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

October 2008

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

MERINA RAEL Spiritual Artist

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OCTOBER 2008

CELEBRATING SENIORS IN OUR COMMUNITY OCTOBER 2008

Photo: Stacey McCulloch

Members of Phil’s Harmonics String Orchestra in Port Alberni. Story on page 46.

COVER PHOTO: Spiritual artist and lone traveller Merina Rael is following her dream. Story on page 6. Photo: Enise Olding Publisher Barbara Risto Editor Bobbie Jo Sheriff Contributors Norman K. Archer, Goldie Carlow, Gipp Forster, Julian Growcott, Margaret Growcott, Gail Kirkpatrick, Denis Madson, Diane Madson, Stacey McCulloch, Barbara McLay, Pat Nichol, Enise Olding, Vernice Shostal, Barbara Small, Judy Stafford, Darryl Wilson 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 Shelley Ward (Comox Valley) 250-702-3731 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,Ted Sheaff, Tanya Turner

6 Live Your Passion

Merina Rael embarks on an inspirational art tour this month in Santa Fe.

8 Together in Song

The Melodears choir has been performing in seniors residences for nearly 40 years.

12 Running the World for Diabetes

SENIOR LIVING

10 Victoria’s Past Revisited Norman Archer

20 Scam Alert Bryden Gage

37 Courageous & Outrageous

Abandoned as a child, Caroline Whitehead spent a lifetime searching for her brothers and sisters.

18 Heart Fit

Rehab exercise programs around the city get Victoria residents moving.

22 Venice

Gail Kirkpatrick gets “lost” in a city of romance, beauty and old-world charm.

28 Sharing Food. Sharing Love. 34 Changing Partners

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)

Barbara Small

16 Surviving the Shadows

Phone 250-479-4705 Toll-free 1-877-479-4705 Fax 250-479-4808

Subscriptions $32 (includes GST) for 10 issues. Canadian residents only.

4 The Family Caregiver

26 Ask Goldie

Betty Ann Devitt is the heartbeat of the Cowichan Valley Basket Society.

Web site www.seniorlivingmag.com

Columns

Diane Madson joins Team Diabetes and races in Iceland for the cause.

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

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

FEATURES

Humour writer Barbara McLay ﬁnds her perfect dance partner – for life.

40 Biking the U.S.A.

Chuck and Sue Hof experience life on the road from the seat of their motorcycle.

46 Harmony in the Valley

Phil’s Harmonics String Orchestra brings music to the Alberni Valley and beyond.

Goldie Carlow

Pat Nichol

48 Reﬂections:Then and Now Gipp Forster

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Home Support Directory 36 Crossword 38 Classiﬁeds 39 Events 44

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THE FAMILY CAREGIVER

roviding care to a spouse or partner comes with its own unique challenges. As your spouse’s health deteriorates they can become less and less like the person you married. Caregiving can impact all aspects of the marriage – emotional, sexual, ﬁnancial, social, companionship and future plans. This can be compounded if caregivers take over responsibilities that were once handled solely by their spouses, from cooking and cleaning, to making ﬁnancial decisions and caring for children. Spousal caregivers are most often the primary caregiver and can be resistant to seeking help from others. They believe it is their responsibility as spouses to do it themselves. Remember those wedding vows? “For better or worse, in sickness and in health.” “Spouses are the last ones to identify themselves as caregivers,” says Richard Anderson, president of the Well Spouse Association, a volunteer support network for people whose spouses are critically ill or disabled. “The danger in the whole situation is burnout. You’re trying to keep things the way they were, and your spouse can do less and less. There is a level of intimacy in the spousal relationship missing from other family caregivers,” says Anderson. “There is usu-

Caregiving Your Spouse

ally a drop in income and a household shift as the well spouse takes on more responsibility.” Find a support system: Many spousal caregivers feel isolated and alone even though they spend more time with their spouses than other couples. Depending on the spouses’ condition, they may have lost their closest conﬁdantes. Seek out support and companionship through friends, family, church groups, other spousal caregivers who understand your unique situation, caregiver support groups such as those offered at the Family Caregivers’ Network and social and activity clubs such as Silver Threads and New Horizons. Visit the Well Spouse Association website at www.wellspouse.org You can purchase a membership from Well Spouse and receive their quarterly newsletter, as well as other beneﬁts including an e-mail mentorship program and round-robin letter writing groups. Allow for everyone’s changing roles: the type of care you need to give your spouse can make them seem less like your partner. Touches of intimacy can change to simply meeting personal care needs. The equality in the relationship can dissipate as one spouse becomes more dependent on the other. Allow yourself to grieve what you have both

BY BARBARA SMALL

lost because of this change. Learn how to interact within the dynamics of your new relationship. Also, take time to acknowledge the many ways your relationship has remained the same. Keep communicating: How can each partner get more individual needs met? How can you still work together as a couple? Do you need to bring in outside help to assist you with caregiving? What roles can other family members play? Have all the ﬁnancial and legal issues been dealt with? This is an important time to talk about what each partner SL wants from the other. The Family Caregivers’ Network is offering a workshop entitled: For Better or For Worse, in Sickness and in Health: The Unique Challenges of Being a Spousal Caregiver, on Oct. 18th. Call 250-384-0408 or visit www.fcnscaregiving.org for more details. Next month: Caregiving after facility placement Barbara Small is Program Development Coordinator for Family Caregivers’ Network Society.

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LIVE YOUR PASSION

SENIOR LIVING

And Merina certainly doesn’t slow down – she’s been on the go for a long time. According to her, she has a lot of work yet to do, and she wants to share it and her ideas with as much of the world as possible. “I want to show others how to follow their passion; follow their dreams. I do that – I teach creative art classes one-on-one, and I get people going; I get them finding their passion. I take them on a little journey. They have to be willing to step up, to search, to not give up, to find out where their passion lies, and then just do it!” Merina has had 20 art shows in as many years, written a poetry book, made short films and won awards. After Santa Fe, there are other parts of the world calling her; Thailand is on the list for February, New Zealand and Australia are not far behind. Perhaps there will even be a stint on another cruise ship. But she’ll check with her pendulum to make sure it’s a good time to travel. Dowsing with a pendulum is the process of using a tool as an alternative communication device to aid discovery or answer questions that might not be as easy to do using the senses. Although no one really knows how or why it works, it’s said that the movement of the pendulum is controlled by the users’ subconscious. Regardless, Merina’s beautiful crystal pendulum from Peru guided her when she was setting her itinerary for Greece; two weeks after her return, the cruise ship she had travelled on sunk – two people died. But listening to her intuition her pendulum, or whatever guides her, has brought her a long way. Originally born in New York, Merina married a young Texan who was drafted into the army. And when the call to Vietnam came, the couple knew they had to leave the U.S., so they moved to Sweden. After a few wonderful years there, Canada beckoned. This has been her home ever since. She’s always kept busy: organizing fashion shows at the Empress Hotel, taking figure drawing classes at Emily Carr and working part-time, as well as raising her children and foster Photo: Judy Stafford

aking excursions to see the world is a dream for many. Travelling the world and visiting sacred sites, as a spiritual artist, is the dream of Merina Rael; one she’s been living for the past few years. “It’s quite exciting,” Merina says, “I’m 63, and it’s a challenge – stepping out, going into the unknown, travelling alone – but I’m following my dream, and I feel blessed to be able to do that.” Merina has toured many parts of the world, including New York, Greece, Mexico, South America, and her next adventure, this month, will take her to Santa Fe, New Mexico. “It’s the heart of the South West and this trip will be an inspirational art tour,” she says. “I’m going to lead a group of people through the famous and colourful art galleries of Santa Fe. We’ll visit Georgia O’Keefe’s Museum and Gallery. It’s a very sacred place – with the red earth and mountains – we’re going to paint at sundown; it will be very enlightening. It will be like going to paint where Emily Carr was inspired and painted in the woods.” Merina has always followed her calling of being an artist: painter, poet, photographer and jeweller. Being artistic has been the consistent driving force since she was very young. It’s guided her to follow her heart and live life to the fullest. While following her path, Merina encountered a couple of uncanny events, which helped inspire her way of life. “I saw a lady die on the street – it was very traumatic. I was in a grocery store and there was a lady in front of me. She walked out of the store and 50 seconds later I heard a bam! I walked out and I saw her lying in a pool of blood – I was shocked and stunned. A drunk driver had mowed down a bunch of people. That could have been me. And now, everyday, I live my life like there ain’t any more. What a gift – ever since then it’s like – get on with it, live now, you never know what’s coming tomorrow. As you can see, I don’t sit down very much, even though my inner voice says, ‘Slow down!’”

BY JUDY STAFFORD

children. Divorced in 1981, she’s ecstatic to have all her children and three grandchildren close by in Victoria – the main reason she continues living here now. “I’m in heaven on earth here in the spring and summer, but gosh in the fall, I’m ready to go to the sun! But I’m very committed to my work – maybe soon I will retire; I only have a few years to go,” she laughs. But it’s not all work. “Coffee is good; I try to go to the gym, or I walk. I try to stay focused on my goals. I want to get another short film together, and I’ve been asked to talk at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre in October about my travels to Peru. I travel to the sacred sites and I receive visions of the energies there and then paint them. Then I give talks and share my films on how creativity can heal.” “I feel very blessed,” she says. “Everything I do is to honour the Divine Feminine and bring balance into place. Another thing I love to do is to help people bring closure when they’ve lost a loved one. I want to help people step back into their lives – let them clear up their pain.” Merina’s “to do” list is long and inspiring: more filmmaking, another book idea is percolating, her own artwork, of course, photography and the desire to reach out to help and SL empower everyone she can. For more information about Merina’s upcoming art tour to Santa Fe, or to contact her directly, www.raelstudios.com

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TOGETHER IN SONG

inging for residents in seniors’ homes for almost 40 years, the Melodears’ performances began with a birthday party for Archie McKinnon (1896-1984), a swimming and track and ﬁeld instructor who coached athletes at four Olympics, and who taught a musical exercise class at the YMCA. The celebration included entertainment of familiar songs and composing appropriate words to familiar tunes. The enjoyment of that party spilled over to the creation of a singing group of 14 young women led by the late Nan Bower. Today, the Melodears meet every Monday afternoon at the home of Anne Walkey, an original member of the group, for singing practice and tea. “With the small number in the choir, we’re almost like a family and enjoy each other’s company very much,” says current leader Helen Harris, whose past experience in music includes leading Youth Choirs and conducting the Gordon Head United Church Choir for eight years. Of the 14 women, two pianists, Barbara Johnstone and Marlene Campbell, alternate

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BY VERNICE SHOSTAL

accompaniment and singing. The Melodears consider their performances as community service. Although most of their singing is in nursing homes, their presentations have included organizational meetings such as the Gyro Ladies’ Dinner, a Lion’s Club Special Event, Symphony Ladies Christmas Lunch and seniors’ residences such as the Victorian, Berwick and the Wellesley. Last year, they performed at more than 40 events. “The Melodears are a great bunch of girls,” says Muriel Beere, a 30-year member of the group. Muriel was born in Vancouver and, at age 13, moved to Duncan where her father started his own bakery and where, after high school, Muriel found a job in a bank before she joined the navy. “Working in the navy was a great experience,” says the blue-eyed veteran who worked with IBM installations in Ottawa and later as Captain’s writer in Victoria. A break in her two-and-a-half years’ service came when, as an only child, she was allowed compassionate leave to take care of her ailing mother. Working with Vital Statistics after the war, Muriel met her future husband, Paul, who worked in microﬁlm. Last July, the couple celebrated their 60th anniversary. “Some of the people we sing for are even older than us,” says Muriel with a chuckle. In her youth, Muriel sang with her choir at school as well as junior and, later, senior choirs in church. She enjoys singing with the Melodears as much as she loves the outreach. Her best memory is singing with the Melodears at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games in 1994. Elsie Coles, emcee and entertainer of the group, likes the harmony in singing. Originally, from Jenner, Alberta, Elsie’s family moved to Victoria when she was eight. At 14, she joined her church choir and has been singing ever since. Elsie began a career as a hairdresser, but later went back to school to try her hand in social work. She completed her practicum at Garth Homer, where she stayed on as their full-time volunteer co-ordinator and later took a job with North Park Manor. About the Melodears, she says, “I love it. They are extremely supportive and it’s great to get out. I think we’re singing better, and, I mean, I really feel that, than we did at the beginning when we were much younger.” Elsie writes skits in rhyme for her church and takes tap dancing and line dancing. She says the highlight of singing with the

Melodears was when they sang at Government House with former Lt.-Gov. Iona Campanella at Christmas in 2002. “We thoroughly enjoyed that!” Anne Walkey, an original member of the Melodears came from Wellwood, Manitoba, where she sang in the church choir. Later, in nurses’ training, she joined the Nurses’ Glee Club. “Music has always been a part of my lifestyle and I still enjoy my present church choir and appreciate musical presentations in Victoria. The whole aura of music I find most relaxing and enjoyable, often lifting from difficult situations to rest and relaxation.” In Manitoba, Anne got her education in a four-room consolidated school and did her homework by Coleman gas lighting. Her chores at home consisted of filling the woodbox and assisting her dad in their general store. She graduated from nursing in 1945, married in 1946 and moved to Victoria where she and her husband helped form a Couples Club that is still active. From October to May, the Melodears’ routine changes on a monthly basis; they have unique programs for special events such as Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and Christmas. Their goal is to bring happiness into the lives of folks in nursing homes. “Even if we see just one person responding positively to our singing, it’s all worthwhile,” says Helen. SL “It’s good for us and it’s good for them.” For more information about the Melodears, call Helen Harris at 250-477-0614.

