A24 - North Shore News - Sunday, December 13, 2015
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A Christ mas stor y ! Fitnes s gift ide a s ! Holid ay happ enings Y O U R
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Pondering giving pets as gifts MARIA SPITALE-LEISK mspitale-leisk@nsnews.com
SITTING KITTY Seven-year-old Kadin Roxburgh and his cat Sedin visit with Santa at Korna Pet Supplies on Dec. 6. The Marine Drive store was hosting an event featuring pet photos with Santa with proceeds going to Small Animal Rescue Society. PHOTO CINDY GOODMAN
Christmas A cuddly kitten or puppy seemingly makes for a in the perfect Christmas present, but parents and gift-givers should always be sure the recipient is prepared for the neighbourhood responsibility of owning a pet, says the SPCA. “We always say the holidays can be a wonderful time to bring in a new pet,” says Dragana Hajdukovic, BC SPCA West Vancouver branch manager. “It’s a lifelong responsibility and every (pet) guardian needs to make that decision for themselves.” So instead of surprising a family member or friend with a pet as a present, Hajdukovic recommends that everyone involved do their research. Be sure the person is ready to take on all that owning a pet involves including feeding, cleaning, walking, and just being home to spend time with them. There can also be a significant cost in owning a pet, including food and supplies (such as cat litter), and some may also need boarding or walking services. While the SPCA is an obvious place to adopt from, says Hajdukovic, there are private pet rescues and societies that would-be pet owners can also explore. “Always ask questions and make sure you are comfortable with whomever you are dealing with,” advises Hajdukovic. Parents can still surprise their kids with a new pet by bringing the kids down to the shelter under the guise of making a donation or visiting with the animals.
See Be page 28
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Sunday, December 13, 2015 - North Shore News - A25
Crossed wires leads to Christmas coincidence
MARY ELLEN KENNY MA Contributing Co writer
Christmas eve 40 years ago Ch my husband Howard and I prepared for an unusual, possibly depressing, po Christmas holiday because Ch my stepfather, Jim, had terminal cancer. At the time, as newlyweds living in Duncan on Vancouver Island, we had to take the ferry to reach my parents’ home in West Vancouver. A torrential downpour greeted us on the North Shore, the weather thus matching our moods. As we pulled up to my childhood home, its Christmas lights transfixed me, transporting me back in time to when my sister was still alive and my brother home, versus half a world away in Australia. I entered the house through the back door into the kitchen where Jim’s well-stocked “pharmacy” stood as the ammunition in his war against pain and illness. A heaviness hung in the air as if the spirit of Christmas had yet to make an appearance, or had refused to board the ferry with us, preferring instead to remain behind on the Island with all of our friends and neighbours. So we decided to make an early
night of it and all went to bed. I was the first to awaken on Christmas morning. Everyone else in the household was still peacefully asleep so even though it was only 7 a.m., I decided to call my best friend Rita back on Vancouver Island. After all, her giggling children would have awakened her hours earlier. “Hello,” she answered in a weak, crackly voice. “Rita, are you all right?” I asked. “Who is this?” a total stranger replied. Uh-oh! Apparently the busy holiday phone lines had crossed resulting in awakening an elderly woman. I apologized for waking her, but she said, “Not to worry. It is nice to have someone to talk to, as I don’t have anything to do today, nor anyone to talk to.” No one is a stranger to me, so we began chatting. I was curious where this woman lived. “Burnaby,” she said. About 10 miles away. I used to be a PBX switchboard operator and know that when many phones were in use back then the “wires” could get crossed. But how could this be? She only lived a few miles away and her phone number and area code
weren’t even close to Rita’s. She said that her name was Faith and that she was an 80-year-old widow. Her deceased husband, Dick, and she did not have any children. She continued that she had no reason to get up, as she had no one to share Christmas with. She was glad I phoned: “A bit of a Christmas gift.” She was all alone, while we at least had each other. Yet, she considered this call to be a gift! Faith and I talked for an hour. My mother Ellen awakened in the meantime so I asked her if Faith could share Christmas dinner with us and she said “Yes.” Faith hung up the phone, got dressed, and caught a bus for her visit. Little did the bus driver or us know that he would really be delivering a Christmas miracle. Excitedly anticipating the arrival of our guest, our home’s atmosphere was transformed from doom and gloom into joy. I met the “gift” of Faith at the bus stop; we smiled at each other. After dinner, Faith and I donned our coats in preparation to drive her home but we were sidetracked by a miracle so extraordinary that we are still in awe of it after all of these years.
