Senior Living Magazine Vancouver Edition May 2011

Estate Planning Issue

MAY 2011TM

Patti McGregor

RVing the Rideau

Overcoming Butterflies

www.seniorlivingmag.com

Vancouver’s 50+ Active Lifestyle Magazine

Senior Living Housing Directory is a valuable online resource for seniors and family members looking for alternative housing to match their desired lifestyle, or medical/mobility needs.

Over 500 senior residences and housing communities throughout BC are listed in this comprehensive directory. Compare services, amenities, and prices. Sort your selection by region, or type of care.

This directory is published by Senior Living, a monthly magazine distrib-uted to approximately 850 locations across BC.

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

Senior Living’s online searchable senior housing directory is a perfect complement to its semi-annual senior housing special editions in February and August. Senior Living also publishes a 128 page book called “To Move or Not to Move? A Helpful Guide for Seniors Considering Their Resi-dential Options.” We have sold over 3,000 copies of this book. No other magazine we know of has such a comprehensive, interconnected group of housing resources. For more information about any of these products or services, call (250)479-4705 or toll-free 1-877-479-4705. Or email [email protected]

Coming soon: residential listings for Alberta and Saskatchewan.

MAY 2011 1WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

Stawamus Chief

* With any Shoprider Scooter’ receive FREE batteries and a FREE ProDe3 Victr Walker!!!

Offer expiresSeptember 30th 2011.Price subject to change without notice

FREE BATTERIES* &FREE WALKER*

��

In-Store Purchases arealways 15% off NewList Price with this Ad.

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

2 SENIOR LIVING WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

COLUMNS 4 The Family Caregiver by Barbara Small

18 Forever Young by William Thomas

24 Ask Goldie by Goldie Carlow

30 Have Fork, Will Travel by Sally Jennings

31 BBB Scam Alert by Lynda Pasacreta

32 Reflections: Then & Now by Gipp Forster

FEATURES 6 Better With AgeA performer nearly all her life, Patti McGregor still gets a kick out of entertaining her audiences and making them smile.

8 Creature ComfortsIn retirement Richard Smith donates his time and energy to causes he’s passionate about – hockey and wildlife critters.

10 Give Us This DayNeed at the Richmond Food Bank has risen 60 per cent since 2008 – far above the national average of 28 per cent.

13 Look Up! Look Way Up!Delta residents, including those who belong to the Delta Naturalists’ Society, are committed to the protection of the environment.

16 Testamentary Charitable GiftsCharities benefit and taxes are reduced – a win-win.

20 Lost and FoundBest friends in high school reconnect – after 50 years apart.

25 RVing the RideauThe best way to experience the Rideau is from the water, but if you’re more of a landlubber, this is the tour for you.

Cover Photo: Seasoned performer Patti McGregor has finally made the grade as an entertainer. Story page 6. Photo: Kevin McKay

Head Office Contact Information:Box 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1

Phone 250-479-4705 Fax 250-479-4808Toll-free 1-877-479-4705

E-mail [email protected] www.seniorlivingmag.com

Subscriptions: $32 (includes HST, postage and handling) for 12 issues. Canadian residents only.

No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Senior Living is an independent publi-cation and its articles imply no endorsement of any products or services. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. Unsolic-ited articles are welcome and should be e-mailed to [email protected] Senior Living Vancouver Island is distributed free throughout Vancouver Island. Stratis Publishing Ltd. publishes Senior Living Vancouver Island (12 issues per year) and Senior Living Vancouver & Lower Mainland (12 issues per year). ISSN 1710-3584 (Print) ISSN 1911-6403 (Online)

Publisher Barbara RistoEditor Bobbie Jo Reid [email protected] Editor Allyson MantleAdvertising ManagerBarry Risto 250-479-4705 ext 101Toll-free [email protected] Sales Staff Mitch Desrochers 604-910-8100Ann Lester 250-390-1805Mathieu Powell 250-479-4705 ext 104Barry Risto 250-479-4705 ext 101

Senior Living (Vancouver & Lower Mainland) is published by Stratis Publishing.

MAY 2011

www.seniorlivingmag.comPublisher’s

ESTATE PLANNING SECTION

Charities are a vital part of our community infrastructure. They

seem to have always been there to fill the gaps in our society – whether it is for health research, protection of children, animals or at-risk adults. These intrep-id organizations go where no one else dares. For this reason alone, they have my vote of support.

Seniors are among those who fre-quently step up to the plate to give gen-erously to these causes. Statistics Can-ada says that “those who give the most are more likely to be older.” They have also found through their research that the likelihood of being a major donor increases with age.

For these reasons, we feel our par-ticular readers and charities are a natu-ral fit and so, twice a year, we provide charities with the opportunity to profile themselves in our magazine.

Many of us have been touched or have had a close family member touched by cancer or other life debilitating dis-ease. Many of us have family members with mental or physical limitations that demand extra support and care. Often it is a charity that provides the necessary services and support to see us through these difficult times.

My personal passion is animals so I am very grateful for all those groups who help sick, injured, abandoned or abused animals. Each one of us, I’m sure, can find a cause that grips our heart and makes us want to help in some way.

Regardless of the type of charity, they all need money in order to continue to do their work, so I encourage each and every one of you to give as generously as you can. Whether large or small, ev-ery donation helps.

THE ADS OF THESE ASK A PRO CONTRIBUTORS CAN BE FOUND WITHIN THE MAGAZINE.

ASK A ��seniorlivingmag.comProfessional advice and information on a variety of products and services that suit your needs are published on the Senior Living website.

COV UPS Store6 Accessibility Solutions10 Allegro17 Northern Sound Hearing Clinics19 Clear Choice23 Carepanions

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��seniorlivingmag.comEnjoy the contents of both Vancouver and Vancouver Island magazines...plus much much more! Do you have an event to promote? We can help. Click on our Events page to post your inoformation for Free.

ARTICLES ABOUT ACTIVE SENIORS & RELATED TOPICS

SENIOR EXPOPAST & FUTURE

INSPIRING VIDEOSLOCAL EVENT LISTINGS

SENIOR HOUSINGDIRECTORY

ONLINEBOOKSTORE

��TO SENIORS We can help businesses market to seniors throughout the Vancouver Island and Greater Vancouver areas. Whether print, web, or a combination of both, you can place your advertising message with confidence, knowing it will reach your intended audience. Over 120,000 readers per month Up to 75,000 unique visitors per monthContact [email protected] or call 1.877.479.4705, ext 101www.seniorlivingmag.com/advertising


THE ADS OF THESE ASK A PRO CONTRIBUTORS CAN BE FOUND WITHIN THE MAGAZINE.

ASK A ��seniorlivingmag.comProfessional advice and information on a variety of products and services that suit your needs are published on the Senior Living website.

COV UPS Store6 Accessibility Solutions10 Allegro17 Northern Sound Hearing Clinics19 Clear Choice23 Carepanions

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��seniorlivingmag.comEnjoy the contents of both Vancouver and Vancouver Island magazines...plus much much more! Do you have an event to promote? We can help. Click on our Events page to post your inoformation for Free.

ARTICLES ABOUT ACTIVE SENIORS & RELATED TOPICS

SENIOR EXPOPAST & FUTURE

INSPIRING VIDEOSLOCAL EVENT LISTINGS

SENIOR HOUSINGDIRECTORY

ONLINEBOOKSTORE

��TO SENIORS We can help businesses market to seniors throughout the Vancouver Island and Greater Vancouver areas. Whether print, web, or a combination of both, you can place your advertising message with confidence, knowing it will reach your intended audience. Over 120,000 readers per month Up to 75,000 unique visitors per monthContact [email protected] or call 1.877.479.4705, ext 101www.seniorlivingmag.com/advertising

Aim Medical Imaging 27Clear Choice Hearing 15Connect Hearing 25Northern Sound Hearing Clinics 20


Predicting the costs you may incur as a family caregiver is difficult – just as it is to predict when and how you may suddenly become a caregiver. Prepara-tion in advance by both the care recipi-ent and caregiver is essential to help me-diate this financial impact.

Regardless of the type of caregiving situation, an effective financial plan needs to consider the many sce-narios that may arise and the costs that may be in-curred. Some options to consider include critical illness or long-term care insurance, use of RRSPs,

reverse mortgages or home equity loans. Speak to a financial advisor or your bank for more information. Tax credits are also available to offset some of these expenses.

Next month: Long distance caregiving

Frank Wong at the war memorial in Chinatown.

The Financial Impact of Caregiving

THE FAMILY CAREGIVER

SL

BY BARBARA SMALL

Barbara Small is the Program Development Coordinator for Family Caregivers’ Network Society located in Victoria, BC. www.familycaregiversnetwork.org

Family caregiving comes with many costs, both eco-nomic and non-economic. The non-economic costs

include the negative impact on the physical, emotional and social well-being of the caregiver. The economic or financial costs impact both the fam-ily caregiver and the care recipient and can include:

Employment: Almost 70 per cent of family caregivers are trying to balance the demands of a job and their care-giving responsibilities. One in four caregivers has had to make significant changes to their work situation, which has impacted their income.

These changes can include reduced hours, a leave of absence, job loss, early retirement or loss of benefits and pension. Some fami-lies may also have to cope with the loss of the care recipient’s income due to illness or disability.

Home Care and other medical care not covered or subsidized by the health authority: The local health au-thority provides services to help clients stay safely in their home for as long as possible. These services are meant to supplement the client’s efforts to care for themselves with the assistance of family and friends.

The health authority will conduct a financial assessment to determine the extent of eligibility for the care recipi-ent to receive subsidized care. Home support services can also be purchased through private home support agen-

cies. If 24-hour care is required, some families will have to hire and pay for a live-in care provider.

Out-of-pocket expenses: Caregiv-ers may find themselves having to pur-chase products or equipment for the care recipient’s personal use: mobility aids, incontinence supplies, medical alert systems or bathroom safety equip-ment. These costs will vary dependent on the needs of the care recipient.

Household adaptations: Changes may need to be made to the home where the care recipient is living in order to make it more accessible, such as ramps for wheelchairs, stair lifts or making the bathroom safe and accessible.

Facility placement: The time may come when the person you are caring for can no longer stay safely in his or her own home and may need to move to an assisted living residence or resi-dential care facility.

Similar to the home support services mentioned above, your health author-ity will conduct a financial assessment to determine if your family member is eligible for subsidy. If not, private care residences are available. Their month-ly cost can range from $1,500–$5,000 dependent on the amount of care need-ed and other services provided.

Predicting the costs you may incur as a family caregiver is difficult – just as it is to predict when and how you may suddenly become a caregiver.


N��

DISCOVER VILLAGE LIFE AT MORGAN CROSSING

The newest release from Morgan Crossing, ARC is a stunning collection of condominiums nestled in the hub of an urban village. Inspired by the charming design of walkable European towns, high-end condos have the convenience of over 60 shops, services, and amenities within reach.

Enjoy the convenience of leaving your car behind with shops and amenities located steps away. Winners, Best Buy, and London Drugs - all centrally located in the village.

Foodies take note - Plentiful bistros and fresh groceries from Thrifty Foods mean delicious eats at a moments notice.

Staying healthy made easy with Steve Nash Sports Club in the village, and scenic parks, trails and beaches a stone’s throw away.

Entertain friends and neighbours on the spanning rooftop plaza. Over 12,000 sq. ft. of outdoor living featuring a community garden, barbecue, fire pit, and sun deck.

ONE BEDROOM + DEN FROM *$236,900TWO BEDROOMS FROM *$259,900

��

the arc now move-in-ready��morgancrossing.ca | 604.582.1336

MOVE IN TODAY

Own from *$236,900


Arts & Entertainment

Three years after retiring, musician and entertain-er Patti McGregor has recently brought to the stage My Scandalous Life, And Maybe Yours – a one-woman show she wrote and performs for

adoring audiences.In addition to the show, Patti is also a solo artist and part of a

duo, with musical partner Susie Francis, called Canadian Sub-urban. For more than 10 years, she was part of the Pearly Show Band, an English music hall group. She has toured through West-ern Canada, backing up Linda Jones and Company, directed and produced musical productions, produced and hosted nearly 400 monthly cable television shows and performed extensively in trios. For her work with Delta Cable, Patti won the “Above and Beyond” Award in 2009 – one of many honours.

Though she had a musical upbringing in rural Alberta, Patti’s first experience as part of a performing group happened when she was just 14.

“There was this local musician who played guitar in some bands,” she recalls. “I had started playing guitar a couple of years earlier, but he was so good he just had me mesmerized with his ability. He had a niece who was our friend and they asked my twin sister Faye and I to join them. He coached us to sing together and took us around and entered us in talent shows and competitions. It was such a hoot!”

Patti, Faye and her two older brothers grew up in the era before television and, when she was young, they only listened to the daily news on the radio while it was hooked up to the car battery because they didn’t have electricity. Entertainment was singing songs or making music with family and friends. Patti started taking piano lessons from the Royal Conservatory when she was eight.

“In the second year I was taking piano lessons, my dad used to come in from his farm work because he wanted someone to chord along while he played his fiddle. He looked upon it as a game as he would play the tune and call out the chord changes while I tried to keep up on the piano. His attitude was so mar-vellous and it became absolutely contagious figuring out the chords. My mother was trained in Classical while my father was Bluegrass. What I fell in love with was Swing, which was right down the middle.”

Once Patti turned 10, the family was able to use the radio more often, which she and her sister loved.

