Senior Living Magazine November 2014 by INSPIRED 55+ Lifestyle Magazine

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November 2014

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Diana Barkley Canadian Seniors Generously Give Back

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NOVEMBER 2014

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Your

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Leave a legacy that will last well into the future. Remember Plan Canada in your will, or establish a Because I am a Girl fund, and Plan to change the world.

Contact Aruna Aysola, Planned Giving Manager 1-800-387-1418 ext.528 | aaysola@plancanada.ca plancanada.ca/legacy Charitable reg.# 11892 8993 RR0001

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Plan to change the world

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NOVEMBER 2014

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FEATURES

34 A Fascination for Flying

6 Personal Best

Go-getter Diana Barkley aims to do her part, whether she’s raising funds for PBS or on the ice.

10 For the Love of Animals

Richmond Animal Protection Society cat sanctuary provides a safe haven for local feral and homeless cats.

14 Giving Back

In Canada, seniors continue to be the most generous donors of money, time, talents, skills and expertise.

Managing stress may help you live longer.

18 Stewarding for the Environment With a passion for nature, retired biologist Joan Snyder is pouring her energy into the environment.

22 Living with Stroke

After a stroke left him immobilized and unable to speak, tennis player and coach Marco Chorbajian had to fight his way back – now he’s helping others.

26 Six Highways to Home

Author/cyclist John Crouch undertook a 2,500km journey to raise funds for the Parkinson’s Society.

30 Changing Lives

As our region’s only not-for-profit burial park, we’re in no hurry to have you here.

Auxiliary’s Miracle Weekend liaison Carol Miller calls BC Children’s Hospital a “very special place.”

32 Charitable Generosity and Tribute to a Hero

Cynthia Sully pens a new novel whose proceeds will aid in finding a cure for Crohn’s and Colitis. Cover Photo: Competitive ice dancers Diana Barkley and Geoff Squires perform their routine. Photo: James Wilkins photography

Bruce Prior, who has been flying recreationally for 43 years, is a dedicated volunteer.

38 Financing Your Future

Advice for homeowners considering a reverse mortgage to free up some cash.

DEPARTMENTS 40 Grandparenting 44 Health 48 Attractions & Entertainment 51 Classifieds 54 Travel

COLUMNS 4 47 52 59 60

The Family Caregiver by Barbara Small

Fit for the Adventure by Eve Lees

Courageous & Outrageous by Pat Nichol

It’s Just That Easy by Shell Busey

Forever Young by William Thomas

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Subscriptions: $32 (includes GST, postage and handling) for 12 issues. Canadian residents only. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Senior Living is an independent publication and its articles imply no endorsement of any products or services. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. Unsolicited articles are welcome and should be e-mailed to editor@seniorlivingmag. com Senior Living is distributed free throughout British Columbia. Stratis Publishing Ltd. publishes Senior Living (12 issues per year). ISSN 17103584 (Print) ISSN 1911-6403 (Online)

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Attractions & Entertainment • Butchart Gardens (pg 48) • Chemainus Theatre Festival (pg 49) • Civic Orchestra (pg 48) • Theatre in the Country (pg 50) • Vancouver Chamber Choir (pg 49) • Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir (pg 49) • Victoria Royals Hockey Club (pg 48) Charities • Amnesty International (pg 20) • BC Cancer Foundation (pg 27) • BC SPCA (pg 12) • BC SPCA Wildlife (pg 21) • BC Wildlife Federation (pg 9) • BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre (pg 15) • Bladder Cancer Canada (pg 7) • Bloom Group, The (pg 24) • Burns Bog Conservation Area (pg 7) • Camosun College Foundation (pg 31) • Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind (pg 23) • Canadian National Institute for the Blind (pg 22) • Canadian Red Cross (pg 22) • Canuck Place Children’s Hospice (pg 25) • Capital Regional District (pg 19) • Columbian Centre Society (pg 16) • Consumer Protection BC (pg 37) • Covenant House Vancouver (pg 15) • Cridge Centre for the Family, The (pg 33) • Christ Church Cathedral School (pg 14) • Critter Care Wildlife Society (pg 32) • Crossroads Hospice Society (pg 32) • Family Caregivers’ Network Society (pg 30) • Fire Fighters Burn Fund (pg 17) • Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society (pg 31) • Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation (pg 8) • Greater Victoria Public Library (pg 11) • Heart and Stroke Foundation (pg 25) • Independent Living Housing Society (pg 14) • Kinsmen Foundation of BC, The (pg 24) • Knowledge Network (pg 16) • Langley Care Foundation (pg 29) • Make A Wish Foundation (pg 35) • Mount St. Mary Hospital Foundation (pg 30)

• Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (pg 26) • Nature Conservancy of Canada (pg 21) • Neil Squire Society (pg 33) • North Island Wildlife Recovery Association (pg 10) • Pacific Christian School (pg 30) • Parksville Qualicum Community Foundation (pg 35) • Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation (pg 12) • Plan International Canada (pg 1) • Prostate Centre, The (pg 26) • Richmond Animal Protection Society (pg 11) • Richmond Food Bank (pg 32) • Ronald McDonald House (pg 12) • Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation (pg 19) • Saanich Volunteer Services Society (pg 20) • Saint Barnabas Anglican Church (pg 34) • Salvation Army (pg 35) • Scouts Canada Camp Barnard (pg 29) • Silver Threads (pg 8) • Spinal Cord Injury of BC (pg 28) • Vancouver Foundation (pg 13) • Vancouver Island Federation of Hospices (pg 23) • Vancouver Island University Foundation (pg 29) • Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (pg 19) • VanDusen Botanical Garden Association (pg 27) • Variety, The Children’s Charity of BC (pg 28) • Victoria Humane Society (pg 24) • Victoria Symphony Orchestra (pg 18) • Volunteer Grandparents for Intergenerational Programs Society (pg 28) • War Amps, The (pg 37) • Western Canada Wilderness Committee (pg 16) • Women In Need Community Cooperative (pg 20) Health | Wellness • Connect Hearing (pg 52) • Galaxy Medical Alert Systems (pg 44) • Motion Specialties (Inside Back Cover) • Nexgen Hearing/Mainland Hearing (pg 39)

BC Housing Guide for

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An indispensable resource of housing options for seniors. Up-to-date listings of senior SL_HalfPage_BusinessDirectory_NOV2014.indd 1 housing residences on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, including Independent Living, Assisted Living and Licensed Care.

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• Pharmasave (pg 45) • Saanich Recreation (pg 42) • Scooter City Ltd. (pg 42) Housing • Alexander Mackie Retirement Community (Inside Back Cover) • Amica Mature Lifestyles Inc. (pg 55) • Berwick Retirement Communities (pg 47) • Legion Manor (Inside Back Cover) • Minton House (pg 45) • Norgarden (Inside Front Cover) • Oak Tree Manor (pg 38) • Origin at Longwood (pg 56) • Retirement Concepts (pg 46) • Revera Inc. (pg 43) • Royale, The (Back Cover) • Trillium Care Communities (pg 40) • Westridge Landing Centre Metropolitan Capital (pg 5) Insurance | Legal | Politics | Real Estate • Enabled Financial Solutions (Inside Front Cover) • Kenneth Walton Law Corporation (pg 41) • Lifeshop.ca (pg 57) • OIS Financial Ltd. (pg 56) • Pemberton Holmes/Lisa Redding (pg 39) • Rebecca Anderson Law Corporation (Inside Front Cover) • Royal LePage Realty (pg 40) • Travel Guardian Insurance Ltd. (pg 54) • Travel Insurance Specialists (pg 53) Retail • Kool & Child (pg 42) • ShelfGenie (pg 58) Senior Care • Ace Personnel Domestic Services (pg 58) • Alpha Home Health Care (pg 41) • Saint Elizabeth (pg 4) Services • Casalinga (pg 41) • Drive Wise BC Senior Drivers (pg 43) • Everything Organized (pg 58) • Royal Oak Burial Park (pg 2) Travel & Leisure • Pitmar Tours (pg 57)

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NOVEMBER 2014

THE FAMILY CAREGIVER

Resources to Support End-of-Life Caregiver

nd-of-life care addresses the physical and psychological needs of the patient and focuses on comfort and symptom management, respect for decisions, and support for the patient and their family. As a family caregiver, you play a significant role in ensuring both physical and emotional quality of life for your family member. You may also need to learn about many aspects of physical care such as feeding, bathing and safe management of medication, if you decide to care for your family member at home. There are many resources available to help support you during this time. End-of-life care services through your local health authority focus on care co-ordination, pain and symptom management, community nursing services, home support, respite for the caregiver and residential hospice care. Contact the Home and Community Care Department of your local health authority for more information. Many communities provide end-oflife care through a hospice organization. Services will vary but may include

physical care and social, emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families. Care may be provided in patients’ homes, on the hospice’s in-patient unit or in a hospital setting. To find hospice services in your community, visit the Directory of Hospice Palliative Care Services website at www.chpca. net/family-caregivers/directory-of-services/searchedresult.aspx?p=1634 The BC Palliative Care Benefits Program supports individuals who have reached the end stage of life and wish to receive palliative care at home. Under the program, eligible patients receive 100 per cent coverage of the eligible costs of the prescription drugs and many over-the-counter drugs needed for treatment at home, and medical supplies and equipment needed to provide palliative care at home through the local health authority. The individual’s physician can assess their medical eligibility for this program and submit an application on their behalf. More information is available online at www.health.gov. bc.ca/pharme/outgoing/palliative.html or by calling HealthLink BC at 811.

BY BARBARA SMALL

If you need to take time off work to help care for a family member who is palliative, Compassionate Care Benefits for up to six weeks are available for this purpose. Contact your local Employment Insurance Office for more information. Family caregivers in Victoria can pick up free copies of A Caregiver’s Guide: A handbook about end-of-life care at the Family Caregivers Network office at #6–3318 Oak Street. This is an informative and practical book produced by the Canadian Hospice and Palliative Care Association. A digital copy is also available at http://67.227.227.84/~st1a2013/ images/lazarus_pdf/caregivers_guide. SL pdf Next issue: Respite Options during the Holiday Season

Barbara Small is the Program Development Coordinator for Family Caregivers’ Network Society located in Victoria, BC. 250-384-0408 www.familycaregiversnetwork.org

The Family Caregiver column is brought to you by the generous sponsorship of Saint Elizabeth

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FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

’ve always tried to give what I can to charity, and I’ve never been particularly attached to one charity over another, since there are so many causes worth supporting and so much need to fill. But lately, with daily calls to action on social media, and reports of some charity CEOs earning more in a year than I’ll likely earn in a lifetime, I began suffering from donor fatigue. In taking a step back, I realized my giving efforts required more attention – and intention. I needed to prioritize my values in terms of helping others. Rather than responding to the cause of the month – or the moment – I decided to put my energy and resources where I felt they would be most helpful and give me the greatest sense of satisfaction. Planned giving is not just for the wealthy; it’s for anyone who wants to contribute in a meaningful and deliberate manner. In this special Planned Giving edition of Senior Living, you’ll read about seniors who give in a variety of ways. Some give time and comfort to animals, like the volunteers at the Richmond Animal Protection Society; others use their interests and activities to raise funds and awareness; and still others sign cheques and leave legacies that will go on for generations. And since older adults represent the majority of charity supporters – both as donors and volunteers – our readers are among those having the greatest charitable impact on our society. While flipping through the pages this month, consider what causes are most important to you. Whether your contribution is time or money – a little or a lot – know that your involvement is making a difference! – Bobbie Jo Reid Managing Editor

Reﬂections, Rejections, and Other Breakfast Foods by Gipp Forster A collection of Gipp’s humorous and nostalgic columns. A wonderful read for yourself, and Reflections, �� a thoughtful gift and Other Breakfast Foods for friends and family members.

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Planned Giving Section

Personal Best I

t’s six o’clock in the morning and Diana Barkley is lacing up her skates. She and her skating partner Geoff Squires are competitive ice dancers and they practice their complicated routine twoand-a-half hours a day, five days a week, nine months of the year. They’ve been getting up at dawn, and earlier, for the past 11 years. “We consider our skating relationship as being in business together,” says Geoff. “We’re in the business of doing the best we can on the ice and we’re in the business of having fun while we’re at it.” Diana Barkley knows all about business. She used to run her own PR company, the Barkley Group, considered a premium agency in its day. She was a Board member with Vancouver’s Terminal City Club where she oversaw the management of the restaurant, meeting rooms and fitness club. As the President of the International Women’s Forum, a platform for women to meet their peers in other countries, she oversaw liaison with other chapters and plans for the Forum’s 15th anniversary. And at the Pacific Coast Television Association, where she is presently the Managing Director of Development, she is responsible for liaising with BC donors to KCTS Seattle, overseeing Canadian donations. “I deal with major donors in BC,” she says of her fundraising duties. “I talk to people who are already major givers and those who are potential contributors. I look around and see who’s out there.” Major donors contribute $1,000 and more. Bequests form “a fairly significant part” of the KTCS fundraising strategy. Diana enjoys saying “thank you.” It puts her in touch with KCTS fans. “They’ll say we really love the arts programming or we really enjoy Masterpiece Theatre or Downton Abbey and we can chat a little bit.” With so much on her plate, Diana bristles at the suggestion she’s retired or even semi-retired. “I’m a working gal,” she says and continues to put in long days to prove it. “I work five days a week, I skate five days a week, there’s Board work and walking the dogs. There’s not a lot of extra hours in the day.” Diana and her brother grew up in blue collar Edmonton family. “We didn’t have a lot of money. If you wanted something you had to work hard for it.” She married young and moved to Canadian Forces base BadenSoellingen in Germany. As an air force wife looking for something to do, she started writing for the base newspaper. “I got hired part time. I was basically an assistant typesetter,” she says. “I was doing everything from laying out copy to writing little articles to re-writing things or editing things and it just got in 68

SENIOR LIVING

Diana Barkley laces up to perform.

