As summer winds down and fall approaches, memories of back to school come flooding back, even though it was, well a lot of years ago! The best was getting new school supplies, felt pens, notebooks and pencil cases. The getting back into a routine was okay, and the time to read and learn was good as well.
Maybe you feel ready to get back into a routine and want to challenge yourself by learning something new. Our Fall Program Guide is now available at our centres and online at www. silverthreads.ca Registration is well underway and you can sign up in person, by phone or online. Most of our popular programs are o ered again along with some new and unique activities to try.
If you are new to Silver Threads a good place to start is our Monthly Socials. It is a good opportunity to meet other members, have a co ee and a chat and visit the Centres. At Victoria the date is Tuesday, September 17th, and at Saanich, uesday, September 24th. Both are from 1:30 to 2:30pm.
The Choose to Move Program o ered in partnership with Beacon Community Services is a free Community Program to help older adults become more active. It is not a fitness program but is a social group to help you set goals and connect with resources to make it happen!
From the Ground Up will teach you how to get up from the floor and over 8 weeks will build your strength and mobility. Both Choose to Move and From the Ground Up are o ered at the Victoria Centre.
BACK TO SCHOOL FOR THE 55 + CROWD! SILVER THREADS SERVICE
If crafts and arts are more of interest, the Victoria Centre will have a 6 week Line and Wash Watercolour that combines pen and watercolour. At the Saanich Centre Sashiko Japanese-Style Embroidery will teach you the techniques over 4 classes, you will finish a piece of your own in the class.
During the Fall, Creative Arts for Gifting will teach Card-Making at the Victoria Centre and Gift Making at the Saanich Centre. The first Gift Making class on October 1st will teach you how to make a tray that looks like sushi but are really a wearable pairs of socks! What a fun gift to surprise someone with. See the New September Program listing for a photo and information.
Silver Threads membership is valid at both Centres, however, is not required to participate. We have 53 di erent weekly registered programs, 41 weekly drop ins and 43
monthly activities from September to December.
Silver Threads Service has been serving the community for 67 years.
Our Saanich Centre is located at 286 Hampton Road, in the Tillicum Gorge neighbourhood and can be reached at 250 382-3151. Our Victoria Centre is located at 1911 Quadra Street, near the Police Station and can be reached at 250 388-4268.
NEW SEPTEMBER PROGRAMS
Following are the dates and times of the new programs, for complete descriptions see our Program Guide.
Choose to Move Victoria Centre
Dates: Thursdays, October 3rd to December 5th
Time: 11:30am to 1:00pm
Cost: No Charge
Leader: Anne Casey
From the Ground Up Victoria Centre
Dates: Mondays, September 9th to November 18th
Time: 11:15am to 12:15pm
Cost: 8/ $72 members, $104 non-members
Leader: Roz Beddall
BRAIN POWER CHALLENGE BACK TO SCHOOL SPLIT
Line and Wash Watercolour Victoria Centre
Dates: Thursdays, September 12th to October 17th, October 24th to November 28th
Time: 10:00am to 11:30am
Cost: 6/ $63 members, $87 non-members
Leader: Sonia Wang
Sashiko Japanese-Style Embroidery Saanich Centre
Dates: Tuesdays, October 1st to 22nd, November 5th to 26th
Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Cost: 4/$28 members, $42 non-members
Leader: Mary-Jane
Creative Gifts: Sock Sushi Tray Saanich Centre
Learn how to make unique and practical crafts for yourself or as gifts. It looks like sushi but it’s socks! Date: Monday, October 7th
Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Cost: $35 members $50 non-members
Leader: Rocio Tsuja
WORD GAME
If you are ready to amp up your cognitive function and take a proactive approach to your brain health, Silver Threads Service o ers programs that can support you in this health practice. Our Fall Programs include Dynamic Discussions and Brain Games. These programs are for those 55+ who would like to enhance their memory skills in an active and social group setting. Call 250 382-3151 or visit www.silverthreads.ca for more information. Use the Back to School theme and make words from the syllable fragments in each square. Cross out each grid as you use it.