“Mom went back to work so the rest of us pitched in to help around the house. Faye and I would play the radio as

loud as we could while we worked. Later, we would listen for a song we liked and would take turns writing one of the lines of lyrics until we had the whole song. The next time we heard it, I would figure out the key it was being played in and start working on the chords. I was so grateful to have this wonder-ful sister to share things with.”

From a stint in Edmonton and Vancouver, Patti and her sec-ond husband moved to Delta where she has resided and carved out a life for herself. In addition to her performing and raising two children, Patti worked for the Ladner Arts Council for 18 years and then managed the Tsawwassen Art Centre for the sev-en years prior to her retirement.

Two honours particularly special for Patti were having a the-atre named after her by the Delta Arts Council and receiving the Governor General’s Award for outstanding contributions to the community of Delta in 1993.

“It was recognition for all the volunteer work I had done,” says Patti. “It will be sweet for the rest of my life.”

Despite a life performing for others, Patti has battled nerves since she was a teenager.

“Every time I would clear one hurdle I had a new one to face,” she says. “I had shaky fingers, wobbly knees, dry mouth, short-ness of breath and butterflies in the stomach. Sometimes, some-thing goes wrong during a show and all the tension comes back. It got to the point that I would wonder what I was doing, but every time, something deep inside me spoke up and told me, ‘this is my work.’ Music is a part of me.”

After she retired, Patti saw a course being advertised at Douglas College called Standup Comedy 101. She signed up, and while she has no designs on doing standup for a living, she

Better With AgeBY KEVIN MCKAY

Phot

o: K

evin

McK

ay


Luxurious Independent Living

for Seniors

Home-like environment • 24-Hour on-site staff• Home-cooked meals • Personal laundry

• One month free

Call Us Today 604-824-0109 6980 Vedder Road • Chilliwack, BC • www.chilliwacklifestyles.com

We Guarantee the Best Rates in Chilliwack!

Port Coquitlam ~ Amica at Mayfair ~ 604.552.5552Kerrisdale ~ Amica at Arbutus Manor ~ 604.736.8936West Vancouver ~ Amica at West Vancouver ~ 604.921.9181Burnaby ~ Amica at Rideau Manor ~ 604.291.1792Victoria ~ Amica at Douglas House ~ 250.383.6258Victoria ~ Amica at Somerset House ~ 250.380.9121Sidney ~ Amica at Beechwood Village ~ 250.655.0849

11-0387

I may not drive anymore,but I’m still going places!

In addition to all the activities that take place within our vibrantretirement communities, another pleasure of living at Amica arethe frequent off-site trips to local attractions, shopping centres,seasonal and cultural events. The Amica-on-the-Go bus is justone more convenience we provide our residents. Let us do thedriving, while you do the living. Why not call, arrange for a tourand see how independent you can be. You have nothing to loseand so much to gain!

Call Amica today to book your personal tour.

credits the course with making all her per-formances, and particularly her show My Scandalous Life even stronger.

“The course was fabulous. My instruc-tor told us that we should stick to stories about ourselves, the stories of our lives. I had a fairly good sense of timing due to all my time on stage but she helped me to develop original material and make it work as my own. Now that is part of all my shows forever.”

In addition to beating the nerves, Patti has discovered that as the years go by she is becoming more comfortable and more capable of holding a crowd captive. She claims she makes a breakthrough of one kind or another about every five years along her journey.

“I am now a more seasoned perform-er,” she says. “Like a fine wine, I have gotten better with age. Earlier in my ca-reer, I was very focused on the technical part of performing but now I connect better with my audiences because of the many breakthroughs I made. I engage in a lot of chit-chat when I perform. It is scripted but, of course, there is some lee-way within the script. The more you do it, the more natural it sounds.”

Since her retirement, Patti started play-ing pickleball, a form of easy indoor ten-nis. In very short order, she has become the convener of the group at Kennedy Centre in North Delta, where she plays and wel-comes new players three times a week. But as much as she loves the sport, nothing can replace music and theatre in her life.

“When the show is going well you get in a rhythm and really feel in sync with the audience,” she says. “You are even more aware of vocal blends during rehearsal and sometimes a nice harmony even gives me goosebumps. Like any performer, you put the work in. You pay your dues, you do your best and you step out on stage. That is the pleasure part. Even with the butterflies, if you have done the work and put in the time, it all pays off. The best reward is to have people in the audience enjoy my music and have lots of smiles and laughter from my stories. That sends me a message that I have finally made the grade as an entertainer.”Patti can be reached at 604-581-6270.

Better With Age

SL


Estate Planning

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

Richard Smith’s initial contact with wildlife began at age four when he got his first pet, a turtle. The little boy and the wee creature spent many happy hours playing with his toy station

wagon. Richard enjoyed watching his pet propel across the hardwood floor inside the vehicle until one day his mother noticed the reptile’s back legs hanging onto the toys tailgate as if its life depended on it, and put a stop to the joyrides. It was Richard’s first lesson in the humane treatment of animals – a lesson he never forgot. By age six, like most boys, he up-graded to non-poisonous snakes, and insects, which he had no trouble locating in his immediate surroundings.

Born in Winnipeg, he enjoyed wakening to the songs of Meadowlarks, watching gophers frolicking through the long grasses diving into their burrows at the slightest threat from man or beast and studying groundhogs, best known as mar-mots, fattening up on vegetation in preparation for the long winter’s hibernation.

During his formative years, when visiting his uncle, he

was exposed to various farm animals; he learned to milk cows, hitch horses to the plough, cook up slop for the pigs and gather eggs. A favourite pastime was watching chicks hatching in incubators.

As an adult, Richard worked in road construction with the Ministry as a Civil Engineering Technician. Work in remote areas often brought him into wildlife territories, where he en-countered deer, elk, moose, a number of black bears, moun-tain goats, sheep, beavers, a colony of marmots, and a few skittering salamanders. One of his greatest thrills was seeing a couple of Kermode, better known as B.C.’s white spirit bears. He never felt threatened by wildlife; the crews were educated on bear avoidance and each given a can of bear spray.

Richard retired in 1993 and began looking for a new journey. His love of hockey led him to the

Surrey Eagles, where his volunteer time has been put to good use in the penalty box, as a rule judge and now in security. While enjoying the game, he found the daylight hours were long and the search was on for another volunteer

CREATURE COMFORTSBY DEE WALMSLEY

Phot

os: D

ee W

alm

sley


Please contact Kathy or Janet for your COMPLIMENTARY COPY of:

An Executor’s Guide to Estate Administration.

Please phone 604.299.3908 or [email protected][email protected]

www.salvationarmy.ca

Giving Hope... Always

Plan for your future todayopportunity. An ad in the Langley Times sought volunteers for The Critter Care Wildlife Society.

When Richard arrived on the scene and took in the sights of raccoon, squirrel, deer, possum, otters, beavers, skunks, black bear cubs and a resident bobcat, he knew he’d found a new calling. He used the carpentry skills he learned as a lad working alongside his dad, building new pens and revamping and upgrading existing out buildings.

He began noticing the chirring from nearby raccoon “coon-dominiums” and started taking his breaks watching the antics of the masked marvels. It wasn’t long before he was hooked by his heartstring. When the next batch of orphaned kits were dropped off on his watch, he learned the rituals of bottle feed-ing, burping and stimulating the little critters and, for the first time, felt the joy of a neck nuzzling from a baby raccoon. Little did he know at the time that he was also getting his first raccoon hickey.

On average, Crit-ter Care takes in more than 1,000 animals a year. These animals rely on human gener-osity to feed and house the sick, injured and orphaned until they are released back into the wild. Richard spends his mornings preparing donated food to feed the shelter’s guests.

“I believe that man-kind has a responsibil-ity to help other species as we help our own,” he says. “Many problems that wildlife encounters are man-made and are not a part of their genetic avoidance systems; they run into situations they aren’t prepared to deal with. All baby animals are born depen-dant and are not biased to who cares for them, their wants are simple – to be fed, to be kept stimulated, and to be safe until entering the independent stage, then to be released.”

“I volunteer at Critter Care and for the Surrey Eagles hockey club and I have found that volunteering can be quite rewarding. You’re not taking a paying job away from any-one, and you feel darn good doing it.”

While Richard spends his days at the shelter, feeding and acting as handyman, he sees the need for educating the public on co-existing with urban wildlife and feels that the provin-cial government should take a larger role in protecting, sup-porting and educating its citizens.

“After all,” he says, “the brochures all tout Beautiful British Columbia and its wildlife, which bring in the tourist dollars. It’s a pity some of the monies aren’t shared with B.C.’s wildlife shelters.”

CREATURE COMFORTS

Critter Care Wildlife Society volunteer Richard Smith.

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��SL

10 SENIOR LIVING WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COMWWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

� ��

� ��

� ��

� ��

� ��

� ��

� ��

� ��

��

Leaving a legacy toCovenant House meansmaking a lasting difference in the livesof nearly 2000 young people each year.

Your bequest to CovenantHouse ensures our youngpeople a welcoming smile, asafe place, a support networkand a chance for a new life.

Please ask about our PrincipleFunds, a legacy that lasts.

575 Drake Street Vancouver, BC V6B 4K8Phone: 604-639-8934 www.covenanthousebc.org/help/planned

BN 89767 5625 RR 0001

The Canadian Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating (CSGVP) is conducted across the coun-

try every three years by Statistics Can-ada. The latest available survey results – compiled over a three-month period at the end of 2007 – likely won’t come as a surprise to the many active, older Canadians who make a habit of giving. In fact, seniors top the charts in several areas, through direction actions (volun-teering and participating) and financial support (donating to charity).

According to the survey, over 88 per cent of Canadians in the 45 years and older category gave an annual average of just over $600 – the highest level across all age categories. Similarly, in-dividual Canadians in the 55 and older categories topped another set of charts, volunteering 211 hours annually to an incredibly wide variety of organizations ranging from hospitals and health facili-ties to sport and recreation groups to re-ligious institutions.

The Richmond Food Bank relies heavily on its volunteers. In operation for almost 28 years, it’s open for dis-tribution three days a week: from 1-2 p.m. in East Richmond on Tuesdays; on Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at their Central Rich-mond location; plus the third Wednes-

day of the month in Central Richmond from 6-7 p.m.

On average, about 500 households – many with children – take home about $80 worth of food a week. Rather than declining or staying steady, demand in Richmond has risen 60 per cent since 2008, far more than the national aver-age which saw a 28 per cent increase from 2007 to 2010.

People find themselves in need for a multitude of reasons: illness, job loss, disability, temporary or chronic physi-cal or mental issues, and dwindling sav-ings are just a few. Some clients feel guilty about needing the help (some break down in tears when registering).

The Richmond Food Bank caters to a significant number of new Canadi-ans; many of them struggling to adapt to new homes and situations. Luckily, their need has been partly balanced by significant financial donations from the Richmond Chinatown Lions Club and other Asian-Canadian community and faith groups, which help fill the larders.

Eligibility for food bank assistance is uncomplicated and open to anyone in need. Data collected includes current address, date of birth, telephone number and signatures, which are recorded on the cards.

Richmond Food Bank Executive Director Margaret Hewlett notes, “We

GIVE US THIS DAYBY NADINE JONES

��

��

��

��

��

��


»has been the hallmark of The War Amps

since it was founded in 1918.

A philosophy of

amputees helping amputees

The War Amps continues to meet the needs of its war amputee members, and also operates programs such as the CHAMP Program for child amputees.

CHAMP provides amputee children across Canada with financial assistance for artificial limbs, regional seminars, peer support,

resources and so much more.

Through CHAMP, the Association’s tradition of amputees helping amputees continues.

Charitable Registration No. 13196 9628 RR0001The War Amps is funded solely through donations to its Key Tag and Address Label Service, and does not receive government grants.

For more information about leaving a bequest to The War Amps, please contact:

The War Amps��

Chloe is a member of The War Amps CHAMP Program for child amputees.

The War Amps

to GenerationFrom Generation

WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

ask for this information to better our understanding of who is accessing our services, not to be invasive or judgmen-tal.” Cards are filed alphabetically, and stamped weekly as used.

As soon as a client comes in out of the cold, a cup of hot soup is available – cooked fresh daily by a volunteer with culinary credentials. Quite often parents with children must wait a long time in line, but there is a small room set aside for “story time.” Young chil-dren are allowed in out of the weather to join a volunteer, who reads them qual-ity children’s books, chosen by the lo-cal library, and otherwise entertains the young ones.

The edible and non-edible fare changes weekly depending on dona-tions. Items received include everything from diapers to bags of dog food to fruit and vegetables to tinned goods; and many household necessities like soap and toilet paper. Most donations must be sorted and dispensed depending on need. Families with children aged two to 12 years are entitled to two litres of milk


Hockey Hall of Fame Broadcaster Jim Robson

in his home office.

Your Future Planning Will Make Their Future Better.

Create your legacy for BC’s Children with Disabilities because children like Hannah need

Easter Seals Services. Call for your FREE Will

Planning Kit. TM TM

EasterSeals

British Columbia/Yukon

Call Jennifer Ingham 1-800-818-4483www.lionsbc.ca

��

��

One in three Canadian deaths iscaused by Heart Disease and Stroke

Your Gift Will Save LivesWill Save LivesWill

Call or email for a free Legacy Planning Kit:

Melanie BrooksCoordinator Planned Givingplannedgiving@hsf.bc.ca1.888.473.4636www.heartandstroke.bc.ca/givingbywillwww.heartandstroke.bc.ca/givingbywill

Your gift today ensure the wishes of tomorrow.