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T S A P S ’ A ORI VICTREVISITED

TOO MANY WIVES

After being away from England for childless, took in several abandoned arah McCandlish was no beauty, but at 25, she was attractive four years, he wrote to his sad and lone- children and raised them as her own. enough to catch the eye of her ly wife Mary, still in England, enclos- Her favourite was always “darling Flordebonair, adventurous cousin John Tho- ing $500 – a princely sum in those days ence,” a homely but quiet, sweet-temmas Howard. Unsuccessful in his hunt – inviting her to join him in Canada. pered little girl. In 1878, she heard that for Australian gold, John returned to his Unfortunately, the jilted Sarah saw the her husband had been drowned at sea, hometown of Manchester, England, to letter first, opened it, pocketed the $500, which left her free to marry. When John recoup his losses and find his feet. Sarah burned the letter, tore the enclosed pho- took her across the border for the wedwas the oldest of her widowed mother tograph into tiny pieces and returned it ding, she had no idea he was already leMary’s 10 children and the family was without explanation to the sender. Mary gally married. But then came the bombshell – Mary, his long-forgotten first struggling to make ends meet. With so knew nothing of it. When John received the returned wife, suddenly appeared on the scene. many mouths to feed, it was a relief for Mary had no idea that John had Mary to hear her eldest had acever tried to communicate with cepted John’s proposal of marJohn’s wandering eye settled on her. Her sister Sarah had never riage. What wasn’t good news mentioned the letter. Mary had was that the wedding would have the developing beauty among the waited nine years, finally gave up to wait until John was settled. McCandlish girls. on him and went to Australia with It was a long, three-year her sisters, where she married. wait. So long, in fact, that John’s wandering eye settled on the photograph, he said that he was “quite But her husband died in 1879, leaving developing beauty among the McCan- cut up about it.” But it appears his her destitute with two children. In desdlish girls, including young Mary, now wounds healed quickly, because shortly peration, she began to search for John 18. Secretly, on March 3, 1854, he and afterwards, he formed an attachment Howard and heard that he was prosperMary were married. His ship sailed for with Nellie, an Australian girl he had ing in Esquimalt. Accompanied by her California the next day, leaving the mar- met in San Francisco, who was escap- two children, she sailed for Victoria. Meanwhile, John heard she was lookriage unconsummated. But John’s suc- ing an abusive marriage and eking out a cess in the late stages of the California living as a laundress. The two arrived in ing for him and that she was staying in a gold rush was no more stellar than his Esquimalt, and John immediately saw hotel in Victoria. He was elated! For all Australian venture had been. However, the potential of opening a saloon there. these years he had interpreted the torn Nellie worked in John’s saloon as a photograph as a rejection. He burst into he had made enough in his business ventures to try his hand at what he felt barmaid for over 20 years and as the her room, fell on his knees and asked would be greener pastures – the Fraser business grew, John prospered. Nel- about her plans. But Mary played it cool. She had carlie was a kind-hearted soul and, being Valley gold rush in British Columbia.

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SENIOR LIVING

THE TALE OF JOHN HOWARD BY NORMAN K. ARCHER

ried her pain long enough. She wanted she! So, she went to see the clergyman that she had found a gold mine and conto be sure that he really did have money and told him her story. He was sympa- tinued to bleed John to such an extent and that it was going to be worth her thetic and announced that under those that he had to mortgage his inn. Poor while to stay around for a time, so she circumstances Nellie would no longer Mary found herself working like a slave began her enquiries. Certainly he owned be welcome to take the Sacraments in to keep Nellie living in luxury. one of the grandest carriages in town; his church. Strangely, he placed no such Then Mary had an idea. She wrote certainly his friends were among the prohibitions on John, who was the guilt- to her sister Emma in Australia, invitrich and famous in the city. But then she ier. The clergyman strode into John’s sa- ing her to come to Victoria and take discovered he was a pathological liar, so loon and pronounced his verdict and the her place as John’s wife! Emma was where was the truth? threat of expulsion from the church un- amused and curious, so she accepted the To complicate matters further, Mary less Nellie left the house immediately. offer to come, but she stopped short of was still a beauty and received two Nellie knew when she was beaten. replacing Mary in the matrimonial bed. proposals of marriage in Emma became a popular figas many weeks! One was At first, Mary thought she would take ure in Victoria’s society. from a ship’s officer she In 1887, John Howard met on her voyage to Vic- out an advertisement in the newspaper, was paralyzed by a stroke and for eight years needed toria, and the other was announcing that John was a bigamist. constant nursing care that from a doctor on his way Mary provided, but without to the gold fields. She soon made her choice. It was to be John. It She said she would go and asked John much love. Nellie’s boarding house flourished, had been John all along, and her love for enough money to buy a house on for him had never dimmed. Rae Street, not far from the cathedral. and little Florence was her shining star; But now Nellie was in the way. Mary She would take her darling Florence especially when Florence Eleanor Nunn found Nellie odious. John tried to make with her to help with the establishment, became the wife of one of Nellie’s a compromise, where he could still live and she began a high-class boarding boarders, Victoria’s flamboyant archiwith Nellie, but buy Mary a house that house for the gentry. tect, Francis Mawson Rattenbury. SL he could visit. Mary was furious at the Mary had won! Or had she? At first, proposal and decided that a plan of cam- she was blissfully happy with her dar- Norman Archer is paign was necessary to dispose of the ling John, but the excitement eventu- an historical city tour “horrid Nellie.” At first, she thought she ally wore off. She was angered by the guide in Victoria and the author of Tales of would take out an advertisement in the fact that Nellie continued to call herself Old Victoria. Contact newspaper, announcing that John was a “Mrs. Howard” and was slowly garner- him at 250-655-1594 or bigamist, but then she realized, so was ing public sympathy. Nellie soon saw nka@canada.com

OCTOBER 2008

RUNNING THE WORLD FOR DIABETES

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BY DIANE MADSON

e landed at Keﬂavik International Airport around 6:45 a.m. Iceland time (seven hours ahead of B.C. time). The sky was grey and dull, but no rain. The surrounding terrain was bleak, as expected from my research. As part of a Team Diabetes (64 participants and their supporters from Canada), we were met by a tour guide and tour bus and taken directly to Iceland’s famous “Blue Lagoon” geothermal pools for bathing, soaking and the remedial therapy of the pools’ healing minerals. Breakfast was also served there in our honour – all a wonderful beginning to an adventure in physical challenges and exploration of a country

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SENIOR LIVING

After 40 years of optometry, I decided late last year to challenge myself to strike back at the disease and people’s indifferent attitude. I joined Team Diabetes just before the new year of 2008. The team commits to raising a speciﬁc amount of money for the beneﬁt of persons in Canada who have diabetes, as well as provide funds for research. The funds are processed by the Canadian Diabetes Association, which provides the support and research. In return for our efforts, we have a choice of participating in a marathon (42km) running event in various locations around the world. Other distance choices, which we can run or walk, are 3km, 5km, 10km and 21km. As a 10-year member of a group that walks 10km every week, I felt comfortable that I could complete this distance, so I signed up. I chose Reykjavik, Iceland because I heard it was an awesome place to visit – a land still emerging in its birth. My challenge, then, was not the physical effort of walking/running 10 kilometres, but committing to such an enterprise and raising the required $6,100. In the past, I had raised monies for MS, I had many contacts and diabetes needed our attention. I also hoped to inspire at least a few people to begin or renew an exercise program. So, the adventure began.

Diane in front of the Blue Lagoon and power plant.

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Reykjavik, the only city in Iceland, lies about 40 kilometres northeast of the airport through great expanses of 1,000-year-old lava fields. The Blue Lagoon is nearer the airport and perfectly located to visit first, requiring only a short detour to the south. The green-blue waters of the lagoon reminded me of glacial lakes I had hiked in our Canadian Bugaboo Mountains. The colour is due to minerals present in the glacier – such is also the case with the Blue Lagoon, although it is comprised of both ocean and fresh water. These waters are murky because of additional minerals – reportedly world-renowned for healing skin conditions such as psoriasis. For us, the mineralized and geothermally heated waters were a wonderful therapy for the travel weary and an Icelandic “must” for any visitors. Our team was housed downtown one block from the race start/finish. Many tours were available, including whale-watching and fishing departures from the waterfront. But this trip was about racing – running or walking in various distances in the Reykjavik Marathon. Race day was Saturday. So, Friday morning we all accompanied the team trainer on a 3-4-kilometre walk/jog along the waterfront. Friday evening was a pasta carb-loading dinner. Race day featured breakfast at 6 a.m., team photos at 8 a.m., full and half marathon start at 8:40 a.m., 10k at 9:30 a.m. and 3k start at 11:30 a.m. Full and half marathoners had to finish by 3:40 p.m. Total number of participants in all events came to approximately 10,770. My race experience was great! I coolly resisted peer pressure of many running around me and walked a considerable distance at the start. Occasionally, I picked up my pace to a jog, gradually increasing my time running vs. walking. I was privileged to have

OCTOBER 2008

9:28 AM

Photos: Denis Madson

Diane ﬁnishes her race in good form, still adorned with the string of rafﬂe tickets naming each of her donors.

my husband Denis join me on the race as a support person. At the 8km mark, I decided to go for it and ran the two remaining kilometres so I could complete the course in less than an hour and a half – a good time, especially since I was recovering from a hip overuse injury. My “jump-in” attitude generated a sincere and positive approach in my fundraising requests. For all my individual donors, I was determined to recognize each one on race day. To do this, I put each of their names on a rafﬂe ticket, the string of which went around my neck and to the ﬂoor on both sides. Before my race, we looped the string and I wore it for the

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entire race – my way of saying thanks to all of them. The weather? Two words – cold and wet! The sun shone occasionally and the skies cleared to satisfy the scheduled fireworks on race day; but if you go to Iceland, be sure to bring some warm clothes (gloves are handy, especially waterproof ones). Wonderful warm wool products are available in the shops, but rainproof items are less costly here. Average summer temperature is 11 C, perfect for running, but preferably without a cold wind or rain. Race day also featured Cultural Night in Reykjavik – an entire night of displays and celebrations, culminating with fireworks at 11:30 p.m. Carousing went well into daylight the next morning. In the end, our Reykjavik Team Diabetes group raised over $500,000 for the Canadian Diabetes Association. After the race, Denis and I had an opportunity to do some exploring. Saturday afternoon, I rode for an hour and a half, mostly in the wind and rain, on an Icelandic horse through the lava fields near Reykjavik. I have ridden all my life, so felt I had to take this unique opportunity. It was wonderful! These are amazing little horses, sure-footed, tough and well tempered. No other breed of horse is allowed into Iceland, an apparent testimony to the Icelander’s ability to endure Iceland’s unfriendly climate. Sunday, we went on an eight-hour bus tour around the Golden Circle – another absolute must for visitors. Here, we saw variations in the landscape – lava fields that gave way to green valleys, geysers, mountains, massive waterfalls, glaciers in the distance and “no man’s land” in Pingvellir National Park where the Eurasian and North American plates are visibly pulling apart at a rate of two centimetres per year. On Monday, it was time to return home with our team. My taste of a Team Diabetes event and exploring Iceland was a satisfying one, despite ups and downs, both physically because of injury and mentally because of discouragement. “Why did I get involved in this?” came to mind more than once. In retrospect, “getting involved” was the key. Anyone interested in getting involved should do so knowing it takes commitment to the full course – the sense of accomplishment will outshine the pain. SL As for Iceland? All I can say is “WOW!”

