VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND SEPTEMBER 2007
Vancouver’s 50+ Active Lifestyle Magazine
COMMUNITY GARDENS
Mother Nature moves to the city
Jim Wong-Chu
Cultural Engineer COVER_VANCOUVER_SEPOCT07.indd 11
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SEPTEMBER 2007
MAGAZINE
(Vancouver & Lower Mainland) is published by Stratis Publishing.
FEATURES
Other publications by Stratis Publishing:
• Senior Living (Vancouver Island) • Senior Lifestyle: A Housing Guide for Vancouver Island
2 Flexible Care Options Government announces policy changes that affect family caregivers
Publisher
Barbara Risto
4 Beautiful Cemeteries
Editor
Local cemeteries become part of the cultural tourism circuit
Bobbie Jo Sheriff editor@seniorlivingmag.com Advertising Manager
6 My Community Garden
Barry Risto 604-807-8208 Head Office 250-479-4705
Gardening in the city doesn’t have to mean owning land – just loving it.
Contact Information – Head Office
10 The Healing Power of Pets
Senior Living Box 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1
Having a pet not only lowers your blood pressure, it also benefits your mental health
Phone 250-479-4705 Fax 250-479-4808
14 Sport for Life
Kerrisdale Lawn Bowling Club celebrates its 92nd anniversary
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and handling) for 10 issues. Canadian residents only. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Senior Living is an indepdendent publication and its articles imply no endoresement of any products or services. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. Unsolicited articles are welcome and should be e-mailed to office@seniorlivingmag.com Senior Living Vancouver & Lower Mainland is distributed free in Vancouver, North & West Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Delta, Twawwassen, White Rock, Surrey, Cloverdale and Ladner (10 issues per year). ISSN 1911-6373 (Print) ISSN 1991-6381 (Online)
Cover Photo: White Rock resident Leandra Arnold at Dunsmuir Community Gardens. Story page 6. Photo: Lynne Kelman
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20 Ways of the Old West
Experiencing the Old West aboard the Verde Canyon Locomotive
Fond memories and heritage recipes
29 Crossword
COLUMNS 3 The Family Caregiver by Barbara Small
13 Between Friends by Doreen Barber
23 Ask Goldie by Goldie Carlow
32 Reflections: Then & Now by Gipp Forster
26 Humour Confessions of a Bank Card Virgin – reluctantly entering the world of technology
30 Cultural Engineer
Jim Wong-Chu is creating an infrastructure where writers, artists, musicians and actors can share and tell their stories
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Arthur Hughes approaches his interesting life with a playful sense of humour
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FLEXIBLE CARE OPTIONS SUPPORT INDEPENDENT LIVING
P
roviding home support services to family members, through the Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL) option or family care home services is now more flexible, announced Health Minister George Abbott. Amendments to the Payment to Family Members policy in the Home and Community Care Policy Manual expand the criteria for making exceptions for immediate family members to be paid to provide home support or family care home services to relatives. “We are working to ensure policy meets the needs of families,” says Abbott. “Flexible options allow relatives other than immediate family members living in the same home as the client to be paid without having to go through an exception approval process.” The policy has allowed payment of some relatives since 2002 and now recent changes allow even greater flexibility to those requiring support. Specifically, the new exception criteria allow health authorities to take into account the nature and degree of care required by the client, including any extraordinary or unique needs that make it difficult for clients to find caregivers. It also allows relatives living in the same home as the client, other than immediate family members (spouses, parents and children), to be paid without going through an exception approval process. CSIL is an alternative option for eligible home support clients. It was developed to give British Columbians with daily personal care needs more flexibility in managing their home support services. CSIL is a self-managed model of care. Clients receive 2
funds directly for the purchase of home support services. They assume full responsibility for the management, co-ordination and financial accountability of these services, including recruiting, hiring, training, scheduling and supervising home support workers. The changes were implemented in order to meet recommendations made by the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal in the Hutchinson decision. On October 12, 2005, the B.C. Supreme Court upheld a 2004 decision by the tribunal to
allow Cheryl Hutchinson to pay her father as a caregiver with funds from the CSIL program. The decision followed a January 2005 hearing, where the government appealed the tribunal decision. Information about this program can be found online at www.health.gov.bc.ca/hcc/csil.html Further information is available through the Home & Community Care program, where case managers will assess situations and help with the application process. Call the Home & Community Care toll-free number 1-888-533-2273, to obtain the phone numbers of offices in any municipality within B.C. SL
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THE FAMILY CAREGIVER
F
The Emotional Side of Caregiving BY BARBARA SMALL
amily caregivers experience a wide range of emotions in response to the demands put upon them: anger, grief, guilt, resentment, joy, compassion and gratitude – all these emotions are normal. It is important, however, as a caregiver, to find a balance between responsibilities to those you tend to and the expression of emotions that come with the role. Anger and resentment may resurface due to unresolved family issues or because of the amount of time and energy focused on someone else’s needs. Practicing self-care and scheduling time for personal interests help dissipate some of these feelings. It’s sad to watch someone who was once competent and capable become frail and dependent. You may experience grief related to the losses both of you are experiencing – loss of independence, plans for the future, your time and freedom and the relationship you previously shared together. Even the “perfect” caregiver will often feel guilt about deeds done or not done. You may feel guilty about feeling some of the emotions mentioned above, or for wanting to take time for yourself. Sometimes guilt comes from the fact that you are helpless in eliminating your family member’s illness or disability. Ignoring these feelings won’t make them go away; it may even make them grow stronger. Trust your feelings as they arise because they are telling you about your own needs. Know that you are not alone and many others experience similar feelings.
• Include some pleasant activities in your daily schedule. It can lift your spirits to listen to music, enjoy your garden or play with your grandchildren. • Take one day at a time. Try to stay flexible and accept what you can’t change. • Talk to someone about the worst that could happen and plan what you would do if this occurred. • If you feel angry, take a break, if possible, and leave the situation. A quick walk can help defuse your feelings. Focus your anger on the situation, not the person you care for. • Give yourself credit for what you do well. Be realistic about what’s possible and what isn’t. Even though caregiving can evoke many difficult emotions, it can also bring great joy, compassion and gratitude for the time you are able to spend with your family member or friend. I came to know my dad more in the months he was ill than the 40-odd years beforehand. Many caregivers feel grateful they are able to “give back” in some way. Spend some time enjoying each other’s company. Finally, remember, feelings are transient. What you feel now is not what you might feel in another hour. Next month: When Others Refuse Help
SL
Barbara Small is Program Development Coordinator for Family Caregivers’ Network Society.
Helping you manage your emotions: • Seek support and talk to a friend, a fellow caregiver, clergy, support group or professional counsellor.
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BEAUTIFUL CEMETERIES
Photos: Archie Miller
BY DALE AND ARCHIE MILLER
E
urope has marketed cultural tourism, particularly art and history, for generations, but actively promoting such tourism is relatively new in North America. All around the world, people are discovering that cemeteries, particularly those that date back more than a century, provide fascinating opportunities to explore such interests. Even the oldest British Columbia cemeteries seem young compared to those like the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague (1439 to 1787), the Basilique Notre Dame de Quebec of Quebec City 4
(1647) or the Old Burying Ground in Halifax (1752). But cemeteries that date back to the pioneer era of any region are becoming more and more popular to “tombstone tourists.” The number of tourists visiting cemeteries and looking for specific graves continues to grow every year, and some visit for other reasons as well. Thousands of fans enjoy jazz concerts in a New York cemetery, people attend movies in a Los Angeles cemetery, artists find peaceful inspiration, and historians learn of earlier days in a community by studying inscriptions on
the monuments. Ross Bay cemetery, opened in 1873 in Victoria, has tours year-round, including ghost tours at Halloween and a Christmas tour in December. As the Old Cemeteries Society website claims, “Our tours are a great way for everyone, whether
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new to Victoria or not, to appreciate the city and province. Our guides weave the threads of individual lives into a broad tapestry of the history and culture represented in this beautiful heritage site.” Similar tours are held at two of the oldest public cemeteries in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia – Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver and Fraser Cemetery in New Westminster. Owned and operated by the City of Vancouver since 1887, Mountain View consists of about 92,000 graves, and 106 acres of rolling landscape with the North Shore Mountains as a backdrop. The first burial on the grounds of the cemetery was that of 10-month old Caradoc Evans, who died in 1887. Although the cemetery was still in the process of being cleared and not ready for burials, his father carried the light coffin over the tree trunks and interred it on the highest point on the ridge. A small marble tombstone was placed on the grave in 1939, rededicated in 2005, and this site is sought out regularly. One of the striking monuments that frequently catch the eyes of visitors is the Hendry/Hamber mausoleum. It contains the remains of John Hendry, lumber baron, his wife Adeline, their daughter Aldyen and her husband, Eric Hamber, lieutenantgovernor of B.C. from 1936 to 1940.
