you up to $355 per year?

Free, easy-to-use leak detector tablets are available from CRD Water Services.

��

FREE Lunch & Learn! CRD Water Wednesday, December 3, 12:30 Senior Life ad “DRIVE S.A.F.E.(4.9375" – SAFETY AWARENESS w x 6.625" h) FOR DRIVERS 70+”* reber creative Victoria BC 250 383-5255 Wednesday, December 10, 12:30 “ESTATE PLANNING GUARANTEED INVESTMENTS”*

*WARNING: Class clowns may be included! (Great fun. Reserve lunch today!)

Publication:

Learning opportunities for the whole community: The Arts Business, Management Computing, Technology Cultural Resources, Heritage Education, Teaching, Training Health, Wellness Humanities, History, Contemporary Issues Languages Nature, Environment, Sustainability Watch for the new course brochure on our website or at local libraries around Victoria.

Senior Living magazine

December 2008 - January 2009 ALEXANDER MACKIE

Date to run: Size:

Half page vertical (3.5” x 9.75”) Retirement Community full colour

Call 250-478-4888

$875 + Ave GST • hayworth.ca 753 Station

continuingstudies.uvic.ca/sl

52 NEW OPENING FEB 2009 Acct#: SUITES 1-10000-32004-7276 Now File: taking deposits. Call to arrange a tour. csad_SeniorLiving_Dec08Jan09.qxp

or call 250-472-4747

Cost: P&P

DEC 2008 / JAN 2009

HOME SUPPORT SERVICES DIRECTORY A concise reference guide of services and products offered by businesses and organizations on Vancouver Island that make it easier for seniors to stay longer in their own homes.

Moving? Downsizing?

Live safely and independently in your own home www.bclifeline.com

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

South Vancouver Island and Ladysmith

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

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Comox Valley Lifeline Society 1-866-205-6160

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Free 1 Hour Consultation

(250)240-2816 Insured & Bonded

Parksville, Nanaimo and Surrounding Areas

• Companionship • Meal Prep. • Housekeeping • Shopping • Errands • Respite & Personal Care

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North Island, Cowichan Valley and Chemainus/Crofton

We Can Help Get You Moving! SENIOR RELOCATION SERVICES

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PROFESSIONAL NURSING, PERSONAL CARE AND HOMEMAKING WeCare ofﬁces on the Island welcome new clients and are there to serve you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

250-389-0202

250-740-0035

250-746-9224

250-334-8531

Victoria/Sidney/Sooke Cowichan Valley

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Nanaimo

Comox Valley

250-830-1140

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Campbell River

Where peace of mind has a home address TM

You’re Independent. We help. Providing trusted personal care, homemaking, post operation and palliative care since 1995. As members of the Better Business Bureau you can always count on ElderSafe for the highest quality professional, caring and compassionate home support.

ElderSafe Support Services Victoria 385-0444�Sidney 654-0444

www.eldersafe.com

Call today for a free in-home assessment

We have qualified staff available for all your needs. Where you need us. When you need us. 24 Hrs 7 Days a Week (250) 480-1666

E-Mail: RN@a1HomeCare.ca

www.a1HomeCare.ca

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Modern Family Pharmacy • Dog Walking • Dog Boarding • Pet Taxi • Dog Daycare • Home Visits & Playtime • Pick up / Drop off Service

Call Barb (250)2 (250)216-9682 www.tinywaggers.ca

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APRIL 2005 5 32 SENIOR LIVING • 12-MONTH EXPOSURE • TO LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN THIS DIRECTORY, CALL 250-479-4705 • ECONOMICAL

KooL & CHILD

Find the Perfect Gift for the child on your shopping list

ool & Child is Nanaimo’s premiere destination for quality toys. A family-owned business serving the Mid-Island area for over 15 years, their mission is to provide educational toys with lasting play value and appeal. Their slogan, ‘Prepare to be amazed!’ is very apt. When you walk through the door, the selection is almost overwhelming. But friendly and knowledgeable staff members are on hand to help you find the perfect gift. Browse through their well-stocked sections which include infant and toddler, games, puzzles for young and old, bath toys, music, construction toys, puppets, dolls, stocking stuffers, books, science, arts and crafts and more! Whew! You’ll find the best brands in the toy industry here. Some of their top lines include Playmobil, Lamaze, Plan Toys, Brio, Knex, Manhattan Toy, and Alex, just to name a few. And of course, they look for unique, hard to find toys that you won’t see in the big box stores. Like Wheely Bugs, cute little ride-on toys for toddlers that look like ladybugs and bees! Or fair trade dolls and cuddlies from Peppa, hand made with only natural materials. They source toys from all over the world, so that you have choice when you shop! If you want a baby rattle that is made in

Kool & Child is Vancouver Island’s largest specialty toy store, with over 4,000 sq ft of toys and gifts to surprise and delight children of all ages. Germany, or an Art Kit that comes from Holland, they have it. Choice and selection are what it’s all about. Many of the toys they offer have won numerous prestigious awards, including our own Canadian Toy Testing Council Awards. This years top honours have gone to Teach My Toddler, a Canadian designed kit that includes 5 puzzles, 4 board books, 4 posters and 4 sets of flashcards. A tremendous value at $39.99. Another top winner this year was the Corolle Marie doll, which speaks two sentences in six different languages, or record your own message! Throughout the store, you will find award-winning toys in every category. You can come in with your list and find something wonderful for every single child on that list! And maybe some of the grown-ups too! Kool & Child is Vancouver Island’s largest specialty toy store, with over 4,000 sq ft of toys and gifts to surprise and delight children of all ages. Situated in historic downtown Nanaimo, on the corner of Wentworth & Wallace, with ample street parking. Shop local! Visit Kool & Child, and, as they like to say, prepare to be amazed! DEC 2008 / JAN 2009

