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FEBRUARY 2008
VOL. XXII NO 4
C E L E B R AT I N G 2 1 Y E A R S O F B R I N G I N G YO U T H E I S S U E S !
Mainline presents... p. 3
Butterfly Man p. 16
Peace, anyone? p. 16
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Editorial Canada should phase out combat role in Afghanistan There used to be a cynical term in journalism called “Afghanistanism”– the notion you could say just about anything in an editorial about a far away country that has little impact on our lives. But in the global village, as our soldiers continue to die – 78, including a diplomat, we grapple with the deteriorating situation as we attempt to impart our liberal democratic values to a country living in sadly medieval social conditions. The challenge is huge: the average life expectancy for an Afghan is 42, and unemployment is 78%. Attempts to change the country’s backward ways are meeting with fierce resistance, and not just from the Taliban. Former
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Canadian diplomat Harry Sterling reported that last year 147 teachers and students were murdered and 590 schools closed. The warlords and drug kings continue to rule with impunity. Poppy cultivation flourishes with the connivance of corrupt officials. A student journalist, Pervaz Kambaksh, 23, faces the death penalty for saying there is opposition to women getting an education. With Canada in a combat role in dangerous Kandahar province, are we doing the right thing in abandoning our traditional peace-building for the current mission? Last month, John Manley’s report suggested Canada’s military should remain in Afghanistan beyond February 2009 on two conditions: that NATO and/or other allies dispatch 1,000 soldiers to Kandahar to bolster the Canadian presence there and that our soldiers get new helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The report stated Canada should refocus on diplomacy and reconstruction and train Afghans to provide their own security. Bravo! We agree with the report’s conclusion that “immediate military withdrawal … would cause more harm than good.” But we also recognize that Afghanistan is a Viet Nam-like quagmire from which Canada has to extricate itself and return to our traditional role of peace building.
The main problem with our combat role is that NATO partners are not interested in sharing burden and risking more casualties. And with good reason: today’s enemies are as vicious as they are determined. The Taliban is an evil organization allied with the most regressive forces of militant Islam. While there are informal talks between them and the government of Hamid Karzai, accommodation and compromise are a long way off. Let’s not pretend that Afghanistan will soon have parliamentary democracy, free elections, universal and accessible education and gender equality. According to the Manley report, Canada has allocated $741 million in bilateral aid to Afghanistan from 200102 to 2006-07. The financial cost of the Canadian military mission has been estimated at $2.6 billion – a cost expected to reach $4.3 billion by February next year. Sooner rather than later we must abandon our role as an occupying force and turn over policing and military functions to the Afghans. We should accelerate our plans to pull out— not abruptly but as a matter of staged and planned re-definition of our role. And let’s put more energy into our traditional role as peace builders, even if that means accepting a shared political role for those we are fighting.
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Cover Photos: Clowns: David Babcock, Geordie Productions; Butterfly man: Michel Tremblay, Montréal Insectarium; Hedda Gabler: Mainline Theatre; Portrait de Mary by Jorge Arche, 1938, oil on canvas. Photo: Radolfo Martinez. Courtesy of Montreal Museum of Fine-Arts. Published by Publications Newborn Inc. Contents copyright ©2008. All rights reserved. Legal Deposit: National Library of Canada No. D368087 Dépot légal Bibliothèque Nationale du Québec, 1993. Although every caution is taken by Publications Newborn Inc. to monitor advertising in the THE SENIOR TIMES, claims made by advertisers are not necessarily endorsed by Publications Newborn Inc.
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Out With Your Valentine ♥ Seniors in love take the stage
Returning to Montreal, John Mighton’s play Half Life runs at Centaur till Feb. 24. The play focuses on Clara (Carolyn Hetherington) and Patrick (Eric Peterson), seniors who meet in a nursing home for veterans and their families. As Clara and Patrick’s middle-aged children watch on, the couple rediscovers beauty and love. “Half Life is about memory, or more precisely forgetting,” says director Daniel Brooks. “The central idea is that we are defined as much by what we forget as we are by what we remember.” Half Life plays at the Centaur, 453 St-François-Xavier. Info: 514-288-3161 or centaurtheatre.com
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Joe Schwarcz on Houdini’s magic Harry Houdini, escape artist extraordinaire, was a complex man, loved by the public and hated by the fake psychics he exposed. His death was as much a mystery as was his life. Love him or hate him, his story is fascinating. Dr. Joe Schwarcz shares his insight and passion about Houdini in the lecture Houdini: The Man and the Myth, Sun. Feb. 10 at 11 am before the first preview of the Segal’s new musical, Houdini. Followed by coffee and refreshments, this free lecture is at the Leanor and Alvin Segal Theatre, 5170 Côte-Ste-Catherine Rd. (corner Westbury). Info: 514-739-2301 or www.segalcentre.org For tickets to Houdini the musical: 514-739-7944
photo: Andrea Hausmann
Mainline regulars Catherine Berrube and Dan Jeanhotte impress as the naïve ingenue and doomed bad boy genius. This is a production well worth seeing. It runs until Feb 16. Info: 514-849-3378
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The Helvetia Seniors Club for Swiss men and women presents Prof. Joseph Schmidt on Grimm’s Fairytales, Thurs. Feb. 21 at 11 am. A luncheon follows at Monkland Grill, 6151 Monkland Ave. Info: 514-481-2928
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Hedda mainlines — with a Canadian sensibility by Byron Toben Hedda Gabler, Hendrik Ibsen’s masterpiece of yore (1890) still moves audiences with issues of sex, power and death bubbling beneath its proper formalities. The latest incarnation at the Mainline Theatre, adapted by Canadian Judith Thompson, recasts the staid Victorian British translation into more contemporary English to resonate with a modern audience. Director Jeremy Hechtman cleverly stages the piece in the 1950s, and it works. There are no weak links in the cast. Portraying Hedda, Patricia Summersett shows she is one of the best young actresses in town (as well as Mirror and QDF calendar cover girl). The ever-ebullient Patrick Goddard is nevertheless believable as Hedda’s namby pamby husband, as is veteran Jane Gilchrist as Patrick’s saintly aunt (spot her as an extra in the Bob Dylan biopic I’m Not There). Neil Napier impresses as the manipulative Judge Brock. Comic relief is deftly supplied by Carolyn-Fe Trinidad.
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Art for Art’s Sake
Yvan Pelland
Barberia (The Barber Shop)
Photo: Don Queralto
Photo: MOMA
Photo: MOMA
A voyage through Cuban art Cuba is about more than just Castro and the American boycott. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts explores the artistic history of Cuba with 400 works, until June 8. This may be the most important exhibition to showcase the art of the Caribbean island, which Columbus described as “the most beautiful land eyes have ever seen.” With the collaboration of the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and the Fototeca de Cuba, and many US collectors, this multidisciplinary exhibition draws a broad panorama of Cuban art and history. There are 100 paintings, a huge collective mural produced in 1967, 200 photographs and documents. Installations, videos, music and film excerpts are also included. The museum is located 1379 Sherbrooke W. Info: 514-285-1600
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Creole charisma Art Exhibition & Painting Demonstration 100 canvases on view
Friday, February 8, 10:00 to 5:00
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514-481-9609
Starmania hits the TOHU stage March 26 - 29. Twelve singers, six musicians, and seven dancers of the Haïti en Scène troupe from Port-au-Prince perform in French with a Creole accent in St-Michel. TOHU’s projects generate meetings between cultures. In 2006, the TOHU team visited Haiti to stage the country’s first Falla event – an end of summer festival. Starmania tickets: 514-790-1245 Info: 514-376-8648 or www.tohu.com Proceeds from the event defray the costs of visiting young Haitian performers at Falla 2008.
