Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2022
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Yorkton woman reflects on years of art By Tyson Off Staff Writer YORKTON – The local artist’s exhibition currently on display at the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery features multiple submissions from talented artists in the area. One artist used her spot in the exhibition to showcase her acrylic paintings displaying historical Yorkton buildings. Jeann Spilak currently has five pieces in the exhibition, three of which are acrylic paintings. They include the now demolished City of Yorkton office which once stood on 3rd Avenue North next to City Hall, the original Simpson School, now demolished but was once a part of what is now the Prairie Harvest Christian Life Centre, and the CPR Railway Station, which once stood near the City Centre Park. “They are sort of architectural designs of the actual buildings – so of course it has to be pretty precise,” said Spilak of her works, adding, “you almost kind of have to be a draftsman to get everything right and get your measurements right.” Spilak said there is no
definitive design when it comes to other types of art she practices, but that the paintings of the historical buildings had to be specific. “I do use a bit of pencil – I don’t start off with pencil, but I add my corners and do my points of interest to begin with so I can measure my metric and millimeters and centimeters to get it right.” Spilak said that although she had been practicing different types of art for 30-40 years, she hadn’t considered architecture until about 15 years ago. “I started with the schools – I did all the Catholic schools and I did Sacred Heart,” said Spilak. Spilak said she’d been working at Sacred Heart High School as a librarian at the time. “I really loved Sacred Heart,” said Spilak, adding, “it started because we were having a reunion in 1991 and I thought for the reunion I’d like to have a couple pictures of Sacred Heart – that was the old Sacred Heart of course.” The old Sacred Heart is what is now called the Gladstone Seniors Residence.
Staff Photo
Spilak’s painting of the now demolished Simpson School.
“It was quite an experience,” said Spilak. “Of course, I did St. Joe’s because they were demolishing St. Joes,” said Spilak. St. Joe’s, another Catholic School located across from the Yorkton Regional High School, which was demolished in the mid-2000s, another painting of Park Place, a former bed and breakfast in the city and also a painting of Harvest Meats. Spilak took time to reflect on some of her past works and achievements. “I’ve been in the local artist show for the last 30 years or 20 years,” said Spilak, adding, “I did have a show here about seven years ago...it was all miniatures.” Spilak said that Don Stein – the curator for the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery at the time - asked Spilak if she could do up 200–300 miniature paintings for the show. Spilak agreed and said it took her two or three months to complete all of the miniature paintings. “Most of them were landscape – most of it was Saskatchewan, some of it was Canada,” said Spilak, adding, “I had a little part of just portraits – grandkids and friends,” and, “I had a little collection of abstract ones that I did with alcohol inks.” “Some done with oils, some done with water colour – I’ve done all the mediums, I guess,” said Spilak. Spilak said that along with practicing different forms of art she also taught them as well. “For two or three years I taught at Mental Health,” said Spilak, noting that the art was therapeutic for the people learning it.
Staff Photo
Jeann Spilak has been practicing art in the city for upwards of 40 years. “Most of the student art there is still hanging on their walls,” said Spilak. Spilak mentioned that she also taught classes at the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery for upwards of seven years. Spilak said that over the years she’s delved into many different artistic mediums and referenced using burnt beeswax. “I did burnt wax – which was really interesting,” said Spilak noting that the process was “way too much work, way too hard, way too time consuming.” “I burned my beeswax outside for about twenty hours to get it black,” said Spilak, “anything you touched with it – you can’t make a mistake.” Spilak explained her process when it comes to
making art. “Usually when I’m doing one thing I’m doing five other things at the same time – I never really do one thing at a time,” said Spilak. “I start a painting of something and then I look at it for a few days... and then I do something else meanwhile and then I get back to it...you know you get a better perspective when you don’t do it for a few days – and then you just see it in a different light,” said Spilak. “Some things take a lot more concentration than others,” said Spilak, noting, “Patrick Place – for me – was really hard, it had so many curves and curvatures.” “It was actually quite difficult for me,” said Spilak. “Everything is a challenge, and you know,
when you start it, you have a totally different idea than when you’re just thinking about it,” said Spilak. Spilak talked about parting with her art and the issues that arise with having an abundance of it. “You have all these painting, and so, what do you do with them,” said Spilak, adding, “you’ve got to find a place for them,” and, “I can’t keep everything forever.” When asked if she could part with her painting of Simpson School, Spilak said, “I think I’d like to maybe make a print of it first.” Jean Spilak’s art, along with over 50 other local artists’ work, is available to view at the Godfrey Dead Art Gallery until June 30.