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OCTOBER 2008

SURVIVING THE SHADOWS

ome say, it’s not about the final destination; it’s about the journey. But for Caroline Whitehead and her brother Rowland Marshall, the end of a long journey was the crowning glory of a lifetime spent mostly apart. Abandoned by their mother when they were very young, it took Caroline almost half a century to finally reunite all her siblings. Rowland, her big brother, recently passed away in Victoria, but he and his life story, and the story of how they were reunited, are too incredible to forget. Rowland, at the young age of 17, took to the seas in the MerAuthor Caroline chant Service and travelled the Whitehead with her world amidst tumultuous war and late brother Rowpostwar times. He survived horland Marshall, also an rific tragedies: contracting malarauthor, at one of his book signings. ia, being almost burned to death as one of the only survivors of his ship, M.V. Waimarama, but also felt blessed during his convalescence on Africa’s West Coast and later in Malta. Experiencing the world at its worse and finest, taught Rowland to live life with great passion. He married during the war, had one daughter, but never stopped dreaming of someday finding his sister Caroline. She speaks of him with fondness: “Rowland was a dear man and terribly generous. He was called the Santa of Sidney. He constantly brought gifts and money to young mothers with children. He loved children; he could never see a child without crossing the street [to say hello]. He was a gentleman and was incredibly good to me. We used to sit and talk for hours about family; I couldn’t get enough news about the time he spent with our mother. He had an infectious smile; it was like the whole world opened up and was full of sunshine when he smiled.” Caroline didn’t even know Rowland existed until 1990. And she didn’t meet him until he was 72, when he came to Victoria, six months after they had connected and shortly after his wife died. “We spent the next 16 years together; it was incredible. We loved each other to bits.” While in England, Rowland and Caroline, plus four of their other seven siblings, were abandoned by their mother at various stages of their lives. Caroline was two-and-a-half when she was sent to a home; Rowland was around the same age when he was sent to a convent. Their mother decided to bring him 16

SENIOR LIVING

BY JUDY STAFFORD

home again when he turned 13, and he heard briefly of a sister called Caroline; it was all very secretive. He was determined one day to find her, but she found him first – it took almost a whole lifetime. “From the time I was 19, I was determined,” says Caroline. “There was such an urge within me to find my parents; nothing was going to hinder me – I was going to cross whatever hurdles I encountered. When you’re put into a home and left at the tender age of 16 without being given any family background or history, you want to find your birthright. From the beginning, you are told you are an orphan, you are nothing, you are told you have no family. But they knew of my mother – they saw her bring her children back and forth to the home, three times, and then said ‘no more’ – they lied.” During the war in Britain, thousands of children were dropped off, abandoned, and left in the care of the authorities. According to UNICEF, there are currently over 100 million orphaned children worldwide. “The abuse was great,” Caroline recalls. “If they were indeed saving your soul, as they used to say, what about the child? Where was the care? Where was the kindness?” Caroline was told her whole life to “Let sleeping dogs lie.” But she knew she had family. She left the home and worked at an aircraft factory until the war ended, went to college to be-

come a secretary, married and had children. She immigrated to Canada in 1967, but returned to England every other year and trampled the same route, went to the same churches, asked the same people over and over again to open their records, tell her what she had a right to know, but again and again she hit brick walls. One day, fate intervened and help arrived in the guise of Angus Baxter and then David Wilks. These two opened the bolted doors, uncovered the hidden secrets and unravelled the mysteries. The costs, both monetarily and spiritually were immense, but Caroline knew she had to persevere. “You want to know who you are. You think to yourself, ‘am I really that inferior?’ And as you get older, you begin to experience life the way it is. And you realize you are worth something; you are special. Look at Rowland – he enjoyed life. Our mother abandoned him twice. She had one liaison after another. Every time I read the minutes or court documents, I shake my head. How could it be that we had a mother like that?” Her journey brought her some heart-wrenching experiences. After finally finding her birthfather and going back to his birthplace, his side of the family was in disbelief. They had never heard of her or her brother – according to their father’s other family, he had no children. It dumbfounded and devastated her and, to this day, they do not accept her or Rowland’s existence. But regardless, the most important connection of all was between Rowland and Caroline and that was worth all the pain and relentless hours spent pouring over volumes of record books, getting lost under the dust of the library archives, and being continually patted on the head and told, “You don’t want to know.” But Caroline did want to know, so she never gave up. She has amassed almost a complete family history, except for one man who supposedly was married to their mother before she was married to their father. The mysterious Antonio Capolongo has no records and disappeared without a trace, alongside another man: John Brandon. Those two men’s history are elusive, but knowing Caroline – she’ll find them; just like she found her brother. Coincidentally, Caroline and Rowland are both writers. She has written a book about her experiences called, Shadows in Every Corner, soon to be re-released by Agio Publishing House. This same publisher just released Rowland’s novel, Luck Was My Companion, Adventures of an Old Sea Dog – an autobiography that will make you laugh, cry, and be inspired by his humour, generosity of spirit, and zeal for life that kept him alive through the war, malaria and life’s tricks of fate. Though they grew up not knowing each other, they came together for the last few years of Rowland’s life to laugh, love, support and honour each other; to discount the years of abuse and tragedy; to heal, be a family, and share their love for the world, which persevered despite obstacles too horrific to believe. SL Admits Caroline, “I’ve barely given you the fringe.” To order their books go to www.agiopublishing.com. World Orphan Week takes place from February 9-15, 2009. Bring some kindness to an orphaned child; visit www.soschildren.org to find out how.

Join our October courses now! The Arts Connecting the Hand and the Eye Creating Miniatures Emily Carr, Georgia O’Keeffe and Frida Kahlo Krin: African Slit Drumming Writing the Memoir Business, Management Improving Performance, Productivity and Morale: The Power of Conscious Leadership Top 10 Characteristics of Effective Business Writing Trust: The 13 Behaviours of High-Trust Leaders Computing, Technology More Programming with Java Cultural Resources, Heritage Wood in Historic Buildings Education, Teaching, Training Spiritual Intelligence The Power of Intention in Teaching and Learning Health, Wellness Diabetes: Reflections on Experience and Evidence Healing Pathways: Interfaith Training in Energy Healing Learning How to Assess the Quality of Health Information on the Internet Living Consciously: The Practice of Mindfulness Humanities, History, Contemporary Issues A Social History of Victoria Death of a Diplomat: Herbert Norman and the Cold War Happiness and Other Positive Experiences How to be a Better Critical Thinker Human Rights and Cultural Imperialism Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan VENUS: The Ocean Online, Real-Time, Anytime Languages Arabic for Beginners, and Intermediate Brazilian Portuguese for Beginners Finnish for Beginners German for Beginners Japanese for Beginners, and Intermediate Japanese: Intermediate Mandarin for Beginners, and Intermediate Russian for Beginners Scottish Gaelic for Beginners Spanish for Beginners Nature, Environment, Science Ecological Restoration at Haliburton Farms Horticultural Science in the Garden and Greenhouse Sustainable Gastronomy Chocolate—Food of the Gods Exploring Local Foods Food and Spirituality

HEART FIT A

fter 76 years and a hip replacement, Fiona Hyslop is still fit as a fiddle. But her good condition isn’t just credited to a healthy lifestyle of past activities ranging from basketball to kayaking. Fitness has always been a part of her life. Even now, she hits the gym a minimum of three times a week for a one-hour workout session. For many seniors, trips to the gym are intimidating, especially going alone. But a number of programs operate out of the local recreation centres, which are designed specifically for mature patrons. Hyslop takes part in a program named Heart Fit at the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre. It doesn’t just target seniors, but specializes in the rehabilitation of people who have faced a number of adversities, including joint replacement, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, heart attacks and general deterioration of their mobility.

BY DARRYL WILSON

Co-ordinator Flo Russell operates the program with a team of instructors. The team rehabilitates people back to good health and mobility through an extensive process, which includes an interview and a customized workout plan. The interview is designed to help find a program that suits the needs of the individual. By working through a series of questions, the instructors learn about important factors, including the physical limitations, lifestyle and medical requirements. Based on the information gathered, a program is personally tailored to each candidate. If candidates are physically capable, they can perform the workout on their own. But qualified instructors are always available to supervise those who need special assistance and attention. The lessons are private and conducted one-on-one. On an average morning, there can be anywhere from six to 12 people working individually. Wendy Mitchell, one of the instructors, enjoys working with seniors. “It’s wonderful,” she says. “They’ve had so many great life experiences and always have wonderful stories to tell. They just seem to have a different outlook on life.” According to Wendy, one of the greatest benefits of the program is that it gets seniors up and out doing activities, which will benefit their lives in many ways in terms of day-to-day living. She gets comments all the time from participants stating how they’re able to do certain things now that they were unable to before. “The seniors enjoy having balance in their lives and they are no longer afraid to do these types of activities. The program is very helpful.” While the program is open to anyone in need of rehabilitation, the bulk of the clients are retired. Everyone typically begins with an interview and assessment. They can then have as many private lessons as they wish or move straight into the ongoing program, which is supervised but independent. For a monthly fee, the ongoing program allows participants to come as often as they wish on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. year-round. Fiona first participated in the program five years ago with the aim of getting into shape in preparation for her hip replacement. Since then, she’s been a regular. “I was always adamant that I was not going to be a little old lady with a limp after my surgery. The program has made a huge difference and kept me moving,” she says. “Even if someone comes just for six months, it will help them. The program is also good for preventative maintenance. It’s nice to work with people who have been through similar problems. You get to know people quite well, and it’s good to see the improvements with your pals.” SL To participate in this program or for more information, contact Flo Russell at Cedar Hill Recreation 250-475-7121.

SENIOR LIVING

FITNESS PROGRAMS IN THE CAPITAL REGION Gentle Fit 55 yrs+ Cedar Hill Recreation, 250-4757121. Weight Training 50+ All levels welcome. Saanich Commonwealth Place, 250-475-7600. Stretch & Strength 50 yrs + Saanich Commonwealth Place, 250-475-7600. Chronic Disease Self-Management (CDSM) Manage the everyday challenges. Highly interactive. Fairﬁeld New Horizons, 250-834-6542. Fitness – Stretch & Strength Hand held weights required. Fairﬁeld New Horizons, 250-834-6542. OsteoFitness Strength, balance and stretching. Recreation Oak Bay, 250-595-7946.

Cardio Fit Simple low impact aerobics to the music of the ’60s & ’70s. First visit free. Esquimalt Recreation, 250-412-8500. Active Rehabilitation Assessment to determine needs. Regain function, strength, balance, mobility, ﬂexibility & quality of life. A written medical referral from a doctor is required. Juan de Fuca Recreation, 250478-8384.

Water Rehabilitation Reduce pain & discomfort, promote earlier recovery, increase range of motion, improve muscle conditioning & decrease impact on joints. Juan de Fuca Recreation, 250-478-8384. For areas outside the Captial Region District, contact your local recreation centre or refer to your local telephone listings.

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OCTOBER 2008

SCAM ALERT

Investment Schemes: The Bottom Line

ave you recently attended an “opportunity meeting” to learn about how you can earn some money and potentially retire early? A friend may have brought you to this meeting, so you probably do not know much about the company. The presentation is dazzling, the proﬁts are alluring and the pressure to join is intense. Those are some of the telltale signs of a “Ponzi” or “pyramid” scheme. The pyramid scheme is focused on recruitment and not about selling an investment product. Pyramid schemes offer a return on a ﬁnancial investment based on the number of new recruits to the scheme. People who contact the Better Business Bureau are desperate to hear that the investment is legit. Unfortunately, most of the time it ends up being too good to be true. The worse part is that they have involved their close family and friends in

a fraudulent activity, in which signiﬁcant savings could forever be lost. Remember, operation of or participation in a pyramid scheme is illegal in Canada and can lead to criminal prosecution. Consumers can protect themselves from investment schemes by doing the following: • Get the facts. If you do go to an information session, collect business cards, promotional materials and ask questions such as: Who are the principals of the company? When did the company get started? How much is the start-up cost? • Gather as much information as possible, before agreeing to anything. Pass along the information you collect to your local RCMP. • Research the company. Contact the BC Securities Commission and the Better Business Bureau to see if there is a history with this company or its principals. Even a simple Internet search

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can yield some interesting consumer reports on potential Ponzi schemes. Not all investments are fraudulent. Multi-level or “network” marketing plans sell goods or services through distributors. These plans typically promise those who sign up as distributors commissions for their sales and the sales of those they recruit as distributors. However, the focus of these plans should be selling a viable product, not the recruitment of others, or other limitations including your ﬁnancial contribution. Joining a multi-level marketing company is legal in Canada, but consumers still have to ask questions to determine if it is right for them: What’s the company’s track record? What products does it sell? Is the product competitively priced? Is it likely to appeal to a large customer base? How much is the investment to join the plan? Is there a minimum monthly sales commitment to earn a commission? Will you be required to recruit new distributors to earn your commission? Learn more about pyramid schemes and multi-level marketing from www. bbb.org or visit the Competition Bureau www.competitionbureau.gc.ca SL 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 1877-826-4222 elsewhere on the Island, so others can beneﬁt from your experience. E-mail info@vi.bbb.org

YOU’RE INVITED

AT BERWICK ROYAL OAK THE THEATRE COMES TO YOU

n September 20, 2008 owners Gordon and Chris Denford invited special guests, residents and managers to the Grand Opening of Berwick Royal Oak, a premier senior’s retirement residence on Elk Lake Drive, Victoria. The evening included canapés in the Berwick Shield and Dragon pub, a fabulous three-course dinner in the main dining room and live entertainment in the Berwick Theatre. Berwick Royal Oak welcomed their first residents in mid-June and staff have been busy filling the building ever since. Recognising that seniors today are active, talented and creative individuals, the Denfords created a retirement community that would peak the interest of today’s independent senior. Beyond the regular demands of spacious suites, tasty, healthy food selections and a variety of social activities, they saw the opportunity to build a retirement community they would be proud to move into. At the top of their amenity list was a professionally designed, 125-seat theatre equipped with technology for lighting, sound and video projection. The art deco-style theatre displays beautifully handcrafted woodwork throughout and a small backstage area for theatrical productions. Bert Timmermans, Production Manager of the University of Victoria’s Theatre Department, was the lead consultant for the theatre. Timmermans brought together a group of theatre specialists to create the final product. The outcome is an attractive and functional theatre. The Berwick Royal Oak theatre has attracted residents such as Bill Kelly and his wife, who were one of the first couples to choose their suite, sight unseen. This young, active couple has chosen Berwick Royal Oak for many reasons. “The Berwick Concert Theatre a major asset to the residents and also to the community at large. Many artists, instrumental ensembles, singers, choirs and jazz groups will want to perform in this wonderful venue,” says Mr. Kelly. In addition to the theatre, other amenity spaces of Berwick Royal Oak include an authentically recreated British pub, a spa with a hydrotherapy pool, an extensive fitness centre, and gardens and water features. Berwick Royal Oak is located in the Royal Oak area of Victoria at 4680 Elk Lake Drive. It is the fifth community within the Berwick family. Rental inquiries can be answered by calling 250-386-4680. SL