Do the locomotion Art Déco Montréal presents Posters of the Canadian Pacific with Marc H. Choko. This illustrated lecture explores a world of Deco-style streamlined locomotives, ocean liners and luxury resorts. The event is Mon. Feb. 18 at 6 pm at McGill U’s School of Architecture, MacDonald Harrington Building, Room G 10. Info: 514-931-9325
Photo: Jean-François Leblanc
David Greenacre
Comment ça va? TOHU presents Comment Ça Va?, a panorama of life in Haiti photographed over 20 years by Caroline Hayeur and Jean-François Leblanc. The exhibit explores dayto-day scenes, local spirituality and politics, until March 8 at 2345 Jarry E. near d’Iberville metro. Info: 514-376-TOHU (8648)
Soul art
Au-delà du Miroir, an exhibit of works by local artists, is at Âme-Art Gallery until Sun. Feb. 10. A show of works by Concordia U Fine Arts students follows Feb. 12 -24, with a vernissage Fri. Feb 15, 6 - 9 pm. Exhibition of works by Ysabel Norris begins Tues. Feb. 26. Âme-Art is at 5345 Parc in Mile-End. Info: 514-271-3383
Contemporary embroidery
4 THE SENIOR TIMES February 2008
The Museum of Costume and Textile of Quebec exhibits A Day in the Life of Maggy M: Michèle Provost Contemporary Embroidery. The images, selected and hand-stitched by Provost, illustrate the daily gestures of an ordinary yet fulfilling life, Tues. – Fri. 10 am - 5 pm, Sat. & Sun. 11 am - 5 pm. 349 Riverside St. in StLambert. $4. Info: 450-923-6601
Black History Month
Black contributions to Quebec & Canada celebrated
Visual Arts Grandir et Mourir, installations by Killy, features her assemblages of recycled articles and large scale prints on canvas. Referencing voodoo culture, Killy evokes the problems of political corruption and socio-economic marginalization in Haiti, at Galerie MAI, 3680 JeanneMance, Tues.-Fri., noon – 6 pm. Info: 514-982-1812 ext. 224 Other visual arts shows: Joseph André exhibits Fenêtre sur le Jazz at Bibliothèque de Saint-Michel, 7601 FrançoisPerrault till Feb. 29. Info: 514-872-3899 or 514-274-6939. Julien Umojha at Galerie Rafael on St-Laurent. Info: 514-207-3812 or 514-313-6645 Artists collective shows En Héritage at Galerie MosaikART, 4897 St-Laurent, Bus 55 (corner St-Joseph) Info: 514-
849-3399, info@mosaikart.ca www.mosaikart.ca
Vendôme), Sun. Feb. 17, 7 - 9 pm, $20/advance purchase, $25/door. Info: 514-367-3064. Ethnic Heritage Ensemble and Kalmunity Vibe Collective perform at La Sala Rosa, 4848 St Laurent, Wed. Feb. 13, 8 pm. $15. Workshop Thurs., Feb. 14 10 am - 2 pm. Pierre-Michel Menard & Yanick Dutelly perform Chante-Moi Haiti at Centre Leonard Da Vinci, 8370 Lacordaire Blvd., Sat. Feb. 22 at 8 pm. $20. Info: 514-961-4535.
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Union United Church events •CJAD broadcasts live from the Sunday School’s Winter Picnic, Sat. Feb. 9 at 9 am • Black Movie Night, Wed. Feb. 13, 6 pm • Arts & crafts exhibition and conference on cultural values and heritage by the Council for Black Aging Community of Montreal, Thurs. Feb. 14, at 6 pm • Youth in Arts concert, Sun. Feb. 24, 4 pm • Concert & Book launch of A History of Union United Church, Sun. Feb. 24, 5 pm. Events are at 3007 Delisle (Lionel Groux Metro). Info: 514-935-4951
Theatre
Painter: Leonel Jules
Celebrating our Presence and Recognizing our Contributions is a series of events honoring Black peoples’ contributions to Quebec and Canada. As 2008 marks the 400th Anniversary of Quebec, Black History Month celebrates Mathieu Da Costa, who as interpreter to Samuel de Champlain, was the communication link between the Micmac and the founder of Quebec. Hereisasamplingof eventsandexhibits:
Lectures Gail Guthrie Valaskakis Annual Lecture: Rita Shelton Deverell, C.M., Canada‘s most respected and influential Black woman television producer, co-founder of Vision TV and former Director of News and Current Affairs for Aboriginal People’s Television Network, will be the keynote speaker on Diversity In Canadian Media at Concordia University, 1590 Dr. Penfield (Metro Guy), Thurs. Feb. 28, 6 - 8:30 pm. Info: 514-939-3342 or crarr@primus.ca
Jamaican Canadian Community Women’s League of Montreal launches One Help One! One Teach One! Senior Program, with keynote speaker William Harrison, CDN Community Centre, 6767 Côte-des-Neiges, 1st floor, Sat. Feb. 16, 1 – 3 pm. Info: 514 486 5704.
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Pinnacle Gospel presents Goin’ Home, a gospel concert at Trinity Memorial Church, 5200 Sherbrooke W. (Metro
Black Theatre Workshop presents Come Good Rain by George Bwanika Seremba at BTW space, 3680 Jeanne-Mance, Suite #460, Sat. Feb. 16, 2 pm. $5. Info: 514-932-1104 ext. 226 or boxoffice@blacktheatreworkshop.ca
Variety Shows Universal Negro Improvement Association presents Black Culture, at 2741 Notre Dame W. (Lionel Groulx Metro), Sat. Feb. 23 at 4pm: Literature, Art exhibitions and film. 7 pm: film review, and discussion on Black culture, folk history, poetry and drumming. Refreshments. Donations for education fund. Coco Café presents Contribute, 10th Anniversary show. Join poets from past and present, Sun, Feb. 24 at 7 & 8 pm, $10. Info: 514 282-3443 Info on all events: 514-282-3443
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Etymology reveals much poetry in words
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Every word was once a poem. — Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Methinks Emerson is taking poetic license with his statement, but then again if a poet can’t take poetic license, who can? I think it is safe to say, however, that at least some words are poems insofar as having shown a poetic tendency at some point of their histories. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a poem is “a piece of writing, often characterized by a metrical structure, in which the expression of feelings, ideas, etc., is typically given intensity or flavour by distinctive diction, rhythm, imagery.” Using this definition, let us examine words that can be deemed poetic. Just by the nature of their sounds, certain words such as buzz, swish, cuckoo, clickety-clack and thud qualify as poems. Also, certain sounds evoke a particular quality. For example, words that begin with gl, such as glacier, glimmer, and glisten, denote smoothness. Other words show poetic elements such as alliteration and rhyme. Examples are “hanky-panky,” “wishy-washy,” “hurly-burly,” “daffodil,” and “bebop.” The most poetic words for me, though, are words that are connected to meanings and feelings and often we must return to the origin of words to appreciate their poetic quintessence. Some of our oldest and most common words are among the most poetic. Take the duo of “lord” and
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“lady.” Both these words began in Old English as hlaf “bread” and a lord is etymologically, “the guardian of the bread” whereas the lady is the “kneader of the bread.” The former was originally referred to as the hlafweard (the last syllable giving us “ward”) and this transformed into hlaford and eventually “lord;” the latter started off as hlafdige, the latter syllable giving us “dough.” One would not think that the words“daisy”and“window” are paired in any manner, but an examination of their roots uncovers their ocular association.“Daisy,” literally, means “day’s eye.” This metaphor derives from the fact that several daisy species open in daylight hours to reveal their yellow disk, and then close once again at dusk. A window is etymologically a wind-eye in that it is the opening for admitting air. The word was borrowed from the Old Norse vindauga, a compound noun that blends vindr, “wind” with auga, “eye.” Objects are often named because they remind people of something else. I, for one, when sober, never associate a muscle with a mouse but this is how muscle was named. In Latin, the word for“mouse” is mus. Our Latinspeaking forbears, given to Bacchanalian tendencies, must have believed that the shape and movement of certain muscles, like those of the upper arm, were reminiscent of a mouse. So they made out the word musculus, which meant “little mouse,” and from the word musculus we get “muscle.” This relationship is found in some other languages. For example, in Greek pontiko means both “mouse” and “muscle.” The word “nightmare” sounds like we are dealing with another animal-based word, but the “mare” in nightmare does not allude to a female horse. It derives from the Old English moere, “evil spirit,” as it was believed that this malevolent spirit would sit on the chest of one sleeping, hence producing a bad dream. If we are a society that worships money, it may be because the word etymologically is connected to worship. The word derives from the name Moneta, one of the designations of the Roman goddess Juno, and the term came to refer to her temple in Rome that contained a mint. From the mint sense, the word came to mean “stamp for coining” and eventually “coin.” Words don’t merely fall from the sky like manna from heaven but rather are created by people whose perceptions can be quite metaphorical. Howard Richler’s latest book Can I Have a Word With You? was published in November 2007.