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Wednesday, June 29, 2022 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week
just for SENIORS
June 2022
How seniors can deter thieves and prevent muggings Some criminals target seniors. Even if your reflexes aren’t as sharp as they used to be, the following tips can help limit your risk of being mugged. 1. Maintain good posture
When you’re running errands, make sure you exude self-confidence. Stand up straight, look forward and try to walk at the same pace as other people. 2. Remain aware of your surroundings
To help you spot potential threats and avoid them, it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings. It’s a good idea to briefly make eye contact with the people you pass. This will pre-
vent potential attackers from catching you off guard. Additionally, stick to well-lit and busy areas. 3. Ensure your valuables are hidden Keep your bags, purse and wallet close to your body, and avoid wearing jewelry, expensive watches and high-end clothing. This will make you a less attractive target for thieves. 4. Keep your distance If someone makes an aggressive move and demands that you give them your money, don’t try to resist. If possible, throw the thief the requested object and stay far away to protect yourself. If a physical confrontation is unavoidable, use whatever you can to defend yourself, like your car keys,
purse or cane. Aim for weak points such as the eyes, nose and knees. Moreover, make as much noise as possible by shouting or scream-
ing. Are you interested in learning self-defence techniques? If so, look for senior friendly courses in your area.
Signs you may need a mobility aid As you get older, slips and falls can lead to serious injuries. A mobility aid, however, can be used to help you keep your balance. Here are three signs that may indicate you’d benefit from using an assistive device. 1. You often lose your balance If you find that you frequently hold onto walls and furniture to keep your balance or are in constant fear of falling, it may be time to invest in a mobility aid. 2. You feel more tired than usual It’s normal to feel weary after walking and standing for long periods of time. However, if you quickly get wiped out by these activities, it may be time to think about investing in a wheelchair or scooter. 3. You have frequent falls Trips and falls can happen to anyone, but if falling becomes a frequent occurrence,
Benefits of online dating it may be time to consider using an assistive device such as a cane or walker. Investing in a mobility aid can greatly increase your
independence, safety and overall well-being. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist to find out what type of device would work best for you.
As you get older, it can become more challenging to meet new people, and the likelihood of encountering your soul mate in the park or at the grocery store is low. Online dating, however, is a great way to meet someone special. Here are a few of its benefits. 1. You’ll clarify your priorities Online dating sites allow you to filter potential partners using specific criteria. You can search for
people who live near you or have similar hobbies and interests. This is a great way to discover what you’re looking for in a future relationship. 2. It’s easy to break the ice Online dating allows you to talk over the phone, online or through a video chat. It’s a great way to break the ice and get a feel for someone before you meet them in person. 3. You can build your confidence slowly
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It’s normal to feel a little wary after coming out of a divorce or long-term relationship. Online dating can be less nerve-racking than meeting someone in person. Plus, it can help you rebuild your confidence as you get used to dating again. Online dating is a convenient and practical way to find romance from the comfort of your home. Grab your computer, smartphone or tablet and start searching for love today. Give him some time “This is your great-grandma and great grandpa,” I told my grandson as I handed him a photo of my parents. “Do you think I look like them?” He shook his head. “Not yet.”
Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2022
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just for SENIORS
June 2022
Tips for finding love after you retire Have you recently retired? Are you looking for someone to
share your life with? Fortunately, falling in love has no age limit.
Here are three tips to help you find that special someone. 1. Adjust your expectations As you get older, love can manifest in unanticipated ways. Indeed, what you want and value in a relationship is likely to change. Therefore, make sure you adjust your expectations. Your new relationship is likely to be different from prior ones. 2. Keep an open mind Whether you live
alone or in a retirement home, the key to finding a romantic partner is to stay open to meeting new people. For instance, when running errands, be willing to strike up a conversation with a stranger. 3. Step outside your comfort zone Don’t be afraid to use a dating site, consult a marriage agency or attend organized activities and outings for people in your age group. This will make it
easier to find a potential partner who shares the same passions and interests as you.