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meeting place. Some of us, my husband and I included, had arrived a day early, wanting to guarantee an on-time arrival with our tour group. The language was foreign, the culture was new; we didn’t know what to expect. Engraved into the wall outside our pension was the date 1281. 1281! Like several pensions that were once monasteries, our room was four ﬂights up, with no elevator – only one of the reasons they suggest packing light. Throughout this lovely place, which was so comforting to come back to after a day of walking and site seeing, were paintings of the Grant Canal ﬁlled with gondolas, and people of the Renaissance going to market. The chandelier of white glass in the breakfast room had been converted from a

candle chandelier, and on the wall above the serving table was a case with the family’s blue and green Venetian glasses and vases. Our bedroom window looked out onto a square, where the older men gather at a storefront bar during the day to watch soccer, and where, at night, the action suits a younger crowd. In my pre-travel reading, I noted that Venice was a city where you wanted to get lost; you could always ﬁnd your way back to water and some familiar landmark. The street names are marked on the walls of buildings at strategic crossings, and Campos or squares are marked, as well as the churches. It is so easy to wander the maze of streets, crossing small bridges as you do so. What a wonderful way to spend the time! On a day of pouring rain, coming back from the Academia and Guggenheim, heading for the Frari Church to look once again in awe at Titian’s painting of Mary’s ascension, I got “lost.” But I looked up at the skies, smiled and said, “It’s Venetian rain.” My destination and the direction in which I was heading weren’t important as I stopped to gaze up at windows and watch a woman watering her ﬂower boxes, amazed by a roof-top garden atop the Renaissance addition of a home built over the Byzantine structure. I lost myself to the light and mystery that is Venice. Some of my favourite places included the famous Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, so named because it was

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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.

16/09/08 3:31:46 PM

Wednesday, October 15, 12:30 “VETERANS AFFAIRS”* Back By Popular Demand! Learn About Beneﬁts & Programs Wednesday, October 22, 12:30 “MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISION”* Tips for Seniors, Presented by Susan Engel, CNIB *WARNING: Class clowns may be included! (Great fun. Reserve lunch today!)

ALEXANDER MACKIE Retirement Community

Call 250-478-4888

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52 NEW SUITES OPENING FEB 2009 Now taking deposits. Call to arrange a tour. OCTOBER 2008

assumed that prisoners crossing from the palace to prison would sigh at their last sight of Venice. Also, St. Mark’s Square, where the bands compete with each other at night and endless stores that sell masks and Murano glass, as well as luxury designer items. You can catch the vaporetti, the water buses, when you are too tired to walk, stop for a gelato or glass of Prosecco (champagne-like wine) near a market and people watch. One of my sweetest surprises was discovering nougat cake. I have always loved the taste of fruit and nut nougat, but this was beyond anything I imagined. In shop windows, nougat cakes with combinations of fruits and nuts were as high as angel food cakes, and when you bit into them, they

were a soft, sweet delicacy. We also discovered Cicchetti bars, where sampling these munchies is a good way to do what the locals do, and have a relatively inexpensive time trying a vast assortment of food. We were turned away from the posh Casino, hoping only to see the palace where Wagner died, but we lucked into a 25 Euro gondola ride complete with classical guitarist and singer. We enjoyed our limited use of the beautiful Italian language, delighting in saying Buon Giorno, Grazie, and soon found situations to use the expressions, prego [pardon, please] and allora [so, then]. Despite language never being a barrier, we have promised ourselves to go back next time knowing more Italian. Venice will stay in my memory: the full moon over the square, the church bells ringing, and the romantic dinner beside the Grand Canal. But, best of all, will be the day I got lost and found my own Venice watching the local children play soccer in a square, and sitting beside a Campo well from which SL centuries of Venetian women had once drawn water.

Revelstokeʼs Finest

Sunday Sailing

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For reservations and information. Email: info@hillcresthotel.com Web: www.hillcresthotel.com 2100 Oak Drive Located East of Revelstoke off Highway #1. 24

SENIOR LIVING

Retirement Life at its Finest

Historic James Bay For Rent or Sale, 2br/2bth Penthouse Condo, located at “The Camelot,” 455 Kingston St., Victoria. Walk to the seniors and health centres, shops, bank, Victoria Inner Harbour, Beacon Hill. Enjoy a supportive community 24 hour staff and emergency response system with independence plus numerous amenities. • Homemade dinner & optional lunch • Weekly housekeeping & heavy laundry

Call 250-388-0824

Anglican priest turns passion for motor vehicles into a business serving car buyers Would it seem unusual or strange that the principal of the company would also be a retired Anglican priest? Perhaps, but it is true! What then is Anglia Consulting? It is a consultancy for the purchase of motor vehicles. How did it come about that an Anglican priest would choose to operate a business such as this? Motor cars have been a passion of mine from childhood. From as early as I can remember, I spent time with my father when he was servicing or repairing his cars. From about the age of 14 years, I spent most of my allowance from my parents on the purchase of car magazines, taking an intense interest in the road tests of cars every month. I was also keenly interested in the technical details of new cars that were featured in various columns. Having a father who was an engineer enabled me to learn the technical side rapidly and this was put to good use when I learnt how to service and repair vehicles myself. When the time came to purchase my first vehicle, what I had been learning by degrees was immensely valuable. Among many other things, it meant that I knew very clearly what I was looking for and what my expectations were of any vehicle. Later it led to the Bishop of the Diocese where I served to ask me to take responsibility for the sale and purchase of all vehicles for the Diocese. In that Diocese parishes were to provide vehicles for the clergy, the pay being so poor clergy were unable to provide vehicles themselves. It was 40 years ago that I assumed that responsibility and in that way I developed an inside knowledge of how the motor industry functioned. Whenever I was asked what vehicle I would advise and to assist with the purchase of a new vehicle for a parish, I would always ask two questions; ‘How much money would you be able to spend?’ and ‘What do you expect your vehicle to do for you?’ Well considered responses to these questions usually meant that the choice of vehicle was narrowed down to about five or six out of the multitude of vehicles on the market. In addition to doing this for the Church, I have been doing it for many friends over the years. Having had unpleasant and bullying tactics exerted on me from time to time upon entering motor dealerships, I can well imagine how unpleasant and intimidating it could be for anyone without the knowledge of how the business is structured and run. Let me hasten to add that there are many fine and honourable people in the business, but when all is said and done, they have one primary and underlying goal and that is to make a sale. Without clear criteria about the priorities for the intended purchase, one is easy prey for being led to spend more than is comfortable for one, or perhaps even worse, being talked into purchasing a vehicle that may not provide one with enjoyment or satisfaction. For most people it is a purchase that is infrequently made, perhaps only 5 to 10 times in one’s life. For this reason it is important to do all one can to get it right. This is where Anglia Consulting comes into the picture and into its own. Getting it right and providing satisfaction to clients is the goal. Being a retirement occupation upon which I do not depend for survival enables me to spend time with clients without having to push for a deal.

For as little as $150, a proposal can be developed without one having to go near a dealership. This can be done clients completing a questionnaire designed to clarify their priorities. This is a highly individual matter. The vehicle that is right for you will not necessarily be right for someone else and vice versa. For a further $250 you can have the purchase negotiated for you, drawing on 40 years of experience. In working with Anglia Consulting you will be working with someone who is independent of any manufacturer or dealership and does not work on commission. You will have the service of someone who knows and loves motor vehicles and will put that passion to work for you – someone who loves doing what he is doing and ensuring as far as is possible, the satisfaction of you, the client. Contact me for a free sample proposal of services I can provide. Although based in Nanaimo, I am able to provide services throughout Vancouver Island, and elsewhere via email and phone. Email: angliaconsulting@telus.net Call toll free: 1-866-926-4542

Satisfied Customer purchases a 2008 Nissan ‘Altima’ In March of 2008, I was in the market for a new automobile. I engaged the services of Michael Wimmer of Anglia Consulting. I was asked to answer a short survey about what I was looking for in a car, my financial limits, and my definite ‘not wants’. Michael handled every detail, from researching the type of car that would be best suited for my lifestyle and financial ability, to checking out the best deals at the various dealerships. When the choices had been narrowed down to the last four, Michael was on hand to assist me with going to the showrooms and going with me on my test drives. When I had made my final choice, Michael accompanied me to the dealership, and assisted with the negotiations with the salesman, ensuring that I received a fair price. He was also available to drive me to the dealership when it was time to pick up my new car, and drove with me while I familiarized myself with the new details. 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. - Heather Roberts OCTOBER 2008

Photo: Jason van der Valk

ASK Goldie BY GOLDIE CARLOW, M.ED

Dear Goldie: I am puzzled and quite unhappy about our family situation. We used to be a close, caring group but we are gradually growing apart and show less affection for one another. Of course, we greet and part with hugs but it all feels superﬁcial. As a grandmother, I realize life is full of changes, but I would like to preserve the bond of love between our family members. I look forward to your reply. –M.V. Dear M.V.: I am sure you share this concern with many other grandmothers. Psychologists and medical doctors have written several books on our need for love in order to experience well-being and survival. Love and Survival, written a decade ago by Dean Ornish, M.D., may interest you. He discusses strategies to improve communication and love. It is interesting that although he is a medical doctor he views love and intimacy as the most powerful healing forces in our lives. Two other authors who have written helpful books on family relationships are John Gray PhD, and Andrew

Weil, M.D. You will ﬁnd copies at any library. Poor communication is one of the main reasons families drift apart. Start now to stay connected with all your family members more frequently. You will be surprised at the strengthening of the relationship and the increase in their returning contact. Even when disagreements erupt between family members, it is extremely important to keep in touch. As time passes, most wounds heal! As a grandmother, you have had the most life experience. Use the knowledge you have gained to hold your family together. So much of the bond you want depends on your own efforts. Dear Goldie: I am a 65-year-old widow, and it feels ridiculous to be writing for help. You would think I could solve my own problems at this age. For the past ﬁve years, I have been in a relationship with a widower my age. We have spent many happy times together and generally get along well. However, he has four children and three grandchildren who seem to be demanding more and more of his time.

He always seems to put them ﬁrst in making decisions about our plans together. Lately, we have had several heated discussions about this problem. Nothing is changing, so maybe we should call it quits. It was a great relationship. What do you think? –W.C. Dear W.C.: You are two intelligent adults who can work this problem out, if you try. Your ﬁrst consideration is to sit down and each explains what you want out of this relationship. Allow each other a period to present the facts. If you really work at listening, the problem will become clear. It may not be the amount of time he spends with his family, but rather a lack of time organization. This is not the time to feel offended, but rather an opportunity to improve a relationship. Get a calendar and start planning. If you have enjoyed time together as you stated, you can again. I assume from your letter that you do not have children of your own, so perhaps you could make an effort to become better acquainted with your partner’s family. You would possibly enjoy them and it certainly would increase your understanding of their relationship with their father. Best of SL Luck! 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

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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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SHARING FOOD A

pillar of the Cowichan Valley Basket Society, Duncan’s food bank, for over 20 years, Betty Ann Devitt volunteers six days a week from before 7 a.m. until shortly before 5 p.m. She insists she’s not tired, “I would like a day off now and again, but I’m not ready to quit.” Her age is a mystery, “If I tell people how old I am, they’ll insist I’m too old to be working so hard.” But her work is a huge part of her life and the lives of those thousands of people who have found solace in the small green house on Garden Street over the years. According to the Canadian Association of Food Banks, in British Columbia, 76,514 people used a food bank in March

W NEJULY 2008 VANCOUVER ISLAND

Housing Guide for Seniors

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

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

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

STORY AND PHOTO BY JUDY STAFFORD

2007. Almost 28,000 children needed emergency food during that time, an increase of seven per cent from 2006. Over 21 percent of those assisted in B.C. report provincial disability income support as their primary source of income – the highest in Canada. Dave Murray, Provincial HungerCount Co-ordinator and President, Abbotsford Community Services, reports that “British Columbia’s welfare system is systematically discouraging, delaying and denying assistance to many of the people most in need of help, with harmful consequences – including homelessness – for some of the province’s most vulnerable residents. Another sobering fact is that British Columbia continues to have the highest child poverty rate of any province in Canada for the third consecutive year. The B.C. rate is 23.5 per cent, or nearly one in every four children, living in poverty in our province. This is well above the national child poverty rate of 17.7 per cent.” Among the bleak statistics, there are small success stories here too. “I have guys who come in for a meal, and I ask them how they’re doing,” says Betty Ann. “Some will say, ‘Oh, I’ve been off alcohol for so many days now.’ And they’re excited – who else do they have to tell? When they’ve been clean so long, it matters to them that people care. I get such joy from hearing that; it’s such a wonderful feeling – I wouldn’t give this up. They know I care about them. We all do. [The volunteers] treat them all with respect, as long as