Volunteer Spotlight

“I

Gerry Fagan

think volunteers make the world go around,” says Gerry Fagan, a Port Alberni resident. ”Without volunteers, the world would be a sad place. The busier I am, the better I like it. I think volunteering keeps me feeling youthful.” Gerry has volunteered for most of his life, which includes his involvement in minor sports when his children were young. His passion for volunteering has grown over the years, and now he is involved in numerous organizations throughout the Alberni Valley community. “A few years before I retired, I thought I’d like to drive a bus for the seniors in the community, [since] I drove a bread truck for a living,” says Gerry. Soon, Gerry became a full-time volunteer for two senior citizen homes in Port Alberni. He was responsible for bus maintenance as well as training new drivers. In addition, he interviewed the new residents, took photos of the residents, and wrote a book about the seniors in the Valley called, Life and Times: Memories of the 20th Century.

Go for the

BY TIFFANY AUVINEN

Gerry sold over 600 copies of the book, and all the money went directly to the seniors’ homes. The libraries in Port Alberni, Nanaimo and Courtenay currently carry copies. Five years ago, Gerry moved onto other projects, including becoming a member of the organizing committee for the Alberni Valley Charity Golf Tournament. He is also a member of the organizing committee for the Tall Ships Society. Gerry even runs the Port Alberni Ambassador program every summer. Gerry’s wife of 44 years, Linda, says, “Once he retired, he wondered what he would do next. He felt a void in his life, but then he discovered many volunteer opportunities, so it’s a great way for Gerry to make a difference in the community.” Gerry has never had cancer, but he’s known many people who have passed away from it, including his father-in-law. “I heard on the radio that the Canadian Cancer Society needed volunteers to work in their ofﬁce, so I thought, ‘What could be a more worthwhile organization than the

Standing Up for Seniors For information or help regarding senior programs contact one of the ofﬁces below.

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Cancer Society?’” He interviews prospective volunteers for the ofﬁce, and schedules all the media promotions for the Cancer Society. “Overall, I get the greatest satisfaction in helping others,” he says. “I believe that Port Alberni is the best little town in the world, and if I can make it a little bit better by volunteerSL ing, that’s great.”

Volunteer Beneﬁts Not only does Gerry feel the beneﬁt of volunteering, but there’s also a reciprocal relationship with the community. Much needed services are provided by volunteers and, in turn, citizens become engaged in many facets of the community. Now, the British Columbia government has a BC150 Volunteer Incentive Program. This new grant honours volunteers and the contribution they make to British Columbia. BC150 VIP will recognize 30,000 eligible British Columbian volunteers who donate their time to a charitable event with a $50 donation in their name. The program will run until Dec. 31, 2009. All volunteers for eligible events will receive a congratulatory card from the Premier. Applications are available online at www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/gaming/grants/bc150-volunteer.htm To learn more about volunteering, contact your local volunteer resource centre.

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On-site Master Gold and Platinumsmith Feel good about giving this Christmas  Tie  Knick knacks  Donation, tax deductible, to FCNS

When you make a donation, as a gift, in someone’s name, you will receive a beautiful card with their name in it to give them.

Diego Koeberle, new to the team of experts at Barclay’s, is at your disposal for custom made jewellery pieces, alterations, repairs, and restorations. For a truly unique gift this Christmas, be sure to reserve some of Diego’s time soon!

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There are over 73,000 unsung heroes in the CRD. They are OUR families - moms, dads, sisters, brothers, wives, husbands - who provide unpaid care year-round for the people they love. Help us help them stay strong. Contact:

Family Caregivers’ Network Society Registered charity since 1989

250.384.0408

www.fcns-caregiving.org

www.barclaysjewellers.com 106-2187 Oak Bay Ave. 592-1100 DEC 2008 / JAN 2009

Courageous s u o e g a r t u O HELPING OTHERS

BY PAT NICHOL

Photo: Frances Litman

nce again, too quickly, the time of the year for good cheer, good times and gift giving is upon us. Then, one week later, come all of the nudges to better our lives. After that guilt trip, the credit card bill arrives, which says, “You did it again! You spent too much on people who don’t need most of what they already have.” This year, in particular, many of us don’t have the means to go berserk with gift giving. While I was trying to ﬁnd alternatives to this holiday tradition, I spoke to my friend Laurie Mueller. Laurie has recently created a relationship website (www.

