The Silver Pages

Photography By Daniel Boot

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CONTENTS

HEALTHY LIVING 8 LIFESTYLE 26 FINANCIAL 42

8 A Clear Vision of Independence Canada’s Live-In Caregiver Program Offer Options 9 Exercise Key to Healthy Living13 Til Death Do Us Part - Part II Non-Medical Home Supprt Services14 Ontario Offers Alzheimer’s Strategy17 The Benefits of Bowen Technique19 Healthcare Heats Up21 Communicating with the Hard of Hearing Steps to Making Living at Home Safer24 Are Dental Implants Right For You26 Downsizing from the Family Home Perfect Time for Home Improvements

29 Cooking with Chef Jan-Willem31 Partnership to Help Prep for Aging Population33 Is Retirement Right for You? When Living at Home is Not an Option34 Join the Curves Community36 A Peach of a Place37 Volunteering in the New Millennium39 Team Winter Club 72nd Season Underway40 Chiropractic Care & Yoga Stretches42 Getting Feds to Pay for Your Cancun Trip43 Stress Free Moving44 Learning About Wine47 The Thanksgiving Tree

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www.thesilverpages.caA Specialty Features Publication

906-309-1525

PUBLISHERJohn Bauslaugh

[email protected]

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERMary Susan Staton

[email protected]

EDITOR IN CHIEFChristine Bavender

[email protected]

EDITORKaren Moncur

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSPeter Landry, Bobby Assadourian, John Bauslaugh,

Karen Moncur, Christine Bavender, Michelle Bumgarner,Natalie MacLean,Chef Jan-Willem Stulp ccc, Dr Nance MacLeod,

Alex McKee, Karen Maziar H.C.A P.M.E, C.H, NLP,Sandra Alvarez CPT NWS, Tim Miller, Louisa Phillips

Mark Rovere, Martha Willmore, Jane Bradley, Leon I. Gilner

PHOTOGRAPHERDaniel Boot

[email protected] Altoft

V.P. SALESDon Cummings

[email protected]

ADVERTISING SALESStuart Eagles

GRAPHICS CO-ORDINATORChristy [email protected]

WEBmASTERMike Pickett

[email protected]

ADVISORy PANELArie Vrugteveen

Executive DirectorRetire at Home

Jane Bradley B.A PsychologyElizabeth Dumoulin

AdministratorCobblestone Gardens

Kamran Mashayekhi B.Sc. AudiologyJohnathon Dick

Lawyer & Notary PublicRuth Pretty

Executive DirectorVictim Services

Dr. Nance MacLeod, Ph.DNatural Medicine Specialist

CIRCULATIONThe Standard

The Silver Pages is printed 11 times per year and isdelivered as an insert inside The St. Catharines Standard

The information and opinion contained in this publicationare obtained from various sources believed to be reliable,

but their accuracy can not be guaranteed. Specialty Featuresand its employees and agents assume no responsibilityfor errors or omissions or damages arising from the

use of the published information and opinions. Readers arecautioned to consult their own professional advisers to

determine the applicability of information in this publication.For further information, please contact the publisher.

There’s a definite feeling of change in the air, as summer gives way to autumn. The nights are cooling off, the leaves are getting ready to put on their annual show of colour and Niagara farmer’s markets are full to bursting with local produce.

Although the arrival of fall following a too short, but very hot and humid summer signifies that winter is not very far off, there is much for us to be thankful for here in the Niagara region. Not only are we blessed to be living in an area where dozens of varieties of fresh fruit and vegetables are grown, we are also fortunate to be in the one of the most prolific wine-producing areas in the country. Drive west on highway 8 through Jordan, Vineland, Beamsville and Grimsby and you will see vineyards, farms and winery after beautiful winery. Take a trip down the Niagara Parkway or traverse through the Lines and Concession roads of St. David’s, Virgil and Niagara-on-the Lake and the same sights will greet you. The Niagara Wine industry has grown from a handful of producers churning out sweet, single variety offerings in the 1970’s to more than 80 wineries today, producing world-class, award winning wines that rival the best anywhere in the world.

Which brings me to another reason to embrace autumn in Niagara; the Niagara Wine Festival. This year, the festival celebrates its 60th anniversary and it promises to be bigger and better than ever. The festival runs from September 16th – 25th with more than 100 events, including winery tours and tastings, concerts, Niagara cuisine, wine seminars, live entertainment and one of Canada’s largest and longest running street parades. The festival is one of the premier events of our region and celebrates not only the growth and excellence of Niagara’s wine industry, but the harvest of our local produce, as we get ready to brave another winter.

Though we may be sad to see summer go, we can certainly make the most of fall, by getting out to the local farmers’ markets and produce stands, driving along some of our country roads, inhaling the scent of grapes in the air and attending some of the Niagara Wine Festival events or one of the county fairs that also mark the arrival of autumn. We at the Silver Pages will continue to offer you some informative and entertaining reading that we hope you enjoy, as the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer!

Cheers!

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John BauslaughPublisherJohn Bauslaughmary Susan StatonAssociate PublisherMary Susan StatonKaren moncurEditorKaren Moncur

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

healthy living

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Alice was blind. She worked for many years at the CNIB library in Scarborough. When

her husband died six years ago, she moved to Chatham to live with her son and to be near her daughter and granddaughter. Last fall, Alice was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. She had surgery to remove the tumor, but the doctors were unable to prevent its spread.

Alice was determined to return home after the surgery and spend the time that remained to her with her family. Sandra Holland, CCAC’s case manager at the hospital, worked with Alice to ensure she had the support she needed.

One of the main issues was providing tube feeding at home. There was concern that a blind person wouldn’t be able to operate the feeding pump, but the CCAC team found one that was easy to operate and bottles that only needed to be replaced every 48 hours.

Laura Keenan, Alice’s CCAC case manager at home, also understood how important it was for Alice to maintain her independence, and did everything she could to help.

“Alice didn’t see her loss of vision as a disability,” said Keenan. “Remaining at home right to the end was so much a part of how she lived her entire life.”

Alice died at home in late November. Her daughter, Jayne, was deeply touched by the support she and her family received during Alice’s last days.

“The CCAC provided overnight care and nursing visits two or three times a day as needed,” Jayne explained. “They helped us to get the supplies and equipment we needed, and to communicate with the doctor and the pharmacy. Being able to be with Mom at home was important to all of us, and having the support of the CCAC made it possible.”

(This is a true story. The names have been changed to protect their privacy.)

Looking for someone to care for your elderly parent or young child can be stressful. Do you look to family to help or consider an outside source? Do you want someone to come for the day or live with you? The decisions are endless. That’s why the federal government’s Live-In Caregiver Program (LCP) is an excellent option. This work visa program allows overseas caregivers with experience and training to come to Canada and work on a live-in basis for child or elder care.

Live-in care essentially means the support worker lives in your home. The idea of sharing personal living space may not appeal to all. However,

the benefits of such employment (providing you find a worker that is right for you) are tremendous. For most families who choose this route, a live-in caregiver is far more than an employee - on time, they become a trusted friend, a confidant and even an extension of the family.

Both the family (employer) and the caregiver (employee) must follow several steps to meet the requirements of the live-in program. For more information visit www.thesilverpages.ca and click on the “Live-In Care Program” icon on the menu bar.

A Clear Vision of Independence

Canada’s Live-In CaregiverProgram Offers Options

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No matter how old you are, it is never too late to start an exercise program. Regardless of your age, exercise can help you stay young.

Exercising will assist in combating chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis or diabetes. Strengthening exercises will improve quality of life for everybody regardless of physical limitations. If you are chair bound you can still lift weights, stretch, and do aerobics in your chair. Not being active can often cause your illness to progress and limit your ability to maintain personal independence. Physical activity does not have to be hard. Try building physical activities in periods of 10 minutes into your day; start slowly and gradually develop your exercise routine which best suits your needs. Through these exercise periods of 10 minutes a day, several times a day, you will begin to build your strength, stamina, muscle tone, improve your balance and promote cardio vascular endurance. Exercise can also help fight depression and isolation.