LEGION MANOR VICTORIA

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Please mail a cheque for $5.25 ($5 plus GST), along with your name, phone number and address, to Senior Living, 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1. We will mail you a copy of this resourceful housing guide upon receipt of payment. 28

SENIOR LIVING

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they treat us with respect.” Betty Ann’s bright blue eyes sparkle under her wild, curly white hair. She may be tiny, but she’s a force to be reckoned with and her cordless phone is her only weapon. “Everybody trusts me. If I say pack it up, watch your mouth, they’ll usually say sorry,” she says. “I have the backing of the community, and I have the backing of the police. I cannot praise the police enough - they come immediately if I call them. ‘Not to worry,’ they say to me, ‘we’ve got your back.’ If this place wasn’t here – we would have problems. Folks can stay all day, as long as they behave themselves – if they don’t behave, they are not welcome.” During the month of August, 379 adults and 210 children received hampers and many more were welcomed and fed over 4,000 bowls of soup and thousands of sandwiches. Over 90 volunteers help out – from preparing sandwiches to washing dishes. Betty Ann used to do the dishes too, until one day when she was away and someone had to fill in. Then, realizing what an outrageous amount of work she did every day, the board of directors quickly hired a dishwasher. No stranger to hard work, at 15, Betty Ann was a live-in mother’s helper looking after three children in Vancouver. Then, when her mother remarried and moved her family to Ontario, she began the tough life of working on a farm. She eventually met her husband there and, after they married, he was transferred to England. By the time their third child arrived, they’d moved back to B.C., where they’ve lived ever since. Betty Ann’s huge heart has been bestowed on her children, her grandchildren, her foster son, his children and many other lucky little ones whose lives were touched by her when she ran a daycare out of her home for years. Now, she shares all her loving attention, and many hugs, with the folks who wander in from the streets and into her small, green office. Soup preparation starts early and by 8 a.m., the place bustles: Marilyn Joe is busy in the kitchen and other volunteers set out the goody trays in the dining area. While the coffee percolates, Tony Joe, another cook, makes sure the kitchen runs like clockwork. The food shelves downstairs look bare, so Betty Ann fusses that the hamper lists, usually tacked on the wall, are missing. Organization, cleanliness and humility are why this place runs well. Betty Ann never bothers to mention she was a recipient of Duncan’s finest award, The Scroll of Honour, in December 2006. She prefers to be one of the quiet ones; but without her dedication and energy, a lot more folks would go hungry and fewer would feel a sense of pride when sharing their small SL triumphs. Want to help? Find a local food bank at www.cafb-acba. ca Or, volunteer time, donate food or money, organize a food drive, collect and donate old cellphones and ink cartridges and deliver them to a drop-off location nearby. Check out www.think-food.com for more information.

McDonald’s fits my lifestyle...

Harold Crouch

Do You Enjoy: • Talking to and serving people? • Flexible hours? • Professionals with positive attitude? • Connecting socially AND getting paid? • Excellent training? “The flexible hours I work at McDonald’s allows me the time to enjoy an active family life as a father of 2, stepfather of 2, and grandfather of 3. I enjoy the relationship I have with the regular customers... they are like an extended family to me. Every day I know I am valued. ” Harold Crouch

Apply today at any of the Victoria McDonald’s Restaurants or contact the McDonald’s Victoria OCTOBER 2008 29 Regional Office at (250) 952-3605

View of Roatan from Valor

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Why Vote NDP?

Respect for seniors enshrined in New Democrats charter In 2006, an NDP motion creating a Seniors Charter was passed by a majority in the House of Commons, including the Conservatives. NDP Seniors Critic Chris Charlton (Hamilton Mountain) said at the time, “The non-partisan passing of this motion is a giant ﬁrst step towards ensuring that no Canadian senior will ever have to choose between buying their groceries or their medication again. “Shamefully, despite talking the talk, the Conservatives have not initiated a single measure to advance any of the charter rights they voted for.” Only New Democrats will walk the walk. On October 14, vote New Democrat to rectify years of under-funding of seniors programs, to ensure income security and affordable housing for seniors, to invest in home care and support for caregivers and to implement the principles of the Seniors Charter.

Seniors Charter tabled as a motion in the House of Commons in 2006 by NDP MP Chris Charlton: That, in the opinion of the House, the government should work with the provinces to rectify decades of under-funding of seniors programs by: (a) creating a Seniors Charter that recognizes older Canadians as creative, active and valued members of our society, and that this Charter shall enshrine the right of every senior living in Canada to the following: (i) income security, through protected pensions and indexed public income support that provides a reasonable state of economic welfare; (ii) housing, through secure accessible, and affordable housing; (iii) wellness, through health promotion and preventative care; (iv) health care, through secure, public, accessible, universal health care including primary care, dental care, homecare, palliative and geriatric care, and pharmacare; (v) self-development, through lifelong access to affordable recreation, education and training, (vi) government services, through timely access to all federal government services and programs, including family re-uniﬁcation; and (b) creating a Seniors Advocate to: (i) conduct public education and awareness initiatives on the rights of seniors; (ii) ensure that all new or revised policies and programs affecting seniors receive public input from older persons; (iii) require that all new policies and programs affecting seniors are announced with speciﬁc timelines for implementation; (iv) act as an Ombudsman for seniors with respect to all government services and programs making recommendations as appropriate and that this Seniors Advocate publish and report annually to Parliament on government policies and programs affecting seniors, including the effectiveness of federal funding related to the needs of older persons.

How well do you know your Canadian Prime Ministers? 1. He is the only Canadian prime minister to have been born in Berlin, Ontario. Which of this was it? Richard B Bennett Robert Borden John Diefenbaker William Lyon Mackenzie King 2. Of the ﬁrst eight prime ministers eligible to be knighted, this Scottish born prime minister was the only one to refuse the honour. John A Macdonald Mackenzie Bowell William Lyon Mackenzie King Alexander Mackenzie 3. Born in Amherst, Nova Scotia, he served the shortest time as prime minister at 69 days (as of 2005). John Thompson John Abbot Mackenzie Bowell Charles Tupper 4. Born in Halifax, he died, after two years as prime minister, in England, just after being 30

SENIOR LIVING

named to Queen Victoria’s Privy Council. John Thompson John Abbot Mackenzie Bowell Charles Tupper 5. This prime minister was the first to be born in British Columbia. Port Alberni on Vancouver Island was the birthplace of this prime minister. Joe Clark Kim Campbell Lester B Pearson Paul Martin 6. As of 2005, he became the youngest ever prime minister. This prime minister was also the first born in Alberta. Paul Martin John Turner Joe Clark Lester B Pearson 7. Born in St-Lin, Quebec, this prime minister became the first Francophone prime minister. Louis St Laurent Wilfrid Laurier

Pierre Trudeau Arthur Meighen 8. Born in Montreal, this prime minister ofﬁcially recognized Canada as bilingual and multicultural. Lester B Pearson Pierre Trudeau John Turner Jean Chretien 9. This prime minister, born in Hopewell, New Brunswick, retired to England and was elevated to the British House of Lords. Richard B Bennett Arthur Meighen William Lyon Mackenzie King Robert Bordon 10. Born in Richmond, Surrey, England, this person served for just under three months as prime minister. Richard B Bennett Kim Campbell Paul Martin John Turner

Candidates of all four major political parties were invited by Senior Living to participate in this advertising feature.

Answers on Page 39

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CUPE 3787

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Why Vote Liberal?

The Harper Conservatives have given seniors a raw deal. Their economic policies have left seniors to fend for themselves, and they’ve jeopardized Canada’s prosperity. The Conservatives scaled back community-based programs that had enabled seniors to play an active role in their communities, like the Liberal government’s New Horizons for Seniors project. They stood idly by as seniors have been pushed back into the workforce by skyrocketing living costs. Behind closed doors, they slashed funding for food safety and cancelled federal inspections, putting seniors at particular risk. And Stephen Harper’s Conservatives broke their promise not to tax income trusts, costing investors between $25 billion and $35 billion and wiping out savings for many seniors. 242,000 Canadian seniors live in poverty. The Liberal Party believes that those who built our country deserve better, and we are proud of our legacy in government; Liberal governments introduced the Old Age Security pension, the Canada Pension Plan, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and Medicare. Under Liberal stewardship, Canada’s national pension system became the best managed in the G-8 — under Liberal governments, Canada became the only G-7 country whose pensions are ﬁnancially secure for the long run. A new Liberal government will build on our historical commitment to delivering on our obligations to our seniors. A Liberal government will take immediate steps to dramatically reduce poverty in Canada, especially for seniors. We will ensure that losing one’s spouse does not leave seniors below the low-poverty threshold, and we will increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement by $600 — an $800 million commitment to low-income seniors. The Conservatives’ plan, meanwhile, offers dramatically less — a tax break worth $150, at the very most. A Liberal government will work to keep seniors safe and their savings secure. We will toughen food safety standards and devote $50 million to hire 100 new inspectors and reverse the deadly cuts made by the Conservatives. And we will cancel the Conservatives’ 31.5 percent tax on income trusts, replacing it with a 10 percent tax paid by companies but refundable to Canadian residents. A Liberal government will build a Canadian economy that is ready to be globally competitive in the 21st century. We will help Canadians meet the daily challenge of ever-rising energy prices, by paying for cost-saving home renovations. We will support seniors who leave the workforce, but we will also beneﬁt those who choose to continue working, by cutting income taxes and creating thousands of new jobs. Like Canadian seniors, the Liberal Party cares deeply about the legacy that we will leave to our children and grandchildren. Unlike the Conservatives or the NDP, our plan is designed to pay dividends for the next generation, not just the next election. Seniors should vote Liberal because, with our focus set resolutely on our country’s future, a Liberal government will build a richer, greener, and fairer Canada. 32 SENIOR LIVING

Briony

PENN Saanich-Gulf Islands

I made the shift for a Richer, Fairer, Greener Canada. Please join me and make the shift.

(250) 479-3291 | info@briony.ca | www.briony.ca Authorized by the official agent for Briony Penn

NEWS FROM SENIOR LIVING eNewletter for Readers

Back Issues

Senior Living published its ﬁrst newsletter for our readers, e-mailed directly to those who signed up for this service on our website. If you would like to be added to our list, please visit our website at www.seniorlivingmag.com and look for our Readers Newsletter signup. E-mailed once monthly, this newsletter will contain information not presented in our magazines, news on recent developments on the Senior Living website, special offers for our readers, upcoming events, and links to senior-focused businesses. Sign up today!

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News Brief

MAGAZINE

Name __________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________ City ___________________________________________________ Province ________________ Postal Code ____________________

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

UVIC EMERITUS PROFS NEW ROYAL SOCIETY FELLOWS Pat Martin Bates, professor emerita with the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Victoria, is one of the university’s newest fellows of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC). The distinction is considered Canada’s highest academic honour. The RSC, the country’s senior national body of distinguished Canadian scientists and scholars, promotes learning and research in the natural and social sciences and the humanities. Bates, featured in the June 2008 issue of Senior Living magazine, was a long-term faculty member at UVic before retiring in 1991. Her innovative printmaking has won her awards from around the world. Also awarded was Peter Baskerville, a professor emeritus with UVic’s history department. He is considered one of the world’s leading historians engaged in inter-disciplinary research on the making of modern society.

