INSPIRED senior living magazine
JUNE 2018
MEDIA MOGUL PETER LEGGE
PROLIFIC ARTIST DARLENE MARZARI WELCOMES EACH DAY AS A GIFT FULFILLING A DREAM LATER IN LIFE BIRDWATCHING HOBBY SOARS
SOLO KAYAKER WENDY KILLORAN FINDS STRENGTH AND SOLACE ON THE WATER HELI-HIKING IN THE ROCKIES OFFERS VISITORS AN ESCAPE LIKE NO OTHER MAGICAL MYSTICAL MYANMAR
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Peter Legge: Empire Builder by John Thomson Tasmania’s Poor Devils by John Thomson Heli-hiking in the Rockies by Kate Robertson Freedom & Fairy Tales by Alan G. Luke & Jacquie D. Durand Connected to the Sea by John Thomson Magical Mystical Myanmar by Irene Butler Gardening: Fairy Gardens by Nancy J. Schaaf
FOREVER FIT 17 MAKEOVER 22 REBOOT 23 FAMILY CAREGIVER 26 MARKETPLACE 27 COURAGEOUS & OUTRAGEOUS
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INSPIRED senior living magazine
Cover PETER LEGGE Media mogul, family man and member of the Order of British Columbia, Peter Legge is busier now than he’s ever been. Photo by Tom Gould 4 2
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The Legge Family Photo: Kent Kallberg
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INSPIRED Senior Living, a proud member of
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Publisher Barbara Risto Managing Editor Bobbie Jo Reid editor@seniorlivingmag.com Office Assistant Shannon Nichols 250-479-4705 office@seniorlivingmag.com Advertising Sales Team Ann Lester 250-616-2906 | Kathie Wagner 250-479-4705 x 103 Head Office 3354 Tennyson Ave., Victoria, BC V8Z 3P6 | 250-479-4705 Subscriptions (12 issues): $33.60 includes GST, S&H. Canadian residents only. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. INSPIRED Senior Living is an independent publication and its articles imply no endorsement of any products or services. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for compliance with all copyright laws related to materials they submit for publication. INSPIRED Senior Living is distributed free throughout British Columbia by Stratis Publishing Ltd. 12 issues per year. ISSN 2370-3881 (Print) ISSN 1911-6403 (Online)
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To Move or Not to Move? A Guide for Seniors Considering Their Residential Options
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For some, the right decision might be to stay right where downsize your possessions you are, but and look at acquiring support services to fill whatever need arises — such as help with shopping, meals, household chores, preparing personal care, or getting around. Others may determine the responsibility of looking after their current residence is too great and they would like to move to a place where they still have a high degree of independenc e but access to staff to take care of the things that are proving to be a bit of a headache. There are also those whose health and safety is enough of a concern to them that they want to live in a place with all the supports and services necessary to give them the peace of mind they are currently lacking.
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To Move or Not to Move?
A Helpful Guide for Seniors Considering Their Reside ntial Options
British Columbia edition
INSP IRED senior living magazine
For some the right decision might be to stay right where you are, but for others it may be time to consider other options. This book outlines many of the opportunities, the pros and cons of the various types of housing and offers resources to investigate further. For seniors, or families of seniors, this book is the ideal place to start asking the questions and discovering the answers. NAME___________________________________________________________ ADDRESS_________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ PHONE _________________________
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Peter Legge in his Vancouver office. Photo: Tom Gould
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PETER LEGGE: EMPIRE BUILDER by JOHN THOMSON If you watch TV and purchase TV Week to check the listings – and 30,000 people do – you’ve met Peter Legge or at least one of his publications. TV Week is one of 30 print and digital properties that make up Canada Wide Media, Peter’s multi-dimensional behemoth that includes BC Business, Award, Real Weddings and BC Living, plus a slew of trade publications. Recipient of two honorary degrees, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Order of British Columbia, Peter Legge has come a long way since the company’s inception in 1976. Not bad for a guy who, as a young man, contemplated a career as a stand-up comedian. “I think I was destined somehow to be a speaker when I came to Canada,” says the buoyant raconteur who arrived in Canada with his parents at age 12. To date, Peter has delivered over 5,000 motivational speeches to service clubs, corporations and institutions, about 100 a year when he was younger, he says. Now it’s 40 to 50. “Where that comes from and why, I don’t know, but I love it.” Peter’s family left England in 1954 and settled in New Westminster, near Vancouver. The young Englishman entertained his schoolmates with jokes and stories and, for a short period of time, became a sports reporter at The Columbian newspaper before moving on to radio station
