55 PLUS

E IC E V H D IC SER NSI N I A Y E SA NIT UID U M YG M IT CO TIV AC

September 2021

THE VISTA – PROUD TO CALL ESQUIMALT HOME A BUCKET-LIST JOURNEY INTO THE SNOWY ROCKIES TO ASPIRIN, OR NOT TO ASPIRIN: THAT IS THE QUESTION THE STARTER SERIES BY WESTHILLS NEW HOMEOWNERSHIP AND EXCEPTIONAL VALUE SILVER THREADS SERVICE THE YEAR THAT WAS FROM A SENIOR LIVING OPERATOR’S PERSPECTIVE BACK TOGETHER AGAIN? HULA DANCE FOR HEALTH

2 | TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021

TIMES COLONIST | 55 PLUS

The Vista – Proud to Call Esquimalt Home Tues, August 31, 2021

A Victoria Times Colonist publication

Publisher: Dave Obee Director of Advertising: Peter Baillie #201-655 Tyee Road Victoria, BC, V9A 6X5 To advertise in the next issue and or submit content contact: Dani Metzmeier DMetzmeier@timescolonist.com

Fall & Winter 2021

Limited small group sizes Book Early!

Discover Newfoundland SOLD OUT 12 Days Sept 13 Okanagan Grape Escape 5 Days Oct 7 Tofino Escape 4 Days Oct 24 Sea to Sky 5 Days Nov 1 Winter Mountain Train 7 Days Dec 2 Quebec Winter Holiday 7 Days Dec 4 LIFE ENRICHING TRAVEL STARTS AT YOUR DOOR!

$4999 $1999 $1,299 $1,899 $3699 $3799

250.590.0811 1.844.590. 0811 Full Details at: www.MileZeroTours.com 208-620 View Street, Victoria BC Reg #67275 All deposits fully and promptly refunded if travel cannot occur

W

hen you move into The Vista, Avenir Senior Living’s latest development, you will also join a supportive, safe, and vibrant community. Located at the edge of gorgeous Saxe Point in historic Esquimalt, you are always a short walk, ride, or drive away from all that this fantastic community has to offer.

Esquimalt is home to approximately 17,000 residents who enjoy its many amenities including beaches, parks, scenic waterfront walkways, modern recreational facilities, library, and a diverse array of stores and commercial services.

From April through to September, the Esquimalt Farmers Market is a treasure trove of locally made food, drinks, textiles, candy, and more. It’s a community hub and a great place to hear live music and explore its many vendors.

You’ll meet a few locals, including Katrina Dwulit, the market’s Executive Director and founder who shares, “It’s so exciting to see Esquimalt expand with The Vista.

Esquimalt Farmers Market is excited to welcome the residents to help better support our local food systems.”

In terms of art, in 2016, the Esquimalt Council set out

to “cultivate a more vibrant community full of visually exciting and identifiable spaces where art in all its forms is incorporated into everyday life.” As such, there is fantastic public art to study as you wander the quiet and tree-lined streets of your new neighbourhood.

Also, with more than ten parks to explore, many winding Garry Oak and Arbutus-lined trails, and the mesmerizing ocean close-at-hand, nature is at your doorstep.

For Vista residents fond of swimming, weights, yoga, fitness classes, or participating in social clubs, you’re in luck. The Esquimalt Recreation Centre is one of the best. “Our centre has a wide variety of programs that will be a great fit for The Vista and its community. We have the warmest pool in the region with options for early risers and night owls alike. Aquatic options include lane swimming, hydrotherapy pool, and a wide range of aquatic fitness options.” according to Robbie Young, Recreation Coordinator, Esquimalt Parks and Recreation.

For all your grocery and shopping needs, Red Barn Market is literally next door to The Vista. It boasts an array of fresh and local food items, ice

cream bar, full deli, sandwich bar, wide aisles, and is fully wheelchair accessible. “The Red Barn Market is looking forward to welcoming our new neighbours at The Vista.

We have been anxiously waiting for this development as it continues to build upon the foundation of this great community. You can count on our team to deliver friendly customer service and quality products on a daily basis.” says Russ Benwell, Owner.

The Vista is a home, a community and a neighborhood, ready to welcome you and your loved ones in the years to come.

Located at 622 Admirals Road, The Vista is currently scheduled to welcome residents in early 2022.

The Sales Centre at 1318 Esquimalt Road is now open. To book your appointment, please call 778.402.1352. For more information visit liveatvista.ca

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 | 3

WINTER MOUNTAIN TRAIN

A Bucket-list Journey into the Snowy Rockies

W

ith the seasons changing, it is time to start thinking about your travel plans to get through the unbearably mild west coast winter. Is travelling by train into the snowy Canadian Rockies on your bucket list? If so, perhaps this Mile Zero Tours guided tour is right for you!

