September 2013 Senior Living Magazine by INSPIRED 55+ Lifestyle Magazine

SEPTEMBER 2013 TM

50+ Active Living Magazine

Miz Daisy & the Kaptein

Finally â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the cover! Olympian Nancy Greene Raine

Special

Loving Mom & Savvy Tech Investor Sharon Bliss

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SEPTEMBER 2013

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FEATURES 6 Cover Artists Make the Cover

These buddies don’t just jump into a canoe to ply the waters of the Thames River in London, Ontario – they build the canoe ﬁrst!

10 High-Tech Mama

It started as an investment in her son’s dream and soon became an opportunity for Sharon Bliss to use her skills – and learn new ones.

DEPARTMENTS

14 From Ski Champion to Champion of Causes

42 Classiﬁeds

Olympian Nancy Greene Raine brings the same passion to the Senate that helped her succeed on the ski hill.

COLUMNS 4 The Family Caregiver

19-28 Caregiving Guide

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Resources and articles for family caregivers.

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30 The Hippest Chorus

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36 Two Old Guys’ Great Canoe Adventure

After writing about it, joking about it and singing about it, Miz Daisy and the Kaptein ﬁnally make the cover of Senior Living magazine.

by Barbara Small

38 Bygone Treasures by Michael Rice

A repertoire of modern pop songs and some bold choreography sets the PALS Chorus apart from others in Vancouver.

34 Serving Community

39 Courageous & Outrageous by Pat Nichol

40 Fit for the Adventure

Award-winning artist and author Jan Peterson likes to use her gifts to serve whatever community she calls home.

by Eve Lees

44 Reﬂections: Then & Now by Gipp Forster

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Cover Photo: Irene Frederichs and Mark Kostian are the musical duo Miz Daisy and the Kaptein. Page 6. Photo: Vernice Shostal

Senior Living is published by Stratis Publishing. Publisher Barbara Risto Editor Bobbie Jo Reid editor@seniorlivingmag.com

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Head Ofﬁce Contact Information: Box 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1 Phone 250-479-4705 Fax 250-479-4808 Toll-free 1-877-479-4705

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Ad Sales Staff Colevin Crause 250-479-4705 ext 102 Barry Risto 250-479-4705 ext 101 Kathie Wagner 250-479-4705 ext 103

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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THE FAMILY CAREGIVER

Are You One?

ou see them in TV shows and in movies. They are showing up more and more often in advertisements for a multitude of products. If you are not one now, or been one in the past, you will likely be one in the future. At the very least, you will know someone who is one – maybe a family member, a friend or a co-worker. Statistics show that approximately one in three Canadians provide care and support to a family member or friend who is in poor health, elderly or disabled. They are family and friend caregivers. There are only 4 kinds of people in the world. Those who have been caregivers, Those who are caregivers, Those who will be caregivers, Those who need caregivers. –Rosalynn Carter, The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving Family and friend caregivers provide care for a variety of reasons. It may be out of love, a sense of obligation, guilt or because there doesn’t seem to be anyone else available. The support they provide can range from driving a family member to a doctor’s appointment or picking up groceries to providing one-on-one personal care 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The person they are supporting could be an elderly parent, a chronically ill spouse, a sister with cancer, a neighbour with a broken leg or an adult disabled child. The care

recipient may either live in his or her own home, with the caregiver or in a care facility. Are you a family or friend caregiver? Self-identifying as a caregiver is a key initial step toward getting the support you BY BARBARA SMALL need, and accessing the information and resources in your community that can help reduce your burden. The Caregiving Guide (page 19-28 in this issue) includes lists of caregiving resources, support groups and educational sessions, which provide support in your caregiving journey. There are also inspirational articles from caregivers who have completed their journey, and want to share what they learned along the way. The Guide also has articles from people working with family caregivers that include tips and suggestions for how to avoid caregiver burnout and help you be a more effective caregiver for a longer period of time. We hope you SL enjoy it. Next month: How Do You Know When You’re Burnt Out? Barbara Small is the Program Development Coordinator for Family Caregivers’ Network Society located in Victoria, BC. www.familycaregiversnetwork.org

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

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SEPTEMBER 2013

Artist Proﬁle

Cover Artists Make the Cover

“W

e feel passionately that laughter is the best medicine,” says Mark Kostian, the “Kaptein” in the musical duo, “Miz Daisy and the Kaptein,” a pair of entertainers whose exuberance is contagious. “We blend in a lot of humour in our music. Stories from Pine River, Manitoba by Miz Daisy (Irene Frederichs) always generate waves of laughter.” Neighbours for many years, Irene and Mark practised music in Mark’s home until Irene, formerly a nurse at Rest Haven Lodge, decided they may be good enough to go public. Their first performance was at the lodge where she worked. “The reception was very good,” says Irene, “and we got called back.” Although they don’t have the credentials, their performance is much like the work of music therapists. “You have to be super sensitive,” says Irene, “and observe any signs or emotions, recall memories, especially with peo-

Performers, partners and pals Irene Frederichs and Mark Kostian are Miz Daisy and the Kaptein.

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Photo: Vernice Shostal

BY VERNICE SHOSTAL

plays a harmonica, rhythm and keyboards. With her portable mic she wanders around and visits while “Mark is tethered to his guitar.” And the performances are always different. “The population of the place changes, and the weather has a lot to do with it,” she says. Both Irene and Mark grew up with musical backgrounds. Although Irene has had no formal vocal training, she credits her love of song to her mother who “always sang around the house and tried to get me singing.” In her younger days in Pine River, Manitoba, Irene sang in a church choir and later, around her grandmother’s piano in Montreal. “Singing lifts me up,” says Irene. “I do a lot of humming.” Mark is a song writer with a recording studio in his home, where he produces CDs and videos. One of their popular songs, a tune the couple first played and sang at Senior Living’s Vic-

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ple with dementia, or uncommunicative or depressed people. If you play some music that is familiar to them, you get some glimmer of something in their face or body movement. Then you go with it, and you need to engage them in conversation.” Mark is also the duo’s roadie. While Mark is busy setting up for the performance, Irene visits with the residents “warming them up and trying to get a feel of what they would like or how their day is going, or what’s happening in the place that day.” Chatting with the residents, she asks them to “Tell us your favourite song. There’s no guarantee we’ll sing it, but I’d like to know what it is – and then we laugh. We have a musical visit.” For Irene, the highlight is “if somebody was sad and you turned their night around and they say it was a wonderful evening.” She admits this happens most of the time. While Mark plays the guitar, Irene

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toria Senior Expo in 2006, is called “On the Cover of Senior Living Magazine.” A parody of “The Cover of the Rolling Stones,” by Shel Silverstein, recorded by Dr. Hook, the song is a lively lament that Miz Daisy and The Kaptein have never had their picture on the cover of Senior Living magazine. In the lyrics that Mark wrote, the two complain that they are big rock singers who are loved everywhere they go, but the thrill they have never known is the thrill “that will get you when you get your picture on the cover of Senior Living magazine.” “We adapted the lyrics to our situation of having played in seniors’ homes for many years,” Mark laughs. “We have performed it many times in varied venues ever since.” Mark’s interest in music began at age four. “I grew up in a home where music was always there,” says Mark. “My father played the accordion, my grandfather was a classically trained pianist and my aunt and uncle were in

an opera company.” Growing up, Mark enjoyed playing the piano and took up saxophone and clarinet in high school. At the age of 19, during his RCMP training in Regina, Mark began playing the guitar. “I was hooked and bought my first guitar for $10. I would practise and practise till my fingers hurt,” he says. “Having played in seniors’ homes with ‘Miz Daisy’ for many years has given us much joy,” says Mark. “Each musical visit begins with anticipation and a jolly good time. At the end of each concert, it is always gratifying to see the change in people, the smiling faces and sometimes tears from the music. Each musical visit has its own memorable highlights, such as singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to centenarians who divulge their secrets to living so long.” Born in Finland, Mark moved to Sweden during the war and back to Finland when the war was over. He immigrated to Canada with his family in 1952 and grew up in Toronto. He

came to Victoria from Ottawa, his last RCMP posting. In addition to his career with the RCMP, Mark has worked at the University of Victoria in security and, at one time, owned his own sauna and hot tub business. A former nurse, Irene came to the capital city from Montreal in 1979. “I always wanted to be a nurse,” she says. “I got the bug when I was five years old. My uncle was in the hospital, and I can remember going in and I was just spellbound by the smells… and the nurses were so professional… and they gave me a cookie.” Irene did her training in Toronto at Quo Vadis School of nursing. The pilot project admitted people aged 30 and over. “That was when women’s lib was starting,” says Irene. “I was a single mom then.” In addition to music, Irene enjoys art and poetry, “although I don’t write much of it,” she says. She attended the Victoria College of Art in the 1990s

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and took lessons from several artists. Her eclectic painting style ranges from Abstract Expressionism to Spiritual Realism. She held her first art show at the Fernwood Inn in the spring of 2013. Partial proceeds went to support the Mustard Seed Food Bank and Every Step Counts. Working with another form of art, Irene likes to make bowls and vases out of paper maché. “That one sold for $95,” she shows a picture of a vase. Mark and Irene play in retirement homes and at the Spiral Café in Victoria every Thursday night. They also perform at garden parties, family reunions, or wherever anyone wants a party, forever hopeful their performances get noticed – and, one day, they’d get their picture on the cover SL of Senior Living magazine. For more information or to find where you can hear Miz Daisy and the Kaptein, call Irene at 250-380-6535 or Mark at 250-480-0378.

