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ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS UNDER ONE ROOF 2 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
good life
A guide to your best years in Cowichan
inside
Welcome to the Good Life — your local guide to the second half of living. You are the Baby Boomers of the Warm Land. Your kids are gone, or at least are in the process of leaving the nest. Your goals have shifted, or are shifting. Your body doesn’t necessarily work the way it once did. And life has served up a whole new set of challenges and opportunities. These stories are for you.
a place for the elders
a home for helping each other
p4
selling the family home it doesn’t have to be hard
p8
See page 33 for your Seniors Resource Directory
who’s the Bossi? soccer keeps him young
p10
the 65-year-old question old-age security changes cause concern
p13
helping your elderly hoarder how to recognize it — and deal with it
p16
it’s the dirt that matters
helping your elderly hoarder
p16
ten things you didn’t know about valley wine p20
boning up on bone health osteoporosis and CDH
p26
never to old to sing music festival’s not just for the kids
p28
p36
tattoo you boomers are getting inked
a voice for the aging
p30
seniors resource directory cowichan seniors community foundation
p33
a voice for the aging MP jean crowder speaks out for seniors
p36
you’ve got to taste this don bodger stirs it up
p38
on a brighter note with lori welbourne Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
Produced by: The Cowichan News Leader Pictorial Editor: John McKinley Publisher: Bill Macadam Designer: Eric Morten
p39
Published by the Cowichan News Leader Pictorial, Unit 2, 5380 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan B.C., V9L 6W4 Phone: (250) 746-4471 Fax: (250) 746-8529 E-mail: editor@cowichannewsleader.com Web site: www.cowichannewsleader.com
Spring 2012 Wednesday, March 16, 2012
Cowichan Good Life Magazine 3
Cowichan elder and former chief Philomena Alphonse has applied to be one of the first residents of the new Ts’i’ts’iwatul’ Lelum assisted living residence now under construction at the former Mound site adjacent downtown Duncan.
A Home for Helping Each Other sprouts at the site of the old Mound
A place for the
Elders
by Ann Andersen They’ll be in brand-new apartments on their own land in a supported new life close to friends and family; with plenty of cultural supports. These are some of the benefits the first 50 to 60 residents can look forward to later this year when they step over the threshold of Ts’i’ts’iwatul’ Lelum assisted living residence now under construction on the old Mound. “It’s been seven years since we set the vision,” says elder Philomena Alphonse, who has applied to be one of the first residents. “I was still on (Tribes) council then,” adds the 77-year-old former Cowichan chief and councillor. 4 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
“We always wanted to build something like this — a common place for people who need help.” And elder liaison to the project Stella Johnny is enthusiastic. “This is quite the venture for the elders,” she smiles. Some of the people who’ll be moving into the new four-storey assisted living residence now live alone; some with children; others with children and grandchildren. Alphonse, for example, currently lives with her son Paul and his wife. She doesn’t drive any more and recognizes that living at the more central Ts’i’ts’iwatul’ Lelum will offer more independence for her. “Living here will make a big difference in all their lives,” Johnny says. “This means empowerment for them. They will be in their own place with daily living and cultural supports in
place,” she enthuses. “The residents will have independence with supports as they age.” And with a Cowichan Tribes manager and Aboriginal cook already hired, both Alphonse and Johnny are optimistic the cultural goals of the building will be met. “This demonstrates recognition of a strong value in our culture,” smiles Johnny. The 52,000-square-foot building across from Cowichan Tribes office is currently scheduled to be open for elders and people with disability on July 1, says M’akola Housing Society executive director Kevin Albers. Ts’i’ts’iwatul’ Lelum (prounounced Ts-ee-tsu-wa-tul Lay-lum, Hul’qumi’num for Home for Helping Each Other), has been years in the planning and several years in the building. And, confirms Albers, building of the mammoth project is coming in on its original budget of $15 million. “Everything we wanted in the building and in services provided to the residents is there,” he said. story continued on page 6 Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
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continued from page 4 “We haven’t had to cut anything.” This is a unique project for B.C. — funded by provincial dollars and on First Nations land. It will be operated on a day-to-day basis by VIHA. During construction, the building has been pegged as a resource for the whole community. Says Alphonse, who with elder Dora Wilson has taken a key part in discussion with M’akola on the structural aspects of the buildings: “We continue to recommend that the residence be open to relatives of (Tribe) members no matter where they live, as well as the whole community.” The first residents will all be Aboriginal, says Johnny. VIHA will decide who goes in. In terms of health, the assistedliving residence will provide residents with light-housekeeping and meals. This is different from other care homes, like complex-care or residential care, Albers explains. People living in those residences require more help and care. The first thing residents and visitors will see when they enter the building is a towering totem pole carved by Cowichan carver and elder Harold Joe (see sidebar) that tells a story that is uniquely Cowichan: the story of the thunderbird and the killer whale. Once inside, the residents can retire to their fully-equipped suites — 46 one-bedroom and four two-bedroom — or take in the two dining rooms,
6 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
craft room, exercise room and theatre room lounge. Outside will be a traditional gathering area. “We asked that the inside colours be pastel,” Alphonse explains, “and that the landscaping reflect our culture.” The private, lockable self-contained suits each have a full bathroom with shower; kitchen and fridge and stove; cable and telephone hookups. Each floor has its own laundry, and is accessible by two elevators. Included in their rent, residents will be entitled to two meals per day and a recreation program. They can enjoy assisted bathing, and towels and sheets will be changed weekly. Basic utilities–heat, hot water, garbage and recycling are also included. They’ll also get any personal care services approved by VIHA. As well, every resident will have a medical alert pendant operational in and around the vicinity of the 52,000-square-foot building. The vision for Ts’i’ts’iwatul’ Lelum is straightforward and supportive: the supports we need as we age will extend our independence in a healthy and safe way. “Ts’i’ts’uwatul’ Lelum is designed with these life changes and corresponding supports in mind,” says the website. “The project will provide culturally responsible supports to elders with on-site professionals and Aboriginal culturally trained qualified staff to provide many services and personal care supports.”
Complex is home to a pole with a story The 40-foot totem pole now in place in the foyer of the building tells the story of a story. The pole’s carver Harold Joe explains that in the story, told to Joe by his father, a huge killer whale in Cowichan Bay was stopping salmon from entering the river to spawn and preventing the community from harvesting salmon for the winter feed. After warning the killer whale about its actions, a medicine man was transformed by the Creator into a massive thunderbird. He looked into the water and saw feathered horns on the side of his head. When he opened his eyes it symbolized lightning, and when he opened his mouth it symbolized thunder. Thunderbird then scooped up the killer whale and dropped it on top of a frog — Mount Tzouhalem. Joe explains that the top of the totem symbolizes guidance to the Spirit World after we finish our walk on Mother Earth; the middle figure of any totem symbolizes heart; and the bottom of the totem symbolizes grounding. “We learn to be our self, respect other Elder voices to your heart and mind. Because the voice is the Spirit from the Soul when you lose someone special you lose part of your Soul too. That’s why the Elder voices are special to keep you grounded and be with loved ones,” Joe explains.
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
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saying goodbye to the family home It can be one of the hardest times in your life — but it doesn’t have to be But that doesn’t have to be the case, Hunt said. “There are wonderful housing options out there, where a senior can actually be far more independent because they Home is where the heart is, we often hear. But when you’ve lived in a house for years — decades, even have more support systems,” she explained. — it begins to feel like home is where you’ve raised your “There are excellent options and supports that many 80children, where countless memories have been made. In and 90-year-olds aren’t even aware of. We need to look at these things at a time when we can be intelligent and emshort: where your life is irrevocably rooted. So when the time comes to leave, it’s not surprising that few pathetic toward a senior’s fear. “It’s about education, and exploring, and helping seniors accept the change gladly. understand they’re not necessarily going “It is, without a doubt, one of the biggest to lose their independence — and in fact, challenges that faces any family, because It is, without a doubt, one of it can be greatly enhanced.” there’s huge resistance, and there isn’t an The alternative, Hunt points out, can be easy answer to when it’s time to move,” the biggest challenges that devastating. explained Carol Hunt, executive direcfaces any family, because “One of the issues we observe when our tor at the Cowichan Seniors Community there’s huge resistance, and senior or elder stays at home because Foundation. “And generally, what we know is that althere isn’t an easy answer to that’s what they know and they’re used to and they’re terrified of letting go and most without exception, people wait too when it’s time to move making a change — which is a legitimate long. Everyone wants to stay in their own fear, the fear of the unknown — is more home, and everyone thinks that’s where their independence is. They think if they go into another often than not, the senior is going to be extremely isolated and very lonely, because they don’t have a peer group, living environment, they’ll lose their independence.” by Krista Siefken
8 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
they’re not being socialized, and this is where dementia and depression raises its ugly head,” she said. Instead, Hunt suggested talking about options before they’re even necessary, rather than forcing someone into doing something they’re uncomfortable with when choice is no longer an option. “What we’re saying is plan ahead,” Hunt said. “Talk about it. Discuss options. Our lives move so fast these days, and there are wait-lists for residences and the other excellent options and supports that are out there.” Seniors still living in the old family home may not even realize how isolation and loneliness have crept into their lives, Hunt added. “They may discover that it’s actually pretty cool having friends around, and not having to worry about what could happen in the night if there’s a problem,” she said. “(Leaving the family home) is traumatic. There’s a lot of fear and a lot of worry about it,” Hunt summed. “So we need to talk about it early on.”