Picture this: Fall asleep to the gentle rumbling of the train engine in your cozy private sleeper cabin aboard VIA Rail. Wake up to the smell of hot breakfast, roll over and open your window to a postcard image of winter wonderland. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the many elk or big horned sheep who frequent the area, or luckier still to see a bear

or coyote from the safety of your cabin. Feast your eyes on snow-topped evergreens and towering mountains including Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies, as you make your way towards Jasper.

But the journey isn’t over when the train arrives in Jasper. From here, pamper yourself with three nights at the luxurious Jasper Park Lodge Resort. Spend your days Christmas shopping at the many boutiques, enjoying light winter activities such as carriage rides or snowshoeing, or rejuvenating your mind and body at the spa. At night, curl up with a book by the fire, and why not - add a glass of wine! This is your opportunity to escape the stress of the holiday

Sales Centre Now Open | 1318 Esquimalt Road Book your appointment today 778.402.1352.

For more information visit liveatvista.ca

season and truly unwind. From Jasper, the deluxe guided tour takes you on to Edmonton and the Fantasyland Hotel in West Edmonton Mall and get ahead with your Christmas shopping.

The next morning, enjoy a flight with WestJet back to Victoria, arriving home rejuvenated and ready to take on the season.

Ready to go? Learn more about this tour and others at MileZeroTours. com or call 250 590 0811. Mile Zero Tours requires all guests to be fully vaccinated at the time of travel.

As always, this trip and all others will only operate if safe and feasible to do so. Should such travel not be advisable at the time, all payments will be promptly and fully refunded.

4 | TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021

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To Aspirin, or not to Aspirin: That is the question

T

his is one question, that Pharmacists and other health care practitioners, are asked about to help prevent cardiovascular events. In the past, there was little debate. If you had any risk factors for heart disease, you took a low daily dose aspirin to lower your heart disease risk. However, recent evidence from medical studies is making practitioners ponder the daily aspirin recommendation. So, should you take a daily aspirin to lower your risk of heart disease?

Let us look at the evidence.

How does low dose Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA 81mg) help protect your cardiovascular system? ASA has the ability to

thin the blood and help prevent blood clots from forming. If blood clots happen to become trapped in smaller or narrowed arteries, this stops or reduces blood flow to organs. If oxygen rich blood flow to the heart is blocked, this is called a heart attack. If blood flow to blocked in the brain, this is called a stroke. Heart attacks and strokes can have long term health consequences. This is the benefit of low dose ASA therapy.

However, there may be risks involved with taking ASA long term. As we have learned, ASA thins the blood and reduces blood clotting. This reduction in the body’s ability to form blood clots may lead to other

bleeding complications. The most worrisome are bleeding that might occur in the stomach (ulcers) or in the brain. This is the risk of low dose ASA therapy.

When health care practitioners make recommendations, we look at evidence from medical journals.

In the case of ASA, we looked at the findings from a large ASA study published in the UK medical journal The Lancet. What the evidence noted was that if people had a previous cardiovascular event, heart attack or stroke, they benefited from taking ASA daily.

In other words, the side effects of ASA were less than the benefits of preventing future blood clots. In medical studies, this is referred to

Worried about the safety of living at home alone, but not ready for long-term care or full home-care?

Sometimes a little help means a lot.

Heart Pharmacy’s Heart at Home program helps with:

• Daily in-home medication support, ensuring that your loved one is taking their medications daily • Assistance with more challenging medications like patches, inhalers, eye and ear drops, and insulin • Regular reporting to your doctor and loved ones of any issues with medications or general health • Companionship and structure, with the same faces every day at consistent times

To discuss how it works and whether it’s right for you or a loved one, contact us anytime by: Phone: 778-817-0417 or Email: heartathome@heartpharmacy.com

www.HeartPharmacy.com/heart

as secondary prevention. So, if you have had a previous cardiovascular event or are at significant risk of cardiovascular disease, talk to your Doctor or Pharmacist about ASA therapy. With this information, your healthcare practitioner can determine if ASA might be helpful.

However, the interesting finding in this Lancet study was regarding the primary prevention of cardiovascular events. In other words, preventing a heart attack or stroke from happening the first time. The evidence suggested that benefits of ASA therapy were not greater that the risk of side effects. There was no significant reduction in the occurrence of strokes. While there was a slight reduction in cardiovascular events, this was balanced with an almost equal increased risk of stomach or brain bleeds. In otherwise healthy people, daily ASA therapy is not recommended for the primary prevention of cardiovascular events. However, your Doctor might still recommend daily ASA if it is thought to be in your best interest. Medical studies are useful, but personalized clinical judgement is also very important.

To further confuse the issue, there is yet another study that low dose ASA might actually be harmful. In a recent issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, healthy seniors might not benefit from low dose ASA. What the researchers found was that, healthy people over the age of 65, who took daily low dose ASA daily received no overall health benefits. In fact, the risk of bleeding outweighed any health benefits. Again this was in patients who were otherwise healthy, but personalized clinical judgement is very important.