Photo: John Thomson

BY JOHN THOMSON

my blood. I loved it.” When her husband was re-assigned to Ottawa, Diana decided to follow up on her passion for writing and enrolled in Algonquin College, earning a diploma in print/broadcast journalism. After she divorced, she moved to Vancouver and became an intern at the local paper. “I became one of the first female sports reporters at the Vancouver Sun,” says Diana. “I was a junior and you didn’t get the football beat or the baseball beat, so I would get the more general assignment sports news stories. It was a real mix of everything.” Her newspaper experience led to magazine writing, but when three of her four clients went under – it was the turbulent ’80s – she started knocking on the doors of PR firms. One of those doors was the Vancouver public relations firm of Kavitt and Pottinger. Andrew Pottinger remembers her fondly. “We were skeptical of most journalists to make the transition into commercial public relations comfortably,” says Pottinger.

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“However, Diana seemed to be a very interesting candidate.” She learned how to bridge both worlds seamlessly. “Meeting the needs of two masters, not just the reader, but also the client,” says Pottinger. “She was the best straight publicist I ever worked with.” “You no longer just did articles,” recalls Diana. “You could write everything from press releases to speeches to white papers to brochure copy. It was just expanding that whole writing concept.” She liked playing on the bigger canvas, so when Expo ’86 came along and she was hired to tell British Columbians about the upcoming Fair, she was able to employ both her media and her people skills. “While I was there, I started doing speech writing for various MPs, MLAs and, through a series of events, started writing speeches for Jimmy Pattison. I think we did 96 direct community speeches in the course of a little over a year. It was a successful campaign. The word was getting out about what Expo was all about.” In 1987, Diana started her own business, The Barkley Group. Pop-in visits were a distinguishing feature. “We called it work-a-day-in-the-store,” says Diana. “Whether it meant going on a sales call with the manager of the Four Seasons Hotel or spending the day with Cathay Pacific Airways, we’d go to their business and really find out what their business was all about. We’d find out what their employees liked about working there, what their clients liked about them, and we wouldn’t charge them.” “She was a straight shooter and she told it like it was,” adds Andrew Pottinger. “She didn’t overpromise anything, which is a big problem in that business and, as a consequence, I think she earned her clients trust.” And then 15 years later, she walked away from the agency she created to work for Methanex, the world’s largest supplier of methanol. “To do it on a global scale and really be international was such a wonderful opportunity,” she says. As Director of Public Affairs, she liaised with government regulators, managed employee relations and oversaw the company’s extensive community outreach. Five years

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Look Closer… What do you see people, what do you see? Is it just an old man when you look at me? In our fast paced world, we often don’t take the time to see individuals. This is particularly true of the elderly within our facilities and our community. And when we don’t see, we don’t recognize needs. Please look closer...

See Me.

The Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation supports community programs and education for seniors and their caregivers, purchases specialized equipment, upgrades care facilities with home-like enhancements and funds valuable research to improve the way the elderly are cared for. Your legacy gift will help us enhance quality of life for the elderly for generations to come.

Please contact us:

250 370-5664 or gvef.org

later, she was on her own again. “I’m not good with time off,” she says and jumped back into the business world as an administrator and a mentor. She remains passionate about public affairs. “I love mentoring kids who are coming into PR. They call to say ‘do you have 15 minutes for coffee?’ and I always make time to do that. People did it for me, and I’d like to return the favour. It’s a combination of giving back and learning. I like to keep learning. I always like to be challenged and there’s always room to know more.” Which brings us back to skating. Skating is another Diana passion. You might say obsession. She’s been skating since she was six years old and she’s a fixture with the International Skating Union, the ISU. The ISU is the governing body for the entire world’s ice skating and ice dancing competitions, including the Olympics. Diana is a representative on the ICU’s Adult Working Group. “I’m kind of the voice of the skaters’ voice within the ISU,” says Diana. “For example, if a group of skaters thinks they should get more time, they come to me. We take input from the skaters and see if we can incorporate it into the program. My role is to incorporate ISU rules in ice dancing.”

“At the end of the day, can you say you have done your part?” –Diana Barkley

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Connecting Seniors to the Community

Since 1956 Silver Threads Services has provided support to older adults including personal development, social events, support and referrals with centres in Victoria and Saanich. Consider making a donation or leaving a legacy gift to provide opportunities to enhance the quality of life for seniors. For more information:

250 382-3151

www.silverthreads.ca Charitable number: 107981037RR001

810

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The Union has its own competition called the Adult World’s for recreational skaters aged 28 and over. She has been competing internationally with dance partner Geoff Squires since 2003. “We’re not out to make careers. We do it for fun,” says Diana, underplaying the time and effort they put into the sport. Hard work, dedication and those 6 A.M. workouts have paid off. The duo landed a silver and two gold medals in 2012. “It capped off a year of really hard work,” she says. “You don’t get to the podium by staying in bed.” It’s not hard to see the parallel between playtime and work time; indeed it’s easy to see a life lesson. “What we do on the ice has to be very precise. It requires a lot of effort and that pretty much describes any job that’s worth doing,” says Geoff. “You have to know what you’re doing and you have to put in the effort to make it work.” As for Diana’s desire to make every day her personal best, Geoff says “there’s no question she’s driven, she’s motivated and she’s competitive. But she’s on an even keel,” he adds. “She’s a very balanced person. She makes things happen. She’s a go-getter.” “I wake up each day happy to be here,” says Diana. “Okay, bring it on Day. Let’s go. At the end of the day, can you say you have done your part? And you can feel good about whatever that part is, whether it’s raising a family, whether it’s having a career, whether it’s community outreach or all of the above. You know, if you can do your part in making the world a bit of a better place, whatever SL your interests are, then I think you’ve done okay.”

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Give the Gift of the Future The B.C. Wildlife Federation works on behalf of all British Columbians to conserve and protect the environment for present and future generations. Your gift supports conservation and helps ensure a sustainable future for B.C.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fish, wildlife and habitat.

www.bcwf.bc.ca

Sarah McNeil BCWF Development Coordinator 1-888-881-2293 ext. 223 dev_coordinator@bcwf.bc.ca Registered Charity # 11880 1315 RR0001

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NOVEMBER2014 2014 NOVEMBER

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For the Love of Animals BY MARIANNE MOORE

If you are interested in making a living Will or leaving a legacy in your Will to North Island Wildlife Recovery Association, please email us at wildlife@niwra.org for a brochure & video.

Cat Sanctuary volunteers and cats on a break.

Whatever form their work takes, the volunteers here will tell you they gain so much satisfaction and pleasure from looking after them that it really doesn’t matter a whit whether the cats show their gratitude or not. Also, being part of a dedicated team with a shared interest means there’s always laughter around the table at coffee breaks, with a few curious cats sitting on laps or getting in the way, of course. Operating a large privately-owned, non-profit enterprise like the cat sanctuary is an expensive project, even with so many volunteers. The sanctuary depends largely on generous donations from the animal-loving public and the profits from RAPS’ Thrift Store. The busy store is managed and operated

WILDLIFE LEGACIES

Please visit our website under “How to Help” at

www.niwra.org

We provide care to critically sick, injured and orphaned wildlife such as eagles, owls, song birds and black bears. Help care for these animals by partnering with us through your legacy gift or donation. THEY DEPEND ON US, AND WE DEPEND ON YOU...THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre

250-248-8534 | www.niwra.org | Box 364, 1240 Leﬄer Road, Errington, BC

BN119060549RR0001

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SENIOR LIVING

Photo: Marianne Moore

n the heart of Richmond’s farmland, well back from a busy road, sit a few trailers and assorted small buildings, all enclosed by a chain-linked fence. A solitary car, covered in frost on a January morning, is in the parking lot. It looks abandoned, but it’s not – it belongs to 86-year-old Elizabeth Bodnarik, who’s been here since 5:30 a.m. looking after about 500 homeless cats that live here at the Richmond Animal Protection Society (RAPS) cat sanctuary. Since 1999, the cat sanctuary has been a safe haven for the feral and homeless cats of Richmond. But you won’t find row upon row of sad, furry faces peering out from cramped cages. New cats or those requiring medical attention will temporarily be in large, walk-in cages but, otherwise, they’re enjoying open decks or roaming outside in the courtyards. Elizabeth is just one of around 150 volunteers, of all ages, who donate a few hours a week at the sanctuary, doing whatever is necessary to keep the feline residents clean, happy and healthy. In addition to the usual housekeeping needed by the messy little critters (whoever said that cats were clean didn’t know this lot!), there are plenty of less strenuous contributions volunteers can make, from the mundane to the dramatic – dishwashing, laundry, fundraising, home repairs, even trapping stray or feral cats. A special group of volunteers known as “kitty comforters” bestow special attention and gentle love to new, sick or stressed cats. No heavy lifting required! A warning growl or swat may happen, but that’s a small price to pay for the joy of having a frightened cat respond to soft words with a little purr.

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entirely by a small group of volunteers, most of them seniors, who spend several hours each week receiving, sorting, displaying and selling a variety of donated materials. Someone who is able to be on their feet for a few hours at a time, enjoys working with the public and has a way with numbers can still help the animals, even without direct contact with them by volunteering at the thrift store. Linda Douglas has volunteered at the cat sanctuary for 14 years and at the thrift store since it opened in 2005. Endlessly energetic (a senior, although her age is a secret), Linda is active in many charities. She shares her home with quite a few cats and dogs, many of them rescues, like Belle, a beautiful border collie cross. Belle is so well-behaved, she sometimes comes with Linda to “help out” at the thrift store. At a different location from the cat sanctuary, RAPS also operates the City of Richmond Animal Shelter. Both shelters have a strict “no-kill” policy, which means animals are sheltered and cared for until a suitable home can be found for them or, if necessary, for the duration of their natural life. There are animals of all sorts at the city shelter – dogs, rabbits and other small mammals, birds, cats, and even the occasional farm animal. It can get a bit noisy but it’s a happy place. The city shelter is run by a small staff, paid by the City of Richmond, and many volunteers, including several seniors. As at the cat sanctuary, volunteers carry out a variety of animal care activities, like cleaning animal enclosures, provid-

you hAVe done So much to helP AnimAlS duRing youR life! Extend your compassion for animals beyond your lifetime by making a legal gift to Richmond Animal Protection Society. Canadian tax laws allow donations to charities by providing tax credits to donors that reduce the amount of tax their estate will have to pay. We hope that you will consider including a gift to the Richmond Animal Protection Society in your Will.

Volunteers needed! And always appreciated! opt to Adopt! donate today to help us help them! Richmond AnimAl PRotection Society A true non-kill animal Shelter and Sanctuary dedicated to helping the homeless animals in our community cat Sanctuary visiting hours every Sunday from 1-4 p.m. Animal Shelter visiting hours Tue-Fri 12:00-5:30 p.m. & Sat-Sun 12:00-4:30 p.m.

www.rapsociety.com | 604-275-2036

A good book lives on long after the last page is turned. As an avid reader and lifelong library user, you can help foster the love of reading in the next generation by including a bequest to the Greater Victoria Public Library in your will. Talk to your lawyer or ﬁnancial advisor to learn how to leave a gift that maximizes advantages for you and the library. 735 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC V8W 3H2 Tel: 250-413-0370 Charitable Registration Number: BN 11894 6979 RR0001

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You can always be there for them.

Give a second chance at a happy life… there is no better gift you can give an animal in need. Include a gift in your Will or designate a life insurance policy to the BC SPCA to set tails wagging! Visit us today at spca.bc.ca/support or contact Yolanda Benoit ybenoit@spca.bc.ca 1.800.665.1868

ing food and water, entertaining the animals, and whatever else the menagerie may require. There’s a small group of kitty comforters there, too. One of the most important volunteer roles at the city shelter is dog-walking, perfect for someone who loves dogs but isn’t currently “owned by one.” A few hours walking dogs is a healthy habit for both dogs and humans. Since 2008, 70-yearold volunteer Roger Nathan has been walking shelter dogs twice a week. Some walkers may be intimidated by the larger dogs, who need a strong hand, but not Roger. He loves them all and has formed a special bond with Kona, a gorgeous, large Rottweiler. Roger also volunteers at the Richmond Food Bank, is active in his church, and enjoys the company of four grandchildren, but doesn’t have a pet at home, so dog-walking happily “fills that gap.” Roger points out that volunteer dog walkers may choose to walk only the smaller dogs, but even they can be “tuggers,” so some experience in dog-handling would be very useful. If you’ve ever considered spending a few hours a week volunteering with or for animals, do it! Contact RAPS or your local animal shelter and choose your volunteer activity from the many available. You’ll find the animals give back as much as you give them – and then some. And you don’t have to start at 5:30 in the morning – like that dynamo Elizabeth does – to SL make a difference!