A new addition to Mountain View that draws attention is a memorial, dedicated in September 2006, which commemorates the more than 10,000 infants buried in the cemetery between 1914 and 1971. Most of the infants buried there were either stillborn or died shortly after birth and were buried in communal graves. The dry streambed of shrubs and flowers contains carefully chosen river stones – one for each child. Only one cemetery in the area is older than Mountain View. Fraser Cemetery in New Westminster began in 1869 as the Church of England Cemetery. The original cemetery is now one of the sections of Fraser, as are two other old cemeteries – the Masonic (1870), and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (1881). They were combined with the city-owned Fraser Cemetery in the early 1930s to form the current large burial ground in the city’s Sapperton neighbourhood. Two of the most popular graves in Fraser Cemetery for tourists are those of Raymond Burr who played “Perry Mason” on television for many years, and of “Gassy Jack” Deighton, river pilot turned saloon keeper, after whom Vancouver’s Gastown was named. The beauty of the cemetery’s location, high on a hill looking east up the Fraser River, is unsurpassed. In the spring, when the cherry trees are in blossom, and the distant mountains are dazzling white with snow, it is simply breathtaking. One of the best viewpoints is near a tall obelisk marked Buchanan in the upper section. It, and the small separate stone in front of it, are for Samuel and Sadie Buchanan. Samuel, prominent in real estate, was deeply devoted to his wife Sadie, and when she died, he donated land and his home to be developed into a home for the care of older women as they lived out their lives. Because New Westminster, first capital of the Colony of British Columbia, is a relatively small city, many of the early community leaders were related to each other, either by birth or marriage. The Clarkson family cluster of markers shows this particularly well. The central
marker is for William and Jane Clarkson, with all their children and spouses surrounding it. Within that seven stone cluster, are three city mayors, several provincial and federal elected representatives, prominent business leaders, judges and magistrates. Students of local history can learn all about the early history of the city, simply by learning the stories of this group of individuals. The next time you pass an interestinglooking cemetery, stop, go in, and have a look around. The next time you plan a trip, check to see if a local graveyard offers interesting stories and characters. The next time you work on your family tree, include a cemetery visit in your search. You won’t be disappointed. If you are still leery of spending time in a cemetery, remember that no gravestone was ever erected because someone died – it was erected because someone lived, and it represents a life, not death. Archie and Dale Miller do historical research, presentations and writing in SL New Westminster. Discover the
Adventure
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MY COMMU COMMUNITY NITY
STORY AND PHOTOS BY LYNNE R. KELMAN
GARDEN 6
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have so often been asked what I do with my time now that I am retired. People who work look at retirement, it seems, as an endless stretch of downtime. Not so, I keep telling them. I am as busy as I want to be with the luxury of picking what I want to be busy at. One of those things is my allotment garden. These little community garden plots in various locations were usually an area of wasteland donated by the city to a society of gardeners, who divide the land up into small parcels to be used by individuals to enjoy and grow. Soil, sunshine, vegetables, flowers and wildlife, they are small oases in a busy city. Early mornings, you can usually find me sitting or working on my garden, only minutes from my home, in Crescent Beach, pondering what to grow next in that tiny corner that hasn’t yet been planted. I talk to my beetroot asking them to grow a little quicker; I want to pickle them. I water my tomato plants with love and care and pray they don’t get blight from all the rain this year. I embrace the smells of dill and anise and lemon thyme, growing prolifically in another corner of the garden. The birds sit and watch and sing to me, they have built a nest in the birdhouse I put up earlier in the year and they seem to know me, darting in and out, with little morsels for their chicks and straw and feathers to make a warm bed. I have been gardening this small plot for three years, taking care to keep it organic. Around me, in neighbouring gardens, I can see cabbages and kale, lettuces, crossed poles of runner beans, sweet peppers ripening under old window frames and the dramatic heads of globe artichokes almost in bloom. This year, I look forward to my crop of brussels sprouts and squash, and I’m watching the cucumbers closely, as they near harvesting. Some people specialize, one lady grows Dahlias of all kinds, brilliant reds and soft pinks, someone else grows sweet peas, productive in their growth and heady with scent. Old and young, alike, tend the gardens. These days, people are looking at ways to bring quiet serenity to their lives, and the seniors in our gardens share their tips and secrets with the young.
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One dear lady, Leandra, grows roses. She and her husband have each owned their own garden plots since the start of Dunsmuir Gardens almost 30 years ago. They are past presidents of the community. He grows and tends his vegetables, and she sprinkles her plot with tomatoes and herbs, garlic and onion alongside her roses. One evening, she
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told me the story behind her reason for growing Peace Roses. Leandra came from the Czech Republic, near the village of Lidice. Before the Second World War, it was a mining settlement and had a population of about 450. On June 10, 1942, the villagers, men, women and children were rounded up and sent to concentration camps or killed by German Armed Forces as part of a massive reprisal for the assassination by Czech underground fighters of Reinhard Heydrich. Lidice was expunged from all official records, including area maps. Since the war, the village is remembered by the planting of Peace Roses and Leandra remembers, with her own roses. I share the story of the beaver with my own family: An older gentleman, Nick, and I had apple trees growing alongside our gardens, close to the small inlet that runs between Blackie Spit and the allotments. One evening, I came to work on my garden and took several minutes to realize that something was missing! The apple tree, mature and ripe with blossom was gone. I ran to one of my fellow gardeners and told him we had been vandalized, he chuckled deeply and agreed, we had indeed, but not by the human kind. Our resident beaver, who loves the taste of apple wood had spent very little time gnawing the trunk 8
of “my” tree and had proceeded to drag it down a deep bank, whereby he floated it upstream to add to his dam. Not only had he demolished my tree, he had started gnawing on Nick’s. I, along with several other gardeners rushed to wrap wire netting around the gnawed trunk but, alas, the next morning this tree too was bobbing downstream to the dam. Dunsmuir Gardens is one of many community gardens in the lower Mainland. It started as an idea in 1975 by a group of local residents who approached The City of Surrey Council for permission to start a community garden. It was agreed that gardens be allocated. The community gardens would provide seniors, apartment dwellers and families
Above, Leandra Arnold and her husband have been gardening at Dunsmuir Garden for years. Right, gardeners grow everything from flowers to greenhouse veggies, and maintain the property themselves.
with a productive hobby. Surplus food would be directed to the local Food Bank, which we are still proudly doing today, thus nourishing a healthy community spirit. The city of Surrey supports us and uses our garden as a model. We will soon become a recognized society. People must learn to share this land because we cannot own it – we are guardians only; humans and wildlife, birds, bees and beavers, sharing, growing and enjoying the fruits of our laSL bour.
SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
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Reflections, Rejections, and Other Breakfast Foods Limited Edition!! , ns io ct Refle 3FKFDUJPOT A collection of Gipp Forster’s st Foods
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published columns in Senior Living magazine, with other unpublished writings thrown in for good measure. A unique blend of humor and nostalgia, Gipp’s writings touch your heart in such an irresistible way, you will want to buy not only a copy for yourself, but as a wonderful gift for friends and family members. 128 pages Softcover Available September 20, 2007 Published by Senior Living Price: $14.95
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The Healing Power of Pets A loving involvement with a dog or cat can be your missing link to greater health and happiness.
BY AL KEITH
“Y
ou know, Cleo here saved my life once,” says Betty, a perky 74 year old, who sat next to me, her beautiful Siamese cat firmly settled on her lap. It was late autumn, and Betty, a distant neighbour, had asked me to take a photo of her and her beloved feline to mail out with her Christmas cards. She went on to tell me how, after the death of her husband, she sunk into such a low depression that she collected her sleeping pills with the idea of taking her own life. “Except, there was always Cleo, who never moved from my side as she sensed my deep despair. Who would look after her?” So, Betty sought out counselling and became a more active power in her church. And, of course, she grew closer to her Siamese companion, whose full name is Cleopatra. “Come and meet my four-legged StressBuster,” is the way Larry, a middle-aged CPA introduced me to his Dachshund Freddy. “Since my 10 10
son gave him to me as birthday present last year, my life has taken a definite turn for the better,” says Larry. Larry was divorced, lived alone and his neighbours considered him a bit of a grouch. “You know, because of [Freddy] I’ve become a much more cheerful person, lowered my blood pressure, and really look forward to our daily walks!” An animal provides a relationship without judgment or criticism. Not surprising, then, that almost half of all North American households keep at least one pet. A couple of theories exist as to why people choose to have a pet in the first place. One school of thought has it that animals were domesticated to serve some utilitarian purpose in the environment of their time. The other theory is the opposite: animals became human pets first, and only later were used and bred to serve the needs of their owners.