Mary Ellen Kenny and her mother Ellen Holden had an interesting experience on Christmas day 40 years ago. PHOTO SUPPLIED Faith and my mother were saying their last goodbyes when my mother realized that we had not shared last names. “What is your last name?” my mother asked her, to which Faith replied, “Holden.” “No,” my mother said. “That’s our last name. What is your last name?” We all experienced the shock of our lives when Faith, looking confused, repeated, “That is my last name. Holden. H-o-l-de-n.” I had never told Faith our last name, and this was years
Christmas Magic
before the Internet, so she could not have looked us up. What are the odds? The same last name, Holden, spelled the exact same way! How had we been divinely put together with someone with the same family name? What a miraculous, divine coincidence! Still in shock (and our coats), we sat down on the living room couch beside the ticking grandfather clock, unprepared for even more as-yet-to-berevealed surprises as Faith shared the story of her life. See Families’ page 29
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A26 - North Shore News - Sunday, December 13, 2015
Holiday happenings CHRISTMAS CRAWL Seasonal music with members of the North Shore Celtic Ensemble Sunday, Dec. 13, 1-3 p.m. at End of the Line General Store, 4193 Lynn Valley Rd., North Vancouver. Participation by donation with all proceeds going to the North Shore Harvest Project. CHRISTMAS WITH VIVALDI featuring Laudate Singers and instrumentalists, including an 11-piece Baroque orchestra, on Sunday, Dec. 13, 3-5 p.m., at St. Andrews United Church, 1044 St. Georges Ave., North Vancouver. Cost: $35/$30/$15, free for kids under 12. laudate-singers.com
CHRISTMAS CRAFTS Jams, jellies, art, jewelry, candles, paintings, and plenty of Christmas crafts were on sale at the Craft Market held at West Vancouver Community Centre and Seniors Centre Nov. 14-15. Margaret Ryding of Silk Threads and Wendy Reid of So Crazy Creations were just two of the many contributors. PHOTOS PAUL MCGRATH
KIDS ACTIVITIES AT THE QUAY Cookie decorating on Dec. 13, 2-3 p.m. at Lonsdale Quay, 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver.
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AUNT LEAH’S CHRISTMAS TREE LOT Lonsdale Quay Market is partnering with Aunt Leah’s Place, a support group for mothers with newborn children, and will be selling Christmas trees at their East lot, now until Dec. 22 while supplies last. Monday-Thursday 1-8 p.m. and Friday-Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. now until Dec. 22.
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TINY TENTS KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY The Black Bear Neighbourhood Pub hosts a children’s party and fundraiser Sunday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Toy drive and non-perishable food donations will be accepted. Also balloons, music, dancing, toys and more, 1177 Lynn Valley Rd. North Vancouver. blackbearpub.com
MRS. CLAUS’S KITCHEN Presentation House Theatre presents Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen, a holiday musical, until Dec. 20, at 333 Chesterfield Ave., North Vancouver. Suitable for ages seven and older. Box office: 604-990-3474 phtheatre.org
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OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT Join the Bridge Church for a free concert Sunday, Dec. 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at 1384 Deep Cove Rd., North Vancouver. eli@bridgenorthvan.ca
COOL YULE Mount Seymour United Church is hosting A Swingin’ Yuletide Show on Saturday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m. This event will feature the swing jazz quartet Van Django, harmonica by Keith Bennett and vocals by LJ Mounteney. Tickets: $24 (adults), $20 (seniors) at eventbrite.ca or at the door.