To move or not to move?
According to the Senior Living Magazine guide To Move Or Not To Move?, seniors and families should “begin the process of determining what type of housing and care you require by seriously thinking about your personal situation.” — considering housing, care and financial requirements.
Options, meanwhile, include remaining in your own home (perhaps with care), accessory housing, senior-oriented apartments, retirement communities, independent living facilities, assisted living facilities, complex care facilities, campus of care facilities, shared housing by seniors, shared housing in exchange for rent or services, shared housing offered by home owners, and co-habiting with a family member.
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Who’s the
Bossi? Valley man finds soccer is a great remedy for the pangs of aging by Don Bodger Max Bossi’s attitude about aging and the affects of athletics is admirable. Bossi said he’s never felt better in his life at the age of 67, shattering the myths that we’re all supposed to be going downhill at a certain point. “I suffered 20 years from heavy back pain,’’ he said. “There wasn’t really anything that fixed it because you had to keep working. I loved to work. The alternative would be to be hurting and
depressed at the same time because you couldn’t work.’’ Bossi discovered soccer and a positive attitude pulled him through difficult situations. “I’m not unique,’’ he said. “This is the capability of many people who say, ‘no, I won’t accept being down and out.’’’ Bossi only took up soccer seven years ago, but has been going full steam ahead ever since. There are opportunities for him to play several times a
week indoors and outdoors — depending on the season — and he takes full advantage. Bossi went to the B.C. Seniors Games in Richmond in 2009 and Castlegar in 2010 with a Victoria group. Even though it took a long time to put his soccer skills into practice, it’s always been a passion. Bossi grew up in Switzerland and his mother came from Italian descent. story continued on page 12
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Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
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continued from page 10 He spent more than 20 years in Manitoba before coming to the valley in 1991. At age 60, “I had bought a pair of soccer shoes at Sports Traders,’’ Bossi said. “Two years they sat in the cupboard.’’ He finally pulled them out and got going. “I never looked back,’’ Bossi said. “For health and quality of life, it’s hard to beat.’’ He went to Lacey, Washington last year with the Vancouver Island Golden Eagles 65-plus team that included Terry Whitney and Tommy Johansen from Cowichan for an international tournament. The rest of the players were from Campbell River, Nanaimo and Victoria and the team won the championship. The schedule consisted of five 90-minute games in five days and the Golden Oldies beat teams from Tokyo, Japan as well as Seattle, California and Oregon. A 4-1 victory over the Japanese team left a lasting impression on Bossi. “When you think about it and put it into perspective, they’ve got 75 million people,’’ he said. “They looked formidable. “I was going to turn back and go home. I’m sort of big; I’m 240 (pounds). There would be like three of them hanging from me like grapes.’’ The results of the U.S. National/International Cup in the 65 and older category not only landed Bossi and his teammates a gold medal but $25. “I am now a paid soccer player,’’ he joked. “We glory in the achievement of our young people and so we should,’’ Bossi added. “They dominate the media. “I think, however, that doing what we do at our age is not only precious but also inspiring to others.’’ Bossi plays in Ladysmith and Victoria, friendship games with the Cowichan Classics Over 50s and Masters Over 40s plus Juan de Fuca drop-in and Over 60s in Victoria. Training for a trip with a Cowichan group that left for Costa Rica on Feb. 25 was his latest goal. And the same international tournament, being held in Bellingham, Washington is on Bossi’s agenda with the 65-plus group this summer. Whenever Bossi reflects on some of his health concerns of the past, he’s glad it’s all behind him. “There are a lot of people that draw attention to their aches and pains,’’ he said. “Probably my reflexes are faster than they were in my 30s and 40s.’’ 12 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
Max Bossi gets his kicks from playing soccer with many different teams in many different situations and tournaments, including the 2011 B.C. Seniors Games in Castlegar and 2009 games in Richmond. photo: Don Bodger
get your kicks The B.C. Seniors Games is a great way for those 55 and older to work toward a goal in a chosen sport or activity. The 2012 edition of the games is being held in Burnaby from Aug. 21 to 25. Subsequent hosts are Kamloops for 2013 and Langley for 2014. There’s keen competition available in sports such as soccer, swimming, tennis and ice hockey but also activities such as cribbage, bridge, darts — even one-act plays — for those who aren’t as athletically inclined. Either way, it’s a great way to meet new people and have fun. Complete information is available at www.bcseniorsgames.org.
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
the 65-year-old question
65
Cowichan boomers and seniors voice support, concerns about potential pension eligibility changes by Ann Andersen
Old age security at 67 instead of 65? Cowichan’s reaction ranges from nonchalance to fear, and from acceptance to denial and even anger. Everyone has an opinion. Speculation and discussion the Conservative government will push back the qualifying age for OAS to 67 from 65 has locals talking. As people are living longer, it’s really stretching the (pension) system, says senior Catherine Leger who lives in Duncan’s Wedgwood House. “The money has to be spread among an increasing number of people.” Muriel Toombs, 89, thinks it would be unfair on younger people, as they compete for jobs with seniors who’ll be forced to work past Canada’s traditional retirement age of 65. “There’s so much debt among younger people now,” she muses. “They will probably have to work longer to pay their debts.” She, Leger and Wedgwood manager Linda Fonck all agree on one point: for the most part the generation now in their 70s and 80s didn’t buy items they didn’t have the money for and didn’t go into debt if they could avoid it. A recent Ipsos Reid survey for Sun Life Financial seems to agree that people will work longer: less than onethird of Canadians expect to be fully retired at 66. The survey also confirmed that some people believe they’ll have to work longer so they’ll be able to pay for basic living expenses and deal with their debts. “We will need the income whether we are still working part time or not,” Kate Schneider, 52, says of herself and husband Dean, the parents of three children aged 18, 14 and 11.
“We had children late in life, and it is very difficult to save when raising children and giving them opportunities for sport and education let alone good nutrition,” Schneider says. “People are living longer, but kids don’t leave home at 18 either. “I’m not sure that full retirement for me will ever be an option,” she says. “It feels as though yet another contract is being broken between the people of this nation and the government who continue to erode what was once an adequate social safety net.”
or “It’s a blip on the radar and the Conservatives are using it to frighten younger people into supporting it by saying it’s not sustainable.”
eliminated when a pensioner’s net income is $112,772 or above. Crowder has been quick to point out that decreasing income for seniors raises the spectre of increased poverty for some seniors and reduction in employment for boomers. “There’ll be a very significant increase in poverty for persons aged 65 to 67 unless they’re able to find an alternative source of income,” Crowder said in Ottawa’s House of Commons last month. “This is not an immediate problem and obviously not going to affect anyone for about 10 years,” said accountant Woody Hayes of Duncan’s Hayes Stewart Little & Co. In Crofton, Patsy Irving recalls that it wasn’t too long ago that people nearing senior age were asking for the mandatory retirement age to be moved to 67 or deleted altogether. “The people who are fast approaching OAS are of a generation that for the most part has enjoyed relative prosperity and long term employment and have therefore steadily contributed to OAS 30 to 40 years or more,” she said. “I have worked my life with the expectation that I would be able to claim OAS at 65,” says Mary-Lynne Weberg, 54. “The thought of delaying OAS to 67 fills me with fear and anger. “Before they play with OAS they need to make amendments to the MP pension plan. That would be fair.” Fifty-two year old Patty McNamara agrees and says the fact that people are living longer shouldn’t be used against them. “For people like me who won’t have other pensions to rely on, this move is life-altering. I can’t imagine getting to 65 in a workforce that doesn’t value older workers.” story continued on page 14
67?