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A way with words at Yellow Door The Yellow Door hosts a reading Thurs. Feb. 21 with short fiction prize winner Barry Webster, poet Sandra Sjollema, novelist and playwright, Don Bapst, poet Kelly Norah Drukker, fiction writer and poet Leonard Eichel, writer Maria Francesca LoDico, and drummer Milton Dawes. Doors open 7 pm and readings begin 7:30 pm at 3625 Aylmer. $5. Info: 514-398-6243
Alzheimer’s researcher focuses on prevention Kristine Berey Dr. Serge Gauthier, director of the McGill Centre for Studies in Aging and a leading Alzheimer’s researcher, was asked at a recent conference what he’d like to see in the research, diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. “Less emphasis on a magic pill, more on prevention,” he answered. At the conference, Everything you always wanted to know about Alzheimer’s Disease but were afraid to ask, organized by the Alzheimer Groupe last month, Dr. Gauthier described studies that raise hope for prevention and more effective treatments of the illness that affects an estimated 300,000 Canadians over 65. He noted that a pilot study, carried out in cooperation with the Institut Gériatrique de Montréal and the Cummings Centre, showed that cognitive training has benefits in people with memory problems. “Memory can be improved,” Gauthier said. In the study, memory training that focused on list recall, face-name association and text memory, was given to one group of people, in which some of the individuals had measurable memory problems, also known as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Another group did not receive intervention. Test results showed that training improved memory in all participants. The untreated group showed no improvement. The study, published in Dementia and Cognitive Disorders in 2006 states:“These findings …show that improvement remains possible even among a population of cognitively impaired older persons, which indicates that cognitive plasticity is present in elderly populations that experience cognitive decline.” Gauthier described an exciting upcoming “combination study” that focuses on preventing the illness without pills. This study is in the early planning stage and links Montreal (Serge Gauthier and Sylvie Belleville), Toulouse (Bruno Vellas) and Las Vegas (Zaven Katchaturian). “We believe that physical and cognitive exercises combined with a
good diet and control of blood pressure is the best means of prevention for the average person,” Gauthier explained. “A pilot study of one year is in the final planning stage.” The researcher says he wants the government involved. “We will need sustained funding for a 10-year study to prove benefit. The governments will be interested because it will improve the health of the population and reduce costs down the road.” Currently, there are more than 24 million people worldwide with dementia — projected to rise to 81 million by 2040. The total worldwide cost of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia care is estimated at $315 billion US annually. Gauthier says he has seen the benefits of exercise. “Even with 15 minutes of exercise three times a week, the thinking of nursing home residents becomes sharper,” he says. He recommends eating folate-fortified cereal, such as Corn Flakes, and the Omega 3 fats in fish. “Don’t cook it too much; the Omega 3 are destroyed by cooking over 80 degrees.” Alzheimer Groupe, dedicated to improving the quality of life of anyone touched by Alzheimer’s Disease, offers support groups and activities, and oneto-one counseling for patient and family at any and all stages of the disease. Info: 514 485-7233
Rx confidential Citizens in Action hosts a conference on What you always wanted to know about the Pharmaceutical Industry, but were afraid to ask, Tues. February 12, 7-10pm. The event features Dr. Jean-Claude StOnge, Prof. of Economics and Philosophy, and author of The Other Side of the Pill: The Hidden Face of the Pharmaceutical Industry. The conference is at Concordia’s Hall Building, 1455 De Maisonneuve W. Rm 771. Info: 514-846-0644 or alexan.nadia@ sympatico.ca
Kane & Fetterly funeral home is proud to welcome Mr. Paul Delaney to the position of Pre-Arrangement Director. A native of Montreal, Mr. Delaney attended Concordia and McGill Universities. His extensive travels have given him a deep respect and understanding of different cultures. In 2000 he started a successful career in the funeral profession and has recently joined us to meet our growing demands and to continue in our tradition of care and compassion. Through seminars and presentations to groups and the general public, he will share his knowledge of the benefits of funeral pre-planning.
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Part 3 of a 3 part series on caring for an Alzheimer’s individual
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8 THE SENIOR TIMES February 2008
The decision has been made. You’ve chosen to place your loved one in a private residence. Now what? There are all sorts of guides listing private residences, in which residences are categorized by geographical area, level of care, religious affiliation, amenities, and price range. The Senior Times has an excellent guide listing the amenities and basic information on the residences who advertise with them. But not all residences have the budget to advertise, and they shouldn’t be overlooked. You hear of a residence that has a reputation for good care from a friend or health-care professional, but upon visiting, you find the facility unappealing. You make some calls and visit a few more places only to find yourself more confused. Sometimes families are in such distress about immediately placing a loved one that they make hasty decisions only to have to move the individual a second time. For example, language can be a barrier to socialization and communication with staff especially when dementia is involved. Sometimes a residence is chosen based on location but the match is not right. There are times when a second move is inevitable, even with the best plan. Needs and circumstances change. The evaluation A healthcare professional should evaluate the individual to determine the level of care. This could be done through your doctor, hospital, CLSC, or privately. This objective evaluation should include valuable input from the family and other health professionals, if relevant. The assessment should cover medical and emotional needs, social abilities, religious affiliations, language, family situation and preferences, budget, long term planning and more. The role of placement counselors You may have to visit several residences before you choose the best option. How do you choose which ones to visit? You may want to engage the services of a placement counselor, but even this takes research because there has to be a match between the placement counselor and the family. Giving you a long list of possibilities is useless. You need personal attention both for you and for your loved one, someone who takes the time to understand your needs. You might just ask a good friend who can be objective and who knows your loved one, or a friend or relative who is a healthcare professional. When you visit a large private residence you may meet with a rental agent. Prepare a list of questions and put your detective hat on.
Language and stimulation If you are told that the residence is bilingual and the split is 50/50, hang around, sit with residents to see what language they speak, and listen to the staff converse. Check out the activity calendar. Is stimulation provided? Is there a fostering of independence when possible? Is there queuing? Mingle with the residents. Is your loved one’s range of function similar to theirs? Look at what’s on the shelves: decorative items or tools for activities for the residents? How are rooms decorated to assist the individual to locate theirs? Are there history/memory boxes for each resident? A memory box is placed outside the door of the resident’s room and includes items from their lives that will remind them where their rooms are. There could be photos on the door. Food and flexibility Visit during mealtime. Is the fruit canned or fresh? Are vegetables served at each meal? Will your loved one’s favorite foods ever be served? How much attention is there to accomodating individual dietary needs and likes and dislikes? How much flexibility is there in catering to individuals? Is the schedule for bathing flexible? For meal time, are seats assigned? How is medication distributed? What are the rules? Safety Is there security? Video cameras? Call bells? Remember that call bells are only good if the resident knows how to use them. Night checks? What is the staff to resident ratio? How many night staff? You may be told that nursing care is available at all times. What exactly does that mean? There are different levels of nursing care, from RNs to PABs. Find out the specifics. Is there a visiting doctor? How often? How much staff is on duty during each shift? Is a log book kept of changes in habit or changes in behavior for the family to be well-informed? Assisted living could be defined differently in each facility. Leaving persons with dementia alone in their own apartments in a residence is questionable. It may look like their own home with more security but the reality is that dementia is a progressive disease and further care may be necessary. If no one is monitoring them daily, who will make that decision? They should not be in a crisis situation where they may fall and not know how to call for help, may cause a fire or may wander out of their apartment in a state of confusion. An overnight receptionist in a building of private apartments can not meet the needs of someone with Alzheimer’s Disease. Making the match isn’t always easy. Plans need to be tailored to each individual. This is the last in a series that deals with caring for an Alzheimer’s individual from diagnosis to increasing need for care. If you would like a copy of the other articles, contact The Senior Times at 514-484-5033 or email editor@theseniortimes.com Comments and questions are welcome at bonniesandler@gmail.com
♥
Valentine Dates
♥ Remember. Honour. Connect.
Photo: Robert Galbraith
Are you a veteran of World War II, Korean War, Peacekeeping operations or acurrent member of the Canadian Forces? Share your experiences with young people in schools and your community. Theresa Pindras of Le Jardin de Mélissa shows off flowers for Valentine’s Day.
Love Jewish Style
The Danish Poet
Yiddish Café presents “Love is a Ring of Fire”, love songs and poems by Montreal talent, with refreshments, Thurs., Feb. 14, 8 pm at the Jewish Public Library, 5151 Côte Ste-Catherine Rd. $10; $5 for JPL members and students. Info: 514-345-2627 ext. 3006
Filmmaker Torill Kove presents her Oscar-winning short The Danish Poet, Thurs. Feb. 14, 12:30pm at the Atwater Library,1200 Atwater. Info: 514-935-7344 or www.atwaterlibrary.ca
Legion Dances The Verdun branch of the Royal Canadian Legion holds a Valentine’s Day dance with music by Duo Rockin’ and door prizes Sat. Feb. 9. They also have dances featuring karaoke Sat. Feb. 16 & 23. Dances are 8:30 pm at 4538 Verdun Ave. Members may bring family and friends. Info: 514-769-2489 The Lachine branch of the Legion holds their Valentine’s Dinner Dance 5:30 pm, Fri. Feb. 15. Fraser supplies Fish n’ Chips and Greg Innis entertains with music. $15. Info: 514-637-8002
Singles mingle The Single Person’s Association hosts a Mix & Mingle dance for 35+, Sat. Feb. 16 at 8 pm. $12 includes door prizes and midnight snack. Line dancing lessons are offered free before every dance from 7-8 pm. The event is at Ste. Catherine de Laboure Church, 448 Trudeau, corner Clement. Info: 514-366-8600
Snow strides Join the Montreal Urban Hikers Walking Club for snowshoeing on Îles de Boucherville Sat. Feb. 16 at 9:30 am. $15 plus snowshoe rental $12.25. Bring water and lunch. Confirm by Feb. 10 with Shelly Chapman at 514-366-8349
Calling Cold War veterans The NATO Veterans Organization is almost two years old and has grown from five members in March 2006 to close to 500 members today. There are 250,000 veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces who served as part of NATO since 1949 in the navy, army and air force. They are involved in the defense of the Cold War vets who have never been recognized or honoured as veterans. After WW II, 570 military personnel and 926 dependents were buried in 44 cemeteries in Europe. Cold War veterans are asked to call: 506-472-1931, visit natoveterans.org or e-mail joordens@nbnet.nb.ca
Contact the Memory Project to register and receive a free training kit. 1.866.701.1867 memory@dominion.ca The Memory Project is a national bilingual program of The Dominion Institute that trains veterans on the best techniques to share their stories with youth. The veteran volunteers visit schools and organizations in their local communities to talk with youth about their wartime experiences. The Memory Project Digital Archive, an online database that houses the oral histories and artifacts of over 1000 Canadian veterans, complements the Speakers’ Bureau.