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               

    

    

 

   OCTOBER 2008

CHANGING PARTNERS I BY BARBARA MCLAY

Photo: Heather McLay

was in my driveway, and to get my was newly-divorced after 21 butt out there. years of marriage. Karen, From the parking lot of the cluba fellow English teacher, a merry spinster and an experienced house, we could hear the band playdater, called one Friday and asked ing music from the ’50s and ’60s. me to accompany her to a dance. I Karen walked ahead of me into the said no. I was already in my PJs, had marbled lobby, bought a ticket and 150 essays to grade before Monday disappeared into the crowd. As I morning, and had no motivation to was paying for my admission, a man get dressed and drive 30 kilometres, approached – tall, tanned, tough, a even to go dancing. blurred tattoo on his muscled arm, “Come on, Barb, it’s at the counsun-bleached gray-streaked hair tied back in a ponytail. He was try club.” dressed in khaki pants, a faded blue “I don’t have anything to wear.” golf shirt and docksiders. “You don’t have to dress up. It’s “You look like a sailing lady,” casual.” was his greeting. “It’s too late to call any guys to “What-whatever made you say go dance with us, or do you already that? Have we met?” I stuttered. have some lined up? Is that it? Your Barbara and Bob dance “Ah, so you are a sailing lady. I ugly cousin’s in town or someat her retirement party hardly ever guess wrong. I’m Bud. thing?” earlier this year. I love to dance, and I love to sail. “My cousins are all handsome, but married or I’d have already fixed you up. No, here’s Come on and dance. We’ll talk about sailing.” Bud was a smooth dancer despite the non-skid shoes. He the thing. It’s a singles dance. We don’t have to bring men. told me he made his living delivering sailboats. He’d just They’ll be there.” “A singles dance? That sounds awful! It’s going to be a 30- bought a Morgan 35. He asked if I’d like to go sailing somesomething meat market or else hundreds of grey-haired ladies time. I said maybe. He gave me his business card. We danced fighting over a couple of nearly-dead men.” every number until the band played a tango. “Oops, can’t do “Stop being so negative! And don’t disparage grey-hair la- that one,” he said. “Where are you sitting? I’ll walk you back dies. There, but for the grace of Clairol, go I. I know you love and then disappear to give some other guy a chance. I know to dance. Here’s a dance in a beautiful place with partners you probably don’t want to dance with the same ugly guy all provided. What do we care if they’re old or young? They’ll be night, but I’ll be back if you don’t get stolen.” Bud walked me over to the table where Karen sat with a able to dance or they wouldn’t be there. We’ll have fun. Now get dressed - casual, but a skirt. I’ll drive, and if you don’t like redheaded woman. A short man wearing a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up was standing between them trying it, we won’t stay, but let’s check it out.” “All right, I’ll go. I do need some exercise, but promise to persuade one of the ladies to get up and dance. After firstname introductions, true to his word, Bud disappeared. The we’ll leave if I don’t like it.” “If you say, ‘Go,’ we’re outta there. Promise. I’ll pick you redhead got up and followed the short man onto the dance floor. I grinned at Karen and gave her the satisfaction of sayup at eight. Be ready.” I pulled my hair back in a ponytail, braided it and put on an ing, “I told you so.” We were both having fun. Before I could olive-green dress that looked like a Second World War WAC pull out a chair, I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see uniform. I wasn’t speaking metaphorically when I said I had a man a little younger than Bud and distinctly different in apnothing to wear to a dance. My wardrobe consisted almost pearance – gentlemanly, shorter, with neatly cut dark hair and entirely of shorts and T-shirts for sailing, and slacks with silk gold-rimmed glasses. He wore a sports jacket, dress shirt, tie, knit tops and tailored jackets for work. I did have good danc- and black dress shoes. “Can you tango?” he asked me. “It’s my favourite dance.” ing shoes, though – flat-heeled Mary Janes. I didn’t own a I never saw Bud again. Robert didn’t let go of my hand unpair of high heels. I painted my lips with some copper-coloured lipstick, the only make-up I owned, and then I graded til the band went home. There wasn’t a dance he couldn’t do three more essays before Karen called on her cell to say she well. Swing, salsa, waltz, foxtrot – play the music, he knew

SENIOR LIVING

the moves. I learned that he was divorced, a physics professor, a former naval ofﬁcer, a scuba instructor and a spelunker. He was commodore of a sailing club, owned a Piper Cherokee and a sailplane, loved tent-camping, horseback riding, and canoeing. He owned his own home. His daughter lived with him and attended graduate school. Incredibly, he seemed to be everything I wanted in a man, my soulmate. When he mentioned he was a Unitarian, a philosophy I’d recently embraced, I believed in magic. I told him my name and the area where I lived, but didn’t give him my phone number. I knew his name and where he worked. I could get in touch if I wished. On the drive home, I raved about Robert. On hearing his resumé, Karen was convinced he was a phoney. I didn’t realize men lied about themselves to impress women. She told me it was common practise. Disappointed, I tried to dismiss him from my mind, but was pleasantly surprised when he phoned precisely at 10 a.m. Saturday. “Do you know how many ways there are to spell McLay?” he asked. I like resourceful men who can spell, so I accepted his dinner invitation. Even a phoney can be entertaining. Robert says he was in love from the ﬁrst dance. I was too, but I didn’t want to rush things. We dated for eight years. We’ve been married for nine. Karen was wrong. He’s the real deal. SL And I still believe in magic.

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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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Call today for a free in-home assessment 36 SENIOR LIVING

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Courageous s u o e g a r t Ou RECYCLE

BY PAT NICHOL

The Greening of 55+

Photo: Frances Litman

ver the past several months, I’ve enjoyed working with people 55+ and connecting them with employers through a program called Experience Works. And while we’ve recycled with a Blue Box program for a number of years, we’ve only just begun to realize how to recycle ourselves as employees. Some time ago, I met a group of walkers who called themselves “recycled teenagers,” because their exercise made them feel young again. People I have met in the past several months are making me realize that it is possible for people to be recycled as well. There are four kinds of 55+ ready and willing to be recycled:

1. Those who need to work for their soul’s sake; they’ll still be working at 107. 2. Those who simply want to have some choice at the end of the month as to what’s on the menu. 3. Those who work to pay for their green fees. 4. And, like my husband who neither plays golf nor ﬁshes, “what else is there to do?” Some people come in to Experience Works with their three-page resumé, hand it to me and say: “I don’t want to do this anymore. What can you ﬁnd for me to do? How can I be recycled and use the knowledge, skills and abilities I have learned over the years to help others. I want to have some time for me, while at the same time making a difference.” When I speak to groups, like the Ontario Retired Teachers about being recycled, I talk about the ABCs of being a mature employee in today’s workplace: ‘A’ stands for attitude – the attitude of some managers who look at 55+ and

see a grandparent. Or, the 55+ employee who has been there, done that and doesn’t want to be told about different and new ways. There has to be a meeting in the middle. ‘B’ stands for beliefs and myths about older workers – everything from “you’re too overqualiﬁed.” We’re all overqualiﬁed! To “you’re too expensive.” Wrong. ‘C’ stands for culture shock – how do you keep traditionalists, boomers, Gen X and Gen Y working together? It takes learning about each other, understanding and listening to each other. So, being 55+ simply means a new method of recycling, not newspapers and clothing, but people. There is a lot of life left. Reuse it, recycle it, have fun with it. SL

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

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Crossword PUZZLE Across 1. Moldable synthetic materials 7. 27th president of the U.S. 11. Come into contact with 12. Resident of London 14. Main artery 15. Thousand 16. Software test version 17. Of them 18. Defeat decisively 19. Is indebted 20. Passport endorsement 22. Iceberg 23. Musical instrument 26. Buckets 28. Donated 31. Idiot 32. Cut in two 33. Capital of France 34. It is 37. And not

Mind GAMES 38. Thick liqueur 39. Inquisitive person 41. Mixture of earth and water 43. Old Indian coin 44. Purchaser 45. Skin eruption 46. Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bed 47. Indifferent 49. Writing table 52. Floating ice 54. Unit for measuring gold 57. Great lakes 58. Taradiddles 59. Inhabitant of Iraq 60. Ball game 61. Goddess of love 62. Inquires 63. Emotional outburst

Down 1. Exclamation of disdain 2. Decoy

3. Engaged in action 4. Female given name 5. Advertising achievement award 6. Capable of being dissolved 7. Sled 8. Once more 9. Festive occasion 10. Wrecks 11. Bugle call 13. Short letters 15. Livestock enclosure 21. Duration 24. Scottish child 25. Many times 27. Tusks 29. Fragrance 30. Infectious agent 35. Dollars 36. Nothing 38. Luminous intensity unit 39. Proclaim 40. Expressions of concurrence 42. Male Hindu apparel 44. Punches 45. Yeller 48. Split into layers 50. Periods of history 51. Ailing 53. Comply 55. Wife of a rajah 56. Water

ANSWERS

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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 HAIRSTYLIST has a private and comfortable studio in her Sidney home. Christine offers a full, professional service. Special senior rates. Please call 250822-4247. COLLECTOR SEEKING vintage/collectable cameras, binoculars and microscopes. Nikon, Leica, Contax, Rolleiﬂex, Zeiss, Canon, etc. Mike (250)3836456 or e-mail: msymons6456@telus.net

SAANICH VOLUNTEER SERVICES needs drivers! We need volunteer drivers to get clients to medical appointments, etc. More info at 250-595-8008.

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

BOARD MEMBERS WANTED! To fulﬁll the role of Director-at-Large on the Board of Directors for a notfor-proﬁt housing society that provides housing to adults with multiple disabilities. This volunteer position requires approximately 4-6 hours per month. Responsibilities include: attending monthly Board meetings, actively participating in committee and Board functions. For further inquiry or to apply, please contact Tammy at 250-383-2524. Check our our website at www.ilhs.ca

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. Rent recumbent & upright bikes, treadmills, elliptical trainers or rowers. Details at www.advantagehealthandﬁtness.com or 1-800661-4737.

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

PERSONAL CAREGIVER WANTED Are you an experienced caregiver looking for a pleasant working environment in a home environment providing specialized support to one person? A physically and mentally handicapped lady requiring complete personal care is looking for the right person to help her live a full and quality life. While supported by family, she is still much in need of a mature, calm, but upbeat care giver who she can depend on long term to take the strain off family members and who can help her do all the things she enjoys doing, both in the home and in the community. Because she has great difﬁculty speaking, you must be patient and willing to learn her speech patterns. She requires someone who can lift her from her bed to the wheelchair, etc. She only weighs 65 pounds, but having a healthy back and knowing how to lift properly is essential. She needs total personal care (feeding, bathing, toileting, etc.). There are light housekeeping duties and a vehicle to maintain in good condition. You must have a valid drivers license and a safe driving record. She has pets so an appreciation for animals would be an asset. This is a non-smoking environment. This lady is good natured, loving and full of desire to be among friends and doing everything everyone else does. If you feel you are the right person for this job, please fax your resume to 250-479-4808. Wage $15.25/hour. All weekday shifts, including occasional weekend.

Answers to Prime Minister Trivia on Page 30 1. William Lyon Mackenzie King Mackenzie King, grandson of rebel William Lyon Mackenzie, was born in Berlin, Ontario. In 1916, Berlin changed its name to Kitchener because of anti German feelings due to World War I. 2. Alexander Mackenzie Mackenzie came to Canada at age 20 and still harboured anti English feelings as prime minister. 3. Charles Tupper He was also the oldest to assume ofﬁce at 74 years old. 4. John Thompson

Thompson died at the age of 49 of a heart attack. He was also the ﬁrst Roman Catholic to be prime minister. 5. Kim Campbell As of 2005, Campbell still remains the only woman ever to be head of government in North America. 6. Joe Clark Clark was born in High River and was prime minister, for nine months, of a Conservative minority government. He was 39 years old. His budget brought a vote of non conﬁdence and forced an election. Pierre Trudeau returned to lead Canada for four more years. 7. Wilfred Laurier Laurier also served the longest uninterrupted term of any Canadian prime minister as of 2005.

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. WANTED; AUTOMATIC FOUR CYLINDER PICKUP low miles, excellent condition. Cheap/economical. Canopy optional. (Ford Ranger, Mazda B2???, ChevS10, Toyota) 250-479-7414. PERSONALS SWM N/S SEEKS FEMALE FRIEND. Many interests. Newly retired. New to Island. Has humor/bike/hiking boots. Could relocate. Coffee/walk 1-250-390-3039.

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 1-877-4794705. 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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IRONMAN RUTH HEIDRICH Running Around the World

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Classiﬁeds now available in our Greater Vancouver Senior Living edition.

Call for details. 479-4705

8. Pierre Trudeau Trudeau also enacted the War Measures Act, introduced the metric system, and fought for nuclear disarmament. 9. Richard B Bennett He became Viscount Bennett when elevated to the House of Lords. As of 2005, he is the only prime minister not buried in Canada. 10. John Turner Turner moved to Canada with his parents at the age of three. He was only prime minister for a few months. He was soundly defeated by Brian Mulroney and the Progressive Conservatives in 1984 after only serving as prime minister for just under three months. Find more political trivia at funtrivia.com OCTOBER 2008

BIKING THE USA BY JUDY STAFFORD

f the drive and ability are there – do it. That’s the advice Sue and Chuck Hof share after completing a 8,050-kilometre road trip through the United States on their motorcycle. The breathtaking beauty they witnessed, and surprises discovered along the way, brought them to a place of wonderment. “When you’re on a motorcycle you can see, smell and feel everything around you. It’s like being at the IMAX, only outside and on wheels,” says Sue. “Every day was amazing!” Chuck and Sue’s own tale of marriage, 15 years ago, long before their trip of a lifetime, is also an amazing story. The 64 year olds, reacquainted at their 30th high school reunion, which neither had planned to attend. Chuck went only to apologize to another gal. And Sue greeted Chuck, thinking he was someone else. They spent that whole night talking; they married a year later. That was 1993, and not much has stopped them from being happy and living their dreams. Transplants from California, they now reside in a gorgeous ﬂoat home just outside Duncan, which Chuck has renovated. Sue is an RN at the Cowichan District Hospital, while Chuck, a retired marine electrician, spends his days ﬁxing this and that. Many a day pass with him and his tools spread out on the dock repairing

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SENIOR LIVING

Chuck and Sue Hof roadside in Colorado.

a window, paint brush or drill in hand. Sue, an avid gardener, has created a stunning dock garden, with ﬂowers and plants spilling over every space, bringing a sense of creativity and colour to their home. The couple walk their two old faithful companions, Tilly and Lizzie, to the dog-run area and often chat with neighbours or passersby curious about their living-on-the-water lifestyle. Lounging in side-by-side armchairs overlooking the beauty of the calm ocean with Tilly and Lizzie at their feet, it’s a wonder why they’d leave this paradise to sit on a bike for weeks. Riding a motorcycle was never on Sue’s “to-do” list. “We had pedal bikes, we had recumbent bikes, we had a sailboat, we had cars – I kept telling Chuck, we didn’t need a motorcycle. But one day, when I was away from home I called him and asked what was happening. When he said he was out on a bike, I asked him, ‘Are you telling me you bought a motorcycle?’ He said, ‘I bought it for the two of us.’ I told him there was no way I was ever going on it!” But persistence paid off. Chuck went out on his bike and came home with presents. He’d take photos, load them on the computer, and try to entice Sue to take that ﬁrst ride.