howtomakemywifehappy.com) and she exchange gifts with about your idea wrote an article about creating a mean- and ask them to become involved iningful, inexpensive Christmas. Laurie stead. As an example, at your next gathhas given me permission to use some of the information from her article for this ering of friends and family, have everyone bring several column. items for the food You may still be able This time of bank. It doesn’t cost to do some of this now, the year is a lot, but it achieves but if not, tear this cola great deal. umn out and mark Sepabout giving, Contact the ortember 2009 as your start with love, what ganizations you date for next Christmas. want to help and ﬁ nd This time of the year we can afford out what they need. is about giving, with to share. Create a plan. Then love, what we can afford carry it out as best to share. Think about a project you and your family (or neigh- you can. When the middle of January bours) could do to make a difference. Tune out the radio station WIIFM comes, you’ll have made someone (What’s In It For Me) and tune into else happy and formed new tradicreating a season of helping others. Get tions for you and your family. Plus, together and think of what you’d like to maybe that credit card bill won’t be SL accomplish during the holiday season. such a horror story! Give time, not money. One suggestion: working with the Pat Nichol is a speaker and published food banks. Food banks are receiving author. She makes her home in Victoshopping carts rather than boxcars of ria, but travels the world. She can be supplies. Tell everyone you normally reached at www.patnichol.com

LEARN MORE: Look for our article at www.seniorlivingmag.com “Ask A Professional”

SENIOR LIVING

Maurine Karagianis MLA Esquimalt - Metchosin

Carole James MLA Victoria - Beacon Hill

David Cubberley MLA Saanich South

Rob Fleming MLA Victoria - Hillside

John Horgan MLA Malahat - Juan de Fuca

We wish you all the best this Holiday Season!

DEC 2008 / JAN 2009

A GIFT OF TIME A Resolution Worth Keeping

he act of a true friend strengthened my resolve to do better. In the past, too many small acts of kindness or thoughtfulness, that I intended to do, weren’t done. I completed the ﬁnal cleaning out of my parents’ home after its sale. For almost two years, I had dealt with two elderly parents: their health problems, home, ﬁnances – virtually their lives. They lived in Victoria, a long commute from my home in Vancouver. The combination of distance plus time commitments added up to a daunting task. With no siblings for support, the role of caregiver was even more emotionally and physically draining. It seemed that I always needed to be somewhere else. My parents, with different healthcare needs, lived in separate facilities. So, even apart from the demands of my own job and home, when in my parents’ city, I was simultaneously pulled in three directions: taking care my mother’s needs, my father’s needs, and the job of sorting through two peoples’ lifetime possessions while preparing a home for sale. Several friends were wonderfully helpful. One long-time friend came to help me sort and pack. Both of us had

BY ARLEE GALE

mothers living in nursing homes. One day, over a coffee break from packing, we discussed the sadness of the approaching Christmas, knowing our mothers would not be able to come home that year, and the layer of guilt associated with these circumstances. I shared how, the previous Christmas, my stocking was empty after many years; I hadn’t bothered to fill it and my parents couldn’t. When they had opened their stockings, I didn’t think they even noticed the absence of mine. We soon moved on to other gifts. What I found upsetting, I explained to my friend, wasn’t the lack of the small presents we had always put in each other’s stockings, it was the sadness attached to the life stage we had reached. Inevitably, these small shifts occur with age. Some, such as that incident, we can foresee very clearly. I had, after all, bought the stocking gifts and filled my parents’ stockings. Maybe I just thought there really was a Santa to fill mine. Reality sometimes hurts. A few weeks later, back in Vancouver, the city that has been my home for many years, I met with my “packing” friend and other women for a Christmas

The author with her in Quebec, 1 parents 945.

luncheon. This has been an annual event for more than 25 years. We had a lovely visit, and as we were leaving, my friend handed me a Christmas bag of small gifts, each gift wrapped in red tissue – for my stocking. To remember, to think of doing this for me, and to devote the time to follow through, was an act of thoughtfulness I’ll always cherish. I would like to think that I have supported friends in a similar fashion. This year, I’ll make SL sure.

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April M. Dorey, B.Comm, FMA, FCSI Direct Line: 250 405 2429 www.aprildorey.com Securities-related products and services are offered through Raymond James Ltd., member CIPF. Financial planning and insurance products and services are offered through Raymond James Financial Planning Ltd., which is not a member CIPF. Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC

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Visit Senior Living’s Online Bookstore Books by Senior Authors and on Topics of Interest to Seniors

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A Helpful Guide for Seniors Considering Their Residential Options $9.95

My Patchwork Life

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In Your Good Name by George Greenwood $26.95

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Nature’s Bounty: Why Certain Foods Are So Good For You by Dr. Bala Naidoo $21.95

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The Spoils Of Angel’s War by Dave Sheed $20.00

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DEC 2008 / JAN 2009

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he Scottish Country Dance Society, formed in 1923 in Scotland, has grown to include 170 branches and 400 affiliated groups world wide, including the Vancouver Island Scottish Country Dance Society that started in the 1960s and was registered as a legal entity in 1979. The title “Royal” was conferred upon the society in 1951 and, in 1952, her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II graciously consented to become its patron. Although the RSCDS is concerned with upholding the correct dancing technique, it has always stressed the social nature of the dance form, giving plenty of opportunity for fun and friendship. Current President of the Vancouver Island Chapter and a member of the Dance Demonstration Team, Joan McIntosh began dancing in elementary school. “I had a really enthusiastic teacher and she taught all types of dancing,” says the former administrative secretary and costume designer. Although she loved it, Joan didn’t get back to dancing until 1995 when a friend invited her to join Scottish Country Dancing. Left-handed, Joan finds that although Scottish Country Dancing can be fun, it can also be challenging. “There’s a lot of dance to your left or dance to your right, so when you’re supposed to do a left shoulder reel and you end up doing a right shoulder reel, you’ve got a problem.” According to Joan, the prime benefits of the dance are the pace of the jigs, reels and strathspeys, which are danced to traditional music. “The jigs and reels provide a good physical workout and the complex patterns are mentally challenging - great stress management as you can’t think about anything else while dancing.” Lively and complex, the formations and patterns provide a great physical and mental workout. “I can come in tired before I begin and before the end of the evening, I feel uplifted and energized. Scottish Country Dancing requires physical, mental and social participation.” “Lots of exercise for the brain,” says Dora Dempster, a Scottish Country dancer since 2004. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Dora moved to Canada with her parents when she was five and has lived in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario Instructor Gordon and British Columbia. A friend introduced her Robinson to Scottish Country Dancing when she and her