Contact us at: Make-A-Wish BC & Yukontel. 604 688 7944 toll-free 1 866 277 [email protected]

We are dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, to enrich the human experience with

hope, strength and joy.

weekly, and children up to 12 years old receive “healthy snacks” including fruit cups and granola bars. Not all necessi-ties are donated, so some items must be purchased, for example, a ton of milk is bought weekly, plus hardy vegetables, which will not be easily bruised in tran-sit like carrots and potatoes. Judy Ying Sun, who oversees the purchasing, is a great bargain-hunter.

The food bank is a multimillion dol-lar charitable enterprise and, amazing-ly, is efficiently run by only four paid staff members under the guidance of Executive Director Margaret Hewlett, with help from 125 regular volunteers. Aside from Margaret, who keeps ev-erything running smoothly (paying the bills and dealing with daily challenges, among other things), the other three paid staff members have huge areas of responsibility. Judy – the bargaining guru – maintains the books, as well as the buying; Rick oversees the ware-house and I.T. systems, plus incoming and outgoing food distribution; Alex is the volunteer co-ordinator.

The food bank operates two vans because many donors can’t deliver, so goods must be picked up. There is a forklift to move large pallets of canned goods in and around the 8,000-square-foot (743-square-me-tre) warehouse. A portion of financial donations is used for rent, gas for the vehicles and their upkeep. In addi-tion to overseeing delivery of food to groups who serve free cooked meals, Rick also ensures delivery to house-bound eligible food bank recipients.

Although the food bank is open only two days a week in Central Richmond, the location is a hub of activity – behind the scenes – six days a week. Everything must be sorted and ready for distribution days. Large quantities of tea or powdered milk and sugar must be broken down into smaller quantities, so everyone has an equal amount to take away. Volunteers measure one and two cups of powdered milk into plastic bags, or sort diapers into lots for various age groups.

Retail grocery stores are generous with donations and such goods as large boxes of detergent with smashed in tops are some-times available for lucky recipients. A lot of food is damaged beyond being saleable in stores, but is perfectly fresh and useable as handouts at the food bank. Huge bags of dog food with a rip covered by a piece of tape, for example, are manna from heav-en for a canine pet – an important family member for many isolated people.

The recent global economic downturn has undoubtedly led to the increase in the need for food banks, but times have been hard on donors as well. While the Christmas season is a particularly good period for individual and corporate dona-tions, clients are just as hungry in March and June as they are on December 25th. Unfortunately, no matter how much is do-nated in either food or finances, the need is never quite met.

And like all organizations that have their share of challenges, the Richmond Food Bank is no exception. There is ongoing dissention about people in the queue blocking entrances to adjacent businesses.

Top priority on the executive direc-tor’s Wish List is a permanent place to call home – a place with adequate park-ing (always a problem in a large city) and overhead covering for the waiting queue. Also, it would be wonderful to be located in an area close to other charitable ser-vices, so the food bank could work easily in tandem with them.

Luckily, wishes don’t cost a dime!

To contact the Food Bank, call Vancou-ver 604-876-3601 or Richmond 604-271-5609.

SL


»©

AFP

Ter

esita

Cha

varri

a

Since 1973, the Canadian Section of Amnesty International has promoted and protected human rights at home and abroad, through ongoing campaigning, outreach and education programs. By remembering Amnesty International in your will and estate planning, you will be helping to build a future where the fundamental dignity of every person is respected worldwide.

For information and assistance, contact: Heather Warren, Gift Planning Associate

(613) 744-7667 ext. 239 [email protected] www.amnesty.ca/plannedgiving

1-800-AMNESTY

Charitable Reg. No.

11878 5914 RR 0001

Your Legacy

Is Her Future.

On most Monday mornings, come rain or shine, Tom Bearss and a group of Delta Naturalists are outdoors looking up, look-ing way up. As avid, hardy naturalists, this

flock of devoted birders is out observing, photographing bird species or listening for birdcalls. Tom, Delta Natural-ists’ Society president, leads this merry group of wanderers throughout the Pacific Northwest.

“I developed an interest in birding in the late eighties,” says Tom. “When I lived and worked in Ottawa, I found Sun-days could be a boring, wasted day. Therefore, I signed up for an eight-week course to learn about birding. It was fas-cinating to learn so much about birds. People in the course were interested in nature and the environment, and when the class ended we started our own Sunday birding club.”

Tom is not new to wandering and travelling along migra-tory flight paths. He led an exciting international high-fly-ing professional life before landing in the Delta area. While working for the federal government in a variety of posi-tions over 30 years, one of his postings was as Trade Com-missioner and Acting Canadian High Commissioner at the Canadian Embassy in Trinidad & Tobago. He also flew to locations including Geneva, New York City and San Diego to work on international trade issues, such as Free Trade Agreements, where he rubbed shoulders with presidents, diplomats and dignitaries. In his footloose and fancy-free 20s, this traveller also hitchhiked to destinations as far as Australia, Greece, Europe, India and Burma.

Today, as a dedicated community volunteer, Tom donates to many projects. One of his proudest charitable legacies is an Annual Golf Tournament that he organized in Trini-dad to raise donations for a golf program for disadvantaged youth. Ambassadors and dignitaries take part in the event to provide golf equipment for youngsters. Tom also serves on the Board of Directors of the Asa Wright Nature Centre in Trinidad/Tobago and travels from Canada to Trinidad every October for their Annual General Meeting. This centre is a world-renowned nature and ecotourism destination.

“Trinidad/Tobago is a unique rainforest area with a di-verse habitat,” says Tom. “Birds migrate from both north and south, so there is a high number of species. It’s a great birding environment. The Asa Wright Nature Centre is probably the best backyard birding spot in the world. For

Look Up! Look Way Up!

BY BEV YAWORSKI

Please contact us for more information:

604.526.2747 [email protected]

Your planned gift will support our vision ofimproving the welfare of local wildlifethrough rehabilitation and education.

WRA Wildlife Rescue Association of BCprovides leadership in rehabilitating wildlifeand in promoting the welfare of wild animals

in the urban environment.


2020 - 650 West Georgia Street, Vancouver B.C. V6B 4N7 E Mail: rbreivik@ breivikco.com Phone 604.633.3804

www.investorlossrecovery.com

HAVE DEVASTATING LOSSES DERAILED YOUR RETIREMENT PLANS?

START DOWN THE ROAD TO RECOVERY BY VISITING OUR WEBSITE:

WE HELP GET RETIREMENT PLANS BACK ON TRACK BY RECOVERING LOSSES IN ALL TYPESOF INVESTMENTS THROUGH FAIR SETTLEMENTS AND COURT PROCESSES FOR INVESTORS

WHO HAVE RECEIVED NEGLIGENT ADVICE OR BEEN OTHERWISE MISTREATED BY FINANCIAL ADVISORS. ARE YOU AWARE OF THE SPECIAL LEGAL DUTIES OWED TO RETIRED PERSONS?

INVESTOR LOSS RECOVERY GROUP

www.investorlossrecovery.com

example, you’ll find 13 species of hummingbirds right in front of you on their famous veranda.”

When he isn’t watching a golf ball fly through the air, or returning from his latest international flight with Sandra, his spouse of 38 years, Tom is looking up to the sky to document bird-life in his newly adopted home nest of Delta. This area is located on an internation-ally recognized bird migration Pacific flyway – home to some of the finest feathered friends on the planet; mil-lions of migratory birds stop over in Delta’s Boundary Bay.

In semi-retirement, Tom now de-votes considerable time and talent to environmental groups including the Delta Naturalists’ Society – along with projects for preservation groups such as the Burns Bog Conservation Society and Birds on the Bay. Delta Natural-ists’ Society is a natural history group involved in botany, wildlife, conserva-tion and birding. It is part of the B.C. Nature network of more than 50 nature

clubs throughout the province, offer-ing activities such as birding outings, nature hikes, stewardship projects and speaker programs. Membership in-cludes respected naturalists, environ-

mentalists, biologists and interested citizens. Members tend to be charita-ble with their expertise and resources, and give generously to a variety of en-vironmental causes.

Delta Naturalists on a Casual Birding Outing lead by Tom Bearss (in black hat).


“About 70 people are now members of our Delta group,” says Tom. “I find that Delta residents are very committed to protection of the environment. We also like to educate kids about nature and the environment. Our group pro-vides display materials and hands-on activities on nature topics. Upcoming highlights include involvement with Earth Day events, a display at Bound-ary Bay Park on Father’s Day and co-ordinating a B.C. nature conference in Delta this fall.”

Tom credits Anne Murray, a B.C. nat-uralist, and Mary Taitt, a wildlife biolo-gist, for being his “nature gurus” since he moved to B.C. five years ago.

To read Delta Naturalists Casual Bird-ing blog with Tom’s own unique brand of playful wit, visit the blog online at dncb.wordpress.com

For information about B.C. Nature groups in your area, visit their website at www.bcnature.ca

SL

Hearing loss can be helped.

The key is early detection.

We offer FREEhearing tests.Call now to book your test!

Our commitment is to ensure you experience the clearest sound possible, whether this means using a hearing aid or simply taking steps to protect the good hearing you presently have.

For more information and to take advantage of our current special offers, see www.clearchoicehearingclinic.com

3 locations to serve you:Lonsdale Medical Clinic, North Vancouver — 604 988 8013Hollyburn Medical Clinic, West Vancouver — 604 922 61114705A Hastings Street, Burnaby — 604 294 3273

My goal is to help you reach yours.

I’ll work one-on-one with you to develop a comprehensive investment strategy – one that’s right for you and your family’s unique needs and goals. And, I’ll maintain ongoing contact to ensure it remains flexible enough to move with you through each stage of your life. You can be confident I share your goal of enhancing your financial success over the long term.

Call me, Peter Tsiandoulas, Branch Manager, Investment Advisor, at 604-654-5414.

PRIVATE INVESTMENT ADVICE

tdwaterhouse.ca520 17th Street, Ste 200, West Vancouver, BC

TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice is a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. (Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund), a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. TD Waterhouse is a trade-mark of The Toronto-Dominion Bank, used under license. M01932 (0110)


Do you get the Senior Living

Readers Newsle�er?

Sign up today by visi�ng our website at www.seniorlivingmag.com

Each month, we email subscribers our latest newsle�er containing informa�on you won’t find in our magazine. You never know what we’ll include! We have ar�cles on:

• successful re�rement• seasonal recipes

• computer �ps• gardening

• travel• health• fitness

• housing• finances

• caregiving, etc.

PLUS: Info on upcoming magazine features, events, senior-focused adver�sers, advice ar�cles on our website and interes�ng videos.

Become one of our Newsle�er subscribers today.

No charge. Just visit our website at www.seniorlivingmag.com and sign up for our newsle�er on the Home Page.

The extensive role of chari-table organizations in so-ciety is obvious, as is the fact that much of their

funding is from private sources. Mak-ing a gift to a charity during one’s life-time or in one’s Will has two positive results: the charity and its goals are ad-vanced and the donation can be used to reduce income tax.

With respect to this latter benefit, it is important to recognize that one’s net assets will still be reduced notwith-standing that less tax will have been paid. Ideally, therefore, one couples both goals when deciding to make a charitable donation. Individuals are increasingly interested in achieving these goals through their wills, and it is on testamentary charitable gifts that this article will focus.

A charitable gift made in a will is deemed to be made in the year of death and can therefore be claimed against the final tax return of the deceased. Such a gift has an advantage over gifts made during lifetime since the gift, and hence the deduction, can be up to 100 per cent of income. In other words, a charitable gift can be used to fully off-set the income tax otherwise payable in the year of death. Furthermore, any unused amount can be carried back to the previous year.

Charitable gifting can be used as part of an overall estate plan. For ex-ample, if an individual knows that his or her death will trigger significant capital gains due to the deemed dispo-sition of an asset, then the person may

wish to consider having life insurance. Upon death, the proceeds from the life insurance policy can be used to cover the capital gains. A somewhat more creative option is to have the life in-surance proceeds paid to a charity: the resulting credit for that donation can then be used to offset the capital gains. Of course, one achieves the additional benefit of advancing the goals of the charity.

Another interesting option is to com-bine a testamentary trust with a chari-table gift. This option is known as a charitable remainder trust. In simplest terms, the will creates a trust and names a beneficiary who has a life interest in the trust. Once the beneficiary dies, the assets of the trust are donated to a char-ity. It is vital that the trust comply with the requirements set by the Canada Rev-enue Agency set out in the income tax interpretation bulletin IT-226R. These requirements are as follows:

(a) There must be a transfer of prop-erty voluntarily given with no expecta-tion of right, privilege, material benefit or advantage to the donor or a person designated by the donor.

(b) The property must vest with the recipient organization at the time of transfer. A gift is vested if

(i) the person or persons entitled to the gift are in existence and are as-certained,(ii) the size of the beneficiaries’ in-terests are ascertained, and

Testamentary Charitable Gifts

BY WILLIAM WALTERS


SL

(iii) any conditions attached to the gift are satisfied.

(c) The transfer must be irrevocable.

(d) It must be evident that the recipient organization will eventually receive full ownership and possession of the property transferred.

Two primary goals of these require-ments are that the property has been given away and cannot be called back and that the value of the property that the charity will receive is calculable when it is given. If the CRA require-ments are met, then a tax receipt will be issued when the trust is created to offset income on the deceased’s final tax return.

When planning to make gifts to a charity in a will, two other important considerations are the Wills Variation Act and planning for the possibility that the selected charity may no longer exist in the same form or at all, as when the will was made. The Wills Varia-tion Act entitles a child or spouse of a testator to challenge a will that fails to make adequate provision for them. This means that a spouse or child could challenge a charitable gift, especially where that gift is a substantial part of the deceased’s total estate.