A Gift to Last. Everyone has their own reason for leaving a legacy to Peace Arch Hospital. Whether it’s to ensure future generations have access to quality health care close to home or wanting to express gratitude for exceptional care, let your legacy be a gift of health for your family, and for every family in our community.

What’s your reason for giving? Hear our donor stories and learn more about planned giving at pahfoundation.ca. Simply click on ‘Ways to Give’ and ‘Legacy Giving’, or call Stephanie Beck at 604.542.3184

Keep Families Together

Leave a legacy for BC children and families Your gift to Ronald McDonald House BC will provide safe and affordable accommodation for BC families with sick children at our new 73-bedroom facility and keep them together when it matters most. Contact us for information:

igh bours Ou r fri en ds an dr ne m ily an d fa ou e m ha ve be co co nt in ue ey th we wa nt to en sutrehealt h ca re”. ea gr to ha ve

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604-736-2957 plannedgiving@rmhbc.ca

www.rmhbc.ca

Plant your legacy today. Be forever. Find out how at vancouverfoundation.ca/belikealice or call Kristin at 604.629.5186

#BeLikeAlice

vancouverfdn

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Your Legacy . . .

Their Future

Victoria’s Anglican School for boys and girls from Junior Kindergarten to grade 8.

Planned Giving — Your gift can make the difference! —

Thank you!

Your gift will help ensure that we are able to provide a quality education for deserving children now and for years to come.

Tax receipts are issued for your charitable donation.

Giving Back BY KEVIN MCKAY

ortunately, for charitable organizations in Canada, seniors have been and continue to be the most generous donor group in the country. And not only are they giving when it comes to financial donations, they are also generous with their time, talents, skills and expertise. “Community well-being is enhanced through older adults’ active participation in volunteer work and charitable donations,” states the website mysage.ca.

By a small margin, more women have been found to make donations than men. One conclusion that can be drawn is that as people age more of them make charitable donations and the donations tend to be larger. More seniors give than younger adults and on average they give more money per person. The statistics also back up the belief that volunteering your time, helping others, and giving are strongly related to one another. “In addition to having

Statistics Canada has published their findings about charitable giving, including some of the reasons why some people donate more than others. Some of those reasons include awareness of where or how to give, knowledge of a need, the feeling you can make a difference with your donation, available disposable income, strength of altruistic values, desire for recognition and psychological benefits, among others. The Stats Can website states, “Studies have shown that in addition to benefiting the community, the act of giving could increase the psychological well-being, self-esteem or social status and reputation of donors themselves.”

stronger pro-social values, people who do volunteer work are more likely to be solicited for a donation in the course of their activities and to experience social pressure. Thus, in 2010, among people who had performed 60 or more hours of volunteer work in the previous year, 91 per cent made donations, giving an average of $784. In comparison, 79 per cent of those who had not volunteered during the year had made donations, averaging $288.” The study done by researchers at the University of Alberta, and published on the website mysage.ca, back up what Stats Canada found about a strong correlation between volunteers

Cathedral School 912 Vancouver Street, Victoria, BC admin@cathedralschool.ca

www.cathedralschool.ca 250 - 383 - 5125

My home. Our community. A world that provides a chance to make a difference starts with you.

See the difference your donation can make

Visit www.ilhs.ca and donate today! Independent Living Housing Society of Greater Victoria

Providing living solutions for individuals seeking independence in a caring and supportive home environment. 16 14

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and donors to charitable organizations. Clearly, the group that volunteers the most hours above the age of 15 are those from 65-74 years old, according to the website. Significantly, all of this volunteer time donated by older Canadians is of great value to the country’s economy. “In market terms, the economic value of older adults’ volunteer contributions amount to more than $5 billion annually.” These same senior volunteers who donate so much of their time also lead the way when it comes to giving.

“While the 65 and older top donor group comprise only five per cent of the total population, they donate 20 per cent of the total value of all donations received.” “One in four charitable donors are aged 65 and older,” states mysage.ca. “The likelihood of being a ‘top donor’ increases with age. Nearly onethird of top donors are 65 and older. While the 65 and older top donor group comprise only five per cent of the total population, they donate 20 per cent of the total value of all donations received.” Sadly, in this modern world, it seems that for every good and worthwhile charitable venture, there is a corresponding scam or someone trying to rip people off for their own gain in the name of charity. The provincial government provides some helpful advice to prevent seniors and others from being taken advantage of. They stress that once you give a donation to a phony charity, there is little you can do to get your money back, so do your homework before giving to a charity you are uncertain about. On their website,

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE COULD BE LIFE ITSELF Leaving a gift in your Will helps thousands of women and newborns each year. With a legacy to BC Women’s Hospital Foundation you transform the lives of others for generations to come.

NewborN ICU CampaIgN Hope starts here

bcwomensfoundation.org

CLIENT: PROJECT: FILENAME: DATE: PROOF AT: PROOF #: BUILT:

604.875.2270

Leaving a legacy to Covenant House is like being a Grandparent BC Women’s INKS: CMYK to over 1,400 kids a year. Legacy Nsp Ad TRIM: 4.75" x 7.25" BCWH165_Senior Livingto AdCovenant House LIVE: n/a Your bequest April 22, 2014 10:25 AM BLEED: n/a ensures our young people a welcoming 100% REVISED: 1 smile, a safe place, support and a LD chance for a new life.

575 Drake Street Vancouver, BC V6B 4K8 Phone: 604-638-GIFT (4438) www.covenanthousebc.org BN 89767 5625 RR 0001

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gov.bc.ca, they recommend that in addition to telling the solicitor you are not interested, don’t be afraid to ask questions including what the charity does, its registration number and how you get your tax receipt. They go on to suggest you get information about your charity before donating, take time to think about your decision, never send cash, do not give out personal information that should not be needed to make a donation and read and keep receipts.

knowledge network 1/4

Nearly one-third of top donors are 65 and older.

What Will Your Legacy Be? Support unique commercial-free programming for generations to come. Please remember Knowledge Network in your will and trusts. For more information contact: Donna Robinson Phone: 604.431.3136 Toll-Free: 1.877.456.6988 Email: plannedgiving@knowledge.ca Website: knowledge.ca/partners

Finally, when reading your receipt make sure it includes a statement that the receipt is an official one for income tax purposes, includes your name and address, has the charity’s registration number, notes the size and date of the donation and the Canada Revenue Agency’s name and website address. Giving can benefit so many, including the giver, but it is important to give wisely and protect yourself, even as you SL help others.

Help Secure a Wild Future!

We are Canada’s largest membership-based wilderness preservation organization, dedicated to protecting our WILDERNESS C O M M I T T E E country’s wildlife and wild lands for more than 30 years. WildernessCommittee.org/legacy By remembering us in your will Toll free 1-800-661-9453 and estate planning, you will be 604-683-8220 leaving a legacy of wild nature for generations to come. plan@wildernesscommittee.org

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BURN FUND CENTRE The best place for burn and trauma survivors to recover The $13.1 million Centre located at Main St. and 23rd Ave. will include: • A home away from home for patients (and their families) undergoing treatment for serious burn & trauma injuries at VGH or BC Children’s Hospital • 8 fully furnished, free of charge, accommodation suites

burnfund.org • 604-436-4617

Your Leave a Legacy gift will become one of the most significant contributions you can make to assist survivors physically and emotionally recover and live a full life. Help make the new Burn Fund Centre a reality. Burn and trauma survivors and their families need a safe and accessible place to stay while the patient is in hospital, transitioning as an outpatient or returning to Vancouver for a follow up appointment. Burn Fund Centre Under Construction Main & 23rd Ave Vancouver, BC

Please Give Today.

burnfund.org • 604-436-5617 WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

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Stewarding for the Environment One Step at a Time

How has music affected your life? In times of joy, sorrow or celebration?

BY KATE ROBERTSON

hether you are new to Victoria or a long-time supporter of the Victoria Symphony, we invite you to be part of the positive power of great music. More than 140,000 friends, family, neighbours, visitors and guests hear our concerts ever year, including 12,000 school children.

lease remember us by making a gift of music to your community – for future generations of musicians and for future families. And you in turn will be remembered through the delight of others listening to the great performances you endowed.

or more information on gifts, bequests or endowments to the Victoria Symphony, please call 250.412.1976.

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Enviromentalist, activist and retired biologist Joan Snyder.

oan Snyder knew from a young age that nature was her passion. During her growing up years in the US, the family moved around often. “My dad always found places for us to walk and canoe in semi-wild spaces like woodlands, coastal beaches and rocks, lakes, mountains and rivers, where I learned a lot about the natural world and soon came to love it and the wild places and organisms that live there.” While pursuing an undergrad degree at Jacksonville University in Florida, she realized, “I was a biologist when I took my first biology course,” – and Joan’s discovery of nature as a career was launched. Next, she moved to Atlanta to earn her Master’s and PhD degrees in biology and plant ecology with WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

Photo: Dorothy Freeman

e are 74 years young with plans for extraordinary music in our community for the next 75 years!

a special interest in lichens. This interest in lichens led Joan to pursue post-doc study in microbial ecology with an emphasis on lichen growth under environmental stress. In 1973, Joan moved to Nelson, BC to teach at what was then Notre Dame University, where she says, “I took up the cause of the mountain caribou decline in the West Kootenays. This was a perfect match for me, since lichens are the caribou’s primary food and I could do lichen research and work for the caribou at the same time.” Her advocacy for the environment was well underway, as Joan soon came to realize, “that the wild places and their inhabitants were being diminished and in many cases disappearing altogether. Thus, most of my ‘spare time’ since moving to Cana-

da has been spent in environmental conservation and ecosystem management activities.” Notre Dame University shut its doors in the late ’70s, so in 1980, Joan and her husband moved to Alberta, where they taught at various universities and colleges for 19 years, and Joan continued her mountain caribou research. During this period, she was even more heavily immersed in environmental issues and became involved with several important organizations, like the Public Advisory Committee to the Environmental Council of Alberta. When she took retirement in 1999, Joan and her husband moved back to the West Kootenays, but there was no slowing down for Joan in her environmental stewardship. “I felt I wasn’t ready to retire from being a biologist, working on and defending the environment that is being so relentlessly assaulted by the environmental policies we find ourselves in here, and all over the world. So, I looked around and decided the Naturalists, both locally and provincially, were effectively doing conservation work through activities like letter writing, supporting local scientific research on the environment, membership in various communities, educational programs and members spending time enjoying this beautiful province on hikes, and meetings of BC Nature in various parts of the province.” Joan found she resonated deeply with BC Nature’s motto: “To know nature and keep it worth knowing” – so she

Your Legacy You can help provide outstanding care to future peninsula residents. Just think of all the good your planned gift could do.

Be involved today by planting seeds for future generations. Explore the vision of your legacy with

CRD Regional Parks WHERE GIFTS GROW

www.crd.bc.ca/legacies legacy@crd.bc.ca | 250.360.3330

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joined the West Kootenay Naturalists Association (WKNA) and became involved in the BC Nature programs. Her involvement with them has been steadily increasing, serving previously as president to WKNA and as a member of the Invasive Plant Council and currently as the Director of BC Nature. She is also the BC Nature rep on the Mountain Caribou Project and the Coast to Cascade Grizzly Bear Initiative. Although environmental issues may be Joan’s primary passion, they are not her only interests. “Since I was very active during my working years, I find I have a lot more free time now that I’m retired to pursue any environmental goals, hobbies (like jewelry designs) and recreational activities, and lots of reading,” she says. Add to that attending regular exercise classes, plus numerous volunteer positions with other local organizations, and it’s clear that Joan, even in her 70s, likes to stay busy and active. Despite this busy schedule, Joan realizes selfcare is necessary, and adds, “of course, as we get older, our bodies do not always co-operate with the pursuit of our goals, so we sometimes have to adjust, slow down for a while and do what we can!” Joan believes strongly that it is important for seniors to get involved in environmental conservation. “Even if we are, as I like to call us, ‘stellar nuclear waste,’ we have only this one beautiful life to live and that means we should learn all we can about this universe and participate in every way possible to interact meaningfully with our fel-

Our ability to change the lives of women in our community depends on YOU!

Donate to WIN (Victoria Women In Need), and join our journey to make a difference in our community.

www.womeninneed.ca/donate 250-480-4006 x203

that keeps on giving... © AFP Teresita Chavarria

Your Legacy Is Her Future.

Since 1973, the Canadian Section of Amnesty International has promoted and protected human rights at home and abroad, through ongoing campaigning, outreach and education programs. By remembering Amnesty International in your will and estate planning, you will be helping to build a future where the fundamental dignity of every person is respected worldwide. For information and assistance, contact: Heather Warren, Gift Planning Associate (613) 744-7667 ext. 239 hwarren@amnesty.ca www.amnesty.ca/plannedgiving 1-800-AMNESTY Charitable Reg. No. 11878 5914 RR 0001

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Give a neighbour a lift...your gift of time or a donation will help a Saanich resident live independently and stay connected to community. Call 250-595-8008 ext. 21 or visit www.saanichvolunteers.org to find out how you can help.