To take the first steps toward finding love, look for seniors’ events in your area.
What you should know about hematomas in the elderly Hematomas, more commonly referred to as bruises, are skin lesions that are often accompanied by a purp-
lish mark. They mainly occur on the arms and legs and are common in older people. This is because as you age,
your skin thins and the blood vessels become more fragile. Here’s what you need to know. Causes Hematomas are mainly caused by physical shocks like falling or banging into an object. Other factors that can contribute to bruising include damaged blood vessels, blood-thinning medications, excessive sun exposure, certain diseases and vitamin deficiencies. Treatment Immediately after
a shock, apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling. Your doctor or pharmacist may also recommend medication to relieve your discomfort. Prevention There are several changes you can make to your home to reduce the risk of falling. For example, remove clutter to make it easier to move around, improve the lighting and install grab bars in places like the bathroom.
Do you often get bruises for no obvious reason? Are your bruises painful and
won’t go away, even after several weeks? If so, consult your doctor immediately.
What seniors should know about social media Seniors might not be the demographic individuals initially associate with social media. However, Pew Research notes that seniors’ social media usage has been steadily rising for a number of years, proving that individuals 65 and over are not tech-averse. Pew data from 2019 indicates that 46 percent of individuals 65 and older use Facebook. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can be a great way to stay connected with family and friends and stay up-to-date on community events. But social media usage is not without risks, especially in regard to users’ safety. Seniors without much
social media experience can heed these safety tips as they navigate popular platforms and discover all they have to offer. • Examine your account settings. Social media users can control their privacy settings so they can decide who can (and can’t) view their online activity. Each platform is different, but profiles set to public generally allow anyone to view individuals’ activity, so seniors should set their profiles to private to limit access to their information. • Be mindful of your social media social circle. It’s easy to make virtual friends via social media, but seniors should be
mindful of who they accept as online friends. Carefully consider each friend request and decide just how big or small you want your social media community to be. Many individuals prefer to limit their online social circles to individuals they know well and want to stay in touch with, and that can serve as a good measuring stick when deciding whether or not to accept a friend request. • Avoid sharing personal information. Seniors are no doubt aware that they should never share especially personal information, such as their Social Security number. However, seniors also
should hesitate to share personal information like vacation plans. Seniors who post about upcoming trips could return home to find they’ve been victimized by criminals who scoured their social media accounts
Talking to an elderly relative about their driving Do you have an elderly family member whose driving has become dangerous? If so, telling them you fear for their safety can be difficult. Here are a few tips to help you broach this sensitive subject. Give examples Prepare a list of your relative’s risky driving activities. For example, not coming to a complete stop at an intersection or driving the wrong way down a one-way street. You can use these examples to gently question your loved one and determine whether they’ve forgotten the rules of
the road or if their vision, hearing or reflexes have deteriorated with age. If needed, you can suggest they consult their doctor. Be compassionate Losing the ability to drive can be frightening for someone who’s been doing so for decades. Therefore, approach the subject gently, and choose your words carefully. You don’t want to infantilize your loved one. Above all, be empathetic when expressing your concerns. Offer solutions Instead of telling your loved one
they must stop driving immediately, suggest ways they can get behind the wheel more safely. For example, ask them to avoid driving in poor weather conditions or stressful situations like rush hour. This will help
them maintain some of their independence. If your relative is in complete denial and their driving is out of control, you may want to consider anonymously reporting them to your local driving authority.
and learned when they were going to be away. A good rule of thumb is to keep personal information private and limit posts to information that is not overly specific or sensitive. • Recognize the threat posed by scammers. Social media platforms have had varying degrees of success in regard to keeping their sites scamfree. But scammers find a way, and users must
take steps to avoid being victimized. Never click on a link within a post from someone you don’t know and avoid anyone soliciting donations through social media platforms. Seniors are engaging with social media more than ever. Such engagement requires seniors to be mindful of the many ways to protect their privacy when spending time online.
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OUR NEXT FEATURE - WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022