One must also consider the pos-sibility that the selected charity may no longer exist at one’s death or that it may have been absorbed by one or more successor organizations. In or-der to ensure that the charitable gift does not fail, the will should include a provision permitting the executor and trustee to direct the charitable gift to another organization with objectives similar to those of the original charity selected by the testator.

A well-planned charitable gift can be a valuable part of an estate plan. Such gifts can fulfill altruistic goals, form part of a tax minimization strat-egy, or achieve both ends. As always, careful planning is required and will often involve both legal and account-ing professionals.

The privilege to drive a car can be taken away without notice because a doctor recognized signs of failing cognition which the driver and family members missed. The aging process advances physical deterioration that may already exist within the body from past injuries due to car

Advanced Mobility Products101 - 8620 Glenlyon Parkway, Burnaby BC

Ph. 604.293.0002 Toll free 1.800.665.4442www.advancedmobility.ca

Advanced Mobility ProductsMore than just a retailer

Featured Business

EVENTS BEYOND ONE’S CONTROL HAPPEN IN LIFE, and the occurrence of unsolicited change is much more common with advanced age. Slips and falls that compromise mobility indefinitely can occur in a flash, and change one’s reality forever.

the need for the new equipment, but they also have to process all the technical information associated with the equipment and absorb the unexpected cost.

Advanced Mobility Products is much more than just a retailer of homecare and mobility

by Jamie Schaab

��

ADVERTISEMENT

their number one goal is to provide clients with the equipment needed to regain freedom and independence while remaining comfortable and safe. They also stock all the parts required to repair and service the equipment they sell, so downtime for customers is kept at a minimum.

The Advanced Mobility staff members do a thorough needs assessment with each client to determine which equipment is best suited to his or her needs and environment. Then they take the time to educate the client as much as necessary until the new equipment is being fully utilized. Throughout this entire process, the client’s comfort and safety is of the utmost importance because mobility equipment should cause a progression of independence, not a progression of deterioration.

The Advanced Mobility team knows that helping someone choose the proper mobility equipment can have a great positive impact. Paul recalls one gentleman who was confined to his bed for five years while in the possession of a $35,000 mobility system because he could not operate it comfortably or safely. A sales person from Advanced Mobility identified his needs and set him up with the proper equipment and training, and the gentleman was mobile both inside his home and out the door within five minutes.

“That’s a testament to due diligence.”

accidents, repetitive movement in the workplace or illness that impedes one’s mobility.

Paul Laderoute, managing director of Advanced Mobility Products, points out that the need for mobility assistance equipment can materialize without warning.

“It’s the type of equipment where people don’t really know what they need until they need it,” he says, adding that when the equipment is needed – it is often needed immediately.

This position is a stressful one in which to be for both the individual requiring the equipment and his or her family. They not only have to deal with the physical event that now causes

products such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, stair lifts and bed lifts. The team has experienced firsthand what it is like to live with compromised mobility, and


FOREVER

Feline Dementia? Or Just a Cat?

BY WILLIAM THOMAS


Cats, like their owners are living longer than ever before. That’s the good news. With enhanced

longevity comes the downside of ag-ing – arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney problems and even dementia. If you live long enough, you’ll likely inherit these afflictions.

A recent survey by Scottish veteri-nary surgeon Danielle Gunn-Moore reveals that 28 per cent of cats aged 11 to 14 are affected by feline dementia – that number jumps to 50 per cent for cats 15 years of age and older.

Similar to Alzheimer’s, a protein in the form of sticky plaques build up on the brain’s nerve cells causing mental deterioration by disconnect.

Dr. Gunn-Moore’s own cat inspired her research; 12-year-old Cardhu started showing signs of human senil-ity. (Single malt lovers are welcome to make up their own “12-year-old Card-hu” joke here.)

There are exceptions to the rule of dementia for aging cats. Not all old cats go batty.

Years ago, I stayed one week in a draughty Bed & Breakfast walk-up in Chalk Farm, halfway up the Black Line of the London Underground sys-tem. The Irish proprietor creeped me out with her ghoulish theories on Lady Di’s death, and how “they first killed her unborn child before they staged the car accident.”

So, my only solace was Rosie, a 21-year-old blind Tabby who slept beside my bed each night.

In the morning, this cat, scrawny and rickety but resourceful, would walk along the walls all the way down two flights of stairs, around a couch, around a coffee table, under a TV set and up to a window. From there, she leapt up onto a cushioned sill, her rest-ing spot for the day.

Touching the walls and furniture with her whiskers, she had committed two additional routes to memory – one to her food station and one to the lit-ter box. Rosie’s mind was still sharp at over 100 human years of age.

My Irish landlady made my stay so unpleasant; the day I left, I rearranged all the furniture – just to give her cat a bit of a challenge. (No, I did not do that.)

So cats, it seems, are more prone to aging dementia than dogs.

Kidney failure and hypertension are just two of the symptoms of feline dementia. Other signs include aimless wandering, a decrease in grooming and a sudden lack of interest in food.

However, with some of the signs the dementia survey warns about, with a cat, it can be a little tricky.

“Inappropriate vocalization,” for in-stance, could be a symptom of senility, or if the dog walked off with Missy’s stuffed mouse in his mouth, it could be a sign that your dog is about to have a

nosebleed.“Episodes of disorientation?” My

neighbour once found my cat Wedgie hiding in his bird feeder. Going a little batty? Hardly, Wedgie all but put his toes to his lips so Bob wouldn’t alert the incoming birds. Or as Wedgie liked to call them, “lunch.”

“Memory loss that causes your cat to forget commands?” Hullo!! A cat that follows orders!? Until they begin to crossbreed cats with dogs, you’re pretty much talking to yourself while giving directions to felines. In fact, if your cat does heed your commands, that too might be a symptom of senility.

“Disorientation like getting trapped in corners?” Once again, I refer you to my juvenile delinquent Wedgie, who, on the first day I brought him home was so curious about his new digs, he got his bum stuck between the couch and the baseboard radiator. That’s how he got his name.

“Constant pacing back and forth?” OK, but what if he’s just worried about something like dinner being late or chicken versus beef or you with that bottle of shampoo in your hand?

“Lack of interest in food?” Yeah, that’s probably a sign of dementia un-less Tabitha there has found a better deal two doors down.

“Confusion about time. Forgetting they’ve been fed?” Once again, on a personal note, I once had a cat named Malcolm who could eat a husky under


the table. Malcolm ate his food and often cleaned out the bowls of three other cats that were too well-mannered to hiss and scratch. Malcolm was quite thin for a glutton (I know, I know, we all hate people who can pull that off!) and his nickname was “Hoover.” Many a time he tried to trick me into believ-ing I’d forgotten to feed him. It only worked about half the time. Senile? No. Sly? Like The Family Stone.

“Screaming in the middle of the night?” That could well be a sign of advancing dementia or a nightmare in-volving him, you and a pill.

“Forgetting the location of the lit-ter box?” Either way, you got yourself a big problem. I never had a cat that misplaced the sandbox, but there was old Uncle Randal from Antigonish who - let’s just say the far corner of the dining room does not make a great substitute for the “john” and there are still people from that Thanksgiving Day dinner in therapy.

“Increased irritability?” Not likely a serious sign. I believe a cat said: “If you’re not angry half the time, you’re letting down the breed.”

“Increased attention seeking?” Yeah, like jumping into even more laps of people who do not like cats, than he normally would?

And that’s the real problem with cats and the detection of dementia – most of them are so wonderfully loony, how do you know for sure?

Editor’s Note: If you suspect your cat is experiencing dementia, please see a vet. There are medical treatments and behaviour tips available to ease the problem. Also, your cat could exhibit senile habits, but might just be unhap-py or depressed.

William Thomas is the author of nine books of humour including The True Story of Wainfl eet and Margaret and Me and The Cat Rules. For comments or ideas, visit his website at www.williamthomas.ca

SL


TRAVELWhether you’re a globetrotter or an armchair traveller, this is the issue for you! Visit the U.K., the U.S., Costa Rica, South Africa,

French Canada and more!

Next Month in Senior Living...

Suites starting at$1735


��

��

��

��

The clatter at the mail slot told me the mail car-rier had arrived. Sometimes, I felt sorry for her, loaded down with all those glossy advertisements and envelopes full of promises of huge wins

from some unknown companies. They usually went right into – what I call – permanent filing. Nevertheless, sometimes it was fun to look through them all. Today, there was one yellow envelope, quite out of the ordinary. When I turned it over, my heart gave an extra beat. She had written back! I had waited for weeks wondering whether she would answer. I sat down at the table and started reading. Yes, she had been surprised to hear from me. No wonder, after 50 years.

Hildegard and I had been best friends in high school. She used to come by train from a nearby village. We would sing together at music lessons, she soprano, and I alto. We also managed to visit each other occasionally during the sum-mer holidays. That is until her mother died. Hildegard was only 14, and I cried with her. Her two sisters and one brother were older and already had their own lives. Our relationship changed; boys were more important to her than to me. I un-derstood later that since she had lost her mother’s love, she had looked for a substitute. After I got a job as an apprentice in a lawyer’s office, Hildegard and I lost touch.

When I immigrated to Canada, married and had a fam-ily my thoughts seldom touched on schooldays and former friends. Life was busy, at times hectic. But two years ago, Hil-degard appeared more and more in my mind. Was she okay? How had her life been? Did she have the same health prob-lems as her mother, cancer? I needed to find out.

How to find her address? After all, her name certainly had changed if she had married. I wrote to her old village and got the answer that she now lived in my own home-town. That was easy. Then, with hope in my heart, I wrote a letter to her and waited. Was she even interested in con-necting again? Did she even remember? Who knows, some people might rather not.

Now, the waiting was over. Thanks to the obliging Inter-net, I found her phone number. I called. And we talked, for a long time. She even remembered our nicknames! Her life and

Lost FoundBY GISELA WOLDENGA

FEBRUARY 2011 VANCOUVER ISLANDHousing Guide for Seniors

TO ORDER a copy...Please mail a cheque for $5.25 ($5 plus GST), along with your name, phone number and address, to Senior Living, 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1. We will mail you a copy of this resourceful hous-ing guide upon receipt of payment.

Up-to-date listings of senior housing facilities throughout Vancouver Island, including Independent/Supportive Living,

Assisted Living and Complex Care.

Listings include addresses and contact information, housing costs, number of units in the housing complex, hospitality services, optional home care services, amenities and security features.

This guide is an indispensable resource to: • seniors looking for alternative housing • seniors moving to Vancouver Island from other parts of BC or out of province • children of seniors who are assisting their parent to select a housing option • professionals who work with seniors or their families • businesses that provide services to seniors


SL

The Great Wall

Contest open to all musicians & singers age 55+!You can be a spectator & cheer on the constestants! Register by calling Imperial Place 604.581.1555or The Renaissance 604.539.0571

Senior Idol AuditionsThursday, May 26th at Imperial Place • 1:30 pmSaturday, May 28th at The Renaissance • 1:30 pm

AUDITION

for your

chance to

WIN $1000!

Our undivided attention | allegroresidences.com

Imperial Place • 13853 102nd Avenue, SurreyThe Renaissance • 6676 203rd Street, Langley

You could be the next senior idol!

��

��

��

��

��

��

family had been quite similar to mine. She had two daughters and a grandson. I had two daughters, one son and now three granddaughters. While my husband still enjoyed good health, her husband was sick and she was his caregiver. So much to talk about – school years, teachers, marriage, kids. Finally, we said goodbye, and Hildegard promised to call again.

From then on, either she or I called once a month. Last November, her voice sounded different. Her husband had passed away. I was amazed at how calm she was. “He doesn’t have to suffer anymore,” she said. “Yes, I miss him, but the last 10 years haven’t been easy for either of us.” She told me it was Alzheimer’s.

That’s when a thought occurred to me. I hadn’t seen my hometown in years. How about flying over and finally meet-ing my friend again? Although I had concerns about flying nine hours in a crowded plane, something else pushed me into action. We got an invitation from relatives to celebrate their golden anniversary. Since my husband didn’t feel like going, I decided I would. I could combine the two visits. I got ex-cited. Hildegard was bub-bling over with anticipa-tion when I told her about it. That did it.

After a few days get-ting used to the time change in Germany, my cousin drove me to my hometown and Hildegard’s house. She had waited by the window and opened the door right away. Strange, how even after 50 years, some things in a person’s face and eyes never change.

“I can still see the Hildegard from before in there,” I told her. From hugs and greetings, we went into the kitchen and a bubbling teakettle. A disembodied voice on the telephone was a good beginning, but nothing could beat the person-to-person reconnection.

“I still remember your braids,” Hildegard said and poured the tea. We talked until lunchtime. She finally got up. “Let me show you your room and the rest of the house.” I stayed for three days. I had a good look at my town again, my friend and I went out for a leisurely lunch, talked about everything. I found out a lot about her life after her mother’s death, how she had felt lost and unhappy. I counted my blessings.

I don’t know whether I will see her again. Who knows? Life doesn’t tell you in advance what will happen. But now we both can imagine a face behind the voice on the phone. We also have much more to talk about because we dug deeper into each of our lives again and understand them much better.

The author and her school chum Hildegard.