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NORTH SHORE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA presents an afternoon of light classical music for string orchestra on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2-3:30 p.m., at Lynn Valley Centre’s Community Room. Free treats and warm apple cider during the intermission. The show will close with a Christmas carol sing-along. Fee: Adults $15, seniors $10, free for kids under 10. nschamberorchestra.org
CHRISTMAS WITH CHARLES DICKENS Join in for a morning of festive theatre and music starring Don Mowatt, Carolyn Finlay and Cameron Cathcart, Thursday, Dec. 17, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at The Silk Purse Arts Centre, tickets: $15 silkpurse.ca
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LYNN VALLEY BLACK BEAR BAND WINTER CONCERT on Sunday, Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m., at Kay Meek Centre. Refreshments in the lobby after the show. Tickets: adults/seniors: $12; students: $6; free for children under 13. Tickets at KayMeekCentre.com.
NORTH SHORE SCOUTS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE FUNDRAISING SALE on now until Dec. 23 at Taylor Way and Clyde Avenue, West Vancouver. Hours: Monday-Wednesday, noon-7 p.m., Thursday and Friday, noon to 9 and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. All proceeds benefit various scout programs. SCOUTS CHRISTMAS TREE FUNDRAISER Seymour Scouts will be selling Christmas trees until Dec. 23 while supplies last at Parkgate Village, North Vancouver. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Fridays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sundays, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Chip-up event: Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, at Parkgate Village, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 13, 2015 - North Shore News - A27
Gift ideas fit for the workout-minded SHAUN KARP Contributing writer
Have a fitness junkie to shop for? How about someone who is new to exercise and looking for the latest gadgets? Here are some suggestions for holiday gifts. ! PowerBlock ($150$200): Get more value for your money with this convenient dumbbell set. PowerBlock’s innovative free weights stack on top of each other to create a convenient,
HANUKKAH CELEBRATION Sasha Kaye sings traditional songs in the photo at top, and North Shore Hebrew School students Daniel Epstein and Ella Stoch (above) also sing as part of a choir at the annual lighting of the public menorah event at West Vancouver Community Centre on Dec. 8. PHOTOS CINDY GOODMAN
Holiday Collection 2015
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or for a set of up to six. Sold in varying heights to match every fitness level. ! Workout Gloves ($20- $50): An awesome stocking stuffer, workout gloves prevent calluses and improve grip. Plus, they keep your workouts more sanitary by blocking bacteria transfer. ! Knee Support Bands ($25): Knee bands are the perfect companion for leg workouts. Made of flexible neoprene, these formfitting cuffs can be used to
prevent injury or to increase stability. They are also great for heavy exercise sets that require a little more support. Available in a number of
See Bands page 29
Holiday Shopping Hours 2015
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space-saving cube. Choose from five to 130 pounds, depending on your goals. Perfect for small apartments and home gyms. ! Plyo Boxes ($45): These easy-to-store “nesting” boxes can be used for multilevel step-ups or to add a little dimension to your lunge set. They can even be placed side by side to create a unique bounding routine. Included are lightweight rectangular frames ranging in size from 12 to 48 inches. Opt for an individual frame
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A28 - North Shore News - Sunday, December 13, 2015
Be aware of pet safety over the holiday season From page 24
“We have tricked kids before,” says Hajdukovic. As for whether the shelter sees an influx of unwanted animals after Christmas, Hajdukovic says they don’t tend to see more people surrender their animals if they are being given as gifts The holidays can be overwhelming for pets, let alone their owners, so it’s important to pay attention to your pet’s behaviour when there’s a large crowd gathered in the house. Perhaps put your pet in a different room with a toy, a bone or some food, advises Hajdukovic, adding “never force the pet to interact with people.” It’s pretty standard when it comes to pet safety at Christmas, according to the SPCA. “We always caution against wrapping up chocolates and edible items and putting them under the tree,” says Hajdukovic. “Chocolate can be toxic to dogs. Also some plants like poinsettias can be dangerous.” If you think your pet has ingested something it shouldn’t have, contact a veterinarian right away. If travel is part of your holiday plans, consider letting your pets relax and make friends at the West Vancouver SPCA, which offers boarding for dogs. Spots fill up quickly, so dog owners should book well in advance. Christmas is a time for charitable giving and the SPCA gratefully accepts monetary and in-kind donations to help them sustain their operations. “We depend on donations, so we will happily accept donations in kind, things like specific cat food, leashes, toys,” says Hajdukovic. “We suggest people check in with us because we do have a wish list.” One festive way to support the West Vancouver SPCA is to stop by the branch at 1020 Marine Dr., and dedicate an ornament (by donation) to your pet. The transparent ornaments, which can contain a photo of your Fido or Fluffy, are then hung on the shelter’s Christmas tree.