Heart attacks and strokes are a leading cause of death and hospitalization in Canada. There are many ways to improve your cardiovascular health. Make healthy food choices, get regular exercise, quit smoking and monitor your blood pressure are but a few of the ways to reduce your risk. Talk with Doctor or Pharmacist whether low dose daily ASA is the right choice for you.

Brought to you by your friendly Heart Pharmacy Pharmacist

Hula Dance For Health Classes begin Tues. Sept. 15th & Wed. Sept. 16th New Location: Dance Victoria - 2750 Quadra St.

Fitness ~ Fun ~ Easy to Learn Beginner - Continuing - Experienced

Hula Dance Classes Workshops Performances

MaryLee Alexander - Director

To register for classes contact MaryLee 250-532-3962 or huladanceforhealth@icloud.com • huladanceforhealth.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 | 5

CONNECTIONS Saanich’s aanich s Older Adult Activity Resource Resourc

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2021

Join us, we would love to see you!

See page 2: NEW Activity Talks!

PARKS, RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES

Community Services Older Adult Programmer Alison Chamberlain 250-475-5408 Cedar Hill Community Recreation Centre 250-475-7121 G. R. Pearkes Community Recreation Centre 250-475-5400

Gordon Head Community Recreation Centre 250-475-7100 Saanich Commonwealth Place 250-475-7600

6 | TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021

NEW

TIMES COLONIST | 55 PLUS

Activity Talks! Call 250-475-5408 to book a time to speak with a Saanich representative about: how to register, different types of programs, assistance with finding programs online & more!

HOW TO REGISTER

Community Recreation Centres

Saanich Community Groups

Cedar Hill Community Recreation Centre: (250-475-7121, 3220 Cedar Hill Road)

Cedar Hill Social Club (250-475-5408)

Gordon Head Community Recreation Centre: (250-475-7100, 4100 Lambrick Way) G.R. Pearkes Community Recreation Centre: (250-475-5400, 3100 Tillicum Rd.) Saanich Commonwealth Place: (250-475-7600, 4636 Elk Lake Drive) Online: at Saanich.ca, under Parks, Recreation & Community Services, and then Registered Activities and Programs page

Cordova Bay 55+ (250-658-5558) Goward House Society (250-477-4401) Silver Threads Service Saanich (250-382-3151) Victoria Native Friendship Centre (250-384-3211) Inter-Cultural Association (250-388-4728) Saanich Volunteer Services Society (250-595-8008)

LIFE (Leisure Involvement for Everyone)

LIFE (Leisure Involvement for Everyone) is available to low income residents in Saanich! LIFE includes drop-in admissions valid at all Greater Victoria recreation facilities as well as a variety of discount coupons for Saanich recreation programs. For those who are 55+ an annual membership to one of the Saanich Older Adult Centres is also included. To see if you qualify apply at any one of our four recreation centres or, for more information, please call Mena Westhaver at 250-475-5407.

FREE Older Adult Assistance Pass: Don’t let balance, mobility, or other impairments prevent you from participating.

Apply for an Older Adult Assistant Card to bring someone with you to assist you in programs and activities for free!

Assistants must stay with you to facilitate your visit and register for all programs also. If they would like to participate in a registered program requiring supplies they must pay the associated program and supply cost.

FREE Drop In admission in all centers for those 90years+

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 | 7

Registered Activities and Program Listing Sampler FREE INSPIRED BY NATURE: FOREST BATHING AND CREATIVE EXPRESSION 50yrs+, Mt. Doug & Swan Lake, Tuesdays Sep 7-28, 10-11:30am.

Join Human Nature Counselling on a mindful series of guided “forest bathing” sessions, with easy walks and creative activities in Saanich parks. Supplies provided no experience required.

OLDER ADULTS DROP-IN SOCIAL BALLROOM DANCE Gordon Head Recreation Centre Wednesdays Sep 15-Dec 15, 1:15-3:15pm.

Social get together to practice your dancing skills. No instruction. First hour Line Dance, second hour Social Ballroom.

NEPT: NEIGHBOURS ENGAGING ON PHONES TOGETHER 55+yrs, At Home Tuesdays, November 2-Dec 7, 1:30-2:30pm.

Can’t get into a centre for activities in the Saanich or Greater Victoria area? Join us on your phone, meet fellow participants and connect over fun and games right from your home each week. All supplies delivered prior to program start.

Call 250-475-5408 to register.

WALKS, SAANICH PARKS AND NEIGHBOURHOODS Various Locations, call 250-475-5427 or visit us online (at Saanich.ca, parks, programs and events, trails and treks) for start locations. Please bring sturdy footwear.

EASY WALK MONDAYS 1:30-2:30pm: Social strolls on pavement through parks and interesting neighbourhoods. Routes avoid steep hills.