Senior Living Vancouver & Lower MainlandDISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS

ABBOTSFORDFRASER VALLEY LIBRARYZELLERS

BURNABY ABC RESTAURANTADVANCED MOBILITYAMICA AT RIDEAU MANORBOB PRITTIE PUBLIC LIBRARYBONSOR COMMUNITY CENTREBREAD GARDENBURNABY GENERAL HOSPITALCAMERON RECREATION CNTRCHOICES MARKET IN THE PARKCLEAR CHOICES HEARINGCONFEDERATION COMMUNITY CENTRE FOR 55+EDMONDS COMMUNITY CENTRE FOR 55+EILEEN DAILEY LEISURE POOL & FITNESS CENTREGUARDIAN PHARMACYHARMONY COURTHILTON HOTELIGAINTERNATIONAL TRAVEL HEALTH & VACCINATION CLINICKENSINGTON ARENALANCASTER MEDICALLIFELABS - 3680 GILMORE WAYMCGILL PUBLIC LIBRARYMEDICHAIRMULBERRY SENIORS RESIDENCEOLD ORCHARD MEDICAL CLINICREGENCY MEDICAL SUPPLIESSETON VILLASTATION SQUARE MEDICAL CLINICTHE POPPY RESIDENCESTIM HORTON’STOMMY DOUGLAS LIBRARYWILLINGDON COMMUNITY CNTRZELLERS PHARMACY

COQUITLAMBELVEDERE CARE CENTREBREAD GARDENCOQUITLAM CITY CENTRE LIBRARYCOQUITLAM LIBRARYDOGWOOD PAVILIONDUFFERIN SENIORS CENTREGLEN PINE PAVILLIONPARKWOOD MANORRESIDENCES AT BELVEDERESCOOTER CITYSHOPPERS DRUG MART

DELTA DELTA HOSPITALGEORGE MACKIE LIBRARYKENNEDY SENIORS REC CNTRKINSMEN ASSISTED LIVINGLADNER COMMUNITY CENTRELADNER PIONEER LIBRARY

LADNER PUBLIC HEALTH UNITMARK’S PHARMACYMCKEE SENIORS RECREATION CENTRENORTH DELTA REC CENTRENURSE NEXT DOORSOUTH DELTA LIBRARYSOUTH DELTA RECREATION CNTRSUN GOD RECREATION CENTRETHE WATERFORDWINSKILL AQUATIC CENTRE

FORT LANGLEY FORT LANGLEY LIBRARY

LANGLEYA & W - 22259 48 AVEA & W - 6241 200 STA & W - 8790 204 STA & W – WILLOWBROOK MALLA1 WHEELCHAIR UNLIMITED SUPPLY LTDALDERGROVE LIBRARYALDERGROVE MALLBROOKSWOOD LIBRARYBUY-LOW FOODSDOUGLAS REC CENTRELANGLEY LIBRARYLANGLEY SENIORS CENTRELANGLEY SENIORS VILLAGELIFEMARK HEALTH CENTREMAGNOLIA GARDENSMURRAYVILLE LIBRARYPERSONAL MOBILITYSIMPSON MANORTHE RENAISSANCE RETIREMENT RESORTTIMMS COMMUNITY CENTREWALNUT GROVE COMMUNITY CENTREWALNUT GROVE LIBRARYWILLOWBROOK LIBRARYZELLERS

MAPLE RIDGEMAPLE RIDGE LEISURE CENTREMAPLE RIDGE LIBRARY

NEW WESTMINSTER CARE POINT MEDICAL CENTRECENTENNIAL COMMUNITY CENTRECENTURY HOUSEDUNWOOD PLACE RETIREMENT RESIDENCEEDWARD JONESHYACK HOUSEKIWANIS CARE CENTRELEGION MANORNEW WESTMINISTER QUAYNEW WESTMINSTER LIBRARYQUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITY CENTRESENIOR SERVICES SOCIETYSUNQUEST MOBILITYTHORNEBRIDGE GARDENSWAFFLE HOUSE

NORTH VANCOUVER ACCESSIBILITY SOLUTIONSBOOK WAREHOUSECAPILANO COLLEGE LIBRARYCAPILANO LIBRARYCHURCHILL HOUSECLEAR CHOICES HEARINGEVERGREEN HOUSING ADMINKIWANIS LYNN MANORKIWANIS TOWERSLONSDALE QUAYLYNN VALLEY MAIN LIBRARYMEDICAL CLINICMOUNT SEYMOUR MEDICAL CLINICNORTH SHORE COMMUNITY RESOURCESNORTH SHORE NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSENORTH VANCOUVER CITY LIBRARYNUTRITION HOUSEPARKGATE LIBRARYPEMBERTON & MARINE MEDICAL CLINICQUEENSDALE MARKETSILVER HARBOUR MANORSUPER-VALUTHE SUMMERHILLTHE VILLAGE GREENWAYWESTVIEW MEDICAL CLINIC

PITT MEADOWSPITT MEADOWS LIBRARYPITT MEADOWS REC CENTRESHOPPERS DRUG MART

PORT COQUITLAMAMICA AT MAYFAIRASTORIA RESORTTERRY FOX LIBRARYWILSON REC CENTRE

PORT MOODYKYLE CENTREPORT MOODY LIBRARYPORT MOODY RECREATION COMPLEX

RICHMONDBRIGHOUSE LIBRARYCAMBIE COMMUNITY CENTRECAMBIE PUBLIC LIBRARYGILMORE GARDENS RETIREMENT COMMUNITYHAMILTON COMMUNITY CENTREIRONWOOD LIBRARYKIWANIS COURTMINORU AQUATIC CENTREMINORU ARENAMINORU SENIOR’S CENTREPRECISION HEARINGRICHMOND CENTRE FOR DISABILITYRICHMOND CENTRE INFO BOOTHROSEWOOD MANORS.U.C.C.E.S.S. AUSTIN HARRIS RESIDENCESEAFAIR MEDICAL CLINIC

SHOPPERS DRUG MARTSOUTH ARM COMMUNITY CENTRESTEVESTON COMMUNITY CENTRESTEVESTON LIBRARYTHOMPSON COMMUNITY CENTREVOLUNTEER RICHMOND INFO SERVICESWEST RICHMOND COMMUNITY CENTRE

SOUTH DELTA/TSAWWASSENKINVILLAGE COMMUNITY CENTRE

SURREYARBOURSIDE COURTCHAPTERS BOOK STORECHOICES MARKETCLOVERDALE LIBRARYCLOVERDALE RECREATION CNTRCLOVERDALE SENIORS’ CENTRECROSSROADS MOBILITY SOLUTIONSELIM VILLAGEFLEETWOOD COMMUNITY CNTRFLEETWOOD LIBRARYGUILDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARYGUILDFORD SENIORS SERVICES LOUNGE GUILDFORD SENIORS VILLAGEIMPERIAL PLACEKENT SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTREKIDNEY CARE CENTREKINSMEN PLACE LODGEKIWANIS PARK PLACELIFEMARK PHYSIOTHERAPYMEDICHAIRNEWTON LIBRARYNEWTON SENIOR CENTRENEWTON WAVE POOLNORTH SURREY REC CENTREOCEAN PARK LIBRARYPACIFICA RESORT RETIREMENT LIVINGPEACE ARCH MEMORIAL HOSPITALPERSONAL MOBILITYROSEMARY HEIGHTS SENIORS VILLAGESEMIAHMOO PUBLIC LIBRARYSHOPPERS DRUG MARTSHOPPERS HOME HEALTHSOUTH SURREY ARENASOUTH SURREY INDOOR POOLSOUTH SURREY REC CENTRESTRAWBERRY HILL LIBRARYSUNRISE PAVILLIONSURREY GARDENS / SURREY VILLAGESURREY MEMORIAL HOSPITALSURREY SPORTS & LEISURE COMPLEXTHE CHEMISTS PHARMACYVANICTY - NEWTONWESTMINSTER HOUSEWHALLEY LIBRARY

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

WHITE ROCK LIBRARYWHITE ROCK / SOUTH SURREY PUBLIC HEALTH UNIT

VANCOUVER 411 SENIORS CENTRE SOCIETYAIM MEDICAL IMAGINGAMICA AT ARBUTUS MANORARBUTUS LONG TERM CAREARBUTUS MALLBARCLAY MANORBC WOMENS HOSPITALBC WOMEN’S HOSPITALBREAD GARDENBRITANNIA 55+ CENTREBRITANNIA LIBRARYBROADWAY & BURRARD WALK INBROCK HOUSE SOCIETYCARE MEDICAL CENTRECAVELL GARDENSCENTRAL MARKETCHAMPLAIN HEIGHTS COM-MUNITY CENTRECHAMPLAIN HEIGHTS LIBRARYCHOICES MARKET CHOICES MARKETCity Square Family PracticeCity Square Shopping CentreCOAL HARBOUR COMMUNITY CENTRECOLLINGWOOD HOUSECOLLINGWOOD LIBRARYCROFTON MANORDENMAN COMMUNITY CENTREDENMAN MALLDOCTORS OFFICEDOUGLAS PARK COMMUNITY CENTREDUNBAR COMMUNITY CENTREDUNBAR PUBLIC LIBRARY

S.U.C.C.E.S.S SOCIAL SERVICE CENTREFALSE CREEK COMMUNITY CENTREFIREHALL LIBRARYFRASERVIEW LIBRARYFROG HOLLOW NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSEGF STRONG REHABILITATION CENTREGRANDVIEW TOWERSGRANVILLE ISLAND MARKETGRANVILLE MEDICAL CLINICGROUND FLOOR MAILROOMHARO PARK CENTREHASTINGS COMMUNITY CENTREHASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARYJEWISH COMMUNITY CENTREJOE FORTES LIBRARYKENSINGTON COMMUNITY CNTRKENSINGTON LIBRARYKERRISDALE LIBRARYKERRISDALE SENIORS CENTREKHATSAHLANO MEDICAL CLINICKILLARNEY COMMUNITY CENTREKILLARNEY MARKETKITSILANO NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSEKITSILANO PUBLIC LIBRARYKIWASSA NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSELANCASTER MEDICAL SUPPLIESLANGARA FAMILY YMCALIFEMARK HEALTH CENTRELIFEMARK PHYSIOTHERAPYLITTLE MOUNTAIN NEIGHBOUR HOOD HOUSEMACDONALDS PRESCRIPTIONS & MEDICAL SUPPLIESMAPLE MEDICAL CLINICMARPOLE COMMUNITY CENTRE

MARPOLE LIBRARYMEDICAL CLINICMERCATO MALLMID-MAIN COMMUNITY HLTH CNTRMT PLEASANT NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSENORTHERN SOUND HEARINGOAKRIDGE CENTREOAKRIDGE LIBRARYOAKRIDGE SENIOR’S CENTREO’KEEFE SENIOR LIVING APTSPERSONAL MOBILITYPLATINUM CARERAYCAM COMMUNITY CENTRERENFREW COMMUNITY CENTRERENFREW PUBLIC LIBRARYRICHMOND/VANCOUVER HEALTH UNITRILEY PARK COMMUNITY CENTREROUNDHOUSE COMMUNITY CNTRROYAL CENTRE MEDICALSHANNON OAKSSHOPPERS DRUG MART - 4351 DUNBAR STREETSHOPPERS DRUG MART - 2775 LAUREL STREETSIDNEY MANORSINCLAIR CENTRESOUTH GRANVILLE PARK LODGESOUTH GRANVILLE SENIORS CNTRSOUTH HILL LIBRARYSOUTHVIEW HEIGHTS & TERRACEST PAUL HOSPITALSTRATHCONA COMMUNITY CENTRESTRATHCONA LIBRARYSUNRISE SENIOR LIVINGTERRACES ON SEVENTHTHUNDERBIRD COMMUNITY CNTRUBC HOSPITAL

VANCITY - FAIRVIEWVANCITY - KERRISDALEVANCITY - POINT GREYVANCOUVER PUBLIC LIBRARYVGH EMERGENCYWEST END AQUATIC CENTREWEST POINT GREY COMMUNITY CENTREWEST POINT GREY PUBLIC LIBRARYWESTEND SENIORS NETWORKWHOLE FOODSYMCA COMMUNITY SERVICES

WEST VANCOUVER AMICA AT WEST VANCOUVERCLEAR CHOICE HEARING CLINICGLENEAGLES COMMUNITY CNTRHOLLYBURN HOUSEINGLEWOOD CARE CENTREPARK ROYAL SHOPPING CENTRESUPER-VALUWEST VAN MEMORIAL LIBRARYWEST VANCOUVER COMMUNITY CENTRE

WHITE ROCK HOME INSTEAD PACIFIC CARLTONPERSONAL MOBILITYSAFE BATHING CENTRESAVE ON SCOOTERSSENIOR SUPPORT SERVICESSUNNYSIDE MANORPENINSULA RESORT RETIREMENT LIVINGWHITE ROCK COMMUNITY CNTR

RECOMMEND A DISTRIBUTION LOCATION NEAR YOU! Senior Living is looking for convenient, high traffic distribution locations throughout the Greater Vancouver region. If you know of a place of business or activity centre that would be a convenient location for interested readers to pick up our magazine, let us know. Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-877-479-4705

MAINLAND DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS - CONTINUED

NOW DISTRIBUTED AT ALL PHARMASAVE STORES THROUGHOUT BC.