Thanksgiving with Wells Gray Tours
Thanksgiving is a time of warmth and comfort, where the vibrant colors of autumn set the scene for gatherings lled with community and gratitude.
It’s a season of abundance, where friends and family come together to share meals and create lasting memories. As we celebrate, we are reminded of the many blessings in our lives and the importance of being grateful for the love and joy that surrounds us. This Thanksgiving, why not add an extra layer of excitement and connection by embarking on a Wells Gray Tours Thanksgiving adventure? Imagine travelling with your loved ones, sharing new experiences, and deepening your bonds as you explore breathtaking destinations together.
Kick off the season with our Thanksgiving in Whistler tour, departing from Vancouver Island on October 11, 2024. This 4-day getaway promises scenic beauty and cozy comforts as you stay for three nights at the Delta Whistler Village Suites, right in the heart of the town square. Choose from activities like visiting the Audain Art Museum or Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre, exploring the Railway Museum, or taking a jeep tour of Olympic Games sites. Plus, enjoy the stunning Sea to
Sky Gondola and the fascinating Brittania Mine Museum along the way.
Or, perhaps American Thanksgiving in Spokane on November 27, 2024, is more your style. Stay at the fabulous Davenport Hotel, savor dinner in a historic 1915 steam plant, and enjoy a guided tour of Spokane.
The tour also includes a performance of A Christmas Carol at the Spokane Civic Theatre and a delightful dinner cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Each tour is designed to provide not just a holiday, but an experience—one that brings you closer to your companions and creates memories that will
last a lifetime. This year, let Thanksgiving be the start of a new tradition, where the joy of exploration and the comfort of togetherness blend perfectly and make your Thanksgiving truly unforgettable.
Wells Gray, a family-run tour company, has been offering travel experiences for over 50 years. Whether you choose a short or long tour, local or international, their dedicated staff will professionally and happily handle your travelling desires. 250-590-7889 or 1-800667-9552 or visit www. wellsgraytours.com
Thinking about retiring? Add ‘Hearing Test’ to your to-do list
Donna M. Stewart,M.A.,Aud(C), RAUDRHIP, Audiologist and Owner, Hear Inc.
The perfect retirement means something different to each of us. The dream might be gol ng a different course every day of the week, traveling the continents in search of the perfect beach, making the world a better place by volunteering with a service club, or spending more time with the grandkids (locking in that promise to visit you when you when you’re ‘in the home’).
Regardless of the dream, the common underlying hope is good
health and nancial stability well into your retirement years.
Recently there has been a lot of talk about the importance of treating hearing loss early to aid in retaining cognitive health, and research continues to support those claims. But did you know that treating hearing loss can also help retain a healthy bank account?
A study published in Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology (2012;121[12]:771) reported that people with untreated hearing loss had incomes that were on average 25% less than their counterparts with normal hearing. In 2021
Statistics Canada reported hearing loss in 51% of people in their 50’s and 77% of people in their 60’s. Many of those individuals don’t perceive they have a hearing problem – they just nd meetings more exhausting and phone calls more frustrating. Getting hearing loss identi ed and treated early can help you keep your edge, maintain your maximum earning potential and help you retire at the top of your game. Not to mention, going to work every day is way more enjoyable when you can hear the jokes around the water cooler. Getting your hearing assessed while you’re still working also gives you the opportunity take full advantage of third-party insurance and employer provided extended health bene ts. Many bene ts packages reimburse at least a portion of audiology services and
the purchase of prescribed hearing aids.
We all want to leave work while we still have an edge and move into retirement with cognitive and
Fnancial health. Getting a hearing test is a pretty easy thing to check off the Retirement To-Do List. Give us a call at 778-426-4876 and we’ll set you up.
Stay at Home Elevating
independence for people at home as well as to support systems to protect caregivers and healthcare workers.
audiologists, hearing aid
“As manufacturer.” for you, not a we work
or many people, the challenge of staying in their own home begins with stairs that make it dif cult to function on a day-to-day basis. Stay at Home Elevating helps people stay at home by making those stairs “go away”.
