Senior Living Magazine Vancouver Edition July 2010 by INSPIRED 55+ Lifestyle Magazine

JULY 2010

Vancouverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50+ Active Lifestyle Magazine

Musician Peter Luongo

Senior Idol

CELEBRATING THE ARTS Artist Wendy Mould Director Margo Prentice Humourist Eric Nicol

�� Senior Living Housing Directory is a valuable online resource for seniors and family members looking for alternative housing to match their desired lifestyle, or medical/mobility needs. Over 500 senior residences and housing communities throughout BC are listed in this comprehensive directory. Compare services, amenities, and prices. Sort your selection by region, or type of care. This directory is published by Senior Living, a monthly magazine distributed to approximately 850 locations across BC.

�� Coming soon: residential listings for Alberta and Saskatchewan.

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Senior Living’s online searchable senior housing directory is a perfect complement to its semi-annual senior housing special editions in February and August. Senior Living also publishes a 128 page book called “To Move or Not to Move? A Helpful Guide for Seniors Considering Their Residential Options.” We have sold over 3,000 copies of this book. No other magazine we know of has such a comprehensive, interconnected group of housing resources. For more information about any of these products or services, call (250)479-4705 or toll-free 1-877-479-4705. Or email ofﬁce@seniorlivingmag.com

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JULY 2010

MAGAZINE

(Vancouver & Lower Mainland) is published by Stratis Publishing. Other publications by Stratis Publishing:

• Senior Living (Vancouver Island)

FEATURES

Publisher Barbara Risto Editor Bobbie Jo Reid

DEPARTMENTS 27 BBB Scam Alert

3 Celebrating Creativity

editor@seniorlivingmag.com Contributors Christie Brugger, Goldie Carlow, Jane Cassie, Gipp Forster, Elizabeth Godley, Mary Hubbert, Kevin McKay, Janet Nicol, Bobbie Jo Reid, Barry Roberts, Goretti Roberts, Barbara Small, Marylee Stephenson, William Thomas, Dee Walmsley, Joan W. Winter, Bev Yaworski

Hats off to B.C.’s senior artists and performers.

29 Classiﬁeds

4 Commitment to Excellence

Peter Luongo takes the ukelele to a new level.

COLUMNS

6 A Dirty Habit

Award-winning writer Eric Nicol is unstoppable.

Copy Editor Allyson Mantle Proofreader Holly Bowen

2 The Family Caregiver by Barbara Small

8 Capturing Nature

17 Forever Young

Following in the footsteps of Emily Carr.

Advertising Manager

Barry Risto 250-479-4705 Toll Free 1-877-479-4705 sales@seniorlivingmag.com

by William Thomas

10 A Treasure Trove of Talent

31 Ask Goldie

Multi-talented Margo Prentice shares her ﬂair.

Ad Sales Staff

by Goldie Carlow

13 Senior Idol 2010

Ann Lester 250-390-1805 Mathieu Powell 250-589-7801 Barry Risto 250-479-4705

This year’s winners perform for a cheering crowd.

14 Mostly Gentle Footsteps

32 Reﬂections: Then & Now by Gipp Forster

Author Irene Butler and her husband transit the globe.

Contact Information – Head Ofﬁce

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

16 Eye to Eye

Bridging the gap between generations.

Phone 250-479-4705 Toll-free 1-877-479-4705 Fax 250-479-4808 E-mail ofﬁce@seniorlivingmag.com Website www.seniorlivingmag.com

18 Mastering the Art of Gardening

Master Gardener Barry Roberts exposes his green thumbs.

22 Seniors Jump Online

Social networking abates isolation.

Subscriptions: $32 (includes GST,

24 Trust Your Body

postage and handling) for 12 issues. Canadian residents only.

Marylee Stephenson shares her latest lessons in travel.

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 editor@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. ISSN 1911-6373 (Print) ISSN 1991-6381 (Online)

28 A Great Gal-loping Getaway Old friends share new experiences.

30 To Hell and Back

Daytripping with grandchildren to Hell’s Gate.

Cover Photo: Musician Peter Luongo doesn’t just teach his students how to play the ukelele – he teaches them how to have fun and strive for excellence. Story page 4. Photo: Kevin McKay

Senior Living Vancouver is available at most Recreation Centres and Libraries in the following municipalities: • VANCOUVER • BURNABY • NEW WESTMINSTER • WHITE ROCK • NORTH VANCOUVER • LADNER / TSAWWASSEN • PORT MOODY • COQUITLAM • PORT COQUITLAM • SURREY • RICHMOND • WEST VANCOUVER • LANGLEY • ABBOTSFORD • PHARMASAVE STORES THROUGHOUT BC

MAGAZINE

Call 1-877-479-4705 for other locations. JULY 2010

THE FAMILY CAREGIVER

FINDING RESPITE FROM CAREGIVING Rest, recharge, get your errands done or take a much-needed holiday.

espite is the break caregivers get when they allow someone else to temporarily take over their caregiving duties for an hour, a day, a week or longer. Respite can help prevent caregiver burnout and permits you to continue caring for your family member for as long as possible. It gives you a chance to rest, recharge, get your errands done or take a muchneeded holiday. Several formal types of respite are provided through your local health authority, such as: • Your family member attending an Adult Day program. • Having a Home Support Worker come to your home overnight to look after your family member, so you can catch up on sleep or during the day for a few hours to stay with your family member, so you can spend some time on your own. • Scheduling a short-term admission or respite stay for your family member in a residential care facility or other facility that provides respite care. This type of respite can range from overnight to a week or more.

Caregivers can access these types of respite services by calling their care recipient’s Case Manager or the Home and Community Care department of your local health authority. Similar services are also available through private home support agencies and private care facilities. These can be found in your local telephone book, online or in a community resource directory, such as the Senior Living Housing Directory available at www.seniorlivingmag.com/ housingdirectory In addition to these forms of respite, there are many other creative ways for caregivers to take a break. At FCNS, we think of “respite as an outcome.” This means any activity or event that allows you to feel more rested and to feel as though you have had time off from your caregiving duties: • A neighbour or volunteer coming over for a couple of hours to play cards with your family member while you go out • Spending time in your garden, at the beach or going for a walk • Having a family member come and stay overnight, so you can sleep through the night • Going out for coffee with friends

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BY BARBARA SMALL

• Reading a book or watching a movie • Trading homes for a weekend with a family member or friend who lives nearby. They can take over your caregiving responsibilities and you can relax. Respite does not always mean separation from the person you are caring for. It can mean sharing non-caregiving-focused time together, such as going to see a play or to the spa. These activities help to reduce your sense of isolation and re-establish a balanced relationship. For respite to be refreshing, you need to be able to let go of worrying about the other person. Others may not provide care exactly as you would, but your family member will be cared for and their daily life will be enriched by interactions with new people. You will come back stronger and more refreshed. SL Everyone will benefit! Next month: Caregiving and Facility Placement

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SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

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

Arts & Entertainment

CELEBRATING CREATIVITY BY BOBBIE JO REID

April 2009 TM

Vancouver Island’s 50+ Active Lifestyle Magazine

EASTERN ART MEETS WESTERN LANDSCAPE Kid-Lit author Julie Lawson

MARCH 2010

Vancouver’s 50+ Active Lifestyle Magazine

Bridging the Generation Gap

Diabetes

STAGE PRESENCE

Are you at risk?

Actress Judith Berlin

PLANNED GIVING ISSUE NOVEMBER 2009

Vancouver Island’s 50+ Active Lifestyle Magazine

Working with Wood Loretta Joseph

Celebrating Donors and Doers

APRIL 2010

Vancouver’s 50+ Active Lifestyle Magazine

ACCLAIMED ARTIST Michael Duncan

Rescuing Joy

Pauline Le Bel

uch can be said about British Columbia and her artists. Whether they toil in paint, sculpture, photography, performing arts, music or word play, these artists share one thing in common – a creativity that thrives in the natural allure of our province. Arts and entertainment in B.C. has a unique flavour that is distinctly Canadian. In fact, the artists’ creativity we marvel at helps shape our national identity. Senior artists, in particular, are prolific here. Some have spent a lifetime perfecting their work, while others take to the canvas, the stage or the page later in life. Time and freedom from the responsibilities of career and family have allowed many to explore the creativity they say bubbled beneath the surface since childhood. And it’s a passion supported and encouraged by arts and entertainment outlets eager to share their voice. “As part of our mandate, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria feels it is important to acknowledge the careers and contributions of senior artists in the community,” says Nicole Stanbridge, Associate Curator, Comtemporary Art. “We recently featured a retrospective of local artist James Gordaneer, who has been painting for six decades and has spent the last 30 of those [years] as a significant and inspiring member of Victoria’s art community.” Senior Living magazine has had the privilege of interviewing artists and entertainers working in every conceivable medium. Whether born and raised here, or transplanted from other parts of the country or world, artists and performers flourish in our cities and remote islands. Over the years, we have chatted with fine artApril 2008

APRIL 2010

OCTOBER 2009

ists like Norman Yates, Jim Wispinski, Margaret Hallett and Ted Harrison; writers Ann Kelly, Naomi Beth Wakan, Stanley Evans, Betty Gordon Funke and Arthur Black; musicians Allan Singleton-Wood, Catherine Young, George Essihos and Winifred Scott Wood; and groups like the Oak Bay Orchestra, the Pension-aires Barbershop Quartet, City of Gardens Sweet Adelines and the Victoria Broadway Chorus. And year after year, new senior artists emerge and take to the spotlight, despite challenging economic times and the provincial, federal and global issues that threaten to command more attention. “The province of British Columbia has been supportive of all sorts of different initiatives by artists of all ages for many years,” says Christopher Gaze, Artistic Director/Founder of Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival. “The support has grown and nurtured many artists that have requested arts council assistance – but over the past while as deficit budgeting drags us down, arts and culture have had to take it on the chin. These are difficult times for the arts, and I suspect senior artists are looking for other ways to augment their incomes – but we will survive. We will be creative! The economy will recover! Let us entertain you as we wait for better times – this is the way of the artist.” B.C.’s artists have delighted and entertained thousands. They let us peek into their lives by sharing their stories and add colour to the pages of our magazine. And as long as they continue to explore and express the talents that make them unique, we will continue to celebrate them. SL Visit www.seniorlivingmag.com to read about artists and entertainers we’ve profiled in the past. VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

October 2008

OCTOBER 2008

Vancouver’s 50+ Active Lifestyle Magazine

Vancouver Island’s 50+ Active Lifestyle Magazine

Vancouver Island’s 50+ Active Lifestyle Magazine Vancouver’s 50+ Active Lifestyle Magazine

THE ROAD HOME

John Pippus The Horse Whisperer

PEN & PAINT Judith Millar

STAN OLSEN A Life in Film

Hit the trails this spring

Heavenly Hike

Providence Farm

50+ Active Living Celebration

Senior Celebration Festival Coverage

Good for the Soul

ISH DA FISH

Sharing Happiness

Gord Konantz Trekking Nepal

MERINA RAEL Spiritual Artist

Team Diabetes in Iceland

JULY 2010

Commitment to Excellence

eter Luongo was destined to be a musician from an early age. “My father was an immigrant from Italy who loved music but could not afford lessons when he was growing up,” says Peter. “He vowed that at least one of his children would play music and he started me on accordion lessons when I was six years old.” A far cry from those early days, Peter is now the leader and spokesperson of the highly acclaimed Langley Ukulele Ensemble. As a student at UBC, Peter aimed to be a teacher and 4

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

BY KEVIN MCKAY

took a course on classroom instruments. Though his longterm goal had been law school, it quickly changed when he excelled on the ukulele. “I was one of the few people being offered employment before I got my teaching degree,” says Peter. “I was hired six months before I started teaching. I looked at it and thought the good Lord was telling me this is something I should be doing. My instructor recommended me for a position in Langley, and I took the job despite other offers because of the opportunity to teach the ukulele.” Peter gives the credit for the decision to his father.

