Good Life cowichan
Seniors Resource Directory Page 33
magazine
Tech user
2.0
Move over sonny, there’s another generation logging on to the social network
also inside: Spring 2011 Friday, March 11, 2011
spoiling the grandkids 24
embracing your mid-life crisis 27
Energy Saving - Think Green Electric El t Bikes ¹ 350 watt brushless maintenance free motor ¹ 36v Lithium Polymer battery ¹ E-bike compatible suspension fork ¹ Lightweight alloy step through frame ¹ 40-60 km range per charge ¹ Speeds up to 28 km/h unassisted ¹ Deep groove comfort saddle ¹ Alloy suspension seat post ¹ Rugged 12 and 13 gauge stainless spoke alloy wheels ¹ Full coverage front and rear fenders ¹ Rear spring loaded alloy rack ¹ Weighs 58 lbs ¹ Meets Motor Vehicle Safety Act standards for power assisted vehicles ¹ Contoured down tube to keep wires hidden away ¹ Adjustable 95-145 degree stem ¹ Ergonomic brake levers with Kraton inserts for added comfort ¹ Dual density grip ¹ Swept back city series bar for comfort ¹ Puncture resistant tires with reflective strips ¹ Full color match chain guard ¹ Tinted fender skirts ¹ Rear battery operated tail light (b i i l d d)
l
i
i
Only at
482 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan
250-746-4041 Serving the Valley since 1915
Remodelling your bathroom? Come in today to visit our modern, ever-changing 6 6 6 6 6
Showroom!
4000 SQ. FT. MODERN SHOWROOM BRAND NAME QUALITY FIXTURES QUALITY INSTALLATION HOT WATER TANKS FREE QUOTATIONS
Having trouble getting in and out of the tub?
Convert your bathtub to Full Walk-In Shower
Most tub spaces can be transformed. Independent Assisted Living Tubs
SERVING THE COWICHAN VALLEY FOR OVER 70 YEARS WITH GOOD OLD FASHIONED SERVICE!
GRIFFITHS
251 Government St., Duncan
Visit our new griffithshomeplumbing.com
HOME PLUMBING CENTRE 250-746-4534
ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS UNDER ONE ROOF
2 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
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.
texting ‘bout my generation a technology revolution
p6
recovery time dealing with strokes
p8
See page 33 for your Seniors Resource Directory
run, mike, run middle age, one thousand steps at a time
p12
embracing your mid-life crisis a man, a dream, a car
p16
are you a “momzilla?” tips for the mother-of-the-bride
p20
Running for Life p12
spoiling the grandkids you can indulge without interfering
p24
fighting city hall paul fletcher and local government
p27
Ask Paul Fletcher p27
on the waterfront a guide to finding your piece of paradise
Can you fight City Hall?
p30
seniors resource directory cowichan seniors community foundation
p33
getting away from it all trendy travel ideas
p36
you’ve got to taste this don bodger goes pioneering
p38
on a brighter note with lori welbourne Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
p39
Produced by: The Cowichan News Leader Pictorial Editor: John McKinley Publisher: Bill Macadam Designer: Eric Morten
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
Cowichan Good Life Magazine 3
status update...
look who’s iPadding and facebooking like teenagers
Shirley Hill
texting ‘bout my generation by Ashley Gaudreault Shirley Hill’s just keeping up with what she calls a “highway of technology.” The 73-year-old Duncan resident’s signed up with a Telus email account. She’s got a Facebook profile. She’s tested recipes, reached her Weight Watchers goal, stored photos, booked destinations, researched health issues, gotten creative with craft projects and patterns, and learned Swedish, all online. Hill gets her workout on a Wii Fit board. And, finally, her cellphone is ready for use waiting in her pocket. The Duncan Royal Canadian Legion branch secretary is a busy bee. And the newest tech crazes are coming in handy. About 12 years ago, through email, Hill connected with a Swedish cousin. 4 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
After daily emails, they met about two years ago in Duncan. Hill made the trek to Sweden last June. “Just because of the internet we were able to meet,” Hill said. Hill was also able to stand on the ground of her grandmother’s house in Sweden the day before it was leveled. “She would have been so proud,” Hill said. The Valley Seniors Organization volunteer carries her tiny Samsung cellular device with her everywhere. She’s had cellphones since they were prehistoric cellphones in a bag. She’s not a texter, though. “We don’t do the texting but it’s not like we couldn’t,” she said of her and her husband, who’s also up on the latest technologies. They own both a laptop and a regular computer. Hill’s winter vacationing pal got her
signed onto Facebook so they could stay connected. “I’m a little bit leery though of Facebook,” she admitted, not liking the idea of privacy invasion. But, she was also able to stay in touch with another Swedish family member through the popular social networking site. “I stayed connected with my cousin’s 15-year-old granddaughter. I thought that was pretty special.” Hill also makes personalized greeting cards from online programs. She’s hooked on genealogy site My Heritage. Online games like Pogo, however, can be as addicting as prescription painkillers, Hill said. “It’s all very hypnotizing. It can be an addiction like anything else.” A fun, less negative addiction though, if there is such a thing. Story continued page 6 Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
Duncan Pharmasave is your Health and Wellness Destination. We recognize that each person has individual needs to ensure proper care in all stages of life.
Why drive to Victoria?
On site Pharmacy Manager and Pharmacist Thomas Lee, has been providing “Home Health Care Solutions since 1992. Speak with Thomas or one of our Pharmacists and learn how we can help make your life more comfortable. •Blister Packing Medication •Mastectomy Supplies •Compression Stockings •Wheelchairs •Walkers •Sad Lamps •Crutches/Canes •Ostomy Supplies •Commodes •Bathroom Safety Aides Rentals available
FREE PRESCRIPTION DELIVERY LIVE WELL WITH
10%
EVERY MONDAY FOR
DANCIA MOTORS EUROPEAN & SPORTS CARS
The Best Service for your Volvo, BMW and MINI
SENIORS
285 Craig St., Duncan 250-748-5252 Pick up your Live Well magazine here.
Specializing in Volvo and BMW
746-4612
Dr. Ron Smith
Creating Beautiful Healthy Smiles
300-2700 Beverly Street, Duncan, BC
250-748-1125
www.smithsmiles.com
Over 20 years serving the Cowichan Valley
Dental Implants: *replace missing teeth *stabilize loose dentures
Call today for your complimentary implant consultation!
Cosmetic Dental Care:
*crowns *llings *veneers *whitening
Sedation Available
Accepting New Patients Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
Cowichan Good Life Magazine 5
Continued from page 4 Future Shop department sales manager Dallas Hulley can vouch for that. “The fun you can have with some of this stuff is endless.” The Duncan store recently sold a 75year-old lady a new iPhone 4. “That phone’s way better than the phone I have,” the young-buck sales staffer said. The Cowichan customer’s 80-year-old husband encouraged her to buy the same one he has so she could play with cool applications just like he does. “He knew how to use everything on it,” Hulley said. While there are plenty of practical applications, Apple is also full of apps that exist only to amuse. There are a lot to choose from, including beer drinking, pimple popping, fart noisemaking applications, as well as one called FatBooth (where the device handler takes a picture of someone and, on the screen pulls at their face to expand their skin, making them look like they recently mowed down hundreds of cheeseburgers). But it’s not just kids goofing off, Hulley said. “Seniors are having so much fun with these phones.” A Future Shop big seller item for older folks is Apple’s iPad. The 9.7-inch touch screen tablet computer’s elder friendly features include its 9.5 inches and 7.5 inches-wide touch screen, external keyboard, simple interface, and bright backlit LCD display system. Seniors are also picking up Sony’s EReader as well as Amazon’s Kindle.
“They can access any book that’s available online and it comes with a reading light and everything,” Hulley said of Sony’s e-book reader. “They can turn the page by touching their finger on the screen just like they would a real book.” He’s noticed more seniors get their Facebook on too. While the grandkids use Facebook to find out the latest gossip or look at friends’ party pics, Grampa and Gramma are keeping in touch with family and friends. Seniors are also getting their jollies off games like Facebook’s FarmVille. Cellphones are a big Future Shop senior citizen seller. Although most older people aren’t texting “LOL” or “BFF,” like Hill they are buying them for emergency purposes. Hulley thinks it’s pretty neat more seniors are turning into techies.
“I think we’re finally bridging that gap. They now have their grandkids telling them about this stuff and they’re searching for something to have in common with them.”
Top 5 iPad likes Apps for Seniors iGrowIt. A fantastic way to improve
package for Mac OS X. Not only does the Pages app allow users to write letters or documents on their iPad but it makes it possible for Grandma to type again (she probably learned on a typewriter).
anyone’s gardening skills. This app provides all the details you could need to grow your own vegetables.
ToDo. This pre-installed app is a
fantastic task manager with an easy to use interface. It’s the perfect app for keeping track of all those things that need to get done and giving the good ol’ memory a helping hand.
Pages. As part of the iPad launch,
Apple announced a series of apps to replicate the functionality of its iWork
Future Shop cellular product expert Jennifer Ritchie shows off the new iPhone4 product they recently sold to a 75-year-old.
Scrabble. This app brings the
classic game to the iPad. It’s a great way to keep your favourite game with you at all times.
Financial Times iPad Edition. This app brings one of my
Grandpa’s favourite newspapers directly to his iPad. No more early morning walks in the rain to fetch the paper. Courtesy www.appconsumer.com
EYE EXAMINATIONS SPECIAL SENIORS RATES
BIG
SAVINGS FOR SENIORS
50% off all frames anytime
DIAMOND EYECARE 159 Trunk Road, Duncan 250-597-1011 OPTICAL 6 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
250-597-1910 EYE EXAMS
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
SEE US AT
1021 ISLAY ST.
(off Cairnsmore St., Duncan)
Flexibility, Strength, Balance, Peace Come and experience the many benefits of Yoga •Gentle Hatha Yoga •Ongoing Advanced Yoga •Beginners Yoga •Flow Yoga • Also Gentle Yoga classes for those with mobility concerns
20% SENIOR DISCOUNT See Our Brochure online
Pre-registration recommended!