CJOR, where he sold advertising. Sales people, he was told, made more money than reporters. The transition was a nobrainer. Peter continues the story. “The sales manager at CJOR said I’m going to give you the Fields account and the guy you’re going to see is Joe Segal. I was 19. Better do your homework or he’ll eat you alive. So, I went down to his office on West Hastings and [Joe] said what do you have for me today? And I immediately went into the value of CJOR. He said no, not going to buy that. Come back and see me next month. So, I came back the next month and I do the same thing. No, not going to buy that. He made me do that for six months. So, at the end of the six months I said, Joe, you’ve said I’m a pretty good salesman, you’ve invited me back, but you haven’t bought a thing. Can you tell me why? Ah, he said, you haven’t once asked me what my needs are. You’ve just tried to sell me what you’ve got. You haven’t been interested in me. That changed my sales career right then and there.” “That’s dead on,” confirms Vancouver entrepreneur Joe Segal. “He was a great salesman and I liked him.” But first, the young salesman had to learn a lesson – and the lesson was to listen to what the client wants. Lesson learned, Peter moonlighted as a comedian on the weekends. “I was doing a gig at the Marine Drive golf course and sit-
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Snapshot with Peter Legge
If you were to meet your 20-year-old self, what advice would you give him? “I probably would say get your focus off yourself. It’s not about you, it’s about others. What can you do for other people, other organizations, other charities. What can you do for them? I came to that later in life than I should have, and I realized that really is the secret to being successful. What can I do for you?” Who or what has influenced you the most? And why? “Next to my parents, the most influential man has been Joe Segal. The Joe Segals and the Jimmy Pattisons of this world do exactly what they say they’re going to do. You know that, and you can count on it.” What does courage mean to you? “It’s being willing to step out of your comfort zone and being willing to risk maybe a little more than you should. Earlier in my life, I think I took a lot of chances, but I should have taken bigger chances.” What does success mean to you? “I want my wife, my three grown adult kids and my seven grandkids to respect me and love me for who I am. Having people admire and respect you, that’s success. Being married to this wonderful woman, who probably should have dumped me years ago but didn’t and found something in me, that’s success.”
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ting in the audience was a P&O Steamship cruise director. He came up to me and he said have you ever done a cruise ship and I said no. Do you want to do one? I said yeah. He said, where do you want to go? I said, I don’t care. He said, okay, you’re going on the Oriana and you’re going to England.” It was a sweetheart deal. Peter slept and dined in First Class, but he was also required to visit the tourist bar once a day to meet and greet the passengers. “So, I sat with a group of people and there was this lady sitting across from me and I don’t know what happened, but I thought there’s something going on here. I spent the voyage getting to know her and I discovered she was engaged to a guy in London. I said to her you’re not marrying him. I said, you’re marrying me and, eight months, later Kay and I got married. It was the furthest thing from my mind. I was going to England, and getting married wasn’t on my radar screen until I met her. This year, we celebrate our 50th anniversary.” England was a homecoming of sorts. Peter hosted and co-wrote a nine-week Laugh-In-style BBC variety series called Don’t Ask Us We’re New Here. It drew nine million viewers a week and, while it was popular, it didn’t fulfill his goals. “I thought it would be my pathway to get into the nightclubs and other things, but it didn’t happen, so I said to Kay, I think I need to go back to Canada.” He returned to Canada and radio and, as luck would have it, a new career. “I was working at the radio station as the general sales manager in Langley and I got fired. It’s never an exciting position to be in, so I said to myself, I need to get into something where I can’t be fired by somebody else. I need to be my own boss.” It was the birth of Canada Wide. “I heard about this magazine called Al Davidson’s This Week. He left the printer with a $73,000 unpaid bill. So, I went to them and I said I’ll guarantee you that $73,000 and I’ll pay you back in the WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM
next couple of years. [Al] said, what do you want? I said, I want the magazine. I didn’t have 73 cents much less 73,000 bucks, so I shined my shoes, put on a clean shirt and tie and, 43 years later, I’m still in it.” Peter changed the format to a television listing service and re-named it TV Week. A year later, he paid off the $73,000 loan and partnered with ubersalesman Neil Soper to turn it into a perpetual money maker. “Forty-three years later, it’s still our most profitable magazine,” he says. In 1985, the duo expanded into specialty magazines, employing a formula that has become the Canada Wide hallmark – target a specific sector of the economy and pursue content and advertising relevant to that sector. First up, Westworld. Until then, Canada’s four western auto clubs had published their magazines separately; Peter and Neil convinced them to publish their magazines under the Westworld banner and one rate card. Next, he bought BC Business from Jimmy Pattison. “I knew Jimmy and I said, we haven’t got the purchase price of 2.8 million dollars, but we’ll do it this way. I gave him a deposit and I negotiated an interest-free payback over two or three years. I said, this could be the worst decision in my life, Jimmy, but I absolutely guarantee I’ll pay you and he
Peter and Kay celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year. Photo: Kent Kallberg
said, good enough. Sold.” Expansion followed. Award speaks to the architecture and design community; Real Weddings deals with bridal issues; and BC Living focuses on fashion and food. Neil Soper eventually sold his shares back to Peter and today Canada-Wide is 100 per cent family owned. Eldest daughter, Samantha, is the President, while middle daughter, Rebecca, is Vice-President of Sales. Youngest daughter, Amanda, is not affiliated with the business; she’s a school teacher. And while Peter has divested himself from daily operations, as CEO, he chairs a policy and strategy meeting once a week. Discussions continue around the dinner table when his kids come over to the family home once a month. “Let’s say dinner’s at four. Everyone gets there at three. [Kay] will say, you guys can talk business until four or fourfifteen, then it’s done. Otherwise, we’d talk business all night.” At 75, he’s busier than ever. “It’s probably gotten heavier,” Peter says of his increased work load. “For my wife’s sake, I can’t spend all day at home with her. We can’t play golf every day. I do a lot of community work. I still do a lot of speaking. I do a lot of emcee work. I love visibility things that get me inside companies that a normal person could not get into.” He likes people and enjoys sharing his knowledge. He’s written 20 books, most of them on business strategy, and he continues to ply the speaking circuit, having been inducted into the Speakers Hall of Fame in both Canada and the United States. His current presentation is called Good is the Enemy of Great, a primer on attaining perfection rather than settling for mediocrity. He’s also a generous philanthropist, raising millions for charities and the Variety Club, in particular. “I’ve been doing the Telethon for over 40 years,” he says of his hosting duties. He also emcees for other fundraisers. “And then the Salvation Army. I do a lot for the Salvation Army.” As for the future of Canada Wide, the company has expanded into digital – “it’s probably about 25 per cent of our business today,” says Peter – and a first for the publishing giant, using their magazine, BC Living, to sell a box of products directly to the consumer. “Instead of subscribing to a magazine, you’re subscribing to a box and inside this box are high-quality gifts. It’s doing over a million dollars a year in its first year,” he says proudly. As for his business philosophy, Peter takes a simple and direct approach. “Never lie, cheat or steal, ever. “And honesty. That is one of the greatest secrets of success that people seem to miss. Your word has to be your bond. Whatever you say you’re going to do, you have to do it.” When asked if he thinks he’s out of step with the Art of the
Deal and its ugly winner-take-all philosophy these days, Peter replies unapologetically, “I don’t think so, I hope not. It works for me and it works for this organization.” It’s a position he adopted after attending an extra-curricular activity in high school. “We were shown a film of Young Life clubs in the United States,” he says of that fateful screening in the 1950s. Young Life was an American Christian organization that was expanding into Canada and it had acquired property inside BC’s Sunshine Coast. “It seemed to us 16-year-old kids there would be lots of fun and excitement and swimming and camping and all sorts of stuff. So, that was the attraction.” Peter attended the camp and, although he admits he drifted away from Young Life’s Christian tenets, he returned to the fold when he came back to Canada with Kay.