Photo: Kevin McKay

Arts & Entertainment

Arts & Entertainment “The message Dad got through to me was if you have an education you wouldn’t have to work a labourer’s job that would get your hands dirty,” he says. “He was right. I work hard but not doing physical labour. The preference is making a living by using your skills.” When Peter started teaching that fall something clicked. Teaching 11 and 12 year olds, over the course of the school year many music educators came into his class, which was seen as an excellent example of how music education should occur in the school system. Opportunities followed over the next few years for Peter and his students to attend many conferences and seminars at schools and other venues across Canada. “I thought there must be something to this,” says Peter. “Within a couple of years of being in the system, I took a group of kids to meet after school to practice. Within five years of starting these groups, we were performing in Hawaii. From there, it quickly evolved into the Langley Ukulele Ensemble. Just about right away, we started performing at senior homes and local community events.” In the early days, the members of the group spent a lot of time in various fundraising ventures, but thanks in part to the exposure received from more than a dozen bookings at Expo ‘86, they soon realized they could raise money solely through their performances. “I decided we were going to play and that was how we were going to fund our trips,” says Peter. “In addition to concerts, we also put on major shows in the community. We started making CDs to supplement our income. All of this allows us to afford our concerts abroad. We’ve had the odd sponsor, but we’ve prided ourselves on having the means to travel based on performing.” The group continues their annual trips to Hawaii and has even taken trips to Japan, as well as performing at various venues around North America. But, for Peter, what the young members get from the experience is more important than just learning to play the instrument or travelling to new places. “My philosophy is if you build it they will come,” he says. “Excellence from youth is the focus; ukulele playing is just the vehicle. I take the same mindset into coaching basketball as I do ukulele. I taught math and took the same mindset into it. I am preparing my students to be thinkers. It has been a mindset from the beginning to have the kids be ambassadors and get out there and meet the people after the shows, but the message only gets through if they are good.” Peter leads the group with a unique blend of talent, hu-

mour and a flair for drama, honed from years of performing at restaurants and clubs on weekends during his teen years. “In order for that stuff to work you need a group that can sustain it,” he says. “It takes the quality on stage for the humour and message to come together.” Peter believes the future of the group is bright, though things won’t always be easy. “There is never a shortage of interest from the students, but the reality is finding top quality teachers is tough. We need people dedicated and willing to work with the youth in our community, not a clone of Peter Luongo. Anything that is going to be excellence-oriented is going to require a teacher or coach who is excellence-oriented,” he says. “The only issues I ever have are with people who can’t share that vision. They don’t want to get invested in that standard. They want the easy way but it isn’t easy. That is my phiSL losophy: I don’t teach ukulele, I teach kids.”

“There is never a shortage of interest from the students, but the reality is ﬁnding top quality teachers is tough.”

For more information, visit www.langleyukes.com

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Mention you saw this ad and save $50. JULY 2010

Arts & Entertainment

A DIRTY HABIT

Award-winning author recently published his latest offering – waxings on life and writing. He’s 90!

anada would have lost a very funny and acerbic writer if Eric Nicol, long-time columnist for the Province newspaper, had fulfilled his original plans to be a French teacher. But as luck would have it, during his years at the University of B.C., Eric began writing a humour column for The Ubyssey, the student newspaper, using the pen name “Jabez.” Although he graduated in 1941 with an honours BA in French and later returned for an MA, topping that with a year of studies at the Sorbonne in Paris, he never did end up winging chalk at recalcitrant pupils or teaching them the subtleties of French pronunciation. Instead, during a literary career that spans seven decades, Eric produced some 6,000 newspaper columns, several stage plays and scripts for radio and television, as well 35 books – three of them winners of the Stephen Leacock Award for humour. Now 90, he published his most recent book in May 2010. Script Tease, subtitled “A wordsmith’s waxings on life and writings,” is a compendium of Eric’s quirky thoughts on the complexities of dangling participles and literary jargon, advice for anyone contemplating life as a scribe and musings on a plethora of other topics. Why write another book at his age? As he puts it, “There was nobody to stop me.” Nor does he plan to give up writing. “It’s a dirty habit, and I just can’t quit.” As far back as high school, Eric was scribbling. “I was an introvert,” he explains, and writing helped him survive adolescence. (To this day he avoids parties. “I’m either sitting there like a frog full of shot,” he told the Georgia Straight in 1989, “or I run off at the neck and then hate myself the next morning.”) Even during his three years in the RCAF and his year in Paris, his jottings were published in two Vancouver newspapers, the News Herald and the Province. In the late 1940s, living in London, England, he wrote a radio comedy series for the BBC.

Writer Eric Nicol with his wife Mary Razzell.

So it was no surprise that on his return to Vancouver in 1951, he was hired as a regular columnist with the Province, producing five columns a week (later three) until he retired in 1985. While Eric is best known as a humourist, his work has not been confined to comedy. A column he wrote for the Province against capital punishment led to a citation for contempt of court and a trial that attracted attention across the country. His column about John F. Kennedy’s assassination was read into the U.S. Congres-

“Age is just a number, and how you cope depends on your condition.”

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

Photo: Elizabeth Godley

BY ELIZABETH GODLEY

09-1148

sional Record. Another column about fluoridation caused an uproar. He is surprisingly shy and modest for a man with such an impressive list of accomplishments. He was the first Vancouver playwright to have his work successfully produced by the Vancouver Playhouse. He has contributed magazine articles to a variety of publications, including Saturday Night and MacLeans, and several of his radio plays have been broadcast by the CBC. One of his stage plays, A Minor Adjustment, was produced in New York City. He is the first living Canadian writer to be included in The Oxford Book of Humorous Prose and, in 1995, he was honoured with the first annual $5,000 George Woodcock Lifetime Achievement Award for an exemplary literary career in British Columbia. Eric, who now suffers from mild Alzheimer’s, has three children and one grandson. Since he fell and fractured his coccyx some years ago, leading to a host of other medical problems, he lives in an intermediate care facility in Vancouver. Although he was told it was unlikely he would walk again, he tenaciously kept at it (Mary Razzell, his second wife, calls him “stubborn and very determined”) and still enjoys walking as much as possible. Once an avid cyclist who put in at least 10 miles (16 km) a day, he is currently confined to an exercise bicycle. He enjoys his 10-minute workouts on the machine, and looks forward to a chat and perhaps a Scrabble game with Mary, a writer of several books for young adults. (Her first, Snow Apples, was a finalist for the 1984 Canada Council Award.) Eric also continues to write, using a pencil and paper. He never was able to compose on a typewriter or computer, he says. Mary takes his handwritten notes and transcribes them into computers. Eric agrees that aging is not for the faint of heart. Still, he says, with all its indignities, “it’s better than the alternative – age is just a number, and how you SL cope depends on your condition.”

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Eric’s book is available at your favourite bookseller or online at Indigo.ca JULY 2010

Arts & Entertainment

CAPTURING NATURE

urrey artist Wendy Mould holds Emily Carr as her creative inspiration. “One of my dreams was to travel and paint as Emily Carr did, being able to stay in one place long enough to really get to know my subject,” says Wendy. “Now that my husband and I are retired, we have been able to spend our springs and summers travelling and camping at various spots and doing just that.” One of Wendy’s pictures, Voices of the Past, features a replica of a Haida totem pole, which Emily Carr painted in 1928. When speaking about Carr, Wendy comments humbly, “Emily was way ahead of her time. Her work really appeals to me.” 8

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

Photo: Bev Yaworski

BY BEV YAWORSKI

Wendy and husband Steve follow an adventurous spring and summer travel schedule each year. “We go out and camp for at least six weeks, the north end of Vancouver Island or the Sunshine Coast – more into the forestry camps – so that we can just set up and stay awhile,” says Wendy. “We usually stay for at least one week in one place, so I can go each day to an area to finish an art piece or to take some reference material to use for wintertime art projects.” The artist’s 2010 itinerary includes the Sunshine Coast, Texada Island, the Merritt area and Yellowknife. Wendy packs portable artist supplies with her sketchbook protected in a waterproof bag because canoeing is often part of her artistic journeys.

“I love to be outside. That’s the kind of travelling we like to do,” says Wendy. “My husband does some fishing and I’ll do some painting or drawing. Back at the campsite, he does the cooking and I work on bigger more involved pieces. My dog Rusty will sit on my lap while I’m drawing.” Wendy uses a variety of art media including graphite or ink and watercolour to explore her passion for drawing nature. Her award-winning art has earned special viewing spots at locations such as Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve in Chilliwack and Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Delta, which now display and sell her work. Wendy’s love of nature shines through in her choice of subject material. Her art focuses on themes

Arts & Entertainment like herons, owls, ducks and flowers. Finite detail is evident in each feather of a bird and each petal of a flower. “Wendy’s inspiring pictures are really alive, not flat,” comments a visitor at one of Wendy’s art demonstrations. There is often a whimsical, affectionate quality attached to her art, and Wendy adds special titles to many of her art pieces. For example, two goats peeking through a fence are named “What’s for Dinner” or geese on water are titled “Sunday Morning Swim.” “I love to get into the flow of my picture,” says Wendy. “I’m always looking for relationships when drawing. I work from reference points whether in plein air work or using photo references. (Plein air is a French art expression to describe painting outdoors.) “I love the texture and subtleties of working in pencil with its softness and fluffiness. I love detail and enjoy setting myself little challenges for the next pictures. At first, I will fiddle

around as I see how to develop the picture but, once I get into the flow, things move and the layers keep building up and then suddenly – boom! It’s there! It is very exciting.” Wendy’s art can be viewed in many art shows in the Fraser Valley and in private collections in Canada and the United States. She has also branched out into personalized commission pet portraits. “I love to draw animals, so it just seemed like a natural fit.” Clients have requested images of their beloved dogs and cats, and Wendy has rendered them beautiful realistic portraits in pencil, reminiscent to the days of black and white. Along with exploring the remote reaches of Vancouver Island forestry camps, Wendy also discovered the wonders of the Internet. She has her feet firmly planted in this high-tech world by maintaining an informative blog and website (www.artbywendy.com).