“It has always been my vision to live in my home for as long as I want” – almost always when speaking with people in our community, they share this vision.
Installing functional solutions such as home elevators, stairlifts, platform lifts, ramps or a combination of the above –providing it is “the right solution” –can allow you or your loved ones to stay in your home inde nitely.
Stay at Home Elevating is a Vancouver Island based company. Their core strength is their service and the expertise providing solutions in accessibility. The brand promise is “The right solution, every time!” and the mission is to create and maintain
Stay at Home Elevating has assembled a team of dedicated, licensed technicians supported by superior client service experts to install stairlifts, home elevators, platform lifts and ramps. Having an H class commercial license allows Stay at Home Elevating to install commercially rated products for clients in clinics, schools, recreational facilities, churches, etc. They guarantee their work and are here for the long term to provide any services or support you require. Their references will attest to that!
Are stairs becoming a challenge in your home or building you operate? Do you want your stairs to “disappear”?
For a free in-home assessment or more information, contact Stay at Home Elevating’s team
at 250-391-8166 or email: info@stayathome-elevating.com or visit the website at: stayathomeelevating.com
Martine Schlagintweit
Looking for the perfect fit? Lily Pad Lingerie has you covered - we are your destination for all your lingerie, activewear, sleepwear & swimwear needs.
Our fabrics range from light cotton, modal and viscose to silk and mercerized interlock cotton. We are sure to have the perfect piece for you or the lucky person you are gifting to!
We are open 7 days a week so come on by Mattick's Farm.
Ever yone recognizes the challenges facing us with cost-of-living and global economic uncertainty on the rise.
I’m here to support you.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me: Murray.Rankin.MLA@leg.bc.ca 250-472-8528 @leg.bc.
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
A Victoria Times Colonist publication
Publisher: Dave Obee
Director of Advertising: Ed Kennedy #201-655 Tyee Road, Victoria, BC V9A 6X5
To advertise in the next issue and or submit content please contact: Aaron Ross, 250-380-5313 aross@timescolonist.com
Thesun is shining and Lily Pad Lingeriehas all your breathablesleepwear needs!
From organically growncottonto cotton and modal blends,wehave a varietyofstyles and prints to keep you cool andcomfortable.
The Edgewater
Nanaimo’s
SWhat makesseniorlivinggreat?Enjoyinga morningcoffeewitha lakeside view.Connectingwithfriends at aresor t-styled bar. Stayinghealthy &fit with access to on-sitewellnessfacilities. It’s thefreedom to choosethat makesthe difference.Experienceresor t-inspired livingatEdgewater
et on the shoreline of Long Lake in Nanaimo, the newest community from Avenir Senior Living called Edgewater is well under construction and is set to open in early 2025. Avenir is a Canadian family-owned and operated company based out of Brentwood Bay, BC. With a long-standing history of designing, building, and operating senior living communities. They have built and operated 14 communities offering condominium ownership, Independent living, Assisted living, and Memory care services for seniors. The Edgewater will be Avenir’s 3rd community on Vancouver Island.
Boasting seven stories of community living designed with West Coast inspired décor, Edgewater will offer a perfect blend of comfort, style, and freedom. Residents will enjoy premium amenities and lake views for pleasure and
entertainment or connect with friends over gourmet meals prepared by their Red Seal Chef. Residents will be able to catch a cinematic classic at the in-house theatre, participate in daily tness classes, or pamper themselves at the on-site salon. The community will offer 1 and 2 bedroom and den suites that range from 602 to 1214 square feet, many located directly on Long Lake with beautiful lake views. The spacious designs will also feature private balconies, air conditioning, in-suite washer and dryer, high-quality ef cient appliances, and much more. Deposits for rental suites are now being taken at the presentation centre located in the North Town Centre Mall. Schedule your appointment now by calling 250-7130748 or visit them online at LiveatEdgewater.ca
Ask the Hearing Professional: What to Expect at Your First Hearing Test
Taking the first step towards better hearing can feel daunting. Here's what to expect during your first hearing test with Ears To You.