VANCOUVER ISLAND EDITION DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THE ISLANDVANCOUVER EDITION DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THE MAINLAND


Senior Living Vancouver & Lower MainlandDISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS

ABBOTSFORDFRASER VALLEY LIBRARYZELLERS

BURNABY ABC RESTAURANTADVANCED MOBILITYAMICA AT RIDEAU MANORBOB PRITTIE PUBLIC LIBRARYBONSOR COMMUNITY CENTREBREAD GARDENBURNABY GENERAL HOSPITALCAMERON RECREATION CNTRCHOICES MARKET IN THE PARKCLEAR CHOICES HEARINGCONFEDERATION COMMUNITY CENTRE FOR 55+EDMONDS COMMUNITY CENTRE FOR 55+EILEEN DAILEY LEISURE POOL & FITNESS CENTREGUARDIAN PHARMACYHARMONY COURTHILTON HOTELIGAINTERNATIONAL TRAVEL HEALTH & VACCINATION CLINICKENSINGTON ARENALANCASTER MEDICALLIFELABS - 3680 GILMORE WAYMCGILL PUBLIC LIBRARYMEDICHAIRMULBERRY SENIORS RESIDENCEOLD ORCHARD MEDICAL CLINICREGENCY MEDICAL SUPPLIESSETON VILLASTATION SQUARE MEDICAL CLINICTHE POPPY RESIDENCESTIM HORTON’STOMMY DOUGLAS LIBRARYWILLINGDON COMMUNITY CNTRZELLERS PHARMACY

COQUITLAMBELVEDERE CARE CENTREBREAD GARDENCOQUITLAM CITY CENTRE LIBRARYCOQUITLAM LIBRARYDOGWOOD PAVILIONDUFFERIN SENIORS CENTREGLEN PINE PAVILLIONPARKWOOD MANORRESIDENCES AT BELVEDERESCOOTER CITYSHOPPERS DRUG MART

DELTA DELTA HOSPITALGEORGE MACKIE LIBRARYKENNEDY SENIORS REC CNTRKINSMEN ASSISTED LIVINGLADNER COMMUNITY CENTRELADNER PIONEER LIBRARY

LADNER PUBLIC HEALTH UNITMARK’S PHARMACYMCKEE SENIORS RECREATION CENTRENORTH DELTA REC CENTRENURSE NEXT DOORSOUTH DELTA LIBRARYSOUTH DELTA RECREATION CNTRSUN GOD RECREATION CENTRETHE WATERFORDWINSKILL AQUATIC CENTRE

FORT LANGLEY FORT LANGLEY LIBRARY

LANGLEYA & W - 22259 48 AVEA & W - 6241 200 STA & W - 8790 204 STA & W – WILLOWBROOK MALLA1 WHEELCHAIR UNLIMITED SUPPLY LTDALDERGROVE LIBRARYALDERGROVE MALLBROOKSWOOD LIBRARYBUY-LOW FOODSDOUGLAS REC CENTRELANGLEY LIBRARYLANGLEY SENIORS CENTRELANGLEY SENIORS VILLAGELIFEMARK HEALTH CENTREMAGNOLIA GARDENSMURRAYVILLE LIBRARYPERSONAL MOBILITYSIMPSON MANORTHE RENAISSANCE RETIREMENT RESORTTIMMS COMMUNITY CENTREWALNUT GROVE COMMUNITY CENTREWALNUT GROVE LIBRARYWILLOWBROOK LIBRARYZELLERS

MAPLE RIDGEMAPLE RIDGE LEISURE CENTREMAPLE RIDGE LIBRARY

NEW WESTMINSTER CARE POINT MEDICAL CENTRECENTENNIAL COMMUNITY CENTRECENTURY HOUSEDUNWOOD PLACE RETIREMENT RESIDENCEEDWARD JONESHYACK HOUSEKIWANIS CARE CENTRELEGION MANORNEW WESTMINISTER QUAYNEW WESTMINSTER LIBRARYQUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITY CENTRESENIOR SERVICES SOCIETYSUNQUEST MOBILITYTHORNEBRIDGE GARDENSWAFFLE HOUSE

NORTH VANCOUVER ACCESSIBILITY SOLUTIONSBOOK WAREHOUSECAPILANO COLLEGE LIBRARYCAPILANO LIBRARYCHURCHILL HOUSECLEAR CHOICES HEARINGEVERGREEN HOUSING ADMINKIWANIS LYNN MANORKIWANIS TOWERSLONSDALE QUAYLYNN VALLEY MAIN LIBRARYMEDICAL CLINICMOUNT SEYMOUR MEDICAL CLINICNORTH SHORE COMMUNITY RESOURCESNORTH SHORE NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSENORTH VANCOUVER CITY LIBRARYNUTRITION HOUSEPARKGATE LIBRARYPEMBERTON & MARINE MEDICAL CLINICQUEENSDALE MARKETSILVER HARBOUR MANORSUPER-VALUTHE SUMMERHILLTHE VILLAGE GREENWAYWESTVIEW MEDICAL CLINIC

PITT MEADOWSPITT MEADOWS LIBRARYPITT MEADOWS REC CENTRESHOPPERS DRUG MART

PORT COQUITLAMAMICA AT MAYFAIRASTORIA RESORTTERRY FOX LIBRARYWILSON REC CENTRE

PORT MOODYKYLE CENTREPORT MOODY LIBRARYPORT MOODY RECREATION COMPLEX

RICHMONDBRIGHOUSE LIBRARYCAMBIE COMMUNITY CENTRECAMBIE PUBLIC LIBRARYGILMORE GARDENS RETIREMENT COMMUNITYHAMILTON COMMUNITY CENTREIRONWOOD LIBRARYKIWANIS COURTMINORU AQUATIC CENTREMINORU ARENAMINORU SENIOR’S CENTREPRECISION HEARINGRICHMOND CENTRE FOR DISABILITYRICHMOND CENTRE INFO BOOTHROSEWOOD MANORS.U.C.C.E.S.S. AUSTIN HARRIS RESIDENCESEAFAIR MEDICAL CLINIC

SHOPPERS DRUG MARTSOUTH ARM COMMUNITY CENTRESTEVESTON COMMUNITY CENTRESTEVESTON LIBRARYTHOMPSON COMMUNITY CENTREVOLUNTEER RICHMOND INFO SERVICESWEST RICHMOND COMMUNITY CENTRE

SOUTH DELTA/TSAWWASSENKINVILLAGE COMMUNITY CENTRE

SURREYARBOURSIDE COURTCHAPTERS BOOK STORECHOICES MARKETCLOVERDALE LIBRARYCLOVERDALE RECREATION CNTRCLOVERDALE SENIORS’ CENTRECROSSROADS MOBILITY SOLUTIONSELIM VILLAGEFLEETWOOD COMMUNITY CNTRFLEETWOOD LIBRARYGUILDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARYGUILDFORD SENIORS SERVICES LOUNGE GUILDFORD SENIORS VILLAGEIMPERIAL PLACEKENT SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTREKIDNEY CARE CENTREKINSMEN PLACE LODGEKIWANIS PARK PLACELIFEMARK PHYSIOTHERAPYMEDICHAIRNEWTON LIBRARYNEWTON SENIOR CENTRENEWTON WAVE POOLNORTH SURREY REC CENTREOCEAN PARK LIBRARYPACIFICA RESORT RETIREMENT LIVINGPEACE ARCH MEMORIAL HOSPITALPERSONAL MOBILITYROSEMARY HEIGHTS SENIORS VILLAGESEMIAHMOO PUBLIC LIBRARYSHOPPERS DRUG MARTSHOPPERS HOME HEALTHSOUTH SURREY ARENASOUTH SURREY INDOOR POOLSOUTH SURREY REC CENTRESTRAWBERRY HILL LIBRARYSUNRISE PAVILLIONSURREY GARDENS / SURREY VILLAGESURREY MEMORIAL HOSPITALSURREY SPORTS & LEISURE COMPLEXTHE CHEMISTS PHARMACYVANICTY - NEWTONWESTMINSTER HOUSEWHALLEY LIBRARY

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

WHITE ROCK LIBRARYWHITE ROCK / SOUTH SURREY PUBLIC HEALTH UNIT

VANCOUVER 411 SENIORS CENTRE SOCIETYAIM MEDICAL IMAGINGAMICA AT ARBUTUS MANORARBUTUS LONG TERM CAREARBUTUS MALLBARCLAY MANORBC WOMENS HOSPITALBC WOMEN’S HOSPITALBREAD GARDENBRITANNIA 55+ CENTREBRITANNIA LIBRARYBROADWAY & BURRARD WALK INBROCK HOUSE SOCIETYCARE MEDICAL CENTRECAVELL GARDENSCENTRAL MARKETCHAMPLAIN HEIGHTS COM-MUNITY CENTRECHAMPLAIN HEIGHTS LIBRARYCHOICES MARKET CHOICES MARKETCity Square Family PracticeCity Square Shopping CentreCOAL HARBOUR COMMUNITY CENTRECOLLINGWOOD HOUSECOLLINGWOOD LIBRARYCROFTON MANORDENMAN COMMUNITY CENTREDENMAN MALLDOCTORS OFFICEDOUGLAS PARK COMMUNITY CENTREDUNBAR COMMUNITY CENTREDUNBAR PUBLIC LIBRARY

S.U.C.C.E.S.S SOCIAL SERVICE CENTREFALSE CREEK COMMUNITY CENTREFIREHALL LIBRARYFRASERVIEW LIBRARYFROG HOLLOW NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSEGF STRONG REHABILITATION CENTREGRANDVIEW TOWERSGRANVILLE ISLAND MARKETGRANVILLE MEDICAL CLINICGROUND FLOOR MAILROOMHARO PARK CENTREHASTINGS COMMUNITY CENTREHASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARYJEWISH COMMUNITY CENTREJOE FORTES LIBRARYKENSINGTON COMMUNITY CNTRKENSINGTON LIBRARYKERRISDALE LIBRARYKERRISDALE SENIORS CENTREKHATSAHLANO MEDICAL CLINICKILLARNEY COMMUNITY CENTREKILLARNEY MARKETKITSILANO NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSEKITSILANO PUBLIC LIBRARYKIWASSA NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSELANCASTER MEDICAL SUPPLIESLANGARA FAMILY YMCALIFEMARK HEALTH CENTRELIFEMARK PHYSIOTHERAPYLITTLE MOUNTAIN NEIGHBOUR HOOD HOUSEMACDONALDS PRESCRIPTIONS & MEDICAL SUPPLIESMAPLE MEDICAL CLINICMARPOLE COMMUNITY CENTRE

MARPOLE LIBRARYMEDICAL CLINICMERCATO MALLMID-MAIN COMMUNITY HLTH CNTRMT PLEASANT NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSENORTHERN SOUND HEARINGOAKRIDGE CENTREOAKRIDGE LIBRARYOAKRIDGE SENIOR’S CENTREO’KEEFE SENIOR LIVING APTSPERSONAL MOBILITYPLATINUM CARERAYCAM COMMUNITY CENTRERENFREW COMMUNITY CENTRERENFREW PUBLIC LIBRARYRICHMOND/VANCOUVER HEALTH UNITRILEY PARK COMMUNITY CENTREROUNDHOUSE COMMUNITY CNTRROYAL CENTRE MEDICALSHANNON OAKSSHOPPERS DRUG MART - 4351 DUNBAR STREETSHOPPERS DRUG MART - 2775 LAUREL STREETSIDNEY MANORSINCLAIR CENTRESOUTH GRANVILLE PARK LODGESOUTH GRANVILLE SENIORS CNTRSOUTH HILL LIBRARYSOUTHVIEW HEIGHTS & TERRACEST PAUL HOSPITALSTRATHCONA COMMUNITY CENTRESTRATHCONA LIBRARYSUNRISE SENIOR LIVINGTERRACES ON SEVENTHTHUNDERBIRD COMMUNITY CNTRUBC HOSPITAL

VANCITY - FAIRVIEWVANCITY - KERRISDALEVANCITY - POINT GREYVANCOUVER PUBLIC LIBRARYVGH EMERGENCYWEST END AQUATIC CENTREWEST POINT GREY COMMUNITY CENTREWEST POINT GREY PUBLIC LIBRARYWESTEND SENIORS NETWORKWHOLE FOODSYMCA COMMUNITY SERVICES

WEST VANCOUVER AMICA AT WEST VANCOUVERCLEAR CHOICE HEARING CLINICGLENEAGLES COMMUNITY CNTRHOLLYBURN HOUSEINGLEWOOD CARE CENTREPARK ROYAL SHOPPING CENTRESUPER-VALUWEST VAN MEMORIAL LIBRARYWEST VANCOUVER COMMUNITY CENTRE

WHITE ROCK HOME INSTEAD PACIFIC CARLTONPERSONAL MOBILITYSAFE BATHING CENTRESAVE ON SCOOTERSSENIOR SUPPORT SERVICESSUNNYSIDE MANORPENINSULA RESORT RETIREMENT LIVINGWHITE ROCK COMMUNITY CNTR

RECOMMEND A DISTRIBUTION LOCATION NEAR YOU! Senior Living is looking for convenient, high traffic distribution locations throughout the Greater Vancouver region. If you know of a place of business or activity centre that would be a convenient location for interested readers to pick up our magazine, let us know. Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-877-479-4705

MAINLAND DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS - CONTINUED

NOW DISTRIBUTED AT ALL PHARMASAVE STORES THROUGHOUT BC.

VANCOUVER ISLAND EDITION DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THE ISLANDVANCOUVER EDITION DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THE MAINLAND


Goldie Carlow is a retired registered nurse, clinical counsel-lor and senior peer counselling trainer. Send letters to Senior Living, Box 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria, BC V8T 2C1.