SENIOR LIVING

BY VERNICE SHOSTAL

Photos: Vernice Shostal

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE T

husband moved from Toronto to Victoria to look after her aging mother. Scottish Country Dancing “was something I always wanted to do,” says the former librarian, who adds that it became her stress release when she suffered family losses and needed to reach out to others. “You get to know people,” says Dora. “You’re always interacting socially.” Dora dances three times a week, but four times on the week of the VISCDS monthly social. Teacher training for Scottish Country Dancing is rigorous. After a two-year course, a team from Scotland, that travels the world to conduct examinations, evaluates the teacher. Gordon Robinson is one of VISCDS’s fully certified teachers. Originally, from Saskatchewan, Gordon, a mathematician, has worked at the university level and various provincial and territorial government departments, mainly in crown corporations. He and his wife, June, started Scottish Country Dancing in Yellowknife in 1995 when a teacher came to a Girl Guides event to showcase and teach the activity. In Yellowknife, Gordon also had his first experience wearing a kilt when he joined a group of Scottish Country Dancers to put on a demonstration for Robbie Burns Day. “When your knees are bare,” says Gordon, “it becomes quite obvious just how much colder it is in Yellowknife in January than in Victoria.” Gordon and June find dancing is an exercise they can do together while they enjoy social activity with a group of friendly people. For those Scottish Country Dancers who wish to participate even more, there are many workshops and an annual Ball at the end of March. In addition, there are several formal dances in Courtenay/Comox, on Saltspring Island, Port Townsend, Washington and Vancouver. If dancers are feeling more adventuresome, there are even cruises and tours in various locations, which feature Scottish Country Dancing as a significant part of the activities. The VISCDS has five levels of classes, as well as a Demonstration Team. Invitations to

dance usually come from venues in Victoria. The Demonstration Team has performed at the Highland Games, seniors centres, Folkfest and Tartan Day in early April. In late January, as part of their celebration to honour Robbie Burns, born on January 25, 1759, the VISCDS puts on a display at Hillside Shopping Centre. Monthly socials are held from October to March. The Robbie Burns Social in January is a formal sit-down dinner with ham and haggis, neeps and tatties (rutabagas and potatoes cooked in the Scottish tradition) and vegetables and scalloped potatoes brought by members. The celebration includes a presentation of Robbie Burns “Ode to the Haggis,” toasts to the Queen, the ladies, the gentlemen, a speech on the life of Robbie Burns and a formal entrance of the haggis. The Demonstration Team dances up to four performances over two days. “No partner is required to join Scottish Country dancing classes,” says Dora. “We dress casually; however, the annual Ball brings out the fancy dresses and kilts.” You don’t have to be a Scot to enjoy the dancing. To welcome new members, the VISCDS holds two open houses a SL year, one in September and one in January. For more information about the Vancouver Island Scottish Country Dance Society, visit www.viscds.ca To stay in tune with developments of Robert Burns’ 250th year-long birthday celebration in Scotland in 2009, visit www.homecomingscotland.com

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SL-TV...

6 video episodes of delightful landscape and narration featuring BC locations, ﬁlmed by Peatmoss Media. • Williston Lake • BC E& N Railway • Whales • Saltspring • Ocean Falls • BC Cowboys If YOU have a video that our senior readers would be interested in, drop us an email with details -ofﬁce@seniorlivingmag.com

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Read Us ON-LINE

We now have our magazines available on our website. You will FLIP over our new technology that allows you to virtually turn the pages of your favorite senior magazine page by page, just like a regular magazine. We want to make our website more reader friendly. Email us at ofﬁce@seniorlivingmag.com and let us know what YOU would like to see on our website. Our website is in transition - check back often for changes, updates, new content... Under Construction: “Ask the Professional” Q&A

Over the months ahead, we will be inviting professions to post their articles on our website for the beneﬁt of our readers. An article on dentures currently provides an example of what you can expect in the near future. We look forward to turning this section of our website into a valuable informational resource. If you would like to see a particular professional on our website, let us know... we’ll see what we can do...

Classifieds HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE - Do you need a little assistance? Meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, shopping, errands, or respite. We also hire seniors. Call 250-382-6565. THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU of Vancouver Island is located at 220-1175 Cook St., Victoria BC V8V 4A1. Toll-free phone line for Up-Island 1-877826-4222 (South Island dial 250-386-6348). www. bbbvanisland.org E-mail: info@bbbvanisland.org WANTED: OLD POSTCARDS, stamp accumulations, and pre-1950 stamped envelopes. Also buying old coins, medals and badges. Please call Michael 250-652-9412 or email fenian@shaw.ca COLLECTOR SEEKING vintage/collectable cameras, binoculars and microscopes. Nikon, Leica, Contax, Rolleiflex, Zeiss, Canon, etc. Mike 250-383-6456 or e-mail: msymons6456@telus.net SAANICH VOLUNTEER SERVICES seeks volunteer visitors. Brighten up someone’s week with a visit and a chat. Call 250-595-8008 and join our team. EXPERIENCED CLEANING LADY available, for thorough and affordable services. Please call Nicole at 250-385-1696. RUTH M.P HAIRSTYLING for Seniors in Greater Victoria. In the convenience of your own home! Certified Hairdresser. Call - 250-893-7082.