Q: What happens during the initial consultation?
A: You'll start with a warm welcome from our registered Hearing Care Professional, who will discuss your lifestyle and hearing concerns to tailor the approach to your needs.
Q: What does the hearing test involve?
A: The hearing test is straightforward and painless, typically lasting about 30 minutes:
• Otoscopy: We check your ears for any physical issues, like wax buildup.
• Pure-tone Audiometry: You'll listen to tones at different pitches and indicate when you hear them, helping us determine the quietest sounds you can detect.
• Speech Testing: You'll repeat words and sentences to assess how well you hear speech.
• Tympanometry: We evaluate your middle ear and eardrum mobility to identify any issues like uid buildup.
Q: How are the results explained?
A: We’ll review your results in detail, explaining your audiogram and discussing any hearing loss. If needed, we’ll outline the next steps.
Q: What if I need hearing aids?
A: If hearing aids are recommended, we’ll guide you through your options, ensuring a comfortable solution and ongoing support.
Q: Are there any costs for the initial test?
A: We offer free hearing tests with no obligation to purchase. Our goal is to improve your quality of life through better hearing.
Q: How can I schedule my test?
A: Scheduling is easy—just call us or visit our website. We offer at-home hearing tests for your convenience.
Q: What makes Ears To You different?
A: Our personalized, mobile service brings professional hearing care directly to you. We offer competitive pricing and can assist with funding options to ensure our services are as accessible as possible.
Better hearing has never been so easy
Does Gum Disease Prohibit Dental Implants?
Ask The Dentist!
by Dr. C Ross Crapo DDS
Q: I am a 60-year-old woman with gum disease. Does this prohibit me from having dental implants?
A: Welcome to the general population! At least 80% of adults your age have some element of periodontal or ‘gum’ disease. Initially, the symptoms are in amed and
tender gums that may bleed if you oss them. This progresses to the point where you have bone dissolving under your
Stop hiding your smile
gums and around the roots of your teeth. The roots become exposed and you have the ‘pockets’ that your hygienist
will measure for your dentist to monitor the rate of bone deterioration. Teeth become much more sensitive, and much more prone to decay.
If this sounds unhealthy, it is! The good news is that this condition is both preventable with proper care and attention, and reversible. Mother Nature can work pure magic. Take a case where periodontal disease is rampant to the point teeth are lost. Bone has shrunk, resulting in signi cant changes to the shape of your face and jaw structure. Today’s dental implants can be placed in this
bone resulting in the bone attaching itself to the titanium implant (similar to the root of your natural tooth) and assimilating the implant into the jaw. Bone will grow around this implant and result in a regeneration of lost jawbone. Even in patients over 20 years your senior, this process occurs every day. It is entirely possible to regain correct jaw function with dental implant supported teeth, and you can forget the periodontal problems with that tooth forever.
The reason we dentists harp on about periodontal problems is that they not only affect your teeth, but they affect every aspect of your overall health. There is concrete proof that periodontal disease contributes to heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s Disease. It can be stopped in its tracks with a good hygienic periodontal care program. My goal is to place dental implants that will last your entire life. Your goal should be to provide as healthy a foundation for these implants as possible, because if you do so, every other aspect of your physical health will bene t. Wouldn’t you say that quali es as the ultimate ‘win-win’ situation?
At the Victoria Implant Centre we treat all types of patients. It may be that we must get you on a healthy periodontal care program to ensure our implant procedures have the best foundation for success
Reverse mortgages are becoming more popular and more mainstream. There are now three main reverse mortgage lenders in Canada, and all three (3) lend in the greater Victoria area. Here are some of the key pros & cons for using each of them.
1. HOMEEQUITY BANK / CHIP REVERSE MORTGAGE:
HomeEquity Bank is the most established reverse mortgage provider in Canada, offering the CHIP Reverse Mortgage. It has been in the business for over 30 years, helping thousands of Canadians unlock the equity in their homes.