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One Vet-Psychologist explains the special relationship we have with our companion animals this way, “In our beloved pets we find an elemental bond of nature that is more powerful and mysterious than anything the scientific establishment has to offer.”
Pet Therapy: These days a growing number of sophisticated health professionals suggest that a wet kiss from a devoted dog or an affectionate nuzzle from a purring cat can have a relaxing and healing effect on distressed individuals. Indeed, dogs or cats can breathe enthusiasm even into a listless hospital room or the quiet atmosphere of a nursing home. Pets not only help residents relax, they also serve as springboards to help shutins communicate better with one another. The emotional security a pet can provide was demonstrated when a U.S. TV newscast zeroed in on the devastation caused when a tornado whipped through a large campground. Two of the stricken survivors, with bloodied and terrorized faces, held on tight to the most precious possessions left to them – their pets. A bandaged, elderly man clutched his pet poodle, while a little girl in a torn dress kept stroking her kinky-tailed,
blue-eyed Siamese kitten. Pet Therapy, discovered strictly by accident, by Dr. Boris Levinson, a Clinical Psychologist at New York’s Yeshiva University, has become a powerful force. It began when Dr. Levinson’s dog, Jingles, ran up to the bed of a patient, an up-tothen unresponsive young boy, and licked his face. This slow and loving action brought the boy to life and before long the two interacted. After that, it didn’t take long for the youngster to respond to Dr. Levinson, too. Since then, he’s used pets with great success as icebreakers in his practice. Today, many hospitals and care facilities encourage visitors to bring their pet cat or dog to interact with the shut-ins. And pet visiting programs are in such demand volunteer organizations often can’t meet all their requests. “We’re making about three visitations a week, and just can’t find enough volunteers to meet all the calls we get,” says Francis Clark of FIDO (Western Federation of Independent Dog Owners). Study group after study group has confirmed that post-coronary survival figures vary considerably. According to Pennsylvania University researchers Aaron Katcher, M.D. and Erika Friedman, Ph.D., survivors who came home to recover
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Evan Mitchell conductor Selections from Peer Gynt, Symphonic Dances, Norwegian Dances and Holberg Suite.
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with their loving pet had only one third the mortality rate than recovering coronary patients who did not have the benefit of pet companionship. Of course, to see day-to-day pet therapy in action, you may not have to venture farther than your neighbour’s home. “Ever since I got Sheba, my Himalayan charmer, I no longer feel isolated and alone,” enthused 79-year-old Doris, who has severe arthritis and rarely leaves her home. “Now my blood pressure is way down, and the doctor cut back on my other medication, too.” Marg and Reg, who live in a retirement community, “picked out” Peter, a part Beagle, from an animal shelter, where the six-month-old had shown signs of severe neglect and abuse. “He’s come a long way since then,” says Reg. “Peter is not a very pretty dog, but we’ve had him five years now, and simply wouldn’t be without him. He needs us as much as we need him.” Research has provided overwhelming evidence that people who own a cat or dog are usually healthier than those without a pet. Dr. Judith Spiegel, a psychologist at UCLA, who studied Medicare Records, found that pet owners made far fewer visits to their doctors than did folks without pets. Pets simply help us handle stress better by providing companionship, security and the feeling of being loved and needed.
Dog or Cat? If you have medical or mobility challenges and have your heart set on a dog, pick one of the smaller breeds. Larger and more active dogs have to be exercised extensively, are harder to handle and absorb a lot of time and energy. Many suitable small dogs fit well into an urban lifestyle, and can easily be trained. Another important consideration is the costs of keeping a pet. Albert Schweitzer found two ways of escaping from the pressure of his work dealing with human misery: Playing his organ and delighting in the antics of his cats. Yet, while being pampered as never before, our feline friends, in contrast to dogs, follow an aloof path. Cats, however, remain the No. 1 pet choice, especially for city and apartment dwellers, where the inconvenience of walking a dog makes the cat’s litter pan problems look far less burdensome. 12
“Even the smallest feline is a masterpiece,” said Leonardo de Vinci, who drew cats in every scampering, stalking, wrestling and sleeping position possible. Author Gale Nemic (Living with Cats) puts it this way: “To live with your cat, means to live for her. It means to care for her, place her welfare on a high plane, and treat her as a genuine member of your household. She has feelings that must be respected, and needs that must be satisfied. But most important of all: She has the capacity to give and receive love.”
Spaying or Neutering Your Pet: Animal overpopulation is a serious problem. Spaying or neutering your pet is essential for the prevention of unwanted offspring and ensures the well-being of yourself and your pet. Spaying and neutering will inhibit undesirable sexual behaviour, such as spraying and straying from home. It also will eliminate your pet’s frustration and reduce the risk of medical problems like cancer of the mammary glands of females, and testicular or prostate infections in males.
Animal Shelter Pets: Thousands of dogs and cats, both mixed breeds and purebreds, wait for their “ultimate” fate in shelters, to be chosen as a pet or to be “put down.” Many animals experience fear and depression in a shelter atmosphere. Many of them only need the chance of a loving human home to become affectionate “companion animals.” By adopting a dog or cat from a shelter or pound, you may not only end up with a great future pet, but also save his or her life. Keep in mind that pet ownership should be a lasting joy, not a disappointing disaster, so do your homework. Carolyn, a friend, liberated her five-year-old cocker spaniel from a shelter. “Having Karen with us as a family member,” she says, “has been a great joy from the first day on! It was one of the SL best moves I ever made!”
The author with his favourite Pomeranian, Sasha. The plucky dog was rescued from a shelter two years ago and, in spite of his diminutive size, has quickly appointed himself the family watchdog.
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Between Friends HOPE
BY DOREEN BARBER
I
n this day and age, does the old adage “hope springs realization. eternal” still have meaning? Hope is born out of In the movie, The Pursuit of Happyness, real-life a desire to see resolve, single father, Chris Gardner (played by actor Will Smith), healing, completion, and his small son, Christopher, are homeless. Christopher rejuvenation or restates, “I didn’t know we were homeless, I just knew we newal. Our lifestyle were doing a whole lot of moving and when I looked up he has roots that hinge on was there, and if we went out he was there.” Chris says, “I a belief system. Our am doing exactly what I want to be doing and this vision operating system can I’ve had in my head I see it becoming reality, it’s an abso- be skewed by life exlute blessing.” periences, which can Chris Gardner moved from place to place – finding ref- dampen any flicker uge for the night in a public washroom and homeless shel- of hope, but a will ters. He never gave up hope in his dream for a better life. to overcome and sheer determination will again fan the Today, through hard work and perseverance, Gardner is a flames of hope. wealthy man. He recently made a Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “If guest appearance on the Oprah you lose hope, somehow you lose Hope draws us forward show to promote the movie. the vitality that keeps life moving, Author Allan K. Chalmers states, you lose that courage to be, that expectantly as we wait “The grand essentials of happiness quality that helps you go on in spite for its realization. are: something to do, something to of it all. And so today, I still have a love, and something to hope for. dream.” Hope comes out of the depth of our being, it cannot be Hope beckons us to look beyond now to the future. If deferred without there being consequences to the very core circumstances are difficult, we can be consumed and pulled of who we are.” within the dark hole of despair. Hope implies that we need Hope has roots in past experiences of knowing some a future beyond what we are experiencing in the present. truths. One of these is that whatever the result of an unDreams are free, so let’s dare to dream and hope beyond settling circumstance, it will eventually be resolved. The our wildest dreams. We have nothing to lose and our gain result may not be to the person’s liking, but the experience is the adventure of discovery. Hope is like a spring that teaches and this leads to hope. flows in all seasons of life, we choose whether we will emSL Hope draws us forward expectantly as we wait for its brace and be refreshed by it.