GENTLE WALK AND TALK Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30-11am: Mainly chip and gravel trails with some steep sections, enjoy fresh air, beautiful scenery and friendly chatting.

HIKES Sunday Sep 12 & Sun Oct 17 1-3pm: Saanich parks, sometimes include steep, rough trails. Bring drinking water.

SAANICH VOLUNTEER SERVICES SOCIETY DRIVERS Medical Drivers. Need a lift to a medical appointment? Call 250-595-8008 Volunteer Drivers are looking forward to hearing from you.

These programs are a sample of the ones currently available. For Woodworking, Pickleball, Osteofit to Zumba and more, please see inside cover on ways to contact us!

EVENTS MOON FESTIVAL Lantern Celebration, Gordon Head Recreation Centre Saturday Sept 18, 5-8:30pm, FREE. A neighbourhood outdoor celebration of light and community! Cultural entertainment, moon cakes, tea samples and beautiful lantern displays.

SAANICH REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY Saanich Municipal Hall, Thursday Nov 11, 10:45-12:30pm, FREE. Join Mayor Haynes and Council in remembrance at the Saanich Cenopath.

HORSE DRAWN CAROLING RIDES Saanich Commonwealth Place, December 20-23, Evenings, Children $20, Adults $25 A season favorite! Sing your way aboard our horse drawn wagon. Rides are for 45 minutes.

LOOK FOR LOCAL EVENTS HAPPENING IN YOUR COMMUNITY:

SEPTEMBER 30TH

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

FRIDAY OCTOBER 1ST

International Day for Older Persons

HEALTH AND WELLNESS REGISTERED PROGRAMS WALKERS WITH WALKERS 65+ Cedar Hill Recreation Centre, Mondays Sep 13-Oct 25 12:30-1:30pm, 6/$36 Bring your walkers or walking poles and enjoy posture, balance and breathing, stretching and coffee time with other friendly walkers, a recreation therapist and a certified fitness instructor Anne Casey.

SIRvivor Cedar Hill Recreation Centre, Tuesdays and Fridays Sep 21-Dec 10, 10:15-11:15am, 12/$50 In partnership with BCRPA and UBC, SIRvivor is a researched and specialized exercise program for men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, in any stage of treatment or recovery.

Improve muscle and cardiovascular fitness, meet new people, and maintain a strong, healthy body with safe and effective exercises. First time participants $50.

NEURODIVERSE SOCIAL AND MOVEMENT CLASS 55+ Saanich Commonwealth Place, Wednesdays Sep 22-Dec 8, 12:30-2:30pm, 12/$96. Call 250-475-5408 to book.

Celebrating neurodiversity and the importance of everyone having access to recreation and wellness!

This is a fun, welcoming, social and physical movement class for those with diverse neurology, such as mild dementia, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.

You are a vibrant part of our community and we are excited to spend time together.

CHAIR YOGA Cedar Hill Recreation Centre, Thursdays Sep 9-Oct 28 10:30-11:30am, 7/$69 With the emphasis on the breath, combined with gentle postures, students will experience the many benefits of yoga: calmer, more focused mind, increased flexibility, better balance, strengthened muscles and nervous system.

GENTLE RELAXATION YOGA: BEND IT LIKE PECKHAM, Saanich Commonwealth Place, Thursdays Sep 23-Oct 28 11:15am-12:30pm, 6/$74 Gentle yoga movements (standing and floorwork) followed by Yoga Nidra - a traditional Yoga practice sometimes called “yogic sleep” guided relaxation/ meditation.

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Registered Activities and Program Listing Sampler HEALTH AND WELLNESS REGISTERED PROGRAMS CONTINUED (Want to sign up? See inside cover: How to Register) FIGHT BACK FOR WISER WOMEN 55+ Saanich Commonwealth Place, Monday Nov 15, 6-7:15pm, $50 Knowledge and skills presentation to own your personal safety. Topics include common trends, situational awareness, de-escalation strategies, and personal safety while using public transportation and travelling.

COMMUNITY ART CIRCLE 55YRS+ Cedar Hill Recreation Centre, Fridays Sep 17-Oct 22, 10-11:30am, 6/$30 Connect with others through the joy of art making, where everyone’s an artist! Bring your works in progress and the supplies, all welcome, no experience required!

HULA HAWAIIAN DANCE Enjoy music, movement and chanting in this easy and light way to stay in shape!

Cedar Hill Recreation Centre, Tuesday Sep 14-Oct 26 4:30-5:30pm, 7/$56 Saanich Commonwealth Place, Wednesday Sept 22-Oct 27 1-2pm, 6/$56

FUNCTIONAL FITNESS 50+ G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre, 10:30-11:30am, 7/$58 Tuesdays Sep 14-Oct 26, Thursdays Sep 16-Oct 28 40 minute light weightlifting segment using body weight, tubing and/ or dumbbells to improve strength, endurance and coordination.