Helpful Tips to Beginning an Exercise Program:

First consult with your doctor and ask if •there are any activities you should avoidBegin slowly •Wear loose fitting clothing so you can bend •and moveEnsure your surroundings are clear of any •hazardsConsult with a personal trainer to help you •with a functional workout program, good form and encouragement Always begin and end your program with •a warm up and cool down, both about 5 minutes each Have drinking water available •Exercise should not be painful. If you feel •dizzy, light headed, or experience chest pains consult with your doctor immediately

Set GOALS, be realistic, and specific. Write •your goals down and review them regularly Find a workout buddy and be accountable •to each other Keep it simple, fun, and laugh a lot•

Activities to Get Started:

Walking •Swimming •Dancing •Weight training or resistant band training •for muscle building. (Resistant bands are very inexpensive and versatile) Stretching or yoga to help with your •flexibility

No matter which type of program you choose, starting TODAY is important. Stop waiting for the perfect moment. The Alvarez fitness team would love to come out and help you being. To contact us call 905.325.9857 or visit us at www.alvarezfitness.com

Believe in yourself and just do it!

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EExercise Key to Healthy LivingSandra Alvarez CPT NWS

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healthy living

Non-Medical Home Support Services Important to Seniors

As you recall in our last issue, we spoke about a couple named Martha and Peter, and how Peter had passed on and now Martha sits and waits in the nursing home for a visit that will never

happen.

Their son Ralph was faced with feelings of shock, and then disappointment as he realized he didn’t educate himself better on the care of seniors.

Ralph was executor of his father’s will, including power of attorney and in his mind everything was fine - the house and vehicles were left to him, including all monies. He had decided to transfer over some of the funds to his mother thinking this would not affect her subsidy for the nursing home.

Well lo and behold it did! So here you take a couple who applied for the subsidy of the nursing home by doing this involuntary separation so the husband could still live at home and not lose his house or his vehicles but now that Ralph had transferred money to his mother, the nursing home cancelled her subsidy. She once again was paying the full amount to the nursing home.

As I met with Ralph over a cup of coffee he said, “If I had known that this government nursing home would have come back and charged the full amount I would have never transferred money into my mom’s name I would have kept it under my name.”

So why is it when obtaining information on any health services within the government there is always a grey area?

So remember one thing, as a caregiver, a senior, or a family member, it’s up to you to stand up and take notice. There is no excuse for ignorance. You must educate yourself to protect your loved ones.

For more information visit www.disabilityadvocategerard.com

When seniors require support for activities of daily living beyond that available through the local Community Care Access Centre, a non-medical home support service can offer personal care, light housekeeping, meal preparation, errands, shopping, companionship and respite relief. These services have many benefits some of which can include:

Help with meal preparation to ensure your loved one •continues to meet their need for proper nutrition. Proper nutrition is essential for healthy aging and may lower the risks and complications of many chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.

Assistance with mobility and monitoring of the environment •can lessen the risks of falls and provide a stronger sense of safety and security. Falls continue to be the leading cause of serious injury for seniors and the fear of falling can have a negative impact on physical activity and social engagement. Medication reminders help keep chronic conditions properly managed and help avoid adverse reactions to over/under medication use.

Companionship stimulates social interaction and caregivers •often build lasting relationships with clients. Caregivers may also escort clients on social outing, appointments and errands. Formal caregivers also provide caregiver relief for informal or family caregivers. This enables them to spend time nurturing their own well-being and may help relieve the stress accrued in balancing care giving with other family roles.

Your local CCAC will be able to provide you with a list of service providers in your area. More information on questions to ask when choosing service providers can be found at www.thesilverpages.ca

“Till Death Do Us Part”part two

Karen Maziar H.C.A, P.M.E, C.H, N.L.P

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healthy living

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common dementia affecting elderly people. It is a deteriorating brain disease that eventually

leads to death. In Ontario, more than 100,000 people live with the disease - 90 percent of those are over the age of 65. With Ontario’s growing and aging population, it is expected Alzheimer’s and related dementia will increase significantly in coming years.

Now a new strategy is in place to help with the expected increase in cases. This is the first comprehensive, multi-faceted strategy on Alzheimer’s to be introduced in Canada. It consists of a 10 point action plan designed to help people with Alzheimer’s and related dementia, their caregivers and families.

The 10 initiatives are:

Staff education and training•Physician training•Increasing public awareness, information •and educationPlanning for appropriate, safe and secure •environmentsRespite services for caregivers•Research on caregiver needs•Advance directives on care choices•Psycho-geriatric consulting resources•Coordinated specialized diagnosis and •supportInter-generational volunteer initiative•

Staff Education and Training

A work group including service providers, caregiver advocates and clinicians has developed an annual training program. To date, more than 2,500 staff from long-term care facilities, community care access centres, community support programs and supportive housing programs have received specialized training. For more information click on the “U-First” icon in the menu bar of the www.ocsa.on.ca home page.

Ontario Offers Strategy for Alzheimer’s

Physician Training

Training programs are being developed for family physicians and medical students on early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and related dementias and on best use of local and specialized resources and advance care planning. For more information, contact the Ontario College of Family Physicians at 416.867.9646

Increasing Public Awareness, Information and Education

Each of the 39 local Alzheimer Societies across Ontario was funded to hire a public education coordinator to help raise awareness of the disease and support community efforts to help people with Alzheimer Disease and related dementias. For information on the public education coordinator in your area please contact your local Alzheimer chapter or visit www.alzheimerontario.org

Planning for Appropriate, Safe and Secure Environments

Creative design of long-term care facilities for people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias has been the subject of four annual conferences held through a partnership of the Ontario government, the Alzheimer Society of Ontario and the Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program of the University of Waterloo. Approximately 1,700 people participated in these learning events. Conference proceedings are available at www.marep.uwaterloo.ca.

Respite Services for Caregivers

The government has provided new funding to 84 community agencies across the province to expand or enhance adult day programs and home respite programs. As a result of this new funding, thousands of families are receiving a much needed respite from their care giving role.

Research on Caregiver Needs

The Alzheimer Society of Ontario, The Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program and the Caregivers’ Association of Ontario conducted research on the key community supports caregivers need. A literature review, a survey of more than 2,300 community based caregivers and 14 focus groups with caregivers and care providers were completed. A report highlighting preliminary survey results is available at www.marep.uwaterloo.ca.

The University of Waterloo has recently launched an online resource network for Alzheimer researchers, policy makers and caregivers which will promote and increase exchange and collaboration and will profile the work of Canadian researchers

Advance Directives on Care Choices

Fifty new psycho-geriatric consulting resources positions were created to provide support for staff serving persons with dementia, including those with challenging behaviours, and individuals with complex cognitive/mental health needs. These consulting resources are available across Ontario to workers in long-term care facilities, community care access centres, community support agencies and other community partners.

Coordinated Specialized Diagnosis and Support

Local dementia networks are being developed throughout the province to help communities develop local support networks for diagnostic and treatment services for Alzheimer clients and their families. A booklet, A Guide to Developing a Dementia Network, has been distributed regionally.

Intergenerational Volunteer Initiative

Secondary school students are being paired with well seniors to act as volunteers, visiting and assisting people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias in long-term care facilities and community programs. The Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario, in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Ontario and United Generations Ontario, received funding to recruit and train students in 27 locations across the province. The Trillium Foundation has provided additional funding to enable this successful intergenerational program to continue. For more information, contact the Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario at 1.866.835.7693.

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The Benefits of the Bowen Technique

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healthy living

The Bowen Technique originated in Australia, where it was developed by Tom

Bowen more than 40 years ago. In 1975, he was investigated by the Federal Commission on Alternative Therapies and they found he was successfully treating 13,000 patients a year. He taught only a few people, who continued his work after he passed away in 1986.

Bowen triggers an improvement in joint mobility and muscle flexibility; an improvement in the circulation of lymphatic and venous fluids; better assimilation of nutrients and the elimination of toxins; a reduction of physical, emotional and mental stress; and a better overall flow of energy through the entire body.