250-715-6075
Class schedules at valleyyoga.ca
SENIORS DAY
SENIORS... We offer a 15% DISCOUNT everyday on vitamin supplements.
LAST THURSDAY OF MONTH... 15% DISCOUNT on food items as well as vitamins.
(does not apply to already discounted items)
•Vitamin & Herbal Supplements •Organic Bulk Foods & Herbs •Health & Beauty Aids •Herbal Medicine for Dogs & Cats •Natural Pet Foods •Sports Nutrition & Weight Loss •Snack Bar •Harlan’s Chocolates now available
Lynn’s
(locally made Saltspring Island)
WE CARRY A LARGE LINE OF ORGANIC FOODS
VITAMIN GALLERY HEALTH FOOD #4 - 180 Central (next to Sears) Duncan 250-748-4421 The owner & now author of “Tales of Rathtrevor Beach” welcomes you www.rathtrevorbeach.ca
Abbeyeld House of Duncan
A seniors residence with a difference!
AT
LAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
Accommodation, Meals & Cable -
SENIORS ** SAVE 20% **See store for details
361 Trans Canada Hwy (next to TD Canada Trust) DUNCAN
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
250-746-6118
$1290 per month.
Abbeyeld is an affordable family-style home providing supportive care (full room and board) for seniors who no longer want to live alone, but wish to remain as independent as possible. Our compassionate staff members are on duty from 8:30am—6:30pm, and there is a live-in resident on call from 11:00pm to 8:00am. This caring “family” setting is ideal for people wanting or needing companionship. Located on Indian Road, Abbeyeld House is close to town and all conveniences. Please call for a brochure or book an appointment to view our lovely facility: 250-748-1352. Cowichan Good Life Magazine 7
R
ecovery Time Dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of a stroke
Richard Scales, left, and Greg Wadden lean on each other for support. by Don Bodger There is life after a stroke. That’s the message the Stroke Recovery Association of B.C. wants to emphasize through its member branches. “I can say overall people do continue to recover,’’ said Barb Park, the co-ordinator of the Cowichan Valley branch. “Overall people continue to benefit from therapy of various kinds and the social aspects of the group.’’ A stroke occurs when there’s a sudden loss of brain function caused by the interruption of blood flow to the brain or when a blood vessel bursts in the brain. The interruption of blood flow or the rupture of blood vessels causes the affected brain cells to die. The brain cannot keep the body and systems functioning properly without the oxygen and nutrients supplied by the blood. Symptoms of a stroke in8 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
clude: sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech; trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance and co-ordination; severe headache with no known cause; and blurred or double vision, drowsiness and nausea or vomiting. Greg Wadden and Richard Scales are among those who regularly attend Monday sessions for stroke survivors and their families at the Valley Seniors Organization in Duncan. Wadden, 45, had a stroke when he was just 38 years old. He was a self-employed mover working in Victoria and living in Cobble Hill when it happened. “I had no warning signs,’’ Wadden said. “I was just moving one day. I just passed out in the back of my truck.’’ Nearly eight years later, he’s definitely had to make life-
style adjustments to compensate for his deficiencies. “I lost about half of my sight,’’ Wadden said. “I can’t drive a car now.’’ Every stroke is different and affects people in different ways, he continued. Wadden did some rehabilitation at Victoria General Hospital. Initially, he was flown over to Vancouver General after having his stroke. “If you’re going to have brain surgery, get the best guy there is,’’ he said with his trademark sense of humour that’s helped him cope. Wadden moved to Duncan six years ago. He began volunteering with the Heart and Stroke Foundation three years ago. The Heart and Stroke Foundation is closely related to Stroke Recovery, Wadden added. The former deals with preventative measures, putting money toward medical research, while the latter focuses on what happens
after the fact. Outward affects are not obvious on Wadden, but he has major concerns with audio and video. “I have the visual loss,’’ he said. “I have heavy fatigue and then there’s too much processing.’’ Wadden wears earplugs when he goes into a store. “I get overwhelmed by the visual and the ears,’’ he said. Scales, 59, has always been an avid bowler and woodworker. He’s been able to continue doing both after a period of adjustment. Scales suffered a stroke six years ago in March at a coffee shop. “As he was walking out the door, he collapsed,’’ said Wadden, who helps interpret Scales’ remarks due to his difficulty with speech. “I better get to the hospital,’’ Scales recalled saying before he collapsed. Story continued page 10 Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
2%34/2!4)/. 3%26)#%3 $)3!34%2 +,%%.50 š (/52 %-%2'%.#9 3%26)#% 15!,)&)%$ 4%#(.)#)!. 34!.$).' "9 4/ 4!+% 9/52 #!,, )NSURANCE #LAIMS 7ATER $AMAGE 2EPAIRS &IRE $AMAGE 2EPAIRS %30/24! 7ASH 3YSTEM &)2%,).% #ONTENTS #LEANING 3OLUTION 3MOKE /DOUR 2EMOVAL -OULD 2EMEDIATION $RY )CE "LASTING ) ) # 2 # #ERTIFIED 5NIFORMED 3TAFF 4HERMAL )NFRARED 4ECHNOLOGY
(EAD /FFICE ! &AIRVIEW 2OAD 6ICTORIA "# 6 ! 6
$UNCAN !LLENBY 2OAD $UNCAN "# 6 , 7
INFO RSRESTORATIONSERVICES COM RSRESTORATIONSERVICES COM
LO AN CA D LLY OP O ER W AT NE ED D !
complete product selection
scooters t walkers/rollators t wheelchairs t lift chairs seating systems t bedroom safety t aids to daily living canes/crutches t stairlifts/porch lifts t bathroom safety braces/supports t adjustable beds t van conversions
convenient, personalized service
free in-home trials and assessments t rentals in-house service department t home delivery/set-up assistance with funding processes
Call 1-800-667-1406 and now shop online nanaimo.medichair.com
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
Nanaimo - 2517 Bowen Rd (USED/CONSIGN) - 2110 NorthďŹ eld Rd Duncan - 2628 Beverly St Powell River - 4488 Marine Ave
(250) 756-9875 (250) 756-9878 (250) 709-9939 (604) 485-9310
Cowichan Good Life Magazine 9
meetings worthwhile. Continued from page 8 “Everybody’s in the “They put me into a same boat,’’ said Wadcoma five days,’’ he den. “It’s non-judgadded. Scales spent one Stroke Recovery Association of B.C. Cowichan Valley branch meetings are held mental. It’s a place you can feel safe in.’’ month in hospital every Monday at 10 a.m. in Duncan and then The location has switched to the Valley Seniors Organization at 198 Govern- The best advice they three in Victoria. His ment Street in Duncan from previous space leased at Vancouver Island Uni- can pass on based on versity. their experiences is to rehab consisted of Co-ordinator Barb Park said members also receive privileges to play billiards call 911 immediately if speech therapy for an and utilize the other facilities at the seniors’ centre. symptoms occur. hour a day five times a The Cowichan branch was just formed in March of last year, according to week. member Greg Wadden. There are as many as 20 people at each of the ses- “The stroke is a brain attack,’’ said Wadden. It’s a constant struggle sions. for Scales to deal with “Membership was slow growing,’’ said Wadden. “It’s one person through the “Basically, that’s it. “If you’re having a real his speech deficien- door at a time.’’ cies. He highly recommends attending for anyone who’s had a stroke and is look- bad headache on a Saturday, don’t wait till “He knows what he ing to receive all the possible benefits during the ongoing recovery process. wants to say,’’ relat- “You’ve had your stroke, you’re out of the hospital, now you come to the Monday to go to the hospital. You have to ed Wadden. “When meeting,’’ said Wadden. it comes out of his Members of the group range in age from the early 30s to the late 80s. One pay attention to your body. For guys, that’s a mouth, it’s something member had a stroke when he was 12. A varied program is offered. hard thing to do somedifferent.’’ “I can see, I can think, “We do a couple of kinds of therapy,’’ said Wadden. “We do some yoga. We times.’’ Preventative measures but I can’t say it,’’ con- do some music therapy.’’ Tai Chi and speech therapy are important elements, according to Park, that help reduce the risk ceded Scales. of recurrence after a Despite that, “I don’t aid members in the social setting. think it stops him from The branch is in the process of applying for funding to buy exercise equip- stroke but the rate is ment. still high. accomplishing stuff,’’ The group has also done outings, including one to the Northwest Raptors “We don’t like the staoffered Wadden. Birds of Prey Centre on Herd Road. tistics,’’ said Wadden. Scales said he doesn’t “We’re also doing advocacy for people in the hospital,’’ said Wadden. “You’re 50 per cent dwell on what hap- “It’s an unbelievable group of people,’’ said Park. pened to him. Anyone who’d like to attend the sessions can simply show up or contact Park more likely to have a second one.’’ “I had a stroke,’’ he at 250-246-4952. He finds it helpful to said. “I can’t do anymaintain a positive atthing about it.’’ fore his stroke and is glad He made a miniature replica Instead, Scales returned to to be playing as a member of a shed that was donated titude. bowling six months after of the appropriately-named for a Stroke Recovery As- “You don’t have to look too his stroke — first in five-pin Against All Odds team in sociation raffle and built far to find someone worse and then back to his be- the Thursday mixed league. small reindeer decorations off than ourselves,’’ said Wadden. loved ten-pin a short time Scales also volunteers for In- at Christmas. later. He rolled four perfect dependent Living and has a Both men have found the “You work with what you’ve games at Duncan Lanes be- knack for building things. stroke recovery association got. The alternative sucks.”
Helping hands
• Duncan
10 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
MEN’S FASHIONS for today’s
Gentleman
MARTIN’S
33 Station St.
Mon. - Sat. 9:30 - 5:30
Downtown Duncan
Sun. 12 - 4
We’ve Got it ALL! We’re here to serve you! • SCREENED TOPSOIL Blended garden mix or lawn soil Always AVAILABLE • COMPOST • FIR BARK MULCH • SAND & GRAVEL • ALLAN BLOCK RETAINING WALLS • INTERLOCKING PAVERS • AND MUCH MORE... • TURF NOW AVAILABLE • PICK-UP OR DELIVERY
One Stop Landscape Supplies 7 Days a Week!