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
Says Rhoda Taylor, 56: “OAS is primarily a transfer of people from provincial payments to federal payments, from welfare or disability to OAS.” Raising the age qualification would simply download payments — now made to people between the ages of 65 and 67 by the federal OAS — back to the provinces, says Nanaimo-Cowichan MP Jean Crowder. For every person on welfare or disability, the province would have to fork out another two years’ payment. Taylor has another solution: decrease the dollar eligibility level, but don’t change the starting age. She is talking about the clawback level for receiving OAS. Pensioners with an individual net income above $69,562 must repay all or part of the maximum OAS pension amount. The whole OAS pension is
Cowichan Good Life Magazine 13
continued from page 13 “The effects of this change on women who are married to older men are that we will have two fewer golden years together to enjoy the fruits of our labour and our grandkids.” McNamara says the “grey tsunami” is not going to go on forever. “It’s blip on the radar and the Conservatives are using it to frighten younger people into supporting it by saying it’s not sustainable.” Doyle Childs, 50, says he’s fine with the age being raised as people’s lifespans are longer. “If people are expecting to collect OAS for 20 years or more, the government needs to do something about it,” he said. “If we think of 60 being the new 50, people healthier than they used to be and lasting longer, it’s not inappropriate to extend the time before people become eligible for the old age security net,” says Hayes. According to Hayes, with the baby boomers now entering the arena,
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Canadians have to look at what’s affordable and what taxpayers can afford. “I don’t believe the change (of eligibility) from 65 to 67 is an attack on seniors. It’s a very narrow window,” he explained. “If people are in dire straits there will be a safety net for them.” Crowder meanwhile stressed that when you’re talking about income seniors receive, you’re talking about their health and well-being as well. “Therefore, that’s why it’s really important that we not delay income for seniors by two years, as the trial balloon that was floated by the Prime Minister would,” she said. Crowder told the House seniors who are just getting old age security and GIS are already living below the low-income cutoff. “If they start pushing those numbers up, what are those seniors between the ages of 65 and 67 going to do? These are seniors who qualify and many of them are at the low end,” she said.
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Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
your piece of the pie... The Old Age Security pension is a monthly payment available to most Canadians aged 65 or older. You must apply to receive benefits. If you meet the eligibility requirements explained below, you may be entitled to receive OAS even if you are still working or have never worked. Eligibility is determined by three factors: your age, your legal status, and the number of years you have lived in Canada. For people living in Canada, you must be 65 years of age or older. You must live in Canada and be a Canadian citizen or a legal resident at the time your pension application is approved. You must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18. You should apply for the OAS pension six months before you turn 65, or when you receive an Old Age Security Application form. Normally, you must apply on your own behalf. To get an application kit, you can pick one up at a Service Canada Centre near you, or you can print one from servicecanada.gc.ca OAS is like a large “pie” that is divided into 40 equal portions. If you qualify for the “full pension,” you are entitled to receive all 40 portions of the pie each month. If you qualify for a “partial pension”, you will receive some, but not all, of the 40 portions each month. Whether you qualify for a full or partial pension will depend on how long you’ve lived in Canada after the age of 18.
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helping your elderly hoarder Do you know a senior who has a problem with hoarding? You’re not alone by Krista Siefken One person’s trash may be another’s treasure, but when stuff starts to accumulate in countless piles around someone’s house, it becomes little more than a trove of health and safety hazards. “It’s not a laziness issue, it’s a mental wellness issue,” says Cowichan seniors advocate Jacquie Smith. “There are some really good reasons people hoard, and very good reasons why we need to work through some of those issues — because it’s more than an issue. It’s a huge problem.” While executive director at the Seniors Resource and Support Society, Smith saw many cases of hoarding. Landlords would call the office, reluctant to evict a senior but ordered to have an over-stuffed apartment cleared due to the resulting fire hazard. Families would come in and dismiss 16 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
a 25-year-old collection as crap as the senior hoarder listened in shock and horror. “We’ve gone in on a case-by-case basis to assist a senior, but it’s not been anything close to what it looks like on the (hoarding) television shows,” Smith said. “Hoarding comes in probably five different levels, but our teams only go as far as a level two, where someone feels incapacitated but generally doesn’t have a lifetime of hoarding behind them. Anything beyond that is a health hazard for our senior volunteers — and we don’t have many of them because it is hard work.” Smith explained a past trauma or tragedy has frequently been the catalyst for hoarding behaviour. Another contributor among elderly hoarders is a common history of going without, and subconsciously stockpiling because of that. “It’s been noted that it’s generational, but it can also be learned behaviour,” Smith said. And, she stressed, there is help available. “Certainly talk to the senior outreach team. Seek counselling. Talk to Cowichan Family Life,” she advised. Dr. Crosbie Watler, chief of psychiatry at Cowichan District Hospital, says hoarding is not currently recognized as a discrete psychiatric disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
of Mental Disorders, but there is proposed criteria for “Hoarding Disorder” (see sidebar). “The treatment focus would be to identify and treat the primary underlying condition,” Watler explained, noting hoarding is not restricted to the senior population. “I see this profile only rarely in my practice, and only when they come to attention due to safety or broader mental health concerns,” Watler added. “At this junction, hoarding has usually been present for some time and there is commonly an underlying independent psychiatric or cognitive disorder. Among seniors, hoarding is commonly associated with cognitive decline/dementia, but not invariably so.” The first step for families, Watler said, is to obtain a complete medical/psychiatric evaluation. “This will clarify the presence of an underlying psychiatric/cognitive disorder,” he said. “Hoarding is much like a fever — it is commonly a symptom of another primary condition. The focus should be on identifying and treating the underlying condition, while addressing the immediate safety and public health concerns given the person’s physical environment.” Smith, meanwhile, had some suggestions for families broaching the topic with an elderly hoarder. story continued on page 18 Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
A case of
positive hoarding Of course, not all cases of “hoarding” are necessarily negative. Just look at Longevity John Falkner. The man behind the Duncan Garage Showroom has a farreaching reputation for his collection of unique items. Falkner says he’s been collecting cool stuff since the age of six, when he bought an old desk with 10,000 pennies and started stashing neat things inside of it. “Since then, I’ve been finding things — never brandnew things,” he says, calling himself a curator. During cross-country journeys, Falkner would stop at second-hand stores and garage sales to pick over other people’s junk. “I look for stories,” he explains. “And if it hasn’t got a story, I make one up.” The fruits of Falkner’s findings are on display at the Showroom, where everything from a mechanical eggflipper and a silent wind-chime to 97 different nickelplated, brass duck banks can be found. “It’s like winning the lottery every day,” Falkner said of cool finds. “That’s the fun of collecting. I don’t hoard as much as I search.”
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
Duncan music promoter Longevity John Falkner has been collecting oddities since he was a child photo: Andrew Leong
Cowichan Good Life Magazine 17
continued from page 16 “Certainly language is very important because the things they’ve hoarded have been important to them,” she said. “Do be aware the person knows it’s a lot of stuff. Do be aware they know it looks like a mess. Do be aware they probably don’t want to live like that, either. They’re just caught in a cycle.”
Very often, Smith added, bringing in grandchildren to assist in handling the hoard can help. “Children of hoarders are often very embarrassed, or they don’t have patience with their parent — and, to be honest, a lot of parents don’t have patience with their kids, either,” she said. “But putting it a generation apart, it can even be a summer project for the
grand kids. They can bring in a camera, take pictures of the items, and write the stories.” Families can also stress the importance of helping the community — donating furniture for young families, clothes to the homeless, games to the hospital, antiques to museums. “Take them through it step by step. Don’t be condescending. Never devalue
what’s there, even an old piece of paper — it had value at one time,” Smith said. “Hoarding is a bigger problem than people think, and I would suggest it’s going to get bigger if we don’t do something about it. “And if you don’t think it’s your problem, that this is just a seniors’ issue, well, you’re either a senior or a senior-in-training.”