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SEPTEMBER 2013

11 9

High-Tech Mama Technology

BY JOHN THOMSON

Sharon Bliss runs the operational and logistical side – including social media – of a business she entered into with her son Zach.

Photos: John Thomson

er morning toast was getting cold and the coffee lukewarm, but Vancouver entrepreneur and mother, heck grandmother, Sharon Bliss was transfixed. Her 27-year-old son Zach had a big idea and a big dilemma. He had designed a computer application called Shot Lister, which would revolutionize the movie industry, but he didn’t have the money to develop it and take it to market. “Like all great ideas it came out of a need to solve a problem,” says Sharon. The problem was scheduling. “After 100 years of filmmaking, the state of the art was a piece of paper and a red pen,” says Zach dismissively. Zach had just finished directing his first TV movie, and he was frustrated by the time it took to re-jig his shot list. A shot list is a document that tells the director which scenes have to be shot in which order. If one scene is delayed or runs over schedule, the rest of the day’s shoot is thrown out of whack and a new list has to be printed and distributed to the crew. That cuts into precious shooting time. If only directors like himself, Zach reckoned, could re-shuffle their shot lists in real time and on their portable hand-held devices, production companies could save time and money. Sharon felt Zach’s pain. He was so sure of the idea’s potential yet stymied for a lack of funds. What was a mother to do? Why, invest, of course. “I said it sounds like a great idea,” continues Sharon. “How much do you think it will cost? He said ‘Well, prob-

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ably $5,000.’ So I said why don’t I put the money up, you do the designing, and we’ll hire a software guy to write code. How hard can it be?” Software guy Andrei Iancu of Dynamic Leap Technology Inc. answered the call. “I work with many start-ups and I know the problem,” says Andrei. “You don’t have any money until you sell something; it’s a Catch-22, so I gave them breaks at the beginning.” Those breaks were crucial. Not only had Sharon committed to floating the idea with $5,000 of her own money, soon to expand beyond her original investment, but she took on marketing as well. She went to Apple and secured a distribution deal. Apple would sell the application through its iStores for a 30 per cent commission on sales, but she would have to drive customers to the stores herself. What did she know about marketing? Lots. What did she know about smartphones and tablets? Not so much. True, she had mastered the art of selling, first at BC’s educational broadcaster Knowledge Network where, as a contract producer, she parlayed grants and commissions into television programs and, later, as an entrepreneur buying apartments, fixing them up and selling them for a profit, but this was the 21st century. Although a technological neophyte – “I wasn’t on Twitter and not that active on Facebook,” – she knew the old ways of doing business wouldn’t cut it with her target demographic.

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She would have to use social media. “I thought it would appeal to the under-30s, and I thought that was the way to reach them,” she says. “They didn’t read newspapers and they didn’t watch television. You had to start with social media and fan out from there.” “At first she was too formal and it came off as corporate,” says Zach. Undeterred, she taught herself the art of geek speak. “Now she chats with ease with people my age,” her son continues. “Shouting out how good you are in social media gets shunned,” says Sharon. “What you need to do is engage with your buyers. Each day, there would be people that I’d email and it wouldn’t be the old formal press release but a friendly kind of email. ‘This is what I’ve done, this is what’s happening, here’s a quote from so-and-so. Are you interested in talking about it?’” It’s a multi-levelled marketing approach involving referrals, testimonials and, yes, even some old-fashioned printed materials. One month after launching, Sharon had recouped her investment. A grant from Creative BC, formerly known as BC Film and Media, allowed the duo to refine their product. To date, approximately 6,000 units have been sold around the world. It’s a well-oiled machine. Zach is primarily based in Los Angeles and concentrates on upgrades. Sharon manages the social media desk answering queries in youth-friendly tweets.

Sharon on the set of Zach’s latest movie.

“We split things very well; she does everything I hate,” says Zach. “She runs all the business and logistical side of things, paperwork, contracts, payments, social media and marketing. I spend most of my time designing and working with the programmers. The partnership works very well be-

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cause we don’t step on each other’s toes.” “So much of life is being open,” says Sharon of her new job, one of many in a long line of occupations that has demanded courage and persistence, traits she attributes to her Kiwi upbringing. Sharon immigrated to Canada in 1980. “The new Zealand attitude is very self-reliant,” she says. “You don’t hire someone to build a garage; you and your friends get together and build it yourself.” The project has not only strengthened the mother-son bond – “we’ve always been close, it definitely keeps us in touch,” says Zach – but it has also freed Sharon from conventional marketing restraints. “Shot Lister came along at the perfect time in my life,” she says. “It doesn’t matter where I am. Because it’s so flexible and because I plan to travel, I can be on the beach at Waikiki and be checking on sales.” The duo has formalized their working relationship spelling out their respective roles and future profit sharing. While they now draw a small stipend from sales, they’re plowing most of their money back into the company. Next up? A new version of Shot Lister that will play on the Android operating system. That would lead to servicing more tablets and smartphones, a job that Sharon would gladly tackle from SL that familiar beach in Waikiki. To see a video of Sharon on the set of Zach’s latest movie, visit www.seniorlivingmag.com/sharonbliss

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13 15

Public Figure

From Ski Champion to Champion of Causes

BY JAMES ELLSWORTH

ancy Greene Raine turned 70 in May 2013, and for the last 45 years she has been a role model and inspiration for Canadians. Her name is part of our geographical heritage now, like Nancy Greene Summit and Nancy Greene Lake near Rossland, BC. But she hopes to have equal influence in her latest iteration as Canadian Senator (she was appointed by Stephen Harper in December 2008). It has been her biggest challenge, she confesses, and certainly tougher than any ski run she’s done. Nancy has borne many honours in her career: • In skiing, she won Olympic gold and the World Championship in 1968 and was named Canadian Female Athlete of the 20th Century • In business, she and her husband Al Raine developed Whistler-Blackcomb and Sun Peaks Resort near Kamloops • In politics, she served on a federal Task Force on Sport in 1968, supported Reform in 1993 and entered the Senate as a Conservative in 2009 • In contributions to society, she has served as Chancel-

lor to Thompson Rivers University until 2011, sponsored the Nancy Greene Ski League for over 30 years, which promotes entry level ski racing for young children and received Canada’s highest civilian award for her many endeavours, Officer of the Order of Canada. Also, she was appointed Ambassador for the Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010 and was one of the torch bearers at the Opening Ceremony. But Nancy would maintain that being a parent and raising successful twin boys plus maintaining a marriage for 44 years are equally honourable. Being known as a strategist for senior living is probably not one she would recognize, especially if one regards “senior living” as retiring, slowing down, or easing off the pedal. Nancy doesn’t fit that model. As she said in a 2010 interview at Cahilty Lodge, her home in the Sunshine Peaks resort, “You get old because you slow down; you’re not slow because you’re old.” Never one to rest on her laurels, Nancy believes in pushing oneself to reach new goals every day. It is the

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same passion she brought to her skiing and that she now brings to the Senate. Aware of the impact she has had on many lives, she took the Senate job because it was an opportunity to have more influence at real change in Canada.

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Canadian Ski Champion Nancy Greene Raine, 1968

Are you a low-income senior or a person with a disability who wants to live safely and independently in the comfort of your home? Do you have difficulty performing day-to-day activities? Does your home need to be adapted to meet your changing needs? If so, you may be eligible for financial assistance under the Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI) program.

Senator Greene Raine participates in two key committees: Oceans and Fisheries, and Aboriginal Peoples. According to her website, she has made 43 speeches to the Senate in that time. Seventy-five per cent of them focused on favourite themes, recognizing individuals of significant achievement or drawing attention to physical activities and disabilities. Fellow member on the Aboriginal Peoples Committee, Liberal Senator Jim Munson said of Nancy Greene Raine (Vancouver Sun, 2012), “She is one hard-working senator, devoted to a number of issues from fitness to aboriginal rights and more.” Understandably, she has stood in the Senate to promote sports. For instance, she welcomed Canadian figure skaters to the Senate in November 2012, recognizing their achievements for Canada; in 2011, she commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Rick Hansen Relay, “focusing on engaging Canadians to become catalysts for positive change”; and she supported women’s ski jumping for upcoming Olympics in a very reasoned

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Al Raine and Nancy Greene Raine

Photo: James Ellsworth

and impassioned speech in 2009. Commensurate with her natural interest in sport is her advocacy against Child Obesity and Inactivity. In one speech (April 29, 2010), she cited that only 12 per cent of Canadian children and youth meet Canada’s physical activity targets of 90 minutes per day. International guidelines suggest children of this age should participate in at least two hours of physical activity every day, made up of many short sessions that include play, games, walking and recreation. Another oft-heard statement of Senator Greene Raine is that there are no disabled persons, only persons with disabilities. That is why she publicly congratulated Lauren Woolstencroft’s performance in the 2010 Paralympics and supported Spinal Cord Research. Nancy’s participation on the Senate committees has meant forays into new areas of influence. She has not been afraid to tackle policies that run counter to government wishes or political correctness. In a Senate review of Coast

Guard Lighthouses and finding efficiencies, she argued for keeping staff. There were 27 staffed lighthouses in British Columbia and, in March 2011, in a speech to the Senate, Greene said she met “keepers who are the ultimate multi-taskers.