We are the Tuff Turf Distributors Our Business is Landscape Supplies For OVER 25 years! “We don’t just sell the product We understand it!” WE CAN SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY
R 1345 Fisher Rd., Cobble Hill
250-743-9989
www.centrallandscapesupplies.com
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
Cowichan Good Life Magazine 11
Run Mike Run by Don Bodger
Meet an unlikely Superman who is enduring middle age thousands of steps at a time
Mike Macey once ran three marathons in three days. Another time, he did marathons on backto-back days. He’s routinely completed 80-kilometre, 56-kilometre and 50-kilometre ultra events. Unless you’re Terry Fox or Forrest Gump, that’s not something runners normally do. But Macey, 46, takes it all in stride. He doesn’t consider himself any kind of a Superman or even remotely close to a top athlete. He just loves to run long distances at a time. “We call him Forrest,’’ said his wife Catherine. Even she doesn’t know what makes him go to such great lengths. “When you figure out why, let me know,’’ Catherine quipped. The question is posed to Macey and he’s at a loss to explain it. “My wife calls me excessive compulsive,’’ he laughed. It can’t be all bad since they’ve been married almost 20 years. Story continued next page
12 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
Continued from page 12 Catherine is also a runner, but not to Mike’s extent. “She’s faster than I am, too,’’ he said. “I can run farther.’’ All this long-distance running didn’t happen overnight, but evolved over a period of time. “Most people don’t get it,’’ said Macey. “You don’t tell somebody you went out on a 50K run on Saturday. That’s what you do. You become cagey or aloof about the distance you’ve done. “It’s just that pushing the boundaries. You set a goal. It’s a very tangible goal. You work out a goal to get there. It’s one of those crazy things you put in the back of your mind and say ‘I did that.’’’ As much as people marvel about Macey’s endurance, he’s just as impressed by people with speed over shorter distances. “I can’t imagine running a 40-minute 10K,’’ he said. “You start competing against other people when you’re running shorter distances. In ultras, it’s yourself.’’ Macey, who grew up in Vancouver before coming to the valley 22 years ago, is a bit of a late bloomer. He didn’t start playing hockey until his late 20s and running followed much later in the mid- to late-30s. “I was probably 20 to 25 pounds heavier than I am now,’’ Macey said. “I was the fat out-of-shape guy.’’ His wife was running at the time and
Mike Macey pounds the pavement on another long run. they were friends with fitness fanatics Graham and Belinda Kissack, so it was only a matter of time before he entered their realm. “They were talking about triathlons, Ironmans,’’ said Macey. “I had to do something.’’ The good thing about running he found out in the early going is “you get a pair of running shoes and it’s out the door. And then you get hooked.’’ Macey remembers running the Shawnigan Lake Half Marathon in 1999 all too well. “It damn near killed me,’’ he said. “I didn’t have a clue what I was doing.’’ There was a bit of a hiatus before Macey really got serious in 2003, running a half-marathon on Salt Spring Island leading up to the Royal Victoria Mara-
Duncan Lions • Just moved to the Valley? • Used to be a Lion? • Want to give time to the community?
Come to a Meeting and meet the club!
Sassy Lion Thrift Stores
HELP YOUR COMMUNITY! DONATE TODAY!
CALL 250-746-4495 Helping Families in need!
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
thon five months later. “Victoria was brutal, too,’’ he said. “It was a miserable rainy day. That was my wife’s first marathon as well. She pushed me with 10K to go, slapped me in the ass and said ‘let’s go.’ I said, ‘no way,’ I was finished.’’ But Macey did make it to the finish. He picked up the pace for the Vancouver Marathon in 2005 and a second crack at the Royal Victoria. “It’s like anything, you start feeling better,’’ Macey said. “Your fitness goes up. You get to know your body and how to train. Ninety-five per cent is the training. It’s the path you take to get there. The event itself is kind of anti-climactic.’’ Macey started going to extremes after that, running his first Elk/Beaver Lake Ultra in 2007 and cycling up Mauna Kea in Hawaii with Graham Kissack to an elevation of 14,000 feet. “That was a bit of an expedition,’’ said Macey. He hasn’t been on the bike since, but competed in the Elk/Beaver Ultra every year since. He stepped it up even more to the 80K. “That was humbling,’’ said Macey. “You have certain expectations of time. I don’t know why.’’ He ran it again the next year and felt much better. “You seem to have to do two of these things to learn,’’ Macey said. Story continued page 14
NATUROPATHIC CLEANSE Dr. Russell Graham ND
Lose Weight! Increase Energy! Improve Health! Our packages include supplements and an instructional consultation with Dr. Graham.
Call 250-748-0029 today! Cowichan Good Life Magazine 13
Continued from page 13 This is where his running accelerated beyond belief in a short period of time. He ran the Vancouver Spine Relay 50K on a Saturday and 30K the next day. He ran back-to-back marathons in Yakima and Redmond, Washington, in times of three hours and 57 minutes and four hours, 21 minutes, respectively. He did the 56K Great Lake Walk around Cowichan Lake for the first time. “I like to think I had a bad day,’’ said Macey. “It was plain old tougher than I thought it was going to be.’’ Just for good measure, he finished the year doing three marathons in three days through the snow and across the ice, with finishing times of 4:12, 4:50 and 4:05. Needless to say, Macey was presented with the endurance award by the CeeVACs Road Runners. Small wonder. He’s certainly not done yet, thinking of pushing the boundaries even more. “There’s a lot of 100-milers, too,’’ Macey said. “In the back of my mind, that’s one of my goals is to do a 100-miler.’’ Run, Mike, run.
Putting in the time Training to run long distances takes time.
And Mike Macey puts in the time on a regular basis. Six hours a week is normal and up to 12 hours when peaking for a particular event. A typical weekly schedule for him would include a long run Saturday and about half as long on Sunday. Mondays and Fridays are off while Macey does hills Tuesdays, moderate pace running on Wednesdays and Thursdays for pick-up times. His daughter has about seven or eight activities going a week so he often revolves his schedule around her as needed. “I’ve got a running log, where I ran and how long it took,’’ Macey explained. Probably because he burns off so many calories, he doesn’t necessarily worry so much about food. “I don’t curb my diet,’’ Macey said. “I drink beer and I eat cheeseburgers.’’
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES At our hospital: • Tea & Visiting • • Flower Care • Library Cart • • Gift Shop • Tray Favours • • Toques & Infant Layettes • Care Kits • At home opportunities: • Knitting • Crafts • Off site opportunities: • Cairnsmore Place (tea & visiting) • • Cairnsmore Gift Shop to open soon • • Auxiliaries Thrift Store •
Auxiliary to Cowichan District Hospital 3045 Gibbins Road, Duncan
Mission Statement: To provide care and comfort to patients.
Applications Available through Volunteer Resources:
14 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
250-709-3005
H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre Inc
The Cowichan Valley Crematorium is now available and features comfortable local surroundings for family witnessing of cremations. � Affordable cremation and burial options � Pre-arrangements
250-701-0001
Email: hwwallace@shawbiz.ca
� Approved Funeral Provider for Memorial Society of BC 251 Jubilee St.
www.hwwallacecbc.com
Locally Owned & Operated
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
Seniors Independent Living Located downtown, easy walking distance to shops & Valley Seniors Centre.
Discover the Art of Creating Your Own Award Winning Wines today!
Rental includes: 3 course evening meal, Weekly housekeeping, Heavy linen laundry service, 24 hour Lifeline emergency response monitoring, Monthly social activity calendar, Secure building
Serving the Cowichan Valley for over 20 years!
Wedgwood House 256 Government Street, Duncan BC V9L 1A4 Call for an appointment to view 250-746-9808 www.novapacific.ca
EUROPE on Sail! Save $500 to $1000 per person until March 31, 2011
Discover the heart of Europe and enjoy the scenic treasures aboard your luxurious river cruise ship.
#105-2700 Beverly St., Duncan 2720 Mill Bay Rd., Mill Bay Centre
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
250-748-0391 250-743-7125
WINEMAKING
www.greatfermentations.ca #8-5777 Trans Canada Hwy. email: info@greatfermentations.ca
250-748-2085
Silver Sage Nursery & Garden Gallery 1720 Baldy Mt. Road, Shawnigan Lake Open Thursday to Sunday 9-5 pm Stats 9-3 pm
250-743-3679
NOW OPEN
for the season! Reserve for your orchard now and enjoy fruit and berries for years to come! Gift certificates available! www.silversagenursery.com for map and plant list
Cowichan Good Life Magazine 15
Why you should splurge for your dream car by Ashley Gaudreault “Oh, I love this car.” That’s Don MacLeod swooning over his spanking new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. The 53-year-old recently forked out a good chunk of cash to own his dream car. The midnight blue beaut’s seen more than a couple pricey modifications too since MacLeod got a hold of it. The Duncan resident’s decision to own the Camaro wasn’t the stereotypical mid-life crisis, impulse buy. “It was a buy I always wanted to do,” he said. And he figured ‘Why not?’ “You can buy the basic Camaro and you can transform it into anything you want,” he said with a kid-in-a-candy-store-grin. Peter Baljet car dealer Craig Hindle’s seen a MacLeod type or two strolling the lot eyeing up the retro style hot rod. “There’s been a lot of people who wanted
16 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
a Camaro when they were 16 or 17 and now that they’re back in the retro mode, people in their ‘50s are really excited about it.” MacLeod scouted out the shiny Chev even before Baljet staffers knew the car was on its way to the lot. “I’ve had so many sports cars and I thought, ‘I want another Camaro.’” MacLeod’s first muscle car was a blue 1981 Z28. The marine engineer has always been a Chevy kind of guy, but admits his first set of wheels was a 1975 AMC Gremlin. “No, it wasn’t nice to look at, but you put a 327 (motor) in them and they were scary,” he said. MacLeod never put a mighty motor in his. Instead he looked forward to getting his first job out of college so he could save up for a brand-new, off the lot Chev. “Have you ever had the urge to buy something? I did. I had a 1981 Camaro, brand new. I got off the ship. I ordered my Camaro.” MacLeod saved up $12,000 for the brand new sports car. “I bought it at an interest rate of 18-something per cent in 1981.