Finally, New Year’s day 2002, after working all night at the hospital, Chuck caught Sue at a weak moment, whisked her away for a “short ride,” and they’ve been riding ever since. Their latest adventure took them from their cozy living room all the way to the BMW Motorcycle Rally in Gillette, Wyoming, and back. “You live in a country all your life and never really see it,” says Sue. “For us, Devil’s Tower of Close Encounters of the Third Kind fame in Wyoming, Mount Rushmore in the Black Hill of South Dakota, and Yellowstone Park were the top stops on our list.” Sue describes the thunder and lightning and torrential rain in Laramie, Wyoming, “It was awesome! Like God was really angry. We had just ﬁnished lunch, and went to get on our bike and we could see the sky changing from grey to black. First, a slow drip, drip of rain, then thunder and lightning, and the skies opened up. We sat in the darkened café after the electricity went out and waited and chatted – it came and it went and we carried on.” In Montana, they stayed in a real ghost town, Nevada City, population ﬁve, plus the cows and an old payphone, where they spent the night roughing it in an old miner’s cabin without TV or cellphone reception. “Oh, we’re so spoiled at times; our idea of ‘roughing it’ is usually a room without HBO,” laughs Sue. “We saw beautiful scenery at every turn but the most amazing was in Monu-

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ment Valley, Utah. If you don’t believe in God, you have to believe in something or someone for it was absolutely stunning.” Their travels to that point had been warm, but in Phoenix things really heated up. “By 11 a.m., when the temperature is heading into the 40s and you’re moving at 75 to 80 mph, it’s like driving through a furnace,” says Chuck. “The only things that kept us going were the special vests we wore that absorb the water and act like coolers.” Sue would soak her T-shirt in cold water in the ladies washroom. “The other women were looking at me a bit strange, but it was hot and we needed all the cool we could get. We even soaked our jeans with ice water from our water bottles.” Food was deﬁnitely another featured highlight of their trip. No canned pork and beans on the roadside for these weary travellers – it was taste sensations all the way. “In Benica, California, we stopped at a little café we found several years ago; we had this incredible lunch, crab and melted cheese toast – it was delightful,” says Chuck. “And at Wolf Creek Inn in Oregon, there was an old roadhouse and tavern established in 1883 where we probably had the nicest lunch of the entire trip. Sue had steak and wild mushroom soup; the broth was so rich it looked like chocolate, and we shared Marion berry crumble a la mode – it was warm, fresh and delicious!”

“I can’t think of just one highlight,” Sue ponders, “the whole trip was a highlight. It’s something you carry in your mind and heart. Pictures are great – but what you see, you carry inside you forever. I was glad to get home though; we missed our friends and our dogs, and it’s comfortable here, our bed and food. There’s no place like home.” Chuck’s best advice for fellow biking enthusiasts: plan; take less gear; take more money and a credit card that takes Air Miles! Packing light is critical, especially for such a long trip: three pairs of underwear, three T-shirts, three pairs of socks, one pair of jeans, two shorts, toothbrush, soap and toiletries – that’s about it. “You should also try to avoid having a schedule so you can savour everything,” he says. “You don’t want to have to be some place else next Tuesday – you want to stop, and take your time.” Chuck and Sue do not intend to let the dust settle long. Their next trip is already being planned, so when you see the “yellow bumblebees” sailing down the road, ﬁnd out where they’re going – they know all the great spots! “There are too many people who say I would have, should have, could have, someday would like to do it, but someday never comes,” says Sue. “And as my father used to say,” Chuck adds, “you have to have something to look back upon when you’re in the SL rocking chair.”

Visit Senior Living’s Online Bookstore Books by Senior Authors and on Topics of Interest to Seniors NEW RELEASE IDENTITY THEFT: In Your Good Name

Published 2007. 173 pages. 8.5”x11” Softcover.

Price $26.95

To Move Or Not To Move?

by George Greenwood One in four Canadians has been directly affected or knows someone who has been a victim of identity theft. The best prevention is to be aware of the problem and how it is carried out.

My Patchwork Life

The Search For Jacqueline

A Helpful Guide for by Patricia Seniors Considering O’Connor Their Residential $14.95 Options $9.95 any 42 SENIORPurchase LIVING

by Patricia O’Connor $23.95

Red Tomatoes by Les NacNeill $14.95

Gipp Forster’s Collected Ramblings by Gipp Forster $10.00

of these items online at www.seniorlivingmag.com

Embrace the Journey

Nude On A Fence

The Spoils Of Angel’s War

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

Nature’s Bounty: More About Foods For A Longer And Healthier Life by Dr. Bala Naidoo $21.95

Reﬂections, Rejections And Other Breakfast Foods

A Caregiver’s Story by Valerie Green $14.95

by Eliza Hemingway $17.95

by Dave Sheed $20.00

by Gipp Forster $14.95

GST and Shipping Costs will apply. Please allow 2 weeks for delivery

To Move or Not to Move?

R UVE O C VAN AND ISL ON I EDIT

A Helpful Guide for Seniors Considering Their Residential Options

To Move or Not to Move?

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

MAGAZINE

Published by Senior Living October 2007

14.95 Buy it now!

REG. PRICE: $

ONLY

9.95

If you are a senior who has been wondering lately whether you should consider moving - either because you find the maintenance of your current home more difficult due to diminishing ability or energy, or you simply want a lifestyle that allows you more freedom and less responsibility - then this is the book that can help you ask the right questions and find the solution that is right for you. • What residential options are available? • Define your current situation - What residential option is right for you? • How to research and assess Independent and Assisted Living residences. • What do Independent, Assisted Living and Complex Care facilities have to offer? • How much does it cost to live in an Assisted Living residence? What subsidies are available? • Thinking of moving in with family members? Questions to consider before making your decision. • Are there any other residential options besides Independent, Assisted Living and Complex Care facilities? • If you choose to stay in your own home, what are your options and what should you plan for? • Who can help you decide what you can or cannot afford? • Funding sources available to seniors - tax deductions, housing subsidies, home care subsidies, equipment loan programs, renovation grants, etc. • Selling your home - how to find the right realtor or relocation services to assist your move. • Downsizing - Where do you start? How do you proceed? • Adapting your home to meet your mobility needs - tips and suggestions • Hiring home care services; do it yourself or hire an agency? • Legal matters - how to make sure you receive the care you desire should you not be able to communicate due to some incapacitating condition • AND MUCH MORE Advice from professionals who are experts in the area of assisting seniors with their relocation questions and concerns. 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.

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.

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 (250-361-4447) • Tanner’s Books 2436 Beacon Ave., Sidney (250-656-2345) • Volume One Bookstore 149 Kenneth St., Duncan (250-748-1533) OCTOBER 2008

events

• MUSIC

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events

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events

MONTEREY NOTE-ABLES Oct 5

DO YOU LIKE TO SING? Sept 9–Oct 7

The Victoria Good News Choir invites you to join their non-audition community choir. Rehearsal each Tuesday at 7pm at Cordova Bay United Church (813 Claremont Ave). Exciting season planned. Visit www.victoriagoodnewschoir.com or call 250-658-1946.

KRIS KRISTOFFERSON Oct 11

Over a 40-year career, this 3-time Grammy winner has had 17 top 40 albums and has appeared in more than 100 ﬁlms, documentaries and TV programs. Kristofferson comes to the McPherson Playhouse in Victoria (3 Centennial Square) to perform his poetic, reﬂective, outspoken songs. Show starts at 8pm; Tix: $55 –$64. www.rmts.bc.ca or 250-386-6121.

BLACK MAMBAZO Oct 15

Ladysmith Black Mambazo represents the traditional culture of South Africa. Come hear the sound of Zulu history. Show starts at 8pm at the Farquhar Auditorium at UVic Centre. Tix: $40 www.auditorium.uvic.ca or 250-721-8480.

75TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Oct 29

Colin Tilney, to mark his 75th birthday, will give a solo harpsichord recital, mostly Bach, in the Phillip T. Young Hall at UVic, start at 8pm. 250704-2580.

WINTER HARP Oct 25

Ever heard of ﬂamenco on the harp? What about the blues? A nyckelharpa? Hear this and plenty more when Winter Harp comes to town! Mary Winspear Centre (2243 Beacon Ave), Sidney. 7:30pm.

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

The Monterey Recreation Centre Musical Variety Show group is looking for new members who have an interest in participating in these shows either on stage or behind the scenes. No experience necessary. You must be 50+ or a member of Monterey Rec. Centre. We are also in need of a back up pianist. A new members meeting at 1pm in the Cedar Room at the Monterey Centre (1442 Monterey Ave). More info, call Ted at 250-477-2873.

SPEAKERS AND WORKSHOPS THE IMPLICATIONS OF OUR NUCLEAR AGE Oct 9

Camosun College wraps up its 2008 Insight season with a must-see presentation by internationally renowned lecturer and anti-nuclear crusader Dr. Helen Caldicott. She has devoted the last 35 years to educating the public about the consequences of nuclear technologies. Tix: $25 at the McPherson Box ofﬁce. Show starts 7:30 at the McPherson Playhouse (3 Centennial Square). 250-386-6121 www.camaosun.ca

FARM FORUM & FEAST Oct 25

Building a sustainable future for farming. Join the Farm Forum in conjunction with a “Food, Farms and Fun” Community Festival at Edward Milne Community School in Sooke. The day-long event concludes with a Harvest Feast celebrating local food and the region’s culinary excellence. For more info, www.sookeharvest. ca or call David Mallett at 250-642-6423.

FRUIT IDENTIFICATION Oct 25–26

The BC Fruit Testers Association will be hosting free family-oriented sessions at the West Shore Town Centre (formerly Canwest Mall, 1945 Jacklin rd. Langford). Many varieties of fruits on display, fruit identiﬁcation (bring two good samples per tree), master gardeners answer questions, fruit preparation and preserves, insects and fruit tree diseases, etc. Oct 25 starts 9:30am–5pm. Oct 26 starts 11am– 4pm. Volunteers needed. Contact Barb Chernick at 250642-5825.

Reﬂections, Rejections, “Reﬂections” MAIL-IN ORDER FORM and Other Breakfast Foods Name_____________________________________ by Gipp Forster A collection of Gipp’s humorous and nostalgic columns. A wonderful read for Reflections, �� yourself, and and Other Breakfast Foods a thoughtful gift for friends and family members. Limited Edition

128 pages

Price: $14.95 44

SENIOR LIVING

MAGAZINE

A Collection of Published & Unpublished Writings by Senior Living Columnist Gipp Forster

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FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE Oct 18

Whether it is a chronic health problem, issues with mobility or decreased cognitive function, as your spouse’s condition progresses, they can seem less and less like the person you married. Explore the added dimension a marriage takes on when caregiving a spouse becomes a part of it. 9:30am–12:30pm at the Vancouver Island Lodge (2202 Richmond Rd, Victoria). $30 Limited seating, register by Oct 14. 250-384-0408 or fcns@telus.net

FCNS CAREGIVER WORKSHOPS Throughout Oct & Nov

Contact the Family Caregivers Network Society for workshops on The Five-Minute Refresh; Meditation for the Busy Family Caregiver; Safe Medicines for Seniors; Laughter Yoga Workshop for Family Caregivers. 250-384-0408 or fcns@telus.net

ART, ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN LECTURES Throughout Oct

Oct 1: 7:30pm, Richard Layritz – Victoria’s Remarkable Nurseryman, A Slide Presentation by Leslie Drew. Oct 8: 7:30pm, Capturing the New – The Architectural Photographs of Selwyn Pullan & Hubert Norbury. Oct 15: 7:30pm, Preserving the modern with heritage consultant Don Luxton. Oct 22: 7:30pm, Rare birds: The Art of Fen Lansdowne, A slide presentation by Nick Tuele. Oct 29: 7:30pm, In Search of Soul, Art in Architecture. Lectures at the Abkhazi Garden (1964 Fairﬁeld Road). $8 per lecture, or $32 for the series. 250-598-8096 or www.abkhazi.com

COOKING FOR YOUR LIFE Throughout Oct

The Canadian Diabetes Association invites you to a 4-week, hands-on cooking class, taught by a cook and a registered dietitian. Series 1: Wed. Oct 8, 15, 22 & 29 at Bayside Middle School (1101 Newton Place, Brentwood Bay). Series 2: Tues. Oct 7, 14, 21 & 28 at Colquitz Middle School (505 Dumeresq St). $75. 6:30pm–9:30pm. 250-382-5454 ext. 222.