Bring your own mat to class.

BOOK CLUB & BAGGED LUNCH SOCIAL Cedar Hill Recreation Centre, Thursdays Sep 16-Oct 7, 1-3pm, 4/$20 Discuss the monthly book with other club members. Facilitator will bring questions for conversation and discussion. iPHONE: MASTERING THE BASICS & BEYOND Cordova Bay 55+, Mondays Sep 20 & 27, 1-3pm, 2/$79 Explore more than calling and texting, all levels welcome with your phone!

LINE DANCING Cordova Bay 55+ Fridays Sept 10-Oct 22, 10-11:15 am, 7/$60 Learn some basic dance patterns that will be put together into a line dance.

No partner required.

UKULELE – BEGINNERS Saanich Commonwealth Place Tuesdays Oct 19-Dec 7 11am-Noon, 8/$82 New to the Uke with little to no musical experience? Uke can do it! Fun affordable and easy to play, join us to learn.

FOOT CARE 55+ Clinic, Cedar Hill Sep 9 and Oct 14, Afternoons $50 45 minute one on one service includes nursing assessment, cut and filing, reduction of thickened nails, trimming and filing of fungal nails, corn and callous care, management of dry and cracked skin.

Education and diabetic assessment, referral to appropriate health care professional (as necessary) and gentle foot rub with moisturizer.

ACTS (ACTIVELY CONNECTING TOGETHER SAFELY): Learn how to use an iPad or tablet, we will show you how online.

Lean about social media and games, internet safety, online recreation and health & wellness programs, have fun and connect with others. Contact Silver Threads at 250-382-3386 BRAIN GAMES: Join us via your computer, iPad or tablet to challenge your brain with word games, puzzles, local trivia and fun topics to spark conversations and anecdotes.

Contact Silver Threads at 250-382-3386 TRAVEL SERIES: Enjoy our ever popular

ONLINE/AT HOME

travel series from the comfort of your own home. Zoom in and join our talented and well-travelled speakers as they share stories, facts and stunning images from their past travel abroad. Contact Silver Threads at 250-382-3386

ZOOM YOGA BY GOWARD HOUSE: Yoga will continue to be a hybrid model, with ZOOM and in-person offered simultaneously please call 250-477-4401.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 | 9

RESERVED DROP IN AT COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTRES Register in advance required except for weight rooms, waterfit, and at SCP only, length and family swimming.

Subject to change contact centres for details.

(SCP) SAANICH COMMONWEALTH PLACE

MONDAY Circuit GH 9-10am

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY Shallow Waterfit SCP Low Impact SCP 9-10am (M-F) 10:30-11:30am

Mild Waterfit GH 10:30-11:30am

Strength & Stretch CH 10:15-11:15am

Basic Yoga SCP 4-5pm

Deep Waterfit SCP Basic Yoga CH 10:15-11:15am (M-F) 5-6pm

Pickleball SCP 1:45-4pm (M-F)

Pickleball at Pearkes Call for reserved times*

Core and More GH 8-9am

Archery SCP 8-9:30pm $12

FRIDAY Circuit GH 9-10am

Fit for Life CH 10:15-11:15am

Shallow Water Walking SCP (M,W,F) 12-1pm

Low Impact SCP 10:30-11:30am

Basic Yoga GH 5:30-6:30pm

Table Tennis 55+ Pearkes 9:30-11:30am (M&W)* FREE

Brain Games CH 2:45-3:45pm Sep 14-Nov 30

Open Art Studio Time CH Call 250-475-7626 for details!

G.R. PEARKES RECREATION CENTRE

SATURDAY Saan Common ich w Place Clo ealth s Sep 6-19ed

SUNDAY Basic Yoga CH 9:30-10:30am Pure Stretch SCP 9:30-10:30am

Carpet Bowling, Table Tennis, Games & Social CH $3.50 12:30-4pm

SAMPLE

R

Social Saturday Events CH $5 Oct 30, Nov 27, Dec 18

Contact u for more s informat ion!

Table Tennis CH 2-3:30pm & 3:30-5pm

LOCATION Leisure & Lengths

Music Free Swim Time

GH

Morning hours M-Su

12-1pm M-F

SCP

5:30am-3pm M-F

RATES

(CH) CEDAR HILL RECREATION CENTRE

THURSDAY Deep Waterfit GH 9-10am

Bridge CH AfterSocial Chair Fitness Badminton SCP noons (M,W,F) call Fun CH 1:30-2:30pm 2:30-4pm Sep 22 for times

WEIGHT ROOM

OPEN SWIM

SPORTS & SOCIAL

FITNESS & WATERFIT

(GH) GORDON HEAD RECREATION CENTRE

Adult Lessons M Afternoon, M & Su Evening

Adult Swim 9am-10pm M-F Some shared use

Contact for exact times and registration information.