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
The top 10 2010 sports cars for under $50,000, courtesy the website sub5zero.com:
10 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Edition
Sure it’s FWD and half the size of Oprah’s thigh, but it does so many things so well. Starting at $28,800 the JCW Mini has a supercharged inline-4, sling-shotting this pebble to 60mph in 6.2 seconds.
MacLeod forked out a good chunk of cash for his dream car last year. That’s when the first recession was hitting. “I paid that off real quick, that’s for sure.” MacLeod said the Chev cruiser didn’t have air conditioning. “So I’d just go faster. I was young and I just wanted to go fast.” Over the years, MacLeod’s done his fair share of travelling the world and putting in time as a ship engineer. He’s owned many cars, which either saw their demise in collisions or were turned over for sale. He scrapped his 2008 GMC Sierra quad cab for the 2010 Camaro. MacLeod’s inspiration for the hefty acquisition, about $32,000 after taxes but not including modifications, partly came from the recent passing of a former boss from a massive heart attack. “That was one of my biggest losses. I’ve known him since 1978. He was in top condition and only 59 years old. “It kind of gets to you, doesn’t it?” MacLeod’s waited for many years for the retrofit Camaro to come out. “The only thing I knew about what it was going to look like was from the Transformers movie with the yellow Camaro and that’s when I knew I wanted to get one, with those skinny mirrors, but Guess what? They didn’t have skinny mirrors.” Story continued page 18
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
9 Lotus Elise
The bench mark for a “driver’s car.” This car provides the grip, poise, and performance of cars four times more expensive. For $49,000 you won’t find anything with the looks of an exotic and the handling to match.
8 Caterham Superlight R400
This car has a power-to-weight ratio better than any Ferrari currently on the market. That means 0-60 happens in 3.8 seconds, sounding like all the world’s hornets are chasing you down a tunnel. At $42,745 this is the most visceral, raw, adrenaline pump you can buy.
7 Audi S4
Fast sedans are the balance of everything you would want from a car. Starting at $47,300 it’s not cheap, but if you don’t need special leather gas tanks and Blue Tooth coil-overs, you can have one of the best sedans on the market for under $50,000.
6 Volkswagen R20
A fun, performance-oriented car that is also highly practical. The best aspect of this car should be the handling. Fast, balanced, and practical this hot hatch will be a serious contender across the board.
5 Ford Mustang GT500
Arguably the best Mustang Ford has ever produced. Ford looked to the superior (and more expensive) Shelby GT500KR for pointers. The supercharged 5.4-litre V8 gets a new intake, exhaust and ECU, good for 540 horsepower for under $50,000.
4 Mitsubishi EVO MR Touring
Nothing else with four doors was so fast and nimble for so little money. Mitsubishi has now finally upped the ante and introduced an Evo that can chase super-cars around the curves, but now wears a suit to work.
3 BMW 15i
It has the same amazing 00hp engine and all the creature comforts and gizmos from the 5i in a car that weighs a lot less. That translates to acceleration close to the 400 hp, V8-powered M.
2 Audi TTS
It gets a lightweight a 65hp .0-litre FSI turbo engine so it’s svelte yet powerful, 58-pound-feet of torque are available at ,5000 RPM. For $46,5, you can have one of the smartest-looking coupes, backed by a brilliant drive-train on the road today.
1 Nissan 370G Nismo
With all the options, it barely crosses the $40,000 line. The .7-litre V6 makes 50hp, takes the car to 60mph in 4.5 seconds,yet gets18/6 mpg, city/highway. You want a car that makes you feel more awake the moment you grab the shifter. It has the it-factor.
Cowichan Good Life Magazine 17
Contined from page 17 He still bought the Bumblebee-look-alike, skinny mirrors or not. And so far, he’s pretty thrilled, enjoying countryside cruises with its manual paddle shift, six-speed tranny system. The hot rod spends lots of time in Duncan’s Full Metal Jacket Racing shop. That’s where MacLeod’s getting modifications done. “There are reasons and there are wants (for modifications). I’d love to put a twin turbo in that car. “Right now, I’ve got $16,000 invested in upgrades and to finish the car off, probably another $3,000.” Add-ons have included a new grill, more chrome, a drop kit, and tinted windows. Bow-Mel Chrysler’s Tom Johnsen says he can relate to MacLeod’s excitement. Their version of the Camaro comes in the form of the beefy Dodge Challenger SRT8. “It evokes the muscle car era from the ‘70s. It brings back a lot of emotions, and the desire for hot cars, and maybe they weren’t affordable back then but they are now.” Johnsen’s reaction to the mid-life crisis stigma: “Who cares?” “I think it’s a really cool choice, and it’s better than never.” MacLeod says he’s not done yet. “I think in 2012, I’m going to put it away (the 2010 Camaro) and I’m going to buy the 2012 Z28.”
GREAT ISLAND GOLF Join Our Seniors’Club
Come check us out. Memberships available.
Phone 250-746-5333 Norman Jackson Toll Free 1-877-744-5333 Head Professional cowichangolfclub.ca On the TCH, south of Duncan 18 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
Join and Our Seniors’Club get 15% off
15% off EVERY VISIT! EVERY VISIT! any regular menu item and get any regular menu item
5325 Trans Canada Hwy. Duncan
250-597-1818
5325 Trans Canada Hwy. Duncan
250-597-1818
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
NEW PATIENTS WELCOME
Featuring Blinds “Made in B.C.”
•General & Cosmetic Dentistry •Teeth Whitening •Velscope Oral Cancer Screening •State of the Art Dental Equipment •Dental Implant Placement & Restoration
� Complete Window Coverings � Free Estimates & Delivery � Locally Owned � Seniors Discounts � Professional Installations “Good Old Fashioned Service”
] 250-715-7733
www.tidalblinds.ca
250-416-0097 i tidalblinds@telus.net
Call for your complimentary Dental Implant or Botox Consultation 55-1400 Cowichan Bay Rd. Cobble Hill 250-743-6698 cobblehilldental@shaw.ca
featuring...
and... One Visit Crowns
PLAN YOUR FUNERAL Plan For Your Tomorrow... TODAY
Toll Free 1-800-561-1556
Offering 0% FINANCING
Renovating? Choose Victoria Truss for all your building component needs!
Proudly serving Vancouver Island since 1977, our experienced staff can make this challenging experience a breeze. Locally owned & operated.
Quality supplier of: • Roof Trusses • Prefab Stairs • Engineered Floors/Beams Proud suppliers of Jager Wood Products With three locations to serve you Victoria, Cobble Hill, Courtenay
Kevin Owens Manager
Now is the right time to think about tomorrow. Prearrange and Alicia Thompson take advantage of our Sales Advisor
PRE ARRANGEMENT DISCOUNT
“We Have You Covered” Luigi Mansueti Victoria Office (250) 388-9975
Cobble Hill Office (250) 743-9922
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
Courtenay Office (250) 703-2868
Tel 250-748-2134
375 Brae Rd. Duncan Cowichan Good Life Magazine 19
ARE YOU A
20 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
? What your soon-to-be-married daughter or daughter-in-law really wants from you
by Ashley Gaudreault
“Why don’t you get married in a church? “Why can’t you feed your guests with a nice sit-down meal?” “You’re not having a wedding party, bridemaids and groomsmen? — That’s unheard of.” But mom, weddings aren’t quite the same anymore. Conversations like the one above are taking place more often between brides and their mothers and grandmothers, especially now wedding season has shifted into full gear. Story continued page 22
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
Cowichan Good Life Magazine 21
Continued from page 21 There’s no argument weddings have changed drastically from days when Ma and Pa exchanged vows in a chapel and boogied down in the community hall for the post-ceremony celebration. What’s not budging, though, is mom and grandma’s views on what’s a wedding celebration. According to local entrepreneur Mary Harrison there are ways to avoid scuffles between “bride-zillas” and “momzillas.” Harrison’s starting her own full service bridal/formal/prom store in Duncan, Paper Doll Formals, which opened its doors March 2. She’s expecting mom and daughter duo clients. She got hitched in 2003 and knows a thing or two about mom getting her two cents in. Harrison was horrified when her mother told her a wedding gown she had her eyes on made her look too “hippy” as in her hips looked too big. “I vowed I was never going to show her another dress again,” Harrison said. The valley resident said one thing’s evident—– weddings have changed. “When grandma got married, it was on a Wednesday and she wore her best dress. “That’s basically what happened and it’s so different. When mom got married, she got married in a white dress and she usually got married in a church because church was a really big thing and for some people it still is.” Harrison’s mom wanted her to get married by a justice of the peace by the beach and have a dinner at a restaurant for the post-ceremony reception. “I said that may work for your wedding mom, but this is my wedding.” For Harrison, first things first — set ground rules right off the bat. “Make an agreement with (mom) before you even step into a bridal store,” she said. Local wedding planner Amber Hiscock says how much say a mom/grandma/mother-in-law has depends on how much cash they’re chipping in. “My business coach always says you have to find out who’s paying for the wedding before you set up a consultation because they’re the big decision maker and you want them to be at the meeting,” Hiscock said.
Local wedding planner Amber Hiscock can tell you how much weddings have changed over the years. She got hitched at her church, New Life Community Baptist Church on Tzhoulem Road.