Bowen has been found to significantly help people with frozen shoulder, neck & back pain, knee, ankle, wrist & elbow problems, headaches & migraines, pelvis misalignment, scoliosis, respiratory problems including colic & asthma, digestive disorders, hormone/reproductive system conditions, bed-wetting, jaw problems, sciatica, ADHD, lack of energy and stress & anxiety. In fact there is no condition the Bowen technique will not address.

In a Bowen Therapy session, the patient lies on a bed, wearing loose fitting clothing and relaxes, while the therapist applies a specifically located series of gentle movements across the body. The movements are composed of a challenge to a body of muscle, tendon or nerve and a release of the tension vibrates

through to the nerve within the area. The result is a balancing not only on the structural level and functional systems, but also at the level of the individual’s overall well being.

Addressing the body as a whole, in this way, Bowen Therapy treats beyond the presented symptoms and positively affects the physical, chemical, emotional and mental aspects of each person during the treatment and importantly for many days after. Appointments are usually scheduled a week apart as the treatment’s effect and the body’s process after is lasting many days. In most cases we recommend a series of about three treatments to initiate the Bowen process which typically will give a clear idea as to the tempo of future treatments if needed.

The key to achieving this expansive benefit is Bowen Therapy’s capacity to stimulate a sense of deep relaxation. This deeply relaxed state acts upon the body’s autonomic nervous system, which creates homoeostasis at the cellular level. Through this a resetting of the autonomic nervous system takes place and while in a state of profound relaxation, the individual’s body is freed to find its own natural balance.

During the actual treatment session, the Bowen therapist will apply the movements in a series of patterns. The therapist leaves the room between the application of each pattern in the series so as to allow the patient the maximum space to fully achieve the deepest relaxant effects and to avoid interfering

with the patient’s energetic realignment. Sessions usually last one hour. Often no more than two to five sessions are required for the treatment of most conditions. Treatments will generally be scheduled at seven day intervals.

Lucine Tchakerian is an associate with Bowens Healing Hands and she has a 90 percent success rate in applying the Bowmen technique to her patients. Bowens Healing Hands also offers: Registered Massage Therapy, Hot Stone Massage, NST, Lymphatic Drainage Bowen, and Esthetics. Please visit our new, larger facility at 211 Scott Street, or call 905.646.4263.

The Benefits of the Bowen Technique

John Bauslaugh

Lucine Tchakerian

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healthy living

People want change, but are the politicians listening?

This October’s provincial election in Ontario could provide an ideal platform for a serious, earnest and honest discussion about the future of our troubled health care system. That is, if our leaders have the political will to step aside from the usual rhetoric and platitudes and address the controversial issue in a meaningful way.

As Canadians, we take great pride in the concept of our publicly funded, universally accessible health care system. But that pride has swelled to the point where, in the arena of public discourse, the terms publicly funded and universally accessible have become so intertwined that we refuse to even consider the notion that one can exist without the other.

It is incumbent on us, or more specifically our politicians, to get over that hurdle before it is too late. This is not to say that we need to automatically tread the path toward a private health care system. But, given the clearly unsustainable route that health care is on now, the conversation about private options within our public health care system needs to take place.

According to a study conducted by TD Bank Financial Group last year, unless drastic changes are implemented, health care expenditures in Ontario threaten

to consume 80 percent of annual government spending by 2030, up from the current level of 46 percent. It doesn’t take a math wizard to figure out that leaves only 20 percent of the provincial budget for other essential services such as education and infrastructure.

Shovelling more money at the problem will not solve it. We have been doing just that for the past generation and it has only made this precarious situation worse. Perhaps as a result, the public mood is shifting on the role of private health care and politicians should take note.

Extensive research conducted by government relations consulting firm Ensight Canada immediately following the May 2 federal election indicated there is a cautious, but growing, appetite for significant health care reform, possibly including the provision of private health services within the publicly funded system. This doesn’t mean all out privatization or allowing the wealthiest among us to jump past long wait lines. But it could mean establishing more health care services that aren’t assets of the government.

The research found seniors and baby boomers, two huge demographic groups, have an interest in exploring a larger role for the private delivery of health care services to save money and increase

efficiency. This interest stems from serious and justified concerns about the long term sustainability of our health care system.

Yet our politicians are caught in a time warp, believing that Canadians have no tolerance for the thought of increased private sector involvement. Ontario’s Liberals have not met the challenge over their eight years in office. The Ontario NDP, predictably, shun any idea of any kind of private sector involvement. Even the Progressive Conservative, who is certainly pro-private sector, is dancing around the core of the issue. The Tories’ platform for this fall’s provincial election commits to publicly funded health care, making no mention of even exploring private sector partners to help defray costs and improve services.

Before we can address, or even discuss, real solutions, our elected officials must accept that Canadians are warming to the idea of private sector delivery of publicly funded health care

services. What the people are beginning to understand is that without substantive reform to the system, there may soon be no system for them to access.

Repeated polls have indicated health care is the number one priority of Canadians. Yet our politicians continue to dither and make vague promises, health care spending continues to rapidly climb, and the point of collapse draws ever near. Let’s hope this election is not another wasted opportunity to have this important debate.

Peter Landry is the vice president, government relations and research, of Enterprise Canada, one of Ontario’s leading, government, media and public relations firms.

Health Care Heats UpPeter Landry

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Nancy Wellard was a registered prac-tical nurse (RPN) for 30 years. Her last 12 years were with the VON of Peel Region where, alongside her general nursing duties, she provided foot care for her clients. In 2005, Wellard retired from active nursing and a year later, established Country Roots Foot Care. Through this business, she provides only foot care in the privacy and comfort of clients’ homes, making it more convenient particularly for those who are less mobile and have difficulty getting out.

Wellard finds that a lot of her clients come to her because of foot problems caused by diabetes, arthritis or poor circulation. Small sores that go unno-ticed could develop into serious prob-lems if left unattended. Some clients just have a hard time reaching their toe nails to give them a trim or to clean up a callus while others simply like that personnel attention she provides. Making her clients’ foot maintenance more manageable is her specialty and finishing off with a little foot rub is always appreciated too!

Wellard still works at a clinic in Peel Region that operates every few weeks and, since moving to St. Catharines about a year ago, has established a clinic at a local seniors centre. She also has several clients in the Niagara Region where her foot care services are provided during home visits.

To discuss your foot care needs with Wellard call 905.646.2449 email her at [email protected] - get a group of friends together for a “foot party” and enjoy a discounted rate!

For the hard of hearing depending on their eyes in the communications process can be vital. With some simple, sensible steps you can ensure what you say is as clear as possible:

Don’t assume that a hearing aid corrects hearing loss, and always •remember that even a small hearing loss can make it difficult to understand speech.Pick the best spot to communicate. Avoid noisy background •situations and areas with poor lighting.Get the person’s attention before you speak. Face them and •maintain eye contact throughout the conversation.Make sure the hard of hearing person can clearly see your •mouth/face when you speak. Don’t talk, for example, while pointing to a passage in a book. Stop speaking and let the hard of hearing person read what you have pointed out. Resume speaking when he/she is finished reading and has resumed eye contact with you.Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Don’t exaggerate your lip •movement and don’t shout, as it is embarrassing and can cause discomfort to someone wearing a hearing aid.Use appropriate facial expressions and body language to clarify •your message. Don’t be “deadpan.” Try to be animated and use lots of facial expressions.Keep pen and paper handy so that you can write your message •or key words if necessary.Rephrase when you are not understood.•

Always be patient, positive and relaxed. For further information, please contact The Canadian Hearing Society at 905.984.4412.

Tips for Communicating with the Hard of

Hearing

To secure the safety and well-being of the elderly, it is important to check on the medicines the person is taking. All medications have side effects, and some could cause problems for the elderly patient. It is important to:

Make sure you know the correct •names of the drugs and what those drugs are forKnow how and when the •medications should be takenBe aware of side effects and when •to consult a doctorRemove safety hazards and make •the home more comfortable. Homes can be hazardous for older people, who may be at risk for falls, cuts and burnsAdd better lighting•Prevent burns by setting water •

temperature lower on hot water heaterProvide support in the shower, tub •and toilet by mounting bars to holdUse non-slip flooring especially in •the bathroom and kitchen

For more information on safety tips for the home, please visit www.thesilverpages.ca website and click on the “Home Safety” icon in the menu bar on the home page.