NEED A HAND? Or have a senior family member needing help? Mid Island. When you can’t always be there, we are committed, trustworthy professionals specializing in helping seniors lead digniﬁed and independent lifestyles. www.helpinghealinghands.com or 250-954-3733. TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. Rent recumbent & upright bikes, treadmills, elliptical trainers or rowers. Details at www.advantagehealthandﬁtness.com or 1-800661-4737. 50+ HEALTH PROFESSIONAL available for private care, willing to travel, or alternately house sit your residence, excellent references. 250-532-7895, bailey.vicki@gmail.com MATURE EXPERIENCED WOMAN available for companion work, for shopping, outings, medical appointments, etc. Westshore area. $18/hour, Susan 250-595-9944.

DO YOU NEED COMPANIONSHIP so you can stay in your home? Someone to help you in the house, get around town? Someone to help you with special medical needs? We provide live-in caregivers with experience from HK, UK, Paris, Israel, Italy and Taiwan. Give us a call 1 888 308 7971 or 604 602 7528 or email to employers@platinumnurses.com

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

$30 for 20 words or less. $1.25 per extra word. Boxed Ad - Small (2.2 x 1.2) $95. Boxed Ad - Large (2.2 x 2.4) $180. Add Logo or color- $25 extra. Plus 5% GST. All Classiﬁed ads must be paid at time of booking. Cheque or Credit Card accepted. Ph. (250)479-4705 or toll-free 1-877-479-4705. Deadline: 15th of the month. Make cheque payable to: Senior Living, 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1 VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND NOVEMBER 2007

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Remember the good days, when the Watkins Associate came around door to door? Well, the times may have changed but Watkins never has and never will. Same great products your family knows and loves since 1868. Call Morgan Ray @ 250-7526551 or email morgan.ray@hotmail.com

FAIRFIELD ASSISTED-LIVING CONDO ONLY $149,000! Spacious & safe. In vibrant Cook St Village. 1bdrm + den. Monthly fee ensures many wonderful services including 24hr staff + life line. Strata fee extra. MLS 252347. For a viewing, please call

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events

•

events

SPEAKERS AND WORKSHOPS DIABETIC SUPPORT GROUP 3rd Thursday of every month

Support and information to deal with the daily effects of living with diabetes. 10:30am–11:30am at the Fairﬁeld Activity Centre (1–380 Cook St.). Info, 250-384-6542.

ARTHRITIS SUPPORT GROUP 3rd Monday of every month

Arthritis support group for all people affected by any form of arthritis – join us to learn and share strategies for coping. Arthritis Centre (2680 Richmond Rd.) from 1pm–3pm. For more info, call Ethel 250-658-4889.

VICTORIA FLOWER ARRANGERS GUILD Jan 12

Introduction to the Guild and discussion regarding member survey and program for 2009. Presenter: Newly elected president, Helen Collicutt. Garth Homer Centre, 813 Darwin Rd, Saanich, 7:30 pm. New members/visitors welcome. More info, 250-655-1524.

FUNDRAISING DINNER Jan 15

Liberia Christian Outreach Society Inc. presents a fundraising dinner at The Church of the Nazarene, 4277 Quadra St. for projects in Liberia, West Africa. Workers will present progress on vocational schools for women, ex-child soldiers and children, wells for clean water, jobs for food. Dinner: 6:30 Preceded by Silent Auction bidding. Program 7:30–8:30. Dinner is free

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but donations to the work accepted afterwards. RSVP to h-ﬂetcher@shaw.ca or 250-595-2881.

VOLUNTEERS HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION Flexible

A few hours of your time can mean a lifetime of change in another person’s life. The Heart & Stroke Foundation has an urgent need for volunteers to assist with fundraising. Please think about making a gift of time to the community this Christmas and call Sue Dakers at 250-3824035 to volunteer for just a few hours.

VICTORIA FILM FESTIVAL Jan 30-Feb 8

The Victoria Film Festival is looking for volunteers for this year’s festival. Help out with hosting VIPs, driving actors, producers and directors to their screenings, working the phones, distributing posters, researching ﬁlms, taking photographs and hosting media/reception tables. For more info, call 250-813-1639 or go to the Victoria Film Festival ofﬁce at 1215 Blanshard St.

MUSIC CELEBRATION OF CHAMBER MUSIC Dec 7

Presenting the guitar Trio (Adrian Verdejo, Michael Dias, and Bradford Werner) from the Victoria Conservatory of Music, 2:30pm at Church of St. Mary the Virgin (1701 Elgin Rd, Oak Bay). Tix: $10, available at Ivy’s Bookstore, Munro’s Books and at the door. More info, 250386-5311 ext 262.