In BC, the lightkeepers not only keep the light shining, but also provide other marine and aviation services. I cannot imagine how they could be replaced efficiently.” She also cited work that lightkeepers do on the British Columbia coast. “They are placed

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in strategic locations along the coast, and it is a very good thing they are…” actually saving 12 kayakers in distress off Trial Island, spotting an oil spill in 1989, and supporting West Coast Trail hikers. She has also promoted environmentalist Tim Ball’s work on Climate Change and, if not a global warming denier, she is doing what senators do, suggesting sober second thought. In June 2011, she addressed a Senate meeting with these words, “It has often been said that one shops for the climate, but one dresses for the weather.” Not exactly a nay-sayer but urging more caution, Nancy suggests records may be too narrow at a few hundred years to speculate on what may be eons developing. More practical than theoretical, in March 2011, she complimented the conservation policies of Kamloops-area ranchers, preserving the prairie grasslands under the Nature Conservancy of Canada, a $225 million program helping individual properties to maintain low-impact and sustainable activities that preserve and conserve alongside business needs. Nancy Greene Raine, although a septuagenarian now, continues to behave as she always did – the same as she did as a champion skier. She lives her life with passion and tries to have an impact. Life-altering changes will present themselves as the Senate did for her; and she maintains that as always, especially as seniors, our job is to make and take SL those opportunities.

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Imagine how your legacy can shape the future. Imagine unlocking potential in generations to come. For 50 years University of Victoria students have made a positive impact on their communities and the world. From discovering new ways to fight diseases, to creating art that moves generations, to inventing new businesses that employ thousands of people, UVic students can achieve change. And they have you to thank for making it possible. Your gift. Your legacy. A planned gift to UVic can open a world of possibilities for future generations. Contact Cheryl to start the conversation about creating a lasting legacy in your will or estate plan.

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Cheryl Hebb | 250-472-4516 | chebb@uvic.ca

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Footloose and fancy free… Let Berwick handle the day-to-day tasks with our top notch professional chefs to prepare your meals, our efﬁcient housekeepers to tidy up and our friendly staff organizing recreation activities and outings. Be as connected and social as you desire. Enjoy a movie in our theatre, health and wellness classes, or a game of cards with some of your friends. Visit a Berwick near you and discover how engaging retirement can be.

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MAGAZINE

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SEPTEMBER 2013

Caregiver Self-care: How to care for your loved one without losing yourself

BY ANDREA COX

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or many caregivers, the biggest concern is never having enough time in the day. A lack of time can lead to feelings of guilt, frustration, anger, fatigue and eventually burnout. Many caregivers feel overwhelmed with the amount of extra duties they have, and when a person feels pressure to be all things to a loved one they tend to give themselves the short end of the stick. You will be a more effective caregiver when you care for the caregiver first. Loved ones neither want nor expect selfless servants. As a caregiver, when you care for yourself, you increase and improve your own caring. Here are some survival tips gathered from other family caregivers to help you cope with your role as caregiver. • Keep a sense of humour. Find something that makes you laugh, and also look for humour in everyday situations. • Take care of yourself. Take responsibility for your own well-being and get your own needs met. Eat healthy balanced meals. Tend to your emotional health and make time for “me” time. You had a life before you became caregiver and you will have “your” life when that role ends. • Take a break. Access respite services such as day programs, overnight respite care, home support services, or just getting a neighbour in for a couple of hours per week, so you can have time to do your own things. • Be happy for the time you have together. Life is precious and, no matter how hard caregiving is, it won’t go on forever. Cherish the time you have with your loved one. • Ask everyone to help out. Don’t assume that just because you are caring for your loved one that they can’t do things

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for themselves. Everyone needs to feel useful and needed and finding things they can do not only makes them feel good but it also helps you out. • Don’t give in to guilt. Acknowledge your feelings. Think quality, not quantity. Establish priorities and set limits and boundaries. Act from love, not from a sense of debt and take time off without feeling guilty. You deserve it. • Know when to stop. When you become a caregiver you have to know when it is time to research other options such as hiring extra help in the home, looking into assisted living facilities and residential care. If you feel that the safety of your family member or your safety is at risk, talk to your health care providers and they can help you research your options. • Seek the help of others. When the stress of caregiving gets too much, seek out a friend to talk to and share how you are feeling, join a support group, talk to other family members. You are not alone in this caregiving journey. • And finally, take pleasure in the simple things. Being a caregiver is a big job but it shouldn’t take over your life. Try to find time to make each day special, like using the good tea cups and making fancy sandwiches. Have a celebration just because! Life is short and doesn’t always turn out the way we SL plan it, learn to enjoy the simple things. Andrea Cox, Caregiver Support Program Facilitator, Seniors Come Share Society, Surrey, BC, www.comeshare.ca

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Setting Family Caregiver Support Organizations Priorities: Needs vs. Wants in BC BY M. ALLISON REEVES

Family Caregivers’ Network Society 526 Michigan Street Victoria, BC V8V 1S2 Tel: 250-384-0408 Toll-free: 1-877-520-3267 Email: caregiversupport@fcns.ca www.familycaregiversnetwork.org Cowichan Family Caregivers Support Society PO Box 13, Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W0 Tel: 250-743-7621 Email: info@familycaregiverssupport.org www.familycaregiverssupport.org Mid-Vancouver Island Caregiver Support Line Tel: 1-866-865-2221 (Mon–Fri) Caregiver Support Program, Vancouver Coastal Health 2450 Ontario Street Vancouver, BC V5T 4T7 Tel: 604-709-6437 Email: caregiversupport@vch.ca www.vch.ca/caregivers Caregiver Support Program, North Shore Community Resources 935 Marine Drive, Suite 201 North Vancouver, BC V7P 1S3 Tel: 604-982-3320 Email: Karyn.davies@nscr.bc.ca www.nscr.bc.ca/information/caregivers. html 24 22

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Burnaby Family Caregivers Project Burnaby Seniors Outreach Services Society (BSOSS) #106 - 2101 Holdom Avenue Burnaby, BC V5B 0A4 Tel: 604-291-2258 Email: bsoss@telus.net www.bsoss.org

anaging everything that has to be done can be especially challenging when caregiving. Many family caregivers discover they just don’t have the time and energy to do it all for the person they are looking after, let alone remembering to take care of themselves as well. Learning the difference between a need and a want can be extremely useful in helping you to decide what gets addressed first, and where to direct your limited resources.

Caregiver Support Program, Seniors Come Share Society 15008 26th Ave. Surrey, BC V4P 3H5 Tel: 604-531-9400 ext. 27 Email: info@comeshare.ca www.comeshare.ca Tri-Cities Caregiver Support Program (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody) Tel: 778-789-1496 Email: SeniorCaregiverProgram@gmail. com Caregiver Network for East Kootenay Seniors’ Society Tel: 1-877-489-0803 (within 250 area code) or 250-489-0802 elsewhere Email: lizd@shaw.ca For a complete list of provincial resources, visit the FCNS website: www. fcns-caregiving.org/resources/provincialresources/

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Basically a need is: water, food, shelter, sleep and air. Certain medications can be added to this, as can certain medical procedures. Everything other than these basic needs can be considered a want. In all cases, the needs of both you and the person you are caring for must be met before anyone’s wants are even considered. Just to give you an idea about needs

vs. wants. Water is necessary, although not necessarily bottled or sparkling. Food is essential, although not necessarily the best of everything. Shelter is a must, whether a shared home or a room in a facility, although it may not be a preferred twostorey house with a beautiful garden. That being said, needs always come before wants. As a family caregiver, your needs are like that of the person on the airplane who has to put on their own air mask first before attending to their child or the person they are looking after. Difficult though this may be, as a family caregiver the person you are caring for needs you not to burn out. As a caregiver, your needs come before the wants of the person you are caring for. This was a “aha” moment for some of the family caregivers in my recent webinar on this topic at the Family Caregivers’ Network. One caregiver indicated she was so focused on her husband’s needs and wants that she had not even realized she had basic needs that had to be met as well – sleep, nutrition, looking after her own health concerns. Another caregiver recognized that her need for respite time away – which translated into sleep, rest and time to recharge – took priority over her husband’s want to stay at home and not in a respite suite at a care facility while she was gone. Doing this would allow both his needs and her needs to be met while she was away. Caregiving well means clarifying what is needed versus what is wanted. Once everyone’s needs are met, then it becomes possible to consider how you want to act on each person’s wants (desires), including your own. To move from learning this to applying it, try the following activity: On a piece of paper create two columns, one labelled “needs” and the other labelled “wants”. Make a list for both you and the person you are caring for. You may have an “aha!” moment or two yourself. If anything, you may be surprised to discover whose needs and wants have taken precedence in the past and whose may have been ignored. To enable you to be a healthy and effective caregiver, realize that no one benefits by you burning out. When this hapSL pens, no one’s needs will get met.