22 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
The 24-year-old just started her own planning company, Amber Leigh Weddings and Design. She’s been helping family and friends plan their big days for more than two years and has had her hand in event planning for more than eight years. “I did my own wedding and I thought ‘Oh I love this.’ Friends started asking me to plan theirs for them and that’s how I gained a lot of my experience.” She says brides have to consider some opinions if they’re being helped financially. Family members must realize too, though weddings have become much more individualized and pricier as most brides compete in the ultra-extravagant wedding showdown. “Wedding styles are much more individualized and unique to the couples these days,” she said, noting vintage themed weddings are a current trend as well as local couples using Cowichan farmer’s fields for nuptials. She suggests brides create a detailed game plan for tackling decorations, music, and food etc. as well as plans on how to deal with each family member who’s lending a hand. Harrison agreed with Hiscock. “It’s very individual. Tradition isn’t a big player in weddings anymore, which is kind of cool.” Trendy weddings have bride and grooms inviting guests for post-ceremony appies and cocktails, feeding them cupcakes for dessert, and delighting them with funky, fresh decorations. Some couples are axing wedding parties (brides and groomsmen) to save dough. Tons are also eloping in hot spot vacation destinations, getting past the idea granny won’t fly overseas and won’t make it to their big day One already-hitched Cowichanian, who asked for her identity not to be revealed as to avoid any more mother-in-law scraps, said she could write the book on bride and mom standoffs. “Firstly, mother-in-laws need to realize if their son is getting married, they are naturally not going to be as involved with the wedding planning. “Secondly, why should the bride’s family have to pay for the wedding, especially in today’s economy? It should be a joint affair with both sides contributing.” Story continued next page Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
The sarcastic sounding Jane Doe gives examples of what some mom-zillas aren’t coping with. “The pictures will look terrible if everyone is not colourcoordinated. “And we have to invite cousin Gretchen and her 10 kids even though we’ve never met them, and what about BettySue and her eight kids, and well we might as well invite half of Duncan. “I can’t believe you’re not having a gift opening? Who wouldn’t want to watch you open gifts for two hours straight?” “Weddings bring out the weird in people,” Harrison chipped in. “And it’s sometimes good weird and it’s sometimes bad weird. It all depends. If it’s mom that’s paying, she may say, ‘I’ve always wanted to put money toward your gown,’
Wedding
because you already know you’re not going to wear your mom’s (old wedding) dress.” Make it clear with your mom, dad, grandparents (whoever is throwing in the big bucks) what part of the wedding they’d like their support to go toward, she advised. “But mom has to really realize first of all, it’s not her wedding. She’s had her wedding. She’s had her turn. And it’s hard to say this because it’s your mom and you love her.” Before money becomes an issue, turn teatime talk to how much say will be allowed. “And in the end most moms want their daughter to be happy and they want her to be beautiful,” Harrison said. She says to moms, mother-in-laws (and maybe the odd dadzilla): “Have faith in how you’ve raised your child. They will make the right decisions.”
• Paper bells vs. paper lanterns • Victorian vs. vintage • Tiaras vs. birdcage veils Amber Hiscock compares choices • Fruitcake vs. cupcakes • Throwing rice vs. blowing bubbles between trendy weddings and • Bow ties vs. skinny ties traditional in this bout with • Traditional vows vs. write-your-own mom in the red corner and • Sleeved gowns vs. strapless daughter in the blue.
• R oman columns and balloon archways vs. shepherd hooks and curly willows • Dinner vs. appy/cocktail hour
And finally:
• Church ceremonies vs. destination weddings
NO HST!
When Does a Denture Need Replacing?
Many people e believe that dentures last forever! Dentures should be replaced every five years. Wearing dentures for more than n five years without having them checked could be harmful to your health. Here is a short list of the most harmful possible effects suffered by wearers of prosthesis more than five years old:
• softening of the gum
• painful, irritated gum
• more laborious chewing and more difficult digestion • crumpled mouth and prematurely old face
• headaches, ear aches, neck pain and joint problems • accelerated bone loss (ridge) ... and this is a partial list!
A Consultation with your denturist to have your dentures checked and cleaned could prevent problems in the future.
Denturists are Denture Specialists
250-746-6241 #100-321 Festubert St.
(1992) LTD.
Complete Repair & Denture Service
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
Robert Fortunat Denturist
L O C A L LY O W N E D A N D O P E R AT E D SINCE 1953
Cowichan Good Life Magazine 23
Spoiling the grandkids How to indulge without interfering by Ashley Gaudreault Little Johnny Jr. just came home from a weekend with Granny and Gramps. And mission one for John Sr. and Momma Julie is reprogramming the little tyke of his newly acquired spoiled ways. Sound familiar? Parents are struggling to maintain a healthy, structured, and disciplined lifestyle with their tot. But nanas and papas will argue their days of parenting are over. When they are spending time with their grandkids, they just want to have fun. For Sandi Halvorson, it’s about discovering a mutual relationship between
Grandma Wendy Henderson and grandson Matthew Dadswell have a boo at Duncan’s Red Balloon Toy Shop. It’s hard to leave a store, especially one like the Red Balloon, without buying her grandson a toy, Henderson admits. both generations. “You need to make grandparents feel welcome to be a part of the kids’ lives and that they don’t feel like somehow what they did and how they did things was wrong or bad,” she said. “Be prepared to maybe share with them what we know (as parents of this generation) that our parents didn’t know.”
The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support group director says when she was young, her folks didn’t have support groups, circles and activities like she did as a parent. “Today, it’s way more acceptable for parents to reach out for help,” she said. Story continued page 26
Healthy Living Dr. Fei Yang (Dr. TCM, Reg.Ac)
Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine Acupuncture / Diet Therapy
250-733-2917
2011 Spring Cleanse Program Starts March 1- June 30 for details please contact Dr. Yang at
250-735-2917 24 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
Serving Cowichan families for over 70 years
The little things mean a lot... We can cater to your after service gatherings in our Arbor Reception Centre. Renovations to entire facility almost done!
Recapture Your Memories
Zineer Media
at
Convert your slides, photos, vinyl LPs, cassettes and home movies (VHS, Hi8, Digital8 & MiniDV) to CD and DVD
At a time of need or when planning ahead, rely on the trusted specialists.
Mon-Fri 9:30-6:00 250-252-0401 RecaptureYourMemories.com in the Schoolhouse Square are
For free information call: 250-746-5212
Sands Funeral Chapel
Cremation & Reception Centre
187 Trunk Rd., Duncan
Bring this ad in and receive 10% off your rst order! (Limit 1)
A division of Arbor Memorial Services Inc.
EDIE WRAGG, R.D. DENTURIST
NEW DENTURES
NEW DENTURES • No referrals necessa
• Full/Partial Dentures • Full/Partial • Same dayDentures service for relines repairs • Same dayand service for
relines and repairs
••No necessary Softreferrals liners for lower dentures
Mostliners dentalforplans ••Soft loweraccepted dentures • Most dental plans accepted
250-743-3311 32-850 Shawnigan - Mill Bay Rd. Mill Bay
Call Linda Gary at 250-746-9901 156C Government St., Duncan (by appointment)
www.garyinteriors.ca Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
email:garyinteriors@shaw.ca Cowichan Good Life Magazine 25
Continued from page 24 For Chemainus granny Dorothy McDonald the saying ‘Spoil your grandkids rotten’ is taboo. “That’s an old saying. I’ve said it before but I don’t really mean it.” McDonald admits she doesn’t have a clean record from overindulging. “We do spoil them, but I think we spoil them by taking them on a trip or something like that instead.” She’s taken her grandkids to Disneyland as well as on numerous summer vacations to their family cabin in Powell River. The 68-year-old has two grandsons, a nine-year-old and a 16-year-old. “I’m Nana. And I still play road hockey with them,” she said. The Chemainiac could be considered a cool grandma of the Courtenay-born boys. She’s not a pushover though. “When they’re at our place, it’s everyday life. They do chores,” she said. McDonald’s grandsons Dalton and Dylan love continuity. She remembers one day when one of the double D boys was being disobedient. The retired school teacher knew exactly what to do. “I always ask them what they’d like for dinner, and one time, the little guy wanted all this and that and I fixed it all up and then he wouldn’t eat it, so I put him up in his room, and he was about four years old, and I said ‘That’s it, you’re there for the night. You don’t come down. You don’t get anything.’” McDonald and husband Wayne went on with their business. “The next morning he got up and he
ate pancakes and sausages and eggs and drank orange juice. He was quite ready to eat.” McDonald’s had to bite her tongue on many occasions as the boy’s parents are now divorced and parenting styles are divided. “I’ve almost bit my tongue in half several times,” she said. “I don’t care what they do in their personal life; all they have to do is be parents. Don’t mess with my grandchildren,” she said. Dorothy and Wayne aren’t big spenders on their grandsons. “We don’t really get them many gifts now because they’re older and when they were younger, we did do some, but it was stuff like sports equipment.” She’d rather plunk the boys in a chair and have them do crafts with her. “They really liked when I read to them too,” she said. The dynamics of modern families have changed over the years considerably and that’s shaking up grandparents’ roles. “I think there are more families where one parent is bearing the load of raising the children on their own,” Halvorson said. Grandparents are often stepping into the parent’s shoes. Conversations have to be had between parents and their folks about what’s different now and where help is needed. Setting grounds rules on things like rules and disciplinary methods — does Johnny Jr. get timeouts or does he sit in a naughty chair when he acts out, or is Johnny Jr. allowed cookies before dinner or before bed, for example — with nana and papa is OK too. “For sure, you have to remember hav-
ing a relationship with grandparents is such a marvelous thing. It can be a great gift for the kids and the grandparents too,” Halvorson said.
Ideas for
a day out with the
grandkids,
that doesn’t include spoiling them: • L ook through a box of family photos together. Kids are always interested in where they came from and what their parents looked like when they were younger. •D o some baking. Kids love to help out and it’s a really inexpensive activity. •G o outside. Depending on grandparents’ physical ability, try a nature walk, scavenger hunt, or a park. •H ead down to the local museum or library. It’s amazing how many interesting programs they have. •A sk your grandchildren to teach you something. Kids know so many things that we don’t know, for example, how to do something on a computer like uploading pictures. — Courtesy Grandparents Raising Grandchildren’s Sandi Halvorson
The Happy Denturist
Hugo and Vicki Boschman
• Complete Denture Services • In House Lab • Same day Relines/Repairs Bring this • Dentures/Partials ad in for • Dentures Over Implants a FREE
VICKI BOSCHMAN Unlicensed Assistant
HUGO BOSCHMAN
100% Canadian SUTTON GROUP WESTCOAST REALTY 2610 BEVERLY ST., DUNCAN
250-748-5000 www.boschman.ca
26 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
26 Years of Competent & Friendly Service
Let us move you!