Peter was a guest speaker at the Canadian Citizenship Ceremony in Surrey, recently, where he was reaffirmed by his good friend Judge Gerald Pash. Photo: Tom Gould
“I recommitted my life to Christ and got re-involved with Young Life, first on their Board and then I became a speaker at the camp.” How important is his faith? Very. “About 30 years ago, my wife and I went to this church in Scottsdale, Arizona,” continues Peter, “and the pastor’s opening comment changed my life. He said show me your life redeemed and we’ll never have to argue about the Redeemer. So, don’t tell me you’re a Christian, just show me. So, that’s what I try to do. If I make a commitment to you, whatever it is, I will do everything in my power to make sure that commitment is fulfilled. That’s how I live my life as best I can.” “Some people go through life and they don’t give a damn about anybody else,” says Joe Segal. “Other people go through life and they always care about the other individual, and when you care about someone else, you care about how you treat them and how they react. Peter’s the kind of guy that wants to be loved by everyone and is loved by everyone because he is so giving. He’s an honest, sincere guy.” |
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TASMANIA’S POOR DEVILS by JOHN THOMSON My wife and I are in downtown Hobart standing in front of the wooden hut that once housed Australian explorer Douglas Mawson and his Australasian Antarctic Expedition of 1912. (The hut is a replica. The original is still encased in ice and snow). Charged with mapping the northern part of the Antarctic continent, Mawson survived the elements – it killed two of his crew – and he returned to Australia a hero, lauded like his contemporary Ernest Shackleton, for his courage and endurance. Kitchen utensils, outdoor gear and an old gramophone crowd the interior living space and I can visualize the team huddled together trying to survive. I feel humbled at our own feeble quest, the search for Sarcophilis Harrisii, otherwise known as the Tasmanian Devil, the pudgy marsupial with a fearsome reputation. It promises to be a simple task since many of the animals are now residing in local nature preserves – a walk in the park compared to slogging across the snow like Mawson’s crew. Overwhelmed with admiration for the Aussie explorers, we leave the replica hut and walk to the harbour from which the Expedition sailed over a hundred years ago. Hobart’s harbour has been gussied up since Mawson’s day. The old stone warehouses that once served the 10 8
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port have been converted into galleries, boutiques and restaurants. The complex is called Salamanca Place. Battery Point, a charming neighbourhood of mansions and bungalows lies immediately above and behind Salamanca. A few cafés and restaurants have moved in, but the area still retains the feel of a cozy English seaside town. The harbour is also a jumping off point for scores of tours, the most popular being a half-hour ferry ride to MONA, the Museum of New and Old Art, 12 kilometres up the coast. The museum is an eclectic collection of sculptures, paintings and crafts buried in a cliff three-storeys deep. We follow each work, its title and its history on a tablet (supplied as part of the admission price) as we navigate the underground labyrinth.
ABOVE | Devil’s Kitchen. RIGHT | Tasmanian devil. PAGE 10 | The bucolic setting of the Bonorong Wildlife Centre. TOC PAGE | Tasman’s Arch. Photos: John Thomson
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The following day, we’re off to see the devils. Or so we think. Our host, my sister, wants us to see those other devils first, those poor souls incarcerated in Tasmania’s famous penal colony, Port Arthur, 125 years ago. Port Arthur is a UNESCO Heritage Site, 60 kilometres southeast of Hobart. En route, we pass through Doo Town – yes, it’s a real place – a community of 30 homes, each one with the word “doo” in the nameplate above the door. Three friends started the trend in 1935, but the tradition lives on. Even newcomers join in. We chuckle as the car passes houses like Doo Drop In, Love Me Doo, Yabba Dabba Doo, Doo Love It and my favourite, Da Doo Ron Ron. Port Arthur beckons. Surrounded by water on three sides, it’s the Tasmanian version of Alcatraz. Back in the mid 1800s, it housed hundreds of men and boys. Women went to a separate facility in Hobart. We start our tour at the Visitors Centre, where we learn about 16-year-old William McColligan, sentenced to seven years for stealing a handkerchief. Older convicts worked in the forest, felling trees, working in the sawmill or in the tannery. McColligan and other boys, nine to 18 years of age, were sent to a special settlement adjacent to the adult prison called Point Puer (pronounced poor), where they went to school and learned a trade. “You’ve got children nine to 18 chained up in a cage in the hold of a ship in the pitch black for up to six months not knowing what’s ahead of them,” says Claire Bond, our friendly and knowledgeable on-site tour guide. Claire paints a picture of the harsh conditions upon arrival – manual labour, sensory deprivation for those older men in solitary confinement and convicts in leg irons weighing up to nine kilograms each. “If they were given a two-year sentence, that’s how long they were in them for. When those chains finally came off, it literally took them weeks to retrain themselves to walk properly,” she says.