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M. Allison Reeves, M.A. is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. To reach her: call 250-927-6548 or visit www.allisonreevescounselling.com

New option for family caregivers in BC! Tyze Online Networks helps share the care with private, online tools. Offered through the Family Caregivers’ Network Society. To ﬁnd out more, call toll-free 1- 877-520-3267 or visit www.familycaregiversnetwork.org

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BC Support Groups for Family Caregivers Vancouver Island

Mid-Vancouver Island Caregiver Support

Victoria Region

Parksville 2nd Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. Serious Coffee, Parksville

Family Caregivers’ Network Society Victoria Support Group 1st Monday, 7-9 p.m. 526 Michigan Street, Victoria Sidney Support Group 3rd Tuesday, 10 a.m.–Noon Lounge, Shoal Centre, 10030 Resthaven Drive, Sidney Salt Spring Island Support Group Every Wednesday, 11 a.m.–Noon Seniors for Seniors Centre, Ganges (The SSI group is offered in partnership with the Alzheimer Resource Centre, however this group is open to all caregivers.) For further information call the FCNS office at 250-384-0408 or visit www. familycaregiversnetwork.org Cowichan Family Caregivers Support Society Duncan 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 4th Tuesday 2nd & 4th Mondays Contact Janis at 250-743-1961

Qualicum 3rd Thursday, 2:30 p.m. The Gardens, Qualicum Nanaimo – Day 2nd Wednesday, 3:30 p.m. Save-on Foods – Woodgrove, Nanaimo Nanaimo – Night 1st Monday, 7 p.m. Save-on Foods – Woodgrove, Nanaimo For information: Contact Isobel Gemmell, RSW, Tel: 250-468-5687, Email: relationships123@shaw.ca Comox Valley Senior Peer Counselling Society – Caregiver Support Groups 2 Women’s Groups and 1 Men’s Group meet once a month. To register and for more information – 250-890-0099

Mainland Greater Vancouver Area

Ladysmith 2nd Tuesday Contact Maggie at 250-716-1998

Vancouver Coastal Health – Caregiver Support Program East Side Support Group 1st Wednesday, 1–3 p.m. Renfrew Park Community Centre, 2929 East 22nd Ave, Vancouver

Chemainus Last Wednesday Contact Maggie at 250-716-1998 or Ranjana at 250-743-7621

Central Vancouver Support Group 2nd Wednesday, 6:30–8 p.m. Raven Song Community Health Centre, Rm 139, 2450 Ontario St., Vancouver

Lake Cowichan As needed Contact Janis at 250-743-1961

West Side Spousal Support Group 3rd Tuesday, 1–3 p.m. Pacific Spirit Community Health Centre, Room 342, 2110 West 43rd Ave., Vancouver

Youth Caregivers 1st & 3rd Wednesdays Contact Dan at 250-746-0989

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For information: Tel: 604-709-6437, Email: caregiversupport@vch.ca, www. vch.ca/caregivers

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North Shore Community Resources – Caregiver Support Program, 1st Thursday, 7-9 p.m. and 2nd Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Ste 201, 935 Marine Dr., North Vancouver Burnaby Caregiver Support Group Burnaby Hospital, 3933 Kincaid Street, Burnaby. For details, call Lorna Gross, 604-4342100 Burnaby Family Caregivers Project Burnaby Seniors Outreach Services Society (BSOSS) Alternate Saturdays, 10 a.m.-Noon Burnaby. Call for location and meeting dates, Linda Cooba, Tel: 604-291-2258 Email: bsoss@telus.net Tri-Cities Family Caregiver Support Meetings (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody) Central Coquitlam 2nd & 4th Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m. Dogwood Pavilion North Coquitlam 4th Monday, 2-3:30 p.m. Glen Pine Pavilion South Coquitlam 4th Monday, 10-11:30 a.m. Maillardville Community Centre Port Coquitlam 1st Monday, 1–2:30 p.m. Wilson Community Centre Port Moody 1st Monday, 7–9 p.m. Eagle Ridge Bible Fellowship To learn more please contact: Karen Tyrell at 778-789-1496 or email at: SeniorCaregiverProgram@gmail.com Seniors Come Share Society (Surrey) White Rock/South Surrey Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. Seniors Come Share Society, 15008 26th Ave, Surrey Surrey 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.

Newton Seniors Centre, 13775 70 Ave, Surrey

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Parkinson Caregiver Support Group – White Rock/South Surrey 1st Wednesday, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Seniors Come Share Society, 15008 26th Ave Surrey Caregiver Café Seniors Come Share Society, 15008 26th Ave Surrey, BC Dates and times will vary throughout the year for the caregiver café. For more info, call 604-531-9400 ext. 27 or online, www.comeshare.ca Langley Senior Resources Society Every Thursday, 1:15-2:30 p.m. Langley Seniors Resources Society, 20605 51B Ave. Langley. Contact Sylvia for further info at 778328-2302 ext#2 BC Interior Caregiver Network for East Kootenay Seniors’ Society Cranbrook 2nd & 4th Mondays, 1–3 p.m. Joseph Creek Care Village Board Room Kimberley 1st Thursday, 1–2:45 p.m. “The Pines” Day Program Room Creston 1st & 3rd Fridays, 1–3 p.m. Community Room – Public Library Golden 2nd Wednesday, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Hospital conference room Invermere 3rd Tuesday, 3–5 p.m. Columbia Garden Village Fernie 1st Tuesday, 1–3 p.m. Board room – Public library For more information on all communities, call Liz Duchscherer, 1-877-4890803 (within 250 area code) or 250-4890802 elsewhere, or email: lizd@shaw.ca

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Exceptional Senior Care ~ in the Home You Love

Johanna Booy DIRECTOR

BC Family Caregiver Upcoming Events

Eat your own food Sleep in your own bed Live in the home you love

Hourly, Overnight & Live-in Care ��

Family Caregivers’ Network Society BC-wide Webinars

Effectively Managing Criticism and Negativity from Others: A Workshop for Family Caregivers Whether you are hearing criticism and negativity from family members, your care recipient, friends or healthcare professionals this workshop can help you deal with these situVictoria 250 - 382 - 2328 Salt Spring Is. 250-538-2388 ations more effectively. You will learn what to say or do, and www.SeniorCareandFitness.com what not to, as well as gain understanding as to what may lie behind the other person’s comments. You will walk away with a road map of concrete and specific strategies to use in C+C_SenrLivCareGuide1302-4c.indd 1 2013-02-08 3:32 PM future interactions. Monday, September 30, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Facilitator: Allison Reeves, Registered Clinical Counsellor Strengthening Your “Caregiver Backbone”: Assertiveness Skills for Family Caregivers In this session, you will learn simple yet effective communication tools that will benefit any interactions you have with others. Learn how to be more assertive with the person for whom you are caring, other family members and people in the healthcare system. Assertiveness involves actively expressing yourself, while also listening to and respecting the rights of others. Whenever there are differences, both minor and major, becoming assertive can help to minimize the ongoing confrontations that can rapidly develop due to the stress and demands of caregiving. Thursday, October 10, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Facilitator: Allison Reeves, Registered Clinical Counsellor Compassion Fatigue and Resiliency in Family Caregivers Providing care for a loved one can take its toll on your well-being. Family caregivers often experience a mix of emotions, both positive and negative. This webinar reviews some of the symptoms of compassion fatigue, and how you can manage them. It also focuses on developing more resiliency 28 26

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as a family caregiver, encouraging caregiver wellness and creating balance in one’s life. Wednesday, October 23, 6:30–8:00 p.m. Facilitator: Maureen Grant, Community Social Worker, VIHA Talking About Those “Taboo” Caregiving Topics In this session, you will have an opportunity to ask questions and share with other family caregivers about the caregiving situations or topics that are embarrassing, seem to be unmentionable or taboo. We recognize each person’s perception of what is difficult to talk about will be different. You can vent, receive compassion, and be respectfully challenged by a skilled counsellor in order to learn ways to manage your situation with greater ease. Wednesday, November 13, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Facilitator: Allison Reeves, Registered Clinical Counsellor Tips for Long-Distance Caregivers Caring for someone long-distance can be as stressful, or sometimes more stressful, than being there in person. There are a number of ways for a long-distance caregiver to become involved in the caregiving process. This session will be beneficial to you whether you are providing care from a distance or are the primary caregiver and communicating with other family members who live out of town. Tuesday, November 26, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Facilitator: Barbara Small, Family Caregivers’ Network The above FREE webinars are hosted by the Family Caregivers’ Network. Register for FREE by calling the Care-ring Voice Network at 1-866-396-2433 or register online at www. careringvoice.com. Webinars are offered through your computer and telephone.

Think about how good it feels when someone cares. Please show our valued elders and their family caregivers that you do care. Your gift to the Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation will help fund valuable programs that allow people to stay in their own homes longer and provide family caregivers with the extra support they need.

Call: 250-370-5664 or visit www.gvef.org

1454 Hillside Ave. Victoria, BC V8T 2B7

GVEF Senior Living Magazine 1/4 page ad: 3.5” x 4.75” tall prepared by Art Department Design 250 381-4290 Created: August 2013

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Vancouver Coastal Health Caregiver Support Program Workshop Coping with On-Going Loss and Grief This FREE workshop looks at common relationship changes caregivers experience, and how these changes and transitions impact loss and grief. This session will be an opportunity to connect with your sources of hope and strength, and learn ways to take care of yourself during challenging times. Open to individuals providing unpaid care or support to an adult friend or family member. Saturday, October 5, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Raven Song Community Health Centre, 2450 Ontario Street, Vancouver Presenters: Carolyn Main and Kathy Schretlen, experienced group facilitators with the Lower Mainland Grief Recovery Society. Pre-registration is required. Contact 604-709-6437 or SL email: caregiversupport@vch.ca

Please consider donating today.

...touching lives in practical ways through care and companionship in your home or care residence.