Important Steps to Take to make Living at Home Safer

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healthy living

Sandy McBay is a graduate of the Palliative Care certificate program at Niagara College as well as a graduate of the Bereavement Support program

at Mohawk College. Sandy was Executive Director of the Rose Cottage Visiting Volunteers for eight years. A not-for-profit organization that provides palliative care services to the residents of Grimsby, Beamsville, Smithville, Winona and their communities within. Sandy is still involved with training volunteers in issues relating to palliative care and she brings a personal touch to the service through compassion and support to the people she serves. (See the Tallman Invitation below)

The preferred method of tooth replacement is the dental implant. In short, dental implants are a substitute for tooth roots, and form a stable foundation for permanent replacement of teeth. They also act as a support for full and partial dentures, since the implants integrate with the bone to act as an anchor for the replacement teeth.

Dental implants can also help preserve the bone by providing stimulation that was previously provided by the natural tooth root system. This helps to maintain the integrity of your facial structure.

Dental implants are the closest possible replacement for natural teeth, and the best way to restore your natural smile. The cost of these implants has become very affordable. Ask your dentist about how dental implants might be the right solution for you.

Implant retained dentures

are more stable and “real” feeling than most types of dentures. Implants are a proven restoration option with a long, clinical history and an excellent success rate.

Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. Many patients who have chosen implant supported teeth report they are happy and comfortable for the first time since the loss of their natural teeth.

Benefits of dental implants:

Improved oral health, •ability to eat, appearance and self-esteem Increased denture •comfort Denture stability is •increased Help prevent bone loss •Resorption of tissue is •reduced Your mouth is restored •to a natural state which allows superior long-term aesthetics, enhancing the beauty of your natural smile and quality of your life

Are Dental Implants Right

for you?

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Article provided byMidtown Denture Clinic

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lifestyle

The physical down-sizing process is by far the most daunting part of making a

later-in-life move. These tips and insights should help whether you’re the older adult ready to face this task, or whether you’re the adult child who has offered to help your parents with their living transition.

Begin in the areas of the house you are not currently using. Many older adults are still living in the same homes where they raised their families. In most situations, there are areas of the house that are currently not being used, like the upstairs bedrooms, the basement family room

downsizing from the Family Homeor others.Starting the sorting and clearing process in less utilized rooms won’t be as disruptive to everyday life. These areas also often contain items that have not been used in a considerable length of time and won’t be missed when passed on to children, grandchildren, a charity or the auction house.

Start with large items in each room and work your way down to the smaller ones. The rationale for this - it’s easier to start with furniture and the bigger pieces and you’ll feel you are making some progress. If you start with the small items, you may get overwhelmed and frustrated

before you even get started.Sort the items in each room as follows:

Items you want to keep for •your new homeItems that will be passed on •to family or friendsItems that will be sold via a •garage sale or auctionItems that will be given to •charityItems that need to be •thrown awayTell your kids to take items •they still have stored at your house

Allow plenty of flexibility and time for the sorting and downsizing and trust the process. Remember - your goal is to simplify your life.If there are items you don’t have room for at your new place and still want to keep, don’t forget that every community has convenient storage facilities to meet your needs. The rent is inexpensive and allows you more time to consider what to ultimately do with these items.

For more tips on downsizing and moving visit www.thesilverpages.ca and click on the “Downsizing from the Family Home” icon in the menu bar on the home page.

Fall Perfect Time for Home Improvements

With the changing of the season comes the need for most of us to make some changes around our homes. Fall is the perfect time to get your home ready for the coming winter, which can be the most gruel-ling season for your home. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) suggests you perform a variety of tasks which will help you to avoid the most common and costly problems before they oc-cur. Some of these tasks include:Ensure leaves and other debris are removed from eavestroughs and downspouts for proper drainage from the roof. Ensure downspouts

direct water away from the house foun-dation.

If you have a gas, oil, or other non-electric heating system, have it serviced by a qualified company (every two years for a gas furnace and every year for an oil furnace or in accordance with the

manufacturer’s instructions). Have the chimneys or combustion vents checked for nests or other obstruc-tions before turning on your heating system.

If you have a furnace, check and clean or replace filters on a monthly basis during the heating season.

Gently vacuum in and around hot wa-ter baseboard and electric baseboard heaters to remove dust. Remove the grilles on forced-air heating systems and vacuum inside the ducts. Ensure airflow dampers are open.

If you have a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), ensure the air intake grille lo-cated on the outside of the house is clean, the filters and core within the unit are clean, the condensate drains properly (test by pouring water into the drain pan under the core and watching the flow through the drain tube), and the HRV is turned on and is set at the right speed.

If you have a well, test the water quality.

If you have a sump pump, ensure it is operating properly, with no obstruc-tions or leaks in the drain line. If you have a septic tank, have it checked to determine if it needs to be emptied before the winter starts. Remove and store window screens, install storm windows, and ensure all windows, doors and skylights shut tightly, including the door between your house and garage; repair or replace weather-stripping, as needed. Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from the founda-

tion wall to decrease the likelihood of water draining into the basement. Cover the outside of the air condi-tioner, and drain and store outdoor hoses. Close the valve to the outdoor hose connection and drain the faucet. Winterize landscaping by storing outdoor furniture, preparing gardens and, if necessary, protecting young trees or bushes. For a free copy of the “About Your House” fact sheet Home Mainte-nance Schedule, or for information on any other aspect of owning, maintaining or buying a home, visit our website at www.cmhc.ca or call CMHC at 1.800.668.2642. CMHC is Canada’s national housing agency and a source of objective, reliable housing information.

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lifestyle

The Kitchen! Without excep-tion, from the beginning of the world until now,

it has been the hub of the home. Archeological teams the world over, have revealed that at its simplest, the fire pit was central to each family, and at its apex, Babylonian Emperors had dinner parties that lasted, literally, for months.

Thankfully, we are now at a happy medium; Hand-to-mouth subsistence is virtually gone, and ongoing efforts are in place to minimize hunger in our country. On the flip side, our eating habits have us periodically stepping on a scale, and paying atten-tion to what we eat; several days of Christmas and New Year’s Eve snacking is enough to cause us to guiltily make New Year’s resolutions, many centering on fitness and diet.

So, we have enough food.

And yet, although much has been gained in our kitchens, there is also

much that is lost. Few of us have witnessed or participated in the way our forefathers were able to eke a living out of what little they had available. The ingenious methods of growing, processing, cooling, curing and preserving, sustained them through each winter and spring. Few of us would know how to process, cure and store what little we grow in our mostly ornamental garden. How about doing it without gas stoves or fridges?

We have, sadly, lost our food heri-tage; we are a nation that relies on vast processing factories to deliver basics, usually far inferior to what our pioneer parents, (whom we pity for their austere lifestyle) were used to. The pioneers worked hard, and usually, ate well. They would have little patience for the bland, processed foods, and convenience items we stock our freezers and fridges with. And you know what? We have condoned this.

Think about it; when a product carries the following description - ‘from grandma’s kitchen’ or ‘rustic’, or ‘traditionally made’, or even, ‘classic,’ we all know what this means: As a rule, it tells us it is processed less, and tastes better (go figure!) Usually it then has a higher price. Man, we live in a mixed up society!

What then, is missing in our kitchens? I have cooked in, and served food out of countless kitchens - kitchens with every conceivable gadget and technological appliance. There would appear to be more in our kitchens than ever before! Tens of thousands of dollars are spent, upgrading existing kitchens to ‘gourmet’ kitchens, often because the owners love entertaining. Clearly, then, the lack in Canadian kitchens is not equipment.

We had already established that there was enough to eat….

So, we have product, and tools, what more could we want?