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A. Persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of the value others may attribute to these possessions. B. This difficulty is due to strong urges to save items and/ or distress associated with discarding. C. The symptoms result in the accumulation of a large number of possessions that fill up and clutter active living areas of the home or workplace to the extent that their intended use is no longer possible. If all living areas are uncluttered, it is only because of the interventions of third parties (family members, cleaners, authorities). D. The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. E. The hoarding symptoms are not due to a general medical condition (brain injury, etc). F. The hoarding symptoms are not restricted to the symptoms of another mental disorder (eg. hoarding due to obsessions in obsessivecompulsive disorder, etc). Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
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it’s the dirt
that matters
10
things you didn’t know about Cowichan’s wine industry by Peter W. Rusland
Everybody in Cowichan knows that our wine industry has exploded in the past 20 years to become one of our signature attractions. And virtually every local culture lover has their favourite anecdote about Cowichan’s grape success, or better yet, their favourite vintage. But for those who haven’t been here since day one, there are a few things that may have been overlooked or taken for granted in the hype. Here are 10 things you may not have known about Cowichan’s wine industry: story continued on page 23 20 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
Cowichan Good Life Magazine 21
it’s the dirt
that matters
10
things you didn’t know about Cowichan’s wine industry by Peter W. Rusland
Everybody in Cowichan knows that our wine industry has exploded in the past 20 years to become one of our signature attractions. And virtually every local culture lover has their favourite anecdote about Cowichan’s grape success, or better yet, their favourite vintage. But for those who haven’t been here since day one, there are a few things that may have been overlooked or taken for granted in the hype. Here are 10 things you may not have known about Cowichan’s wine industry: story continued on page 23 20 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
Cowichan Good Life Magazine 21
22 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
continued from page 21 1. Cowichan’s oldest winery is Zanatta Vineyards. Dennis Zanatta arrived in 1958 and quickly planted vines to make wine for himself. In the 1980s the B.C. government funded a one-acre pilot project where he experimented with a number of vines. The results inspired Zanatta to establish his winery in 1989 and release his first vintage in 1992. 2. There are currently 15 wineries in the valley plus Merridale Ciderworks. Many local wineries, bistros and chefs participate in the annual Cowichan Wine & Culinary Festival. 3. Beside a barrel of different grapes grown in Cowichan’s various micro-climates, award-winning blackberry wines are made at Cherry Point Vineyards and Rocky Creek Winery. “Enough wild blackberries are bought from the locals to make 11,000 bottles of dessert wine,” said Cherry Point co-owner Xavier Bonilla who, with wife Maria Clara, bought Cherry Point from Cowichan Tribes in 2009. “Cherry Point started the blackberry tradition in Cowichan,” Bonilla said of his 21-acre winery producing some 4,000 cases of product annually. 4. The largest volume of wine annually produced in Cowichan is some 7,000 cases from 30 acres planted by Averill Creek Vineyards on Mount Prevost, according to owner Andy Johnston. 5. Cowichan’s cool-climate geography, not its sunshine, helps us yield some excellent grapes. “We make some of the best pinot noirs in Canada, and Averill Creek has been invited to be a feature winery at the International Pinot Noir Conference in Oregon,” said Johnston. “We have enough heat units for the cool-climate varieties like
ortega, and baccus — Germanic varieties do well on the island. “But you can’t grow cabernet sauvignon, auxerois, or any grape that needs lots of sunshine.” Bonilla agreed. “There’s a big misconception that sunshine makes good wine,” he said, noting Costa Rica and the Amazon aren’t big wine regions. “Dry air makes good wine. The Cowichan Valley is very humid all year, but in the summer we have four months of dry air and that’s what makes our wine very unique — it’s The Warm Land but dry.” story continued on page 24
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continued from page 23 6. Valley grapes don’t make wine, Cowichan’s soil does, noted Bonilla, adding top wines are blends of varieties. “It’s the earth that makes the wine, and that puts you in a different boat. “People think single grape varieties are more elegant. No — that only works for whiskey, like single-malt scotch. “The best wines in the world are blends,” he said of Cherry Point’s 12odd different grapes — including the rare Austrian grape called zwiegelt — used to make some nine wines a year. “We taste weaknesses and strengths of each grape and every year is different. Even in bad years we can make beautiful wine because we have a little of this and a little of that. “Our wines are never really the same each year.” 7. Pests raiding Cowichan’s vines could eat every grape if precautions weren’t taken. “We probably have the most netting because we have the biggest vineyard,” said overhead-net fan Johnston. “I don’t like side netting because you
still lose 25 per cent of your fruit.” Winged culprits are robins, starlings and flickers. “You’d lose 100 per cent of your crop without netting — cannons don’t work.” Bears and raccoons are also vineyard freeloaders. “We do our best to patrol the vineyard
grape times Cowichan’s 15 wineries include Zanatta, Averill Creek, Blue Grouse, Venturi-Schultze, Alderlea, Godfrey-Brownell, Glenterra, Unsworth, Silverside, Rocky Creek, Cherry Point, Demali, Deoll, Enrico, 22 Oaks, plus Merridale Ciderworks.
and scare bears away,” said Johnston. “Racoons will also do major damage, but you can trap them.” 8. Merridale Ciderworks was B.C.’s first estate cidery. It features prominently in Cowichan’s winefest and
other foodie events. The island’s only other cidery is Saanich Peninsula’s Sea Cider, said Merridale co-owner Janet Docherty. Merridale, near Shawnigan Lake, comprises about 20 acres holding some 3,500 cider apple trees yielding seven types of cider. 9. Cowichan’s only vodka, called Frizz, comes from Merridale. Frizz is just being released. “It’s made from five different types of fruit, each fermented separately, distilled separately twice, then blended and carbonated,” Docherty said. “But it’s not sweet; it’s a vodka.” 10. The island’s only brandy — called Cowichan Brandy — is also made at Merridale, as are its other unique liquors. “Our brandy hasn’t been released — it’s still in barrels,” Docherty said of her calvados-style brandy made from cider, not eating, apples. Merridale’s distilled apple and blackberry Oh! de vie is twinned by its Pomme Oh!, and Mure Oh! Both are “fruitified products that are a combination of fermentation and distillation,” Docherty said.
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bone health Erin Whiteford demonstrates how the Bone Mineral Densitometry examination works to Jen Kaye at Cowichan District Hospital. photo: Andrew Leong
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New equipment at Cowichan hospital helping locals detect and treat osteoporosis by Don Bodger Incidents of osteoporosis are being detected far more readily since the introduction of a new service at Cowichan District Hospital. Valley residents have taken full advantage of the convenience of Bone Mineral Densitometry examinations available at the hospital for diagnosing the disease since February 2010. They might not have otherwise traveled outside the region for testing and diagnosis of the disease that affects bone mass and tissue. And they may not have had the appropriate remedies taken Initial contributions of $150,000 from the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation and the Ministry of Health through the Vancouver Island Health Authority for $115,000 in renovations, installation costs and staff training made the service start-up possible. Testing to measure BMD is called Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry. The non-invasive procedure only takes a few minutes to complete on an outpatient basis. A very low-dose X-Ray uses far less radiation than a standard chest X-Ray and takes measurements at the spine, hip and forearm. “DEXA is considered the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis and also for monitoring the effects of osteoporosis therapy,’’ noted CDH’s Medical Imaging Manager Carol Petrie after the service was introduced. The service was previously only available to valley residents by going to either Nanaimo, Campbell River or Victoria. Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
Low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue are the main characterics of osteoporosis disease. Increased bone fragility can lead to the risk of broken bones, particularly the hip, spine and wrist. Bone loss often occurs without symptoms. Because of the similar names, osteoporosis is frequently confused with osteoarthritis, a disease of the joints and surrounding tissue. Treating osteoporosis and fractures caused by it comes at a huge cost, estimated at $1.9 billion each year in Canada. The majority of the costs are incurred from long term, hospital and chronic care. It’s estimated at least one in three women and one in five men will suffer fractures resulting from osteoporosis in their lifetimes. Disfigurement, decreased self esteem, reduction or loss of mobility and limited independence are some of the quality of life factors that result from osteoporosis. — source: osteoporosis.ca.