February 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES 9
Botanical Gardens hosts youth chorale
It was a thrill hearing the EMSB (English Montreal School Board) Chorale for the first time. This December, I stepped into another world. The Chorale was performing a recital in the Botanical Gardens Butterfly Room. The singing was hauntingly beautiful as only the pure clear voices of youth can be, the program reflecting a variety of languages, places and eras. With Patricia Abbott leading and virtuoso pianist Anne Marie Denoncourt on keyboard, 100 people listened to a repertoire featuring Australian, English and French carols; Hannuka! by David Eddleman; an adaptation of Robert Frost’s Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening; the joyous Exultate Cantamos Festivo; Gentle Mary Laid Her Child; and La Bolduc en fête. The EMSB senior chorale of 30 kids, ages 12 to 17, travels widely to festivals and has garnered many awards under Abbott’s direction. The junior chorale of about 50 is for children in grades 4 to 6. Abbott visits all EMSB schools – over 20 make up the chorale – conducting auditions, seeking candidates with a good ear and attitude. She claims that “anyone who can talk can sing,” but specifies her mandate is to develop each student’s singing voice. The singing voice pushes the range, or tonality, explores the vast capability of “the human instrument”, and does not need amplification. Abbott laments a changed society that encourages consumption of entertainment by others, diminishing the place of music in the home. She regrets that trend because of the lack of vocal development in what kids listen to. Hearing the choral singers interviewed on a CBC Radio Noon gala, it’s obvious what a formative experience this is – inspiring confidence, poise and a sense of accomplishment. Abbott says she feels that instilling
Last year, the EMSB Chorale’s great adventure was participating in the international choral festival in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Abbott will only consider serious events offering workshops and joint singing for the enormous stimulation they provide. A side-trip included a whale watching tour. Abbott won the St. John’s Newfoundland Music Festival’s first Ambassador Award in 2007. “I wasn’t told. I nearly had a heart attack when I heard my name on the loud speaker in this huge, packed stadium.” Abbott’s sense of humour is coloured by experience. Commenting on the costumes, she quipped, ‘Yes, the red makes it easy to find them.’ Don’t miss the Chorale’s next concert, Saturday, May 3 at 7:30 pm at Oscar Peterson Concert Hall, Loyola Campus, 7141 Sherbrooke St.
Photos: John Fretz
John Fretz
confidence is perhaps her greatest contribution. Selecting music for events is her ongoing passion. Her basement is filled with reams of material. With today’s improved access to works from other countries, Abbott can scour archives and collections for interesting songs that challenge – and teach new techniques. Her imaginative repertoire covers a thousand years of chorale music, including Gregorian chants, pieces by Bach and Mozart and songs from Japan and Oceania. Abbott says that a two-minute piece on a program represents two hours of rehearsal. The admirable ease of her choir’s performance hides the production hurdles. Larissa Lehmann, 12, sang at the Butterfly Conservatory bedecked in her red and white uniform. Larissa explained how she became involved: “I sing around the house and my mother said,‘Why don’t you try out for the choir?’ At first I said, ‘No’, but then I did, and really liked it.” Concentration is key, Abbott explains, attributing her success to being able to impart that skill. Boys are less interested. As director of the Chorale since 1990, she suggests two reasons for this: the voice change during puberty and social identity. Unless boys are introduced to singing at home or are in a conducive cultural environment, they are often too self-conscious. ‘You’d think more boys would want to join,” she added, “surrounded by all those girls.”
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Here at Sun Youth by Nicolas Carpentier Sun Youth officially completed its annual Holiday Hampers distribution December 24. The operation that had started six days earlier saw thousands of people receiving non-perishable food baskets and new toys. This yearly tradition would not be possible without the support of volunteers. Volunteers from the media played a big part in the success of Sun Youth’s Holiday Basket Campaign 2007. November 29, CHOM and CJAD did live broadcasts from Sun Youth to collect funds and non-perishable food items. This broadcasting marathon allowed the organization to collect over $27,000 and 10,000 items of non-perishable food. A week later, the Big Media Food Drive (La Grande Guignolée des Médias) was held December 6; $497,281 was raised. This amount will be split in equal parts between Sun Youth, Saint Vincent de Paul and Moisson Montréal. Sun Youth could also count on volunteers to create the newspaper ads used in its Holiday financing campaign. Special thanks to Martin Martinez and Jamie Henderson, both of Cowlik Communications, and to the models who participated for free. Volunteers were also involved in the distribution of the Holiday Hampers. Between December 18 and December 24, representatives from different companies and groups working with Sun Youth were invited to lend a hand. According to Tommy Kulczyk, Assistant
to the Executive Vice-President and Director of Emergency Services at Sun Youth, this gives people a chance to see what their generosity allows the organization to do. “For them, it also puts a face on poverty; it shows them that it is unfortunately still a reality,” he said. Members of the Sun Youth Seniors Club are also instrumental to the success of the operation. They are responsible for wrapping the 12,000 new toys the organization distributes to underprivileged children during its yearly Holiday Hampers campaign.Volunteers are also responsible for the fundraising activities organized prior to the Holidays and benefiting Sun Youth. Volunteers made all the difference in the Sun Youth 2007 Holiday Hamper Campaign. From everyone at Sun Youth, thanks to all and all the best for 2008!
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Agora opens eyes to Greek delights Alexander Matthews
Agora Restaurant, 6544 Somerled. Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of dining at Agora Restaurant with my father. Located in Côte-St-Luc just off Cavendish, Agora offers good Greek food at affordable prices. Because the restaurant is relatively small, its atmosphere is relaxed and cozy. Warm and welcoming, the space is nicely decorated with beautiful paintings. The service was prompt and courteous. Soon after sitting down, our waiter brought us bread with tzatziki instead of the usual butter. Even though I have been to several Greek restaurants, I have never eaten tzatziki, a traditional Greek sauce made with yogurt, cucumbers and lots of garlic. After tasting Agora’s version, I must say I’ve been missing out. As we dipped our bread in tzatziki, our waiter came by to take our orders. I opted for the chicken fillet ($13.45) while my father decided on the souvlaki ($9.95 with a choice of pork or chicken). We both chose the Greek salad, and our main dishes came with a choice of fries, rice or a combination of the two. The Greek salad was also a first for me and I loved it! Happy to add it to my Greek repertoire, it was chock
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full of cucumbers, tomatoes and onions, and covered with generous slabs of feta cheese and herbs that gave it a delicious tang. Served with a lemon wedge, my chicken was perfect – crispy outside and very tender inside. My father enjoyed his souvlaki as well; the piece I sampled was delicious. On the whole, my meal was very satisfying and a great value, considering some Greek restaurants offer similar meals for almost twice the price. To end our meal, we ordered baklava. As with the tzatziki and the Greek salad, this was my first experience with the traditional dessert. In fact, I’m such a baklava novice that at first glance I mistakenly thought it was apple pie! Made of layer after layer of filo dough, this pastry is drenched in honey and melts in your mouth. This little treat proved to be a wonderful way to end a delicious meal. Agora Restaurant’s generous portions, satisfying taste, great service and reasonable prices make meals there worthwhile. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to my friends and family.
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Exploring our past in Vilna, Lithuania I grew up hearing about Vilnius, or Vilna (Yiddish) as the centre of Jewish learning in Europe before the Holocaust, and about the Vilna Gaon (the Genius of Vilna, 18th Century Talmudic sage who mastered astronomy, mathematics, and music). So when we arrived in Vilnius, Lithuania, I wasn’t prepared for the carefree beauty of the Old City or the modernity of Karolina, a “hotel and conference centre” about 25 minutes and culture, as well as to research and record from Vilna’s centre. Vilnius is surthe Jewish history of Lithuania.” prisingly sophisticated, accessible, The first institution in the former and inexpensive. Unlike Latvia, Soviet Union to teach about the Holowhere we visited the nearby caust, the museum presents Lithuanresort of Jurmala, we limited our ian Jewry six centuries before World Lithuanian adventure to Vilnius War II. One room, “The Gallery of and the rich and tragic history of the Righteous,” is devoted to those the Jewish people, who numbered who saved Jews during the Holocaust. 55,000 in 1939, when the German Reading the letters, documents, seeing army invaded Poland. photos of “the righteous,” It was one of those too-quiet Sundays, The aon I was moved and felt Vilna Ggrateful, but we were eager to explore the Old Town, so we but thought about hopped in a cab and were dropped off near a winding the majority that did nothlane where a few sidewalk cafés were open. We joined ing, or worse, helped the two young women who spoke very good English and Nazis round up and murtold us a little about the town, insisting on treating us der Jews. to a Coke! Later we walked towards the main square, We did not travel to found a restaurant outside and watched children play Paneriai, where the among the tables of locals as we viewed the surround- Nazis murdered 100,000 ing architecture, not yet knowing that we were looking people, among them at the borders of the Ghetto, whose 30,000 70,000 Jews from Vilnius inhabitants were murdered during the Holocaust. and the surrounding The next day, we returned to the “Street of the Jews” area. A small museum and the site of Vilna’s there documents the crimes Choral Synagogue. committed in this place with We spent nearly half photographs and objects found the day at the Vilna in the pits. Gaon Jewish State Although I have been to the Holocaust Museum Museum of Lithua- in Washington and Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, the nia, a small wooden Vilna Gaon Museum was touching. Perhaps bebuilding hidden be- cause the old wooden building made it feel as if we hind more impres- were still hiding, or the fact that it was named after sive structures. The the “Genius of Vilna,” a man who symbolizes all pamphlet describes that was lost. Or perhaps it was because, on these its goals: “The mu- streets referred to as the “Jerusalem of Lithuania,” I seum aims to keep could imagine the children playing, the schools, alive the memory of theatres and synagogues, and the immense expresthe Litvak (Lithuan- sion of Jewish culture and scholarship that went on ian-Jewish) history for 300 years until all was wiped out.