• No referral necessary
Consultation
#7-8377 Chemainus Rd. Chemainus (Beside Clean Warmth Stoves & Suzy’s Restaurant)
Brian Harris
250-246-4674 Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
Fighting city hall Paul Fletcher and the disappointing reality of local government by Peter W. Rusland Duncan Councillor Paul Fletcher’s tired of talk at city hall. He wants co-operative action greased by citizen involvement, especially as election time is looming on Oct. 15. The soft-spoken second-term councillor — always a gadfly in council’s ointment of debate — said he’s ready to forge constructive change with help from politicians and residents as frustrated as he is. “I’m a flagship for change, and I’m looking for help to make it happen,” he said, still unsure if he’ll run for a third term to fight the city hall he’s part of. But the Brentwood College photography teacher and artist challenged locals and leaders to be part of a new vision for a bigger Duncan that’s truly the heart of Cowichan. Fletcher revealed dismay about council’s repeatedly failed tries at annexing Eagle Heights and other areas through boundary restructuring. “I want discussions to start about a new way of running the urban area of Duncan that’s made up of North Cowichan and the city. Story continued page 28
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
Cowichan Good Life Magazine 27
Continued from page 27 “Amalgamation can be achieved down the road, but the urban area should be run as partners helping the city bear costs of being the heart of the valley.” That means a massive restructuring throughout Cowichan with the focus on its centre: Duncan. He also cited square-mile Duncan’s struggle against climate change. “That should be completely regional, and approached in an urban partnership process.” The city’s new urban area would hold geography folks now think of as Duncan anyway. “You just have to change the politicians who are resistant to this kind of change.” He wants a longer-range vision for Totem Town where citizens have a tough time getting heard. “You can’t fight city hall on a one-issue basis.” But Fletcher still puts the onus on voters. “Step forth to run, or participate. We have to get beyond a 22 per cent voter turnout. “If we have the same turnout by the same voters, we’ll have the same result.” That result left Fletcher a reluctant rogue on a council he described as constipated in its decision-making. “A glacial pace is a good word.” That said, Fletcher was proud of staff and council for reclaiming seedy Centennial Park and installing the Government Street stairs. But to him the devil remains in sluggish details at city hall. “The plastic-bag ban was a humourous example,” Fletcher, 57, said, citing the ban proposed to council twice by Bench school students in recent years. Council mulled the kids’ idea then sent it to the regional en28 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
vironment commission. (The bag ban stalled despite Thrifty Foods’ voluntary instore ban.) That’s the kind of inaction Fletcher’s flustered about. “My persistent nature is that I want to get things done,” he said, pointing to his Cowichan colleagues’ “resistance to change.” The motorcyclist sees himself as a rebel with a cause — a patient listener before taking reasoned steps. “I’m well known for my strong views, and I’m taking action by participating in the process.” The guts of city hall’s process appear at public committee-ofthe-whole huddles, where folks aiming to fight city hall can get ammo aplenty. COW meetings involve councillors hearing proposals, beefs and feedback, then frankly debating those before formally approving, nixing or granting themselves more discussion study time at full council meetings. Fletcher’s frustrations have him still mulling whether he will pursue re-election. But his advice to citizens serious about duking it out with Duncan brass is simple. “Attend council meetings. COW meetings aren’t even filmed (by Shaw Cable) anymore, but that’s where the real business gets done — and where people should attend to see all the guarded opinions.” The British-born lensman was candid about mouthy critics, and why he first sought office. “I love Duncan, that’s why I ran. “If you’re a critic on a regular basis, you should put your ideas forward and act on them.” “I’ve got it all mapped out in my mind. The status quo is stalled. It’s time for change and now’s the perfect time.”
The devil
you know
Duncan’s track record on embracing the status quo at the corner of Kenneth and Craig is well-established. Just twice in the past 32 years have the taxpayers voted a sitting mayor out of office. Only three times since 1969 has an incumbent councillor failed in a bid for re-election. Phil Kent is in his second term as mayor after serving two as councillor. Mike Coleman was mayor for 22 of 28 years before him. Mike Caljouw sat on council for 35 years before retiring in 2008. Martin Lukaitis retired in 2002 after 35 years. Sharon Jackson is the longest-serving current councilor at 14 years.
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
We Want to Help You Get & Stay Fit
Health and Fitness Programs in the Cowichan Valley Valley Health and Fitness, providing you with the best tness programs! Welcome to Cobble Hill and Valley Health and Fitness. Here you will nd fun new health programs designed to get your body in shape and see great results quickly.
Ask about our seniors rates!
The home of the
Valleyview Centre
250-743-0511
IT’S TAX TIME!
Choose... Wise Financial Services Inc.!
We can process your taxes within 2 working days or we will
process them for FREE!* IN A HURRY? Ask us for our ‘while you wait’ service. E-filing with direct deposit means a refund can be deposited in 10 days or less! Drop-ins are welcomeno appointment necessary. *Terms & Conditions apply
Extended hours during tax season
9:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Friday
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
DID YOU RECEIVE YOUR TAX ENVELOPE IN THE PAPER? GAY WISE
Saturdays (March 1st to April 30th).
Call us any time during the year for assistance For a complete range of
Be Creative with your flooring talk to the experts at
financial services IF NOT, CALL Check us out at: US FOR ONE! w www.wisefinancialservices.ca
WISE FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. 100% Cowichan Valley Owned and Operated! PO Box 157, 1757 Shawnigan Mill Bay Road Shawnigan Lake BC V0R 2W0 Phone 250-743-5999 Fax 250-743-5788
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
and window #101 - 2700 Beverly Street, Duncan 250-746-4851 Cowichan Good Life Magazine 29
What you need to know if you are dreaming of lakeside or oceanside property
by Don Bodger The true value of waterfront property in the Cowichan Valley to the owner can’t be measured solely in current currency. The pleasing lifestyle is an asset itself, but waterfront tends to hold up well in all market conditions, making it a solid investment alternative and part of a retirement strategy for some. Kim Johannsen counts himself in that category as a waterfront property owner. He also just happens to have considerable expertise in that area as a realtor with Re/Max Duncan. “Waterfront is at the top of the hierarchy of real estate, being more scarce in supply, and is highly sought-after more than typically any other type of real estate,’’ he noted. “Waterfronts outperform all other segments of the market and hold value 30 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
better than other types.’’ People are naturally drawn to the water, something Johannsen knows well from his previous experience in the navy. “A lot of naval personnel, they have an affinity to water and they want to be here,’’ he said. Johannsen started small, buying a character house in Cowichan Bay in 1989 after he left the navy. “I was pining for one day when we could actually own waterfront,’’ he said. Johannsen recognized an opportunity and geared his investment strategy toward waterfront over time. “They held their ground better than pretty much anything else I saw,’’ he said. Other people take different steps before making a desired move to waterfront such as acquiring rental property
for additional revenue. Johannsen decided not to take that route, but there are also factors that must be considered with waterfront as an investment. Johannsen has been to several seminars and official community plan meetings where waterfront is an issue. “There’s a lot of concern and discussion about how the waterfront interacts,’’ he explained. “It’s environmentally sensitive. “There’s opportunities out there. A lot of the Cowichan Valley is fairly rural. There’s resistance to developing the waterfront in certain camps.’’ The market for existing waterfront is also affected by outside forces, something that has to be considered before investing. Many people from Alberta, other parts of the Prairies, Ontario and the United States are attracted to our coast. Story continued page 32 Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
Senior
ce
e f Gre ste o
A Ta
s ff
20% o
& MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE! E!
your Entree
OPEN FOR DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK
250-748-3343
5849 York Road, Duncan at Thunder Bird Motor Inn
Hospital Auxiliaries Thrift Store (HATS)
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. All money raised by volunteer workers is used to provide care and comfort to patients in Cowichan District Hospital and Cairnsmore Place.
Hospice can help at a difficult time. Hospice staff and volunteers provide: y Emotional support and information for people living with advancing illness and their family or friends y One to one emotional support for those grieving the death of someone they love y Group support for people in grief y Library and resources on end of life issues, care giving and grief, including picture books for children y Hospice volunteers available daily at Cowichan District Hospital and a family lounge with hot beverages. y Biweekly care clinics and outreach offering reiki,
In retirement, you’ll primarily rely on pensions and savings to cover your expenses. None of us know for sure how long we’ll need those savings to last and mistakes like not investing wisely or withdrawing too much money can be difficult to fix. I can help you understand where you are today, determine the income you’ll need in retirement and recommend changes to help make it last your lifetime. Let’s talk about growth potential, tax efficiency, guarantees on your capital and innovative payout strategies. Call me today to get started on your plan.
therapeutic touch and other relaxing treatments y Vigils for the last hours of life y Community advocacy on end of life issues y All services are offered free of charge and most are
JANICE PATZWALD, CFP, EPC FINANCIAL CONSULTANT
554 Trunk Road Duncan, BC V9L 2R1 250-746-6734, ext 225 Fax: 250-746-4318 Email: janice.patzwald@investorsgroup.com
The Plan by
Investors Group Financial Services Inc. ™
Trademarks owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations.
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
available across the Cowichan region for people at home, in hospital or living in a care facility.