PROS: HomeEquity Bank only offers reverse mortgages and has amazing customer service as well as very detailed or speci c reverse mortgage offers. You can do more with a CHIP reverse mortgage than its newer competitors. CONS: Set up fees and interest rates are the highest of the three lenders.
2. EQUITABLE BANK:
Equitable Bank was the second major player in the reverse mortgage market, providing a competitive alternative to the CHIP Reverse Mortgage.
PROS: Equitable Bank consistently sets its interest rates lower than CHIP, and the set-up fees are close to half as much as CHIP. CONS: Fewer options and customer support is less responsive to reverse mortgage clients as “EQ”, Equitable Bank doesn’t just offer reverse mortgages.
3. BLOOM FINANCIAL:
Bloom Financial is the newest entrant in the Canadian reverse mortgage market, but it’s quickly making a name for itself. Like CHIP, Bloom only offers reverse mortgages and was founded by a former CHIP employee. Bloom offers one reverse mortgage product that is exible and can come with a reverse mortgage credit card. This is a new, very exible way to access unused reverse mortgage funds.
PROS: Better rates than CHIP, lower repayment penalties than
CHIP, and the ease of access to unused reverse mortgage funds via the credit card make Bloom the most innovative offer, with great customer care. CONS: Fewer reverse mortgage products or offers than CHIP. Set up fees and rates are a little higher than EQ –Equitable Bank.
NOT SURE WHICH LENDER IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
We advise you seek independent reverse mortgage advice before contacting the lenders directly. As a licensed mortgage broker that specializes in reverse mortgages, I can help you save time and money, and it won’t cost you anything extra to use our services.
Call Richard Conover with Mortgages In Reverse: 778-400-1980.
Senior driving education vs assessment
Many geriatric researchers presenting at safety conferences agree that education, not testing, is the answer to seniors driving longer and safer.
Prior to intervention by family, government, medical personnel or police, seniors should take charge of their driving situation.
It is best to prepare for an impending driver assessment well ahead of time. It will relieve the stress of the unknown and the arrival of the dreaded letter. Seniors should be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to all sorts of things, particularly as it pertains to driving.
Many people believe seniors have a higher-than-normal crash frequency.
This is not true.
They do have a much higher chance of injury in a crash because of the frailty brought on by
advanced age, particularly those over 75 years of age.
Two presenters at a Driving School Association of the Americas conference made a very strong case that senior-driver harassment by governing bodies exists throughout North America.
The most common crashes listed in order of frequency and cause of injury are:
• The left turn at intersections, crossing multiple oncoming lanes of traf c, causes injury for all drivers. This type of crash is often due to declining depth perception in seniors and lack of experience in teens.
• The fact that oncoming vehicle drivers could change to the outside through-lane at an intersection, without warning, and be hidden behind the inside lane of two lanes approaching, was also a factor.
For both seniors with slower reaction times and teens lack of experience, lack of scanning contributes to this crash.
• Rear end crashes are very common. This is caused by all drivers not understanding time and distance for stopping. Understanding the consequences of tailgating is a lesson to be learned by all.
Again, seniors are more likely to experience more injury than a teen.
Joan Wallace Driving School offers a free seminar for seniors at 2 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of every month.
To sign up, call 250-383-7483
As we ag e and begin to lose our mobility and sense of balance, bathing can not only become difficult but also a cause of additional stress and anxiety
Fear of falling and a fear of not being able to g et out of the tub are two of the most common occur rences with many of our seniors today Walk-in tubs have become extremely popular in the last decade and estimates show that people who g o ahead and install a walk-in tub in their homes today, will be able to live independently for an additional five years
Walk-in tubs are exactly what the name implies, tubs that have larg e doors that open, and you simply walk in and sit down on a 17-inch-high seat
You close and lock the door and the tub fills rapidly while you are sitting comfor tably and safely inside All the taps and controls are easily accessible at your fing er tips Once you are done your bath, tum the dial and the tub quickly drains and you simply open the door and walk out of the tub T he various models all have numerous g rab bars and nonslip surfaces making g etting in and out wor r y free Walkin tubs are designed for an aging population who desire to remain
independent for many years to come Manufacturers have optional tub designs accommodating ever y shape and size of person and bathroom.