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Fortunately, it was a time of reform and the administration, at the time, eased up on cruel punishments. “Compulsory schooling in Australia started at Point Puer. That’s something good that came of it,” says Claire. The facility closed in 1877 and the remaining inmates were transferred to the mainland. Such a terrible place with such beautiful surroundings.
Claim your $100 INSPIRED Membership Credit Our partnership with Collette allows our readers to claim a $100 INSPIRED membership credit when you book a tour with Collette using the code INSPIRED*. Book with your travel agent or call Collette 1-800-468-5955. *Some restrictions apply. Join our monthly INSPIRED Travel E-Newsletter Receive advance notice about special travel deals, upcoming tours hosted by INSPIRED magazine, and more inspiring articles and helpful travel tips. Sign up at www.seniorlivingmag.com/travelnews.
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The next day, we’re driving past poppy fields (Tasmania supplies the pharmaceutical industry) and wellgroomed vineyards. Valleys give way to rolling hills as we approach the Bonorong Wildlife Centre, 29 kilometres north of the capital city. Devils. Finally. The Centre houses scores of orphaned or injured animals. Kangaroos are lazing in an open field, indifferent to the many tourists mingling about. Alissa Bennett, a four-year veteran of the establishment,
leads us to an enclosure and coaxes a devil from its hiding spot. Devils are shy, retiring creatures that feast on carrion as opposed to hunting and attacking prey. Nevertheless, she tells us to remain vigilant and keep our hands to ourselves. “A Tasmanian devil’s jaw strength is about five times the strength of an American pit bull,” she says. “Good for chomping through bone. If you get bitten by them you will definitely lose a finger or a toe. They get their name devil be-
Major university hearing study seeks participants. Connect Hearing, with hearing researcher Professor Kathy Pichora-Fuller at the University of Toronto, seeks participants who are over 50 years of age and have never worn hearing aids for a hearing study investigating factors that can influence better hearing. All participants will have a hearing test provided at no charge. Qualifying participants may also receive a demonstration of the latest hearing technology. The data collected from this study will be used to further our understanding of hearing loss and improve life-changing hearing healthcare across Canada.
Why participate in the hearing study?
Hearing problems typically result from damage to the ear and researchers have spent decades trying to understand the biology behind hearing loss. More importantly, researchers now realize the need to better understand how hearing loss affects your everyday life*. In this new hearing study, Professor Pichora-Fuller and her team are trying to find out how people learn to live with hearing loss and how new solutions could help these people take action sooner and live life more fully.
It is estimated that 46% of people aged 45 to 87 have some degree of hearing loss1, but most do not seek treatment right away. In fact, the average person with hearing loss will wait ten years before seeking help2. This is because at the beginning stages of hearing loss people often find they can “get by” without help, however as the problem worsens this becomes increasingly harder to do. For some people this loss of clarity is only a problem at noisy restaurants or in the car, but for others it makes listening a struggle throughout the entire day. By studying people who have difficulty hearing in noise or with television, we hope to identify key factors impacting these difficulties and further understand their influence on the treatment process.
If you are over 50 years of age and have never worn hearing aids, you can register to be a part of this major new hearing study† by calling: 1.888.242.4892 or visiting connecthearing.ca/hearing-study.
* Pichora-Fuller, M. K. (2016). How social psychological factors may modulate auditory and cognitive functioning during listening. Ear and Hearing, 37, 92S-100S. † Study participants must be over 50 years of age and have never worn hearing aids. No fees and no purchase necessary. Registered under the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC. VAC, WCB accepted. 1. Cruickshanks, K. L., Wiley, T. L., Tweed, T. S., Klein, B. E. K., Klein, R, Mares-Perlman, J. A., & Nondahl, D. M. (1998). Prevalence of Hearing Loss in Older Adults in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin: The Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study. Am. J. Epidemiol. 148 (9), 879-886. 2. National Institutes of Health. (2010).