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SPORT FOR LIFE
Photos: Omar Ruiz-Diaz
BY MONA LEE
A
s the second oldest bowls site in Canada, the Kerrisdale Lawn Bowling Club celebrated its 92nd anniversary on May 12, 2007. President Nancy Bednard, 80, dresses smartly in red and white for the Canada Day festivities. The bowlers are a mix of men and women from various backgrounds, aged 41 to 90, who are similarly clothed in patriotic colours. 14 14
“We’re casual here,” Nancy says. “Some countries have traditional dress regulations of white outfits – men in trousers and women in dresses. Our club uniform colours are yellow and white.” Nancy says that today’s tournament and potluck mark Canada’s 140th birthday and commemorates the late Norine Armstrong, who generously bequeathed $32,000 to the club. Armstrong was an
active member who provided the club with baked goods and fresh flowers. Nancy and fellow member, Catherine Penny, sit on the sidelines and watch the tournament. “We’re on the injured list, so we have to sit and watch, which is very frustrating,” says Catherine. “We hope to get better by mid-September when indoor bowling opens.” Nancy’s parents were lawn bowlers
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in New Westminster, but she only took up the sport at the Kerrisdale Lawn Bowling Club in the mid-1980s. Catherine joined the club a few years later. “I moved into a nearby condominium, noticed the ad for lawn bowling and signed up,” says Catharine. “I’ve enjoyed bowling ever since. I used to come in the afternoon and again in the evening. Because membership is smaller now, there aren’t as many afternoon games.” In its heyday, the Kerrisdale Lawn Bowling Club boasted a membership of 102 in 1949. The club currently has 56 members and hopes to increase that number and recruit more young people. You don’t need to know the sport before you join. A minimum level of fitness is required. Injuries can occur from frequent bending and underhand throwing movements. The club happily teaches members the ropes and adapts the sport to persons with disabilities. Everyone is welcome from any municipality in the Lower Mainland. Spectators are also invited to watch bowls. Sixty-three-year-old John Kost has been a member since 1989. He believes the annual dues are reasonable at $130. Members can bowl most days and attend social events and competitions through the Vancouver and district clubs. Kost states that anyone who’s interested and practises regularly is good enough for competitions. One needs to hold a certain level to be successful in the sport. “When the bowls are good and close, it can get really exciting,” he says. “It doesn’t look like a lot of fun, but like
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anything else, when you get in the right situation, it can be quite exciting.” At 42, John Aveline is a former National Champion who has bowled for 26 years. When he was 16, John and his mother were invited by a neighbour to try lawn bowling. Always ready to try new sports, he began playing for fun and decided to test his mettle. “I wanted to find out how good I could be and I’m still trying to find out,” says John. “I played at the Canadian National Championship a couple of years ago. I absolutely love the sport.” John is aware of the recruitment challenges. Not only is there is a stereotype that lawn bowling is for seniors wearing whites, but sports media also refuse to cover lawn bowling, even when a Canadian wins a major international event. “In the last few years, 16
Canada has won medals at the Commonwealth Games and World Bowls, but nobody knows about this,” he says. “Canada is one of the top 10 bowls nations in the world. Although clubs have to work hard for members, there are thousands across the country who enjoy bowls, whether they’re playing for a Canadian championship or just rolling a few with friends on a warm summer evening.” Referrals and members bringing friends are the club’s main source of new membership. The club also advertises in Vancouver’s West paper, and during the Kerrisdale Days parade, members march with a banner and man tables with pamphlets inviting the public to the club for a demonstration and refreshments. President Nancy Bednard says they haven’t had much success attracting younger bowlers.
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THE VARIETY I ENJOY
LAWN BOWLIN G DEMYSTIFIE D
L
awn bowling is sim ilar to curling or bo wling, except it is played on m anicured grass, artifi faces or mats. The cial surball, known as a bo wl, isn’t completel round. When tossed y , the bowl curves as it loses momen tum on the bowlin g green. The object ive is to roll the bo closer to the jack, wl a stationary white ball, than your op ponents. One can do this by knocking aside the jack or an opponent’s bowl. The sport is played worldwide in Scot land, England, Ireland, Wales, New Zealand, South A frica, Canada and the United States. In some parts of th e world, lawn bow ing enjoys the sa lme level of prestig e as golf in North America. Accordi ng to Bowls Cana da’s website, a fo of lawn bowling w rm as played in ancien t Egypt and spread to Greece, Rome and Italy, where th e sport is known bocce, and was subs as equently introduce d to England. Ther is also speculation e that the ancient A ztecs, North Amer can Indians, Chines ie, Polynesians and Maori had played similar version of a the sport. Lawn bowling has been a Commonw ealth Games sport for many years. Th e World Champion sh ips, held indoors and outdoors on a yearly basis, attract a significant numbe of spectators and r television viewers. The sport is played in teams of one, pa irs, triples and four -players. Each team takes turns rolling all of its bowls. A cc ording to Wikipedia.com, “the team captain, or skip, al ways plays last an is instrumental in d directing his team ’s shots and tactic The typical game la s.� sts two hours.
“We offer a first-time membership of 50 per cent off,� adds John. “This has had a very positive effect on membership. The Kerrisdale Lawn Bowling Club seems quite vibrant with a solid increase of almost 30 per cent.� Other initiatives include offering a program through the Kerrisdale Community Centre and renting the club to corporate, private and school groups. “Some clubs have several groups come in each year and the long-term goal is to have lawn bowling on people’s minds as something that is fun and much more challenging, both mentally and physically, than has previously been thought,� explains John. “The largest such event was when our indoor club, the Pacific Indoor Bowls Club, took part in the Big Brothers Bowling Classic. In one day, over 600 people came to the indoor club and played a game.� If you are interested in watching a lawn bowling demonstration or trying out, contact Nancy Bednard at 604-3254950 or John Aveline at 604-264-8564. The Kerrisdale Lawn Bowling Club is located at 5870 Elm Street in Vancouver. SL
“It’s easy to stay active and involved with so many organized outings and activities.�
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“Let’s Hear it for
S
ARTHUR”
uch is the recording that greets those phoning Arthur Hughes. An extrovert with a puckish sense of humour, he has combined an unusual upbringing with a varied and colourful career. Soldier, teacher, businessman, archivist and antique car enthusiast, at 75, Arthur still works three days a week for the City of Vancouver. For any Canadian, being born in Shanghai was an exotic entry into the world. His mother was a concert pianist, and his father, originally from England, and once an employee of Crown Life Insurance in Toronto, sold life insurance to warlords in China in the 1930s. He became very wealthy, forming the first life insurance company north of Hong Kong. The warlords of that era, often with several wives, fought among themselves continually, so insurance was needed to provide for their families, and Arthur’s enterprising father sold many lucrative policies. His parents met in Canada when his father went to a concert in Vancouver. Arthur’s mother was performing, and so smitten was his father that he went backstage and proposed marriage. Older by some 30 years, his proposal was nevertheless accepted. The couple married in Shanghai. Arthur and his sister were born there and brought up with a governess who spoke only French. The children became equally fluent in both French and English. The Japanese military had been in Shanghai since 1932, and European businessmen did not foresee the Japanese becoming German allies. Accordingly, Arthur’s father stayed, but he, his mother and sister left in early 1941. After finishing high school in Vancouver, Arthur found himself in England after the war, when the British still had a military draft. Being Canadian, he was not liable, but volunteered. He had to undertake that he would not use his overseas citizenship to curtail his training in the British Army because some other volunteers had enlisted, but disappeared when they hit difficulties. Arthur was recognized as officer material, and put before a Selection Board, where he was seated with 27 other candidates, surrounded by observant captains and majors. A major sat in front of them and made notes on a clipboard, but otherwise did nothing except to throw a large English penny on the floor. Nobody else made a move, so Arthur went to the front, picked it up, and looked at the date saying, “Good Lord, 18
BY PETER HENDERSON
Queen Victoria, 1889.” This started a conversation as the major continued to make notes, and more candidates started chatting. Draftees commissioned for two years only were expected to display initiative and leadership. A later, intimidating personal interview conducted by a colonel began, “Good Lord, you’re Canadian. What in the world are you doing here?” Arthur explained that being with his family in England, and not planning to go back to Canada for some time, he felt a responsibility to serve. Looking at Arthur’s papers, the colonel harrumphed, “Private school, did boxing, you any good?” Arthur jumped out of his chair and assumed a boxing stance. To his amazement, the colonel followed suit and they started sparring. Thought Arthur, “What the hell am I doing? I’m gong to get bounced out of here fast!” However, the colonel laughed and sat down and, from then on, all formality disappeared. At the end of the selection, candidates were handed a slip of paper they were told not to open until they emerged from the room. Before Arthur had a chance to do so, however, a sergeant major took it from him and exclaimed loudly, with a grin, “Good gawd almighty, I’m going to have to call you sir!” The paper Photo: Doug Compton read, “Recommended for Officer Cadet School Training.” A draftee could not receive a commission in any front line regiment, but had to serve in service regiments such as the engineers. Arthur chose the Royal Signals, because he’d been tipped that you learnt all about telegraphy. Basic training was tough, but he received good marks and was directed to the Suez Canal Zone in the spring of 1951.