Simply put confidence. What is lacking is the expertise in the ability to put together tasty, nutritious meals, simply by working from the garden. Using fruits and vegetables, proteins and grains, to put a snack or a meal together. I have spoken to thousands of people all over Ontario, at numerous classes and demonstra-tions I have done, and the obvious lack of understanding of basic culi-nary concepts worries me.

There is, thankfully, a really great upside to all this - my classes are filled with people who have, at some point, realized that cooking is often a lot of fun! They want to learn, to understand, to recognize their own skill sets, and hone them, use them. They’ve begun to understand that under-seasoning, undercooking, missing ingredients and ‘flopped recipes’ are less failures, and more hard, practical experience that will serve them well.

They have looked at their gardens, and orchards and other crops, and decided that there is an inherent gain in working with their own hands on their own food. They are baking and stewing, and roasting and preserving, with enjoyment, and confidence. And you know something? That confi-dence is what puts the heart of a home back in the kitchen….

And that’s where, in my opinion, it ought to be!

Jw

PS. come and sign up for a cooking class this fall and winter, at GO Culinary in Vineland! 289.567.0487

CCooking with Chef Jan-Willem Stulp CCC

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An ambitious partnership involving the Ontario

government, postsecondary sector and Schlegel Villages will develop a centre of excellence for research, training and innovation in senior health care and wellness at the University of Waterloo. The goal is to help Canada better prepare for an aging population.

The development on Waterloo’s north campus will be built in three phases, starting with a 192-bed long-term care home owned and managed by Schlegel Villages. It will include a specialized building where faculty, staff and students from the University of Waterloo, Conestoga College and the Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging (RIA) will work and learn with residents and staff from the adjacent long-term home.

Two later phases will develop assisted living and independent living for seniors as well as a primary care health centre to create a full continuum of care. Total construction costs will be about $130-million.

“This project is a sterling example of government, university, college and private collaboration,” said Ron Schlegel, chair of Schlegel Villages and Founder of the RIA. “We have a university that is tops in Canada for innovation and entrepreneurship, a college with a passion for building a workforce better equipped to meet the needs of growing numbers of

seniors, a research institute with a strong track record in practice-relevant research, and a provider of long-term care and retirement that is a leader in the province.”

The Ontario government will contribute $20-million in capital funds for the 192-bed long-term care home. The province will also provide $625,000 a year in operating funds for the learning, research and innovation centre. The provincial funding will enhance capacity and expertise in the long-term care sector, as well as improve the delivery of existing long-term care services.

“I have worked consistently for the last four years to secure 192 long-term care beds for the seniors in our community,” said Leeanna Pendergast, MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga. “The Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging brings cutting-edge services to our community not found anywhere else in North America.”

The province’s investment unleashes an estimated $84-million in additional funding for teaching and research, including financial and land contributions from the University of Waterloo The Schlegel family will provide a minimum $45-million over 20 years to fund 14 research chairs in aging, matched fifty-fifty by the University of Waterloo and one research chair matched fifty-fifty by Conestoga College. The family will also contribute $3-million to the capital

costs for the learning, research and innovation centre.

These contributions build on the $6-million Schlegel has already committed to found the RIA for a total investment of more than $50-million. Four research chairs are already in place and actively working in the areas of geriatric medicine, geriatric pharmacotherapy, vascular aging and brain health, and nutrition, while a fifth chair in enhanced senior care is at Conestoga College. The new learning, research and innovation centre will be operated as part of RIA.

The work of the centre of excellence will inform policy and program decisions to directly and positively impact on a number of government priorities, including long-term care transformation, building human resource capacity in the seniors care system, resident-centred care, reducing emergency room visits, and job creation/economic activity stemming from commercialization and export of products internationally, including curriculum.

The centre will provide students, researchers and educators with the opportunity for direct engagement in seniors care environments. It will develop new training programs and enhance gerontology content of existing programs to build a workforce better prepared for the rapidly increasing senior population.

“Ensuring an appropriate quality-of-life for an

increasing population of seniors may prove to be one of our greatest challenges in the decades to come,” said Feridun Hamdullahpur, president of the University of Waterloo. “Innovative collaborations like this one - marrying research and education with the daily experience of resident seniors - will help incubate programs and services that will improve that quality of life.”

Over the next 20 years, the number of seniors in Ontario will double, with the fastest growing group being those over age 80. This will put unprecedented pressure on healthcare systems serving seniors - programs that are already under strain.

Construction on the first phase should begin in late 2012 and be completed late spring 2014. While construction is underway, faculty and staff will begin developing learning, research and innovation programs from the nearby Village of Winston Park and RIA offices in Kitchener.

The centre of excellence will also include the Village of Winston Park, Williamsburg Town Centre and Williamsburg South in Kitchener. These locations extend the model to provide a range of research and development sites to study aging at home and broader health system issues.

Partnership to Help Prep for Aging Population

About Schlegel Villages

Twelve long-term care and retirement communities in Ontario owned and managed by Schlegel Villages will serve as accelerator centres leading to dissemination of products and services developed through the learning, research and innovation centre. For more information go to www.schlegelvillages.com.

About Schlegel-Waterloo Research Institute for Aging

The Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging was created in 2005 as a senate-approved research institute at the University of Waterloo, and then became a non-profit charitable organization in 2006 with core partnerships with University of Waterloo, Conestoga College and Schlegel Villages. The RIA conducts research aimed at enhancing the care, health and wellness of older adults in community-based and long-term care environments. The 2,500 residents living in 11 Schlegel Villages provide voluntary and vibrant living research environments and living classroom environments. The best of what is learned in these environments is disseminated broadly to benefit seniors everywhere. For more information, visit www.the-ria.ca.

lifestyle

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When you consider moving to a retirement residence, it’s typically because you’ve become less interested or able to take care of the daily chores of living. More often it has to do with a loss, illness or a fall. How do you or your family begin to choose the right options to suit your needs? Should you make those choices ahead of time so there is less burden on family in the event of serious illness? By having all of the necessary tools at your fingertips you will be able to make an informed choice, and that choice may just be retirement residence living!

A retirement residence is a flexible lifestyle option for older adults who want to make their own choices. Retirement living lets you choose how much to do for yourself, how much to have done for you, how to spend your time, and with whom to spend it. The work and worry of day-to-day living is gone. Most residences also have alternative care packages to allow aging in place, or to support short term stay programs to convalesce from an illness or injury

The hotel-style or apartment suites available in retirement residences come with a meal and service package included. They vary widely in location, size, price, amenities, programs and services. The mix of staff and residents also contributes greatly to the “personality” of each

place. That’s why it’s important to look beyond the physical structure and spend the necessary time to ask questions, talk with people and generally sample the product. The Ontario Residential Care Association (ORCA) is the self governing body of retirement residences in Ontario. Their website has excellent information and shopping tools to help you be more prepared when touring the retirement residences in your area.

Residents enjoy the companionship of others who share their memories of yesterday and their interest of today. The variety of activities and outings available provide each resident with the fulfilment they deserve. They have the choice to participate as much or as little as they want. Amenities found to support programs are: equipped exercise rooms, movie theatres, library and internet, bistros, spa rooms, salon services, country kitchens, games rooms, bar services.

For more information on choosing a retirement residence, please go to www.thesilverpages.ca and click on the “Retirement Communities” icon found in the menu bar on the home page.

Is retirement living right for you?

lifestyle

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There may come a time when the most appropriate care for a loved one is in a nursing home or long term care facility. Provincial regulations will determine the exact procedure, but as a caregiver you will want to ask questions which will help you in your choice. Some of the questions include:

Is the location suitable to all concerned?•Is the home licensed?•What provisions are there to prevent •accidents as in lighting, handrails, condition of floors, and width of hallways?Does cleanliness appear to be the rule of •thumb? Is it free of unpleasant odors?What is your impression on entering •the lobby? Do you feel welcome? Is the

furniture attractive? Presence of plants?Is the dining room attractive? Is the food •nutritious and attractively served? Is there help for those who need it?What is the level of cleanliness in the •kitchen? Is a dietician available? How is garbage handled? What activities are available for residents? •What provision is there for religious services?Does there seem to be sufficient staff? •What is their attitude toward residents and toward each other?Are rooms bright and well ventilated?•

This is not an all inclusive list, but perhaps it will help as you research the options available.