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Eleven Years as a Spousal Caregiver My Story

The Beginning A “routine” operation caused three major infarcts in my beloved husband’s brain, paralyzing him completely. The diagnosis was vascular dementia caused by multiple strokes. He could not talk. I was told he would not recover and would soon die in a “care centre” of some kind. I disagreed, and I took my husband home. I would be his caregiver. Reflections on my experience as a spousal caregiver… In order to cope with these new circumstances, I envisioned a future my heart could accept: things would get better in a few weeks… a few months. But no matter what, I would not give in. I would fight for my husband’s recovery. In truth, I knew nothing about what was ahead for me – or my husband. At first, I believed I had enough faith and self-confidence to carry on in any possible future. My deepest need was to keep my husband home because his identity was there… and with me. For that, I would be strong. I did not realize that for caregivers, “staying strong” is a spontaneous “self-imposed” characteristic. Later, I learned courage is not a characteristic I had, but it was a gift from God – a tool I had to practice using, again and again. I became courageous by sharing a new world of intimacy with my husband. My caregiving challenged me in ways I never anticipated. Often, I felt I was on an emotional roller coaster – one week nearly flying off the rails with joy and, two days later, being plunged into despair. Meanwhile, the world went by “out there” and, very often, I was not part of it. My once strong husband now needed strong assistance close by his side, day and night. “Be strong, be strong,” I repeated to myself. I did not know my strength would be needed for 11 years more. That ignorance saved me. It was pointless to continue a social life built around celebrations - birthdays, holidays. Most days, I lived from hour-to-hour. When my husband first returned home after having been hospitalized for three months, his joy was abundant. His efforts to recover soared: euphoric moments, each step a significant milestone of recovery! His first spoon full of food, his first cautious walks, his first words after speechless months, his first kiss and touching my hair again, the first of everything. My husband’s indefatigable willpower surprised and moved everyone around him. But the joy did not last. After some minor strokes, my husband relapsed. His frequent behavioral changes caused me to become 30 28

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BY ANNEKE VAN VUGT

sleep deprived. His unpredictability, his fear, once again accompanied by hallucinations and haunting voices, became our next nightmare. Then came his wandering at night, his accusations, his anger and social isolation. This was our daily life. I was exhausted – mentally and physically spent. Even the respite care workers who came to relieve my stress only added to it. I had no energy to brief each new worker. But even in my exhaustion I learned habits of mind that helped immensely: • When it’s toughest, measure success in hours and minutes: “We made it through this morning.” • Notice the patterns: I discovered behaviour patterns that generally held true. For example, I knew that there would be three difficult days, but they would be followed by a longer period of stability and ease. • Remember others were on the same path before me. They survived and so would I. Yet life turned and turned again. Small improvements came. After each setback, something changed to give hope. Over these years, we travelled extensively and found solace in being together. This amazes me now. My husband blindly trusted me. Was it an illusion or had it all become easier? I was proud and felt it was my privilege to take care of him. After 11 years, I am still recovering. But I am also seeing the experience with gratitude. Gratitude for our life together: Beyond a doubt, the quality of both of our lives was dramatically improved by the journey. As a couple, our relationships with caring friends and family became richer. And I feel now more loved and honoured. My husband and I remained close and we both were able to stay active. We were more adventurous as time went by; as time to live grew shorter, we made more effort to live. Gratitude that he could stay at home: Being together in the intimacy of our home was rewarding in many ways. Familiar surroundings prevailed over the anxiety of being in an institutional environment. At home, my husband’s need to feel in charge of his environment was mostly met. He demanded a good dose of respect. Gratitude for a fulfilling and valuable life without regrets: We were blessed to have had the opportunity to care for each other. My husband, in his last years, showed more affection and appreciation than he did before his stroke. We shared wonderful moments in timeless affection. He passed away in my arms, in his own bed. We SL lived together as we pledged we would.

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Arts & Entertainment

The Hippest Chorus BY KEVIN MCKAY

zons For Seniors grant, which we received in 2010. Our goal was to engage the wider community and to make PAL an important player in the cultural life of the West End and Coal Harbour communities.” With funding secure, the choir started advertising for members both from within the PAL building and from the neighbouring communities. Once the grant money ran out, it was important to the chorus that they not become a burden to PAL. “We established ourselves as an independent organization

The PALS Chorus in rehearsal lead by Music Director Lonnie Delisle.

The acronym PAL stands for Performing Arts Lodge, a residence for former members of the performing arts community, whether in theatre, music, film or otherwise. PALS Chorus President, Bill Harvey, a now-retired staff member at PAL Vancouver is, at 72, one of the co-founders of the chorus. “In 2008, we started looking at ways to make the Lodge a more viable member of the community,” says Bill. “We decided to develop a choir and applied for a federal New Hori32 30

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Photo: Hannes van der Merwe

o shortage of choirs for seniors in the Lower Mainland exists, but there are none quite like the PALS Chorus from the West End of Vancouver. What sets this chorus apart is not talent, though they have plenty of that, nor camaraderie, though they have that in abundance. No, what sets this group apart is their repertoire of modern pop songs from artists like Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars and Adele, along with some bold choreography. Though the chorus is relatively new, they have come a long way in just a few short years.

last summer,” says Bill. “We are autonomous and maintain our own bank account. The quid pro quo with PAL is that we provide free membership in the chorus to PAL residents, and in return we are given free access to the theatre for rehearsals.” The first musical director of the group was Dominique Hogan and while the choir really enjoyed working with her, she was busy with other projects and moved on after

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only one year in charge. She did not, however, leave the chorus without a replacement. “Dominique suggested Lonnie Delisle, who is a fantastic musician and a wonderful human being,” says Bill. “We have been very fortunate to have him as he has great ideas on music and direction, and inspires our members enormously. We have also been very fortunate to have Barb Brolly as a member of our chorus. In addition to providing some great ideas for selections, Barb has been a key member of our management team, and has unselfishly given her time to lead all our sectional rehearsals. Between Lonnie and Barb, we have a formidable team that brings forward exciting and well-presented concerts.” Seventy-one-year-old Anna James comes from a musical background, having taught music in the school system, and having belonged to several choirs over the years. She was singing in one choir and looking for another when she heard the PAL group advertising for singers. “I’m really happy to be part of the chorus,” says Anna. “I enjoyed it from the start but once Lonnie became our director you will have to drag me away. He provides us with MP3s of our songs, using his voice, to allow us to practise at home.” The PALS Chorus is an example of the perfect blend of talent. “Many members of the chorus made their living in performing arts, and they really set the tone,” says Anna. “Lonnie draws that out of us too. There is no playing the ‘senior card’ around him. The group is unique because age is not a factor and the quality is so high.” Eve Rockett is a writer, who has been published by everyone from Chatelaine to Maclean’s to Canadian Living and back again. She says, “When I was a girl I used to go into a forest near our home all by myself so I could sing ‘Indian Love Call’ at the top of my lungs. For 50 years, that was the last time I really sang out loud.” “Twenty years ago, I took a Charisma course in New York to write an article about it for Chatelaine. I mentioned singing in the forest and burst into tears. My Charisma instructor told me I must sing. So here I am, 20 years after that advice, finally and happily singing out loud.” After her husband died, Eve was looking for something new and saw the chorus performing at a pancake breakfast. She joined on the spur of the moment and has not looked back. She credits having to memorize the new songs with helping improve her memory and enjoys having something new to focus on. “I love to see things come together, and with this group they are doing so more and more quickly,” says Eve. “Being with this group is like typing one finger over - you never know what is going to come out next.” Fifty-nine-year-old Don Griffiths is another newcomer to singing, joining the chorus at the same time as Lonnie. The first thing he discovered is that he is not a bass but a tenor. At first, the group surprised him, but now he enjoys having the group surprise others. “When we started, Lonnie wanted us to consider doing choreography for ‘Time Warp’ and I thought I didn’t need

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to worry because they’d all say no and we wouldn’t do it, but I was wrong. Many people think older people are unwilling to try new things, and just sit on their rockers, but instead we rock out!” Don’s partner, Nan Gregory, is another relative newcomer to choirs. She sang in a choir years ago, but was only there a few months because she was in fear of coming in at the wrong time. She says, “I felt all alone in that choir.” Nan never joined another chorus until getting involved with PALS Chorus a couple of years ago. She attributes her renewed interest in singing to taking an overtones workshop taught by Jerry DesVoignes. “Following that amazing workshop, I felt so happy! I attributed it to singing with other people. After that, I wanted to sing in a chorus because it felt so good blending my voice with others. My theory is that it’s the physical vibrations but, whatever the reason, I just know I feel really good.” Now she looks forward to weekly rehearsals and social gatherings like potluck lunches and retreats, and cannot imagine giving it up. “I will stick with them until they cart me away,” says Nan. “It’s the one thing in my week guaranteed to make me feel better. I’ve now discovered the healing power of singing with others. It’s not just mental; it’s emotional and spiritual too. It keeps you young.” It should come as no surprise that the admiration the chorus has for their director is reciprocated. Forty-five-year-old

You’ll want to take note of this event. Tuesday, September 24th, 2 pm – 4 pm Music makes the heart grow fonder. Come out and enjoy an afternoon performance by the Emily Carr String Quartet, followed by a delicious spread of appetizers and refreshments. Invite a friend—or come meet someone new!

Tours also available. Ask us about our limited time move-in specials.