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WOMEN IN MUSIC Jan 23

Ocean Entertainment Worldwide Presents a new concert series celebrating women in music. Legends; The Best of Billie Holiday & Ella Fitzgerald, starring multi-award winning international recording artist Dee Daniels. 8pm at the Alix Goolden Performance Hall in the Victoria Conservatory of Music (900 Johnson St.). Tix at the Royal & McPherson Box Ofﬁces, 250-3866121 or online at www.rmts.bc.ca

OUTDOORS GARDEN CITY WANDERERS

Dec 6 – Sidney Sailpast Walk (rated 2A): Meet at Mary Winspear Centre. Registration 4:30 pm, walk 5 pm. Contact is Pat, 250-6582325. Dec 20 – 5/10 km Walk (rated 1A) and Xmas Pot Luck following. Meet at 1231 Hewlett Place. Beverley 250-598-4316. Dec 27 – 5/10 km Walk. Meet at Henderson Rec Centre, 2291 Cedar Hill X Road. Murray 250-721-3065. Dec 28 – 5/10 km Walk. Meet at Harbour Towers Hotel, 345 Quebec St. Brenda 250-360-0861. Registration for all these walks is 9:30 am, walk 10 am. New Year’s Eve (Dec 31) Walk. Meet at Tim Horton’s, Esquimalt/Head St. Registration 10 pm, walk 10:30 pm. Dave 250-642-4515. Tuesday PM Walks (Dec 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30) – Meet at Running Room, Broadmead Shopping Centre. Registration 5:45 pm, walk 6 pm. Gail 250-477-4472. Wednesday PM Walks (Dec 3, 9, 17) – Meet at Running Room, Broadmead Shopping Centre. Registration 5:45 pm, walk 6 pm. Murray 250-721-3065. Monday and Thursday AM Walks – Registration 8:45 am, walk 9 am. Jan 250-665-6062 for current schedule.

HOLIDAY EVENTS DON’T DRIVE BY, DRIVE THRU! Dec 5

The 15th annual CHEK News Christmas Charity Drive Thru is a little different this year. It takes place on Friday at the Accent Inn (on Blanshard St. just off Cloverdale). Drop off your donations between 5pm and 7pm. Staff and on-air personalities will unload your donations quickly so you can be on your way. Non-perishable food items as well as toiletries, blankets, sleeping bags, gently used clothing and re-usable household items are all gratefully accepted. Your donations will beneﬁt many needy people who turn to the Salvation Army for assistance during the holidays and in the New Year when resources are depleted. For more info, call Laurie CarrHall 250-480-3707.

CRAFT SALE Dec 7

Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue (1461 Blanshard St.) is having a Hanukah Craft Sale, 12:30pm–5pm. Crafts of all kinds, note cards, books, paintings etc. will be sold. Try the Potato Latkes (pancakes). Proceeds will go to the Hebrew School. 250-360-0356.

CHRISTMAS CRAFTING FOR FAMILIES Dec 14

Gift and card making and lots more fun. From 3pm–5pm at the Saint Barnabas Anglican Church (Belmont and Begbie). For more info, call 250-595-4324.

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“SING NOEL” Dec 14

The Paciﬁc Christian School Chamber Choir will perform at the Pemberton Chapel at Royal Jubilee Hospital at 2:30pm. Tix $12. Refreshments. For more info, 250-592-4458.

ALADDIN Dec 19-28

Peninsula Players next production is a Christmas special! The community theatre group will be staging a pantomime with seven performances at the Charlie White Theatre in the Mary Winspear Centre (2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney). Aladdin is written and directed by Dick Mells, a veteran of more than 100 productions in Canada and his native New Zealand. Tix at the Mary Winspear Centre box ofﬁce (250-6560275), $18 or $16 seniors over 65. First performance on Dec 19 is a “two-for-one special.” More info, visit www.peninsulaplayers.bc.ca

LADYSMITH “ART WALK” Dec 8-24

Ladysmith artists bring their stunning work together downtown for one-of-a-kind gifts for the holidays: Paintings, sculpture, clay, stained glassbeads, photography, silk cushions and felted bags, ceramic clocks. 524-1st Ave, Lady-

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

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smith (Next to Worldly Gourmet), 11am to 7 pm. For more info, call Lois Ireland, 250-245-0243.

NORTH ISLAND SINGING FOR SUPPER Dec 10

Actor/singer/philanthropist Tom Jackson takes to the stage for an unforgettable one-hour performance of Christmas favourites. This year, Beverley Mahood and Amanda Stott join Tom’s invitation to everyone in Nanaimo to celebrate the season of giving and combat hunger. Proceeds beneﬁt Loaves & Fishes Food Bank. Silent Auction. 7pm at The Port Theatre (125 Front St.). Tix $21. 250-754-4555.

THE NUTCRACKER Dec 5–6

Kirkwood Academy of Performing Arts Presents this timeless classic. It is a rich part of the cultural fabric of our community and showcases the wonderful talent of Kirkwood students. Dec 5 – 7pm (tix $18). Dec 6 – 2pm (tix $15) and 7pm (tix $18). The Port Theatre, (125 Front Street). 250-754-4555.

WINTER HARP Dec 13

Winter Harp signals the beginning of the holiday season at The Port Theatre (125 Front St.) and has become a family tradition for many. Candles light the stage as musicians in medieval garb play harps, ﬂutes and percussion mixed with rare medieval instruments. Pre-show chat at 2:45pm, show starts at 3:30pm and 7:30pm. Tix $34. 250-754-4555.