For a more detailed list, please visit www.thesilverpages.ca and click on “Retirement Communities” icon in the menu bar of the home page.

When Living at Home is No Longer an Option...................................

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lifestyle

The thing my wife enjoys about Curves is that when you join, you join a community. Friendships are formed and social activities outside of Curves become more frequent. Curves even gets involved with fundraisers servicing St. Catharines. Things like the

Big Bike Ride, Christmas Toys for Kids and Breast Cancer to name a few.

She also likes Curves’ workout. Curves 30-minute circuit works every major muscle group 2 muscles at a time, so you can burn up to 500 calories in one workout. The complete 30-minute fitness program combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. It is comparable to pushing water in a pool. No load bearing activities, no extra stress on your joints. All at each individual’s own fitness level.

The Curves program comprises a circuit of hydraulic machines alternating the use of the upper and lower body. The program starts with a warm up and then each machine is designed to be worked as hard as you can, (similar to 30 seconds of sprinting, this is the strength training part) followed by 30 seconds of recovery on a recovery board. Twice around the circuit, your heart rate will be elevated, circuit coaches are available for support, encouragement and celebration, a cool down and stretching and you are done.

The Curves program is flexible for all fitness levels. It is quick and efficient for the busy professional woman on the go, and easy and supportive for those who have never been to a gym. And, you are building muscle tissue through strength training. Strong muscles to support aging arthritic joints, lift those grandchildren or carry in that bag of groceries. Did you know that if you replaced one pound of body fat with one pound of muscle tissue that you would burn 250 more calories in a day not even moving. That’s right, muscle burns calories. Also, each hour of exercise extends life expectancy by two (Harvard Alumni Study). A 200 percent payback on your time invested.

In addition to exercise, Curves teaches you to eat properly. The Curves diet is not about deprivation. Many women have a list of diets they’ve tried over the years and the one thing all these diets have in common is that they often fail. Why? They leave you hungry and deprived, and they slow your metabolism, setting you up for a never-ending cycle of yo-yo dieting. The Curves Weight Management Plan changes all that within the same supportive environment that has always been a part of Curves. Finally, a Health Club that combines fitness, nutrition and ongoing support. All at one facility.

You are welcome to visit Curves at 274 Fourth Ave., in St. Catharines. Come and try it out for a FREE visit or two before joining. Just to make sure it’s right for you. Call Debbie Stafford at 905.688.0606 for more information.

Join the Curves’ Community

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lifestyle

I took my children to the Agricultural Museum at Peach Country Farm Market in Vineland this past week. There is a lot of fascinating information in the museum. For instance, did

you know that the peach was first cultivated in China about 2,400 years ago? It was transported along the “silk” route to Persia. Next it made its way to Rome. From there it was imported to all parts of the world. Seventy countries in total.

Around 1776, the peach came to Niagara where it became immensely popular.

My family was surprised to discover we were standing on the Iroquois Plain. It was once covered by Lake Ontario. The wave action deposited the sandy,

gravelly soil when the lake receded thousands of years ago. This is the type of soil that tender fruit trees love and can’t be found anywhere else in Canada. This unique soil, combined with the talents

A Peach of a Place of the dedicated farmers of the Niagara Region, produce the most wonderful fruit such as peaches, cherries, apricots, nectarines and plums.

Again it brought back to mind how the agriculture industry has changed in the Niagara Region over the years. I find it sadly ironic that the peach industry is fading. The last canning plant which was in St. David’s is now gone.

What is truly ironic is that the peach has come full circle - with the closing of the Ontario canning factories, most of our canned peaches come from China. Chinese products are capturing the lion’s share of the market which is forcing the local producers with the best products out of business.

I am dismayed with how things are turning around and I’m very concerned for my children and grandchildren and what will happen if governments continue to turn a blind eye to the situation. Less than one percent of our population in Niagara are farmers. It won’t be long until no one is farming and most fruit and vegetables will be coming from China and other countries. It’s a sad reality that we will all be facing.

Volunteering in the New Millennium Jane Bradley

by John Bauslaugh

lifestyle

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According to my ancient and much thumbed Concise Oxford Dictionary, a volunteer is defined as “A sponta-neous undertaker of task.” People who want to volunteer seek out an agency or organization that offers a service that fits with their interests, skills and values. They are able to give of their time, usually in very specific ways that enhance the operations of the agency. Until recently, it would not have been unusual for volunteers to be welcomed warmly by their agency of choice, and put to work. There was no screening process, and no formal training. It was assumed that anyone who wanted to volunteer had the very best intentions, all the skills required and no criminal record. How different it is today! In order to be accepted as a volunteer for any organization that offers services to vulnerable clientele, all applicants (yes, you must now apply to volunteer) will be thoroughly screened, subjected to a police check, and required to attend rigorous training programs. Even if volunteer trainees pass all screening criteria, input maybe limited to specific duties if there is any concern about your ability to respond appropriately to situations you may encounter as a volunteer. So much for being a “spontaneous undertaker of task.” And yet, volunteers are needed more than ever. Restructuring of what used to be long term, core funding for not-for-profit agencies puts an enormous burden on executive directors to secure funding for ongoing operations. Competition for ever decreasing dollars is stiff and frontline staff has to account for every moment of client contact in order to justify future funding. Doing more with less is a common mantra these days. All the more reason for you to make a firm commitment to your community and volunteer. Volunteer training has become sophisticated and thorough. You will acquire skills and awareness and meet like minded individuals from a variety of backgrounds.

In addition to recognizing the need for volunteer training, agencies also recognize the importance of providing support for their volunteers. You can expect regular check-ins, debriefings, and volunteer appreciation events. These support systems are in place build resilience in volunteers who are so essential to the team of service providers. The “spontaneous” or free offering of service demonstrated by a volunteer caregiver reduces the risk of compas-sion fatigue compared to paid or family caregivers. Volunteers have the choice of services they engage in and can opt out without loss of income or relationship. In short, the freedom to choose afforded to volunteers actually increases their resilience and reduces the risk of service exhaustion. Perhaps the idea of providing direct service to a client does not appeal to you. Or perhaps your schedule and lifestyle does not allow for the ongoing requirements of regular shifts, committees or Board Directorship. And yet, you still want to volunteer. Are you a retired executive? Why not get involved with an organization that is pursuing strategic planning, devel-oping business plans, or rebranding? These plans are time sensitive and have a start-finish time frame. Your exper-tise is in great demand these days. Fundraising projects have a clear time frame. It is not unusual for full time staff to add fundraising to their workload, and you can alleviate that burden as well as raising funds for a cause you support.

Volunteering in the New Millennium Jane Bradley

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Team Winter Club 72nd Season Underway

Winner of Reader’s Choice Award for 12th Year Straight

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lifestyle

Figure skating has evolved since 1939. Skaters have taken the sport to new heights and

brought it to the hearts and homes of Canadians. Many skaters have captured our attention since the days of Barbara Ann Scott (King) in the 1940’s.

The Winter Club of St. Catharines, also referred to as Team Winter Club, has seen hundreds of members skate across its icy surface since 1939. There have been great coaches and competitive skaters who have come from the Winter Club, including Kirsten Moore Towers, whom we all look forward to watching in the upcoming season.

The Winter Club is conveniently located at the Seymour Hannah Sportsplex, at 240 St Paul St. W, in St. Catharines. The club is a staple in the Niagara community, providing skating instruction to people of all ages through its exceptional programming, sanctioned by Skate Canada for the past 72 years. A skater may be a tiny toddler putting on skates for the first time needing a hand to hold, an adult staying fit and active through a life-long passion for skating, a Canskater with dreams of becoming a hockey super star, or that little figure skater watching the “big girls” hoping to be gracefully gliding across the icy like them one day. Regardless of the goals of the skater, the Winter Club is the place to foster those dreams.