Times and Places Barbara Moser
It was raining the day we toured what was once the ghetto, now dotted with tiny boutiques and galleries. There is no trace of the 30,000 Jews who once worked, studied, celebrated, and mourned here. Among the marked sites you can visit are the Great Synagogue, the House of the Gaon, the old Jewish Marketplace, the sites of the large and small ghetto, and the Choral Synagogue. On all the memorials and plaques, there was graffiti of a rather innocuous kind. No swastikas — just testimony to the fact that the “youth” of this town don’t like Jews, or what is left of them in this place. There is much else to see in this city and I will list just a few highlights: The Lower Castle Museum, site of the Royal Palace and an important archaeological dig, built in the 16th Century; the National Museum including reconstructed dwellings of ancient Lithuanians; Gedimino Tower, Gedimino Hill and the Higher Castle Tower, with a funicular that runs from the barracks to the tower; and St. Peter & St. Paul Church with its Italian sculptures. In the Old Town, Vilnius University now has 14,000 students. You can find out more about these sites in any good guidebook or on the Internet. We have somewhat limited our site-seeing these last two years to explore the times and places of our people, and bear witness to their destruction and to the richness of their lives.
Graffiti on Old Ghetto map
Ghetto Old Vilnius, University building
Mother in Old Vilnius
14 THE SENIOR TIMES February 2008
Jewish museum garden
February 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES 15
Great for Grandkids Playtime at the Centaur
Mike Hughes, Gemma James-Smith, Audrey Finkelstein in Peacemaker
Adults may have just as much to learn from Geordie Productions’ Peacemaker as the children it was written for. This interactive play introduces us to Simp and Franny, two young clowns from the Land of Red, and Bluey, from the Land of Blue. The two communities have been divided by a closely guarded wall — not unlike some walls of the real world. When a red juggling ball tumbles over to the blue side of the wall, the clowns must set about undoing the years of prejudice that have divided the reds and blues, while avoiding the notice of Mr. Man, the walls watch-keeper. With its end determined by audience participation, the play encourages kids and adults to practice their peacemaking skills — that is, if they want a happy ending. Peacemaker runs Feb. 15 - 24 at the D.B. Clarke Theatre at Concordia’s Hall Building, 1455 de Maisonneuve W. $13.50/children, $16/general & $15/seniors. Info: 514-845-9810 or www.geordie.ca
photo: Denis Germain
photo: David Babcock
Centaur Theatre Company launches its 2008 Saturday Morning Children’s Series Feb. 9 with Dick Whittington. Directed by John Beeteson, it’s the story of Dick and his cat Felix, who leave their small village to seek fame and fortune in London, despite the threat of pickpockets. Hanuman, Written and Performed by Sylvi Belleau, plays Feb. 23. The play follows Hanuman, son of the Wind God and a she-monkey, who must learn to use his very peculiar magical powers for good when the King’s wife is kidnapped. The Future Productions’ play, showing March 8, teaches grownups that it’s not always easy being a kid. Here, two best friends face the pressures of parents, coaches, religion, and the media – not to mention the approach of the championship game. The Saturday morning plays are 10:30 am at Centaur, 453 St-François-Xavier. $6/adults, $4/children. Info: 514-288-3161
Montreal by moonlight The Montreal Biodôme and the Olympic Park join forces to offer family-friendly evening adventures. During the Montreal School Break week, explore the Biodôme and the Montreal Tower Observatory by moonlight. The Biodôme stays open Feb. 29 to March 8 until 8:30 pm. Find out what the animals are up to after nightfall. See the glittering Montreal skyline from the Olympic Stadium’s Observatory. Its tower will be lit up in blue for the occasion and a traditional storyteller will be around to make you laugh, wonder, or shiver. Info: 514-868-3000 or museumsnature.qc.ca
Discover Africa’s butterflies
Photo Credit: René Limoges
Bring in the clowns
The 11th edition of the Montréal Insectarium’s Butterflies Go Free takes wing Feb. 21 and runs until April 27. The event features several dozen species of African butterflies never before seen in Canada. These exotic butterflies and moths from farms in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will put on a colorful show while supporting the social economy and biodiversity of their homelands. You’ll also find over 15, 000 other winged wonders imported from Central America and Asia. The Insectarium is at 4581 Sherbrooke. E. Info: 514-872-1400 or museumsnature.ca
Our Galaxy, the Milky Way Discover the Milky Way and the phenomena it harbors in a new multimedia show at the Montréal Planetarium, Fri., Sat. & Sun. Feb. 22 – Mar. 19. English: 7:15 pm. French: 8:30 pm. $8 (Adults), $6 (Seniors/Students), $4 (Kids 5-17). Discounts for Accès Montréal cardholders, 1000 Saint-Jacques (Bonaventure metro). Info: 514-872-4530 or museumsnature.ca
Saturdays below zero at Pointe-à-Callière Every Saturday in January and February, Pointe-àCallière, the Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History, is reducing the price of Museum admission by a percentage equal to the outdoor subzero temperature. On any particularly freezing day, you can visit the Museum’s temporary exhibition, 1837-1838 Rebellions, Patriots vs. Loyalists and the permanent exhibitions Where Montréal Was Born and Montréal Love Stories – The Cultural Connection. The temperature is taken at 10 am and does not include the wind chill factor. May not be combined with any other promotional offer. The museum is at 350 Place Royale, Old Montreal. Info: 514-872-7858 or www.pacmuseum.qc.ca
Montreal Novel discussed at Atwater Library Led by author Mary Soderstrom, The Atwater Book Club discusses Lullabies for Little Criminals by Heather O'Neill Wed., Feb. 13 at 7:30 pm. 1200 Atwater Ave. Info: 514-935-7344
An afternoon in grandma’s kitchen
16 THE SENIOR TIMES February 2008
Families are invited to gather in the kitchen of the Château Ramezay Museum Feb. 24. There, they can bake bread, churn butter and taste the fruits of their labour. Children between 6 and 12 will learn the recipes of yesteryear and bake like their ancestors did. Reservations required. Maximum of 10 children per group. $18/family of 2 adults & 2 children, $4/child, $9/general. Château Ramezay is located 280 Notre-Dame E. Info: 514-861-3708 ext: 221
Play It Again Sam Reel Time Jim Hoffman The Bucket List (97 min. G) ★★★✩ Rob Reiner’s latest, The Bucket List, is a rare beast in popular film – a heartwarming comedy about dying. We’re introduced to Edward and Carter, two very different people, just as each discovers that he’s stricken with cancer. Carter (Morgan Freeman), a car mechanic, takes the news privately, holding himself up with solitary grace. Meanwhile, Edward (Jack Nicholson), a bombastic multi-millionaire who takes pleasure in lording his power over anyone in his sightline, continues onward just as he was, angrily trying to show this illness who’s boss. The irony for Edward is that he’s stuck in one of his
own hospitals. After earning his millions by privatizing and downsizing hospitals, particularly through his edict of two beds per room, no exceptions, he’s shocked to discover that even he’s not an exception. It’s a rewarding chuckle for anyone who’s ever been through a hospital’s bureaucracy to hear him indignantly exclaim: “I’ve never been sick before.” As Carter begins to see that he might not beat his hospital bed, he begins a “bucket list,” a list of everything he’d like to accomplish before kicking the bucket. It’s meant as a theoretical exercise to learn about himself, but once Edward gets it, he decides that all he’s got is money and a few months of good health, and cajoles Carter into turning the list into an action plan, he pragmatically elaborates on Carter’s dreams by turning list items like “witness something truly majestic” into a hike up the Himalayan mountains. The film’s hook is the series of adventures that follow, involving planes, parachutes, sports cars and gorgeous vistas. While the episodes range from amusing to outlandish, at every step of the journey it’s the actors who sell us on it all. Pulling out all the stops to get us wound up in their characters’ enthusiasm, Freeman and Nicholson are amazingly engaging performers.