T here is a tub size that will fit in the space where your existing tub or shower is Walk-in tubs can be as basic as a soaker tub to as deluxe as your own personal spa. Offering numerous options such as heated back, multispeed war m air jets, water jets, ozone, light therapy, aromatherapy, and more.
T he benefits of a walk-in tub are numerous Many people crave being able to confidently have a bath ag ain and find relief by just soaking in a war m tub Owners say they believe they sleep better after a soothing bath. T he war m air or water jets give a deep massag e and help to stimulate circulation, thus car r ying additional healing oxyg en throughout the body to the hands and feet T his has shown positive results increasing mobility and helping to relieve the pain and symptoms of such conditions as ar thritis, chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, diabetic and peripheral neuropathy, as well as various other acute and chronic conditions
T he Canadian Gover nment website
states that 1 in 4 seniors fall ever y year, and 25% of these falls are serious, leaving the victims per manently disabled and bedridden. A larg e
percentag e of these falls take place in the bathroom. Aside from all the pain and suffering it also ends up costing the Canadian medical system two
Perhaps, one of the best decisions I’ ve made is when I decided to go ahead and put a walkin tub in my hous e I no longer have a fear of falling and this will help me live in my home for many more years to come.” Je an S
billion dollars annually. T herefore, the British Columbia and Federal Gover nments are helping many people who decide to purchase a walk-in tub now T he help comes in the for ms of a tax credit, a Provincial Sales Tax waiver, and in cer tain qualifying cases a $10,000.00 Gover nment Grant As we all ag e and the years fly by, many seniors are faced with the reality that taking proactive steps today and deciding to retrofit their homes with a walk-in tub is one of the best investments they can make to help them ag e in place, comfor tably and independently in the home they love g Sponsored content provided by Island Walk-in Tubs.
in
or
living to seniors.
for over 30 years.
Creating true, vibrant communities
At Berwick, we're not just in the business of senior living—we're creating true, vibrant communities where people connect, thrive, and pursue their interests.
“I don’t think I’ve ever felt so vital in a long time,” says Terry Dance-Bennink, resident of Berwick Royal Oak. “Our friends were surprised at rst, but then they saw Berwick and came out saying WOW and that they’d love to live here.”
“Sometimes you think you’re too young, but you’re not”, says Kuyvenhoven. He feels he should have come earlier and would have enjoyed time at Berwick with his wife who has now passed. “What
I like about it is that I’m totally independent. You’re totally free to do what you want to do.”
“Lots of people feel they’re giving up so much leaving their house…but they’re gaining
everything they need,” adds resident Joe Artibise. “We are doing much more than we have done in ve or 10 years… our lifestyle has improved with quality of life, time to do exercise, walk in Elk Lake Park, enjoying entertainment in the theatre. This community is not the cliché of people sitting in their rockers!”
Berwick offers a robust calendar of activities including opportunities to expand your vocation and to try new things. There is even an annual zip lining trip that residents embrace whether they are 70 or 90!
Resident Pat Young explains, “Berwick inspires independence because you don’t have the pressure of maintaining a home…
Berwick has released me from that. So, I have become more independent with things that I choose to do.”
She adds “You just want a cozy home, food on the table, and be surrounded by kind people that make you happy. That’s what I have here at Berwick.”
In addition to your own suite with kitchenette, Berwick offers three meals a day, weekly housekeeping, and a host of activities and entertainment.
For more information about Berwick House, contact Linda MacDonald at 250 853-5492 and for Berwick Royal Oak , contact Kathy McAree at 250 419-4012
Embrace or Escape Winter with Mile Zero Tours
As summer's warmth gives way to the crisp, cool air of autumn, it’s time to think ahead and plan your winter adventure. Whether you’re looking to embrace the season’s frosty charm or escape to a tropical paradise, Mile Zero Tours has an array of incredible options designed to suit every traveler’s
taste. Don’t let the cold catch you off guard—start planning now to ensure you get the most out of your winter escape.