The Winter Club offers two Learn to Skate Programs for children. The Parent and Tot Program provides instruction to the preschool child with the parent on the ice to help the child begin to skate indepen-dently. The larger Canskate Program provides instruction to school aged children to foster the development of sound skating skills. The fundamen-tals taught in this program form the basis of the skills required for hockey,


ringette and figure skating. Hockey coaches have commented to Winter Club members that children who have participated in the Skate Canada Canskate Program have an advantage as they enter the sport.

We also offer a Starskate Program to children who have an interest in learning to figure skate. Fundamentals of skills, free skate and dance are taught in this program.

The Winter Club offers several sessions through the week for figure skaters of various ages. There are low sessions for younger, less advanced skaters and high sessions for older more advanced skaters. The Club welcomes guest skaters and their coaches from Skating Clubs around the region on our various sessions throughout the season. We offer a friendly, welcoming environ-ment for skaters to learn and prac-tice.

In addition to children’s skating programs, the Winter Club offers an Adult skating program. Adult skaters of varying abilities can come and practice. Some adults come to learn to skate while others practice skills, dances or free skate and go to competitions. There is coaching staff on the ice to assist skaters at every level.

The Winter Club is entering its third season with their Innovation Synchronized Skating Teams. There are two Adult teams and one Intermediate team. The Innovation teams had a very successful season last year. The Adult 1 Team won a third place National medal, the Adult 11 team was ranked 11th and the Intermediate team was the 9th ranked team in Canada.

The success of all of our skaters across the various programs is largely due to a very dedicated, highly quali-

fied coaching staff. In addition, to the Canskate certified level coaches, the club also has Level two through Level 4, Level 5 being the highest level of coaching certification. The coaches at our club foster a supportive learning environment. They encourage skaters to set goals for themselves and use their coaching expertise to facilitate achievement in skaters.

The coaches are led by the Winter Club Manager of Skating Operations, Ron Shaver, who is a 1977 Canadian Men’s Champion and competed in the 1976 Winter Olympics. Shaver also competed in five World Championships and always placed in the top ten. He has skated with the Ice Capades and taught in Atlanta, Hamilton and Houston, Texas. He completed his competitive career by winning a world professional champi-onship in 1981.

The Winter Club is now accepting registrations for the upcoming season. We are offering a new four week session in September for our Learn to Skate Programs. Our regular season for Learn to Skate Programs will start October 12. There will be a registration session on Sept. 21 at the Seymour Hannah Sportsplex from 5:30-7:00 pm for

our regular season Learn to Skate Programs.

Please visit our website, www.skatewc.org, for registration forms, dates, schedules and contact informa-tion. Don’t forget to check out our new Team Winter Club Facebook page as well for information and upcoming events.


As a program assistant, Charlie Riches has been teaching children to skate in the Canskate program at the Winter Club of St Catharines for the past 26 years. Charlie’s daughter Jennifer was involved in the Winter Club for 12 years. After watching her progress from the Canskate level to the senior level, Charlie wanted to give something back to the sport. He finds watching children progress from the parent-tot program where they have trouble just standing on skates, to the point where they can execute turns, jumps and stops to be very rewarding. After the Canskate program some of the children move up to higher levels at the Winter Club. It is at these levels that they go into competitions against skaters from other skating clubs both local and provincial. Some of the children decide that they want to play hockey. Regardless of what direction they take, the skating skills they learn from the skating coaches and program assistants like Charlie at the Winter Club are a great start in their skating careers.

Charlie Riches

lifestyle

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As a Prayers in Motion Yoga & Nordic Walking instructor, I often see the benefits of stretching

and physical activity. I also visit my chiropractors regularly and value the importance of maintaining correct alignment. I wanted a deeper understanding about the connection between regular stretching and chiropractic care so I spent some time exploring this question.

I regularly see Dr. Paul Rego and his wife, Indira Pillay-Rego who began their practice in 1999 in Beamsville. In 2001, they moved to St. Catharines and have a private clinic called Martindale Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic. My first appointment involved a screening which showed me on a computer printout where I had

tension in my spine. By doing a full assessment, the chiropractors look at each client individually and see how the nervous system is functioning. A multi-disciplinary approach means that they can address issues in a variety of ways – including adjustments, Graston (a deep tissue massage with special tools), nutrition, acupuncture as well as referrals.

When I questioned Dr. Indira about the importance of stretching, she explained the transition from passive care to active care. Clients need to make conscious choices and approach their health in a preventative manner. This is a life long journey of taking care of oneself. Yoga can be done at any age and ability. It is essential that people stabalize and lengthen their muscles. Stretching

promotes new neurological and musculoskeletal pathways. This is particularly important for the lower back. I noticed that for disc injuries, rehabilitation exercises actually include the yoga pose cobra. Yoga and chiropractic care emphasize a whole body approach.

As a result, they have noticed improvements with headaches, shoulder injuries, back pain, knees, pregnancy, etc. In particular, lower back pain is significantly reduced and often eliminated. I have noticed significant improvement in my lower back pain as well as shoulders. As Indira points out, “It would be egotistical of us to think we are the only ones who can help.”

Chiropractic Care & Yoga Stretches

Louisa Phillips

Both Dr. Paul and Dr. Indira have seen a difference on many levels in their clients who have this life style. First, their confidence increases as they become aware of how their choices influence their health. In addition, these clients tend to go through adjustments easier and have a greater ability to maintain their adjustments. I personally find that I am able to wait longer than other people before returning for adjustments.

I was impressed with their humility and attitude about working with other professionals. I agree that stretching consistently and having regular chiropractic adjustments work well together.

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open

financial

A few years ago I was speaking with a senior execu-tive at a major mutual fund company about RRSPs as a retirement strategy.

I asked her what she thought was the percentage of people who, upon doing their annual investment into their RRSP, take their tax refund and invest that as well.

Her response was startling. She figured 80 percent and more do not reinvest the refund.

- we did, at the time, the thing that was most important in our lives.

That very typical example is good evidence about the importance of having a financial planner who is alert to such situations and has a good sense of the longer term tax impact of your money spending decisions.

Anybody can sell you an invest-ment for your RRSP. A good planner sells you a plan that

We agreed that when that tax refund comes in it is seen almost as free money and since that happens in march - just when the winter blahs hit Canadians – it makes us prey to the slick advertising promoting getaways to sunny destinations.

Some of us have found some new money for the kids ortho-dontist or important but deferred work on the family car.No need to beat ourselves up on not reinvesting the tax refund.

Getting the Feds to Pay for Your Trip to Cancun

takes into consideration Cancun or the orthodontist.

For years your humble scribe here has warned of the dangers of RRSP investing because you are putting your financial future into the highest income tax category existing today. All you have to do for evidence of poor retirement planning is hear your friends rail on about the tax they must now pay when drawing on their RRSP or RRIFs.

Had they put that refund back into even the same investment, but outside of their RRSP, they would be taking income taxed at half their RRSP income

That will only happen if you have a plan

If you are stuck in the RRSP trap ask your planner to show you what an RRSP meltdown would look like. It’s possible you can cut your income taxes in half and have some money to revisit Cancun.

Heck, you might even run into the kids’ old orthodontist pool-side!

There are many myths out there - the RRSP as a retire-ment strategy surely is one of them.

Alex McKee is owner of McKee Wealth Management and the financialplan.ca. He is a specialist in retirement planning and long term care and is the former host of “Business Tips” on CFRB Newstalk 1010, and the author of “Profit.”

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healthy living

MARKET PLACE

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Mighty Movers Make for Stress Free MovingKaren Moncur

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As most people know, moving can be one of the more stressful events in one’s lifetime.

Deciding what to keep and what to get rid of, the packing, taking furniture apart and of course, the emotional difficulty of leaving someplace chock-full of memories. Add to the mix movers who treat their clients with casual indifference and the entire experience can be an absolute nightmare, especially for seniors.

However, here in Niagara, there is a company that understands all of this and strives to offer a service that takes the hassle out

financial

Mighty Movers Make for Stress Free MovingKaren Moncur

of moving. Mighty Movers, based in St. Catharines, is a family owned busi-ness oper-ated for the last eight years by Paul and Michelle Pepe. They take a caring, personal approach to what they do and treat their clients the way they would want to be treated themselves.