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Neighbours helping neighbours

low travellers and help maintain the ecosystem, integrity and beauty of this planet while we are here,” she says. “We should consider ourselves stewards of the earth, rather than plunderers and this means we must stand up for what is right. Seniors are not only experienced, but knowledgeable, and their involvement is important and not to be overlooked.” Joan most SL evidently lives by these words.

You can always be there for them.

Joan’s tips on getting involved with conservation and environmental issues:

Give a second chance at a happy life. . . there is no better gift you can give to a wild animal in need. Include a gift in your Will or designate a life insurance policy to the BC SPCA to set wings flapping! Visit us today at spca.bc.ca/support or contact Yolanda Benoit ybenoit@spca.bc.ca 1.800.665.1868

It could be your legacy If you wIll It Make this moment last forever with a few words in your Will

Big Valley, SaSkatchewan; photo By cherie weStmoreland.

• Go online and look for environmental issues important to you (i.e. pipelines, Jumbo, Y to Y, Creston Wildlife Centre, Eco Society, etc.) and find what initiatives are available for you to pursue, such as joining a group that is writing letters or marching on the street. • Join local clubs doing what you are interested in (i.e. nature clubs, environmental societies). Look up your local Naturalists’ Association and BC Nature’s websites for lots of information. • Neophytes are always needed. Whatever you have to offer will be welcomed. • Donations are also always welcome for whatever cause you are interested in. • Get political! Nothing changes without political action. Talk to your Municipal Representative, MLA, MP and the Opposition about your environmental concerns and find out how you can participate.

Contact Marcella Zanella, Director of Planned Giving at 1-800-465-0029 ext. 2276 or at planned.giving@natureconservancy.ca www.natureconservancy.ca/plannedgiving WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

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Living with Stroke

A Success Story

Stroke survivor and avid tennis player Marco Chorbajian.

hen a fit Marco Chorbajian steps onto a tennis court ready to play, it’s hard to imagine that about seven years ago, he wasn’t even able to hold a racquet. After suffering a massive stroke, a nurse told him he would never play

When the whole world fades away

your support is there. cnib

tennis again. At the time, Marco had lost control of the right side of his body and had limited hand-eye coordination. However, Marco, then 69, wasn’t about to call it quits. He had hit a low point after the

For someone who’s losing their sight, it can seem like the whole world is fading away. But with a legacy gift in your will for CNIB, you’ll be there for people in your community at this crucial time in their lives.

1/6 H

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stroke when, in the hospital for three months, he felt helpless, unable to move or speak. “It was very frightening,” he recalls. “All I wanted to do was die.” But, his determination kicked in. A visit from his young grandson transformed Marco’s mental outlook and inspired him to fight for recovery. He checked himself out of the hospital and started private physiotherapy. The tennis racquet went to bed with him at night, even though he wasn’t able to grip it. Marco began to swim daily and, after 18 months of walking in the pool, he shifted his rehabilitation to land, working his way up to walking 5,000 steps a day all over the city. Today, Marco plays tennis twice a week and he has completed the 10km Vancouver Sun Run several times. His unfavourable prognosis is nowhere to be seen. Marco did not see his stroke com-

ing. He had been a heavy smoker 30 years before the stroke, but that habit, along with a stressful job as a salesman are what he believed may have contributed to the stroke. While not all strokes are preventable, leading a healthy lifestyle, not smoking, limiting alcohol use and managing stress can help mitigate the probability of a stroke. Marco had been active in retirement, playing and coaching tennis and playing chess, but on a sunny morning seven years ago, that all changed. Marco was enjoying a cup of coffee with his wife at their Surrey home, when he suddenly felt unusually tired; he decided to take a nap. An hour later, he awoke and picked up a Sudoku puzzle; he was alarmed to discover he couldn’t even hold a pen in his hand. Worried, his wife decided to take him to Surrey Memorial Hospital. By the time they got there, Marco could no longer walk or speak.

HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH YOUR GIFT! By way of your will, endowment or life insurance policy you can ensure that Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind provides visually impaired Canadians with greater mobility and independence through the use of a professionally trained Guide Dog.

50%

of Canadians have never talked to family and friends about what they’d want if they were ill and couldn’t speak for themselves. But 100% of us will die. So what’s the use of avoiding the topic?

Got a Case of

It’s time to take our heads out of the sand and talk about our end-of-life wishes.

Ostrich ? e m o r d Syn VIFoH-OstrichSyndrome-ad-1404.indd 1

Learn more: www.AdvanceCarePlanningvi.ca

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2014-04-10 2014 2:21 PM NOVEMBER 23 25

Let the love begin. Help us create a new rescue shelter and enhanced animal welfare services.

He had suffered a massive stroke caused by a hemorrhage in his brain. Strokes are a sudden loss of brain function caused by an interruption of the blood flow to the brain by either bleeding (hemorrhagic) or a clot (ischemic). The signs of stroke include face drooping, loss of speech, loss of mobility or weakness, sudden vision trouble, headache and dizziness. Now that he is back in form, Marco is set on helping others learn from what he went through and providing hope for those going through the struggles of recovery. “I decided that stroke survival is going to be my life’s work,” he says. “I want to help any stroke survivor any way I can.” To that end, he is helping with awareness through the Heart and Stroke Foundation and is one of the facilitators for the Foundation’s eightweek Living with Stroke program offering support and information for

stroke survivors. Strokes can happen to anyone at any age. In Canada, a stroke happens every 10 minutes. Today, more Canadians are surviving strokes due to advances in awareness and medical services, as well as by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Still, recovery can be challenging. It’s common for stroke survivors to suffer from a loss of cognitive functions, such as thinking and memory, along with physical damage that can prevent them from being active. While a decade ago, stroke survivors were not encouraged to be active, now research shows being physically active is the right way to go. Using a combination of exercise and social enrichment, Heart and Stroke Foundation-funded researchers have found how physical movements can benefit basic brain function and higher-level mental skills, like decision-making, planning and strategizing. Although mobility and brain function may never return to pre-stoke days

Our 60th Anniversary serving the needs of physically disabled throughout B.C.

The Victoria Humane Society is a registered charity devoted to enhancing animal welfare services in our region. Our urgent priority is the creation of a new rescue shelter so that we may help animals and increase the likelihood of successful adoptions. Help us bring love into their lives, and, into yours. Please give by donating at victoriahumanesociety.com

Our Mission is to help fund & support organizations and individuals facing challenges, and improve quality of life and independence.

Help us to help others! Our Accomplishments include: •Technology for independent living •Noble House •Education programs •Support of Ronald McDonald House And, we are “Calling All kin” as well!

Please support our programs! Learn more, and donate at: www.goingstrong.ca Thank you for 60 years of support!! We have a variety of ways that you can help!! For more info, Email: kinsmenfoundationofbc@shaw.ca

LIVE ON

or by mailing a cheque to us at PO Box 37027, Millstream PO, Victoria BC, V9B 0E8

The Bloom Group - formerly St. James Community Service Society - has served the most vulnerable people in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside for over 50 years. Please include The Bloom Group in your estate planning. Live on in us. For more information, please call Lesley Anderson at 604 606 0356, or email landerson@thebloomgroup.org.

www.thebloomgroup.org

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for stroke survivors, many can regain many of their abilities. Back on the tennis court, coaching and playing, Marco is an example of how perseverance and a robust recovery plan can bring back mobility and keep the mind sharp. Game, SL set, match.

What are the five signs of stroke?

How will you leave your mark? By including the Heart and Stroke Foundation in your Will, you’ll support life-saving heart disease and stroke research—and give your family and friends a brighter future.

Stroke can be treated. That's why it is so important to recognize and respond to the warning signs. • Weakness – Sudden loss of strength or sudden numbness in the face, arm or leg, even if temporary. • Trouble speaking – Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding or sudden confusion, even if temporary. • Vision problems – Sudden trouble with vision, even if temporary. • Headache – Sudden severe and unusual headache. • Dizziness – Sudden loss of balance, especially with any of the other signs present. If you experience any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.

To start planning your legacy gift by Will, call Jane Westheuser at 1-888-473-4636 or visit heartandstroke.ca/legacygiving

Bereaved parents Greg and Karen with son Kairo and daughter Stella Marie

Gratitude

For investing in BC’s children with life-threatening illnesses and the families who love them.

Make a Legacy Gift to Canuck Place by calling Denise Praill at 604.646.1341

www.canuckplace.org CanuckPlaceChildrensHospice

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@CanuckPlace

NOVEMBER 2014

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Six Highways to Home

Help us help Wildlife Recover!

BY VERNICE SHOSTAL

Help an injured animal recover by donating to Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS) today! Our mission is to conserve & protect native wildlife and its natural habitat through education and rehabilitation. Call 250-337-2021 to donate, become a member, or report injured wildlife!

www.wingtips.org Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS) 6817 Headquarters Road, Courtenay, BC V9J 1N2

As a prostate cancer survivor, I am delighted to support the good work of The Prostate Centre. As I went through my journey with prostate cancer, I benefited hugely from the programs and support they provide. Please support Vancouver Island men like Gerry by including The Prostate Centre in your estate plans. It’s easy and important… for you, your loved ones and our community.

(250) 388-0214 www.TheProstateCentre.org Reg. Charitable No: BN 86665-8230-RR001

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Author and cyclist John Crouch enters Whitehorse on his epic journey.

“T

raining, competing, challenging my body and mind is what I love to do,” says John Crouch in his book, Six Highways to Home, a detailed memoir of his solo bike ride from Whitehorse to Victoria. The journey of more than 2,500 kilometres that took a little over three weeks was John’s way of celebrating his 70th birthday. For John, the journey was both a perWWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

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Photo: John Crouch Collection

Gerry McQuade knows the power of giving.

sonal odyssey in celebration of becoming a septuagenarian and a fundraiser for the Parkinson Society of British Columbia. The fundraiser was John’s way of empathising with his nephew, Richard Cox, who, at the age of 36, had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. John’s biking saga began on a warm, sunny afternoon in mid-July of 2011. He arrived in Whitehorse by plane with this bike and all that he needed for his

journey: food, clothes, bed, kitchen, spare parts and tools for his bike, money, journal and a book that was packed in two panniers he would carry on his bike. After spending a few days exploring the city with a friend who had welcomed him to Whitehorse, John began his ride “with a slightly neurotic mixture of anticipation and trepidation that usually creeps over me,” says John, “whenever I begin a long ride or hike into unfamiliar territory.”

The journey was both a personal odyssey in celebration of becoming a septuagenarian and a fundraiser for the Parkinson Society of British Columbia. The first day was exhilarating. “In every direction all I could see was a great expanse of trees, valleys and mountains – a stunning panorama that I’d only ever seen in magazine and coffee table book photographs,” says John in his book. But not all days were as sublime – or as sunny. Finding a dry spot to camp sometimes became a challenge. On one

Legacy Gifts Help Keep the Gardens Growing Your planned gift to the Gardens ensures that Vancouver’s green heart continues to beat for future generations. For more information please contact: Dawn Russell, Development Director VanDusen Botanical Garden Association 604-257-8190 | drussell@vandusen.org www.vandusengarden.org

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occasion, rain totally flooded out his campsite. On several other occasions, John called on his wits to avoid conflict with any of the 15 bears he met, including mothers with cubs. The first week out of Whitehorse, John enjoyed some camaraderie with riders from other countries – Britain, Germany, Australia, Mexico, France, Switzerland and Korea – all much younger than John, but like him, challenging themselves, enjoying the scen-

ery, the fresh outdoors and marvelling at the fitness of this 70-year-old. “The secret,” says John, “is to do what you love to do with a quiet intent, constant resolve and true passion. It is one of life’s simpler and immensely satisfying pleasures.” Growing up in Leicester, England, John moved to Prince George in 1967 as a teacher and later became a massage therapist. An athlete all his life, John has cy-

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cled, hiked, climbed and run since his youth. He has been national champion in both the triathlon and duathlon, and won his age category in five of the 16 marathons in which he competed. John was most competitive in his forties, fifties and sixties. Since turning 60, he has climbed Mt. Baker, Mt. Whitney twice and Vancouver Island’s highest peak, the Golden Hinde. He has biked extensively in the UK, Europe, California and the deserts of southwestern United States. “My health and fitness is a way of life for me,” says John. He admits that as he’s aged, he has had to adapt to his body’s diminishing ability to perform. He trains only three days a week now, instead of five or six. “Being fit allows me to lead a very active life and especially to spend weeks hiking in the mountains.” Recognized along the way for his fundraising effort, including a welcome in Whistler, John completed the last leg

Your generation changed the world. Help us do the same.