Music Music Music Vic Vogel: the story teller’s voice lingers Paul Serralheiro Looking back over last year’s releases by Montreal jazz musicians, one that still resonates is Vic Vogel’s threedisc set, Je Joue mon piano (VV Records, VVCD-3-7797). While there are many talented younger musicians making their mark in this city, Vogel’s musical personality is hard to ignore or forget. A mainly self-taught composer, arranger, pianist, trombonist, and bandleader, Vogel is a link to Montreal’s golden days, when jazz musicians played nightly for crowds at bars, cafés and strip joints. Now 73, the garrulous, outspoken man has many stories to tell, both verbal and musical. Like how he became a band leader when the one he was working for was roughed-up and dismissed by the gangster club-owner for having a thing for his girlfriend, and the indignant mobster saying what amounted to “Hey you lead the band.” Or the one about how he got his first piano as a hand-me down from his brother Frank who
wasn’t interested in it and his father, who was going to sell the piano, agreeing to keep it for the young Vic on the condition that there be no lessons. This and more is revealed in the two DVDs that come wih this bountiful offering. One of these contains L’homme de Cuivre and The Brass Man, the French and English versions of a documentary produced in 2005, as well as a number of shorts showing Vogel in concert, on tour and in intimate settings. On the other DVD we see Vogel performing the tunes, all originals, that make up the heart of this release: the audio CD featuring Vogel alone at the piano. Here we hear the soul of the man’s art in compositions that are both romantic and earthy, with echoes of past masters like Earl Hines, Duke Ellington and Lenny Tristano. Better known for his writing and his Big Band (which spawned many of the younger talents in Montreal’s jazz scene), Vogel is not the world’s most technically impressive pianist. The always expressive and warm playing, however, more than makes up for any shortcomings, and the three discs of Je Joue mon piano add up to the touching testimony to an ambitious career and a passionate life.
The Women’s Canadian Club of Montreal Le Cercle canadien des femmes de Montréal • One Hundredth Season • Each lecture begins at 12:30 p.m. / Sandwiches at cost and tea / coffee available at 11:15 a.m. February 18: March 17: April 22: May 5: May 26:
Dr. Christine Meyers – “How Marketing Influences Health Care” Sue Montgomery – “Rwanda: Not Just Another Scary Place” (Tuesday) Spring Luncheon for members and guests Dr. Mark A. Wainberg – “AIDS in the World” Lise Casgrain – “The Legacy of Thérèse Casgrain” (Ann. Meeting follows)
New Members Welcome!
Guest fees per lecture: $10
Info: 514 933-8067
Lectures are held Mondays (unless otherwise noted) and take place at The Unitarian Church 5035 de Maisonneuve Blvd West (near Claremont Ave. and close to Vendôme métro)
courtesy: Warner Bros.
A comic yet shallow look at dying
And they’re the real meat of this film. These aren’t the deepest or most striking characters ever written, but their honest fascination with each other makes them fascinating to us. How else but by seeing him through Carter’s eyes could the film get away with playing Edward’s cancer treatment for laughs? Witnessing the slow birth of a truly believable bond of friendship between two people who don’t particularly want it at this point in their lives is the real treat here. The Bucket List never manages to reach anything profound. And the, thankfully brief, tangents into its characters’ regular lives (Carter has a wife and Edward has a daughter) are dishearteningly shallow. But it’s not every film about dying that can sustain amusement so well and manage to make you forget about the inevitable for a little while. Contact me at: shorthanded@urbanhandedworks.ca
Irish Film Fest in 16th year Byron Toben In a city blessed with a plethora of film festivals — world, nouveau, Quebec, art, Latin, German, gay — my favorite is the cozy and pleasant Irish film celebration. Cine Gael Montreal begins its 16th season Fri., Feb. 8 at the J.A. DeSève Cinema at Concordia. Cine Gael is reputed to be the largest Irish film festival in the world outside of Ireland. It is leisurely paced, on only Friday evenings throughout February, March and April, ending with a gala April 24. Kicking off events this year is Garage, an official selection at both the London and Sao Paolo film fests. It is followed Feb. 15 by Cre na Cille (Graveyard Clay) directed by Robert Quinn. It is adapted from a classic Irish novel by Mairtin O
Cadhain who was born 100 years ago. The movie was shot around Connemara. Speed Dating, a more modern film from the Celtic tiger, follows on Feb. 29. There is a hiatus during March StPatrick’s festivities, resuming with a double weekend special March 28 – 29 of three films with famous guests. Past double weekends have included Milo O Shea and Stephen Rea. Cine Gael was started by the indefatigable Lynn Doyle, the first woman president of St. Patrick’s Society, who has assembled a crackerjack team of film advisors including Antoine Maloney, Patrick Vellaley, Dana Hearne and Mary McDade. Non-members/$6 $10/opening $20/closing and double weekend galas. An all inclusive annual membership is a bargain at $60. For more details go to info@cinegaelmontreal.com
Lakeshore Players at it again Roland Dickerby runs a health spa with his wife Julia, bought with the proceeds of a hefty insurance payout from the demise of her first husband, the charming rogue Sydney. But today, Fate has something special in store for Roland: Sydney has decided to resurrect himself just as Vanessa, the
wife of the insurance company’s president, checks into the spa. Kindly Keep It Covered, a fast and furious farce by David Freeman is on at the John Rennie Theatre February 6-9 and 13-16. Box Office: 514-631-8718 or www.lakeshoreplayers.org
Kindly Keep It Covered a comedy by Dave Freeman Directed by Susan Freed John Rennie theatre - 501 St. John Blvd. Tickets: Orchestra $22 / Balcony $16 Students/Seniors: Orchestra $18/Balcony $12
Box Office: 514-631-8718 February 6, 7, 8, 9 & 13, 14, 15, 16, 2008 8 p.m. Benefit shows Feb. 5 - Cheshire Foundation - 514 683-3400 Feb.12 - M L University Women’s Club 514 630-1066, W I Palliative Care Residence - 514 426-0729
See our website for more information www.lakeshoreplayersdorval.org
February 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES 17 2232189
Shriveled mushrooms and a doctor on the spot Nancy Snipper This month marks the Chinese New Year, a culture full of ancient mysteries, some of which are ingested. Assisted by former Hui Zhang Huang, who’s 50 but looks more like 35, I was about to learn precious trade secrets from this enthusiastic learner – a recent graduate from the English program at James Lyng Adult Ed Centre. As luck would have it, I once had her as my student. On a typical day, Zhuang would bring me tupperware filled to the lid with great tasting Chinese food. She immigrated to Montreal ten years ago. Zhuang’s parents both served in the army during the Mao-Tse-Tung years, and true to training, this hard-working woman, who once owned a café in Alexis Nihon, believes healthy dishes from her country can stave off old age. I asked if Zhuang would teach me about the oddlooking food I had marveled at on my rare visits to Chinatown. She was more than eager to practice her English and share her culture’s cuisine with me. As we sallied into some food stores, Zhuang explained how a few timehonored Chinese roots and veggies could work wonders on my tastebuds and energy level. In one store, we picked up some hard shriveled mushrooms in a variety of sizes. We also walked out with some velvety soft tofu and shallots that were the size of leeks. Stopping at a huge white carrot-shaped vegetable, she explained to me that this was a must. Tiny curly cues — hard bits of plant that looked like
bacon bits also filled my grocery bag. “These are good for your eyesight and they will go in the tofu dish we’ll make,” she said. I also came home with bok choi, great in soups and stir fry. Pointing to a rough brown turnip-shaped item, she explained that this root should be peeled, steamed and then fried like an omelet, and is great when filled with some sugar, soy sauce and shallots. To prove her point, we stopped and ate at a restaurant inside Chinatown’s indoor shopping complex. It was delicious, and the tasty sprinkle of cinnamon likened it to a thick squareshaped pancake. In one herb store, I was ushered into a narrow corridor by my student to wait for the doctor. She knew I had questions about the freckles on my arms and translated for me. In a back room on a small rickety table, my pulse and blood pressure were taken. He guessed my age short of three years, told me not to eat any meat, eat a piece of fruit after every meal, and avoid all milk products. “Do you have anything for these freckles?” I asked “No,” he quickly answered. But he had medicine for the immune system, which according to this doctor, was rotten (as were his teeth). Still, I was impressed by his no-nonsense approach. I liked the no-wait policy and his intriguing questions about body pain, my
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eating and sleeping patterns. It took him 10 minutes to write out a prescription – in Mandarin, and then I had to sign my name and give my phone number. There was no charge for the consultation. Then the gruff cashier standing in front of hundreds of jars filled with odd looking herbs told me that for only $40 I could have three night’s worth of a rare mixture to deepen sleep and boost my immune system. But I didn’t need more deep zzz’s, and my immune system didn’t cause the freckles. Sun and age do. I already had some sleep herbs given to me by my acupuncturist some months ago, which to date I still haven’t taken because I sleep well. I told the cashier I wasn’t going to buy the sleep potion so he grabbed the prescription out of my hand and said “You can’t have it.” I offered to pay for the doctor’s time. No dice! “It’s only good for today,” he said angrily. “You could have something else wrong with you tomorrow.” I chuckled, assuring him I would return in 48 hours for another check-up. Zhuang and I went back to my home and within five minutes prepared a savoury tofu stir-fry (no beef as the doctor ordered). Maybe it was her company and the novelty of it all, but I felt a burst of energy. Alas, my spots are still here.