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on
Arthur was looking forward to the Suez Canal, when came another interview. The interviewer had Arthur’s papers in front of him. “Hughes, you did rather well. Where are you posted?” “Suez, sir.” “You speak French?” “Yes, sir. It’s something from my early childhood.” “Good show, I think I have a bit of a change of plans. How’d you like to go to Paris?” Arthur was mystified, but said yes. In front of the officer were three phones, each a different colour. He picked up one and said, “I have your young officer.” Then his superior explained that Eisenhower was moving his post-war headquarters to Paris with Montgomery as his second-in-command. Montgomery was determined to have the British in full strength, equivalent to the Americans. He, therefore, wanted a number of French-speaking officers. So, Arthur returned his tropical kit and went to NATO headquarters. He was mostly in charge of the Communications Centre. Various senior ranking officers would come in, Eisenhower about 10 times, a very affable fellow, says Arthur, once with General de Gaulle. Montgomery came in twice, aloof, and “not a hands-on sort of guy,” whom Arthur didn’t really like. All personnel wore their hats except the Americans, until one day a soldier in an elaborate uniform turned up with a plumed hat. Nobody seemed to speak his language, all saluted him, but he turned out to be an Italian private from a mountain regiment, where all ranks wore plumed hats. Henceforth, for all nations, hats and saluting were discontinued. Returning to Canada, Arthur pursued a B.A. in Political Science at UBC, majoring in Asian studies. Shortly after, he found himself penniless at a university fraternity house in Ontario. A friend suggested selling Grolier encyclopedias. With some of his associates, Arthur realized the possibility of a gold mine by selling an accompanying teacher’s manual. Selling, though successfully, was not a satisfying job, so Arthur returned to university, to the teachers’ program at SFU. He then taught Grades 9 and 10 at Britannia high school in Vancouver, where he had the responsibility of teaching French to Chinese students, who needed a second language for entrance to UBC, their own language unacceptable at that time. Nevertheless, after two years, Arthur decided he was more comfortable in the business world. After a short stint as an investment dealer with Pemberton Securities, he joined a wholesale company importing giftware and souvenirs from Japan. Restless still, he started his own graphic artist business before shifting gears again to begin employment with the City Hastings Mill Store
of Vancouver. Today, Arthur is very proud of the fact that he is still working, three days per week, in charge of the Abandoned Vehicles yard. He is Archivist of the Billy Bishop branch, Royal Canadian Legion in Kitsilano, having had it declared a military museum, and has individually refurbished the unit badges, which decorate the walls, removing the layers of nicotine from tobacco smoke, which they had acquired over many years. Cars have been a major interest since he washed his grandfather’s Chevrolet as a boy in Nanaimo, in exchange for driving lessons. His yellow 1969 Mustang convertible won no less than five “Best in Show” awards from Vancouver to Edmonton and Sacramento. A current source of pride is his immaculate 1972 Datsun. A stalwart of the Unitarian church of Vancouver, the picture of him with bowler hat shows him in his auctioneer’s costume. The “USA” on his lapel demonstrates his offbeat sense of humour – the letters stand for “Unitarian Services SL Auction.”
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WAYS OF THE OLD WEST T
he train whistled – it was time to board. Clutching our tickets, my husband, Rick, and I moved excitedly with the crowd towards the coaches of the Verde Canyon Locomotive, and were soon settled into our cozy window seats. The powerful eagle-decaled engines rolled us out of the Clarkdale Station for a four-hour round trip to the Perkinsville Ranch – through a sweeping wilderness that can only be viewed from these cliff-hugging rails. Mounds of black slag sided the tracks as we left the station. A vivid reminder that this line was built in 1912 to haul copper ore from the Clarkdale Smelter to the main Santa Fe line, for shipping to markets throughout the country. It also shuttled workers and supplies to the once thriving mining town of Jerome, until the two area mines closed in 1953. Descending into what is known as “the other Grand Canyon,” a panorama of crimson cliffs rose in magnificent splendour. My breath caught as we overlooked a steep drop to where rapidly flowing rivers and creeks snaked between Cottonwood and Sycamore trees. Rounding a bend, everyone in our car shouted, “turtle” as this distinguishable form jutted out from the rock face. An angel, a lizard and an elephant were other shapes sculpted by nature’s artistry. Passing the Sinagua Indian cliff dwellings, dating back to 600AD, I pondered their way of life in such a lofty domain. “She’ll be coming ‘round the mountain when she comes” and other nostalgic rail ditties bubbled over the train’s sound system. Irresistible aromas had us set down our cameras for a time to partake in zesty snacks and a refreshing margarita. The old songs were in20
terspersed by interesting historical facts: “It took a year for 250 men using 200 mules, picks, shovels and explosives to lay this rail.” And gossipy tidbits “Look left for the tin ranch house roof of the Packards, who homesteaded 60 acres from 1910-1922. They had a good thing going selling fresh produce in the boomtown of Jerome, until Mr. Packard’s rounder ways got to the Missus. Forging his name, she sold the ranch for $1,800 and disappeared for parts unknown.” The next announcement sent us scurrying to an open-air viewing car with cameras poised. “In a few minutes, you will see the nest of Black and Decker, our long-time resident Bald Eagle couple.” We were not disappointed. One of the pair was sitting in the high cliff roost with their new fuzzy offspring; the other winged beauty was soaring towards them carrying a riparian lunch in its claws. Their flight speed is recorded at 65 mph, with a dive speed of 200 mph, and it is believed the eye sharpness of these amazing creatures is eight times that of the human eye.
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Photos: Rick Butler
BY IRENE BUTLER
Photos: Rick Butler
Chuckwagon Dinner and Show. A metal pail hanging outside the entrance instructs visitors to, “Leave your frowns in this here bucket and pick ‘em up when you leave.” After wandering through gift shops with old-time facades, we zeroed in on the Wood ‘N West Gallery. Amazingly detailed western settings filled with miniature moveable figures were the work of master woodcarver, Jack Britt. Hopping on a minitrain for a rumble around the grounds, a large Open-air viewing train car. treed area loomed with charred trunks visible Through a 680-foot manmade tunnel and over trestle between flourishing new growth. Engineer Guss informed us, bridges we followed the route along the upper Verde River. “The ‘Blazin’ in the ranch name stems from a fire that raged The highest and longest trestle spans S.O.B. Canyon. Peering through the ranch in 1992 – and the ‘M’ stands for the Mabery down to the bottom, 150 feet below, it was understandable family, owners and operators of the ranch since 1966.” A few how the canyon name evolved from the sentiments of men years after the fire, the family decided to sell off the cattle and constructing this seemingly impossible engineering feat, with take on providing frolicking evenings for guests. A clanging bell drew us into a lofty barn with rows of only the aid of ornery mules. We rolled into Perkinsville – population two (not counting bench-tables. Rich aromas drifted from a back room. “Come the few penned cows). Close to a limestone quarry, the rail- an get y’ur vittles” was a welcomed call, followed by, “An road once used the Perkins’ ranch as a loading station for this hold y’ur tin plate out past your boots so’s they don’t get crucial smelting element – with no objection from Mr. P who splashed on by the servin’ dudes.” We dived into a heap o’ beans, barbecue chicken and beef, could then ship his cattle directly from the ranch. The engines were maneuvered along a sidetrack to the op- baked potato, applesauce, spice cake and ohhhhh, oven-fresh posite end of the train for the return to Clarkdale, and for us biscuits. Knowing one biscuit would never suffice, cowpokes cruised the aisles with loaded baskets. While chomping on to catch sights missed on the way out. From the Clarkdale station, we drove a few miles south- the last morsel of one, all we had to do was raise a hand and west to the Blazin’ M Ranch in time for the All-You-Can-Eat catch another that came flying through the air.
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Blazin’ M Cow boys in
performance.