“Paul is the difference”, said Michelle. “He’s very people and family

oriented and takes as good care of our clients as he would his own parents or grandparents.”

In fact, Michelle said for seniors making a transitional move, “we almost become a part of the family, because we take the time to make sure the move is as pain-less as possible.”

Many times, customer’s children have taken the time to thank them for how well their parents were looked after during the move.

“For grown children who no longer live near their parents, it’s a comfort to them to know we will treat their parents

with dignity and kindness”, said Michelle.

It’s the little extras that also make Mighty Movers a good choice for senior citizens who are on the move. The Pepe’s will take the time to sit down with the client first and find out exactly what the situation is - it could be a couple who want to move from the family home into an apartment that’s easier to main-tain, or perhaps they’re moving to another city to be closer to their children and grandchildren, or it could be someone who has recently lost a spouse. All of these situations can produce anxiety and must be handled with sensitivity and consideration. If someone needs their bed taken apart, Mighty Movers will do that at no extra charge. Michelle says the key is to listen to the customer’s needs and ensure that nothing is left to chance.

Mighty Movers does not take a “one size fits all” kind of approach to its customers, each job is taken individually and the service tailored to meet the client’s needs. There are no surprise “add-ons”. The cost that is quoted is the price that will be charged and that’s “extremely important” to seniors on fixed incomes explained Michelle.

Changing homes is a natural part of living in our modern world and, as with most life changes, it comes with a mixture of sadness and anticipation. A smooth, worry-free move experience can help make all the difference in how a person views this next phase of their life and in Mighty Movers’ hands, you can be certain the move will be a pleasant one.

Just Ask BobDear Bob:Q: I have been getting various quotes on having vinyl siding installed on my home and no one seems to want to install it using screws as opposed to nails. Bob, aren’t screws much better than nails?-Anna-Stoney Creek, Ontario

A: You are absolutely right! Nails cannot even compare to screws for fastening just about any building product, especially vinyl siding. Screws will make for a much stronger installation over nails. Simply tell the contractor that using screws is a prerequisite to being awarded the job and then get it in writing! Simply have the mandatory use of screws entered into the job description area of the contract and if the contractor refuses to then simply look for another one.

Dear Bob:Q: I am an elderly homeowner who is having contractors knock at my door offering to work on my home because they are in the neighbourhood. My chimney is in need of repair and I did give one contractor a $500 cash deposit and he has never returned to start the work. Sadly, as my daughter reminds me every day, I have been taken for a ride. Bob, why do these contractors keep coming by all the time, and is there somewhere I can call to check them out?-Andrew-Hamilton, Ontario

A: If a contractor knocks at your door and uses the old line of “we happen to be in the neighbourhood today,” simply shut the door and do not even consider hiring them! That is my simple answer. Before hiring anyone to work on your home, call your local municipalities licensing and building department and ask what credentials these contractors need.

To learn more about “door to door” fraud against seniors, please watch my television special interview titled “Scamming Seniors” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aV4YcoTW5L4

To learn more about Just Ask Bob’s, Bobby Assadourian, visit www.justaskbob.com.

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46 THE SILVER PAGES

A Thirst for Knowledge

To learn about wine, writer Alexis Lichine observed that “there’s no substitute for popping corks.” That

could be said of any drink—even those with screw-caps. And while nothing replaces tasting these drinks,

you can deepen your understanding by reading about them. Where to start depends on your goal.

Some people want practical advice on which drinks to buy or on the basics of tasting itself. Others enjoy

travel guides, drinking memoirs or producers’ biog-raphies. Some of my favourite “drink books” are not

even specifically about drink, but include it as part of a memorable passage: the mature claret in Brideshead Revis-

ited, the gimlets in The Big Sleep and the frothy pub beer in Oliver Twist. This article will give mini-reviews of 15-20

wine books. The article can be themed as a gift-giving guide for the holiday, as a summer vacation reading list or a piece that can

run any time.

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Point, Click and Sip Not even Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, could keep track of the millions of bottles on the market today—let alone their prices, tasting notes and food pairings. No other product, except perhaps for books, has such a continuous stream of renewal. But even books, once published, are fixed for good. Peter Mayle’s A Good Year about a winery in southern

France , for instance, hasn’t changed since the original edition; but the 2000 Château Mouton-Rothschild

will be vastly different from the 1999 vintage. That’s why wine and the web go together like Stilton and port.

Not only can you locate retailers of rare wines online, but you can also find out what that old bottle in your cellar is

worth; plan your wine country vacation; find a dream job in the wine industry; or even meet the love of your life. Type the

word “wine” into a search engine and some thirty million results will appear. How do you choose from that ocean of vinous bytes?

Well, we’ve done the work for you: here are our top picks for the best wine sites.

Learning About Wine Natalie MacLean

47THE SILVER PAGES

The Thanksgiving TreeBy Leon I. Gilner

They all grasped hands and formed a circle around the thickened old tree with

roots, as they had done before and many would do later with heads bowed down looking at shoes and old boots.

And the young and the old were quiet and still, as the elders had taught them of old, and they waited until the ground and the sky cleared the air as once they had beentold.

And Mrs. Parsons, whose husband Dave had been the last to go- was given the right, and turned on the light to make the tree lights begin to glow.

It was the town ritual of fifty-four years and all stood tall and still and only Thelma Peak, because her legs were so weak would dare sit till the ritual was fulfilled.

Past fifty-four years in the old Talbot mine, when every single miner was working; long past overtime-- a tunnel collapsed, and sealed the fate, crushed all the exits, and each man

died late when no tunnel could save the Talbot seventy-eight. When allwere gone but two, Dave Parsons and Sam Begrew, they wrote a note on paper as they cried aloud and thanked the Lord for the families and friends and all the town they all knew and prayed they’d be remembered as kind, gentle, and proud.

It took two weeks to get them all out and they were buried in a place with coal all about. It was only right and proper since they were miners inside and out.

The town that was left was small and quite weak since every father, uncle, and older brother was just a buried body in a grave six feet deep. And the folks that were left, so stunned and outraged, were desperate to remem-ber each one regardless of job,demeanor, or age.

Battles were fought over memori-als and plaques, over parades, and pensions, over speeches and over sculptures, paintings, and even over tours of the mine using trains with special tracks. But all of the meetings and ranting and screams led to

nothing--no building, no sculpture, no--not even a dream of a dream.Finally, Lester Pepper, the son of Charlie R, the Chief of the squad and the true leader of the work force (now dead) by far—remembered the oak tree planted by Max Peet, the founder of the town and the man after whom the main street wasnamed Peet Street. That tiny little twig, a sapling once planted--now a hundred and a half a hundred and a giant oak that nothing surmounted. And Lester recalled as a child be-guiled, with his buddies and friends encircling the tree, making a chainaround it and praying those words taught to him by his mother when he was barely three.

And so he called a meeting of the entire town, and told them of his idea and in the town records, had it recorded and had it set it down. That once a year, on Thanksgiving Day, the town survivors, would all join hands around the tree and take five minutes to pray. Within the Courthouse, the young and the old ones were surrounded by light. They smiled and they nodded and knew that he had got it just right.

And so each Thanksgiving, the sons and the daughters, and the wives and the aunts, the uncles and the cousins and the grandmas and granddads, all grasp their hands— the ring has grown each year—and bow their heads for a brief moment to shed atear. But the moment is quick and then quickly follows the prayer taught by each partner and parent to the child and fondest most dear; “Oh Lord, let us not forget, and always recall, that despite all the hurt, you are the greatest joy of all.”

Then all of the folks, the town mem-bers great and small, assemble on the green for a Thanksgiving feast--the grandest of all. And all who lost their lives those many years ago, serve up the food, it is said with cheers, smiles, and a gratitude only they can know.

Yes, it’s just a story, but the tradition lives on and we celebrated it last week when mom and me came down from the farm. And we joined all our friends for our Thanksgiving prayer, then feasted and thanked the Lord for another blessed, loving,heartwarming good year.

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48 THE SILVER PAGES

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