When you reach 65, the government provides you with a modest pension. Will this income be sufficient for you to live comfortably? Most individuals are unaware of what their investment income and living expenses will be at retirement; therefore it is essential to plan as early as possible. If you contribute to an RRSP, you are guaranteed to supplement the government pension and have the retirement income necessary to live with dignity. Value of an RRSP: RRSP contributions can reduce the amount of income tax that you pay. Individuals can benefit from immediate tax savings as the RRSP allows them to deduct the amount of contribution from their income on their tax return. The actual cost of the contribution is offset by having to pay less income tax. RRSP eligibility: Anyone who has earned income in
the previous year and filed a Canadian tax return can contribute to an RRSP until December 31 of the year they turn 71. After 71, if you continue to earn income, you can contribute to a spousal RRSP until December 31 of the year your spouse or common law partner turns 71. Contribution limits for 2007: Total annual contributions are the lesser of $19,000 or 18% of earned income from your previous tax year, minus any pension adjustments plus unused contribution room from previous years. You can access your contribution limit online at www.cra-arc.gc.ca. RRSP contribution room accumulated after 1990 can be carried forward indefinitely to subsequent years. Earned income is defined as self-employed business income, taxable spouse and child support received, and net rental income from real estate and disability pension received under QPP. RRSP contribution deadline: The deadline for 2007 RRSP contributions is February 29, 2008. Contributions made during the first 60 days of 2008 can be applied against the 2007 taxation year or any subsequent year. If you turn 71 in 2008, this would be the final year to contribute to your RRSP and you must convert your RRSP to a RRIF by December 31, 2008.
Seed fair welcomes gardeners
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18 THE SENIOR TIMES February 2008
Julie Cardinal
Environmentally conscious gardeners won’t want to miss the 8th Annual Montreal Seedy Sunday seed sale and exchange, Sunday, February 10 at the Montreal Botanical Gardens. The event features local producers of mainly organic, heirloom and openpollinated vegetables, flowers and herb seeds, as well as heirloom trees. Also scheduled are free workshops on subjects like seed saving, vegetable and flower production, and grafting. Visitors to the event are invited to bring in their own seeds to exchange with other local growers. “We want to assure that people have access to these heirloom seeds, which are not available through conventional commercial sources,” says Gwynne Basen, a member of Seeds of Diversity
Canada. All the seeds sold at the fair are open pollinated varieties, which means they reproduce the same characteristics from one generation to the next, with respect for sustainability. “When we grow these plants in our gardens, we are in fact honouring the richness of our vast horticultural heritage as well as protecting and valuing the importance of biodiversity in our gardens,” says Mathieu Roy of Action Communiterre, the community organization that hosts the fair alongside Les Amis du Jardin Botanique de Montréal. The Montreal Seedy Sunday seed sale and exchange is 10 am to 4:30 pm at the Botanical Gardens, 4101 Sherbrooke E. near Pie IX metro. Free. Info: 514-484-0223 or 514-872-1400
rill me one more time, Bond My Way by Ursula Feist Snowed in before Christmas last year, I decided to spend my time with Bond, James Bond. Double O seven — the two zeros meaning licensed to kill. Armed with a pot of tea and wrapped in a huge shawl, I became a couch potato, enjoying every minute of my heavenly comfort glued to my TV. It was the right escape into the exotic environment of James Bond, away from the news and the snow. I unearthed my copy of Ian Fleming’s book Live and Let Die, published in 1954. He was a Navy Commander during WWII and died of a heart attack at only 56. He created the fictitious intelligence agent Commander James Bond, hero of thrillers that have become legendary and so founded a flourishing Bond franchise. There is also a Bond International Fan Club. Fleming wrote: “The craft of writing sophisticated thrillers is almost dead. In this age of higher education, writers seem to be ashamed of inventing heroes who are white, villains who are black and heroines who are a delicate shade of pink.” The outrageous Fleming quote,“Men want a woman they can turn on and off like a light switch,” could still be made in those days. In Goldfinger for instance, there is Pussygalore, the beautiful and creative lady pilot. To call any girl “Pussy” now would cause an uproar but, at that time the sexy Sean Connery could slap her lovingly on the behind with a lusty grin. Watching Goldfinger’s attempt to break into Fort Knox or Bond trying to defuse a nuclear bomb ticking away is a nail-biter, even though you know that all will turn out well in the end. The Bond-like men who belong to every good club, stay in suites in the best hotels, drive snazzy Aston Martin convertibles, and sip champagne on huge satin covered beds with beautiful girls do present a rather enviable lifestyle. In an interview with those Bond “girls,” elderly ladies now, some unrecognizable as a result of face lifts, they explained that they consider themselves lucky to have been picked for those roles. Once having been a Bond girl meant entrance into every studio.
The Bond men, sexually aggressive but irresistible, make me think of the sexy scenes when, flung into outer space, a girl whispers into Bond’s ear “James, take me around the world one more time,” or of Ursula Andress rising out of the sea like Venus on the Half Shell to the music of “Underneath the Mango Tree, Me Honey,” stopping Sean Connery dead in his tracks. These are scenes as suggestive as they can get without having to watch heavy breathing. The Bond films all have the same formula: good guy finds bad guy, bad guy has good guy knocked out, tied up in prison or in the deep, good guy cuts loose – avoiding sharks, grinding machines, dangerous wrestlers – and survives hair-raising chases in cars,fire engines or powerboats. Bad guy gets caught, is killed, or suffers worse pains than any ever inflicted on Bond. The violence in these films is rather more funny than cruel. There are no pools of blood gushing on the floor and the guns ingeniously designed just for Bond never miss their target, however unlikely that may be. Today’s violence on film is so destructive, ugly and cruel. I wish another Fleming could be found to create more of these outrageous, refreshing and entertaining stories.
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Aurélien Guillory, star of HGTV’s Homes by Design, will teach an interior design course at the Cummings Centre. Learn about resources, color psychology and budget. Bring your own design questions. The course runs 7 - 9 pm, Beginning March 4 at 5700 Westbury Ave. $90. Info: 514-342-1234 ext. 7241
Looking for retirement home I may have more white hair showing through my black fur than I like, and at 12, I’m a senior dog, but my young at heart attitude and the pep in my step says otherwise. I’m a terrier mix named Toby and I’m looking for a special home. To adopt me, please call Debra at the SPCA Monteregie: 514-969-1767 or nickyys@videotron.ca
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Hungarian quartet takes stage
Oldengram plays city’s biggest instrument
The Ladies’ Morning Musical Club hosts the Takács Quartet performing Haydn, Bartók, and Brahms, 3:30 pm, Sun. Feb. 24. Founded in Budapest in 1975, this string quartet has recorded complete Beethoven and Bartók quartets. The event is at Pollack Hall, 555 Sherbrooke St. W. Tickets: $35/general, $15/students under 26. Info: 514-932-6796 or lmmc@qc.aibn.com
Virtuoso organist Jonathan Oldengarm headlines Sinfonica Organo, a concert series featuring Montreal’s largest instrument, the 6,792-pipe organ of the Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul. Concerts are 4 pm, Sundays Feb. 10, 17 and 24 at the Church, 3415 Redpath corner Sherbrooke W. A freewill donation is requested. Info: 514-842-9991 or oganist@standrewstpaul.com
Mad about music at McGill
This month at Oscar Peterson Hall
The McGill Student Soloists, coordinated by Marina Mdivani, 5pm & 8pm, Sun. Feb. 10 at Pollack Hall. Free. A voice recital by the class of Sanford Sylvan, 7:30pm, Sun. Feb. 10 at the Tanna Schulich Hall. Free. Stefano Algieri and Michael McMahon perform at the McGill Staff and Guests Series, 8pm Tues. Feb 12, Pollack Hall. $5 McGill Brass Concerto Competition Finals, coordinated by Thomas Williams, 7pm Wed. Feb. 13, Pollack Hall. Free. The McGill Competition Finals for piano, 7 pm, Thurs. Feb. 14 at Pollack Hall. Free. McGill Conservatory Youth Choir and the Boni Pueri Czech Boys Choir perform Brundibar, an opera written by WWII child prisoners of Terezin, 7 pm Sat. Feb 16 at Pollack Hall. $15/general, $10/student & seniors. McGill Baroque Orchestra performs 8 pm, Wed. Feb 20 at Redpath Hall. $5. McGill Live to Europe, a radio broadcast showcase, features the Schulich String Quartet, soprano Shannon Mercer and more, 7 pm Fri. Feb 29 in the multimedia room at 527 Sherbrooke W. $5. Pollack Hall is located 555 Sherbrooke St. W. Redpath Hall is located at McGill’s Main Campus, with access via McTavish Gates. Tanna Schulich Hall is located 527 Sherbrooke W. Info: 514-398-4547 or 514-398-5145
Oriented Towards Sound III features new and traditional works of eastern cultures: The River Runs Red, for gu-zheng (Chinese zither), piano and a calligrapher, 7:30 pm, Sat. Feb. 9. $10; $5/seniors $7/students. Follow the North Star, a concert in honour of Black History Month, features The People’s Gospel Choir of Montreal and singer Sylvie Desgroseilliers, 7 pm, Fri. Feb. 15. Info: 905-495-9188 or asherc468@rogers.com
Trio Muczynski in concert Pro Musica’s Trio Muczynski performs pieces by Bruch, Mendelssohn, Beethoven, and the trio’s namesake Robert Muczynski Sun. Feb. 10, 2 pm at the Eleanor London Côte-Saint-Luc Public Library, 5851 Cavendish Blvd. $3. Info: 514-485-6900