The numbers show it’s been a great addition to the community for the detection of osteoporosis. It has now been two years since access to the BMD started for valley residents. A total of 1,772 patients have been tested. “That is a lot of people who were able to have screening done in their own community,’’ noted Anya Nimmon of VIHA communications for the Central Island. “Bookings for the test come through physician referral and must meet Medical Service Plan criteria which is currently that the test would not have to be repeated for three years.’’ Osteoporosis does not develop overnight. Bone mass can be lost steadily without a person experiencing any
symptoms or signs of the disease until a fracture occurs. For that reason, early detection of bone loss is critical in the prevention of fractures. Once a fracture occurs, osteoporosis is already advanced. BMD tests are recommended for all men and women 65 years and older. For postmenopausal women and men 50 to 64, risk factors include: fragility fracture after age 40, a parental hip fracture, low bone mass identified on X-Ray, high alcohol intake, smoking, low body weight, weight loss greater than 10 per cent since age 25, high risk medication use and rheumatoid arthritis. Men and women younger than 50 with a disease or condition associated with low bone mass or bone loss are also at risk. Cowichan Good Life Magazine 27
never too old to
sing Cowichan’s annual music festival isn’t limited to the young as boomers and seniors hit the stage to tout their talent by Peter W. Rusland Young performers may be the mainstay of the venerable Cowichan Music Festival. But some of those 4,000some thespians — spanning dancers, vocalists, pianists, choirs, instrumentalists and speech artists — range in age from baby boomers to seniors. Leslie Sjoberg, head of the CMF in its 63rd year, applauded current adult performers and support from past competitors. “They’re all just marvelous,” Sjoberg said, as she prepared for the March 7 Highlights Concert at the Cowichan Theatre. “Most of them that aren’t performing are great supporters.” One perennial booster is Jean Davis. Now involved with CMF speech arts and more, Davis found herself on the festival’s stage as an adult performer in the ‘70s doing what she now calls her 28 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
“party piece” from which she sometimes quotes during private functions. “I just thought I’d give it a try,” she said of the piece called Castles In The Air based on the daydreams of a scullery maid. In about 1981, Davies and pal Peg Smith did a duologue scene from Separate Tables. Davies’ dad, Gwilym Morris, was the unsuspecting adjudicator of the two-hander. “He had no idea he’d be adjudicating our duologue.” Davis cheered other mature players, such as Dr. Graham Brockley who sung Bring Him Home from Les Misérables in CMF 2011, and Music Of The Night from Phantom Of The Opera during this year’s competitions. Tenor and local actor Denny Beaveridge, 76, last competed in the festival about a dozen years ago, but had fond memories of his stage experience. “I went in the festival regularly. It’s good exposure and a chance to perform serious
Maureen Gallacher sings Bel Piacere by Handel during 63rd-annual Cowichan Music Festival at the Duncan United Church on Feb. 13. photo: Andrew Leong
music. “There’s always a chance to play around with pop music, plus opera and operetta,” said Beaveridge, who participated during his vocal studies. “The festival can be very beneficial, particularly for those studying voice — you get to hear adjudication of yourself and others. “Adjudication is a very valuable thing to give you focus on things you’re doing wrong, or doing right as a confidence booster.” Lyric soprano Maureen Gallacher agreed. “It’s a very forgiving audience, and the adjudicator is usually very encouraging,” the local senior said after singing four times in CMF ‘12. “It just about killed me — it’s hard work,” she said of preparing for the festival, then appearing in it. “It’s very scary standing up there all alone with an adjudicator poised with a pencil, and an accompanist waiting. “The accompanist goes on whether you make a mis-
take not.” Still, Gallacher praised her supportive teacher, Meredythe Broadway. “I’ve been to a lot of festivals and always think I’m getting too old, but I get lots of encouragement from people running the festival, and from Meredythe.” The festival hooks some performers, hinted Gallacher, a 10-year CMF veteran. “The more you do it, the more is expected of you. “This year did a Handel Italian piece, a Canadian piece, an old Scottish classical-folk song, and an English art song.” The payoff is self-satisfaction. Singing gives me a lot of joy,” said Gallacher who hoped young performers share that thrill. “The festival lets the young people see what they can do, and adjudicators say it’s great older folks do go on. “The festival’s a whole package — you’ve got to be prepared, and hope you don’t muff the whole thing up.” Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
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Baby boomers embracing the oncetaboo concept of turning their bodies into a temple of art
Linda Baldwin, who sports a rainforest on her left arm, says tattoos are no longer associated with the coarser things in life. photo: Andrew Leong
tattoo
you
30 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
Duncan Lions
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We are looking for you! Be a Lion! by Krista Siefken Linda Baldwin has a bumper sticker that really sums up the new attitude on body art. “Tattoos — not just for sailors and whores anymore.” And that’s a growing consensus — even among the 50s-and-older crowd. In fact, more and more baby boomers are viewing their bodies as an art canvas. They’re ready and willing to try a bold new hair colour or style — think a purple streak, or a daring cut — or finally get that tattoo they’ve always wanted. “It’s definitely changing,” says Richard Hickey, owner and tattoo artist at Primal Urge Body Art. “There’s been a shift in people’s attitudes toward ink. What I’m hearing is that it was, at one time, taboo. Only ‘trashy women,’ sailors and gang members got tattoos.” But now, it’s an accepted art form. “Some of the most amazing artists are doing ink,” says Hickey. “It’s bringing it to the forefront of society. Instead of trashy, it’s moving, modern art.” It helps that the science behind tattoos has evolved. Inks are brighter, more vivid and last longer than ever before (which means less worrying about what it’ll look like when skin starts — or has already started — to wrinkle). “Now I’m inking baby boomers who’re saying, ‘Secretly, I’ve always wanted one,’ — and now it’s acceptable,” says Hickey. story continued on page 32
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For more information about Cowichan Valley Hospice services, to volunteer or to make a donation please contact us at 250-701-4242 or 1-888-701-4242 or visit our website at: www.cowichanvalleyhospice.org or drop in at 3122 Gibbins Road, Duncan, V9L 6M7 Cowichan Valley Hospice Caring for Cowichan families through advancing illness and grief, since 1981 Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
Cowichan Good Life Magazine 31
continued from page 31 He’s even tattooed a pair of seniors — somewhere between 85 and 90 years old — with a couple of tarantulas. “It was totally killer,” Hickey remembers with a grin. Another man embraced his balding hair by having Hickey ink a lawnmower on his head. “If you’ve always wanted one, there’s a reason why, and if it’s important to you, remember: it’s your body, it’s your temple, so if you want it, get it,” he says. “There’s no limitation now. The sky is the limit. The only thing that can stop it is your own imagination.” Baldwin’s imagination has gained her
an entire rainforest, all from the comfort of her left arm. The 52-year-old has eight tattoos including the colourful sleeve. “We’re more into freedom of expression now,” she says. “Tattoos are no longer associated with the coarser side of life. It’s a medium to express yourself, express your individuality. They can symbolize something close to your heart, and society is more open about it — it’s not nearly as judgmental.” And nothing in five decades has made Baldwin reconsider her stance. “I’ve never, for even one moment, regretted any of my tattoos.” Hickey also credits a modern global
society with helping spread ideas and trends for boomers’ more youthful approach to appearances. Paris McIvor at the Paris Styling Group salon on Station Street is a baby boomer herself, and agrees modern media makes it easier for people — of all ages — to embrace new trends. “People are seeing that women our age can look absolutely incredible, and it’s not that we’re trying to necessarily look younger, but we’re young-at-heart and portraying that,” she says. “We’ve realized we have so much more to offer, and we want to keep ourselves young-at-heart, and healthy and beautiful.”
ACT NOW! Leslie Peterson, M.A., Aud (C), RAUD
Registered Audiologist
Hospital Auxiliaries Thrift Store (HATS)
www.acthearing.ca 32 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
79 Station St., Duncan BC Telephone: 250-597-1428 Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturdays 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Donations of gently used items are always appreciated. The main goal of the store is to purchase equipment for patient care & comfort. Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
Cowichan Seniors Resource Directory The Cowichan News Leader Pictorial would like to thank and acknowledge the efforts of the Cowichan Seniors Community Foundation and its volunteers for compiling this resource directory. It has been edited for space limitations by the Cowichan News Leader Pictorial and in no way is meant to be considered comprehensive. Content inquiries should be sent to: publisher@cowichannewsleader.com A more comprehensive directory is available at: www.cowichanseniors.ca
Pam’s Part-time Passion Pam Phone: 250-748-3116
Home Support – Private About Time Homecare & Nursing Services Jennifer Lally, Manager 3297 Renita Ridge Rd. Duncan, BC Phone: 250-748-0513 Angel Helping Hands Homecare & Companionship #6-1040 Trunk Rd., Duncan Phone: 250-746-9946
Aboriginal Health
Compassionate Care
Ts’ewulten Health Centre 5768 Allenby Rd., Duncan Phone: 250-746-6184
Compassionate Connections Lorraine Demers Phone: 250-748-1317
Adult Day Programs
Crisis Line Support
Chemainus Health Care Centre Adult Day Program Phone: 250-246-3291
Vancouver Island Crisis Line 1–888–494–3888 Emotional support and access to Island-wide community resources. The crisis line operates 24/7/365.