Taoist Tai Chi

Beginner Courses

The gentle way to improve strength, balance and ﬂexibility. Beginner Courses Start: Oct 14 Tues/Thurs 8:45-9:45 a.m. Oct 15 Wed 7:00-9:00 p.m. Nov 9 Sun Noon-2:00 p.m. Visit our friendly club and try the ﬁrst class just to see if you like it! 865 Catherine St. in Victoria West Special rates for retirees 55+ Tel: 250.383.4103 www.taoist.org

events

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events

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK Oct 5–11

The Parksville Fire Hall’s annual Open House Oct 5, 10am–3pm. All residents encouraged to drop in. Light refreshments and equipment displays, including antique firefighting equipment and apparatus. All week, Parksville Volunteer Fire Department will promote public awareness of the dangers of fire and the ways we can protect ourselves. Parksville Fire Hall (160 Jensen Ave W). www.pvfd.ca or 250-954-4695.

VICTORIA FLOWER ARRANGERS GUILD Oct 14

Workshop: Wine Bottle holder, swap and shop. Parlour show: “Bonﬁre Night.” New members and visitors welcome. 7:30pm at the Garth Homer Centre (813 Darwin Rd). 250-652-9334.

ART A HUNDRED THOUSAND THREADS Nov 6–12

A group of seven Fibre Artists showing 10am –5pm daily at the Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria (G – 6 1001 Douglas St). 250381-2787.

LOST STORIES OF EMILY CARR Oct 15

Join the Canadian Federation of University Women Victoria to hear Ann-Lee Switzer read from her book. Guests welcome. Start at 7pm at the Salvation Army Citadel (4030 Douglas St). 250-477-3925.

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events

OUTDOORS GARDEN CITY WANDERERS Throughout Oct

Oct 4: 5/10km walk. Meet at Henderson Rec. Centre (2291 Cedar Hill X Rd.) Contact Murray 250-721-3065. Oct 5: 10/12km walks. Meet at CRD Atkins Rd. Parking Lot, off Six Mile Rd. Contact Rick 250-478-7020. Oct 19: 10km walk. Meet at Maritime Museum (28 Bastion Square). Contact Brenda 250-360-0861. For all above walks, registration at 9:30am, walk at 10am. Tues. PM Walks: Meet at Running Room, Broadmead Shopping Centre (777 Royal Oak Dr.) Registration 5:45pm, walk 6pm. Contact Gail 250-477-4472. Wed. PM Walks: Meet at Oak Bay Rec. Centre, (1975 Bee St.) Registration 5:45pm, walk 6pm. Contact Murray 250-721-3065. Mon. & Thurs. AM Walks: Registration 8:45am, walk 9am. Contact Rick 250-478-7020 for current schedule.

CRAFT FAIRS OAK LEAVES BAZAAR Oct 25

Books, CDs, sewing, attic treasures, Christmas decor, knitwear, baking & preserves, baby wear, jewelry, dolls, toys, plants, pictures, puzzles, fabrics, novelties and a rafﬂe! 10am–2pm, Monterey Rec. Centre (1442 Monterey Ave). 250-370-7300.

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CHRISTMAS QUILT AND CRAFT SALE Nov 7 & 8

Handmade quilts of all sizes, quilted gifts, craft items, original ornaments. Free admission and parking. Visa and Mastercard accepted. Nov 7: 3pm–8pm. Nov 8: 10am–5pm. Salvation Army Citadel (4030 Douglas St). Wheelchair accessible. For info, call Peggy at 250-656-5239.

NORTH ISLAND COMPANIONS THROUGH GRIEF Every Friday

An on-going drop-in program for support of those who are grieving the death of a loved one. Trained facilitators. 10am–noon, Nanaimo Community Hospice (1729 Boundary Ave). Call Hospice 250-758-8857 for info.

NANAIMO CHAPTER KIDNEY FOUNDATION Nov 6

Lunch meeting at the Oliver Woods Community Centre, 1781 Oliver Road, Nanaimo. 12:15pm. Contact Marian 250-758-4561.

REIKI LEVEL I Oct 25

Workshop starts at 10am–4pm. Learn the basics of Reiki: hand positions, self-care, practising on others. Held at Hospice House (1729 Boundary Ave., Nanaimo). 25% of all proceeds go to Hospice. For information and registration call Lynn Jetter at 250-754-4402.

JUST KIDDING Oct 4

Green Thumb Theatre Company’s production of New Canadian Kid, written by Dennis Foon, highlights challenges facing new immigrants. Show starts at 1pm at the Vancouver Island University Theatre (building 310). Tickets $12, season subscriptions $40. 250-754-7587. www. theatreone.org

FUNDRAISING BOTTLE DRIVE Oct 18

Drop off your returnable water, pop, alcohol and juice bottles/tins/pouches/boxes 10am–2pm at Duncan United Church parking lot (246 Ingram), to help fund schooling in Kenya through ACCES, a BC-based educational charity (www. acceskenya.org). Shelagh 250-246-9102.

AUCTION 4 ARTHRITIS Oct 1–31

Fabulous online fundraising auction to support the Arthritis Society. Over 100 items– hotel getaways, restaurants, Robert Bateman art, ﬁtness, beauty, outdoor adventure, yoga, sports tickets, books, massage. It’s easy! Bid online, pay by credit card or cheque. www.gobid.ca Go to the Auction Calendar then to Auction 4 Arthritis.

AFRICAN DINNER Oct 25

Enjoy African food and entertainment in this fundraiser for the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s programs in Africa. Dinner 6pm at the St. John the Divine Church Hall (925 Balmoral Rd). $40 in advance. Carry-On Grannies 250-391-7377. OCTOBER 2008

BY MARGARET GROWCOTT

Photo: Julian Growcott

HARMONY IN THE VALLEY

y husband, Robert, and I are members of the Phil’s Harmonics String Orchestra. We came to live in Port Alberni four years ago. Robert was a professional violinist for many years: in the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for 25 years and, before that, in the London Philharmonic in his native England. “I am very lucky to have had a good job as a musician all my life,” says Robert, “and now have turned it into a hobby, playing with this lovely group of people in Port Alberni.” Since its inception in 2002, the Phil’s Harmonics has been a steady provider of classical and ﬁddle music in the Alberni

46 46

SENIORLIVING LIVING SENIOR

Valley. About three-quarters of the orchestra is composed of seniors, starting with Philip Wallbank, the Director of the ensemble. Philip recently retired from Canada Post in Port Alberni. A graduate of UBC, he is an accomplished musician. The instrument he played while studying for his Bachelor of Music degree was the bassoon, but since he was a small child, Philip has also played the violin. In the orchestra, he directs from his position of viola, and sometimes plays guitar as accompaniment to ﬁddle music. Philip’s father, the late Dexter Wallbank, was also a veteran musician, composer and arranger. He wrote much of the music the orchestra performs today. Philip’s wife, Bonnie, is leader of the second violins and is a driving force in the group. She orders and keeps track of the vast library of music, and co-ordinates and books all performances. She also has to remember all the bits and pieces, like chords, patches and amps for the piano keyboard when the group plays outdoors where there is no regular piano. “There are always extra items to remember when we play outdoors, like clothes pegs to hold down our music on windy days,” says Bonnie. The group plays frequently at various care facilities in the Alberni Valley. Dexter Wallbank wrote special pieces of music for Abbeyﬁeld and Heritage Place (both assisted living facilities) and Fir Park Village and Echo Village (extended care facilities). These four tunes have catchy rhythms and nostalgic type melodies reminiscent of Edwardian music-hall themes. Beverly Hintz, the group’s pianist, has played the piano since she was a young girl. “My mother started me on the violin,” says Beverly, “but I wasn’t really interested in the violin, so I was switched to the piano, which I really loved.” At times, a piano is not required in the repertoire of the orchestra, so Beverly is glad she eventually learned the violin. Beverly also sings in “Timbre! Choir,” the well-known Port Alberni choir, which has sung at Carnegie Hall and other prestigious engagements. Beverly’s mother, 97-year-old Ardena Hazard, still plays in the orchestra and says, “Some of the best times of my life have been playing violin in concerts and shows here in the Valley. Playing the violin keeps me young. I knew Dexter Wallbank well and I love his arrangements as well as the other classical music we play.” Retired high school teacher Julia Turner plays viola with the orchestra. She grew up in Ireland and started the piano at an early age, which she found to be a solid foundation for other instruments she later learned, namely the tenor sax and the viola. “A string instrument was a new venture for me, but I wanted to play in the orchestra,” she says. “They seemed to have plenty of violins, so I chose the viola.”

Retired millwright Bert Thompson has played violin since he was a small boy. He loves playing in the orchestra and rarely misses a practice or event, except when it’s Hockey Night in Port Alberni! Bert is also a keen lawn bowler and believes that bowling has helped his bow arm. Claudette Sjerven, retired hospital pharmacy technician, plays cello in the orchestra. Like others, she started out on the violin, but since retiring a year ago, wanted “an extra challenge,” so took up the cello. “I miss the violin,” she says, “but the cello is more rewarding for me to play in the group.” Retired United Church Minister Mary Steele plays in the second violin section of the group. After taking a break from music this summer due to commitments with Dragon Boating, Mary wonders how the paddling will have affected her bow arm. “Probably will have strengthened it,” she says. Mary has played with the group since it began in 2002 and is looking forward to resuming rehearsals this fall. In July, the orchestra played for the Tall Ships Festival in Port Alberni and at the Forest Fest at the McLean Mill Historic Site in the Alberni Valley, home of the only working steam sawmill in Canada. Two major concerts a year keep the ensemble busy at rehearsal time. Other engagements include regular “Tea on the Terrace” gigs in July and August at the Rollin Art Centre, an historic house set in a beautiful garden where the gazebo provides a perfect venue for the orchestra. Phil’s Harmonics plays frequently at banquets, special events and weddings. Last year, they played at a wedding on a farm at Beaver Creek, with the stunning Beaufort Mountains as a backdrop for the occasion. The repertoire of the group is diverse: Mozart, Vivaldi, Handel, Bach, alongside folk tunes (mostly arranged by Dexter Wallbank) and even ﬁddle tunes, means there is something for every kind of audience and for all ages to enjoy. December 5, Phil’s Harmonics will be playing for the Messiah with the Choir of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Nanaimo. 7 p.m. Gleneagle Crescent, Nanaimo. December 7, they combine with Barkley Sounds Community Choir for a Christmas Concert at the United Church in SL Port Alberni. 2 p.m.

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Reﬂections THEN & NOW

BY GIPP FORSTER

owdy Doody and I were pretty tight. We go back to the days of black and white television and talked to each other nearly every day. It was on the sly on my part because by the time I first met him, I was in my teens! But he sure was entertaining, along with his sidekick Clarabell, who was always blowing that horn instead of talking. They broke me up, although I pretended to ignore them if anyone over 10 was in the room when they were on. In many ways, Howdy was one the first television stars. I can still picture him in that checkered shirt and bandana and his pants tucked into those cowboy boots. I remember his freckles too. Oh yeah, in his prime, he was second to none. One thing, I figure, if he is still around, he hasn’t put on a pound or lost any of his painted-on hair. I imagine he still looks the same now as he did then. Sturdy little fellow! I guess that old black and white television introduced me intimately to many people: Jim Anderson in Father Knows Best, Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, Milton Berle, Ed Sullivan and Red Skelton; it opened up a whole new world and Howdy, in a sense, led the way. Years don’t only separate us from our

youth, they separate us from our imaginations and our innocent dreams, from possibilities of the absurd to the realities of reality. Howdy lived in that little box with the one window where you knew he would be safe until you saw him again. He would always be and you would always be. Time and change did not enter into the equation. I don’t think Howdy ever married. I don’t ever remember hearing of a Mrs. Doody or little Doodys scampering about inside the television set. I hope he didn’t end up alone and lonely when he ﬁnally lost his job. I hope Clarabell stayed by him. At least until his horn lost its honk. Howdy deserves a quiet and safe retirement. I don’t know why I think of him these many many years later. I was just fumbling around with memories and suddenly, there he was. It was a time of change, those times. There wasn’t the sophistication in children’s programming demanded today. Black and white was what you saw. Your imagination turned the pictures into colour. Not everyone had a television back in Howdy’s time. It was still a novelty. Some even said it would never last. Well, it did. But Howdy Doody

Photo: Krystle Wiseman

HOWDY DOODY

didn’t. Much the pity! Anyhow, Howdy and I were great friends. At least I like to think we were. My wife just said I must have been some lonely kid. Lonely wasn’t part of that time, at least for me. I could always tune in and listen to the advice Jim Anderson would give to his son Bud on Father Knows Best or watch the silly antics of Red Skelton or roar hilariously as Uncle Miltie cavorted around in a woman’s dress. And, of course, my friend Howdy. I am told the majority of animation is computerized now. Ventriloquism is no longer looked at as an art. Wood dummies and puppets have been traded, it seems, for cloth puppets and socks. There should be a Hall of Fame for dummies and puppets. And two statues should stand in the middle of the ﬂoor for us to pay homage to – one of Charlie McCarthy and one of Howdy Doody. They were the pioneers – the trailblazers for puppets on ﬁlm. And I counted both as my friends. It was a long time ago, but friendship, back then, was solid and lasting, with no strings attached (no SL pun intended).

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