Artist Emily Carr, who travelled around B.C. in a rustic caravan studio with her companion dog Billie, might be amazed or possibly shocked at the province today, for she wrote in her memoirs Growing Pains, “Alone, I went there to sketch, loving its still solitudes – no living creature but dog Billie and me, submerged beneath a drown of undergrowth. Above us were gigantic spreads of pines and cedar boughs, no bothersome public. Occasional narrow trails wound through bracken and tough salal tangle. Your feet never knew how deep they would sink.” Wendy, who delights in painting life on the West Coast, portrays her own passionate involvement with nature. Her message has increased social relevance coinciding with a growing international awareness of environmental issues and the need to protect nature. “Art makes you start looking at things much more closely,” she says. A sentiment Emily Carr would likely share. SL

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JULY 2010

Arts & Entertainment

A Treasure Trove of Talent

BY JOAN W. WINTER

ometimes, like undiscovered treasures, brilliant facets of a person’s inner character remain hidden and surface only with opportunity presented by change. So it was with Margo Prentice, who’d never dreamed of being an actress when she left her family home in Winnipeg at age 19 and jumped on a westbound bus. And certainly not after she met her future husband in Vancouver, married and moved to Prince George to raise her family of four: two boys and two girls. But in the late ’70s, working her way through the turmoil of a broken marriage, Margo needed a new interest, a creative outlet to keep her mind positive. “It was that or therapy,” Margo laughs. “I enjoy learning new things, so I signed up with a theatre group, the New Caledonia Players, as a volunteer.” It was a decision that dramatically changed her life. Margo planned to work as an usher, wardrobe assistant or wherever she was needed, but she’d barely hung up her coat when the director called her on stage. He wanted her to try out for a part in a play. It was a scream. Literally. That was it – just a 10

scream, but Margo was delighted. She got the part, and with her kids in the aisles keeping themselves busy with colouring books when she couldn’t get a babysitter, she played the part of a crazy woman in a play about the French Revolution. Multi-talented and with natural flair, Margo took to acting like a New Age Sarah Bernhardt. She loved to play different character roles and was surprised to find she could memorize lines with ease. Born to French-speaking parents, English was Margo’s second language. There were no ESL teachers during her school years, so she spent many hours memorizing English. “It was difficult at the time, but it was excellent memoryretention training,” she says. For the next five years she immersed herself in learning stagecraft, taking the theatre arts program at the College of New Caledonia, acting in many plays with the Prince George Theatre Workshop and touring with the New Caledonia Players to the smaller communities of northern B.C., acting, singing and dancing. Margo loved it. “Bringing theatre to small communities, some of which were out in the boonies, was ex-

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

citing and a great learning experience,” she says. In 1987, Margo moved to Vancouver. Again, she signed up for acting classes and auditioned, but found that although there were more theatre productions in the Lower Mainland, the competition for acting parts was fierce. “There were so many good actresses auditioning for the small number of parts being cast.” Margo explains. “And my face didn’t fit. I was too old for most parts, and my face was too young to play old woman characters.” Undaunted, Margo tried her hand at movie scriptwriting, and co-wrote a play. At the same time, she became an activist who sang with the Raging Grannies, a social action group of women aged 50 to over 80 (not all grannies). These women of different religious, ethic and cultural traditions, used satire, street theatre and the irascible old lady stereotype image – feisty, independent older women, rather than sweet little old ladies – to affect social change and raise awareness on such issues as women’s rights, world peace, social justice, environmental protection and racism. It was Vancouver’s loss and New

Arts & Entertainment Westminster’s gain when, in 1997, Margo moved to the Royal City. Sociable, with an irrepressible smile and outgoing, generous nature, she quickly made friends. Not only did she sign up as a member of Century House, a centre that provides leisure services for its 2,000 senior members, but volunteered her talents in numerous capacities. Her passion for live theatre undiminished, she performed with New Westminster’s Edmonds Players in Alice in Wonderland and happily reprised the role of Gryphon, the same character she had played over 35 years ago in Prince George – delighting in performing for her grandchildren the same role she had performed for her own children when they were small. Versatile, she played numerous character roles, participated in a melodrama at Century House, and directed short skits for seniors. Choreographed by Margo, out of a

Century House drama class morphed a hilarious and hugely successful production, The Old Spice Girls. “It was so much fun,” she recalls. “We dressed in outrageous, skimpy costumes and lip-synched songs by the

met and married Tom. But it didn’t slow her down. In 2003/04, she served as president of Century House Association. And, ever an activist for causes she believes in, lent her voice and support to the Rainforest Raging Grannies, a group of ladies who celebrate the environment in song. But it was in 2005, responding to a fast-growing interest in live theatre at Century House, that Margo found her niche. She started the Golden Age Theatre Group. It was an instant, amazing success. Participation was the preferred teaching method: seniors, some as “young” as 90, who had never had the courage to appear on stage before, signed up. “I was so shy,” says Regina Ledger, who had never acted before and is now one of the stars of Golden Age. “Margo pulled me out of that. She is so funny and has such patience and talent she has made actors out of people you

“Bringing theatre to small communities, some of which were out in the boonies, was exciting and a great learning experience.” young and glamorous pop group, The Spice Girls.” Performing for different groups at Century House, Burnaby Village Museum and even opening for a rock concert at Massey Theatre, the group brought laughter wherever they went. Only when requests to perform grew too numerous to handle did the group wrap up the show. Joy lit Margo’s life again when she

Play Together

What to do today? Play WiiTM golf with some friends. Chat about the latest book club selection. Work out with a ﬁtness class. Join the chorus in a sing-a-long. So much choice. Our residents love to connect with others. That’s why we offer plenty of social activities and lots of unscripted fun. Anything that appeals to the desire to stay active. What are you doing for fun today? Play at The Summerhill. Phone for your personal tour. 604.980.6525

What to do in our garden patio today? Green thumbs never stop growing. Plant peonies, dig around dahlias and cultivate cucumbers. Armchair gardeners are welcome too – bask in the sun with a good book or sip lemonade in the shade. Play shuffleboard or challenge a chum to a life-sized checkers or chess match. Dip a toe into fun at a pool party or BBQ, all in the company of new friends. Enjoy summer at The Mulberry. Plant a new beginning!

135 West 15th Street (off Lonsdale) North Vancouver | 604.980.6525 www.the summerhill.ca Part of Paciﬁc Arbour Retirement Communities

Where good things come together. JULY 2010

Arts & Entertainment Page 10, Margo welcomes writers and guests at New Westminster’s Book Festival. Left, Margo teaches a writing class at the Festival. Photos: Joan W. Winter

would think are impossible to train.” Writing, producing and directing plays for seniors by seniors presents challenges. There are no long runs, as many performers don’t like to go out at night. Most shows are held Friday nights, followed by a Saturday matinee; and rehearsals are twice a week, during the day. Without a real stage, the group is obliged to perform in a gymnasium without the benefit of sound or lighting. And there are health issues to work around like hearing problems, hip re-

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placements and arthritic knees. Margo, whose current goal is to become a stand-up comic, directs with humour, never knowing if she’ll be acting as stand-in for one of the parts or ironing costumes for a production. Margo’s interest in the arts and community spirit is endless – her enthusiasm contagious. She has served on the city’s Seniors Advisory Council, and is co-chair of the annual Seniors Festival; she works to support communication programs between youth and seniors; finds time to facilitate a monthly Parkinson’s support group and, since successfully completing the Playwright program at Douglas College, leads a senior’s creative writing group at Century House. Master of Ceremonies for the past two years at the Royal City Book Festival, Margo welcomes writers, encouraging them in the performance of public readings – many for their first time. This year, Margo received a nomination for New Westminster’s prestigious Bernie Legge Cultural Award. Heidi Mueller, who runs the Back Door Theatre Room, endorses the nomination. “The Golden Age Theatre Group is part of a fast-growing cultural phenomenon that is senior theatre. Many of the senior participants are discovering or rediscovering the creativity and joy of theatre. The benefits to health and spirits are priceless. Margo has given and continues to give appreciation of theatre to the seniors and entire community of New Westminster.” Ever growing into the treasure trove of her talent, Margo made her debut into comedy at Lafflines Comedy Club in June. Whether she’s performing for fun or fundraising, reading for radio, miming or mentoring her grandchildren, Margo’s love of theatre and the arts will continue to inspire, entertain and enSL courage the people around her.

Senior Idol 2010

Arts & Entertainment

BY MARY HUBBERT

fter an exciting finale, Henry Benjamin was crowned Senior Idol 2010 at the Cascades Casino in Langley on June 3rd. Judges and audience members were captivated by his versions of “Who can I turn to?” and “Portrait of my love.” With stiff competition, Henry managed to beat out all the other talented and entertaining performers. Open to B.C. residents over age 55, auditions were held the week prior to the gala event. Of 40 original contestants, 10 semi-finalists took to the stage to perform their first song. Five were chosen to move on to the finals, where they sung a second selection. “The contestants are all very nervous but are ready to start and are getting excited,” said Nicole Severin from the Renaissance retirement residence and Audrey Dol from the Imperial Place residence, who organized the event and acted as MCs. The theatre filled quickly with family, friends and other audience members wishing to share in the competition and support all of the Idols. “This is such a fantastic experience for all the residents and staff of both retirement homes, where the auditions were held,” said Nicole. Senior Idol, modelled on the wildly popular television program, American Idol, has run for four years and grows more popular each time. Semi-finalists sang their first song choice to the delight of the audience, who responded with cheers and standing ovations. Judges had the difficult task of choosing the final five, before the third-, second- and first-place winners were announced, while audience members perched on the edge of their seats. The third-place finisher, Nico Koevoets, received a weekend stay for two, along with a dinner-for-six at one of the Residences. Originally from The Hague, Netherlands, Nico performed “Core Ngrato” and “Gern Habich Die Fraun Gekuss.” Sylvi Talkkari, who came to Canada from Finland, took second place and won $400 in travel vouchers for her rendition of “Habanera” from Carmen, followed by “Polska.” And the winner, Henry Benjamin, received a cheque for $1000 from Allegro residences. “I grew up in Cape Town, South Africa and my father was a band leader,” said Henry. “The band used to practise at our house and I was always there, listening and learning the words to the songs. One day, the vocalist was unable to attend so they asked me to sing along.”

Winner Henry Benjamin being awarded a $1,000 cheque.

Henry said, he “loves singing and have sung all my life. I came to Canada in 1976 and settled here in Vancouver. Well, now my wife, Carmelita, and I are looking for retirement living, so this contest has been good for us in many ways!” The successful evening ended with many thanks to comSL munity sponsors, judges, volunteers and contestants.

JULY 2010

BY KEVIN MCKAY

Photo: Kevin McKay

Arts & Entertainment

Mostly Gentle Footsteps

n July 1, while millions of Canadians celebrated Canada Day with picnics and backyard barbecues, Irene Butler and her husband Rick ventured out into the world on a journey that would have them visit 12 countries in 12 months. “It was a life-changing experience,” says Irene. “When we took the trip, we had already decided to hang up our tourist hats and put on our traveller hats. We stayed where the locals stay and immersed ourselves into all the cultures as much as we could.” 14

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

Prior to their global adventure, Irene and Rick had visited a number of countries over several trips. “When we started holidaying together... We used to have suitcases like trunks with shoes for each outfit. We learned that if we pack what we think are necessities, then cut that in half, we have everything we need.” Frustrated by the limitations of package deals with planned itineraries, Irene longed to see a country on their own terms. Their first trial run was to Morocco for a three-week stay without so much as a hotel room booked for a single night.