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CELTIC CHRISTMAS FAMILY CEILIDH Dec 7

Glengarry School Dancers will be performing at the Pleasant Valley Social Centre, 6100 Dumont Rd., Nanaimo, 2 pm. For more info, call 250-758-0208.

EVERGREEN CHRISTMAS Dec 19–20

Vancouver Island Symphony and the Port Theatre (125 Front St.) invite you to celebrate the Christmas season with the magniﬁcent voices of the British Columbia Boys Choir. Join the VI Symphony’s Assistant Coordinator Gerald Van Wyck for an evening ﬁlled with the spirit of Christmas, featuring your favourite carols. Tix $42. Show starts at 7:30pm. 250-754-4555.

TREE LIGHTING December

Hospice will be having Celebrate a Life Trees in Woodgrove Centre from Dec 5–21 and Port Place from Dec 11–21. Light a light and remember the life of your loved one. There will also be trees to remember a beloved pet who has passed away. All donation go to support the work of Hospice in Nanaimo.

KIDNEY FOUNDATION LUNCHEON Jan 8

Join us at the Oliver Woods Community Centre, 6000 Oliver Rd, Nanaimo for a speaker and lunch. Speaker: Renal Dietician. Lunch: $7.50. 12 noon. For more info, call Marian 250-7584561.

DEC 2008 / JAN 2009

Voices Sound

Photo: Enise Olding

from the

BY ENISE OLDING

aced with 8.3 metres of shelf space packed with handwritten pieces of paper, Nanaimo-based author Margaret Horsﬁeld paused for only a moment before reaching out to touch, then read, every single sheet. It was 2001 in the B.C. Archives and she was about to step into the world of those who had gone before, but who left behind an array of tantalizing clues and enigmatic comments about their lives, loves, losses and a wealth of other experiences courtesy of one Walter Dawley. This prominent merchant who lived on Stubbs Island during the time covered by Voices from the Sound was a big, solid, inscrutable presence on the west coast who, as Margaret discovered, “never threw out a piece of paper in his entire life.” Not only that, but he ﬁled it all! For Margaret, a writer with a love of B.C. history, Dawley’s legacy was a veritable treasure of delectable information about life in the Clayoquot Sound area around 1899-1929.

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She was intrigued and full of curiosity as she started unravelling threads of stories, deciphering cryptic comments and capturing the clues left by a myriad of characters she had never met. Luckily, Margaret’s sense of adventure and curiosity stood her in good stead because once on the trail of the many stories she was destined to research in British Columbia and Oregon, she was to be engaged in her discoveries for seven years. Born in Port Alberni, Margaret attended school in Terrace, spent a couple of years in Quebec, obtained a B.A. in English at Simon Fraser University and an M.A. in Shakespeare Studies in the U.K. “I loved doing that M.A.; it was the best thing I could have done,” she says. And it took her into a new world in more ways than one. The BBC just happened to have a studio near the college where Margaret was studying and, one day, she went in to see if they needed any freelance writers. To her amazement, they said “yes,” and at the age of 22 and at £5 per interview, she was employing her writing skills. This, along with working for the CBC’s French language station in Vancouver, allowed her to write and produce several radio documentaries garnering her Gabriel Award for best North American radio documentary series The Book of Job. Margaret would regularly visit her parents in Nanaimo and realized, more and more, she missed the west coast geography. On one visit, a friend asked her to accompany her to the Clayoquot area, “she referred to a really incredible garden out there; what an understatement that was!” laughs Margaret. She had, of course, stepped into what was to become known as Cougar Annie’s Garden. Back in 1989, the garden was just starting to be reclaimed and “all I wanted to do was write an article about it,” recalls Margaret, “but, in 1994, it was

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SENIOR LIVING

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decided the book should be written.” In the interim years, she would carefully time her visits to Vancouver Island so she could housesit “not in Annie’s old house, but the owner’s modern one,” she clarifies. Being alone with a ghostly garden that was being pulled back from the brink was a remarkable experience for Margaret. “You could almost feel the bush moving in,” she muses. Cougar Annie led Margaret to continue her research, from a 20th century perspective, into the lives of those who had lived in the Clayoquot area. Writing about one person’s life was one thing, but tackling the lives of many was clearly another. Margaret found Voices from the Sound was a more difficult task as it took longer to peel back the layers of information from many people, each of whom knew a little bit. Whereas in researching Cougar Annie’s story, Margaret discovered rumours and anecdotes, but there were fewer letters. Imagine, then, how fortunate Margaret was to come faceto-face with the fruits of the administratively tidy Mr. Dawley’s hoard of saved papers. Included in these were some 15,000 handwritten personal letters to Dawley from fishermen, widows, sealers, native people, prospectors, suppliers, customers and everyone else who had dealings in the area, along with telegrams, financial and other business records. Added to all of that were boxes containing thousands of unsorted photographs and glass slides, the 30 diaries written by Priest Charles Moser and kept in Oregon, and countless other letters and documents handed down to families and shared with Margaret. Altogether, it amounts to an incredible mass of information demanding a special kind of sleuthing and patience to plough through the various types of handwriting, scribbles, ink splotches, scraps of papers, hints and clues scattered throughout the material. “Just when I thought I was reading yet another letter from a prospector about flour or something, I’d discover a reference revealing the infidelity of his wife.” Intrigued, Margaret would keep reading. From the mundane to the sensational, the correspondence would provide her with a constant stream