Leave a legacy in your Will to Variety - The Children’s Charity and help children who have special needs in the province. Your generosity will help us continue to provide hope, enrich lives, and build a better future for children like Xander. For more information on how to leave a legacy: Call 604 320 0505 or Toll-free 1 800 310-KIDS (5437) or visit our website at www.variety.bc.ca/legacy.htm 30 28

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of his journey with his wife, Lorenda, who met him at the ferry in Nanaimo. Together, they rode into Victoria where balloons, banners, cheering, smiling faces of his friends and members of the Parkinson Society welcomed him. When all donations were counted, John, initially sceptical about his ability to raise anything, netted almost $13,000 for the Parkinson Society British Columbia. Having kept a daily record of his journey, John later turned the journal into his book, Six Highways to Home. Successful, both from the point of view of his physical and fundraising efforts, every day of the ride, John was happy doing what he was doing. Having completed his journey, John says, “An incredible, deep contentment overcame me. My body, my mind and my enthusiasm were completely and utterly nourished. Deeply satisfying moments are rare in one’s life and this, for me, was one of them.” One word of advice from the rider is that although he has never needed to use it so far, he never leaves the country, even SL for a day, without purchasing travel insurance.

By remembering Langley Care Foundation in your estate planning, you will be helping to ensure quality of life for the elderly.

For more information on how you can leave a meaningful legacy, please contact the Langley Care Foundation.

604-532-4116

foundation@langleylodge.org www.langleylodge.org/fundraising

Six Highways to Home is available at most independent book stores in Victoria as well as the UVic Bookstore, Sorenson’s, online at www.russellbooks.com, Volume One in Duncan, Blue Heron Books in Comox and Laughing Oyster Bookshop in Courtenay. Charitable Registration # 873939029 RR0001

Doing our best to help children

Be Prepared

Creating new Scouting memories and sharing adventures. Your financial support will help ensure this legacy.

To learn more and to support Scouts Canada Camp Barnard visit our website: www.campbarnard.ca Scouts Canada 505 Marigold Road, Victoria, BC, V8Z 4R5 WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

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Are you one? 30% of BC adults care for a loved one. And the need is growing. When you need resources, education & support to help you give care to your loved ones, we are here for you. Today, we need your help to meet tomorrow’s needs. Please support our mission with your donations.

Your gift will help caring families stay strong Contact us at 250-384-0408

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Changing Lives

eet Carol Miller – a Vancouver retiree whose service to BC’s kids comes straight from the heart. After retiring from a busy career as an educator, Carol Miller yearned for something more. She wanted to become involved in something new and different from her past experiences, and the idea of fundraising appealed to her. “I wanted to do something to help others and keep active. I saw the many needs of children and their families, and volunteering for BC Children’s Hospital was a natural fit.” For 15 years, Carol has been a volunteer member of the Auxiliary to BC Children’s Hospital. She has served on its board of directors since 2000 – first as chair of Fundraising, then as vicepresident and president from 2006 to 2008. She is currently the Auxiliary’s Miracle Weekend liaison, supporting BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s fundraising efforts by coordinating the many volunteers who take calls from donors during the event’s weekend-long broadcast. “BC Children’s Hospital is a very special place,” Carol says. “When I started volunteering I became aware of what so many parents go through when their child is being seen at the hospital. It has been a gift to work with and support these families.” Carol also takes great pride in the Auxiliary’s cumulative giving of $5 million to BC Children’s, which has supported the hos-

+ YOUR Heart = the Caring Hearts Fund

10Years of Caring Include Mount St. Mary Hospital Foundation in your will Your gift today makes a tremendous difference tomorrow. The lives of residents and their families will benefit and it leaves a legacy of compassionate, loving care that will last for generations. You can celebrate 10 years of caring and help the Foundation continue its mission of enhancing the care, comfort, dignity and respect of vulnerable members of your community.

For information about how you can leave a gift to Mount St. Mary Foundation call 250.480.3138 or visit www.msmfoundation.ca 32 30

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pital’s Child Life programs such as music and clown therapy, its Family Resource & Support Centre, and includes a $1-million pledge to help build a new BC Children’s Hospital. The Auxiliary’s business ventures – a gift shop at the hospital, a thrift shop in Vancouver, a holiday card program and clothing donation bins – are all thriving thanks to Auxiliary members’ tireless efforts. Carol has a special interest in childhood disease research carried out at BC Children’s Hospital. “I love learning about the amazing breakthroughs in child health research and sharing the information with friends and colleagues.” She is demonstrating her commitment to child health and safeguarding the health of future generations of children by leaving a gift in her will to support research at BC Children’s Hospital. “I wanted to continue making a difference far into the future. By supporting research at BC Children’s Hospital with a legacy gift, I’ll be able to.” The decision to join the Caring for the Future Society at BC Children’s Hospital Foundation by setting up a gift in her will was easy for Carol. “I’ve seen how illness can devastate a family,” she says. “If I can assist in any way to make lives easier for SL kids and families, I want to do it.” To learn more about the Caring for the Future Society contact Diane Haarstad at BC Children’s Hospital Foundation at 604875-3679 or dhaarstad@bcchf.ca. To learn about the Auxiliary to BC Children’s Hospital, contact Janice Williams at 604-8752677 or jwilliams@bcchf.ca

The Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society (GVFBS) is a non-profit organization with a mission to empower people to nourish themselves by providing access to healthy food, education and training. The GVFBS assists over 28,000 people each week and is committed to its vision of accessible, healthy and sustainable food for all. To learn how you can leave a legacy that will provide help to thousands in need, please contact Heidi Magnuson-Ford at 604.216.2329 or HeidiMF@foodbank.bc.ca

Your legacy can change everything Where will our trained and skilled workforce come from? Our health care professionals, our trades workers, our technicians, our educators? When you leave a planned gift to Camosun College, you’re creating a legacy that secures promising futures for our students and prosperous communities for all. • •

Annuities Trusts

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RRSPsFoundation & RRIFs

Make a gift of lasting change. To discuss your personal giving goals contact: Angie Bowles or Karen Whyte, Advancement Managers

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Leave your legacy of compassionate care for those who are dying or struggling with the loss of a loved one.

Charitable Generosity and Tribute to a Hero BY BEV YAWORSKI

“W Your planned giving decisions can provide comfort and support to those facing terminal illness and the loved ones they leave behind. Bequests, wills, life insurance, securities or gifts of RRSPs/RRIFs are a few of your options to support this challenging time of life. For more information or to discuss your options please contact Anna Wilczewski at 604-945-0606 or anna.wilczewski@crossroadshospicesociety.com

www.crossroadshospice.bc.ca

Your support helps us provide many programs and services for people in need including:  Nutritious grocery parcels that emphasize fresh produce  Connections with our community partners  Ageless volunteering programs

hen one attempts to write, one has to dream whilst remaining wide awake,” says author Cynthia Elizabeth Sully. “So you dream and you allow your imagination to fly like a beautiful dragonfly or butterfly. Writing my books is a labour of love and life. When you hold a book in your hand, you are a pilgrim at the gates of a new city.” To a standing-room-only crowd of enthusiastic listeners gathered in the warm, welcoming ambiance of the Ladner Pioneer Library, Cynthia launched two new books. Visitors were able to experience an entertaining afternoon of African drumming, singing, South African food, new books, prizes and inspiring words in a colourfully-decorated room highlighted with African art pieces. Along with providing readers intriguing content, these books are also raising funds for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada. This is Cynthia’s third book launch at the Ladner Pioneer Library. The first was for her book, Snowflakes to Sea Urchins, part biography, it includes South African recipes. Next, came her first novel, in 2008, Child of Where Two Oceans Meet. “To my amazement and delight both

books have done extremely well and still continue to sell. Proceeds from that book have been donated to Gogos, who are African grandmothers helped by Canadian grandmothers through the ongoing, timeless efforts of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Many African Gogos, some into their 70s and 80s, have been called upon to make enormous sacrifices when faced with raising their grandchildren and other children orphaned after losing their parents to HIV/ AIDS, war, famine and poverty. Gogo is a Zulu word meaning Grandmother.” Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Cynthia later moved to Australia and then Canada. After receiving considerable ongoing pressure from those who read her first novel, she spent much of 2013 writing not one, but two books, including Colour Beautiful Life: Sunny. “My imagination appeared to be working overtime,” she says. “The creative juices were flowing with many long nights spent on manuscripts, as I worked through until sunrise. Ideas seemed to race through my overactive, inspired mind – always with a whispered prayer for just the right words. I am the perpetual night owl, anyway, doing my best work when the rest of the world is fast asleep. African music was

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my companion as I worked away.” Taking one’s writing to the publication stage can present its challenges. Cynthia admits there were times when she wondered if her books would ever be completed. There were hassles with a long distance book designer, who had her own strong ideas for both book’s cover designs – neither quite meshed with Cynthia’s creative plans. Cynthia, herself a trained professional interior designer with considerable artistic experience, insisted her own cover designs be used. “I was adamant,” she says. “It was very important to me as the books were my babies. I tried to remain calm over it all and did win that battle, in the end.” Another challenge emerged when it came time to put her words to print. Previously, she had done all her writings on her old faithful typewriter. An opportunity to use her daughter-in-law’s laptop computer was presented to her, along with the training involved. “Initially, I felt I was being dragged, kicking and screaming, out of my comfort zone into this electronic world of wonderment,” says Cynthia. “It was like learning Greek or Latin. I had to be coaxed and coerced into this new world. The word ‘save’ became my mantra, and was in my nightmares, particularly if I forgot to save and then lost pages of my manuscript.” Extra pressure ensued when she was required to meet a 24-day lending period on the use of the laptop. She successfully completed this stage in 21 days. “Hallelujah,” she exclaimed. “Computers are fantastical, but I still don’t wish to own one. For now, I’m quite content living in the dark ages.” Colour Beautiful Life: Sunny continues the story of the Eugene family. Again the setting is Cape Town, this time depicting the country in present day. The old brutal Apartheid regime is over. The white supremacist government is gone. Nelson Mandela has become South Africa’s first democratically-elected black president after almost 27 years of incarceration. This novel raises the question: has Apartheid truly run its course and has it disappeared from South Africa? Are there battles for power at the expense of integrity and honesty? The book presents twists, turns and surprises as it is based on facts, even though it is a fictional novel. Cynthia describes this story as “a tribal family tale presented with the backdrop of a country of timeless and unspoiled beauty, where a new generation puts their own stamp on South African history. This book is also my heartfelt tribute to my hero – the late Nelson Mandela.” The novel is a powerful read, as wildness and anger are coupled with warmth and loving tenderness, too. The author emphasizes: “One cannot help but be reminded that family is where your SL story begins.” Proceeds from Cynthia’s two new books are going to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada to aid in finding a cure for these debilitating diseases. One in every 150 Canadians is living with Crohn’s or colitis. To learn more, contact the Foundation at www.ccfc.ca Copies of Cynthia Sully’s books are available by contacting her at 1-604-946-7439 or writing to: B Building, Unit B-302-4821 – 53 Street, Delta, BC V4K 2Z3.

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Invest in a brighter future

Whenyou youinvest investininThe TheCridge CridgeCentre Centrefor forthe theFamily, Family, When you give a gift of hope, security, and love. Your gift you give a gift of hope, security, and love. Your gift provides support for abused women, brain injury provides support for abused women, brain injury survivors, young parents, families of children with survivors, young parents, families of children with special needs, seniors, children, and those in need of special needs, seniors, children, and those in need of affordable housing. Your legacy, reaching so many, affordable housing. doing so much. Visit oror phone 250-995-6419 Visitwww.cridge.org/give www.cridge.org/give phone 250-995-6403toto plan plan your yourgift. gift.

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Serving those in need since 1873 Serving those in need since 1873 … ...because because love is the the bottom bottomline line love is NOVEMBER 2014

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A Fascination for Flying

BY BEV YAWORSKI

viation holds a fascination for many! Writer Mark Twain, in his book Roughing It, wrote: “The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious. And why shouldn’t it be? It is the same the

angels breathe.” In Delta, pilots and aviation enthusiasts gather to chat, trade flying stories, repair aircraft and explore “the air up there in the clouds” at the Delta Heritage Air Park. Created in

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the early ’60s as Delta Air Park, it was renamed Delta Heritage Air Park in 1995, when the government bought the Air Park property from a private land developer. An historic, uncontrolled aerodrome, it is located south of Vancouver, on the shore of Boundary Bay. Open to the public as a visitors park, it houses about 55 unique planes, including vintage models rarely seen at larger airports. Volunteers are key to Delta Heritage Air Park’s ongoing success. Bruce Prior, a retired power engineering consultant, who has been flying recreationally for 43 years, is a dedicated Air Park volunteer. As a founding member of the Delta Heritage Air Park Operating Committee (DapCom), his involvement has included being secretary for 13 years and treasurer for four years. He is currently the webmaster for both the Delta Heritage Air Park and the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association COPA Flight 5 – Boundary Bay Flying Club websites. Aviation is a family love for Bruce, wife Jean, and son Rob, all licensed pilots. “I didn’t start flying until I was 29,” says Bruce. “While doing a Master’s Degree at UBC, another student and I got talking one day after I saw a Learn To Fly brochure on his desk. He said he was interested in learning to fly and had recently gone out to Pitt Meadows Airport to check out flying schools. I told my wife about the encounter and she said,

The Parksville-Qualicum Community Foundation “Building Vibrant Communities” You CAN make an impact in your community with a Legacy Gift to the Parksville-Qualicum Community Foundation. Your gift will be there in perpetuity assisting local community organizations to carry on their work for years to come. Established in 1999, this philanthropic organization has provided thousands of dollars in Grants & Scholarships to a wide range of local organizations. Please contact – Brent Johnson, CGA at 250-752-3957 email: brent@bjcga.net www.parksvillequalicumfoundation.com

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Pilot and volunteer Bruce Prior at Delta Heritage Air Park.