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Lonnie Delisle comes from a music background, specializing in keyboards and voice. He saw the documentary Young @ Heart and was inspired by it, so he jumped at the chance to work with the chorus. Once they met and decided it was a fit, the relationship started to grow to mean more than just making music. “There is quite a depth to the way they connect with and care for one another,” says Lonnie. “My partner came from South Africa, and it was very difficult for him to get here. They knew this and were very celebratory when he arrived. He looks to them as being part of his family. He is not used to finding that kind of thoughtfulness amongst people of the PALS generation, and finds it refreshing and redemptive.” But in the end, it is about the music. Lonnie introduces songs to the chorus for them to consider and, sometimes, the PALS suggest songs as well. They discuss the selections, Lonnie writes an arrangement and they move forward to rehearsing. Lonnie says, “The conversations are very thoughtful and they are able to articulate their opinions. Then they trust me to take them down musical roads they may not like and, at first seem odd or scary, but we all end up enjoying the process and loving the result. They are fun and they are thoughtful, a delight to lead and that is a good combination. They are unique.” SL

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Serving Community Author Proﬁle

BY VERNICE SHOSTAL

“T

he greatest reward for me is having people read and learn about their history,” says Jan Peterson, artist, historian and author of Kilts on the Coast – The Scots Who Built BC. A member of the Nanaimo Historical Society, the Nanaimo Museum and the Nanaimo Community Archives Society, Jan has received awards for her work both as an artist and a writer. Born in Scotland, Jan’s first success was winning the Bryson Art Prize at Strathaven Academy while she was still in school. In 1957, at age 20, Jan immigrated with her family to Kingston, Ontario, where she attended Kingston Business College and then took a job as secretary at Queen’s University. She attended her first formal art lesson at the University’s summer school. In 1963, Jan married Ray Peterson, a graduate engineer from UBC. When they moved to Vancouver two years later, she further pursued her interest with classes from artist Michael Duncan. Three children and nine years later, Ray’s job took the family to Alberni Valley where Jan found an opportunity to attend more art classes from professional artists brought in by the Port Alberni AV Art group, which “added to my knowledge,” says Jan. In Alberni, Jan became president of the Alberni Valley Community Arts Council and, during her tenure, oversaw the renovation of a heritage house that became the Rollin Art Centre. In 1979, she was appointed to the B.C. Arts Board, representing Central Vancouver Island and served a three-year term- one year as the regional chairman of the board. She was also part of a three-man committee that studied visual arts in the province. “Painting and writing have been lifelong interests,” says Jan. In addition to several solo exhibits in Port Alberni, she participated in group exhibitions in the Echo Centre Lounge, the Rollin Art Centre and several juried shows and exhibitions in Nanaimo and Victoria. Jan was writing about the arts, issuing press releases promoting the arts and publishing newsletters for the Alberni Valley and Regional Arts Councils when, in 1981, the publisher of the Alberni Valley Times asked her if she would be interested in working full-time as a reporter. “Since I loved writing, I jumped at the chance,” says Jan. “I loved every minute of my work there. I discovered researching! I loved interviewing some of the old-timers in the valley; I had the opportunity to write about people and events in the community.” Her first year on the job, Jan received a Jack Wasserman Award for investigative journalism on social and environmental affairs, an award given annually to a reporter with no more than three years’ experience. “The other two recipients were college graduates,” says Jan. “Mine was ‘the University of Life.’” A board member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, 36 34

SENIOR LIVING

Author Jan Peterson is always looking for ways to contribute her talents to her community.

the Alberni Valley Museum Advisory Board, the Alberni District Historical Society, the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce, Presidents of the Friends of North Island College, Jan also worked with the Alberni Clayoquot regional District and the Community Events committee promoting tourism in the region. “I have always been interested in serving the community,” says Jan, “something I learned from my parents.” In January 1987, without warning, Jan suddenly collapsed at work and was rushed to emergency, then to intensive care at UBC Hospital. A year later, diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, she thought her life as she knew it was over but, determined to recover, she decided to do something to keep her mind active and let her body heal. That determination led her to expand her interest in history and she began researching the history of Port Alberni. Twice a week, she went to the Alberni District Historical Society archives in the Alberni Valley Museum and started writing her first book, The Albernis: 1860-1922. The book was launched in 1992. “This was one of the most exciting nights for me,” says Jan. “I still had little strength, so a friend helped me with the reading. We sold all the books the publisher had brought to the launch.” All proceeds from the sale of the book were donated to the Historical Society. Jan’s next book, Twin Cities: Alberni-Port Alberni (1994), took the valley’s history up to 1967 when the two cities amalgamated. Proceeds from that book were donated to the Rollin Art Centre. Cathedral Grove: MacMillan Park (1996), and Journeys down the Alberni Canal to Barkley Sound (1999) followed. When Jan and her husband retired to Nanaimo in 1996, she wondered about its history. She was quickly informed that the research

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on Nanaimo had been done and several books, especially related to the coal industry, had been published. But Jan’s curiosity was about the people who made things happen in the community and, once again, she began researching. Her effort netted her the Nanaimo trilogy, published by Heritage House: Black Diamond City (2002), Hub City (2003) and Harbour City (2006). In 2004, Jan self-published her first Scottish book, Listen Tae Yer Granny, a mix of her family history, folklore, proverbs and rhymes. “The book has been very rewarding personally for me,” says Jan, “for I have found relatives I didn’t know existed and friends from my hometown in Scotland have become reacquainted.” Always looking for something to contribute to the community, when the new Nanaimo Museum opened, Jan wrote A place in Time: Nanaimo Chronicles (2008), and presented the book to the museum to raise money for its new endowment fund. All proceeds from the book go to the museum. Jan’s most recent book, Kilts on the Coast: The Scots Who Built BC (Heritage House), another book written out of curiosity, tells the story of the Princess Royal pioneers from the Black Country in England who arrived in Nanaimo on November 27, 1854 to be welcomed on the shore by a group of miners. Each year, this event is celebrated in Nanaimo with the ringing of the bell at the Bastion. Jan wondered who these people were. She began researching the Nanaimo Archives, reading through the Hudson’s Bay Company letter book and daybook that recorded the work and daily activity in the small mining village between the years 1852 and 1854. From a list of workers, she researched where they came from, their family history and interesting incidents in their lives. That led her to become curious about the time period in Fort Victoria. She soon found a common thread – most of the new settlers came from Scotland. “I could identify with miners in Ayrshire for it was not far from where I lived in Scotland, and I knew many of the places these new settlers had left behind. Kilts became a labour of love!” says Jan. “I was particularly happy when I found descendants from the original settlers and could help them relate to their place in history.” Jan holds Honourary Life Memberships in the Alberni District Historical Society and the Alberni Valley Community Arts Council. She was awarded a Canada 125 medal for community service. The City of Port Alberni awarded her a certificate of Appreciation for historical research and the Alberni Valley Museum & Heritage Commission recognized her contribution to the awareness and preservation of Port Alberni and Nanaimo Heritage. “My health has greatly improved,” says Jan, who has started painting again, something she put on hold in favour of researching and writing. Wife, mother, writer, painter and historian, Jan is thankful for a circle of like-minded friends who are also interested in history. “Now,” she says, “I have a good balance in my life,” SL

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Kilts on the Coast is available in most books stores including Chapters, Coles, independent bookstores, BC Ferries, BC Museum, Nanaimo Museum, McLean’s Specialty Foods in Nanaimo and Nanaimo Maps & Charts. eBook version can be ordered from Heritage House. For copies of Listen Tae Yer Granny, contact Jan directly at janray@telus.net WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

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Hobby/Adventure

Two Old Guys’ Great Canoe Adventure BY HANS TAMMEMAGI

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SENIOR LIVING

ylene), Kevlar, carbon fibre and various plastic composites. Ray, a stocky young man with a perpetual beaming smile, explained that our canoe would be made of Royalex, a plastic composite, which is a tough, low cost, rigid material with high-impact strength and is easy to drill, saw and work with. “Don’t worry,” he said, “I’ve built hundreds of canoes. Just follow my instruc-

maneuverable in rough water makes it a popular canoe for wilderness tripping. We wanted a bright red canoe, of course, the colour of a Maple leaf in autumn. Under Ray’s watchful eye, we started by hauling a heavy sheet of Royalex, about six-feet wide by 17-feet long into a large oven. After 20 minutes, once the heat had softened the plastic, we pulled the sheet out the opposite end of the oven Hans Tammemagi (left) and Marty Rice share a laugh as they place the back seat into the canoe.