Fun Swim W, Sa, Su Afternoons M, W, Fri Evenings, Sa/Sun Afternoons

Cedar Hill

Gordon Head

G.R. Pearkes

Saanich Commonwealth

M-F 6:30am-10pm

M-F 6am-10pm

M-F 6:30am-9pm

M-F 5:30am-10pm

Sa, Su 8am-9pm

Sa 6am-8pm, Su 7:30am-8:30pm

Sa, Su 9am-8pm

Sa 6am-8:30pm, Su 7am-8:30pm

Continuous Pass (monthly)

Reserve Drop In

10 x Pass

Annual Pass

Adult $40 Adult 60+ $30 90years+ Free

Adult $7 Adult 60+ $6 90yrs+ Free

Adult $63 Adult 60+ $54 90yrs+ Free

Adult $480 Adult 60+ $360 90yrs+ Free

10 | TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021

ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE GRID ACTIVITY

TIMES COLONIST | 55 PLUS

Cedar Hill Community Recreation Centre

G.R. Pearkes Community Recreation Centre

Aquafit / Swim Lessons Arts - Drawing Arts - Painting Arts - Pottery/Ceramics

• • •

Saanich Commonwealth Place

Gordon Head Community Recreation Centre

•

•

Saanich Silver Threads

•

Arts - Crafts

Cordova Bay 55+

Cedar Hill Social Club

Goward House

•

• •

•

•

Art Therapy

• Outdoor

• •

Archery Badminton

Saanich Community Services

•

•

Billiards/Snooker/Pool

•

Basketball Bocce Book Clubs Bridge Brain Games

• • •

• •

• •

Carpet Bowling

•

Caregiver Support programs

• •

•

Computers

• • •

• • • •

•

Counselling

•

Croquet Cooking classes Dance

•

Discussion Groups Fitness - Gentle, Low Impact Fitness - Osteofit/Chair Fitness - Balance & Strength

• • •

Fitness - Pilates 50yrs+ Fit 50yrs+ Men's Fitness

• •

• • • • • • • •

• • • •

• • •

• •

•

• • •

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Friendly Phone Visits

•

Games Gardening or Golf

Golf

•

Gardening

Golf

History Programs Language Programs Lending Library

•

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•

•

•

• •

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Notes: Please confirm, activity types subject to change

ACTIVITY

TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 | 11

Cedar Hill Community Recreation Centre

G.R. Pearkes Community Recreation Centre

Saanich Commonwealth Place

• •

Mah Jong Martial Arts

Gordon Head Community Recreation Centre

•

Meal Services Meditation/Mindfullness

•

•

Memory Plus/Mind in Motion Music - Choir Music- Orchestra/Band Music - Guitar

•

Music - Ukulele Movie Afternoons Pickleball Photography Rehabilitation - Physiotherapy,

Kinesiology, Massage

• •

•

•

•

•

Cordova Bay 55+

Cedar Hill Social Club

Goward House

•

•

•

•

•

• • • • • •

Saanich Community Services

• • • •

•

• •

Shuffleboard Speaker Series

Saanich Silver Threads

•

•

•

Zoom

Support Groups Table Tennis Tai Chi/Shi Ba Fa/Qi Gong

• •

• • •

Tax/Legal Assistance Tennis/Squash Textiles - sewing, knitting, crochet

• •

•

•

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Volleyball Virtual, At Home, Online Volunteer Opportunities

•

Walking/Hiking Groups

•

•

•

Outdoor

Outdoor

Outdoor

Weightroom Women Only Hours Weight/Strength Training

•

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Weaving Woodworking/Carving Writing/Poetry Yoga - Chair/Gentle/55yrs+

•

•

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•

• •

• •

•

• Outdoor

Centre/Zoom

•

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12 | TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021

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YOUR COMMUNITY SERVICES TEAM Connect with us about Older Adult programs, strategies and interests!

L.I.F.E Low Income Access

Art Exhibits

Financial Access 250-475-5407 Mena.Westhaver@saanich.ca

Community Art Programs

Leadership

Older Adults

Community Services Senior Manager

• Programs • Connection • Strategy • Opportunities

Cristina.Caravaca@saanich.ca

250-475-5408 Alison.Chamberlain@saanich.ca

Cedar Hill Social Club, Volunteering, Outreach, Community Partnerships, Feedback

Arts 250-475-5557 Brenda.Weatherston@saanich.ca

I belong here, opening possibilities!

Inclusion & Accessibility

Youth Services

250-475-5473 Alyssa.Staples@saanich.ca

Community Events 250-475-5558 Rob.Phillips@saanich.ca

Regan.Pemberton@saanich.ca

Diversity & Equity

saanich.ca

250-475-5427 Jason.Jones@ saanich.ca

Partnerships with Saanich’s ethno-cultural groups fostering increased understanding of diverse cultures across Saanich.