Arts & Entertainment They went where they wanted and saw the sights they wished to see. “It was amazing,” says Irene. “The exposure to the local people and the culture was so real, we knew we had hung up our tourist hats forever.” Despite moving away from packaged tours with set itineraries, Rick and Irene were not prepared to rough it for an entire year. The pair operated with a motto: “We are not here to suffer.” Initially, Irene did not give much thought to how much the year-long trip would cost. “Rick came to me and said, ‘What if we can travel for this year for the same money as we would spend staying at home?’ I thought he was kidding,” she says. “We can’t travel around all these new countries and not see things. “Rick figured out a budget where we would balance the time spent in countries that were more affordable with those that were more expensive... hence, we agreed upon the motto to [override] the budget when necessary. “We were more immersed in the places by not staying in resorts... In the end, our living expenses, accommodations, food and sightseeing cost about the same as the price of staying at home.” Armed with their Oneworld plane tickets and a loose plan of where they intended to visit, Irene and Rick set off. In each country they departed from a different city than the one they landed in so they would have as much time as possible to travel overland and see the places they were visiting. They toured through Australia, China (including Tibet), Nepal, India, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Switzerland, Germany, France and the U.S. “We stayed where the locals did and immersed ourselves in each culture. Time goes by and no one knows about you and your life. It is a very humbling experience,” says Irene. “The foreignness fades away as you learn about them. Your prejudices evaporate. You come to realize people all basically want the same things: to provide for their fami-

lies and find happiness. It’s the people that make travel worthwhile. It was the most daring and enlightening year of our lives.” Over the year, Irene started writing travel articles about their adventures. Vancouver-area newspapers started to accept and publish them. As a freelance writer, she became a member of several travel writers associations, which eventually led her to write a book about their 12-month trek. “I was inspired by how this trip changed our lives and I was inspired by so many people around the world,” she says. “I felt I just had to share. I figured that if I shared our journey with others, then maybe it would prompt some people to say ‘I should do that.’” It took Irene a couple of years to write the manuscript from the journals she kept, and Trekking the Globe with Mostly Gentle Footsteps is being pub-

lished by Granville Island Publishing. “The reason I added the word ‘mostly’ is because despite our idealistic good intentions to leave a favourable impression wherever we went, our footsteps were often clumsy, usually due to a lack of understanding. These misadventures along the way made for some humorous, bizarre and hair-raising experiences.” The couple’s future holds the promise of yet more adventures – and misadventures. Though Rick and Irene have been to 70 countries already, there are far more still waiting for their usually SL gentle footsteps. For more information or to purchase the book, visit www.globaltrekkers.ca or most Chapters, Indigo and Black Bond Books.

JULY 2010

Community

Eye to Eye

BY CHRISTIE BRUGGER

Bridging the gap between generations

n 2001, Sharon Mackenzie, veteran teacher, educational consultant and founder of i2i Intergenerational Society created what is now the highly successful and acclaimed Meadows School Project. The idea for this pilot project stemmed from the distinct disconnect between the youth and seniors of her community and broader society. Sharon observed the segregation between generations both physically and socially. Children and seniors rarely got the chance to know each other in a meaningful way. She saw the dissociation of elder relatives from the young as a rising impediment in intergenerational understanding. So, Sharon decided immersion might be the answer. Unlike the more common youth and senior bridge-building initiatives in which students visit senior “buddies” weekly or for special occasions, the Meadows School Project is characterized as a fully immersed program, where an entire class of intermediate students moves into a makeshift classroom at a senior community. Participation by the residents of Coldstream Meadows Retirement Community was voluntary, which allowed the seniors their choice of days, times, and the ability to opt-out, if they wished. For two months of the school year, five weeks in the fall and three weeks in the spring, students and seniors melded their day through sharing stories, fitness, special events, celebrations, crafts, sing-a-longs, lunch and daily visitations, all while covering government-mandated curriculum. For those involved, it wasn’t long before they realized this was a step in the right direction. Stereotypes were breakingdown; seniors shared their wisdom, while students shared what it’s like to grow up in today’s world. A five-year senior participant speaks highly of his experience, “I am very proud to be asked to be with the children and share their problems, and to be able to help them anyway I can... It has been a pleasure to share in their development. At 88 years of age, it has done well for me walking and shooting pool with the group. I love them!” The lives of both seniors and students have been greatly 16

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

impacted and enriched because of this amazing learning experience. One 91-year-old resident says that, “Children ask intelligent questions, stimulating my brain as I pass on memories long forgotten, but which come back to me as I see how interested in the past these young students are.” Students learn social and personal responsibility through daily involvement with the seniors, and important public service tasks at the seniors’ residence. With such positive feedback, it wasn’t long before the intergenerational project grabbed the attention of the provincial and federal governments, community organizations, celebrities, media and international supporters. In the summer of 2008, after seven years of running the project, Sharon stepped out of the classroom for the final time and started a journey across Canada to encourage other teachers to seek more community-connected ways for their students. She created the i2i Intergenerational Society of Canada (helping generations see eye to eye), a not-for-profit society that strives to promote and support sustainable intergenerational activities between Chatting schools, communities and health-care facilities. Today, Sharon is developing a national curriculum kit for Grades 4-6, focused on elder abuse and its prevention, for the Public Health Agency of Canada. She is also working with the International Federation of Ageing (IFA) and the International Network of Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) to create an international kit for youth aged 15-19 on broadening awareness of elder abuse. This involves working on a threeyear pilot with five high schools across Canada for total community involvement in intergenerational connecting. The i2i society is striving for June 1st to be officially recognized as Canadian Intergenerational Day, where generations can come together to celebrate their similarities and differences in order to create a mutual understanding and respect. For Sharon and the i2i society, meaningful interaction between generations is the starting point of building a healthy SL community – and society. For more information, go online to the i2i society website at www.intergenerational.ca

FOREVER BY WILLIAM THOMAS

Adventures on an Animal Farm

ay and Dianne Shaw live on a 25-acre menagerie near Morris, Manitoba, which they call a hobby farm. Their rural homestead, bordered by the infamous Red River became the focus of international media attention recently when a couple of four-footed residents came together to create an improbable family of two. Sheeba, the baby lamb was born to Moon, the mother sheep, who rejected him almost immediately. Nobody knows why this kind of birth betrayal or maternal disowning happens. So, Sheeba is suddenly out of luck as far as surviving goes, when into the barn saunters Sunny, the Shaw’s threeyear-old golden lab with a disposition that matches her name. She nudged, licked and snuggled the little black baby lamb until the newborn felt he was alive and loved. And then, in front of the rest of the barnyard crew, Sunny suckled the rejected offspring of the farm’s only sheep. Boggling minds that look to science for answers, Sunny produced enough milk to nourish the lamb. Sheeba, the male newborn lamb, so named by a family friend, who is not good at gender reckoning, is most definitely going to live. Indeed, with Sunny at his side, he’s thriving. They romp around the hobby farm together garnering surprised looks from the geese, which, as you know, mate for life. (For the record, Ray and I disagree on the monogamy of geese. He believes they are life partners until death. I believe if geese could afford lawyers, they’d never mate for life.) Moon, the biological mother is going

to need an animal ethics lawyer to get her son back now. Sheeba is now two months old and fast becoming the size of his surrogate mother. Sunny’s in for a bit of a surprise because, according to Ray, the lamb is “teething.” Yet, in one more month, Sheeba will be able to take a bottle and, after that, the watering hole. Past this little miracle of cross-species nurturing, there’s a lot more happening on Ray and Dianne Shaw’s 25acre hobby farm along the banks of the Red River. There’s that watering hole. Inside the fence, all the animals get along – the chickens, the geese, the ducks, the wild turkeys, the sheep, the dog and, oh yeah, Holly the donkey. (Think Babe, the movie, with the animals playing non-speaking roles.) “We all drink from the same watering hole,” says Ray. “It’s very loose, very calm around here with all the animals mingling,” adds Dianne. “Holly’s the leader of them all,” says Ray. The irony of an ass being the leader of this barnyard zoo and one in charge of that circus in Ottawa was not lost on either of us. Outside the fence, Ray discovered another level of companionship. He was asked to assemble a little petting display at Morris’ annual stampede. “I thought a few people might drop by, but crowds began to form. You could see the natural joy people felt petting the animals. The humans really let down their guard. The animals couldn’t wait to go back to the fair.” One kid, Ray describes as having a “rotten personality,” just melted into a

giggling softie as he stroked the rabbit on his lap. But there’s a lot more going on inside the Shaw’s fence than meets the eye of even Holly, the lead of this band of waddling brothers and cackling sisters. In their 60s, both Ray and Dianne have suffered from depression. “I tried all manner of assistance including those self-help tapes by Tony Robbins,” recalls Ray. But nothing helped bring Ray and Dianne out of their dark moods like the animals around them. “Just the way they react with each other, just watching them all get along and occasionally help each other, like Sunny and Sheeba, well, it takes the bad stuff away.” And then Ray repeated a line I’d like to hear every delegate to the United Nations recite in unison: “We all drink from the same watering hole.” Ray and Dianne’s adventures at the animal farm have confirmed what I’ve been saying for years – that cohabiting with animals strips away the self-importance of people, that caring for our pets replaces our egos with a greater purpose and badly needed humbling. The love we have for our pets is unconditional. The love we have for each other sometimes requires a prenuptial agreement. Pets, they drive us crazy and they SL make us better people. William Thomas is the author of nine books of humour including The True Story of Wainﬂeet. www.williamthomas.ca JULY 2010

Gardening

BY JANET NICOL

Mastering the Art of Gardening

stroll through Barry Roberts’ yard in south Surrey reveals this master gardener’s enthusiasm about cannas, a flower blooming in many colours and forms. And enthusiasm is a key ingredient for joining the Master Gardener’s Association of B.C. “I am fascinated by botany,” says Barry, the group’s president, following a tour of his spacious front and back lawn of shady cedars, fruit bushes and meditative ponds. “Why do some plants grow and others don’t?” “It’s about finding the right plant for the right place,” he muses, answering his own question. Barry and other volunteer master gardeners in Vancouver share their hard-earned knowledge with the public at several year-round events, operating out of VanDusen Botanical Gardens. “Our mandate is to educate people in environmentally responsible gardening practices,” he says. “We teach avoidance of chemicals, particularly toxic chemicals in the garden and tolerance of some pests and weeds. We also promote minimum water usage and drought-tolerant plants.” The master gardener program, involving a rigorous 12 full-day training session, is so popular, applicants are turned away. “We have a limited number of spaces and have to maintain standards,” he explains. Once through the gate, more volunteering, training and testing is required over a two-year period before becoming a qualified Master Gardener. Members must continue to contribute a minimum of 30 volunteer hours every year. 18

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

This could include talks to elementary school children, special projects or workshops at garden clubs and community centres. Members also produce “fact sheets” on various aspects of gardening. The group’s impressive collections of brochures include photographs and valuable advice, and are distributed at no cost. Barry says the idea for a master gardener program began at Washington State University in the 1970s as a way to address the overwhelming public need for local gardening answers. Today, Master Gardener groups exist in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Nova Scotia and 46 U.S. states. The B.C. chapter has a membership of more than 700 and includes Vancouver, Victoria, Vancouver Island, the Okanagan, the Thompson Shuswap and Prince George. “We are made up mostly of seniors,” says Barry. “We seem to have the time. And many of the founders of the B.C. group are still active 28 years later.” Barry, a retiree himself, moved from employment in the publishing world in England and settled in Canada six years ago. When he isn’t gardening, he tirelessly volunteers his time and expertise. Despite amateur status, master gardeners are avid learners, welcoming professional horticulturalists and other members of the academic community as guest speakers. And as a gardener educator, Barry encounters both challenges and benefits. A common folly is people who tell him “myths” about gardening. “Putting nails in the ground will not produce iron nutrients in the soil,” he says, with a smile and a shake of his head.