For those who love winter in all its glory, the Yukon Northern Lights tour (Nov 7-12) offers an unforgettable experience. This journey is perfect for those looking to fully immerse themselves in
the magic of winter. Spend three evenings at a remote northern lights viewing station, where you can witness the breathtaking aurora borealis dancing across the Arctic sky. The tour also includes cultural attractions and guided tours around Whitehorse, providing a rich exploration of the region’s heritage and stunning landscapes.
Another way to embrace winter is by embarking on the Winter Mountain Train adventure (Nov 28 - Dec 4). This unique experience invites you to traverse the Canadian Rockies aboard a scenic train journey. Enjoy the comfort of sleeper accommodations as you wind through snow-covered peaks and valleys. The trip includes three luxurious nights at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, where you can relax and enjoy the serene winter beauty of the Rockies.
If you’re dreaming of escaping the cold, consider the Kauai - The Jewel of Hawaii tour (Jan 13-20). This tropical getaway offers a perfect retreat from winter’s chill. Explore the lush, remote island of Kauai with exclusive tours that showcase its stunning beaches, verdant rainforests, and dramatic landscapes. The experience is highlighted by a traditional Hawaiian luau, allowing you to immerse yourself in the island’s vibrant culture and natural beauty.
For a more extensive escape, the Spectacular New Zealand tour (Jan 28 - Feb 16) covers both the North and South Islands. This comprehensive tour takes you through diverse landscapes, from volcanic peaks and fjords to lush rainforests and vibrant cities. Experience the best of New Zealand’s natural wonders and cultural treasures as you travel through this remarkable country.
All Mile Zero Tours trips are fully escorted, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. Each tour includes all taxes, fees, many meals, and transport, with the added convenience of complimentary home pick-up and return. With every detail taken care of, you can focus on what truly matters— creating unforgettable memories.
Don’t miss out on these exceptional winter adventures. For more information and to book your tour, visit MileZeroTours.com or call us at 250-590-0811. Your ideal winter getaway is just a call or click away!
2026 Solar Eclipse Spain: Finding the Perfect Viewing Location
On August 12, 2026, the path of totality of this eclipse will cover 40% of Spain and it will begin roughly around 8:30 pm, very close to sunset. This means it will be ideal to nd viewing spots that are high or at places without obstacles, places with darker skies, and fewer crowds.
and its well-preserved historic Old Town of medieval lanes. While you’re in the area, visit the Rioja Wine Region, about an hour east of Burgos, where you can indulge in wine tastings at prestigious wineries, stroll
through picturesque vineyards, and savor delicious regional cuisine paired with exquisite local wines. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore charming wine villages like Haro and Laguardia.
We advise you to do your research from expert sources to nd the best eclipse-viewing spot. After doing our thorough research, we’ve identi ed some incredible cities and regions within the path of totality that also make for fantastic vacation spots.
One such place is Burgos, a medieval city in inland Spain in a terrain that is relatively at with nothing blocking your view. Burgos is known for its awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
Are you looking forward to the total solar eclipse in Spain? We certainly are, and we want to make sure you’re fully prepared. Let us be your guide to not only experiencing the eclipse but also exploring Spain’s top attractions. From destination recommendations to accommodation tips and suggested itineraries, we’ve got you covered for a truly magical Spanish vacation. So, grab your eclipse glasses, and contact us to begin planning your trip to Spain!
Mural in La Rioja
Burgos sits on the high plain of Spain.
The path of totality in Spain on August 12, 2026
Written By Arbor Sta
TSix creative ideas to honour your loved one at a celebration of life
aking time to celebrate the extraordinary life of your departed loved one can be a healing and uplifting experience. To honour their legacy, we’ve put together 6 creative ways that you can celebrate their life. From recipe books to a simple photo collage, there’s something for every family.
1. SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY ON A CHALKBOARD.
Put up a large chalkboard at your gathering and ask everyone to write their favourite memory with that person. With fond memories on display, you can read stories you’ve never heard before. When everyone contributes, you’ll learn more about your loved one. It’s easy to source materials for your chalkboard from your local stationary or dollar store or a craft store like Michael’s.
2. CREATE A RECIPE BOOK WITH THEIR FAMOUS CREATIONS SO OTHERS CAN RECREATE THEM. Was your loved one known for their delicious pastries or cabbage rolls? Compile all of their dishes into a recipe book. For a more personalized book, you can add photos of them making these items, if there are any. Send a copy to a photo book company like Blacks or PIKTO and give them out to family and friends.
3. MEMORIAL COLLAGE
This is a great way to involve the entire family. Ask everyone to bring in their favourite photos of your loved one. Go through their yearbooks and photo albums and nd any images you’d like to include. Your Arbor funeral home will provide resources, like poster board and frames, where you can attach photos using glue or sticky tack.
Make it digital: Will some family members join your event by video call? One way to immerse them is by working with your Arbor funeral home to create a slideshow version which can be played both online and by projection for those in person. Plus, by making it digital, you can also include video content.
4. CREATE A UNIQUE PLAYLIST OF THEIR FAVOURITE SONGS
Was your loved one a music lover? Why not compile all of their favourite songs to play during the event? Then, you can put all the songs onto a thumb drive and give them out as keepsakes afterwards. Alternatively, you can add them to a playlist on a streaming platform like Spotify or Apple Music so everyone can enjoy them whenever, wherever they are.
5. CREATE MEMORIAL STONES
Here’s a great opportunity to get a bit artsy. Stones can be placed in your garden as a unique and
personalized keepsake of your loved one. You might source these from nature or from your local plant nursery or outdoor decor store. Set up a station at your event with paint, glitter, beads, and other materials people can use to decorate their stones.
6. MAKE A TRAVEL BOARD
If your loved one travelled a lot, consider putting a large map on display during the celebration of life. Then, stick thumbtacks on all the places they’ve visited. You can take it a step further and include any plane tickets, passports, or postcards of theirs.
Remembering your loved one can be as dynamic and special as their life.
At Sands Victoria by Arbor Memorial, we’re dedicated to helping you memorialize and uniquely remember your loved ones.
Discover the Pure Joy of Water with GROHE
“Pure Freude an Wasser”–German for "Pure Joy of Water" – embodies the pleasure and satisfaction derived from using high-quality, welldesigned xtures. This principle guides GROHE’s commitment to designing exceptional water experiences, available for you to explore at Splashes Bath & Kitchen.
As a global leader in bathroom and kitchen ttings, GROHE is known for its commitment to technology, quality, design, and sustainability. Every product is meticulously engineered in Germany, blending precision with exceptional craftsmanship.
DISCOVER
GROHE’S ESSENCE COLLECTION
The Essence Collection showcases GROHE's innovative spirit. This collection features more of GROHE’s cutting-edge technologies than ever before, all wrapped in an aesthetic that GROHE calls "sensual minimalism." With clean lines and cylindrical shapes, the Essence Collection delivers a
At the core of every Essence faucet is the SilkMove ® cartridge, the essential component that controls water ow and blends hot and cold water. GROHE’s SilkMove ® technology provides precise water control with high-
quality ceramic discs inside the cartridge that are specially lubricated to reduce friction, ensuring smooth and reliable operation for years.
DURABLE,
LUXURIOUS FINISHES
GROHE’s Essence Collection features exceptional nishes made using PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) technology. These coatings are three times harder
than standard nishes and ten times more scratch-resistant. Available in luxurious colours like brushed cool sunrise and hard graphite, these nishes range from a soft matte to a diamondlike shine.
A LIFETIME OF WATER ENJOYMENT
With GROHE, you’re getting a lifetime of water enjoyment, along with the pleasure and satisfaction that comes from using high-quality, beautifully designed xtures. Experience GROHE's commitment to quality rsthand at Splashes Bath & Kitchen showrooms or Splashes.com