Saanich Parks has lots to offer...

• • • •

Over 170 parks More than 100 km of trails Over 8.25 km² of parkland 35 Tennis Courts (11 lined for pickleball)

• • • • •

2 Lacrosse Boxes 62 Sports Fields 56 Playgrounds 3 Lawnbowling Greens 1 Horseshoe Club

• • • • •

21 Basketball/Sport Courts 1 Skate Park 1 Water Park 37 Beach Accesses 3 Community Gardens

• Opportunities for volunteers to help care for parks Call us at 250-475-5522

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 | 13

THE STARTER SERIES BY WESTHILLS

New homeownership and exceptional value

“WHEN ASKED WHAT ENTICES PEOPLE TO MAKE THE DECISION TO BUY ONE OF OUR NEW STARTER SERIES HOMES HERE IN WESTHILLS — VALUE, DESIGN, AMENITIES, SPACE, VIEWS — I SAY ALL OF THE ABOVE,” EVANS SAYS.

p r es e n t E D B Y

F

amilies who seek space, value and style in their next home will have all those wishes and more come true with the Starter Series at Westhills, a vibrant, master-planned community in Langford, B.C. Gorgeous three-bedroom + media room homes constructed by a trusted local builder sit near the shore of Langford Lake, less than 20 minutes from downtown Victoria.

The picturesque, amenity-rich Westhills community has attracted more than 3,000 residents since 2008, and will have an elementary school, middle school and child care facility opening in Fall 2022.

The fi rst two phases of the Starter Series homes are now sold out!

The third and fi nal phase of these coveted homes will be coming soon.

Wayne Evans and Colleen Taylor Spicer, new-home specialists for Westhills, say the low-maintenance homes are a fantastic choice for families who need more room, for the right price.

“The Starter Series homes are the perfect fit for young active families who are either fi rst-time buyers who are not interested in condo living, or for those coming out of a condo or townhome and looking for a single-family dwelling with a low-maintenance fenced-in yard for their kids, dogs or entertaining friends and family,” Evans says.

In addition to exceptional living rooms, Starter Series homes check off all the other boxes: select floor plan options include media rooms; double car garages; stylish fi nishing packages featuring custom quartz

countertops in the kitchen and bath; designer carpet with ecofriendly underlay on the stairs and in the bedrooms; and stylish tile floors in the main bath.

Langford Lake is just minutes from residents’ doorsteps. It is the perfect spot for some swimming, kayaking, paddle-boarding, fishing, sun tanning, or just playing in the sand.

The YMCA and YWCA, opened in 2016 in Westhills and Langford’s City Centre Park, offer a wave pool, water slides, lazy river, therapy pools, day care, fitness facilities and more.

The Galloping Goose multi-use trail, formerly a railway line, offers a picturesque 55-kilometer journey from Victoria to Sooke. Locals like to cycle, stroll, run or even ride a horse through the rural sections.

“This is the perfect location for those who seek adventure and outdoor lifestyle and want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, yet be close enough to still commute in for work. Also, when people realize the extreme value that Westhills offers with their exceptional turnkey home package, it is hard to deny that Westhills is truly the optimal choice.”

Learn more by visiting westhillsbc.com/starterseries, calling 250.474.5899 or emailing info@westhillsbc.com The Westhills NewHome Gallery is open daily from noon to 4 p.m. at 2979 Constellation Avenue in Victoria, B.C.

WESTHILLS makes homeownership simple. Take ease in knowing that your home is brand new, never lived in and is covered by a 2-5-10 year warranty. We take the guesswork out of new homeownership.

Tour our brand new show homes, review finishings and view digital renderings and virtual tours, and get referred to industry experts to help you with the mortgage qualification process.

L I GU P HT H TE

HILLS SEPT

18

5th annual

2021

7:30 PM

LET YOUR LANTERN LIGHT YOUR PATH

LANTERN WORKSHOPS WESTHILLS VICTORIA PARKS AND RECREATION CENTENNIAL CENTRE SEPTEMBER 11 BEGINS AT 1:00 - 4:00 PM MAX 25 PEOPLE | $30

WESTHILLS VICTORIA BELMONT SECONDARY SEPTEMBER 18 BEGINS AT 7:00 PM DROP-IN

BELMONT SECONDARY SCHOOL AND WESTHILLS PARK

learn more at WESTSHOREARTS.ORG WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA.

14 | TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021

TIMES COLONIST | 55 PLUS

SILVER THREADS SERVICE OPEN HOUSE WEEK

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ilver Threads Service will be hosting an Open House Week at our two convenient locations September 7th to 10th from 9:00am to 3:30pm. With more of us being fully vaccinated and being mindful of continuing safety protocols will be gradually adding new and old favourites of our programs and services this fall. It’s time to safely reconnect to the places and people that will bring you good health and happiness.