ASKGoldieBY GOLDIE CARLOW, M.EDPh

oto:

Jas

on v

an d

er V

alk

Senior Peer Counselling Centres (Lower Mainland)

New Westminster 604-519-1064North Vancouver 604-987-8138Burnaby 604-291-2258Richmond 604-279-7034Vancouver West End 604-669-7339Coquitlam – Tri-Cities 604-945-4480Vancouver Westside 604-736-3588

SL

Dear Goldie:When I look back over the years that have passed so

quickly, I feel sad that I didn’t tell my family more often how much they meant to me. We had so many happy times, and sad ones too, but always came through together.

Is this lack of overt affection a common problem in many families? –J.R

Dear J.R:Display of affection varies in families and cultures. Pace

of life also affects greetings and living habits. Regardless of display, I think in most families, there is a feeling of love and support that seldom fails.

Unfortunately, family friction can occasionally begin as a trivial event and escalate into permanent separation. The majority of families, however, do support one another, par-ticularly in times of trouble. You mention the support your family enjoyed, and I am sure they are aware of your true affection for them.

Dear Goldie:Although I am officially retired, I still work on a part-

time schedule in my former job. I am in good health and the extra money is helpful for our holidays. I have been feeling tired in recent months, however, so I would like to retire from work completely now.

My problem is that both my wife and boss are discourag-ing my complete retirement.

What do you think? –W.C.

Dear W.C.:I believe the time of your retirement should be your de-

cision, rather than that of your former boss and your wife. You have long anticipated this point in time, and I assume have prepared for it financially. The fact that you feel tired may well be a warning that extending your career is a dan-ger to your health. Make an appointment to see your doctor, and explain the situation to him or her.

The extra money may be a benefit to your holidays, but it seems more important that you are around to enjoy them.

RVing the Rideau

Proof 1Eat Together - Dec 2010

Seniors LivingSize: (1/4 page Vertical) 3.5” w x 4.75”h, colour

Faye Holland | [email protected]

Where good things come together.

Eat Together

What to have for dinner today? Pistachio-crusted Pacific salmon with herbed rice. Maybe vegetarian lasagna and Caesar salad. Then seasonal fresh fruit for dessert – or orange crème brûlée. So much choice. Through our exclusive TasteBuds™ program, our residents choose from a variety of wholesome, homemade meals that are served in the comfort of our dining room – and in the company of friends. What’s on your menu today?

Dine at The Summerhill. Phone for your personal tour. 604.980.6525

Part of Pacific Arbour Retirement Communities

135 West 15th Street (off Lonsdale)North Vancouver | 604.980.6525www.the summerhill.ca


»��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

��

What comes to mind when you hear Ride-au Canal: a gem-like waterway flowing between the cities of Kingston and Ot-tawa or a Canadian story featuring ambi-

tion, struggle and success? Maybe thoughts of its honour-able designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site or the world’s longest skating rink come to mind. If any of these pop up, you’re spot on.

The series of lakes, rivers and dams, linked by 47 locks at 24 stations, was built as a defensible waterway after the War of 1812. Although never needed for this purpose, it has continued to operate since its completion in 1832. Thanks to these gated chambers (locks), boats can navigate the varying water elevations by floating up when the tubs are filled, and dropping down when they’re emptied. And be-yond every park-like station, are unique ventures and vistas: trout-filled lakes, bird-loving wetlands, sliver-thin canals – some etched out of limestone, others embraced by Canadian

Shield. It’s truly an aquatic route of untarnished beauty. Obviously, cruising or kayaking this 202-km (126-mile)

canal would allow for prime viewing. But if you’re more of an earth lover than a water baby, fear not. RVing the Rideau can be almost as rewarding. Highway 401, a.k.a. MacDon-ald Cartier Freeway, is a main thoroughfare that spans the canal. And branching away from this pulsating artery is the Rideau Heritage Route that takes RVers to Rideau riches – visit online at www.rideauheritage.ca

Though this route tracks the lock numbers and landmarks from Ottawa to Kingston, it can be simply reversed if you choose to go in the other direction. All you have to do is pack, gas up and go!

Northern SectionOttawa Locks 1-8, Hartwells Locks 9-10 and Hogs Back

Locks 11-12 are located within Canada’s capital. Here, you can take in some of the nearby cultural offerings or pedal

RVing the RideauBY JANE CASSIE

PHOTOS BY BRENT CASSIE

Travel & Adventure


My Parents

Get Windows 7A Beginner Guide for My Parents,

Your Parents and YOU!

By Louise Latremouille

My Parents ’

Computer Guide~Beyond the Basics

by Louise Latremouille

Features Windows 7, Vista and XP!

My PCMy Way!

Beyond

the

Basics

Do more with your computer, learn about Skype, Twitter & Facebook. Follow simple how-to’s for your digital

camera, iPod, cell phone and so much more!

These are simply the easiestbeginner computer books around.

How easy?In just 10 minutes YOU will be

teaching your kids a thing or two about the computer!

Available at your local bookstores and

on-line at:www.MyParentsFirst.comSales help support the ght against

cancer, over $25,000 donated to date. Books by Louise Latremouille

��

��

��

��

��

the path that connects these three scenic settings.Black Rapids Lock 13 is 10 km south of Ottawa’s sprawl.

It’s easy to conjure up bygone days when steamships plied these waters and hard to imagine that Ottawa International jets take off just three km away. If you feel like shacking up with a little comfort, the riverside Monterey Inn that over-looks this station will certainly meet your needs – online, visit www.montereyinn.com

Highway 43 parallels one side of the Rideau, and High-way 16 is on the other. Both run adjacently from here to Smiths Falls. Take the latter and veer off on Country Road 19 (River Road) to get to Long Island Locks 14-16. You may want to take a day or two between this and the next lock station at Burritts Rapids (17) to check out these treasures and historical townships: the 1860s grist mill in Manotick, the Baxter Conservation area in Kars, the hiking routes around Kemptville, and the Rideau’s oldest church in Burritts Rapids.

RV Parks: Rideau River Provincial ParkRR 4, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0613-258-2740181 campsites, 31 with electricity

Sandy Mountain Campsite & Golf Course 613-989-20588 km east of Kemptville Hwy 43 - 40 overnight, 135 seasonal sites

Central SectionLower Nicholsons Lock 18, Upper Nicholsons Lock 19

and Clowes Lock 20 are accessible by Country Road 2. Off Highway 43 is Merrickville and locks 21-23, the Jewel of the Rideau that offers everything from quaint shops and galleries to a first-class history lesson. Take a tour of the 1832 Blockhouse Museum, the nearby bird sanctuary and Mrs. McGarrigle’s, a fabulous fine food shop where you’ll discover the most amazing award-winning mustards! Visit

Northern RV Parks: Rideau River Provincial ParkRR 4, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0613-258-2740181 campsites, 31 with electricitySandy Mountain Campsite & Golf Course 613-989-20588 km east of Kemptville Hwy 43 – 40 overnight, 135 seasonal sites

RV and motorcycle cruising along the Rideau near Westport.

Phot

o: A

nne

Mar

ie F

orci

er


» ��

��

��

��

��

��

them online at www.mustard.caKilmarnock Lock 24 and Edmonds Lock 25 are the

next in line, followed closely by Old Slys Locks 26-27 and Smiths Falls Combined 29a and Detached 31. Don’t be con-fused by the skewed numbering. These last two stations are lumped together and the oddball in the mix, built in 1972-73, replaced three previous locks. At 7.9 metres (26 feet), it’s the greatest single lift on the canal and is a real must-see (Even if you’re not floating in it).

Smiths Falls – the “Heart of the Rideau” – is the largest community on the corridor. The Railway Museum retrac-es its tracks from the 1800s to 1979. And Heritage House shares the Rideau’s past; the struggles and turmoil of its creator, Colonel John By, the devastation and hardship of its Irish immigrant workers and the timeline that led to its suc-cess. Also, be sure not to miss the Rideau Canal Museum.

From here, you’ll cross over to the canal’s southern shore where Highway 15 leads to Poonamalie Lock 32, Lower Beveridges Lock 33 and Upper Beveridges Lock 34 and beyond to the lakeside village of Portland on Big Rideau Lake. But you may want to keep hugging onto Highway 34 for just a little longer. The pretty town of Perth is just up the road. Sun-dappled sidewalks and green space embrace its 200-year-old storefronts, and rimming one edge is the Tay Canal, a tree-bordered tributary that flows into Lower Rideau Lake. Although a picturesque RV park nestles up to the reedy shoreline, if you want to snooze in the same bed-

Quaint stop of Merrickville


Victoria Parkc/o Town Hall, P.O. Box 695, Smiths

Falls, ON K7A 4T6613-283-5112www.town.smiths-falls.on.ca50 serviced sites

Tay River Tent & Trailer CampRR 4, Perth, K7H 3C6613-267-395515 transient, 35 seasonal sites

Waterways CampgroundP.O. Box 37, Portland, ON K0G

Reflections,Reflections,��

�

and Other Breakfast Foods

A Collection of Published & Unpublished Writings

by Senior Living Columnist Gipp ForsterMAGAZINE

Limited Edition

A collection of Gipp Forster’s published columns in Senior Living magazine, with other unpublished writings thrown in for good measure. A unique blend of humor and nostalgia, Gipp’s writings touch your heart in such an irresistible way, you will want to buy not only a copy for yourself, but as a wonderful gift for friends and family members.

128 pages Softcover • Published by Senior Living

REDUCED Price: $10.00

Name___________________________________________________________Address_________________________________________________________City____________________________________________ Prov ___________Postal Code_______________ Phone _________________________________Email ___________________________________________________________

______ BOOKS @ $10.00 each = $____________ (5% GST on above total) = $____________SHIPPING (FIRST BOOK $3.95; ADD’L BOOKS $1.95 EACH) = $____________ (12% HST on above total) = $____________ TOTAL = $____________

___ CHEQUE (make payable to Senior Living)___ CREDIT CARD ____VISA ____MC CARD NUMBER ______________________________ EXPIRY DATE ________________

A Great Gift Idea!

Limited Edition!!

“Reflections” MAIL-IN ORDER FORM

Reflections, Rejections, and Other Breakfast Foods

Please allow two weeks for shipping.

Mail to: Senior Living Box 153, 1581–H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1

room A.Y. Jackson did from the Group of Seven, book into the Perth Manor: a boutique hotel with deep roots and great hospitality. www.perthmanor.com

RV Parks: Riverside Campground RR 4, Rideau River Rd, Merrick-

ville, ON K0G 1N0613-269-466412 overnight, 47 seasonal sites

Southern SectionAside from the occasional detour,

like dots on a map, Highway 15 con-nects the remaining eight stations (to-tal of 15 locks). Although Westport, via Country Road 42, is a little off the main route, this scenic hamlet is worth the drive. Its sandy beaches, golf courses and hiking trails are all framed by rolling farmlands and rugged Foley Mountain.

If you’re an angler, you’ll want to literally catch Newboro on the return trip – or at least one of its largemouth bass. Though now quiet and laid-back, life here wasn’t always as laissez-fare. Building the lock station at this isth-mus, or highpoint between Ottawa and Kingston, raised a lot of havoc back in 1829. Over 300 workers were brought here to blast away the rugged bedrock, and during the process, many of them fell ill to the retched Lake Fever, later diagnosed as malaria.

RVing back on Highway 15, you can choose to veer off at Chaffey’s and Da-vis Locks, head in the other direction to uncover Elgin’s intriguing history that includes everything from United Empire Loyalists to Mormon mis-sionaries, or pull into Jones Falls, one of the largest engineering marvels en route. Four locks need to be navigated at this station to conquer the water lev-els that span 18 metres. A blacksmith shop, lockmaster’s home, and visitors centre are featured along a self-guided tour, and topping it off (or holding it back) is the stone arch dam that sup-ports the powerful force of Sand Lake. This amazing wall of limestone spans 107 metres is 19.5 metres high and was coined by its makers as the “Seventh Wonder of the World.”

History also lives on at nearby Hotel Kenney, a yellow clapboard beauty that has been welcoming guests since 1877. Book a night in one of the comfortable lakeshore rooms and enjoy a little down-time, great food and legendary service. Visit www.hotelkenney.com

On this final stretch, Highway 15 closely parallels the Rideau. Check

Central RV Parks: Riverside Campground RR 4, Rideau River Rd, Merrickville, ON 613-269-4664

Victoria Parkc/o Town Hall, P.O. Box 695, Smiths Falls, ON 613-283-5112www.town.smiths-falls.on.ca

Tay River Tent & Trailer CampRR 4, Perth, ON 613-267-3955

Waterways CampgroundP.O. Box 37, Portland, ON 613-272-2791 www.waterways.caPerth Manor


• Mail forwarding available

• A real street address, not just a P.O. Box.• Package acceptance from any courier

• 24-hour access

• Call-in MailCheck and Package Notification.

®

There are over 45 stores in theMetro Vancouver area & 7 storesin the BC Interior. Find yoursat www.theupsstore.ca

Our Mailbox Services aredesigned to make your life easierwhile on the road!

So nice to come home to.

Call Janice to book your personal tour 604.614.160020363 - 65th Avenue, Langley BC

langleyseniorsvillage.com

Ask us about our Move-In Incentive

out the full services and holiday options at Seeley’s Bay, picnic at the luscious green space on Upper Brewers, pick up amazing metal sculptures at the Lower Brewers Doner Studio Mill and listen to the rumble of trains as they whiz above at Kingston Mills. And if you haven’t seen enough scenic sites, hop back into your camper, caravan or home on wheels and retrace your treads. The Rideau is riddled with so many rewards you’ll enjoy it just as much the second time around!