Photos: Rick Butler
Our coffee sloshed in our cups as we stomped and clapped to the Blazin’ M Cowboys (one being 80-year-old Grandpa Mabery) who belted out vintage tunes to the strains of guitar, banjo and keyboard. Comical banter had us rolling with laughter, especially when “Otis” appeared in his dungarees and toothless grin to share his backwoods philosophy of life. We left with an irrepressible chuckle at some theatrical surprises, and as such, my lips are sealed – but guaranteed, they are a bolt out of the blue. For one day, we lived the history of the Old West. Swathed in the same stunning beauty of the Verde Canyon as the ancient tribes, miners and pioneers, the cliffs reverberated with imagined and documented tales of the past. And, needless to say, with the cordiality and sidesplitting fun at the Blazin’ M – we did not see a single person retrieve their SL frown from the bucket on their way out.
their boot stom pin’
Irene and Rick Butler are a writer and photographer team from Richmond, B.C. Since retiring seven years ago, they have trekked through 49 countries, interspersed with visits to their five sons and their families across Canada.
of it. -5 p.m. Make a day rain Ride 1 T n o y n a C ours North Verde cated two h lo n o ti ta S edona Clarkdale utes from S in m 5 2 & m.com of Phoenix www.blazin . .m p 0 :3 -8 5 wood inner/Show et in Cotton Blazin’ M D e tr S th 0 1 ted off ommerce Ranch loca hamber of C C d o o w n o y.com Cott d.verdevalle o o w n o tt o www.c al and season s e m ti in a tr For ation: event inform on Railroad Verde Cany m canyonrr.co www.verde eatures: Seasonal F pt 7, 2008 ts Day – Se ct 31st Grandparen Express – O n e e rfest w llo a ails -Oktobe R Haunted H n o s le A in Oct – rties – Dec Week-ends Holiday Pa & s s re p x sE Santa Clau March h – Dec thru 7, 2007 tc a Eagle W – Feb 14-1 l a v ti s e F overs nctions Chocolate L ompany Fu C & ily m a F Anytime for 22
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SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
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Photo: Jason van der Valk
ASK
Goldie
BY GOLDIE CARLOW, M.ED
Dear Goldie: Three weeks ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Normally, I am a 66-year-old widow running my own life independently. Suddenly, with surgery and heaven knows what else looming ahead, my world is falling apart. I have a son, daughter, and grandchildren, all very caring, but I am fiercely independent and want my own space to deal with all this. I love my family but they are hovering. How can I make them understand without hurting them? R.Y. Dear R.Y.: I am sorry to hear about your illness. While I understand your need to maintain your independence, there are times when it is acceptable and necessary to lean on others. This is one of those times. You are so fortunate to have a family who is offering love and support - the greatest gifts on earth. It is extremely important you acquire all the information you can about your illness and the impending treatment. Cancer is constantly being researched and the rate of success is improving. Contact the Canadian Cancer Society and talk to people who have been through the experience you are facing. Knowledge helps to erase fear of the future. Incorporate the help of your loving family. You do need them; try not to let your independence be a wall around you as you face the surgery and treatment ahead. Love is as essential as medicine for your return to good health. Best wishes for a full recovery. Dear Goldie: For some reason, I can’t exercise continuously. I start out with great intentions but, in a few days, I lose all ambition and stop. I am about 30 pounds overweight, so need to do this for better health. What advice do you have for a lazy person? O.N. Dear O.N.: Perhaps you’re not lazy. Perhaps you don’t enjoy the exercise programs you’ve tried. There are many ways to get active and shed unwanted weight. If you choose an activity you consider fun, you’re more likely to stick with it. Evaluate what you’ve done so far. Do you love it? If not, it’s time to try something new. Begin the process with a visit to your doctor to be sure your health is satisfactory. Then set about acquiring knowledge about various exercise plans and weight-reducing diets. Seniors’ centres, community centres and the YMCA/YWCA offer a number of different activities to get your heart rate up.
In addition to these activities, offered a few times a week, you can walk every day. Make a commitment to yourself to make walking part of your daily life. Figure out what time works best for you and go, rain or shine. Invite a friend, borrow a manageable dog if you don’t have one, or go alone. Walking is not only good for your body, by reconnecting with nature; it’s good for your mind and soul. Start out small and increase your efforts as you get stronger. To be sure you’re getting sufficient nutrition for your needs, visit a dietitian, who can assist you in planning your diet. Don’t underestimate your intentions. Adequate diet and daily exercise can only improve your health and daily life. You need to be congratulated for making the effort. SL
Goldie Carlow is a retired registered nurse, clinical counsellor and senior peer counselling trainer. Send letters to Senior Living, Box 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria, BC V8T 2C1. Senior Peer Counselling Centres (Lower Mainland) New Westminster 604-519-1064 North Vancouver 604-987-8138 Burnaby 604-291-2258 Richmond 604-279-7034 Vancouver West End 604-669-7339 Coquitlam – Tri-Cities 604-945-4480
CLASSIFIEDS General listings • Events • Personals
Advertise in Senior Living magazine’s Classified section. COMING SOON Contact info must be included in each ad, Box #s will not be provided. $30 for 20 words or less. $1.25 per extra word. Plus 6% GST. Payable in advance by cheque or credit card. Make cheque payable to Senior Living, Box 153, 1581-H Hillside Avenue,Victoria, BC V8T 2C1. Call 250-479-4705. Deadline 15th of the month.
SEPTEMBER 2007
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PRINT AD SALES REP Enjoy the challenges of helping Senior Living magazine grow and expand successfully in the Vancouver & Lower Mainland area. Join the Senior Living sales team. Are you adept at prospecting and providing reliable service to clients? Do you understand how to create effective print ad campaigns for businesses? We are looking for someone who understands the potential of our magazine in the rapidly growing senior market, appreciates the quality and pride we invest in each issue, and wants to work with us to expand the revenue base of our magazine.
Fax cover letter and resume to (250)479-4808 or e-mail office@seniorlivingmag.com
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This is a ground-floor opportunity with outstanding potential for the person who wants to work hard to build their income base to an above average level by providing reliable service to our business clients. Do you understand the growing senior demographic and how this impacts businesses? Do you enjoy the challenge of commission based selling? If so, please contact us.
SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
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BBB Better Better Better Better
Business Business Business Business
Bureau Bureau Bureau Bureau
SCAM ALERT
BY LYNDA PASACRETA
Telemarketing:The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
I
t’s dinner time, your family or friends are over, and the telephone is ringing off the hook. In a rush, you quickly answer the phone, only to find a salesperson on the other end attempting to sell you some new gadget or service. Knowing how to distinguish and deal with good, bad and ugly telemarketing opportunities can save you time and money, and can protect you from becoming a victim of phone fraud. The Good Telemarketers provide a useful service of giving consumers information about new products, services, community events or opportunities to donate. If you answer the phone and think, “I am definitely interested in hearing more about this,” then by all means ask lots of questions and take advantage of the opportunity to find out more. The Bad There will be times when the telemarketing opportunity is legitimate, but you answer the phone and think, “I don’t have time for this right now. This isn’t something I’m interested in.” Or, “This salesperson is too pushy.” Be honest with the telemarketer. Consider asking them to call back, or to mail you a package of information you can review on your own time. The Ugly Unfortunately, not all telemarketers are operating legitimate businesses. If you find yourself answering the phone and thinking “A free prize and all they need is all my personal information and a credit card number? This is too good to be true,” then be sure to proceed with extreme caution. Many phone scams are designed to get you to give away your personal/financial information or to buy a product or service without realizing it. In situations like this, have the confidence to just say, “No, thank you,” and hang up the phone. In all telemarketing transactions, consumers should consider the following tips before giving out personal or financial information:
1) Know Who You Are Dealing With Ask telemarketers for both the name of the marketing company they work for and the business, organization or charity they represent. Check the company’s BBB Reliability Report at www.bbbvan.org Make sure the telemarketer is appropriately licensed to operate in B.C. Not all telemarketers need to be licensed, but if they request credit card payment over the phone or fax they are likely required to be licensed with the BPCPA. Visit www. bpcpa.ca for a list of licensed telemarketers. (Note: You can even do this while you are on the phone!) 2) Know Your Rights In B.C., a licensed telemarketer CAN only call you: • Between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekends, and • Between 9 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. on weekdays. A licensed telemarketer CANNOT: • Call you on statutory holidays • Call block their phone number; and • Communicate with you more than once in 30 days on the same transaction. 3) Know Your Boundaries Don’t fall victim to high-pressure sales. A legitimate company will give you time to think about their offer, to comparison shop, to do your research and to get back to them. If you do not want to be called again, ask to be put on the “do not call” list. The telemarketer must give you a unique registration number, which you should write down as proof that your “do not call” request was made. If the company continues to phone, contact the CRTC (1-877-249-2782) and report the problem For more information, contact the BBB at 604-682-2711 or 1-888-803-1222 or BPCPA 1-888-564-9963. SL Lynda Pasacreta is President of the Better Business Bureau of Mainland B.C. For confidence in marketplace transactions, contact the Better Business Bureau to check a company report or Buyers’ Tip before you purchase or invest. www.bbbvan. org or 604-682-2711. To contact Lynda Pasacreta, e-mail her at president@bbbvan.org SEPTEMBER 2007