12 INSPIRED SENIOR LIVING 10 17 MODIFICATION DATE: February 21, 2018 9:14 AM OUTPUT DATE: 02/21/18
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cause of their sound, not because of their demeanour,” she continues. “The devil’s howl is more of a high-pitched screech. When settlers arrived in Tasmania, they heard that screech in the middle of the night and thought that Tasmania was haunted by demons, banshees and the devil.” Unfortunately, the devils aren’t doing so well. Facial cancer has devastated the population. Tumours around their mouths inhibit eating and breathing. “They’re starving and they’re suffocating,” says Alissa. The disease took root in 1996. “Since then, we’ve lost about 95 per cent of the population.” There’s no cure, but scientists have developed a preventative vaccine, which is being tested at a lab in Hobart. I’m reminded that Nature dances to its own tune and not even the devil can escape its dictates. Alissa tells us speeding cars have also reduced their numbers. The slowmoving marsupials feed at night and
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604-596-9670 drivers can’t see them as they cross the road in the dark. Of 19 devils that the Centre released into the wild one summer, six were run over. Those poor devils, I say to myself as I reflect on Bonorong’s unlucky marsupials, not to mention those unfortunates like William McColligan sent to prison in Port Arthur back in the 1800s. How fitting then that we end our Tasmanian tour at Devils Kitchen, a cauldron of froth and fury at the edge of the Tasman Sea. Waves pound the rocky shoreline in a fearsome yet mesmerizing cacophony of surf and wind. The violence continues further north at Tasmans Arch, another natural wonder created by the constant pounding and erosion of the Tasman Sea. Our trip has been beset by devils, but that’s not a bad thing. We’ve come away with something positive. Thanks to Alissa at the Wildlife Centre, we’ve learned about the Tassie Rule of the Road and that is to slow down and remain alert between dusk and dawn when the devils and their ilk come out to feed. It’s a lesson we will apply on the next stop in our tour of the region, a road trip through Australia’s outback. A little vigilance will help preserve the kangaroos, echidnas, wallabies and devils tourists like us have come to see in the first place. While not as dramatic as conquering ice and snow like the Australasian Antarctic Expedition of 1912, it’s the least we can do to help preserve the continent’s unique wildlife. |
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Parksville Sand Castles and Quadra Island
August 13 - 15, 2018 A great 3 day adventure to the largest and most populous of the Discovery Islands, Quadra Island. Lying on the Northern East coast of Vancouver Island, Quadra Island is an amazing community to discover. The culture of the first nations community and the treasures of the close knit artistic residents are worth exploring. It is a clean unspoiled environment surrounded by breathtaking coastal scenery. 4 Meals - $895 Cdn PP dble occ plus gst. $1125 Cdn Single plus gst. Book before June 13th & save $50 pp. Other Tours: JUN 23 Kootenay Hot Springs (6 days) JUL 19 France Magnifique (15 days) SEPT 1 Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, South Dakota Badland (15 days) OCT 15 Cascade Fall Foliage (6 days) DEC 4 Chemainus, Victoria (3 days) DEC 13 Warm Beach, Leavenworth (4 days) JAN 19 Costa Rica (9 days)
DOOR-TO-DOOR PICK UP AND RETURN WITHIN THE LOWER MAINLAND CALL FOR YOUR 2018 BROCHURE TRAVEL PROTECTION BOB & TERESA MARSHALL
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HELI-HIKING IN THE ROCKIES by KATE ROBERTSON From the helicopter, Braeberry River and its tributaries look like a miniature model. We sweep into another valley, and I spot a red-roofed building, Mistaya Lodge, my home for the next four days. By the time I’ve settled into my room and come back downstairs, Val, the cook, has set out goodies for me and the eight other guests to snack on while we pack a lunch from the sandwich fixings. Dave Birnie, our head guide and lodge owner (together with his wife, Cindy Galligan, who runs the base office out of nearby Golden), instructs us on how things work and what a typical day at Mistaya looks like. We joke about how to manage the composting toilet – Mistaya has virtually no environmental footprint. Toilet humour never gets old, and already group camaraderie has started.