Southern RV Parks: Sunnyside Campground209-192 Sunnyside Road, Westport, ON 613-273-3124 www.sunnysidecampground.on.ca147 seasonal only campsites and 2 rental cottages

Skycroft Campsites & Cottages RR 1, Chaffey’s Lock, ON 613-359-5491 or toll-free 1-877-359-5491 www.skycroft.com8 transient campsites, 57 seasonal sites and 3 housekeeping cottages

Melody Lodge & Marina RR 3, 4328 Melody Lodge Rd, Seeley’s Bay, ON 613-387-3497 or toll-free1-888-MELODY-1 www.melodylodge.ca20 transient, 20 seasonal hookups and 22 cottages

Rideau Acres Campground 1014 Cunningham Road, Kingston, ON613-546-2711 www.rideauacres.com

Visitors gather around a gated chamber (lock).

SL


Generally eaten at Lent, the ingredients symbolize the Pas-sion of Christ. Many Mexican families see the dish as a re-minder of the suffering of Christ on Good Friday. The bread is for the Body of Christ, the syrup is his blood, the raisins are the nails of the cross, and the whole cinnamon sticks are the wood of the cross. The melted cheese stands for the Holy Shroud.

CAPIROTADA: MEXICAN BREAD PUDDING1 cup rich brown sugar1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (or sticks)1 cup water2 1/2 cups French bread cubes (stale is fine)1 cup raisins or currants3/4 cup chopped walnuts1/2 cup diced sharp cheddar

In a large pan, combine brown sugar, cinnamon and water. Boil gently until the sugar is dissolved. Add the bread cubes and toss gently. Add raisins or currants, walnuts and cheese, and toss. Turn the mixture into a large greased casserole or baking pan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Each cook has a different recipe for Capirotada, so experi-ment with fennel or cloves, apples or lemon juice, toasted almonds, and goat’s cheese.

BBB Wise Giving Tips

SL

Have Fork, Will TravelBY SALLY JENNINGS

Bread Puddings Stand the Test of Time

Sally Jennings is a writer, editor, tour guide. She has lived and dined on fi ve continents, with no regrets. [email protected] Ph

oto:

Car

olin

e M

uffo

rd

Senior Living Vancouver is available at most Recreation Centres and Libraries in the following municipalities:

• VANCOUVER • BURNABY • NEW WESTMINSTER • WHITE ROCK • NORTH VANCOUVER • LADNER / TSAWWASSEN • PORT MOODY • COQUITLAM • PORT COQUITLAM • SURREY • RICHMOND • WEST VANCOUVER • LANGLEY

• ABBOTSFORD • PHARMASAVE STORES THROUGHOUT BC

Call 1-877-479-4705 for other locations.MAGAZINE

In cool weather, bread puddings provide an inner fur-nace. They’re cheap and quick to make and if you don’t finish them, they can be put in the fridge and eaten

later. The first recipe (or receipt) comes from The Diary of a Farmer’s Wife by Anne Hughes, dated 25 August 1796. Anne Hughes decided to start a diary to “set down all that I do every day” and so, for 13 months she wrote about her daily life, of the “butter maken” that sometimes “was longe time cummin,” of collecting honey, “pudden making,” “making merrie” and all the social activities and hard work that was the lot of a farmer’s wife. This extraordinary document was rediscovered in the 1930s on a farm in Oxfordshire. The spelling is won-derful but not difficult to understand.

BREAD AND BUTTER PUDDING WITH PEARS“You doe peel some pares, then putt sum peeces of breade

and butter in thee bottom of a deep dyshe, ande laye thee pares on toppe, then more bredde and butter, throwing on sum sugger ande a pinsh of cynamon. Then you doe take 4 eggs and beate them harde for a bitt then putt them in a messure of mylke ande beate uppe till frothie, then poore over thee puddinge in thee dyshe and cooke itt gentlie for an hower bye thee clocke.”

Try greasing the dish before you add the mixture. Apples could substitute for pears.

The second dish is unrecognizable as a bread pudding. It’s rich, spicy, delicious and Mexican. It’s also a very old recipe. The ingredients are local and the same as those used in the 1640s to make bread and cakes. The recipe was recorded by the Holy Office of the Inquisition and saved in the archives.


SCAMALERTBBB

Lynda Pasacreta is President of the Better Business Bureau of Mainland B.C. www.mbc.bbb.org To contact Lynda Pasacreta, e-mail [email protected]

Better Business Bureau Better Business Bureau Better Business BureauBetter Business Bureau

BY LYNDA PASACRETA

SL

BBB Wise Giving Tips

Bread Puddings Stand the Test of Time

The recent tragedy in Japan has prompted many people to reach out and donate to various di-saster relief organizations working in the area to help victims. The Better Business Bureau

warns, however, that – as occurred following the tsunami in 2004, Katrina in 2005 and the earthquake in Haiti just last year – fraudulent charities often emerge to scam donations from well-meaning Canadians.

To avoid being swindled or having your dollars misdi-rected, plan your giving and demand accountability of the organizations soliciting your support.

If you plan to donate money this spring season – whether it’s for disaster relief in Japan or for anoth-er cause close to your heart – BBB would like to offer the following advice:

Be cautious when giving online. Be cautious about online giving, especially in response to spam messages and emails that claim to link to a relief organization. In the days follow-ing the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, several phoney charitable websites popped up alleging to help victims.

When in doubt, check it out. When an unfamiliar organi-zation asks you for a donation, don’t give without gathering details about the charity, the nature of its programs, and its use of funds. Visit the Canadian Revenue Agency for a list of registered charities in Canada.

Check out a charity’s claims. Despite what an organiza-tion claims, charities have fundraising and administrative costs. Even a credit card donation will involve, at a mini-mum, a processing fee. If a charity claims that 100 per cent of collected funds will be assisting, for instance, earthquake victims, the truth is that the organization is still probably incurring fundraising and administrative expenses. They may use some of their other funds for payments, but the expenses will still be incurred.

Think before you give. If you are solicited at home or on the street, take a minute or two to “think.” Ask for the charity’s name and address, and get full identification from the solicitor and review it carefully. Ask to see written infor-mation on the charity’s programs and finances.

Giving later might be better. Never feel pressured to give on the spot. Legitimate charities will welcome your money tomorrow. If the solicitor pressures you with intimidation or

harassing phone calls, don’t hesitate to file a complaint with BBB.

Watch out for cases of mistaken identity. With about 9,000 registered char-ities in B.C. alone, it’s not surprising that some charity

names sound alike. Be careful that the one soliciting you is the one you have in mind.

Watch out for charity fraud. Legitimate charities do not demand donations. They willingly provide written informa-tion about their programs, finances or how donations are used; and they never insist you provide your credit card number, bank account number or any other personal infor-mation.

Tax receipts. If you are looking to make a tax-deductible donation, only a registered charity has received a Registra-tion Number from the Canada Revenue Agency and can is-sue donation receipts for gifts.

Learn more about giving to charities by visiting www.mbc.bbb.org

To avoid being swindled... plan your giving and demand accountability of the

organizations soliciting your support.


Reflections THEN & NOW

SL

HEROES

Phot

o: K

ryst

le W

isem

an

BY GIPP FORSTER

I don’t mind growing older. But it really bothers me when certain other people do, especially when some are my heroes. Heroes are not supposed to grow old. Andy Hardy and Judge Hardy and Ozzie and Har-

riet and Ma and Pa Kettle should have stayed the same as when we first met them. Even if some were old then, they shouldn’t have gotten any older! It’s just not right.

They say, as we grow older our bodies shrink. Maybe that’s why we seldom see Mickey Rooney anymore. Mick-ey was short to begin with. He sure couldn’t afford to shrink. Somebody might step on him.

I don’t know if Tyrone Power ever got old. The last time I saw him he was still young. He was a pirate.

I saw Judy Garland when she was young but also when she was old – the same with John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, James Cagney and Burgess Meredith.

One that really got me down was Henry Fonda. I prob-ably didn’t talk to God for a week over that. Henry had been the young Mr. Lincoln and Wyatt Earp and Tom Strode and Mr. Roberts. He, Jimmy Stewart, and John Wayne, with a little help from Clint Eastwood, settled the West. It hardly seems right that they haven’t stayed in their prime to watch over it. I guess that’s why skyscrapers have replaced ranch-es in Dallas and Houston. Pity!

I like my heroes to be dependable. Should they be put aside for 10 or 20 years, when I decide to really notice them again, they should remain the same – young, vibrant, full of vim and vigour. They should not be shrunken and leaning on a cane: from a tough whiskey-drinking cowboy to a dod-derer in search of his Geritol? I don’t think so.

My wife just hollered: “Top shelf in the bathroom cabi-net.” (I don’t think her hearing is quite what it used to be.) Geritol indeed.

I’m glad I’m not anybody’s hero. I’d sure disappoint them now if I were. Losing my memory and gaining pounds instead of the other way around, some hero!

Not long ago, my wife told me I was her hero. I was deeply moved but also a little disturbed. She was giggling and rolling her eyes at the time. I sometimes get confused. I admire her intelligence; it’s her sense of humour I struggle with.

Certain people, in my mind, should never outgrow their hero status. They should carry over from generation to gen-

eration, challenging people to dream bigger dreams.

It seems strange to think that some of tomorrow’s he-roes – the guys I mean – will be remembered for wearing high heels and makeup and pranc-ing across the stage instead of riding a horse across wide-open spaces. Go figure!

I doubt if Roy and Gene would wear makeup and pound

on guitars and scream, instead of crooning, “O Bury Me, On the Lone Prairie.” If they did, I think Gabby Hays would pull his beard out and Smiley Burnett would stop smiling!

Often, I wish I could gather my 12 cents and sneak back into the past and take in a Saturday afternoon matinee, where so many of my heroes gathered and welcomed my cheers, along with a couple hundred other kids.

They showed us how to ride a horse through a cloud of dust without getting dirty. But I guess that wouldn’t work now. I have a white beard and weigh about 170 pounds more than I did then. And I’d have to pay the adult price, instead of 25 cents. I’d probably be arrested if I shouted and cheered as Roy and Trigger beat up the bad guys. I guess many doctors would examine me too!

Oh well! We all grow older and “wishing” isn’t going to change that. But still, I wish I could give Hoppy a call and ask how it’s going!

Often, I wish I could gather my 12 cents and sneak back into the past and take in a Saturday afternoon matinee, where so many of my heroes gathered

and welcomed my cheers...

If you are a senior who has been wondering lately whether you should consider moving - either because you find the maintenance of your current home more difficult due to diminishing ability or energy, or you simply want a lifestyle that allows you more freedom and less responsibility - then this is the book that can help you ask the right questions and find the solution that is right for you.• What residential options are available?• Define your current situation - What residential option is right for you?• How to research and assess Independent and Assisted Living residences.• What do Independent, Assisted Living and Complex Care facilities have to offer?• How much does it cost to live in an Assisted Living residence? What subsidies are available?• Thinking of moving in with family members? Questions to consider before making your decision.• Are there any other residential options besides Independent, Assisted Living and Complex Care facilities?• If you choose to stay in your own home, what are your options and what should you plan for?• Who can help you decide what you can or cannot afford?• Funding sources available to seniors - tax deductions, housing subsidies, home care subsidies, equipment loan programs, renovation grants, etc.• Selling your home - how to find the right realtor or relocation services to assist your move.• Downsizing - Where do you start? How do you proceed?• Adapting your home to meet your mobility needs - tips and suggestions• Hiring home care services; do it yourself or hire an agency?• Legal matters - how to make sure you receive the care you desire should you not be able to communicate due to some incapacitating condition• AND MUCH MORE

Advice from professionals who are experts in the area of assisting seniors with their relocation questions and concerns. A handy reference guide for seniors and their families wrestling with the issues around whether relocation is the best option. This 128-page book provides helpful, easy to read information and suggestions to help seniors and their families understand the decisions they need to make.

Published by Senior LivingJanuary 2009

ONLY $9.95

BC EDITION

To Move or Not to Move?

A Helpful Guide for Seniors Considering Their Residential Options


To Move or N

ot to Move?

��

___ Cheque (payable to Senior Living)

___ Credit Card # _________________________________ Expiry ___________

Name on Card ____________________________________

Mail to: Senior Living 153, 1581-H Hillside Ave., Victoria BC V8T 2C1 (Please allow 2 weeks

for delivery)

ORDER FORM - “To Move”

Name______________________________ Address ______________________________

City______________ Prov ___ Postal Code____________ Phone ______________

___ BOOKS @ $14.87 each (includes shipping & applicable tax) = TOTAL $____________


A Helpful Guide For Seniors Considering Their Residential Options

All-inclusive from $2,300.

��

��

2245 Kelly Ave., Port Coquitlam 2088 152nd Street, White Rock2525 King George Blvd, South Surrey

604.998.1605 604.635.1775604.636.3967www.AstoriaLiving.ca www.PeninsulaLiving.cawww.PacificaLiving.ca

Make a move to enjoy the carefree lifestyle of Resort Retirement Living. Aveni r communi t ies of fer both Independent and Ass is ted L iv ing sui tes along with unmatched affordabi l i ty and f lexibi l i ty. Amenit ies abound, including f i rst c lass service, 5-star meals prepared by award winning Red Seal Chefs, enr iching social act iv i t ies, wel lness programs and much more. Our luxury communit ies and spacious deluxe sui tes are unr ivaled anywhere in the retirement industry. Come discover the Diamond Standard of resort retirement living.

Documents

Senior Living Magazine Vancouver Edition May 2011