For more information about Hospice services, please contact us at 250-701-4242 (1-888-701-4242 in Ladysmith) or visit our website at www.members.shaw.ca/cvhospice
DON’T FORGET: HIKE FOR HOSPICE MAY 1, 2011 Cowichan Valley Hospice Caring for Cowichan families through advancing illness and grief, since 1981
Cowichan Good Life Magazine 31
Continued from page 30 “A lot of Albertans want to move to Vancouver Island and learn how to sail or be fishermen,’’ said Johannsen. Supply and demand naturally figures into the equation. “What I see from experience, it’s from the people who are cashing out from the larger urban centres,’’ said Johannsen. “It has unfortunately put it out of the range of a lot of people who are local.’’ The bottom line for Johannsen is people have to weigh all factors and make their own decisions. “Probably the best thing I like about it is you have nature at your doorstep,’’ he said. “It’s an option for real estate. It’s not for everybody. For some people, it works. It’s one of those supply and demand entities.’’ Norm de Wit of DFH Real Estate Ltd. specializes in lakefront property on Cowichan Lake that brings slightly different circumstances than oceanfront. “Up until seven years ago, there was very little vacant land available on the waterfront here at Cowichan Lake,’’ noted de Wit. “Mainly, the options prior to that time were already-built older homes on the lake.’’ The first new substantial subdivision was the Creekside development with 75 waterfront lots facing south on the north arm of the lake. Since that project began, homes have been built on 60 to 75 per cent of the lots, according to de Wit, offering to the market a larger range of newer homes built after 2004-05. Along the way, lessons were learned about cohesive development on the waterfront regarding environmental concerns, dockage, setbacks from the lake and protection of the riparian area. The latest waterfront development, Woodland Shores, came onto the market in 2009 with unprecedented sales in both volume and sale prices, according to de Wit. “Hands down, this has been the best received development on the lake, boasting a 1,200-acre site with 895 acres of public parkland on Bald Moun32 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
Kim Johannsen enjoys his superb view
Norm de Wit specializes in Cowichan Lake waterfront. tain encompassing both the south and north arm of the lake,’’ noted de Wit. Before considering purchases on the lake, “one has to have a very clear understanding of the lake’s high water mark, as this dictates the required setback through the riparian area from the high water mark for a building en-
velope,’’ he added. “Also, the land’s orientation, south-facing or northfacing, dictates how far back from the high water mark one can construct a home.’’ The issue is dictated by riparian legislation adopted in the region, de Wit noted. “Other suitability concerns would be the land’s orientation. Seventy per cent of the marketplace has preference to south-facing waterfront. Properties without south exposure have struggled on the market.’’ Values since 2000 on the lake’s waterfront have significantly increased — up to 300 per cent in some cases as the area became discovered, according to de Wit. But there has been a slight decline by an average of 15 per cent during the economic correction, he points out. “Frankly, this has afforded some great opportunity in a waterfront purchase on the lake — in both vacant land and land and homes existing on the lake. Never before has there been such a variety of inventory on the lake in both segments.’”
Checking out the market Considering cashing in that dream? Here are some of the options currently available: There’s a lot to consider when deciding on waterfront living in the valley. For some, the most economical option might just be buying a lot. Such properties are scarce, however, and require fast action when anything becomes available. Kim Johannsen of Re/Max of Duncan points to an oceanview lot at Arbutus Ridge that’s listed at $289,900, well below the assessed value of $342,000. “One of the last remaining waterfront lots, the property boasts panoramic ocean views toward Salt Spring Island and across to Mount Baker and lots of arbutus trees,’’ notes literature for the Sean Humm listing. Until seven years ago, there was very little vacant land on Cowichan Lake. The Creekside development on the north arm of the lake was the first new
substantial subdivision, with 75 south facing waterfront lots — offered at between $200,000 and $300,000 in 2004-05. The site ultimately sold out within three years after two price increases and ending at price points from $300,000 to $450,000. The Woodland Shores waterfront development came onto the market in 2009 with unprecedented sales. Seventy per cent of the 28 waterfront lots sold at prices ranging from $330,000 to $445,000 in the first season. At the high end of the spectrum is a Stoneyhill Road 9.08-acre lot in Maple Bay for $2,600,000. Existing waterfront homes in the valley also generally come with a hefty price tag, topped by a $2,500,000 rancher on 12.7 acres on Meredith Road near Mill Bay. Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
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
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
Equipment Loan
Chemainus Health Care Centre Adult Day Program Phone: 250-246-3291
Canadian Red Cross 2-5855 York Rd. Duncan, BC Phone: 250-748-2111
Providence Farm Gloria Bond, SAGC Program Coordinator 1843 Tzouhalem Rd., Duncan Phone: 250-746-9668
Grandparents Support
Waldon House Day Program 1843 Tzouhalem Rd., Duncan 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 2011
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 Lush Eco Lawns John Close 3054 Biscay Rd. Duncan, BC Phone: 250-597-0408 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 Harmony Health Care Ltd. John McAlorum, RN, Dir. of Operations Unit 2A–2753 Charlotte Rd. Duncan, Phone: 250-701-9990 In Good Hands Home Care Sharon Klewchuk, Walt Deelman Phone; 250-701-3936 Northgate Support Services Laila Pera, Owner, CSA Phone: 250-743-8288 Nurse Next Door Home Healthcare Chris Wilkinson, Director Phone: 250-748-4357 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 5905 Indian Rd. Duncan Phone: 250-748-1352 Duncan Christian Senior Home Society 1015 Trunk Rd. Duncan John Duifhuis, Secretary Phone: 250-748-8205 Duncan Housing Society Julie Budd, 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
Housing – Private 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 Sherwood House Audrey Norman, Manager 280 Government St. Duncan Phone: 250-710-8882 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 Cowichan Good Life Magazine 33
Cowichan Seniors Resource Directory 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 Every Detail Jane Sheppard 2093 Calais Rd. Duncan Phone: 250-748-3626 Duncan Moving & Storage Joyce Bennett 2-2913 Allenby Rd, Duncan 250-746-5103 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 Christine Fagan, 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 34 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
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
Kinsmen Club of Duncan Jason Czettisch, Past President 5990 Indian Rd., Duncan Phone: 250-746-1940
Service Clubs
Ladysmith Kinsmen Club Duck Patterson, Life Member P.O. Box 324, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A3 Phone: 250-245-2263
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 Roberta Smith, President 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
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 Rotary Club, Duncan Roger Hart, Secretary P.O. Box 473, Duncan, BC V9L 3X8 Phone: 250-715-3039
Service Clubs 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 Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
Cowichan Seniors Resource Directory Service Clubs 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
Cowichan Valley Arthritis Society Jan Norwood Box 942, Duncan, BC V9L 3Y8 Phone: 250-748-2481 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 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
Therapy Dog Visits Therapy Dog Visitation Program, St. John Ambulance Denise McArthur, Unit Facilitator Phone: 250-715-0949 Lynn James, Community Service Coordinator Phone: 250-246-2938 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
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
www.cowichanseniors.ca Executive Travel & Tourism Bob Lord, President Phone: 250-891-3881 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 1894 Bott Ave. Comox 250-338-0196
Wellness Coaching New Way-Life & Health Coaching Valerie Childs, MSc. Phone: 250-324-1638
Support Group for Low Vision Seniors Karen McClinchey Phone: 250-746-6041
Alzheimer Society of BC Jane Hope Phone:1-800-462-2833
Canadian Red Cross Help Program Jack Faber 2-5855 York St., Duncan Phone: 250-748-2111
For more details and updates go to:
Care-A-Van Services Rosalind Wilson Owner/Operator 1851 Sandra Place, Duncan Phone: 250-701-5751 Cowichan Valley Regional Transit #3-5280 Polkey Rd., Duncan Phone: 250-746-9899 Web: www.busonline.ca
Cowichan Independent Living Promoting a new perspective on disability
Medical Equipment Division Loans of medical equipment are available for up to three months.
Consignment Service for medical equipment that you no longer need.
Donations
Richard, Sandy, Ramin
As a registered non-profit, charitable organization, a tax receipt can be issued for all medical equipment donations.
Batteries for all your medical needs! Best price in town! Medical Equipment Division
Authorized retailer
1065B Canada Avenue Duncan, BC Cowichan Promoting a new perspective on disability
www.cvilrc.bc.ca
250 597 3210 www.medicalloans@cvilrc.bc.ca
Partial funding for this program is received from Cowichan United Way
Cowichan Good Life Magazine 35
Getting away from it
by Krista Siefken Between your job, raising a family, and life in general, you’ve always found a justifiable reason to put off travelling. Or maybe you’ve always indulged that pushy little travel bug, already planning the next trip before you’ve finished unpacking from the last one. Either way, now you’re retired. You’ve got tons of free time, and some savings in the bank. And it’s become almost impossible to deny that urge to renew your passport and catch the next plane heading south — or north, or east, or west. “A lot of baby boomers have saved their whole lives to travel, so now that’s what they’re doing,” said Kathy Goodman, manager at Duncan Hill Travel. The options are as wide as the world itself. You can visit castles in the United Kingdom, or sample some of the Mediterranean’s finest cuisine. You can travel to North America’s best golf courses, or simply plop yourself under the South American sun with a massive margarita. “One of the things baby boomers are really starting to do is European river cruises,” Goodman said. “They’ve been cruising on the bigger ships for 36 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
all
Some trendy vacation spots you may not have considered
years, and those are still very popular, but the river cruises are really starting to boom and not just in Europe — there’s China and other areas as well.” River cruises offer travellers a more intimate experience on a smaller ship and more sights than just the major ports can offer. “A lot of people don’t like doing the bus tours because you’re up at 6 o’clock every morning and on the road, but it’s considered to be the only way to see all the cities and countries,” Goodman said. “Whereas river cruising allows you the same thing, but you’ve got the luxury of the cruise ship. It’s a lot more relaxing.” Retired Cowichanian and travel enthusiast Maria Ridewood subscribes to the variety-is-the-spice-of-life approach to travel. Road trips? Check. All-inclusive tropical vacations? Check. Bicycling in Europe? Check.
“Last year we decided to have a look at Arizona,” said Ridewood. “Everyone goes to Arizona when they turn into snowbirds. And we’ll probably go back and do it again from a different angle.” All-inclusive stays for Ridewood and her husband Mark have happened in Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. “We like the all-inclusive holidays because we’re so busy and involved in musicals in the winter, usually by the time it’s over we’re ready to put our feet up,” Ridewood said. “If you do all-inclusive, it’s so simple. You just have to get yourself to the airport, and from there you’re looked after. You don’t have to pull a single Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
dollar out of your wallet the whole time you’re there if you don’t want to.” Vacations can be divided into two basic categories: relaxing holiday, and sightseeing travel. Both are rewarding. Ridewood, for example, went to Europe to reconnect with her family in Holland two years ago. “We became locals in no
time flat, bicycling everywhere we went,” remembered Ridewood, who loves to document her journeys with photographs She advised prospective travellers not to worry about language barriers when selecting destinations, and recommended using a travel agent to help plan your trip. “And nowadays with the internet, you can do so much
safety road
Health and on the
• When eating street food, avoid eating milk and egg products (ice cream, mayo) that have been thawed and refrozen or without refrigeration all day: a sure recipe for food poisoning. • If arriving late, book a hotel (at least for your first night) that provides shuttle service from your arrival point. • Dress conservatively (cover as much skin as possible) to respect local cultures, invite interaction, and reduce harassment. • In a foreign country, carry only a photocopy of the pages of your passport with your photo and entry visa so the original doesn’t get stolen. It’s rare that this isn’t sufficient when authorities check your papers, except when entering and leaving countries, of course. • Put Velcro on your pant pockets to keep them closed tight and stop pickpockets from helping themselves.
research,” she added. Those not wanting to fly have other options, too. The Ridewoods have travelled north to the Yukon, south to the Grand Canyon, and all the way across Canada in a Mazda Miata. “Camping is an inexpensive way to do it, and if you want to experiment, buy a little RV,” she suggested. “Buy something cheap and cheer-
ful, play with it for a couple years, and get an idea of what you want.” A world full of opportunity awaits. “It’s one of those things — you can keep talking about how you should travel, or you do it,” she said. “There are so many things on the bucket list. How many will I get to? Who knows.”