Photo: Snap London and Hans Tammemagi

n two sunny days in May, my friend Marty (a resident of Ontario) and I (a resident of Pender Island) had a truly Canadian experience. The first day, we built a 16-foot, red canoe from scratch. Yes, in one single day! The second day we paddled our new canoe down the Thames River through the centre of London, Ontario. Who says seniors can’t have adventures? When the opportunity to build a canoe arose, I was enthralled. Canoes are renowned symbols of Canada. Birch bark canoes were used for millennia by Native peoples and then by voyageurs and courier-du-bois to carry on the fur trade, to explore and to open up this mighty land. Today, the canoe remains an icon, removing the paddler from the urban canyons and building a connection to the rugged wilderness that forms much of Canada. Marty and I arrived early at the Nova Craft Company in London. The large building had racks of canoes everywhere, and about 20 workers were in various stages of canoe construction. There was a bustling intensity for this was Nova Craft’s busy season, and they produce over 2,000 canoes each year. In the old days, birch bark was most commonly used, but today canoes are made of a seemingly endless array of materials including canvas and wood, fibreglass, HDPE (High-Density Polyeth-

tions and it’ll be a snap.” We chose to build a Prospector canoe, based on the old Chestnut lineage, which dates back to the late 1800s. Its ability to carry large amounts of gear whilst being

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and onto the bottom half of a mold in the shape of a canoe. The top half of the mold was lowered and clamped together with the lower half. After the mold cooled for about an hour, we removed the plastic,

now hardened into a canoe shape. It was like magic, a flat sheet of plastic had transformed into a canoe. We were excited! There was still a lot of work to do, Ray reminded us. We started by trimming off the excess plastic with a router. Then we riveted on the gunwales and installed the seats and yoke. With Ray giving instructions, we drilled holes, cut pieces of wood to size and carefully attached them into place. Luckily, pre-made pieces were available for most tasks. Ray constantly measured and checked that all was in alignment. Nearing the end of day, we placed the registration tag on the bow. Marty and I were tired. The final touch was to attach a decal with the Nova Craft name. When Ray explained that people can custom design their own logos, I silently vowed to return one day and build a canoe covered in gold, red and yellow Maple leaves, or perhaps with brilliant racing stripes, or perhaps with a Viking theme with dramatic horns and axes. I felt a nudge in my ribs. “Stop daydreaming and get back to work. You’re almost done,” Ray admonished with a smile. After five hours of work, our canoe was complete. Marty and I posed and preened beside it like proud, new parents. Arising bright and early next morning, we were greeted by a cloudless sky. Marty and I portaged our bright red, new baby from truck-top to the edge of the Thames River, just upstream from the forks in downtown London. Gingerly and nervously, we stepped in and pushed off. Happily, our canoe was seaworthy and behaved perfectly. It felt wonderful to be afloat in our own creation. Paddling lazily with the current under an azure sky, we passed the Jet d’Eau with beautiful arcs of water streaming high in the air, creating sparkling little rainbows. We continued downstream, surrounded by greenery. It was like being in the countryside. Fish jumped. A goose family paraded past with more than 20 little fuzzy goslings. When we tried to approach, the flotilla quietly but swiftly moved away from us. Birds chirped and the river water gurgled. Even the graffiti decorating a bridge pylon was bright and attractive – like urban art in the sunshine. A fisherman cast a long looping line into the water. It was hard to tell that we were in the centre of a busy city. London has grown around and incorporated the meandering Thames River so that today the tree-lined river offers a continuous oasis in the heart of the city – the Forest City. We pulled over to rest and enjoy cool gelatos at Springbank Gardens, where Glen Miller and Guy Lombardo once played on sultry summer evenings. Nearby, a plaque marked the site of the sinking of the pleasure boat Victoria, with the loss of 182 lives. Who would have guessed that one of Canada’s greatest maritime disasters happened in inland London? We pressed on, paddling lazily with the flow of the river. It was soothing and we had the deep inner satisfaction that we were not only carbon-free, but had built our conveyance with our own hands. Too soon it was over. At Storybook Gardens we pulled our canoe from the water and carried it over our heads to the waiting SL truck. No voyageurs could have been happier!

“Another great trip yesterday. I loved the entire day.”

- Linda (Vancouver)

“Good food, good company and a fabulous tour guide!” - Mary (Surrey)

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SEPTEMBER 2013

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BYGONE Treasures View of Roatan from Valor

Friends at School I

love looking at old school photographs: rows of small kids, some wearing the best clothes they owned, scrubbed and clean in worn bib overalls and little smock dresses, with a stern faced Miss Whoever at the back, trying to keep some semblance of order. Inevitably, a few would have their eyes shut or their heads turned away, or be wiggling fingers in a “V” behind someone in front. The most interesting photos have all the student names on the backs, making a super research springboard for the armchair archaeologist. Who married whom? Who went off to war? Who spent the rest of his life wiggling his fingers in a “V” behind someone else’s head? In the early 1900s, children had to sit still (hard) and keep smiling (harder) for long periods, while the photographer pulled a black cloth over his head and ignored everyone for 10 minutes. What he did in this time was a great mystery. While most class photos and yearbooks have only sentimental value, those with a snap or two of an eventual celebrity have potential, especially when signed. John Belushi’s grad yearbook sells currently around $350 and Dick Van Dyke’s over $100; the one with Ed your class clown, maybe not so much. Remember Dick and Jane? No, not your old neighbours who argued all the time and had you over for burnt hamburgers – I mean the ones in your school textbook. Many of the Fun with Dick and Jane readers from the 1940s and 50s bring $50 each in the current market, provided they’re not doodled on… unless you got them from Andy Warhol, in which case they’re worth more. We weren’t allowed to use ballpoint pens until Grade 4, relying on fountain pens and ink bottles. While some ink got on the paper, quite a lot got on fingers, on shirtsleeves and in your hair. Some schools used big bottles to fill up students’ little bottles. The big ones, called master inks, can bring $25 and up. School bells are rather generic, but with the history of a oneroom schoolhouse behind it, a bell can bring several hundred dollars when sold in the right market. Back when I wrote about cowboy collectibles, I mentioned lunchboxes, the kind with the pictures on the front and back and with a thermos to match. We had large class sizes in grade school – 56 in Grade 4, as an example, and there were hundreds of metal lunchboxes lined up on a shelf in the hallway outside our lunchroom. I dream about these; the lot would bring about $60K today 40 38

SENIOR LIVING

BY MICHAEL RICE

– enough to buy several compact cars, or a really good dinner out with a movie, when you factor in a tip and taxes. We took pride in our sports teams and club activities, and schools had crests we could sew on our jackets, and pennants to wave at basketball games. Folks are looking for these, too. Somewhat surprisingly, I run across report cards buried in estate clutter, where the grades given and the teacher’s comments were less than encouraging. Last month, I found a couple from a school across the US border, where the site’s now buried under Interstate 5. These have gone home to Everett, Washington. I still have my first report card – “very intelligent” it says. “So what happened?” my friends say. As I write this, a long-time friend and classmate is much on my mind. We started Grade 1 together, studied and graduated together and played music together. He was our class president through high school, organized countless class get-togethers and school reunions, and gave fully of himself to others through his kindness, his understanding and his faith that there’s good in us all. He left us a couple years back, and now that our high school building’s slated for demolition, I know he’d be upset if our old guys’ dinner-and-movie nights were to fade away. If you’ve known school friends as caring and genuine, then here’s some homework for you: Go find ’em. Start with an online search. I reconnected with an overseas friend after 30 years by just Googling his first and last names, and the word “England.” When you’ve gathered a “scribbler of classmates” (my English teacher would be proud – I’ve created a new collective noun!), hit a coffee shop and talk. Wear your school sweater! I can see your eyes rolling and you thinking, “Now he’s going to tell us he still has his school sweater.” Yes, Ma’am, I do – bright green with yellow stripes on the sleeve. It fits great, if I don’t exhale. While I have a marvellous library that helps me catalogue things, the value of friendship can’t be found in a reference book. Friends are precious. Some of them are out there wondering what happened to you, and waiting for you to call. SL Class dismissed – with affection. Comments and suggestions for future columns are welcome and can be sent to Michael Rice, PO Box 86, Saanichton, BC V8M 2C3 or via email to fenian@shaw.ca

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NO AGE LIMIT

t’s impossible! Or is it? How many of us are doing what we love? Over the past few weeks, I have had the joy of watching Bob Nelson do exactly what he loves to do. Bob has done a number of things in his life, including owning a business and designing websites. But now, while watching Bob perform, I just know he is finally doing what he is meant to do. Bob and his wife Margaret achieved a measure of fame recently when they decided to do a video for their grandson’s birthday. Titled 18-year-old Birthday Blues, Bob sang and Margaret provided back-up and danced in the background. Meant only for their grandson, the video ended up going viral – gaining six million hits online and being featured on a variety of news shows. A surprise, it whetted the couple’s appetite for performing. While he sang in a group 30 years ago, Bob says his voice, as it is today, did not exist a year ago, and he is working on developing his range. Amid his vocal evolution, he decided to take up the sax – at age 60, and he practices most mornings early at the Esquimalt Lagoon. In addition, he plays a cool guitar. Bob played his first gig backed by Darcy Phillips and Brad

BY PAT NICHOL

Photo: Frances Litman

COURAGEOUS and OUTRAGEOUS

Hawkes. He admitted he was pretty nervous. It didn’t show. Sometimes, it takes being courageous, putting yourself out there and stretching beyond your comfort zone to make dreams come true. And there is no age limit on dreams. As well as covering favourites like “Deep Purple,” and songs from the civil rights movement, Bob has created some original pieces that bring back childhood memories. A great example is “Heart and Soul” – a love song dedicated to his daughters. Listeners often well up with tears when they hear the lyrics and feel the emotion Bob shares. What’s next for Bob and Margaret? The couple is working on getting the music out there, touring and travelling, and releasing another CD to complement the current “Lessons in Love.” Guaranteed to relax listeners, Bob says, “These songs are lullabies for Boomers.” The next one is all about jazz, guaranteed to keep you SL moving and grooving. Pat Nichol is a speaker and published author. Reach her at mpatnichol@gmail.com or visit www.patnichol.com

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Fit for the Adventure BY EVE LEES