SPCA volunteer Sheri O’Neill and Abby check out some of the items for sale at the West Vancouver SPCA holiday craft and bake sale on Dec. 6. PHOTO CINDY GOODMAN BC SPCA holiday safety tips for pets: ! No bones: Avoid giving bones to your dogs or cats, particularly turkey bones. Poultry bones easily splinter and can cause serious injury, while bone fragments
can cause intestinal blockages or lacerations. ! Healthy treats: Chocolate and other sweets should not be given to animals. Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical that can be deadly to cats and dogs, though not
harmful to humans. The best thing you can do for your pets over the holidays is to keep them on their regular diet. ! Poisonous plants: Many popular holiday plants are poisonous to animals including mistletoe, holly,
ornamental pepper and Christmas rose. Remember to keep these plants out of reach of pets, especially birds. Some pets that have a sensitivity to the latex contained in poinsettias may get diarrhea or even vomit if they consume a poinsettia. ! Avoid tinsel: Make sure your Christmas tree is well secured. Try to place decorations above paw height and use string to hang the bulbs instead of hooks, which are easily dislodged. If possible, use nonbreakable ornaments. Avoid using tinsel or angel hair. Cats and dogs will ingest both, which can cause intestinal problems. Cords for lights should be made inaccessible to pets. Some chemicals added to the water reservoir of a Christmas tree can be toxic to animals, so keep the reservoir covered. ! Watch toys: Avoid purchasing pet toys with small or soft pieces that can be chewed and swallowed. Nylon bones tend to splinter less than plastic ones. Be sure to inspect pet toys regularly and discard deteriorating ones. spca.bc.ca
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Sunday, December 13, 2015 - North Shore News - A29
Families’ life stories share similar details
From page 25
Her husband was from England, as was my stepfather, Jim, with both families migrating to Winnipeg. Both Dick and Jim were the second of four children, with the same combination of brothers and sisters in the same birth order. Faith and my mother had attended the same high school. An amazing list of coincidences, as if the two women were reading from identical books of life, reiterating one similar experience after another. How was it possible to dial a long distance number on Christmas morning, and end up connecting with a “local” person who needed us as much as we needed her? It is a Christmas and a miracle we will never forget. And the clincher: Faith revealed that her phone number was unlisted. So even if we had wanted to locate her, we could not have, adding even more mystery to this Christmas morning miracle!
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The Holdens stayed friends until Faith passed away a few years after their meeting. Mary Ellen graduated from Handsworth secondary in 1969, and is the author of the books Expect Miracles and A Christmas Filled with Miracles (under the name Mary Ellen AngelScribe). Although she now lives in Oregon, she has been on the North Shore for the past year helping to take care of her 92-year-old mother Ellen who is currently in Lions Gate Hospital.
Bands used for chin-ups From page 27
regardless of height or size.
colours and styles for added personalization. ! Chin-up Bands ($30$50): Another wonderful stocking stuffer idea, these bands are usually placed under your feet to gently lift you up as you perform the classic back-sculpting chin-up. They are perfect for novices or for those who lack the upper body strength to perform this movement independently. Plus they can be used by most people,
Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer in North Vancouver. His regular columns appear in the Live section of the North Shore News. karpfitness.com
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