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In celebration of the 90th Anniversary of Estonian Independence Day, the Montreal Estonian Society in collaboration with Montreal’s Honorary Estonian Consul, presents pianist Armas Maiste in a free concert Sat. Feb. 23 at 4 pm. Maiste plays selections from Lemba, Chopin, Debussy, Schubert, and jazz works by Oscar Peterson, including selections from his Canadiana Suite. Ensemble Sinfonia de Montréal perform works by Stravinsky, Prokofiev, and Copland Sun. Feb. 24 at 7:30 pm. $20/general, $10 students & seniors. Oscar Peterson Concert Hall & Box Office is at 7141 Sherbrooke W. Info: 514-848-4848, 514-790-1245
Pro Musica The Nicholas Angelich Trio plays Brahms, Integral of the Trios for piano, violin and cello Mon. Feb. 11 at 7:30 pm. Mozart Piano Quartet features works by Beethoven, Dvorˇa´k, and Brahms 7:30 pm Mon. Feb. 25 at Théâtre Maisonneuve, 260 de Maisonneuve W. Info: 514-842-2112 or promusica.qc.ca
Lost Pilgrims play for Kenya The Lost Pilgrims perform old-time country, gospel, folk and classic rock songs Sat. Feb. 23 at the Church of StColumba by the Lake. The show begins 7:30 pm at 11 Rodney Ave. in Pointe-Claire. $10 suggested donation supports Life Without AIDS, a program for HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness in Kenya. Info: 514-364-3027 or 514-697-8015
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Curtains Up! Music and Magic make for great entertainment in Houdini
Kristine Berey When Valerie Boyle told friends she was acting in a musical about Houdini, nobody asked “Who-dini?� Though over a hundred years have passed since he first captivated audiences around the world with his dazzling showmanship, his name is synonymous with magic, evoking fascination and horror. Ironically, the man who so successfully flirted with death for so long finally met a violent end here in Montreal in 1926. In his book on Houdini, modern day magician Doug Henning says: “There were many Houdinis.� He describes Houdini as the simple, honorable man; devoted husband; supreme egoist and
ruthless self-promoter; beer-hall, dime-museum and circus showman; master publicist and vaudeville headliner; scholar, collector and tireless researcher; “crusader against fraud and charlatanism and tireless seeker for the answer to the riddle that was implicit in all of his performances—that of death and resurrection�. The Segal’s latest offering, Houdini, brings many of the above Houdinis to life. But be sure to arrive early.“The production begins outside in the lobby, with circus performers, buskers and street entertainers,� says Boyle, who plays the great magician’s beloved “momma� Cecilia Weisz. “As the audience is drawn into the theatrical presentation, things lift away and they get to see behind the scenes as well.� Immediately involving the audience is part of director Bryna Wasserman’s vision of what theatre should be. “I honestly believe, with so much time spent in front of computers and communicating without being present, that when you come to the theatre, it’s important for it to be an experience. I want to go back to a style of theatre that really engages the audience and makes them feel like participants from the first moment they enter.�
The show, with story and dialogue written by Ben Gonshor, and music and lyrics by Elan Kunin, highlights Houdini’s rise to fame, his relationship with his family and his battle with the spiritualist movement, which ended his friendship with Arthur Conan Doyle. Some of Houdini’s greatest escapes, such as the Straitjacket Escape and the Chinese Water Torture, are revisited. Boyle says Kunin’s music evokes the exciting and hopeful atmosphere of the turn of the century. “There is a wonderful array of music such as Scott Joplinesque ragtime, love songs, waltzes, circus-type melodies and old fashioned jazz.� The show features a live 6-piece band with well-known Montreal musicians Chet Doxas, Jim Doxas, Dave Martin, Morgan Moore and bandleader John Roney. The staff included a magic consultant, and an artistic/circus consultant. “I would estimate there are 60 to 80 people working on this production, in-
cluding 21 actors and the musicians,� Wasserman says. Houdini runs Feb. 10 to March 2, Leanor and Alvin Segal Theatre, 5170 Cote Ste Catherine. Info: 514-739-7944 or www.segalcentre.org
Peggy Baker Dance Projects Place-des-Arts’ SÊrie Cinquième Salle presents Peggy Baker Dance Projects, in collaboration with the Montreal High Lights Festival, Feb. 20 - 23 at 8 pm. Toronto choreographer Peggy Baker performs her most recent solo, Portal, in silence, while her piece Unfold is interpreted by Andrea Nann. Woman by a Man, a pas-de-deux by
renowned choreographer James Kudelka, features Baker and Michael Sean Marye. A “Dance Discovery� package of three shows includes Peggy Baker Dance Projects, Rubberbandance Group (March 2629), and Ballet de Lorraine (April 30 to May 3) and costs $33 (tax & service charges incl.) Single tickets: $15.79. Info: 514 842-2112.
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February 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES 21
Quilting art with a message Nancy Snipper Many of us own a granny quilt, a beloved bed cover. Most likely, it’s stitched in traditional cotton patchwork with flowery appliqués that break solitary background colours. But for Barbara Sweeney, quilting is art with a message. For ten years, she’s been turning the quilting concept inside out, introducing a myriad of themes on fabrics of silk, taffetas and drapery brocade,set off with beads, sparkly paints, even chicken wire. Each of her quilts tells a story. “I started off as a painter, but even so, most of my paintings have objects in them. Sometimes, I’m not sure if I’m painting or quilting,” she said, joking. “Each medium is a blank canvas, but once I begin piecing the coloured images together, be it for a painting or quilt, the message eventually reveals itself. Of course I have a ‘hand’ in it. I often incorporate 3-dimensonal aspects to intensify the message.” In one collage painting, a dragon has beads for nostrils, a pearl tongue piercing (the dragon just caught his pearl), even a head adorned with gold beads. “My quilts attract controversy. They’re shocking. The subject matter portrays the sides of life that we often don’t want to acknowledge. My quilts make these dark sides visible.” For Sweeney, quilting is about feelings. “There’s something about working with fabric that empowers me emotionally. It’s tactile. You can crunch it up, tear it, and repatch life as you would like it to be or show its tattered form.” Although Sweeney’s poignant messages are immediate, her works have artistic balance, and to her credit and the viewer’s pleasure their aesthetic component is wicked and wonderful. “I’m attracted to nasty realities. I have addressed abuse and the oppression of women and children in 12 different quilts, which are hung together to create pictorial messages. They include women serving men, women tied to apron strings, a business graph whose red line shows women at the bottom, faring poorly. Another daring quilt portrays the real face of a known sexual predator in the US who was eventually released. “This repulsive person and what he represents enrages me. I had to express this rage through a quilt.” It took a month to complete, and although it was cathartic, she soon found herself making another contentious quilt about the Catholic church in the days of yore. A symbol of the pope, women and
Barbara Sweeney
Tree lots of babies figured in this one. “Some of my religious friends were disapproving of that particular quilt. They were also confused about me; they know I am a practicing Catholic with five kids! But there’s also a soft side to Sweeney’s quilts. Right now she’s creating an Asian theme series. There is lettering, Japanese ladies, dragons, fish, ponds, fans and
Unheard Cries lotus flowers. The materials include cotton and satin laced with bead embellishments. Kids, dogs, flowers and boats adorn her children’s quilts. A childhood artist, Barbara was already sewing quilts at 8, along with doll clothes, teddy bears and pillows. At 12, she was making her own clothes and being asked to sew for friends. She didn’t. She was feisty — a proud rebel,
Women’s Canadian Club hits 100
Acrylics at St. Patrick Square
The Women’s Canadian Club of Montreal remains true to its mission: “to open our doors to all and everything that will serve to enlighten.” In 1907, founder Elsie Reford, a woman of influence and determination, proposed forming the club to raise political awareness of Canadian women, who “knew not the affairs immediate and direct of our own country.” Governor General Earl Grey spoke at the inaugural meeting and Lady Drummond sat at the head table. The club invites new members to its 100th Lecture Series, featuring speakers, events and tours. Info: 514-933-8607
Artist David Greenacre will be on exhibit Friday, February 8, 10 am - 5 pm at St. Patrick Square, 6767 Côte St. Luc Rd. (entrance through King Edward.) Over 100 canvases of acrylic paint on masonite will be on display. The paintings “capture the vastness of space to convey nature’s beauty.”
22 THE SENIOR TIMES February 2008
Papal Decision not Mine
Intro to Computers Time to upgrade your computer literacy skills. The Jewish Public Library offers introductory computer courses weekday mornings. Register Feb. 11 for the 10-hour Introduction to computers in Windows
fighting for the underdog while expressing opinions for those who couldn’t. She’s president of St. Patrick’s Square Seniors Art Group, co-founder and exhibitor at 9 ARTISTES 9 at the Cactus Gallery on NDG Avenue. She was also president of the Arts Club for four years and co-president of the Women’s Art Society. Contact: barbarasweeneybfa@yahoo.ca
environment. The course is Mon. & Wed 10 am - noon, beginning Feb.18; Cost is $90 for non-members. Register Feb. 14 for the 6-hour Introduction to Internet & E-mail course, Thurs. 10 am - noon starting Feb. 21. Cost is $65 for non-members. Info: 514-345-2627 x 3027
Sail the cyber seas Richard at The Good Shepherd Community Centre helps you navigate the computer, every Tues., 10 - 11:30 am. $10 for 10 weeks at 850 Dominion (near George Vanier metro) Info: 514-933-7351
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