of information that could, even over the distance of time, sadden and gladden her heart. There were moving moments from the letters of those who were away in the Boer War, or happy letters between students at a residential school and their former teacher, and the dynamic content of the letters written between two priests about residential schools. “I’m dealing with many people and personalities,” says Margaret, and their voices became and still are very much a part of her life. Now, through her book, their voices can be heard and stories shared by people now and into the future. Not only are their voices captured in the book, but also featured are snippets of their writings, signatures and various letterheads. Many photographs bring to life the people behind some of those voices: images of habit-shrouded nuns in a dugout canoe or standing triumphant on a huge downed tree trunk, a dugout canoe stuffed full with members of a brass band complete with instruments, a wedding party at Nootka crossing a field and a cameo appearance by Cougar Annie herself. There’s an appetite in British Columbia for stories of our own people, our forerunners, Margaret told the audience when accepting the Roderick Haig-Brown Prize in 2000, and she has made a start in recording some of it. “B.C. is full of suitcases stuffed with documents from our forebears,” she says, and of stories waiting to be written. So, for those who are inspired to root around their attics, basements or in suitcases that haven’t seen the light of day for eons and come up with treasures that shed light on the lives of those who lived in B.C.’s past, perhaps it’s best to approach the B.C. Archives. That is, after the voices of those who wrote SL the words so long ago are listened to carefully. Voices from the Sound: Chronicles of Clayoquot Sound and Tofino 1899-1929 is available in bookstores and from salalbooks@voicesfromthesound.com Other books by Margaret Horsfield: Beyond Bethlehem, Beyond Golgotha, Biting the Dust: The Joys of Housework, Cougar Annie’s Garden.

DEC 2008 / JAN 2009

Reﬂections THEN & NOW

BY GIPP FORSTER

ONLY AS A CHILD

t is the Christmas season again. That time of soft music and, for some, softer memories of peppermint dreams when imagination held court for that brief time of expectation and wonder. I know of the true meaning of Christmas. Of the Holy Child – the star and the manger. But, over the years, man – both believer and non-believer – have sprinkled a brightly coloured garland around its perimeter. That sometimes calls forth the innocence of true faith and the splendour of “if only” and “maybe.” Many call it the season of the child meaning a time set apart for children and childish dreams. But that is not really what the season of the child means. The season of the child is singular and hails the birth of the Blessed Child, the Peace Child, the Christ Child. I, for one, do not let the celebration, the feasting, the gift-giving, the decorated trees and houses get in the way of that; but neither do I condemn or stand apart from it. I love the magic with which we have surrounded Christmas. I love its possibility! I don’t feel that God is overly upset by how many of us have fashioned Christmas in our own image. I think God is bigger than that. It is not the outside, but

the inside God looks at. The innocence of “being” and the faith of “believing.” I think He smiles more than frowns. After all, are we not all children who, throughout our whole lives, play the game of pretend? As I mentioned last month, next Christmas, my wife and I will spend part of the season visiting Germany and Austria. “Christmas on the Danube” it is called, and you are invited to join us, if you like. Nuremberg is the toy capital of Europe! When I think on that, for some reason, I see Geppetto in the 1940 Walt Disney animated film Pinocchio. I see the toy shop, the clocks ticking on the walls, the toys, finished and unfinished scattered about the room, and Figaro and Cleo feeling safe, warm and secure in that fantasyland where good shall reign over evil. I have the film and watch it often when I want to escape the rapid pace of insecurity trying to pass itself off as security and promiscuity demanding equal time on a revolving stage. It’s an escape to innocence, if you like. And that is what Christmas allows us, briefly, once a year. A time of innocence when impossibility becomes possible, and children stop to wonder. A time

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Also a thoughtful and inspiring Christmas or Birthday gift for family or friends. CDs - Gipp Forster’s Christmas Vol. 1 $16 - Gipp Forster’s Christmas Vol. 2 $16 BOOKS - “Gipp Forster’s Collected Ramblings” $10 - “Reﬂections, Rejections and Other Breakfast Foods $14.95 GST and Shipping Costs will apply. Allow 2 weeks for delivery.

SENIOR LIVING

when the older ﬁnd that little child again that once was their reality. Still there and still alive in the depths of their souls. The Christ Child, grown to a man, would say: “Only if you be like these little children can you enter into the kingdom of heaven.” “Only if you be like a little Child.” Each year, we are given the opportunity to be like a child. A season to cuddle memory and a time to embrace innocence once more. A time of love: demonstrative love that is not embarrassed or ashamed. I ﬁnd volumes of innocence in toys. Not monsters, robots, dinosaurs or spaceships, but in toys of old. Stuffed toys, wooden soldiers, dolls with ringlets, whose eyes open and close, soft toys that are not afraid to be toys. Toys like Geppetto made that, in the end, could be real and bring further joy to an aching heart. Yes, Christmas is many things, but without innocence, it is simply another holiday. Oh, to return to the time of that holy birth. I would love to seek out the Christ Child and give to him a gift. Not of gold, frankincense and myrrh, I would like to give him a stuffed toy to snuggle up against and a gentle story to lull him to sleep. I would tell him of things he already knew: of the distant future of brightly lit houses and trees and sacred music playing and smiling people exchanging gifts. How the dreariest month of the year would suddenly burst forth in colour, singing, laughing and hugging; a time of sharing when innocence called SL the world to listen.

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