Our centres are located in Saanich at 286 Hampton Road and in Victoria at 1911 Quadra Street. Membership as of September 1st will be $35 and is valid to March 31st, 2022 and gives you access to both centres. If you visit us during the Open House Week and renew or take out a membership, along with a new STS membership card we can also laminate your vaccination card if you have had both shots. People have asked where they can get their vaccine cards laminated and we are happy to offer this service.

Older Adults are welcome to stop by, have a tour, enjoy a fresh lemonade and treat. Since the pandemic started in March of 2020, we moved the Victoria Centre into a newly renovated facility and we cleaned and spruced up the Saanich Centre, so if you haven’t been in during the past year please do stop by and see the improvements.

There will be a number of free activities planned for folks to try out. Tai Chi Therapy, Table Tennis, Art for Anyone, and Online Program demos.

Space will be limited for the classes in keeping with safety protocols so please call to book your spot. The Treasure Trove and Silver Spoons Café will also be open at the Saanich Centre.

Check out the schedule at silverthreads.ca/ For more information, call the Saanich Centre at 250.382.3151 or the Victoria Centre at 250.388.4268.

We hope to see you there!

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 | 15

The Year that Was - from a Senior Living Operator’s Perspective

By Andrew Trinder, Director of Operations, VRS Communities Seniors Living, Ross Place (Victoria) and Lakeside Gardens (Nanaimo)

I

f we turn back the clock to October 2019, we at VRS Communities reached a new phase in our operations. As a BC based, not-for-profit provider of Seniors housing, we garnered considerable accolade, trust, and respect within the communities we served. Overnight we doubled in size with the acquisition of an additional 6 Senior Living communities in Nanaimo, South

Surrey (x2), Kelowna, Salmon Arm, and Edmonton.

We were excited for the future.

Just as we were building relationships with our amazing new teams and residents, and planning our improvements to property and services, we (along with all people and organisations everywhere) were faced with Covid. Anticipating the worst, we immediately refocused and put all our efforts into keeping our staff and 1200 residents safe.

Protocols and processes changed overnight - and didn’t stop changing.

Meanwhile residents, having

already faced much adversity in their lives, responded incredibly well, and with appreciation despite feeling the affects of multiple “lockdowns”.

Senior Living operations worldwide faced scrutiny and, for

some, terrible outbreaks. No matter the quality of care, services, and infection control measures, no community seemed immune to the risk; however, that has changed.

Because of vaccinations, relief came to Seniors communities in BC and Alberta, all of whom endured so much through the pandemic.

Senior Living housing is flourishing again. Vaccinations continue to be the game changer and as a result, Senior Living is once more serving seniors looking for or needing a change of lifestyle and living.

We at VRS communities appreciate people choosing to get

vaccinated; it is saving the lives of so many, but also allowing our seniors to live their lives to their fullest once again.

We are excited for the future.

For more resources on nonprofit seniors living, visit vrs.org/ seniors-communities/

One Month Free!* Call today to book your private tour and get $500 move in credit *Limited time offer. 6th month will be free.

Silver Threads Service We are a charitable, not for profit society that enhances social connections and well-being for seniors.We provide programs and services for those 55 years of age or better with two centres and outreach programs to serve you.

Saanich Centre 286 Hampton Rd. 250 382-3151

Victoria Centre 1911 Quadra St. 250 388-4268

Visit www.silverthreads.ca for more information

stay active * stay healthy * stay connected

EARTH’S OPTION CREMATION AND BURIAL SERVICES Contracted provider to the Memorial Society of BC

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or several years, Hula Dance For Health has provided enjoyable, physical activity for dancers in the Greater Victoria Area. Graceful Hula dance performances to lyrical Hawai’ian music have given a great deal of pleasure and wonderful memories for residents of hospitals and nursing homes on Vancouver Island.

Then COVID-19 hit, forcing the program to be put on hold.

In preparation for re-establishing Hula Dance for Health classes for the 2021/22 season, dancers were asked for feedback. Responses received were enthusiastic and informative, reinforcing the importance of re-opening Hula Dance for Health, at ‘Dance Victoria’ in September.

Dancers shared the personal benefits they received from Hula: “Hula combines full body movement

- strength, balance and flexibility plus breath and cardio workout with the concentration, patterning, and memory demands that are so important for healthy brains.”

“Creatively, the vibrant colours we wear, the way our bodies interpret the lovely words of the songs, and images that the music elicits as we dance, add other dimensions to the experience.”

Dancers expressed messages relating the joy they experienced, when they performed at retirement facilities: “We always receive much more at these outings than we give.”

This is the ‘Spirit of Aloha’ in action: waves going out and waves coming in.

Hula Dance for Health, MaryLee Alexander, Director 250.532.3962 E: huladanceforhealth@icloud.com huladanceforhealth.com