Gardening Opposite page, Barry Roberts’ garden. This page, top, the master gardener with the fruits of his labour. Bottom, Plants prepared for community sale. Barry grows 57 varieties of Cannas and has approximately 2,000 Canna plants – thriving in the sun of South Surrey.

Photo: Goretti Roberts

“Canadians use common names for plants,” he also notices. “There’s an avoidance of their real name. Not learning the Latin-based plant names hinders gardeners’ ability to know plants.” Most garden enthusiasts in Barry’s home country learn the names, so he doesn’t excuse the complexity of the pronunciation as a rationale. “The size and availability of gardens here is a benefit,” he agrees. “There are some great private gardens in Surrey, Langley, Victoria and on Vancouver Island.” When Barry strolls through a garden, he appreciates its diversity, but he also has a passion for a collection of a single family of plants. “There are families that are limited, and others that are diverse. Bill Terry grows poppies,” says Barry, of a B.C. gardener he admires. “He has collected species of poppies from all over the world.” Every summer, Barry and his wife host a fundraising garden party, on the landscaped lawn outside their white two-storey colonial-style home. His collection of cannas is in full bloom as hundreds of members of the public arrive to the quiet residential street in August. “There are many facets to gardening,” says Barry. “I’ve learned more about trees and shrubs and soil preparation. There are so many facts; you can never know it all. You are SL always learning.”

Photos: Barry Roberts

For more information about the Mastering Gardening Program, call 604-257-8662 or visit www.bcmastergardeners.org

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JULY 2010

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IRONWOOD LIBRARY MINORU AQUATIC CENTRE MINORU ARENA MINORU SENIORS CENTRE RICHMOND ADDICTION SERVICES RICHMOND CENTRE FOR DISABILITY SEAFAIR MEDICAL CLINIC SHOPPERS DRUG MART SOUTH ARM COMMUNITY CENTRE STEVESTON COMMUNITY CENTRE THOMPSON COMMUNITY CENTRE VOLUNTEER RICHMOND INFO SERV WEST RICHMOND COMMUNITY CTR SURREY AQUATIC CENTRE ARBOURSIDE COURT BUENA VISTA LIBRARY BUY RITE FOODS CHAPTERS STRAWBERRY HILL CHOICES MARKET CLOVERDALE LIBRARY CLOVERDALE REC CENTRE CLOVERDALE SENIORS’ CENTRE FLEETWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE FLEETWOOD LIBRARY GATEWAY SKYTRAIN STN GUILDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY GUILDFORD SENIORS VILLAGE IMPERIAL PLACE KENT SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTRE KING GEORGE SKYTRAIN STN KIWANIS PARK PLACE LIFEMARK PHYSIOTHERAPY MEDICHAIR NEWTON ARENA NEWTON GENERAL STORE NEWTON LIBRARY NEWTON WAVE POOL N SURREY REC CENTRE OCEAN PARK LIBRARY PEACE ARCH MEMORAIL HOSPITAL PHARMASAVE 10654 KING GEORGE PHARMASAVE 9558 - 120TH ST PHARMASAVE 15280 - 101ST AVE ROSEMARY HEIGHTS SENIORS VILL SAVE ON SCOOTERS SCOTT RD SKYTRAIN STN (N) SCOTT RD SKYTRAIN STN (S) SEMIAHMOO PUBLIC LIBRARY SHOPPERS DRUG MART SHOPPERS HOME HEALTH SOUTH SURREY ARENA SOUTH SURREY INDOOR POOL SOUTH SURREY REC CENTRE STRAWBERRY HILL LIBRARY SUNRISE PAVILLION SURREY GARDENS / SURREY VILL SURREY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL SURREY CENTRAL SKYTRAIN STN THE CHEMISTS PHARMACY TOM BINNIE PARK COMM CENTRE CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

MAINLAND DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS - CONTINUED DUNBAR COMMUNITY CENTRE MAINLAND DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS - CONTINUED WESTMINSTER HOUSE MERCATO MALL WHALLEY LIBRARY TOM BINNIE COMM PUBLIC CENTRE WHITE ROCK/PARK S SURREY WESTMINSTER HOUSE HEALTH UNIT WHALLEY LIBRARY WHITE ROCK/ S SURREY PUBLIC VANCOUVER HEALTH UNIT 1 KINGSWAY LIBRARY 29TH AVE SKY TRAIN STN VANCOUVER 411 SENIOR’S CENTRE 1 KINGSWAY LIBRARY AMICA AT ARBUTUS MANOR 29TH AVE SKY ARBUTUS MALLTRAIN STN 411 SENIOR’S CENTRE BARCLAY MANOR AMICA AT ARBUTUS MANOR BC WOMENS HOSPITAL ARBUTUS MALL BREAD GARDEN BARCLAY MANOR BRITANNIA ARENA / LIBRARY BC WOMENS HOSPITAL BROADWAY & BURRARD WALK IN BREAD GARDEN BROCK HOUSE SOCIETY BRITANNIA ARENA / LIBRARY BURRARD SKYTRAIN BROADWAY & BURRARD WALK IN BUS STOP - 750 BROADWAY BROCK HOUSE SOCIETY CAPERS 4TH AVE BURRARD- 2285 SKYTRAIN CAPERS 1675 ST BUS STOP - 750ROBSON BROADWAY CAPERS CAPERS MARKET - 2285 4TH AVE CARE MEDICAL CENTRE ST CAPERS - 1675 ROBSON CENTRAL MARKET - 830 THURLOW CAPERS MARKET CHAMPLAIN HEIGHTS COMM CNTR CARE MEDICAL CENTRE CHAMPLAIN HEIGHTS LIBRARY CENTRAL MARKET - 830 THURLOW CHOICES MARKET - 1202 RICHARDS CHAMPLAIN HEIGHTS COMM CNTR CHOICES MARKET - 3493 CAMBIE ST CHAMPLAIN HEIGHTS LIBRARY CHOICES MARKET - 2627 AVE 1202 16 RICHARDS CITY SQUARE FAMILY PRACTICE CHOICES MARKET - 3493 CAMBIE ST COLLINGWOOD HOUSE CHOICES MARKET - 2627 16 AVE COLLINGWOOD LIBRARY CITY SQUARE FAMILY PRACTICE COLLINGWOOD CROFTEN MANORHOUSE COLLINGWOOD LIBRARY DENMAN COMMUNITY CTR CROFTENMALL MANOR DENMAN DENMAN COMMUNITY CTR DIAMOND HEALTH CARE CENTRE DENMAN MALL DOCTOR’S OFFICE 777 W BROADDIAMOND WAY HEALTH CARE CENTRE DOCTOR’SPARK OFFICE 777 W BROADDOUGLAS COMM CENTRE WAY

DUNBAR PUBLIC LIBRARY DOUGLAS PARK COMM CENTRE FALSE CREEK COMMUNITY CENTRE DUNBAR COMMUNITY FIREHALL LIBRARY CENTRE DUNBAR PUBLIC LIBRARY FRASERVIEW LIBRARY FALSE HOLLOW CREEK COMMUNITY CENTRE FROG NEIGHBORHOOD FIREHALL LIBRARY GF STRONG REHABILITATION CTR FRASERVIEWTOWERS LIBRARY GRANDVIEW FROG HOLLOW NEIGHBORHOOD GRANVILLE ISLAND MARKET GF STRONGMEDICAL REHABILITATION GRANVILLE CLINIC CTR GRANDVIEW TOWERS CENTRE HASTINGS COMMUNITY GRANVILLEPUBLIC ISLANDLIBRARY MARKET HASTINGS GRANVILLE MEDICAL HOME INSTEAD - VAN,CLINIC NORTHSHORE HASTINGS COMMUNITY JACK LILLICO DENTURE CENTRE CLINIC HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE HOME INSTEAD - VAN, NORTHSHORE JOE FORTES LIBRARY JACK LILLICO DENTURE CLINIC JOYCE SKYTRAIN STN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE KENSINGTON COMMUNITY CENTRE JOE FORTES LIBRARY KENSINGTON LIBRARY JOYCE SKYTRAIN STN KERRISDALE KENSINGTONARENA COMMUNITY CENTRE KERRISDALE KENSINGTONSENIORS LIBRARY CENTRE KERRISDALE LIBRARY KERRISDALE ARENA KHATSALANO MED CLINIC KERRISDALE SENIORS CENTRE KILLARNEY COMMUNITY KERRISDALE LIBRARY CENTRE KILLARNEY MARKET KHATSALANO MED CLINIC KITSILANO HOUSE KILLARNEYNEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE KITSILANO KILLARNEYPUBLIC MARKETLIBRARY KIWASSA KITSILANONEIGHBOURHOOD NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE LIFEMARK CENTRE KITSILANO HEALTH PUBLIC LIBRARY LIFEMARK PHYSIOTHERAPY HOUSE KIWASSA NEIGHBOURHOOD LITTLE MOUNTAIN LIFEMARK HEALTHNEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE HOUSE PHYSIOTHERAPY LIFEMARK LITTLE MOUNTAIN NEIGHBOURHOOD LONDON DRUGS - 1187 ROBSON HOUSE MAIN ENTRANCE RACK LONDON DRUGS - 1187 MAIN ST SKYTRAIN STNROBSON MAIN ENTRANCE RACK MAPLE MEDICAL CLINIC MAIN ST SKYTRAIN STNCENTRE MARPOLE COMMUNITY MAPLE MEDICAL CLINIC MARPOLE LIBRARY MARPOLECLINIC COMMUNITY CENTRE MEDICAL - 1280 GRANVILLE MARPOLE LIBRARY