Surﬁng for Credible Health Information

he internet is a convenient information source for all your health concerns. It’s empowering to do your own research, but you must use discretion; not every site is a credible one. Finding information about your particular health condition generates a feeling of being in control, which, in itself, can be healing. Self-diagnosis and curing yourself, however, is not advised. There is no “one-size-fits-all” list of symptoms or remedies for any health challenge. In addition, most remedies are not universally successful – for some of us they may not work. We are all individual in our needs. Take your internet findings to a health care provider, to have it explained and clarified. Some of what we find online is frightening. Talking it over with a health professional can be reassuring! Talk to your doctor before starting any new medical thera-

�� 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.

pies including supplements. Your doctor knows you, your medical history and your individual needs; a website doesn’t. Beware the sales pitch. If a website is promoting a particular product or service, the information may be biased. Be cautious with any site offering miracle cures with no research to back their claims. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid sites that have “secret ingredients” or contain compounds “that your doctor won’t tell you about.” Check the source. Visit the “About Us” page on the website to learn who publishes the site. Websites from the government, universities, and nonprofit organizations like The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society usually have credible websites. The “About Us” page may also reveal who reviews the material. Be suspicious if the reviewer is not a special-

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ist in that particular area. For example, a registered dietician should review information about nutrition; a cardiologist about heart disorders, etc. Verify when the information was posted or last updated. Be wary of anything older than four years. Policies and research change constantly. Look at the contact information. Be suspicious if the website doesn’t provide an easy way to contact them. Also, reputable sites will back their information with a list of the exact sources they used, so you can verify the information yourself. Look for the Health On the Net Foundation (HON) logo, displayed on a health website’s home page. This is a non-profit U.S. organization, which accredits health websites that stick to certain principles to assure the information is reliable. Do not trust spam emails. And don’t perpetuate sending misinformation. You may want to forward your friends the email you just received about putting raw eggs on burns (a myth), but do your research first to separate fact from fallacy. Before you hit that send button, verify authenticity with www.snopes.com or www.urbanlegends.about.com SL

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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

International Day of Older Persons Celebrates Seniors

It’s In Our Nature.

BY KEVIN MCKAY

ollowing a United Nations resolution in December of 1990, the world has been pausing to recognize and celebrate the importance of seniors every October 1st since the first International Day of Older Persons in 1991. The celebrations take place worldwide and, in many countries, politicians – particularly those responsible for seniors’ issues – make appearances, sometimes giving speeches. In many places, local media outlets will do interviews or stories on seniors who have made an impact on the community and can speak to the significance of accomplishments seniors make. There are a wide variety of activities planned around the world including lunches, entertainment, information sessions, parties and intergenerational activities with local youth among others. The United Nations promotes this event through the World Health Organization, which encourages everyone in the world to make sure seniors are not forgotten or left behind. The focus of the day is often on topics such as healthcare, housing, volunteer opportunities, and other issues important to seniors. The following communities are planning activities on or around the International Day of Older Persons in 2013. Vancouver – The Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown will be celebrating with a free social featuring refreshments and cake. They expect one of the Parks Board commissioners to join them for the festivities. For details call 604-713-1800.

North Vancouver – Parkgate Community Centre will be hosting an event whereby seniors are invited to bring a friend as when they buy one lunch they receive one for free. There will also be entertainment provided. For details call 604-983-6350. West Vancouver – The West Vancouver Seniors Centre will be hosting a special “Participation is Ageless” dinner from 5:00-7:30 pm featuring prizes and fun entertainment. Transportation to the dinner is available to West Vancouver residents and the dinner will cost approximately $12 per person. Call Joni for details at 604-925-7211.

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New Westminster – Century House the NW Seniors Advisory Committee, Seniors Planning Action Network and the Senior Services Society are hosting a Seniors Festival on Saturday, October 5, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Seniors can try out fitness and dance activities, painting, participate in workshops, receive instructions on Facebook and Translink and more. Food and entertainment will also be included at this free event. For details call 604-519-1066. Events to commemorate and celebrate the International Day of Older Persons are also being planned in Burnaby at Edmonds Community Centre, Victoria at the Cook Street Village Activity Centre, Port Alberni at the Echo Sunshine Club and in Delta at the McKee Seniors Centre and the Kennedy Seniors Centre. Details will be available in early September, so contact the centres in your community to see how they plan to celebrate. SL WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

SEPTEMBER 2013

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CLASSIFIEDS FIEDS LASSIFIEDS COLLECTOR SEEKING vintage/collectable cameras, binoculars and microscopes. Nikon, Leica, Contax, Rolleiﬂex, Zeiss, Canon, etc. Mike 250-383-6456 or e-mail: msymons6456@telus.net DEBI’S MOBILE HAIR SERVICES in the comfort of your home for everyone in your family. Serving the Victoria area. Please call Debi at 250-477-7505. SAANICH VOLUNTEER SERVICES seeks volunteers to drive clients to medical appointments, visit and do minor home repairs. Call 250-595-8008. ALWAYS GREAT FEET. Nanaimo’s mobile foot care nurse, John Patterson LPN. 20 years of nursing experience. Home, facility, and hospital visits. Qualiﬁed nursing foot care for toenails, corns, calluses and ingrown nails. Direct billing for DVA clients. 250-390-9266.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Basic $45 for 20 words $1.75/extra word. BW only. Red spot color 10% extra. Boxed Ads Single (2.3”w x 1.3”h) - b&w (text only) $135 - b&w/color with image $160 Double (2.3”w x 2.6”h) - b&w (text only) $270 - b&w/color with image $295

Keep Your Message in front of Readers ALL YEAR LONG PREPAID DISCOUNTS ON 6+ BOXED ADS Tax applicable on all classiﬁed ads. Ads must be paid at time of booking. Cheque / Credit Card accepted. Phone: 250-479-4705 ext 100 Toll-free 1-877-479-4705. ofﬁce@seniorlivingmag.com Deadline: 15th of the month.

RUTH M.P HAIRSTYLING for Seniors in Greater Victoria. In the convenience of your own home! Certiﬁed Hairdresser. Call - 250893-7082. DRIVING MISS DAISY VANCOUVER ISLAND Victoria 250-588-4638 - Sidney/Peninsula 250-507-2336 - Westshore 250-8130440 - Qualicum/Parksville 250-937-8812 - Comox Valley 250-650-2010 - Nanaimo 250-667-1446. PIANO LESSONS FOR SENIORS in the comfort of your home. 25 years experience. Victoria to Sidney. 250-888-1229. HEALING FOOT CARE by Nurse Foot Care Specialist Marcia Goodwin R.N.,B.Sc.N. 35 years. Nursing. Experience • Caring • Comprehensive • Professional • Gentle 250-686-3081. (Victoria Area) CUBA – ‘Spanish Studies in Cuba’ (Havana), $2,500.00 Can. for 4 wks. Hotel with breakfast and dinner, tuition fee. (air fare not included). 250-478-0494 ssic@telus.net ��

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SENIORS PRIVATE HOME CARE AIDE Seeking part time position. Over 35 years experience. Caring, honest, dependable. Victoria area. Reasonable Rates. Call Hilly 250-383-5390. MOBILE HAND, FOOT & NAIL SERVICE Certified esthetician with 7 years’ experience. Serving Greater Victoria and Sidney areas. Call Jenna 250-360-7793 GUTTER CLEANING, skylight cleaning, roof de-mossing, power washing – 20 % discount. Reliable, friendly, experienced, references. Debris removal included. Greater Victoria area. Phone: 250-999-2088. Visit our website www.excellencegutters.com WANTED: OLD POSTCARDS, old photographs, and pre-1950 stamped envelopes. Also buying old coins, medals and badges. Please call Michael 250-652-9412 or email fenian@shaw.ca CHEER SENIOR HELP - Transport, Errands, Outings, Downsizing, Healthy Meals, Light Housekeeping, Petcare. Ladysmith to Nanoose. Mature, Kind, Competent. RCMP Check, References. Call Linda Stedfield 250-755-1335 lstedfield@gmail.com

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FAMILY MEMOIR WRITER/EDITOR: Document your family’s history. 20 years’ editing/writing experience; respect for family stories. Free consultation: Kari, 250-2452751, karimagnuson@shaw.ca

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FAMILY CAREGIVER WORKSHOPS An endorsed program developed by dementia care experts. • Alzheimer’s Disease or Other Dementias • Capturing Life’s Journey • Techniques to Manage Behaviours • Activities to Encourage Engagement Sep 16th and 18th 6:30-8:30pm; or, Sep 24th and 26th 2-4pm. Call Home Instead Senior Care to sign up for this free family workshop, 250-382-6565. THE KENSINGTON CELEBRATES Grandparents Day with an Irish theme. Come feast with us on Sunday September 8th – 5:10 or 6:10 seating. • Salad Bar (back by popular request) • Irish Soda Bread & Dinner rolls • Pork Loin stuffed with plums and rosemary served with applesauce & mashed potato • Irish Guiness Stew, served with mashed potato • Served with grilled local zucchini & roasted bell peppers • Parfait with sponge cake (drizzled with brandy), strawberry coulis and whipping cream. Please call 250-477-1232 to RSVP by Wednesday, September 4th. PERSONALS MODERATELY DISABLED FEMALE residing in Ladysmithg seeks social friendships with folks in all parts of the island. Please phone 250-465-8136.

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LADY 70 Likes to relax, enjoys dancing, camping, walks, ﬁshing. Likes to meet 70s gentlemen for friendship and maybe more. 250-474-0353.

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