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r u o m u H
Confessions of a Bank Card Virigin BY C.J. PAPOUTSIS
I
come from a technologically challenged family. My mother went to her grave terrified that electric can openers heralded the moral downfall of society. I get along with my laptop but have serious issues with my digital camera. If a machine is ever going to malfunction, it happens when I’m in control. Photocopiers and printers that haven’t jammed for years wait for me to push the little green button, then seize up. At work, the Blue Screen Of Death and the message “You Have No Rights To Do This” flashed on my computer screen regularly. And who in the real world can keep track of all those passwords, User IDs, PIN and PAC numbers? I can’t even remember my postal code and I’ve lived at this address for nearly three years. Until a few days ago, I’d never used an ATM. That’s right, I was a bank card virgin. My family and friends teased me for years about holding out. The truth is that I don’t trust machines, especially with important issues like money. In my opinion, we put too much faith in numbers and give machines too much authority. I don’t understand how ATMs work. Where does the money come from and who puts it in there? What about the ones in restaurants, pubs, on sidewalks and in parking lots? Does the money travel through tunnels from banks to these machines? Do people with guns arrive at night in armoured trucks and stock them like fisheries officers do with fish in lakes? What happens if it runs out of money? If I push the wrong button, will lights flash and bells ring? Will a steel cage drop down and imprison me? However, there was no use hoping ATMs would go away. Despite my technological dysfunction and phobias, I had to take my first giant step. Feeling curiously naked and knowing my intent was obvious to everyone within view, I sidled up to the bank machine, took a deep breath and inserted my card. Questions flashed on the screen. What language did I want? Well that was simple – so far, so good. It asked for my PIN. No problem; I’d written it on the inside of my arm. I did a 360-degree inspection to make sure some whiskery guy wearing a hooded sweatshirt wasn’t behind me wielding a lead pipe or a gun, or worse still, reading over my shoulder. With sweaty hands, I keyed in my PIN and the machine flashed several transaction choices on the screen. One was deposit. Surely, nobody would be stupid enough to stuff a wad of cash into a machine, trusting it would find its way into 26
his or her account at a bank on the other side of town or in another city. Machines are smart, but that’s pushing it. Next, it asked which account I wanted the money withdrawn from: chequing, savings or other. Other? What else is there? How much did I want, and did I need a receipt? I pushed the appropriate buttons; it was like waiting for money to pop out of a slot machine in Las Vegas. After some weird thumping and whirring noises, my card reappeared. I took it out and almost immediately, a slot near the bottom opened and a neat little stack of money slid out. No lights, no bells, no steel cage – no problem. My mother might frown at my contribution to society’s moral downfall, but now I can get cash any time of the day or night, at almost any ATM in almost any country. No wonder everybody’s broke, it’s too easy to get money these days. SL
SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
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NEW
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To Move or Not to Move?
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Created by Senior Living, this book is the ideal companion to our popular Senior Housing Guide. To Move or Not to Move? A Helpful Guide for Seniors Considering Their Residential Options
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Housing Guide for Seniors Published semi-annually by Senior Living magazine
Up-to-date listings of senior housing facilities throughout Vancouver Island, including Independent/Supportive Living, Assisted Living and Residential Care. TO SENIO
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Senior L ifestyles A Housi ng Guid e for Se n
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Victoria - Hillside Mall, Fairfield Senior Centre, James Bay Health Centre, Silver Threads, all libraries (except Esquimalt), Monterey Senior Centre, Medichair. Saanich Peninsula - Brentwood Bay Senior Centre, Beacon Community Services, Silver Threads (Shoal Centre), Panorama Rec Centre. Western Communities - Juan de Fuca 55+ Activity Centre, Sooke Seniors Centre. Cowichan Valley - Mill Bay Salvation Army, Shawnigan Lake People’s Pharmacy, Valley Senior Centre in Duncan, Crofton Seniors Centre, Lake Cowichan Seniors, Frank Jameson Community Centre & Senior Centre in Ladysmith. Saltspring - Health Centre. Nanaimo - Beban Park Social Centre, Medichair, Woodgrove mall. Parksville - Senior Centre, The Medicine Shoppe, Society of Allied Support Groups. Qualicum - Senior Centre, Pharmasave. Port Alberni - Echo Rec Centre, Quality Foods. Cumberland - Cumberland Lodge, Medical Clinic. Courtenay - Filberg Centre, Courtenay Home & Community Centre, Coastal Community Credit Unions. Comox - Credit Union, D’Esterre Senior Centre. Campbell River - Community Centre, Home and Community Health Centre, Willow Point Sportsplex. Port Hardy / Sointula / Alert Bay - Coastal Community Credit Unions. All Royal Banks on Vancouver Island.
l Publica
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Listings include addresses and contact information, housing costs, number of units in the housing complex, hospitality services, optional home care services, amenities and security features.
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Senior Lifestyles can be ordered direct from our office. Please mail a cheque for $5.30, along with your name and address, to Senior Living magazine, 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1. We will mail you a copy of this resourceful housing guide upon receipt of payment. SEPTEMBER 2007
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raditions TASTY Traditions POTATO CAKES BY FRANCES PENINGTON WILSON, RN RT’D
M
y great-grandmother, Catherine Penington, using leftover potatoes, originally made this heritage recipe for Potato Cakes. In her day, the potatoes were cooked on the top of a wood stove range. Her daughter, Eliza Penington McGraw Michell, my grandmother, cooked them the same way at Kildala, their 125-acre farm, which was expropriated for an airport in 1942. My daughtersin-law now bake the cakes in the oven at 350 degrees.
powder biscuit. Knead together and form into 8” round. Cut into eighths. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees. Split open and serve with butter. We have a griddle on our gas stove and use that in place of the wood stove range or oven.
SL
Ingredients: 2 cups hot mashed potatoes 2 cups pastry flour 4 Tbsp melted butter 1/2 tsp salt 2 tsp baking powder Pastry flour – make your own by using 2 cups of bread flour, add 1 cup of cornstarch. Sift together several times.
Method: Sift dry ingredients together and add to potato mixture. Add enough milk to make dough consistent with a baking
Please send us YOUR favourite Heritage Recipe along with the memories it evokes. Without your contributions, Tasty Traditions doesn’t exist. Contact us at office@seniorlivingmag.com or Box 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria, BC V8T 2C1
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SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
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Crossword PUZZLE
Mind GAMES
Across 1. Specters 7. Prickly seed vessel 11. Inhabitant of Saudi Arabia 12. Narrow-necked jars 14. Tiger/lion cross 15. Blue-gray 16. Devices for fishing 17. Enhance 18. Tunes 19. Clasp for a door 20. Watcher 22. Commotion 23. Former communist country 26. Hebrew prophet 28. Pole 31. And so on 32. Continue without interruption 33. Flinch 34. Chief sports official 37. Self-esteem
Down 38. Cover girl 39. Apple juice 41. Period of history 43. South American armadillo 44. British politician 45. Run away 46. Scottish hillside 47. Commander 49. Rescue 52. Money paid for work 54. Lines extending from the center of a circle 57. Male name 58. Cart for heavy loads 59. Florida city 60. Gigantic statue 61. Umbilicus 62. Slanting 63. Lewd conversations by telephone
1. Discharged a debt 2. Male given name 3. Lover 4. Simpleton 5. Republic in W Africa 6. Improve in appearance 7. Geniality 8. Carbamide 9. Exclamation of disappointment 10. Reprieve 11. Carved image 13. Mexican money 15. Member of the nobility 21. Flightless birds 24. Divest 25. Operatic vocal solo 27. Capital of Bulgaria 29. Celestial being 30. Tally 35. Flounce 36. Microbe 38. Units of astronomical length 39. Resolve 40. Chancy 42. Antenna 44. Trollops 45. Disorderly disturbance 48. Honeybee 50. Berserk 51. Objectionable 53. Deep wound 55. Shortened male name 56. Holly ANSWERS
SEPTEMBER 2007
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Cultural Engineer
Photo: Betty Ho
BY BETTY HO
A
sk anyone in the Asian cultural community who Jim Wong-Chu is and they’ll tell you he’s a poet, mentor, and editor of several anthologies written by Canadians of Asian descent. Jim Wong-Chu, however, describes himself as a cultural engineer. Sitting in a tidy Vancouver home decorated with AsianatartSt.objects, he explains, Labyrinth Paul’s Anglican Church“A 30
cultural engineer helps to build community by creating an infrastructure where writers, artists, musicians and actors can share and tell their stories.” Certainly this editor-author, historian, literary jurist, community builder and former Co-op radio broadcaster has worked tirelessly for over 30 years to establish an Asian-Canadian arts network. Hoping to define Chinese-Cana-
dian literature, Jim took creative writing courses at UBC and began a quest to identify his bi-cultural roots. He also wanted to encourage other aspiring writers of Asian descent to write about their experiences and that of their families. By the late 1970s, he and friends, Paul Yee, Sean Gunn, SKY Lee and Rick Shiomi founded a collective called the Asian Canadian Writers Workshop
SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
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l
Chinatown Gho sts, Jim Wong-C hu, Arsenal Pulp Press, 1986 – out of print. Many-Mouthed Birds: Contempo rary Writing by Chinese Canadians, Ben nett Lee/Jim Wong-Chu, ed s. Douglas & M cI ntyre, 1991. Swallowing Cloud s: An Anthology of ChineseCanadian Poetry , Andy Quan/Jim W ong-Chu, eds. Arsenal Pu lp Press, 1999. Strike the Wok : An Anthology of Contemporary Chinese Can adian Fiction, Li en Chao/Jim Wong-Chu, ed s. TSAR Publicat ions, 2003.