MID-MAIN COMM HEALTH CENTRE MEDICAL CLINIC - 1280 GRANVILLE MT PLEASANT COMMUNITY CENTRE MERCATO MALLNGHBRHD HOUSE MT PLEASANT MID-MAIN SKY COMM HEALTH NANAIMO TRAIN STN CENTRE MT PLEASANT COMMUNITY CENTRE OAKRIDGE LIBRARY MT PLEASANT NGHBRHD HOUSE OAKRIDGE SENIOR’S CENTRE NANAIMOSENIOR SKY TRAIN STNAPT O’KEEFE LIVING OAKRIDGE TERRACE LIBRARY PARKVIEW OAKRIDGE SENIOR’S CENTRE PHARMASAVE 595 BURRARD O’KEEFE SENIOR LIVING APT PLATINUM CARE PARKVIEW TERRACE CENTRE RAYCAM COMMUNITY PHARMASAVE 595 BURRARD RENFREW COMMUNITY CENTRE PLATINUM CARE RENFREW PUBLIC LIBRARY RAYCAM COMMUNITY CENTRE RENFREW SKY TRAIN STN RENFREW COMMUNITY CENTRE RICHMOND/VAN HEALTH UNIT RENFREW PUBLIC LIBRARY RILEY PARK COMMUNITY CENTRE RENFREW SKY TRAIN STN RILEY PARK LIBRARY RICHMOND/VAN HEALTH UNIT ROUNDHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE RILEY PARK COMMUNITY CENTRE ROYAL CENTRE MEDICAL RILEY PARK LIBRARY RUPERT SKYTRAIN STN ROUNDHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE SHANNON OAKSMEDICAL ROYAL CENTRE SHOPPERS DRUG MART RUPERT SKYTRAIN STN SIDNEY MANOR SHANNON OAKS SINCLAIR CENTRE SHOPPERS DRUG MART SORRENTO MARKET SIDNEY MANOR STADIUM SINCLAIR SKYTRAIN CENTRE STN SSORRENTO GRANVILLEMARKET PARK LODGE SSTADIUM GRANVILLE SENIOR’S SKYTRAIN STNCENTRE SOUTH HILL LIBRARY S GRANVILLE PARK LODGE SOUTHVIEW TERRACE S GRANVILLEHEIGHTS SENIOR’SAND CENTRE ST PAULHILL HOSPITAL SOUTH LIBRARY SOUTHVIEW HEIGHTS AND TERRACE STRATHCONA COMMUNITY CENTRE ST PAUL HOSPITAL STRATHCONA LIBRARY STRATHCONA COMMUNITY THUNDERBIRD COMMUNITYCENTRE CENTRE STRATHCONA LIBRARY CENTRE TROUT LAKE COMMUNITY THUNDERBIRD UBC HOSPITAL COMMUNITY CENTRE TROUT LAKE PUBLIC COMMUNITY CENTRE VANCOUVER LIBRARY UBC HOSPITAL VGH EMERGENCY VANCOUVER PUBLIC LIBRARY

WATERFRONT SKY TRAIN STN WEST END AQUATIC CENTRE VGH EMERGENCY WEST END SENIORS NETWORK WATERFRONT SKY TRAIN WEST POINT GREY PUBLICSTN LIBRARY WEST COMMUNITY END AQUATICSERVICES CENTRE YMCA WEST END SENIORS NETWORK WEST POINT GREY PUBLIC LIBRARY WEST VANCOUVER YMCA COMMUNITY SERVICES AMICA AT WEST VANCOUVER BUS STOP 2002 PARK ROYAL WESTSTOP VANCOUVER BUS 2051 PARK ROYAL AMICA AT WEST VANCOUVER GLENEAGLES COMMUNITY CENTRE BUS STOP 2002 PARK ROYAL HOLLYBURN HOUSE BUS STOP 2051 PARK ROYAL SUPER VALU GLENEAGLES COMMUNITY CENTRE WEST VAN MEMORIAL LIBRARY HOLLYBURN HOUSE WEST VANCOUVER COMM CENTRE SUPER VALU WEST VAN MEMORIAL LIBRARY WHITE ROCK WEST VANCOUVER COMM CENTRE HOME INSTEAD PACIFIC CARLTON WHITE ROCK STARBUCKS - 1730 152ND STREET HOME INSTEAD SUNNYSIDE MANOR PACIFIC CARLTON THE PENINSULA RESORT STARBUCKS - 1730 152NDRETIREMENT STREET LIVING MANOR SUNNYSIDE WHITE ROCK ACTIVITY CENTRE THE PENINSULA RESORT RETIREMENT WHITELIVING ROCK MUSEUM & ARCHIVES WHITE ROCK ACTIVITY CENTRE WHITE ROCK MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

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Hobby

Seniors Jump Online BY JANET NICOL

hen dinnertime is over at Audrey Jones’ home, she turns on the TV. But she also tunes in to her laptop – all evening long. Audrey is president of the seniors’ computer club at the Kent Street Activity Centre in White Rock, a large and dynamic group. “I learned how to make a movie out of still pictures at a presentation on a cruise ship,” Audrey says with enthusiasm. She used Microsoft Photo Gallery to put together a “movie” of her New York Trip. “The Empire State Building is purple, green and then pink, and Rod Stewart is singing ‘Manhattan.’” Like many computer users, Audrey is drawn to the ease of accessing information online. “I had a medical problem 23 years ago and I went to the library,” she says. “It made a difference for me. Knowledge is power. Right now, I’m renovating my kitchen and looking up information online. The computer is like a library on my lap.” The club Audrey leads has about 200 members. They meet every Wednesday afternoon from 12:30 to 2:30 in the centre’s auditorium. Local experts and business representatives are invited to use the club’s computer, projector and screen. They give lively presentations and answer members’ questions. Networking opportunities at the coffee break and the annual Christmas gathering also enhance the club’s popularity. 22

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A Sampling of Technical Tips covered by the Club: • Computer terminology for beginners • Guide to avoid online scams • Digital memory cards (for the camera) • Free anti-virus program ratings • Nettiquette (rules using email on the net) • Fix the computer • Save this file (sending large files) • Security tips online

“I try to give the club a social feel,” says Audrey. “I come half-an-hour early and talk to members. I make sure the new members feel welcome too.” The club started in the 1990s and is run by a board of volunteers, who meet formally three times a year. Besides organizing weekly presentations, with a break during the summer months, the club has a website (whiterockseniorscomputerclub. com), where they post information about upcoming presentations as well as computer tips and other techie news. Mary Ponsford, the club’s program co-ordinator, has brought in speakers to discuss iPods, Windows 7, researching online, Excel, shopping for a computer, Power Point presentations and webcams. “We also have regular back-to-basics presentations,” says Mary, “to review the computer for beginners.” “Our presenters are from businesses in the White Rock area,” she adds. “They volunteer their time, and we offer them transportation costs and soup!” Members can attend two computer club gatherings at no cost, and pay $12 for a year’s membership, if they join. They must also become a member of the centre. Audrey says people in the club already know how to email and work with MS Office. “It’s all visual lessons,” she says about their services. “We send out emails to let members know what presentation will be put on. In the winter, the turnout is a lot larger.”

Still, on this warm spring day, members fill about 60 seats. One presenter is at the computer in the front of the darkened auditorium, clicking on sites, while another moves around the audience, handing a microphone to an equal number of men and women with questions. “Should I take the battery out of my laptop so it will last longer?” someone asks. (The consensus is to leave the battery in.) “A friend told me she had to pay $100 to the retailer to take out unnecessary programs,” another person says. “You can uninstall the programs yourself, if you feel capable,” another member suggests, while the presenter agrees it is unfortunate manufacturers install some programs for advertising benefits. At 2:30 p.m., Audrey thanks the presenters and turns on the lights. She admits she’s learned a lot since joining the club and plans to share her experiences with others. “We’re ending this year with a panel of experts,” says Audrey. “It sounds intimidating, but the experts are ourSL selves.”

Calling all experts! A local group in the process of organizing a 50+ cycling club through White Rock Leisure Services is looking for a volunteer to set up and manage their Facebook group. “We could post all our rides and update the weather condition info in real time, as well as communicate with other interested parties once they see the Facebook info. Once we have the account running we could include photos, ride descriptions, riding vacations, and use it for networking (could help the Computer Club members too).”

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JULY 2010

Travel & Adventure

Trust Your Body BY MARYLEE STEPHENSON

My Latest Lessons in Travel

t this stage of life, thumbing across Europe, wandering alone in Geneva on 37 cents a day, and scouring Rome in search of the Sistine Chapel is no longer my idea of travel. Now, at a reasonably healthy 66, I journey accompanied with enough money to avoid worry, with friends I know, and with guides, cars and boats that are dedicated to helping me make the best use of my time – in comfort. In April, I took my ninth trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. The Islands, a province of Ecuador, are located 600 miles (966 km) off the west coast. I’ve been going there since 1980, first as a birder, then as author of a guidebook to the Islands. As a result of the book, my last five trips have been as a facilitator of small groups of friends or friends of friends who want to take a trip that they often refer to as “the dream of a lifetime.” Of the five of us on this trip, most are retired or on our way there, and all professionals – a novelist, a professor, a senior librarian, a researcher/writer (that’s me), and a performance measurement specialist (whatever that is!). The other four women have travelled the world. Unlike myself, who whisked past the Eiffel tower at midnight, giving it a glance as I tried to get to the hostel before it closed, one woman 24

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

has lived in Barbados for a year, another in India for eight months, and you could probably put a pushpin on a world map on nearly every continent they’d visited over the years. Real adventurers! But now in our early to mid-senior years, there was some unease as we emailed back and forth about what we wanted to see and what we needed to bring. There were questions before we left and more as we travelled. Most concentrated on our bodies our aging bodies. For one, the worry was about altitude sickness. Another wondered quietly if her somewhat plump body would be able to withstand even moderate hikes at 14,000 feet (4267 m). For another, it was how her stomach would hold out, if the water was okay and whether she’d get sick from the different, but delicious, food at the rainforest lodge or even at our charming boutique hotel in downtown Quito. Everyone, especially me, knows this is the time of life to be particularly careful about falls. The trip would involve walking in rivers of mud in the rainforest, in deep dust or narrow trails on steep volcanic slopes, and hiking across recent lava flows with their cut-glass surface. We would move at our own pace, but still, it could taxing! By no means a doctor, all I could offer was advice about my own experiences. And I continue to learn what does and doesn’t work.

Travel & Adventure I always make sure my groups visit the three distinct environments of mainland Ecuador, not only the Galapagos. On the mainland are the staggeringly beautiful highlands with their varied markets and historic haciendas. We had our own minivan and guide, but the route is flexible and sometimes we would find ourselves walking alongside the various Indian

peoples guarding their sheep, llamas and alpacas – sometimes framed by puffing volcanoes. The natural environment is truly stunning: orchids by the road, extinct craters now filled with turquoise water, huge waterfalls, including one with an open-sided cave you can crawl along until you come out under the falls! One morning at breakfast, one of our fab five was missing. She had become worried about her headache and nausea. The doctor came, reassured her that it was altitude sickness, told her to take it easy and it would go away. Fifty-five dollars for the house call, it was well worth the peace of mind. Next, we visited the rainforest, a 40-minute plane ride from Quito, which is 8,000 feet (2438 m) above sea level, up and over 21,000-foot (6401 m) mountains and then a sharp descent to the Amazonas region. It takes a few frightened moments to realize that the grey mist in the plane isn’t smoke, but fog formed from the sudden change of temperature and humidity. In the rainforest, we stayed in well-equipped thatched cabins, and went for nature walks morning and afternoon. Each day there was a siesta, a great dinner and then we’d go out in the big canoes at night, while the guide held a searchlight out front. At dusk, the monkeys flipped from tree to tree alongside us and night birds quietly headed for their roosts. As dusk became night, the beam of the light caught the eyes of a caiman, a local crocodile, or picked out land animals coming to the lake for a drink.