In Good Hands Home Care Sharon Klewchuk, Walt Deelman Phone; 250-701-3936
Grandparents Support
Northgate Support Services Laila Pera, Owner, CSA Phone: 250-743-8288
Providence Farm Gloria Bond, SAGC Program Coordinator 1843 Tzouhalem Rd., Duncan Phone: 250-746-9668 Waldon House Day Program 2041 Tzouhalem Rd., Duncan use entrace off Maple Bay Rd. Phone: 250-737-2037
Community Policing Cowichan Community Policing Advisory Society Suzanne Jensen, President, 2009/10 6060 Canada Ave., Duncan Phone: c/o 250-701-9146 Duncan Community Policing Office Carol-Ann Rolls, Volunteer Prog. & Services 3-149 Canada Ave. Duncan Phone: 250-701-9145 Chemainus Community Policing Office 9847 Willow St. Chemainus, BC Phone: 250-246-4382 Cowichan Bay Community Policing Office 1721 E Cowichan Bay Rd., Cowichan Bay Phone: 250-701-1961 Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
Parent Support Services Society of BC Sandi Halvorsen, Program Coordinator Phone: 1-877-345-9777
Home Adaptations & Repairs Ease-Ability Renovations & Construction Ltd. Dan Nugent Phone: 250-743-1955 Handy Mum Home Improvements & Garden Services Dominique Daviau 970 Shawnigan Mill Bay Rd. Phone: 250-510-3552
Home Garden & Yard Care The Barwicks Keith and Katherine Barwick Phone: 250–743–3363 Lush Eco Lawns John Close 3054 Biscay Rd. Duncan, BC Phone: 250-597-0408
Harmony Health Care Ltd. John McAlorum, RN, Dir. of Operations Unit 2A–2753 Charlotte Rd. Duncan, Phone: 250-701-9990
Nurse Next Door Home Healthcare Chris Wilkinson, Director Phone: 250-748-4357 Pacific Live-in Caregivers Robin Smith, Owner Box 1771, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1B3 Phone: 250-616-2346 We Care Home Health Services 205-149 Ingram St. Duncan, BC Phone: 250-746-9224
Home Support – Vancouver Island Health Authority Duncan Home and Community Care 121 Ingram St. Duncan Phone: 250-737-2004
Housing – Non-Profit, Low Cost Abbeyfield Houses Society of Duncan Kathleen Skovgaard 5905 Indian Rd. Duncan Phone: 250-597-0677
Duncan Housing Society Manager 280 First St. Duncan, BC Phone: 250-748-0521 Duncan Kiwanis Village Society 355 Day Rd. Duncan Phone: 250-748-4135 King George Seniors Affordable Housing Society Marg Belvesy Phone: 250- 749-0190 Ladysmith Senior Housing Society Ted Walker 250- 245-7916
Housing – Private Acacia Ty Mawr Joan Taylor 2655 Shawnigan Lake Rd. Phone: 250-743-2124 ext 106 Alpenrose Laura & Bill Loftus 2267 Lochsyde Drive, Duncan Phone: 250-748-3803 Deertrail Cottage Inc. Laurie Gillis, Owner/Manager 1711 Escarpment Way Duncan Phone: 250-746-9641 Dovehill House Marguerite Moskalyk 3292 Ash Rd Chemainus Phone: 250-416-0332 Golden Acres Care Donna van der vlugt, Owner/ Operator Phone: 250-749-4367 Heritage Manor Care Home Tanya Mosure, Owner 1051 College St. Duncan, Phone: 250-748-3488 Lynn’s Senior Care Lynn Scott, RCA 5085 Jones Rd. Ladysmith Phone: 250-245-3391 Nana’s Guest House Sandy Baker, Owner 57 Park Rd., Lake Cowichan BC V0R 2G0 Phone: 250–749–3326
Cowichan Good Life Magazine 33
Cowichan Seniors Resource Directory Housing – Private Pioneer House Bed & Breakfast Alberta Schneider, Owner 6470 Burnett Place, Duncan BC V9L 5R7 Phone: 250–746–8280 Sherwood House Audrey Norman, Manager 280 Government St. Duncan Phone: 250-710-8882
Housing – Private Wedgwood House Linda Fonck, Manager 256 Government St. Duncan Phone: 250-746-9808 Villa del Sol Carol Reid, RN 647 Frayne Rd. Mill Bay Phone: 250-743-7061
International Health Care International Health Care Providers T. Rand Collins, PhD, MD Phone: 250-732-6603
Meals and Nutrition Gloria’s Food Service Gloria Ramsey Phone: 250-748-9216 Meals on Wheels c/o Cowichan Home Support 20-127 Ingram St. Duncan Phone: 250-737-2004
Mental Health Support Duncan Mental Health and Seniors Cindy Patrick 3088 Gibbins Rd. Duncan Phone: 250-709-3040
Moving & Downsizing Duncan Moving & Storage Joyce Bennett 2-2913 Allenby Rd, Duncan 250-746-5103 Every Detail Jane Sheppard 2093 Calais Rd. Duncan Phone: 250-748-3626 34 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
Moving Made Easy Donna Walker Phone: 250-701-1886
Non Profit Societies – Senior Services Cowichan Family Caregivers Support Society Ranjana Basu, Coordinator Shawnigan Lake Phone: 250-743-7621 Cowichan Intercultural Society Deborah Connor, Executive Director 205-394 Duncan St. Duncan Phone: 250-748-3112 Cowichan Valley Hospice Society Shelley Kuecks, Client Intake Coordinator 3122 Gibbins Rd. Duncan Phone: 250-701-4242 Toll-free 1-888-701-4242 Senior Resource and Support Society Jacquie Smith-Executive Director 1 Kenneth Place Duncan Phone: 250-748-2133 St. John Ambulance Lori McNeil, Branch Manager 205-169 Craig St. Duncan Phone: 250-746-4058 Volunteer Cowichan 1 Kenneth Place Duncan Phone: 250-748-2133
Seniors Groups Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre Society Frank Gibbins, President 9824 Willow Street, Chemainus Phone: 250-246-2111 Crofton Seniors Society Pat McMicken, President 1507 Joan Street, Crofton Phone: 250-246-2455 Elder College Jennifer Carmichael, Recreation Programmer 2687 James Street, Duncan Phone: 250-746-0414 or 250-748-7529 to register Ladysmith Seniors Centre Society Cora Maier, President Phone: 250-245-8885
Lake Cowichan Seniors Centre Greg McCallum, President 55 Coronation Street, Lake Cowichan Phone: 250-749-6121 South End Seniors Stuart Calder, President Kerry Park Rec. Centre 1035 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd. Valley Seniors Organization of Duncan George Capella, President 198 Government Street, Duncan Phone: 250-746-4433
Service BC and Service Canada Service BC Programs Byron Johnston 5785 Duncan St. Duncan, BC Phone: 250-746-1226 Service Canada Centre Linda Granger 211 Jubilee St. Duncan Phone: 1-800-622-6232
Service Clubs Arbutus Travel Club c/o Corry Salmen Phone: 250-701-0965 Chemainus Masonic Lodge #114 Pat Fyffe, Secretary 3052 Hawthorne St., Chemainus Phone: 250-246-3579 Cowichan Toastmaster’s Club #950 Zoe Nash, Public Relations Phone: 250-732-3915 Duncan Kiwanis Club Ron Colter 355 Day Rd., Duncan Phone: 748-4135 Duncan Lion’s Club P.O. Box 52, Duncan, BC V9L 3X1 Duncan Masonic Lodge #33 Bob Crawford, Secretary 5700 Menzies Rd., Duncan Phone: 250-748-1028 Elks Club of Duncan Sylvia Lucas, Bar Manager Albert Scholtens, Exalted Ruler Phone: 250-746-6812
Fraternal Order of Eagles, Chemainus-Crofton #4400 Merv Brown / Bill Yearly, Sec P.O. Box 45, Chemainus, BC V0R 1K0 Phone: 250-246-3401 Fraternal Order of Eagles, Duncan #2546 Tracy Norman, Secretary 2965 Jacob Road, Duncan Phone: 250-746-7100 Fraternal Order of Eagles, Ladysmith #2101 P.O. Box 640, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A5 Phone: 250-245-3183 Kinettes Club of Duncan Kelly Waywitka, Deputy Governor 5823 Brier Ave. Duncan Phone: 250-748-7208 Kinsmen Club of Duncan Jason Czettisch, Past President 5990 Indian Rd., Duncan Phone: 250-746-1940 Ladysmith Kinsmen Club Duck Patterson, Life Member P.O. Box 324, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A3 Phone: 250-245-2263 Ladysmith Masonic Lodge #21 Joel Chiri, Secretary P.O. Box 261, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A2 Phone: 250-245-4797 Lion’s Club of Duncan Housing Society P.O. Box 52, Duncan, BC V9L 3X1 Phone: 250-748-1044 Lion’s Club of Ladysmith Jim Masyk, Secretary P.O. Box 2293, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1B8 Phone: 250-245-4049 Mill Bay Masonic Lodge #107 Stuart Calder, Treasurer 2231 Benko Rd., Mill Bay Phone: 250-743-5339 Rotary Club, Chemainus Mike Beggs, President P.O. Box 297, Chemainus, BC V0R 1K0 Phone: 250-245-4549
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
Cowichan Seniors Resource Directory Service Clubs Rotary Club, Duncan Roger Hart, Secretary P.O. Box 473, Duncan, BC V9L 3X8 Phone: 250-715-3039 Rotary, Duncan Daybreak Alana Elliott, President Phone: 250-715-1481 Rotary Club, Ladysmith Michael Furlot, Secretary P.O. Box 875, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A6 Phone: 250-245-5771 or 250-2452052 Rotary Club, South Cowichan Shirley Walker P.O. Box 241, Cobble Hill, BC V0R 1L0 Phone: 250-743-6727 Royal Canadian Legion, Chemainus Branch #191 Beverly Olsen, Office Manager P.O. Box 423, Chemainus, BC V0R 1K0 Phone: 250-246-3133 Royal Canadian Legion, Cowichan Branch #53 Allan Waddy, President Kenneth St., Duncan, BC V9L 1N3 Phone: 250-746-5013 Royal Canadian Legion, Ladysmith Branch #171 Georgina Lorette, Secretary P.O. Box 219, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A2 Phone: 250-245-3031 or 250-2452273 Royal Canadian Legion, Lake Cowichan Branch #210 Sam Jones, Bar Manager P.O. Box 603, Lake Cowichan, BC V0R 2G0 Phone: 250-749-6041 Royal Canadian Legion, Shawnigan Lake Branch #134 1625 Shawnigan-MillBay Rd Phone: 250-743-4621 Women of the Moose P.O. Box 371, Duncan, BC V9L 3X5 Phone: 250-746-7382