Recreational Aircraft Association (RAA), the Boundary Bay Flying Club and the Aerobatic Club of BC. Each club has about 50 members contributing their time and talents to activities on the site. The Heritage Air Park is managed by the Delta Heritage Air Park Committee (DapCom) under a Licence Agreement between RAA Chapter 85 and Metro Vancouver Parks. Many volunteer-run events take place at this extraordinary flying facility. They host a pancake breakfast on the second Sunday of each month – a popular public event often attracting more than 80 people, rain or shine. The Air Park’s Flyin events are usually their biggest events of the year when about 50 planes from neighbouring areas fly-in and about 100

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Photos: Bev Yaworski

well why don’t you do it too? So, we went out to Pitt Meadows and I went on a 20-minute familiarization flight. I thought it was great fun and was hooked!” Bruce and his classmate, Neil, signed up for flying lessons in 1970 and, at times, would even skip some of their UBC classes, take their wives and go out for flying lessons. In a couple of months, they got their licenses. “I never looked back after that,” says Bruce. “I bought my own plane within a year.” He has owned three airplanes – a 1946 Fleet 80 Canuck (for five years), a 1947 Cessna 190 (for 30 years), and a 1968 Cessna 150 (for eight years), each of which he partly or fully restored. Each plane was based at Delta Heritage Air Park, at one time or another. Bruce has been a member of the Recreational Aircraft Association Chapter 85 at the Air Park since 1972. Volunteers continue to be the core of the Delta Heritage Air Park. For example, during their Annual Spring Clean-up, “it’s not unusual for 60 to 70 volunteers to pitch in with shovels, brooms, and brushes to paint hangars, cut the grass, pressure wash the concrete and much more,” says Bruce. “We also have people cooking food for our big after-work barbeque. It’s a lot of fun when we all get together and do a work party. It’s also a very social thing.” The facilities are used by three different flying groups: the

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people gather to chat, socialize, enjoy a breakfast and lunch barbeque, and view aviation displays. One of the Air Park’s proudest activities is their Canadian Owners and Pilots Association COPA for Kids Junior Aviator program to initiate and motivate youngsters to the science of flight. About 100 kids are treated to free flights when about 10 pilots donate their planes and time. Twice a year, during spring and autumn, excited children, aged seven to 17, get a 10-minute classroom presentation about flying and then a 20-minute unforgettable flight around the White Rock and Boundary Bay area. “The pilots even turn the controls over to the kids,” says Bruce. “These days, children are so used to video games that they easily glom on to a control wheel. When they first get in they may look a bit scared, but soon they are all smiles from ear to ear. When they get back on the ground, they are so happy. And our pilots say it’s a real pleasure for them to fly the kids.” Remembrance Day is another very memorable time when many of the pilots and Air Park visitors gather for a Memorial to honour war veterans. During times of war and peace, many pilots have sacrificed their lives and it’s imporSL tant to preserve their legacy. For more information about the Delta Heritage Air Park and their events, contact www.deltaheritageairpark.org

The War Amps

A legacy of “amputees helping amputees” since the First World War. For planned giving information, contact:

1 800 363-4067 plannedgiving@waramps.ca waramps.ca Charitable Registration No.: 13196 9628 RR0001

Please visit our website for our Essential Financial Information and Annual Report. The War Amps does not receive government grants.

BECAUSE LOSING A LOVED ONE IS HARD ENOUGH. When making end-of-life decisions, know you have rights. For example, did you know you’re entitled to accurate pricing information, and that you can cancel a preneed contract at any time?

Find out more about your rights at Consumer Protection BC’s website, www.funeralrightsbc.ca or call 1-888-564-9963.

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Finance

Financing Your Future BY KEVIN MCKAY

scar Wilde wrote, “When I was young I thought that money was the most important thing in life; now that I am old I know that it is.” While many would agree this is a slightly cynical view of the value of money, no one can argue the importance of money to seniors living out their golden years. And like most things in life, the amount of money people have or need varies widely from person to person. While there are people on both ends of the wealth continuum, practical options exist for seniors looking to free up some cash flow. One of the methods seniors can access funds is to take out a reverse mortgage. Not everyone understands what a reverse mortgage is, or how it works. David Chen, owner and chief financial advisor of DC Complete Financial Services Inc. says, “In simple terms, a reverse home mortgage is a collateral loan against your principle residence, which allows the home owner to access the locked up value or equity of the home and convert it to cash without selling the property.” People wishing to apply for a reverse mortgage need to be at least 55 years of age and many who do apply are much older. Karen Boies is a licensed mortgage planner with Dominion Lending Centre and has been for nearly seven years since leaving a government job she held for 24 years. She says, “I enjoy creating a difference in the lives of the people I help with their finances and, in particular, their mortgages. I truly believe I am making a positive contribution to my clients. A reverse mortgage is like any other encumbrance on a property where we lend the client money at a specific interest rate for a specific term. Rates and terms vary just like a traditional mortgage.” One of the attractive benefits of a reverse mortgage is that the homeowners can remain in the comfort of their homes. Boies says, “It is a life-term loan against the accumulated equity in a home that requires no repayment while the clients continue to live in their home. The money plus interest is paid back when the

homeowner sells their home, permanently moves out or passes away. Because there are no monthly payments, the amount owed grows over time.” In addition to the obvious advantages of increasing cash flow and remaining in place, there are some other positive aspects to the reverse mortgage. For example, there are no monthly payments unless you choose to make interest payments. Chen lists a few others: “For people without heirs, this is a great way to access some of the value of the home for use in retirement, leaving little to no value in the home by the time of passing thereby allowing the senior more enjoyment of their non-cash assets and leaving less for the tax man. Speaking of taxes, the money is tax free as it is a loan. Finally, it does not impact income-tested government benefits like Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement.” If all this sounds too good to be true, be aware that there are also some pitfalls and potential disadvantages to consider before taking the plunge. The most obvious mistake would be to take out a reverse mortgage from a non-qualified lender. Do your homework and make sure to speak to a financial advisor before agreeing to work with any particular lender. “The disadvantages are that if they choose not to make interest payments then the amount at end of term is more than start of term,” says Boies, “this will lead to a reduced equity position eventually. However, repayment of the loan (principal and interest) is guaranteed not to exceed the fair market value of the home at the time it is sold. In the event the fair market selling price of the home is not enough to repay the loan in full, [Canadian Home Income Plan] CHIP will limit repayment to the amount received from the sale. No other estate assets will be touched. Homeowners can choose to receive the planned advances on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis, however the minimum initial draw must be at least $20,000.”

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In fact, depending on the amount of money loaned and the length of time the reverse mortgage is held, most of the value of the home can be consumed so when the house is sold to move the owner into a care facility or following the owners’ passing, there may be little or no value left in the house. Chen also mentions a few other points for those thinking of taking out a reverse mortgage to consider. “The interest rates are often higher than the banks and the fees to access and start the loan are as high as $2,500 to $5,000 and are taken off of the money loaned to the home owner. Also, if the home is not jointly owned and the owner passes away, forced loan repayment or sale of the property may occur.” This could be a devastating result for the surviving spouse, on top of losing a partner. Health is another consideration before taking out a reverse mortgage. If the value of your home is likely to be needed for your long-term care, you may not want to go this route. So, if a reverse mortgage is not right for you, there are a number of other options for gaining access to finances to consider. Chen says, “To access the locked-up value of the home, a home equity line of credit may be a better option or the tried-and-true selling of the home to downsize and buying a smaller home and using the remaining cash to invest or consume during retirement. Both of these do not affect taxation or government benefits as the principle residence is capital gains exempt.” “If RRSPs or RRIFs exist, consider taking money out to a maximum level that does not seriously increase your tax rate using things like income splitting of RRSPs or RRIFs that have been placed into pension-like investments and/or tax deductible expense or tax credits like disability tax credits transferred to the spouse with the highest income.” Additional methods for financing your future are also available. In the end, Chen and Boies agree that consulting a financial expert before making a decision is the wisest course of action. Boies says, “Speaking to a financial planner is the best way to find out about planned savings for retirement and what they can expect from the government or pensions.” SL Sage advice!

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Family Traditions K

BY KATHY LYNN

ids love traditions and routine. Whether it’s a daily happening such as a bedtime story followed by a snuggle or all the activities surrounding a major holiday celebration, children learn to count on them and get a tremendous sense of security from knowing what to expect. Children have very little control over their day-to-day lives. They are told where to go and when, where they will live and how many siblings they will have. The adults around them run their lives. Traditions and routines give them a sense of control. They know what is going to happen, so there are no surprises. The difference between traditions and routines is that routine is the schedule, and tradition is how things happen. Traditions do not need to involve major formalized events. For

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our kids, a tradition can be a bedtime story. The routine is that bedtime is at 8 p.m. The family – parents and children – create some traditions and set the schedule. Each couple starts with the challenge of melding the traditions they each bring from their own family of origin. Often they don’t even realize there is a discrepancy until a major holiday arrives and they have differing ideas about how the holiday should be celebrated. Adding grandchildren into the mix adds to the concern that every celebration must be perfect. If your grown children are struggling with this, help them set priorities and let them know which of your family traditions you kept and which you either dropped or changed. Also, assure them that the traditions they remember from their childhood are a mix of both families, sometimes a melding of two activities and sometimes a new evolution to meet the needs of the family and the times. Once they have developed their plan, respect the traditions they bring to their family. Don’t assume you know what will happen when there is a celebration of any kind. Ask questions, be respectful and follow the lead of your children. On the other hand, family traditions handed down over generations are also important and are the purview of the grandparents. Despite technology, varying family structures and our fast-paced lives, family history represented by tradition matters.

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Family traditions are practices or beliefs passed down from generation to generation. Family traditions range from ordinary routines and day-to-day activities to celebration of holidays and special occasions; often these are based on the family’s religious and cultural heritage. Family traditions bring a sense of belongingness, commitment and familiarity with each other. They also pave the way for good times and good memories. Family traditions are also vehicles to carry on a family’s identity (e.g. ethnic, religious, occupational and recreational). Our job, in concert with our adult children, is to pass the torch of family traditions. That allows our grandchildren (and our children for that matter) feel connected to something bigger than their nuclear family. Depending on the tradition, it can impart a sense of social values (always attending the union labour picnic to support members), faith (attending midnight mass at Christmas, getting together for a Passover dinner or celebrating eid-al-fitr at the end of Ramadan), or simply a fun tradition that has evolved over generations, such as the youngest member at the table toasting the oldest. The predictability of traditions matters to children. That’s why getting to drink out of their favourite cup every day at lunch or sitting in the same place at the table is so important for kids. One January, a preschool teacher took maternity leave and was replaced by an eager younger teacher. Like all new graduates, she had lots of ideas and was looking forward to

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implementing them. She arrived and set up her daily plan. She made what she saw as a small change by shifting circle time with snack time. Chaos reigned. The three-year olds would have nothing to do with the change. They counted on the routine; they were not ready to see a new tradition replace the old. The young teacher learned a valuable lesson and went back to the routines familiar to the kids; she realized change would need to be slow and steady, if the children were going to feel comfortable and secure. We can easily make the same mistake with our grandchildren by not respecting the routine their parents have set in place. You will likely also develop new traditions with your grandkids that will evolve and not conflict with their daily life. Whether it’s a candy you always have tucked in your pocket; a special game you always play; a book you read to them every time you visit; or a way of hugging that is unique to you, it’s your tradition and fundamental to your special relationship with your grandchildren. Grandparents create the balance between old and new traditions and remind families that the continuity of long-time practices brings a sense of belonging and stability to all famSL ily members.