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Travel & Adventure

Not one to always heed my own advice, while in the rainforest, I was limping badly from carrying luggage that was far too heavy. Large doses of an anti-inflammatory kept me going but I was awash with pain for the whole trip. Then came my misstep on the stairs leading up to our cabin. I just bashed into one step ahead of me, but the steps had steel retaining planks. The gash blew my chance to swim in the lake. The belief is that fresh blood attracts those toothy piranhas, or so the bartender said. And with blood trickling down into my shoes, who was I to argue with a bartender? The last week of the trip was saved for the Galapagos. Living on a 12-passenger boat with a licensed guide on board, we toured from island to island, and viewed everything from penguins and sharks to blue-footed boobies. We also spent a day in the main town, Puerto Ayora. Having learned the hard way about seasickness, I took my anti-nausea pills days ahead of our launch. And I felt fine, but I spent the entire night vomiting. Heavy seas and a pitching boat also played havoc with one of the others. Despite

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Photos: Marylee Stephenson

Page 24, The author in front of one of the “monumental” sculptures on the main street of Puerto Ayora. Page 25, top, Sea lions taking up space reserved for tourists, Puerto Ayora. Centre, One of the young tortoises born and raised at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Right, The beautifully constructed stairway to the top of Bartolome, a nearly bare volcanic cone.

the first-night drama, it didn’t happen to us again, and we came home with one more funny story to share. Our first stop was the Charles Darwin Research Station, where we were shown how the endangered tortoises are rescued. The scientists start with harvested eggs that are incubated until hatched and then live with their cohort until approximately five years old, when they are returned to their home island. By that time, they are safe from predatory birds or any remaining cats or dogs and old enough to reproduce on their own. Then there was the question of snorkelling or, more importantly, how we’d look in wetsuits. We decided looking chubby in a wetsuit means nothing when swimming with a sea lion, sharing the shallows with a marine iguana and, for a little while, being part of the sea. Even with my fall and rough-water overnight “challenge,” my only real worry was that, in my role as facilitator, I might somehow offend someone. One day, I saw the group talking quietly to each other, clearly having picked a moment when I was at a distance. Then, to my further dismay, one of them came over and firmly told me they wanted to meet with me that night in one of their cabins. “Oh no,” I thought, “it’s some kind of intervention.” That evening, I entered the cabin and sat gingerly on a bed. “Marylee,” one woman said, “we want to thank you for taking us to this most wonderful place. We wouldn’t have done it without you.” Then, they presented me with a gift. Astonished, my eyes teared up and my voice quivered as I thanked them. Although I was the facilitator and an experienced visitor to all the places we went, I was proud of my friends. They’d prepared physically before we left home, read, talked and emailed about every part of the upcoming trip and poured over my photos from previous trips. They walked over blistering black lava flows and were paddled along winding forest Amazon tributaries, where snakes peered from above. They braved one night of nausea in a bad storm, and a pounding headache at 14,000 feet (4267 m). All the while, they learned from excellent guides in every environment – the rainforest, the Highlands, historic haciendas and traditional markets, and the vastly diverse Galapagos Island. They gave as much to me as I did to them. And we did just SL fine!

BBB Better Better Better Better

Business Business Business Business

Bureau Bureau Bureau Bureau

SCAM ALERT

BY LYNDA PASACRETA

NO FREE LUNCH

alling victim to a fraudulent investment scheme can mean losing anywhere from a few hundred dollars to your life savings. While most people might not see the harm in sitting through an investment seminar, the Better Business Bureau recommends researching the investment company first, rather than run the risk of falling for a financial siren song over a free lunch. Investment scams and schemes can come in many forms and a common technique to lure people in is the offer of a free financial seminar over lunch. In one recent case, scammers invited senior citizens to estate planning seminars and later coaxed their victims into buying promissory notes for purported foreign country investments. Free-lunch seminars can seem like an easy way to get a meal, but attendees run the risk of being drawn in by the slick presentations and promises of big returns. Unscrupulous seminars often lure in leisurely senior citizens who have time and exploitable retirement accounts and real estate. When listening to an investment pitch, BBB recommends looking for the following red flags: They require a large up-front investment. Untrustworthy schemers might try to convince investors to pay a large amount of money upfront so they can get out of town with a large haul, rather than wait for the funds to trickle in. They promise high returns for low risk. Every investment comes with a level of risk. Typically, the amount of risk increases in line with the potential return on the investment. If the seminar is trying to sell an investment scheme that claims a high return with little or no risk, beware, even if it comes with the promise of a money-back guarantee. They employ high-pressure sales tactics. Seminar leaders often use high-pressure sales tactics to get people to sign up without thinking it through. They might claim that there are only a few spots left or that you need to get in on the ground floor today to see the largest earnings.

Any reputable investment company will let you take your time and do your research and will not pressure you into signing a cheque. Investments rely on offshore investments. Many hucksters try to give their scheme an air of sophistication by relying on overseas investments, such as foreign currency, property, stocks and bonds. They also might claim, incorrectly, that you can avoid taxes by investing overseas. It sounds too good to be true. At the end of the day, if the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always listen to your instincts because the potential payoff is rarely worth the risk. Check it out with the BC Securities Commission. To learn more about the investment opportunity, go to investright. org to check out the company or advisor. For more advice from your BBB on financial planning SL and investing, visit mbc.bbb.org

Lynda Pasacreta is President of the Better Business Bureau of Mainland B.C. www.mbc.bbb.org To contact Lynda Pasacreta, e-mail president@mbc.bbb.org

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Senior Living 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1 JULY 2010

Travel & Adventure

A Great Gal-loping Getaway BY JANE CASSIE

t’s been a few years since I’ve straddled a saddle. And though my plump rump will likely survive the trot, I’m not so sure about the rest of my boomer-aged body. Do I still have enough core power to ride the range? Can I hang on tight when my steed picks up speed? My trepidation mounts (pardon the pun) as the herd of horses is corralled into the ring. With hoofs pounding and mud flying, they stampede through the gate and charge closer to the raised podium where I stand – or shake – in my boots. The only consolation is that the other two women who have joined me on this weekend retreat are shaking even more. At different stages in our nursing careers – retired, preretired and just plain tired – we’ve come to Sun Mountain Lodge to revive, reconnect and reclaim a little western spirit. This getaway gem on the outskirts of Winthrop, Washington promises all of the above and more. Like a diamond in the rough, it glitters from its mountaintop home and provides every nuance of comfort known to man or womankind: posh accommodations, award-winning wine and cuisine, a pampering spa to soothe those saddle sores, and 30 head of horses creating them. Beads of sweat drip from my brow as the galloping group invades my comfort zone. But fortunately, help accompanies these well-behaved beasts. Kit Cramer could pose as The Horse Whisperer. Sporting chaps, spurs and twin braids that fall from her wide-brimmed Stetson, she’s a cowgirl to the core. Even her western drawl sounds authentic. Thankfully, it also seems to mesmerize the energized pack for, in unison, they obey her every command. In minutes, she has us perfectly pegged and paired with our equine companion. And, before we know it, we’re ready to giddy up and go! “Each one of these 1,200 pounds of horsepower has a brain the size of a walnut,” Kit chuckles, “but they all provide a safe four-wheel drive ride.” Her wrangling expertise is matched 28

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

by a witty sense of humour and, while sauntering nose-to-tail along the rim of Sun Mountain’s 915-metre-high plateau, I’m hoping there’s truth to this gesture. Nestled in a lush valley far below is the western town of Winthrop, a popular tourist haunt where we spent the previous day strolling the creaky boardwalks, checking out emporiums, and uncovering past and present treasures. As with most mining towns, the gold-rush boom in Winthrop was a colourful era. But once the resources dried up, so did the reasons to stay. We discovered it wasn’t revived again until 1972, after the completion of the North Cascade Highway. And thanks to the financial support from local lumber baron, Kathryn Wagner, it took on this new Wild West flavour. The elusive cowboy dream also lingers in the hearts of many who visit the lodge. Its 3,000 embracing acres are laced with enough trails, flower-choked meadows and jaw-dropping vistas to satisfy any Roy Rogers wannabe. “It’s a great place to experience life as it used to be,” Kit says, as she guides us through a grove of trembling aspens. She should know. Her family has lived in the Methow Valley for generations and she has pretty much grown up on the backside of a horse. She also co-authored Bound for the Methow, a coffee table favourite that traces the region’s rich history. We mosey along a trail just below the main lodge and find out it too has well established roots. In 1965, Jack Barron, was so moved by this magnificent countryside, he wanted to share it with others. He chose this plot because it provided a 360degree view of the mountains and valleys, and constructed his dream property out of local materials, so it would blend in with the landscape. Three years later, the original Sun Moun-

Travel & Adventure tain Lodge was open for business. Although it’s had major upgrades since those early days, the Northwest feel is still incorporated into this AAA Four Diamond retreat. Ninety-six regionally-inspired rooms are housed centrally and any one of them, whether in the main lodge, Gardner or Robinson buildings would enhance our getaway. But on this trip, we decided to go for even more seclusion. We wanted to wine, dine and enjoy our diva downtime without any interruptions. And our fully equipped home-style cabin at nearby Patterson Lake was certainly filling the bill. From our promontory trail, we have a great view of this lake. A couple of canoes dot the glistening surface and hugging up to one edge is a grassy shoreline that hosts our home away from home. Later, we’ll catch up on lost sleep, yack on our sun-splashed veranda, and sing along with John Denver. If we still have energy, we can try another adventure. How ‘bout fly-fishing, river rafting or kayaking? Tennis or swimming anyone? The courts and two pools sure look inviting. A hundred miles of hiking and biking trails also weave over this terrain. But for now, there’s still more riding to do! Our mid-point is the Hough Homestead, a landmark that dates back to the late 1800s. A log-hewn structure and

The author (left) wining and dining with her pals Sue (centre) and Carol.