Young Seniors Action Group Society Royal Canadian Legion, 1625 Shawnigan-MillBay Rd Phone: 250-743-5178 or 250-7438344
Support Societies, Disease Related
Therapy Dog Visits Therapy Dog Visitation Program, St. John Ambulance Judy Wood, Unit Facilitator Phone: 250-715-0949 Lynn James, Community Service Coordinator Phone: 250-246-2938
Alzheimer Society of BC Jane Hope Phone:1-800-462-2833
St. John Ambulance 205-169 Craig St. Duncan Phone: 250-746-4058
Canadian Cancer Society Maureen Hyde 100-394 Duncan St., Duncan Phone: 250-746-4134
Transportation
Canadian Red Cross Help Program Jack Faber 2-5855 York St., Duncan Phone: 250-748-2111 Cowichan Valley Arthritis Society Jan Norwood Box 942, Duncan, BC V9L 3Y8 Phone: 250-748-2481
Wellness Coaching
Care-A-Van Services Rosalind Wilson Owner/Operator 1851 Sandra Place, Duncan Phone: 250-701-5751
Rejuvenations - Wellness Coaching Services Valerie Childs, MSc. Phone: 250-246-9452
Cowichan Valley Regional Transit #3-5280 Polkey Rd., Duncan Phone: 250-746-9899 Web: www.busonline.ca Executive Travel & Tourism Bob Lord, President Phone: 250-897-3881
Diabetes Education Program Kathy Park 121 Ingram St., Duncan Phone: 250-737-2004 Duncan Mental Health and Seniors Cindy Patrick 3088 Gibbins Rd., Duncan Phone: 250-709-3040 Heart and Stroke Foundation Janice Krall, 401-495 Dunsmuir St., Nanaimo Phone: 1-888-754-5274
For more details and updates go to:
www.cowichanseniors.ca
Kidney Foundation 200-4940 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4K6 Phone: 1-800-567-8112 Stroke Recovery Assoc.Cowichan Valley Branch Patty PO Box 394 Duncan, B.C. V9L 3X5 Phone: 250-748-6587 Support Group for Low Vision Seniors Karen McClinchey Phone: 250-746-6041
Cowichan Independent Living Medical Equipment Loans, Sales & Consignments Visit us to see the full range of medical equipment available, including batteries. Consider donating equipment no longer needed! As a registered non profit, charitable organization, a tax receipt can be issued for medical equipment donations. Medical Equipment Division Cowichan
Promoting a new perspective on disability www.cvilrc.bc.ca
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
handyDart Contact Person: Amber 1 Kenneth Place, Duncan Phone: 250-748-1230 Wheels for Wellness Society 1894 Bolt Ave. Comox Phone: 250-338-0196 Wheels for Wellness Society 1894 Bolt Avenue, Comox Phone: 250-338-0196
321 Coronation Ave Duncan, BC
250 746-3930
Partial funding for this program is received from Cowichan United Way
Cowichan Good Life Magazine 35
A voice for the
aging Cowichan’s MP actively advocating for people entering retirement and the issues they face
Jean Crowder speaks during a recent seniors forum in Chemainus — one of five she scheduled throughout the region this winter.
by Ann Andersen We’re sitting chatting in her comfortable office when MP Jean Crowder springs a surprise. “I’ll be 60 this year,” she smiles. This irony is not lost on either of us as Crowder begins to talk about the challenges seniors are facing in the Cowichan Valley; the roadblocks to finding solutions to those challenges; how Crowder is helping through local forums and Parliament; and what we can do to help. “The issues facing seniors have grown because the cost of everything has gone up, but pensions haven’t kept up,” she says. In the Cowichan Valley, the most pressing issues are seniors’ incomes and housing, she explains. In Cowichan, the move away from the forestry industry means lower wage jobs for many people. People can’t save at the same rate, so more and more seniors have to work part-time. “Seniors haven’t been able to save; only one-third of people put money into RRSPs; only about one-third have private sector pensions,” Crowder adds. And income obviously has an impact on the second issue — housing. “For younger seniors who have houses as assets, they can run into trouble pay36 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
photo: Andrew Leong
ing property taxes, upkeep and maintenance,” Crowder says. For older seniors, age-appropriate care — like home support and suitable residential care — is the issue. Crowder says the challenge with the supply of age-appropriate housing is that housing is multi-jurisdictional. “The feds give money to the provinces, but there’s no accountability back to the feds; the BC Housing Authority sets priorities, but seniors are not one of them; the municipalities are responsible for property taxes and zoning,” she expands. Crowder describes a developer who was in her office recently. “He wanted to construct an age-appropriate building right here in the valley, then found out he couldn’t do it because of the rules. “There is no overall strategy. We need one.” Affordability of long-term age-appropriate care is another issue in the mix, she says. She describes health care challenges for seniors: drug affordability and accessibility; and people trapped in acute care who shouldn’t be there because they need less care. But there’s nowhere else for them to go. “We also hear that while the univer-
sities are training plenty of people in pediatrics, there’s a shortage of health workers for the geriatric age group,” she says. Although transportation is a provincial concern, it has its effect here. Crowder describes a lady who had to travel to Victoria for her driving test, and couldn’t find a way to get there. “A volunteer driving program is great, but it mustn’t take away the requirement for an effective local transportation system that meets the needs of seniors,” she says. “What we discovered from recent work and seniors forums is that not all sidewalks in Lake Cowichan are wheelchair accessible; we should have automatic doors on buses; and stop lights aren’t long enough because seniors need more time to cross the road,” she said. “These are simple things, but important. Every community needs an agefriendly check list.” Elder abuse — physical, emotional, financial — is a real problem, she says. “There is insufficient protection for people, especially when a person can’t speak for themselves.” In some banks, she says, if a person comes in that the bank personnel recognize as vulnerable and is with someCowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
one wanting them to sign over or cosign for money, it raises a red flag, and the bank insists on independent counsel. She speaks of a recent event when a senior was discharged from hospital in slippers with no money to get home. So, is there a solution? And if there is, how can it be reached? “We must first raise the level of awareness in communities — involve organizations, caregivers, businesses, governments,” Crowder says. Twenty-five people turned out for a recent seniors’ forum in Lake Cowichan she hosted. Follow-ups are slated in Chemainus, Shawnigan and in Duncan on March 20. “I really believe that each local community has to put together a working group to develop strategies,” she says, handing me Metchosin’s Age-Friendly Community Report that came before Metchosin council late last year. The report contains several ideas that could be implemented here, Crowder says. “It’s got lots of options and is a good example of what to do locally, a good starting point.” Lake Cowichan people are now pulling together in a
group, she says. “If I can bring people together, that’s a great start.” As well, Crowder is feeding the information she gets at the forums to Opposition seniors critic Irene Mathyssen in Ottawa. “We want to develop a national strategy — it will be released in about two months,” she said. Crowder has also introduced a bill in Ottawa that would enact a National Poverty Strategy, which she says would have positive effects for seniors as well.
Locally, people can contact Social Planning Cowichan encouraging them to put together a strategy or contact their municipalities. Another good contact is the Seniors Resource and Support Society Cowichan. Crowder leans forward to emphasize her next comments: “It’s shocking that we are now past the first wave of baby boomers, so the reality that seniors’ issues are worsening should not be a surprise. We just haven’t done anything about it,” she says.