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Health

Understanding GMOs

BY JOHN HARRIS

uch controversy exists regarding GMO (genetically modified organism) foods and their impact on humans and the environment. Research and regulation continue to be debated among food producers, scientists and governments, as well as consumers. So, what are GMOs? A GMO (also known as GE, genetically engineered) is a plant or animal created by taking DNA carrying favourable traits from one organism and merging it with another to make a “new and improved” version. The merging begins by combining “good” DNA with an otherwise harmless virus, which penetrates into the cells of the receiving organism. Once the DNA begins to work inside, you get the “new” organism to replicate and voilà – a GMO! That’s a simple explanation but the basic steps are there. GMOs have been part of human life on our planet for a long time. When botanists and farmers use pollen mixing or grafting on a plant to give it new characteristics, the genetic

codes combine to make a new plant – a GMO. The process is the same for crossbreeding animals. Today, genetic engineering makes the process more precise and produces new types more quickly. Even putting aside the traditional bending of plant and animal characteristics by farmers, GE is not new. The first recorded GMO was from a company called Calgene, who began marketing a delayed ripening tomato called “Flavr Savr” in 1994. Today, Canada is the third largest producer of GMOs in the world. The GE crops produced here are corn, canola, soybeans and sugar beets. Corn is used as an ingredient in many foods and as oil in processed foods. Canola produces oil and is used to feed livestock and chickens. Soy is in tofu, lecithin, puddings and beverages and eggs, milk and meat as feed. The David Suzuki Foundation says apples, potatoes and wheat are lined up to get approval to enter the market. Part of the fuss over GMOs in the food chain comes

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down to politics; many people don’t trust the developers of GMO products. They’re suspicious because regulators in Canada and the US “consult” with manufacturers, such as Monsanto, rather than conducting laboratory analysis of safety or nutrition. Most scientific results widely available are provided by the companies that are making GE products. As a result, the answers to questions about safety and nutrition levels in GE foods depend on who gets asked the question. The Food and Drug Administration in the US and Agriculture Canada report no concerns about GE foods currently in use. The FDA website states “Nutritional assessments evaluated by the FDA have shown that (GE) foods are generally as nutritious as comparable traditionally bred plants.” Bill Zylmans is a successful farmer in Richmond. He uses GE seed and markets GMO vegetables. Zylmans says, “we need GMOs.” First, GMO seeds produce resistant crops that allow farmers to get better crop yields while using fewer pesticides. Second, GMO crops produce more food globally and hold back the rise of famine in poor countries. Dr. Thierry Vrain, a respected plant scientist who lives on Vancouver Island, is a harsh critic of GMO products. Vrain has evolved from a pro-GMO scientist with Agriculture Canada to being an outspoken activist about the perils of GMOs entering the food supply. He says GMOs get little independent testing. Vrain’s concerns are echoed by scientists studying the effects of GMOs in food. Jeffrey M. Smith, executive director of The Institute for Responsible Technology (IRT), cites data from the US Department of Agriculture, US Environmental Protection Agency records and medical journal reviews. The IRT research shows GM foods, like soy and corn, may be responsible for gluten-related maladies now plaguing over 20 million North Americans. Most GE plants such as corn, canola, soybeans and cotton are ingredients

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in other food products. They show up as cornstarch in soup or sauce, corn syrup in sweetened foods, oil in mayonnaise or dressings and cereals, breads and snacks. Regulators in Canada and the US make GE labelling voluntary, so it can be difficult to know if your favourite mix is GMO or not. GE food labelling is the subject of a number of lawsuits in the US, with state regulators demands for GE labels opposed by manufactur-

ers claiming confused regulation and unnecessary costs. Is there any good news about GMO food? Yes. The benefits of resistance to pests and disease are undeniable, especially to farmers like Zylmans. And GE foods can be designed to be more nutritious. Golden Rice, for example, is modified to produce beta-carotene in the grain. Our bodies use beta-carotene to produce vitamin A. Each year, up to 500,000 children in poverty suffer vi-

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sion loss because of vitamin A deficiency. To date, Golden Rice has not been permitted into the fields based on concern for possible effects of GE plants on other organisms. Is meat GMO? Not yet at the industrial level. Here again, farmers were the first innovators with centuries of selective breeding programs modifying animals for meat, wool and milk. Current GE processes make it much easier to select and insert useful genes into a new generation than tradition breeding selection. One such GMO food source potentially being developed in BC is salmon. The website of the US Food and Drug Administration says GMO salmon awaiting FDA approval are being raised in aquaculture facilities in the landlocked highlands in Panama. Those salmon are genetically modified to grow faster, making it cheaper to grow them in fish farms. Other GMO animals are in development, too. In fact, the first GE mouse with traits helpful in disease research was produced in the 1980s and its descendants are now at work in labs around the world. Other uses for GMO animals include “biopharm” animals to help produce greater quantities of human insulin and even companion animals with modified DNA to make them hypoallergenic. So far, no GE animals have been approved for commercial use as a food source. There’s a growing interest (pardon the pun) in home gardening, even on apartment balconies, as a non-GMO alternative. And it’s not hard to find chickens being raised in our neighbourhoods. Opportunities to invest in local grain and vegetable crops, where shareholders get a share of the harvest, also exist. Finally, buying locally produced organic produce and meat is a good, if pricey, way to avoid GMOs. Never underestimate the power of a message to your political representative. Make your MLA and MP aware if you have conSL cerns over food safety.

Fit for the Adventure

BY EVE LEES

Pets are Good for Your Health E njoying moments of peace and tranquility contributes to good health. Pets can provide this, as well as loyal companionship to ease loneliness and depression. Studies show pet owners generally seem healthier; they visit the doctor less often and use less medication. They also seem to have lower cholesterol and blood pressure and recover more quickly from illness and surgery. Pet owners’ heart rate and blood pressure is lower than those without pets. Pet owners show less increase in heart rate and blood pressure when under stress and their blood pressure drops faster after stressful situations. All these findings are possibly why pet owners are found more likely to be healthier after having a heart attack. Pets accept us without judgment or prejudice and offer the security of unconditional love. They can help reduce stress because they make us smile, boosting our mood in a positive way (because it’s not possible to feel happy and stressed at the same time!). When you are with your pet, it’s a special focused time where you enjoy the present moment, and usually not think about your problems. Older adult pet owners are less likely to experience depression or feel alone, and are more active than those who don’t have pets. Pets may also provide a reason to exercise; especially with

dogs, as they need regular walks. You can also visit or make new friends through your pet, when you go on your daily walks or participate in events for pets. Before getting a pet, be sure you have time, as they need constant care. Consider your budget, as well. Pets will need food, supplies, veterinary costs and some may require grooming or licenses. And don’t ignore the possibility of replacing damaged furniture or carpeting. Other important questions: Are pets allowed where you live and do you have adequate space for the animal? And, if you travel often, can you take your pet along or are you able to arrange for their care? Checking out the rates of pet daycare in your area may be a good idea before you actually get a pet. Avoid giving a pet as a gift. Many unwanted animals end up in animal shelters. A pet is a responsibility and should be planned for and wanted. Adults, as well as children, should be prepared SL and understand the commitment involved.

Eve Lees was a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Counsellor for 30 years. Currently she is a Freelance Health Writer and Speaker. www.artnews-healthnews.com

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Chemainus Theatre â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol After being presumed dead for three years, a hardened Sherlock Holmes resurfaces, turning his back on the people who need him most. Three unexpected callers arrive on Christmas Eve, uncovering clues from the detectiveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past, present and future. Can they save Holmes and his world from a devastating conclusion all in one night? The Canadian premiere of an instant classic filled with mystery, intrigue and song for the entire family. Visit us online at www.chemainustheatrefestival.ca See ad, page 49 Civic Orchestra of Victoria We are a volunteer organization dedicated to providing an opportunity for musicians of varying ages and abilities to per-

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form a wide repertoire of orchestral music for supportive audiences in the Victoria region. Join us Saturday, November 8, at 2 pm, at the Victoria High School Auditorium for “Sounds of Europe.” Enjoy the music of Tchaikovsky, Verdi, Dvorak, and Vivaldi. Featuring soloist Lauren Stubbs. Visit us online at www.civicorchestraofvictoria.org See ad, page 48

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS, CAROLS by CANDLELIGHT Dec 4 • Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver, 7.30pm Dec 6 • White Rock Baptist Church, 1657-140th St, 7.30pm Dec 7 • Massey Theatre, N Westminster, with Winter Harp, 2.30pm Dec 9 • Surrey Arts Centre, 7:30pm. Tix at SAC, 604-501-5566 Dec 12 • Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver, 7.30pm

Theatre in the Country – Maple Ridge Come enjoy A Christmas Carol – a new musical by Bruce Greer and Keith Fergusson. A Broadway-style musical production of the classic Christmas tale with Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, the three Spirits of Christmas and all the great characters of Dickens’ tale. Three weekends only Dec 4-20. Visit us online at www.theatreinthecountry.com for more details. See ad, page 50

Dec 13 • Shaughnessy Heights United Church, Vanc., 7.30pm TICKETS Adult $27, Senior $24, Student $10 (except Dec 7th) at www.vwmc.ca or 604-878-1190 or from any choir member

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The Butchart Gardens Once again, enjoy the Magic of Christmas as The Butchart Gardens transforms with its outstanding Twelve Days of Christmas displays. Strap your skates on and take a whirl on the outdoor ice rink, and enjoy nightly carolers and festive brass. Enjoy your favourite hot mulled cider or hot chocolate at the Blue Poppy Restaurant or the cosy coffee shop. Don’t forget to purchase your 12-month pass to receive many benefits and savings. Visit us online at www. butchartgardens.com See ad page 48

written in the Baroque master’s most festive style. See ad, page 49

the BC Lower Mainland. Visit us online at www.vwmc.ca See ad, page 49

Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir Approximately 100 auditioned choir members who sing in the Welsh Male Voice TTBB tradition will be performing two Remembrance Day Concerts in November, followed by six Christmas Concerts in December. Come join us as we perform at a variety of venues across

Victoria Royals Hockey Club Join the excitement of cheering on Victoria’s major junior hockey team! A part of the Western Hockey League (WHL), players aged 16-20 years old have been or are striving to be drafted by the NHL. Check out www.victoriaroyals. com. See ad, page 48

Vancouver Chamber Choir presents Handel’s Messiah There is a reason that Handel’s Messiah has become the world’s most famous and beloved choral work – it’s because the music is so wonderful and the story so appropriate to the celebrations of the Christmas season. It offers everything – brilliant solo arias, vivacious choruses and inventive orchestral interludes, all

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WESTMINSTER HOUSE - South Surrey / White Rock Buy your own Home in a Retirement Community for less than $100,000. 2 studio units – buy 1 or both. Take advantage of the 24 hour nursing care or put the unit in the rental pool until you feel a need for more care. The strata fees are modest and increase as your personal demands for prepared meals and care increases. On site facilities include, several lounge areas, games room, 2 separate dining rooms and a small café. For More Details Call Bruce Copp, Sutton Group-WestCoast Realty 604-538-8888.

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BY PAT NICHOL

Attitude of Gratitude

wo things come up for me to be grateful for this November. One is my birthday; the other is the 10th anniversary of my writing a column for Senior Living. Lately, a number of people on Facebook have been challenging each other in various ways. Certainly, the one that got the most press was the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. However, one challenge that is not as widely talked about is the Gratitude Challenge. So, I’m stepping up to the challenge and offering my gratitude list. These are the things I’m grateful for right now: 1. Writing this column from the Library deck of Holland America’s Westerdam on my way to sunny San Diego. 2. Having a roof over my head; even though it isn’t mine. 3. The circle of friends around me, both near and far. 4. My editor and my publisher who have permitted me to write this column for the past 10 years. And for the readers who tell me they look for my column every month. These are just the beginning! For the month of November, I challenge you to find at least three things or people, each

Photo: Frances Litman

COURAGEOUS and OUTRAGEOUS

day, for which you are grateful. I will do the same. We can compare notes in December. It is not necessary to come up with something new each day, but give it a try. As you move through the month with your own gratitude challenge, challenge a friend or two to do the same. Then follow up with them and see what has changed. Gratitude changes lives. As well as taking on the challenge of gratitude, remember to say thank you often to others. You will find that life becomes less stressful and the energy around you becomes more loving. Life becomes easier and runs more smoothly. So, as we enter the final months of the year, let’s all become more grateful. As someone wise once said, “If we can’t be grateful for what we already have, how can we expect to have more?” SL Let me know how you do. Pat Nichol is a speaker and published author. Reach her at mpatnichol@gmail.com

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Natural Beauty & Extraordinary Culture STORY AND PHOTOS BY RICK AND CHRIS MILLIKAN

ecluded along Vancouver Island’s west coast, Tofino has become a popular destination for winter storm watching. Some visitors snuggle indoors to watch howling gales and turbulent surf. Others stroll its beaches in raingear, where puddle jumping becomes a sport. And Tofino’s galleries, restaurants and shops provide perfect places to dry off. However, we visit in the spring enjoying a different kind of Tofino. Beginning from a cozy cottage, our inaugural walk winds through misty cedars and onto Chesterman Beach. Sun-bleached logs, leather-leafed salal and evergreens line this vast expanse of sand. Crashing waves set our tempo and that of fellow amblers with ball-fetching dogs.