• Don’t throw away your ATM receipts, at least not close to the ATM. Save them and throw them away later so curious thieves don’t know how much money you’re carrying around. • Keep small packs of paper tissues on you at all times as public washrooms are always running out of toilet paper. • Use only the first initial of your first name on luggage tags so people don’t come up to you pretending they know you. • A popular tourist scam involves getting you to help find the owner of “found” money: don’t go there! • Don’t walk around with bare feet as street filth includes urine and feces, which can cause infections. • Baby facecloths are great for use as a sweat-wiping towel, as they’re more absorbent than hankies. When in bus stations, walking down streets, or other situations when you could be pick-pocketed, wear your daypack on your chest (rather than on your back). • Leave the fanny pack at home, or wear it in front of you, and don’t put anything valuable in it as these are targets for thieves. — Travel tips provided by Doris Gallan of www.BabyBoomersTraveling.com. Doris is a baby boomer who studied broadcast journalism at B.C.I.T., has travelled to all seven continents, 50+ countries and lived in five.
CALL FO FREE IN-H R A O ASSESSM ME ENT
250-748-4357 cowichan@nursenextdoor.com www.nursenextdoor.com Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
2011 Business Excellence award for TOP health company Also serving Nanaimo through Parksville Cowichan Good Life Magazine 37
Pioneer spirit sampled as The Good Life launches a regular feature on the food of the Cowichan Valley
You’ve got to taste
this Liz Krull and a healthy slice of coconut creme pie. The menu at the Pioneer House Restaurant in Whippletree Junction is so diwith verse you could Don Bodger eat three meals a day there for a week and still be left with more choices to savour another time. And it’s a fun place to eat, with great service, pleasing ambience and some significant history within its walls. It all combines to make a Pioneer House visit a gratifying experience — whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The staff prides itself on making you feel at home in a cozy atmosphere by the fire or the world-famous saloon bar that came from Butte, Montana while your favourite selections are cooked to perfection. My experience on a Sunday afternoon 38 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
for lunch was very much to my taste, in more ways than one. Server Liz Krull, who’s been working there five years, epitomized the feeling that exists within the overall staff of 35 with her attention to detail. “I love it here,’’ she said. “It’s a home away from home.’’ Current owners Shelagh John and her son Gerald have been operating the restaurant since 1980. “They’re still very involved, and Gerald cooks,’’ said manager Jane Reijnen, who’s in her 25th year at the location. Kitchen manager Mark Sheepwash has been around for 27 years and Toni Steele is another long-term employee going back to 1999. “It makes it very stable,’’ said Reijnen of a staff situation that’s somewhat unusual in the restaurant business. Once inside the restaurant, the atmosphere takes over. There’s something
very special and comforting about log buildings. The old saloon bar dates back to 1890 and was dismantled and brought to Canada by Whippletree founder Randy Streit in the 1970s. The other end of the room features an historic buffalo head over a magnificent fireplace. At Krull’s suggestion, I start with a vegetable tortilla soup. It’s a really unique and flavourful dish with strips of tortilla chips, large pieces of avocado and a variety of vegetables such as onions, corn and black beans. I didn’t find the soup spicy at all, with just the right blend of ingredients. The Pioneer House is renowned for providing breakfast dishes until 4 p.m. every day so I took full advantage to order one of its eggs benedict dishes with crab cakes. It’s a really great combination of flavours and the poached eggs were done to perfection in the medium range — just as I ordered them. The piece de resistance for any meal at the Pioneer House is the wide range of dessert selections. Peanut butter fudge cheesecake was at the top of the list for Krull. “It’s my absolute favourite,’’ she said. I decided to leave that for someone else to try and went with the coconut crème pie. It was a heaping helping with two thick layers and coconut shavings on top so you’d better save room for this one. But it’s well worth the calories. Reijnen said prime rib and burgers are other favourites, but there truly is something for everyone. “We try to feature local beer and wine,’’ she added. “I focus on that as much as I can.’’ And, of course, the Pioneer House stands behind its ritual of serving breakfast dishes well into the afternoon if you want. “You’d be surprised how many people want breakfast,’’ said Reijnen. “That’s what you’re in business for, is to do what the people want.” Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
Cougars and labels and rules – oh my! Lori Welborne
On a Brighter Note
“Ditch the daisy,” advised my 52-year-old friend when he first saw my picture for this column. “That necklace is too young for you.” Oh my goodness, was I hearing him correctly? Yes, at the ripe old age of 42, my ears were still working and I was hearing him just fine. “If you want to be taken seriously, you should dress the part,” he continued. “Wear pearls or something classy.” Reminiscent of my birthday 12 years ago when my mother-in-law declared that women over the age of 30 should never have long hair, I felt a need to challenge what seemed like another silly rule. Balking at my friend’s suggestion, I explained that I was unconcerned with my fashion faux pas and had always preferred to wear what I liked and what made me happy regardless of it being “in” or “out,” or me being young
or old. Since the daisy has always been one of my favourite flowers and is the name of my only daughter, it also carries a special meaning. In fact, I love it so much that I have chosen to wear a daisy necklace for all of my business related pictures. Fearing he’d insulted me, my pal fumbled to explain that he didn’t mean to imply that I was past my prime or anything of that nature. He assured me that I shouldn’t take his comments personally and that he was just trying to be helpful. It’s interesting how something can mean one thing to the speaker and something entirely different to the listener, as I experienced again last week. After a friend’s party ended too early, I, along with my husband and a few girlfriends, stopped in at the neighbourhood pub to prolong our visit. We weren’t there more than five minutes before a 20 year old man sauntered up and excitedly said, “Yeah! Cougars! Now we’re in business!” Uh oh – here we go.
The Beverly Medical Clinic welcomes
Drs. Jeinien Burger and Dion Scott
to our clinic. Drs. Burger and Scott are now taking applications from new patients. Walk ins are always welcome. Now Open: Saturday & Sunday 10am - 1pm
“We’re not cougars if we’re not on the prowl, kid,” snapped one of my friends. “And you’re the one on the prowl… so get lost.” Having been referred to as a cougar many times in the past 12 years, I found myself genuinely curious to know what such a label even meant to this boy, and to find out if he meant it the way most women take it. “Cougar means you’re fine lookin’!” he slurred with an awkward wink and a little burp for good measure. “You should be complimentated.” That’s not a spelling error, he actually said complimentated. Now realizing that this young man wasn’t trying to insult us, but was instead lacking in both charm and good sense, my friend rolled her eyes and recommended that he eliminate the word cougar from his vocabulary. Nodding enthusiastically, he seemed grateful for the advice and wandered off for awhile. But he ended up coming back to us three more times in the course of an hour using the phrase four additional times. On the prowl for a woman twice his age, he was having trouble
coming up with a more flattering phrase to use on his prey. Unaccustomed to this scene, my husband watched with interest. Feeling absolutely no pressure to regulate his own sense of style or concern himself with whether his hair is age appropriate or not, he marveled at the double standard that’s long been the norm. Having never been referred to as a wild cat himself, he recognized a distinct difference between aging as a man compared to a woman. Perhaps this is why there are so many women who choose to keep their age a secret. Over the years I’ve often been advised to do the same to avoid the inevitable labels. But not one to follow the rules, most everyone in my life knows how many candles I’ll have on my cake this year. Oh well, who cares. I’ve always had this vision of myself becoming a little old lady still marching to the beat of my own drum anyway. Unlike our feline friends, we humans only live once, so I might as well drive a bright little scooter with my inappropriate hair blowing in the wind and a daisy necklace around my wrinkly old neck if that’s what makes me happy. It sure beats following silly rules that don’t make me feel “complimentated.”
If you have a condition that prevents you from being able to come to our store to shop, you may be a candidate for our Sendial Service. We have organized a special group of volunteers who will phone you and take your order and then deliver your groceries the very same day. Online Shopping is now available at our Mill Bay & Duncan locations! Visit thriftyfoodsonline.com for more information.
#201-2763 Beverly St. (Beverly Corners)
250-597-3390 Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011
BEVERLY CORNERS
Customer Service: 1 800 667 8280 thriftyfoods.com
DUNC AN MILL BAY Cowichan Good Life Magazine 39
Let us help
Keep you Healthy... ... for all your Health Care & Pharmacy Needs
Seniors Special 15%OFF
Last Wednesday of Every Month SENIORS 65+
10% Discount applies every other day
Visit Our New Celiac & Gluten Free Department
250-743-9011
MILL BAY CENTRE Mon - Fri 9 am to 7 pm Saturday 9 am - 6 pm Sunday & Holidays 11 am - 5 pm
Camille Mitchell, Tammy Olsson, Nadiene Monea, Pharmacist Pharmacist Pharmacist
Mon-Sat Delivery Available with Prescriptions
JILL
RACHEL
ROBIN
TRACEY
UNCLE ALBERT’S FURNITURE
UNCAN BC 250- 748-1732 748107-2ND ST., DUNCAN, TOLL FREEE 11-800-593-5303 800 593 5303 38 YEARS IN THE COWICHAN VALLEY www.unclealberts.ca l lb t 40 Cowichan Good Life Magazine
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial March 2011