“The federal government must take leadership on this so the communities can do the work that’s needed,” she emphasizes. She says it’s also important to note that seniors are far more active and engaged than they used to be. Her mother, 81-year-old Bobbie McCormack, is a good example, she laughs. “Among other pursuits, she knits for the local Red Cross, plays darts and three days a week does reading math with kids in school,” Crowder smiles.
Help is out there
Cowichan has many resources for seniors to turn to when
they need questions answered or help with an issue. Organizations offer help ranging from where to place your pet if you’re hospitalized to visiting or transporting isolated seniors. These include non-profit societies: Cowichan Seniors Community Foundation’s mission is to identify emerging issues affecting seniors through dialogue with businesses, non-profits and valley residents. They offer a door-to-door volunteer driving program for seniors. Phone: 250-715-6481 Web: www.cowichanseniors.ca Seniors Resource and Support Society offers financial assistance, social clubs, prevention of elder abuse, widow/ers support group, senior peer counselling, subsidized housing, legal resources, grocery delivery by phone. Phone: 250–748–2133 Email: srss@shaw.ca
For more, see our seniors resource directory, starting on page 33
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Cowichan Good Life Magazine 37
stirring the pot Baan-Do’s offers a wide range of healthy stir fry selections
Baan-Do’s Stir Fry delivers help for the Wongs. There exactly what it advertises. are now nine employees, inBilled as The Healthy cluding themselves, and just Choice, the restaurant at two part-timers plus another 2680 James Street in Dun- five for Baan-Do’s Too that’s can, has a wide variety of stir been going for two years fry selections to satisfy any next door. taste. “Stir fries are big things in the cities,’’ said Ber- You’ve got nard Wong, 54, the own- to taste er-manager of the establishment along with wife Ann. “When we moved with here, we saw there wasn’t Don any restaurants of this Bodger type. We decided to give it a try.’’ That was back in May of Repeat business has been a 2006 and Baan-Do’s has godsend for the Wongs and been going strong ever a sure sign of customer satsince. isfaction. “We started out with 750 “That’s what keeps us gosquare feet,’’ said Bernard ing,’’ he said. “We’re still Wong. doing well. Expansion increased the “It’s a very mixed clientele floor space to 1,600 square from students to seniors. We feet. even have a large group com“We started out in a good ing in from the Cowichan time,’’ said Wong. “The Tribes, which surprised economy was picking up at me. At the beginning, they that time. I’d say we picked walked by.’’ a good time to start.’’ Interestingly, Wong has Wong was raised in Edmon- found people on the island ton and lived in Toronto are really into spicy food. for 10 years before opening “Back in Edmonton and ToBaan-Do’s just a few months ronto, nobody cares for spicy after coming to the valley. food,’’ he said. “Back here, “The mountains, the ocean it’s 50 per cent.’’ and nice weather,’’ Wong I’ve dined and ordered takesaid, were the attractions out at Baan-Do’s many times that drew him here. and just love all the fresh “We were told we have to ingredients. My personal create our own jobs,’’ he favourite is the Teriyaki recalled after arriving here. chicken stir fry with either “Actually, now we’re creat- rice or noodles. ing jobs.’’ The vegetables are delivBaan-Do’s started with a ered fresh daily from the lomodest staff of part-time cal farmers’ market and the
this
38 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
Ann and Bernard Wong are nearing six years of operation at Baan-Do’s Stir Fry photo: Don Bodger
tiger prawns that come from a Richmond supplier are outstanding. They’re large even after being cooked and very flavourful. I also recently tried the Wor Wonton and it’s very good because of the prawns and large chunks of vegetables that make it far better than a traditional wonton. “That has become very, very popular,’’ said Wong. The menu offers a variety of sauces and stir fry styles with chicken, beef, tiger prawns, garlic tiger prawns, salmon — even breaded pork chops. Under the Hot and Spicy stir fry category, the Singapore chili ranks as a best seller. The freshness of each order is guaranteed because you can watch the chefs preparing the meals in the open kitchen concept.
The Baan-Do’s Too side caters to customers who prefer burgers, fries, unique cold drinks and other items. “Totally opposite, actually,’’ said Wong. “We saw the opportunity with an empty space next door.’’ Baan-Do’s style of food has many more followers in the valley now. “There’s a lot more competition now from six years ago,’’ said Wong. “There’s two more Japanese restaurants opened. “We’re still doing very well. I think we’ll be doing well here as long as we keep the quality and get on top of things.’’ By the way, the answer to the most frequently asked question at the restaurant is Baan-Do means Vancouver Island in Japanese. Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
If I could turn back time
High school reunion an interesting place to get a fresh take on yourself When my husband and I first arrived at his 30th high school reunion he was greeted by hundreds of familiar faces, though most names escaped him. “I’m glad they gave us name tags,” Paul said to me. “I just wish they were ten times bigger.” As old classmates and friends navigated the room recognizing long lost pals and ex-flames, I noticed my husband wasn’t the only one who had forgotten his reading glasses. “Oh, I remember you now!” one woman exclaimed after peering closely at the grad picture and name of a man she was talking to. Not wearing a nametag, I was still asked countless times during the night who I was, and often pitied for attending a function where I wouldn’t know a soul. And then there was the guy who felt sorry for my husband. “Why bring a sandwich to a deli?” he asked with surprise when he found out I was dragged along. Good question, I thought, realizing there weren’t as many spouses as I expected. Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012
Lori Welborne
On a Brighter Note
It never occurred to me that Paul might have more fun reminiscing on his own without worry of entertaining me at the same time. I wouldn’t have minded staying home that night, but I’m glad I went. I met some fantastic people and heard some hilarious stories of my husband’s adolescence. I also got to ask the question: “If you could turn back time and knew everything you know now, what would you tell your graduating self?” Before I became a mother, I used to ask myself questions like that all the time. But after having a baby, a funny thing happened with my list of regrets: they
vanished the day I held our firstborn child. From then on I imagined that even the slightest change to my past could have led me to a life without him, and I couldn’t bear the thought. The arrival of our daughter a few years later only reinforced my feelings. Reliving the past is something I still like to do for fun, to help me learn from my mistakes and figure out how I might do things differently the next time a similar situation arises. I now have very few regrets, choosing instead to view them as characterbuilding life lessons. So, just for fun, I’ll rephrase that question I was asking the Graduating Class of ’81 to this: “If you could turn back time and knew everything you know now — but would be guaranteed to have the exact same children — what would you tell your graduating self?” I would tell myself to stop being shy, dream big and believe that anything is possible. At the age of 17 I might not have been ready to understand advice like that, but after living another 26 years, I finally do. Cowichan Good Life Magazine 39
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ͻ tŽƵŶĚ ĂƌĞ ͻ KƐƚŽŵLJ ͻ /ŶĐŽŶƟ ŶĞŶĐĞ
ͻ tŚĞĞůĐŚĂŝƌƐ͕ ŵĂŶƵĂů͕ ƉŽǁĞƌ͕ ƚĞĐŚŶŝĐĂů͕ ƐĞĂƟ ŶŐ Θ ƉŽƐŝƟ ŽŶŝŶŐ
ͻ Breast Pumps
ϳ >ŽĐĂƟ ŽŶƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŽǁŝĐŚĂŶ sĂůůĞLJ ƚŽ ^ĞƌǀĞ zŽƵ͊ Lake Cowichan 138 Southshore Rd, Lake Cowichan
250 749 3141
Village Centre 62 Cowichan Lake Rd, Lake Cowichan
250 749 0149
Shawnigan Lake #1-1769 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd, Shawnigan Lake
250 743 6977
Valleyview #26-1400 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cobble Hill
250 743 1448
Kenneth Street 192 Kenneth St, Duncan
250 746 4680
Festubert 102-330 Festubert St, Duncan
250 746 7494
Mill Bay 2734B Barry Rd, Mill Bay
250 743 4421
FREE ƉƌĞƐĐƌŝƉƟ ŽŶ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌLJ͘ FREE ďůŝƐƚĞƌ ƉĂĐŬĂŐŝŶŐ͘
www.islandpharmacy.ca
Cleaning is different for everyone. That is why we offer you all these services, so that you can enjoy and relax in your home.
Cowichan Valley
What are your needs?
CLEAN ALL
“We clean up on the Competition”
www.cowichanvalleycleanall.ca
Carpet cleaning (Truck mount) Upholstery cleaning Area Rugs (IN Shop) Blind cleaning (ultra sonic) Duct cleaning
Dryer vent cleaning Gutter cleaning Power washing Siding cleaning Window Cleaning
Floor Maintenance
Strip and wax
Tile & Grout Cleaning
Phone: 748-5888 / 245-7004
5846 Highland Ave. 40 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
shenke54@telus.net
250-748-5888 Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2012