(ACWW). This collective, a non-profit society since 1995, has now grown to encompass writers from all literary disciplines, including teachers, filmmakers, screenwriters and copywriters. “Writers are very special people,” says Jim. “Writers can immortalize an individual through descriptions of him or her in a book. Fifty to 100 years from now, someone will open up that book and the individual becomes alive just from the writing.” Jim says writers need to ask themselves two questions: “What if?” And “why not?” “’What if’ brings out your imagination, allowing you to create,” he says. “That helps in writing poetry. ‘Why not?’ makes you research to find answers. Whatever you’re writing has to have a story, a punchline. If you’ve read my poetry, you will notice my endings.” As an example, “Equal Opportunity” is a satirical poem in Swallowing Clouds, published by Arsenal Pulp Press in 1999. A short ironic piece, it explores the racism Chinese railway labourers faced. They were assigned to sit in segregated places on a train until after accidents happened to the non-Chinese passengers. Australian and British publishers have reprinted this popular piece in other collections. Sketchy about his early background, Jim was born in Hong Kong on January 28, 1949 and came to Canada with his aunt at age three. After spending his youth in various Chinese cafés throughout the country, he now makes his home
in Vancouver. Bilingual in Cantonese and English, Jim bridges the gap between overseas-born and local-born Chinese-Canadians. “I recognize the two solitudes of both cultures.” He met his wife Marlene in 1985 while working at Canada Post. When the couple retires, they plan to pursue their hobbies. “Marlene will have her gardening,” says Jim. “We’ll probably live life as we’re doing now – looking for good food. That’s my hobby. Anything else as a hobby is a distraction from building community. Food has a strong connection with my generation. Did you know the best banana cream pie comes from Vancouver Community College?” “I love films,” he continues. “I also enjoy doing research on income stocks, looking at the performance of the stocks, and the background on the organization, so I might know when to buy and when to sell for my self-directed RRSP.” Jim reluctantly agreed to be interviewed because he prefers to tell the stories of early Chinese-Canadian settlers, rather than his personal story. “It’s easy to be a ‘star’ by being in the spotlight, but I’d rather be in the background, training another generation of cultural engineers who help a community to become self-sustaining. I want to maintain my integrity. It is not about me, but about creating a support system for contemporary Asian artists from the Pacific Rim.” ACWW publishes Ricepaper, a sub-
scription-based national magazine about creative Asian Canadians in print, film and music, as well as an online website www.ricepaper.ca In 1995, Jim helped found the Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society and continues to serve as advisory panelist. In Canada, the month of May is officially recognized as Asian Heritage Month and festivities are held in cities across Canada to celebrate various Asian cultures. “All of this work in Asian Heritage Month, Ricepaper and ACWW happens through the efforts of many, many volunteers and I am only one of them.” For more information on the Asian Canadian Writers Workshop, visit: www.asiancanadianwritersworkshop. SL com
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www.seniors101.ca Vancouver Island retirement guide includes recreation and travel, real estate, investments and health care information. www.seniors101.ca SEPTEMBER 2007
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Reflections
BY GIPP FORSTER
ONCE THERE WAS A COWBOY
I
went to a movie recently. Well, it wasn’t that recent I guess. It was about 60-plus years ago. I went because one of my many heroes was the star. You may remember him. His name was Roy Rogers. He had a Palomino horse named Trigger and a German shepherd dog named Bullet and a wife named Dale. Dale wasn’t as neat as Trigger and Bullet. I can’t remember if Roy’s sidekick was Smiley Burnett or Gabby Hays. Maybe it was neither. Roy was my main concern, plus Trigger and Bullet. I guess if Roy had had a cat, he would have named it “Revolver.” Anyway, Roy was my hero! Gene Autry was around then and Hopalong Cassidy; his friends called him “Hoppy.” But they couldn’t compete with Roy as far as I was concerned. I wanted to be just like Roy when I grew up. I looked forward to having a Palomino horse and a German shepherd. I thought I might pass on having a “Dale.” I knew my mom would have appreciated me staying where Roy lived; a place where no one got dirty. I mean Roy could ride through dust and storm and remain immaculately groomed. He never even lost his white hat in a fight! I bet Roy’s mom was pleased with him. Heck! I could get dirty now if I was tied to a chair. But all that would change when I went to live where Roy roamed. My mom was going to be so proud. My wife just said if I still wanted to go where Roy lived, she wouldn’t stand in my way. What a great gal she is! She always wants the best for me. I was impressed 32
that Roy wore two guns – a pair of six guns with ivory handles. Two holsters on one belt! They were great guns, too. They never ran out of bullets. Luckily, Roy’s special guns were never massproduced because they would have put all the bullet stores out of business. Roy was a good cowboy. He never killed anybody. He just kept shooting the guns out of the bad guys’ hands or shooting black hats off their heads. Roy sang too! I don’t know how he did it. Jogging alongside Trigger, he never missed a note on the guitar and his voice never wavered. I didn’t mind it when he sang “Twilight on the Trail” or “Get along little doggies,” but when he sang to Dale, it kind of made me gag a little. I mean, cowboys don’t sing love songs. Well, Vince Gill might, or Randy Travis, but they don’t wear a pair of six guns! It seemed to me that Roy, Hopalong Cassidy, Gene Autry and the Lone Ranger all lived in the same place. Hoppy was a bit of an enigma because he wore black but was still the good guy! None of them ever got dirty no matter the circumstances. The Lone Ranger and Red Ryder each had Indian Companions. Roy had me, and I was loyal from Saturday to Saturday. It was to him I gave my 12 cents, and he gave me an adventure. I’m not sure I still want to be like Roy when I grow up; not like he is now anyway. I’ve tried playing the guitar and singing, but I’m not very good at it. My wife just said “Amen!” She sure gets religious when I’m reminiscing. I have a small backyard, so owning
Photo: Krystle Wiseman
THEN & NOW
a Palomino is out of the question. Just as well, I’d never be able to climb up on him. I don’t have a German shepherd because I have a navy blue suit and that breed tends to shed! Numerous times, my wife has said to me, “You sure shot yourself in the foot that time.” I’m not quite sure what she means, but I figure it’s best not to own a gun. My feet don’t move too well, anymore, but I don’t see any reason to shoot them. When Trigger died, Roy had him stuffed. I don’t think he did that with Bullet or Dale. Though I’m not sure. Roy’s passed on to the twilight of a distant trail. I’m told Trigger is housed in the Smithsonian Institute whiling away the hours with Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd. As for me, I can’t seem to go two hours without getting my shirt dirty. But I went to a movie – not too recently – to pay homage to one of my heroes. It was over 60 years ago. And not only could I see Roy, but it was a double feature and I might see Tarzan or Buck Rogers. There was a newsreel and a cartoon, too! Twelve cents went a long way. But those days are gone and Roy’s gone and 12 cents insults a panhandler today. Yesterday, to many, is a long time ago, but to me, it only seems that way. SL
SENIOR LIVING LIVING VANCOUVER VANCOUVER & & LOWER LOWER MAINLAND MAINLAND SENIOR
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