weather-beaten wagon are remnants of the past and close by are a few picnic tables for tonight’s Cowboy Camp Dinners. “Why not join us later,” Kit asks, when we get back to the ranch. “There’ll be singing ‘round the campfire and a fabulous spread of food.” Although steak, country-fried potatoes and baked beans sounds finger-lickin’ good, we have our hearts set on some award-winning fare for this final night. Above all, though, comfort comes first. After finally prying our duffs off the saddles, we make a bowlegged beeline for the spa. Sue gets her pinkies dusted off and pedicured, Carol has every kink massaged out of her spine and I go for a treatment that’s most needed these days – an anti-aging facial. With Kazia at the helm, my pores are cleansed, exfoliated, massaged, masked and toned. I’m pretty sure her grand finale head massage produces a snore. An hour later, we all emerge in Zen-like states. Decadence continues in the restaurant where we later dine and wine. Accompanying Chef Bradshaw’s artistically presented specialties is a wine list that would appease Henry VIII. With a 5,000-bottle cellar, it’s not surprising to hear that the Washington State Wine Commission rated Sun Mountain as the top wine restaurant in 2010. And while we soak in the lush Methow Valley view

and graze on goodies like wild antelope, diver scallops and wild mushroom strudel, we naturally fill our glasses and raise them for one final toast. “Here’s to revival, reconnection and retirement – and, of course, one great gal-loping getaway.” SL Although this year-round property offers the second best cross-country ski trail system in the United States, access to it via the Northern Cascade Highway is only possible from May-November. www.sunmountainlodge.com

Classiﬁeds 55+ RENTAL HOUSING - Beautiful Nakusp, BC. 4 rental suites, all one bedroom. Pets welcome. Enjoy our Nakusp Hotsprings. www.arrowtarian.com 250-265-3370 (9:00am - 12:00pm)

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$30 for 20 words or less. $1.25 per extra word. Boxed Ad - Small (2.2 x 1.2) $110. Boxed Ad - Large (2.2 x 2.4) $210. Add Logo $25 extra. Red spot color 10% extra. Plus tax. All Classiﬁed ads must be prepaid. Cheque or Credit Card accepted. Toll Free 1-877479-4705. Deadline: 15th of the month. Make cheque payable to: Senior Living, 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave.,Victoria BC V8T 2C1 JULY 2010

Travel Resources Cruise Holidays Paciﬁc Contemplating an EASY Summer Vacation for the Family: 7 Nights Roundtrip from Vancouver to Alaska – 4-Star Cruiseline with 5-star Service and Food. Take the family, the kids and grandkids too. More info, email info@cruiseholidayspacific.com Fairmont Whistler 2-DAY/3-NIGHT WHISTLER GETAWAY Fairmont Chateau Whistler luxury package includes escorted transfer from Victoria & Vancouver, meals and activities. Starting from $599 per person. www.fairmont.com/ cwr/2010seniorscelebration Merit Travel The largest independent specialty travel company in Canada, including three offices in Victoria, for all leisure and corporate travel. 1-800-409-1711. www.merit.ca Pitmar Tours Destination specialists providing guided, custom, and independent tours for travelers with varied desires, budgets, and senses of adventure. 604-596-9670 / 1-877-596-9670 www.pitmartours.com

BY DEE WALMSLEY

f you haven’t seen Hell’s Gate, it is well worth the two-and-a-halfhour drive from Vancouver. Pack up the picnic basket, grandchildren and, yes, even the dog for a good day’s outing full of fun for the kids and breathtaking scenery for the young at heart. The highway is superb. En route, the grandkids will experience tunnels, trains and whitewater rafters bobbing down the Fraser River. Once there, just outside Boston Bar, hop aboard the Swiss-made cable car for the short trip over the swirling river’s water, where you can freshen up in the washroom before taking part in the days activities. The kids will love the fudge and ice cream parlour, while granddad pans for gold and grandma

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

browses through the gift shop. Face painting, a snack bar with deliciouslooking hamburgers and a small history museum add to the excitement. The gorge is only 110-feet (34 m) wide. It took nearly 30 years of engineering to design the fish ladders after a 1913 rock slide triggered by blasting rock for the rail line nearly blocked the river, depleting the fish stocks. Today, you can see the entrance the fish take around the slide from the bridge and cable car. Plenty of photo opportunities wait to fill the memory scrapbook and, when the day is done, you can walk back across a metal bridge, where, if you look down past your feet, you’ll see the white water swirling below. For the faint-hearted, there is always the return trip by cable car. SL

The entrance fees are $17 each for seniors and students, but if you go on Canyon Appreciation day in May, it’s free and you can pick up day passes for future visits for a fraction of the cost! For more information, visit www.hellsgateairtram.com

Photos: Dee Walmsley

Wells Gray Tours Providing quality guided tours and travel packages that allow you to explore and experience the world on your own terms. 1-888-595-7889

To Hell and Back

GETTING THERE: Located in the Scenic Fraser Canyon Hwy #1 Follow exit #170 off Hwy #1 at Hope Follow exit #362 at Kamloops

ASK

Photo: Jason van der Valk

Goldie

BY GOLDIE CARLOW, M.ED

Dear Goldie: I feel like my life is falling apart and I am losing my control and independence. Four months ago, I was a happy senior engaging life in a pleasant care home. A new male resident moved in and everything changed. He acts like he is running the place and is always organizing us for some new venture he has dreamed up. Many of us resent him and a few have spoken to the manager. His presence here makes me dread waking up in the morning to face another day. What can I do? –L.M. Dear L.M.: It sounds like your life has been disrupted, but I am sure it can be changed. You mention that a few of you approached the manager. How about all of the residents who are unhappy requesting a meeting with the manager? Numbers do help. If management is not interested, then it is time for families or whoever

is in charge of your affairs to intervene. Threat of financial loss usually is rarely ignored. Do not delay or this annoyance can get out of hand. Good Luck! Dear Goldie: I have recently sold my home and now live in a large apartment building close to shops, banks, restaurants and the post office. It is a wonderful location and I like it. However, there is a small problem living here. Some of the neighbours are forever having coffee parties. I notice they are very friendly, but if anyone doesn’t show up then he or she becomes the topic of conversation and not always in a complimentary manner. I do not enjoy gossip and would like to get out of the obligation of attending. What do you suggest? –R.L. Dear R.L.: I can understand your unwillingness to participate in such a group. Gossip can cause a great deal of damage to human relationships.

One easy way to avoid such contact is to always have a previous appointment (even if it’s a trip to the library!), so you are not free to attend. Eventually, they will not include you. This will probably make you the topic of coffee hour, but it sounds like there is no way to prevent this. I think the risk is prefSL erable to attending.

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 Vancouver Westside 604-736-3588

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.

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JULY 2010

MY LEVER-ACTION, MULTI-LOAD RED RYDER BB GUN

ixty-one years ago, I received the second greatest gift a 12-year-old boy could ever hope for (at least in that era) – a Red Ryder BB Gun. The greatest treasure, of course, was a bicycle, which I also received that year. The bicycle I worked long and hard for and purchased myself. But the BB gun was a Christmas gift. It was tough to have to wait for spring to arrive, so I could go hunting with my lever-action, multi-load Red Ryder BB Gun. Even before the snow melted, it was taken away from me twice for shooting holes in the plaster walls of my attic bedroom. But, by the time we were heading for the cottage at the end of June, my prize was paroled back to me. I was Hawkeye that summer, Uncas, Daniel Boone, and Davy Crockett too! I was Red Ryder himself, a cowboy and a woodsman. It was my last summer of near innocence. Little did I know that childhood would be relinquished to the days of Brylcreem, pegged pants, flight boots and leather jackets. And that it was the last summer to dream dreams of what might have been before I challenged tomorrow and yesterday would be left in the dust. It was a summer of long goodbyes, although I didn’t know it at the time. A summer of adventure and a BB gun, with tiny round bullets. Our cottage was on Shea Lake in the Gatineau region of Quebec, between a place called Kazabazua and Danford Lake. There were only four other cottages on the lake at that time and we were the only ones who stayed for the full summer. The other owners came to their cottages on weekends. A quiet and peaceful place, I remember the loons crying in the early morn32

ing and as the sun set in the evening, and the sound of the whippoorwill after darkness had settled in. We had no electricity. We used coal oil lamps and had what we called a “cooler” dug into the ground lined with tin and a locked lid. We had to go for ice twice a week, pulling a kid’s wagon a mile and a half. Then, with a chunk of ice covered in a cloth, we’d pull it back a mile and a half and chip it into the cooler. We had an outhouse too, which we called “the library.” It was spooky to make the trip after dark with a flashlight in hand. There were bears, skunks, elk and deer. There were magnified noises in the woods that surrounded us. I felt very safe that summer. After all, I now had a BB gun to protect my family. After breakfast, the adventure would begin. Going deep into the forest, knowing exactly where I was but pretending to be lost, I shot my BB gun into the air, alerting imaginary companions to where I could be found. I would have to put my foot on the stock of my BB gun, hold tightly to the top of the barrel and crank the lever with all of my strength. I had a tube filled with BBs and I rationed them out. I went hunting for water snakes in our red and white rowboat. The snakes were three- to five-feet long and were far better swimmers than I was a shooter. In August, friends visited with their boy who was about my age. He was a show-offy type and I couldn’t stand him! After about five days of his irritation, I knew what I had to do. In those days, boy’s bathing suits were made of some kind of shiny material. Nylon? Rayon? I don’t really know. But they were skin-tight.

SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

Photo: Krystle Wiseman

Reﬂections THEN & NOW

BY GIPP FORSTER

I positioned myself on the little balcony that overlooked the lake. I hid behind the slats, as any good sniper would do. I cradled my lever-action, multi-load Red Ryder BB gun and hugged it to me. I caressed it, talked to it and tried to explain to it why this would probably be our last time together. The sun was hot that day, and I felt its warmth on the stock of the gun as I held it to my cheek. I remember sighting down the barrel at the shiny blue bathing suit as it danced past me and then away from me, never suspecting I was laying there in wait. I squeezed the trigger and felt the air gush from the barrel sending the BB straight and true, like a bee stinging the left buttock of a boy who yelled louder than I ever dreamed he could. For a moment, I thought the wound might be mortal. Well, anyone can guess the outcome. I got the tar licked out of me and I never saw my beloved BB gun again. My adversary sported his wound to anyone who cared to look, while I was grounded from going into the woods for a week. I knew my imaginary friends were mourning me. But a man (or boy) must be willing to sacrifice and suffer for his convictions. I knew what the cost would be for my action. Still to this day, I do not regret my act of discipline in bringing a whining, irritating kid to deserved justice. But I sure miss my lever-action, multi-load Red Ryder BB Gun! Over the years, I have met many people who I would have liked to introduce to it. I am known now as a peacemaker and, indeed, I am. SL But still...

BC EDITION

Published by Senior Living

JANUARY 2009

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

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

questions and concerns. A handy reference guide for seniors and their families wrestling with the issues around whether relocation is the best option. This 128-page book provides helpful, easy to read information and suggestions to help seniors and their families understand the decisions they need to make.

ORDER FORM - “To Move” Name_______________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________ City_________________________________ Prov ___________ Postal Code_______________ Phone _____________________

___ CHEQUE (make payable to Senior Living) ___ CREDIT CARD

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CARD NUMBER _________________________________________ EXPIRY DATE ________________ NAME ON CARD ________________________________________

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Mail to: “To Move” Book Offer c/o Senior Living Box 153, 1581–H Hillside Ave., = $____________ Victoria BC V8T 2C1

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Shipping rates apply to British Columbia addresses ONLY. To have book mailed to addresses outside of BC, please call Senior Living 250-479-4705 for shipping costs. Please allow 2 weeks for shipping.

Read my article on the Senior Living website at www.seniorlivingmag.com