Toting bathing suits and picnic, we later head to the harbour and board a cabin cruiser bound for Hot Springs Cove. “Cloudy skies usually mean calm ocean,” Captain James assures us. “Afternoons get gusty, so we’ll take an inside route comin’ back.” Outcrops of black rock and evergreen hillsides frame the golden beaches of Clayoquot Sound’s westward islands. James tells us about deer and wolves swimming to, and now populating, nearby Vargus Island. While idling near one islet, a grey whale dives a few metres away, and we learn how their baleen plates filter small crustaceans from scooped up sand and mud. Too distant for predators, this tiny island serves as a natu-

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ral marine sanctuary and birders paradise. Offshore, harbour seals swim and cavort amid marbled murrelets, guillemots, rhinoceros auklets and a pair of tufted puffins. A flashy red-beaked, red-legged oystercatcher struts along the rocky shoreline. And on its leeward side, piles of sunning Stellar sea lions bark raucously, likely belting out sea shanties! Leaving this lively spot we encounter more whales. Equally fascinating, a sea otter bobs in the waves, asleep on its back. Ultra-dense fur insulates its blubber-less body; susceptible paws point upward to avoid the frigid waters. Hunted for plush fur, they were close to extinction by the 1900s. Responding to a Canadian request, Alaska provided 60 sea otters to Vancouver Island in 1969. No longer endangered, they thrive again along this coastline. After this eventful 90-minute trip, we dock at Maquinna Provincial Marine Park. An up-and-down boardwalk leads us two kilometres through wind-battered rainforest, high above the rocky shoreline. We marvel at planks etched with names and emblems of boaters, community associations and even a fifth grade class who sponsored the building of this popular trail. Among them are memorial boards – and one marriage proposal.

Crashing waves set our tempo and that of fellow amblers with ball-fetching dogs.

It is not without a price, that we live in a land that is free. In honour of our brave veterans – for your service, endurance, sacrifice and wisdom that we all too often take for granted. We are humbled by your bravery and inspired by your love of country. With deep appreciation and respect, we thank you.

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From change rooms above Hot Springs Cove, we scramble down a rocky path, crawl over huge boulders to sight the first of several pools below a steaming waterfall. Other hardy souls are already blissfully soaking. Easing ourselves into the hot water, we sit on the gravel bottom, breathe pine-scented air… and emerge refreshed. Back in hiking duds, we notice an illustrated placard explaining the phenomenon of this pleasurable site: ground water flows five-kilometres down a fault, heats geo-thermally, rises “hydrostatically” into a hot spring and streams into these pools. Back at the dock, we squeeze into a floatplane. “Flightseeing” proves awesome. Once aloft, the pilot loops the coast’s emerald islands, giving us a bird’s-eye view of two more grey whales feeding… and, within minutes, glides to a dock on the bustling waterfront. Casual eateries like Vincente’s and Common Loaf Bakery keep us deliciously fed. The Spotted Bear’s Frenchtrained chef dazzles our palates. And one splendid evening while gazing onto Cox Bay, we savour Long Beach Lodge’s gourmet seafood dinners. The manager explains the development of fine local cuisine. “The key is our guild of restau-

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rateurs working together, sourcing the best BC meats, vegetables and wines. Foragers often supply wild mushrooms and seasonal berries.” One morning, we tackle the newly developed 1.3-km Lighthouse Trail leading to beautiful Tonquin beach. Signage alerts us to wolves; there’s no evidence of these critters or the namesake lighthouse! We DO see countless starry-white trilliums covering mossy forest floors and clinging to tree trunks. A local tells us a future trail extension will include a lookout onto Tofino lighthouse, famous for past rescues. Between outdoor adventures, we check out Eagle Aerie, a longhouse-style gallery showcasing Roy Henry Vickers’ acclaimed artwork. At Sol Art studio, a Mayan artist explains his environmentally friendly creation of hand-blown glass bursting with colour. In neighbouring Chocolate Tofino, we taste hand-churned lavender-honey gelato. And at newly established Tofino Brewing Company, quaff samplings of five local brews. That afternoon, we join six others for a cultural canoe trip. Tsimka, our guide, first instructs us on paddling techniques. Helping us board a red and black cedar canoe, she seats everyone close to the gunnels and places a large rock strategically to balance the weight. “My father carved this 35-foot dugout. Canoes like this were once used for whaling,” she notes. “You’ll notice these

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traditional paddles are pointed rather than rounded, producing quieter strokes and potential as weapons. They also have names. Mine’s inscribed Thunderstruck; its wide tapered blade creates powerful strokes.” Sweeping and drawing our canoe away from the dock, the forward paddlers set the pace along the harbour. “Clayoquot trading post was built there on Stubbs Island in the late 1850s,” Tsimka points westward. “And some of this port’s buildings date to the 1900s when homesteaders arrived; most developed after 1959 when a logging road accessed our coast.” Crossing open water, a breeze slows our progress to Meares Island, where a row of pastel homes line the shore. “Although Opitsat remains our most important village, less than 180 people now live here. When Wickaninnish was chief at the end of the 1700s, over 200 ornate Tla-o-qui-aht longhouses stood there. Already rich and powerful, our nation became wealthier trading sea otter pelts to Europeans,” she recounts. “Smallpox soon decimated our people and the lucrative otter fur trade ended.” Directing our attention toward two totem poles flanking the community centre, we find out how bottom totems are as important as the top. The wolf and bear on the base are spirit animals, important in protecting the natural world. We wonder if they helped protect Meares Island from logging. Paddling onward, Tsimka tells us about harvesting herring

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Leavenworth Lighting Festival

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eggs from eelgrass growing on the sandy bottom. “And see that pale green moss dangling from the cedars?” she says. “It indicates this area’s exceptional air purity… and is also used for making tea to remedy stomach ailments.” She chants a haunting Tla-o-qui-aht song that echoes across the water as we bask in golden sunshine. Rhythmic teamwork takes us back to town after 6.4 kilometres of scenic paddling. At Schooner Cove’s parking kiosk the next morning, we purchase day passes to investigate Pacific Rim Park. From the trailhead, a well-maintained boardwalk and stairs leads us two kilometres through evergreen forest and over gurgling creeks to a sunlit crescent of sand. Further south, Rainforest Trail provides a one-kilometre boardwalk, this time looping through huge western red cedars and hemlocks festooned in moss, lichens and ferns. Lush shrubs crowd the forest floor. Several platforms contain illustrative storyboards interpreting this pristine forest. One reveals the importance of surrounding nurse logs in sustaining seedlings. Another reveals only 10 per cent of such oldgrowth forests have been preserved. A picnic at Incinerator Rock, a Long Beach landmark, ends five days of activities that increase our love of the west SL coast’s natural beauty and extraordinary culture. For IF YOU GO information, visit www.seniorlivingmag. com/articles/tofino-vacation

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It’s Just That Easy!

Getting Your Home Ready for the Holidays

he holidays are fast approaching and if you’re expecting a houseful of people for Christmas, there is still time to fit in a project to spruce up your home for entertaining family and friends. Perhaps you would like to freshen up kitchen cabinets, give them a lift with white paint and new chrome hardware; and don’t forget about helping your bathroom look its best. A new set of faucets and a fresh coat of paint can upgrade any powder room almost instantly. But you may want to set your sights even further. If you have a weekend to spare, some projects make a big impact with little time and money. Adding crown molding, a new countertop, a modern tile back splash or a new front door are all great ways to transform your home. While addressing cosmetic projects offers instant gratification, it’s important not to overlook the unseen to ensure a safe and problem-free holiday season. West Coast winters can be unpredictable and when temperatures dip below freezing, it can cause countless problems for homeowners, if you neglect some winter chores. Unfortunately, many homeowners wait until snow hits the ground before they take preventative steps to winterize their home. Ensure components such as external plumbing, home heating systems, chimneys, fireplaces, gutters, foundations and roofs are in fine working condition. Following a few seasonal tasks now can prevent costly damage later and avoid major inconveniences ensuring you have a safe holiday season.

Winterize Your Home Fireplaces and Chimneys: Before firing up your fireplace, one of the most important things you can do is have your fireplaces and chimneys cleaned and inspected by a professional for proper operation; including cracks, blockages (bird nests), leaks, or creosote buildup. Replace a damaged chimney cap or repair it, if necessary. The cap keeps rain, animals and birds from entering the chimney and keeps hot sparks in. If your chimney doesn’t have a cap, consider installing one. Keep your roof clear of leaves and debris and remove any branches hanging above gutters, chimneys, flues or vents. This also provides a clear path for Santa and his reindeer. Inside the House: Make sure the area around fireplaces and furnaces remains clear of debris, decorations and flammable materials.

If your fireplace has glass doors, leave them open when a fire is burning and always use a metal screen with a wood fireplace. Be sure all your heating equipment is serviced every year and is properly ventilated. Make sure air vents indoors and outdoors (intake, exhaust and forced air) are not blocked by snow or debris. Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are installed on every level of your home and the batteries are tested monthly. Replace batteries every six months. Outside the House: Winterize external plumbing systems: drain exterior water pipes and any pipes that run through unheated areas (such as a garage, crawlspace or unheated porch). If draining these pipes isn’t possible, wrap them with foam insulation or heat tape. Ignore this job and you could be faced with flooding, water damage and thousands of dollars in plumbing bills. The simple fact is water expands when frozen. If a water faucet freezes use a hair dryer to heat and the pipes to free the frozen area. Leave faucet set at a trickle to prevent freezing again. Roof gutters should be cleaned every season after leaves have fallen from the trees. This will prevent freezing mass in gutters and opening the seams to leaks. Have outdoor pools drained and professionally serviced. Pools and hot tubs must have heat or circulation pumps running to prevent freezing. Drain underground sprinkler systems. Don’t forget! Have a snow shovel and ice melt on standby for when you need it. Autumn is the ideal time to line up contractors since they book up quickly for the spring and summer months, which are the busiest time for renovators; especially painters, roofer and window installers. Gearing up your home for the holidays can be a lot of fun! Even if you are going away for the holidays and intend to leave your home for an extended period of time, you will want to ensure you go over these tips before taking off. It’s Just That Easy! Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!

Shell Busey’s HouseSmart Home Service Referral Network provides qualified trades (vetted by Shell) to homeowners. For more information, go to www.askshell.com and join Shell Busey’s HouseSmart Club. Phone: 604-542-2236.

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FOREVER BY WILLIAM THOMAS

You May As Well Laugh; Nobody’s Getting Out of This Alive

iven the complex workings of the human body, the immediate benefits of a good bout of laughter are remarkable. First, the heart rate drops and blood pressure eases off. More oxygen is added to the blood and then, endorphins are released in the brain characterized as a “natural high.” A calmness takes over the brain assisted by the fact that when you’re laughing you can’t possibly be worrying. Studies show that laughter boosts the immune system helping to fight off infection. People who laugh a lot get fewer colds and have a higher tolerance of pain because of the immunoglobulin produced in the process. But it’s got to be a good laugh, eh? Not a tepid ha ha. It has to be a “don’t bend over in the garden, Granny, you know them taters have eyes” kind of laugh. This is the kind of belly laugh you get while retelling the story of how your husband, while teeing off at the Humane Society Golf Tournament, took a mighty swing, ripped his pants, fell down and made a noise that frightened the “Adopt Me Dog of the Week.” When you make that snorting noise and root beer comes out your nose, the health benefits of laughter are definitely in high gear. Dr. Madan Katria of Mumbai, India believed laughter played such a vital role in boosting the morale of people living in the slums of Mumbai that he started a laugh club. Each person brought a piece of humour and the hysterical response of the group produced better benefits than therapy. Today, there are a thousand laugh clubs around the world, and over 50 in Canada. In the workplace, laughter lightens the mood and boosts morale, thus reducing stress. Humour in a place of business creates camaraderie among employees and wards off burnout. Acting as an emotional stimulant, laughter at work, in measured doses, can’t help but increase productivity and longevity of employment. Most employees rate a pleasant and happy work environment higher than a wage increase when listing reasons they like their job. But you have to be careful. Humour is perilously subjective. As American humourist Ray Blount Jr. was fond of saying: “A good joke is like a hefty sneeze. If it’s any good at all, somebody’s going to get some on them.” Choose your victims wisely. One workplace study shows that 70 per cent of jokes told in the workplace mock their co62 60

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workers’ age, sex or weight. This not only defeats all the benefits of laughter, but the real butt of the joke – yours – will find itself in a real bind. The best victim of humour is always you. Self-deprecating humour, poking fun at yourself is a solid and safe form of humour. “Sorry about all that waving,” said Jerry Seinfeld. “I couldn’t control my arms. I shouldn’t have been at that meeting. I was just a puppet in there.” The next best victim is us. All of us. Observational humour that takes all of us to task for our human foibles is safe by inclusiveness. The biting satirist Mark Twain was funny but inoffensive because he held all humans to the same (low) standard. “Familiarity,” said Twain, “breeds contempt … and children.” Twain’s stress-reducer? “When angry, count to four. When very angry, swear.” Looking at the state of the world, then and now, no words ring truer than Twain’s take on people. “Man is the only animal that blushes. Or has need to.” To get more laughter in your life and humour in your workplace, be creative. Some hospitals in the States have “humour carts” full of everything from rubber chickens to water pistols to remind the sick that fun should be part of their healing program. Some corporations have “humour rooms” with comedy videos, gags and humour tapes to give their employees a quick jolt of laughter instead of caffeine. Proudly, Canada funds a group called “Clowns Without Borders,” high-powered executives who, on their own time and dime, don clown costumes in war zones around the world to teach children how to smile and laugh again. Laughter, a weapon of mass resurrection. Nearly a century and a half ago, President Abe Lincoln understood the benefits of humour. “Gentlemen,” he said to his cabinet members, “Why don’t you laugh? With the fearful strain that is with me night SL and day, if I did not laugh, I should die.”

For comments, ideas and copies of The True Story of Wainfleet, visit www.williamthomas.ca

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