Mohawk Ridge Hike Lunches packed and water bottles filled, our group heads down the trail by Mistaya Lake. The Lodge is at 2,050 metres, so we move quickly above the tree-line. Dave sets a comfortable pace through Niad Meadow and over a small wooden bridge across Wild Cat Creek, then up a rocky section before we start a few traverses across some snow. Dave’s sister, Sandra, also a certified guide, brings up the rear. They advise that many of their clientele are seniors because the terrain is gentle and easy on arthritic knees. It’s early July, and even though it’s 10 degrees cooler up 14 12
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here than in the valleys, it’s almost 25 degrees. At this altitude, the sun feels strong. Dave says there was a lot of snow before this hot spell, and even Mistaya Lake had ice on it. He’s a patient guide, happily answering questions, and randomly pointing out interesting things about his home here in the mountains. We lunch at Wee Lochen Lake, already recognizing the quality of Val’s cooking; she makes everything from scratch, including the bread. Lunch prepares us nutritionally for our summit to the top of Mohawk Ridge, but nobody is prepared for the stunning panoramic view: Mt. Baker, the highest mountain in this Waputik Range, the continental divide to the east (Alberta is on the other side), and the Banff National Park boundary, along the ridge of the mountains to the north. The distant mountains are purplish blue, like the shade I made them when colouring as a kid. As we return to the Lodge, we pass a tattered “Wild Cat Creek Falls” sign, and Dave explains that a grizzly bear chomped the top
ABOVE | The helicopter arrives to drop off guests and supplies. RIGHT TOP | Mistaya Lodge. RIGHT MIDDLE | The author posing in front of a stunning panoramic view. RIGHT BOTTOM | The serene view from the Lodge. Photos: Kate Robertson
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part of the sign off. Grizzlies up here are not a problem, as they are not used to people and are very shy. Still, I secretly hope we don’t see one, but I would like to catch a glimpse of the mountain goats, the only other large mammal up this high.
Glacier Hike The next day, Dave plans a hike to the base of several glaciers. Because we are gaining more elevation today, there are more snow traverses. It’s windy, which is nice because it’s hot again. At Grindl glacier, Sandra describes the changes since she first saw it in 1988, when the ice falls joined at the bottom and it looked like a dragon. Dave and Sandra and their parents were the first guests at Mistaya in the late ’80s, so their history here is long. We hike to more glaciers, and I waiver between exhilaration at being so close to such rare and incredible formations, and despair that with global warming they are also disappearing. Dave points to where Clamshell glacier once was – it disappeared three years ago. He has been building cairns at some glaciers to measure their retreat, and Wildcat Glacier, the biggest and with its greater exposure to the sun, is receding at a whopping 12 metres per year.
scend it to see how deep it is and what it looks like inside, but it quickly gets too narrow), it starts to rain lightly and quickly turns to big, fat snowflakes. This is summer in the Rockies. That’s our cue to return to the blazing woodstove at the Lodge for a hot tea and the bubbling Moroccan lamb stew for our last dinner together. After dinner, I seek a meditative moment on the deck, as 20 or so hummingbirds hover and dive bomb each other to control the feeders. I feel nostalgic, not only because if I return (like many of Mistaya’s guests do), the glaciers will likely be significantly receded, but because I will miss the simplicity and quietness of this nature retreat. | For more information, visit mistayalodge.com
Meadow and Three Lakes Hike Day three dawns. It’s cold, barely above zero. We’d been wondering how the forecast of 15, could possibly be correct – 10 degrees lower than the previous days. But they were right – there’s no sun and the winds are strong. I join Sandra’s group for a longer hike up through Heather Meadow and over to see three glacier lakes. We start up the west side of the bowl on Syd’s Trail, named after one of Dave’s mentor’s, a descendant of one of the original Swiss guides the CPR hotels hired back in the early 1900s. It’s the first day I’ve had to wear my windjacket, hood tied tightly, and my gloves. That the weather can be so variable from one day to the next is humbling. Sandra is the flower expert and her attention to the smallest detail on the trail is incredible. She points out coltsfoot with its tiny yellow sunflower-like blossoms, and advises the natives burned it and used it like salt. You can eat the glacier lily seed pods like peas, and the meadow rue is one of the rare plants that has two sexes that must cross-pollinate to reproduce. She invites us to feel the butterwort, a carnivorous plant that, with its oily leaves, catches insects and then digests them. Nature is a classroom. At the first viewpoint, we see Doubt Hill, a peak towards the north so named because explorer David Thompson and group, on one of their first trips through this range, were caught in a snowstorm, and didn’t think they were going to make it out alive. The group is quieter today – it’s hard to talk in the wind, and we make our way over to the three lakes: Leprechaun, Longshadow and Stone Bird, to see if we can find the “rare white moss campion” (we did). At times, we hop across creeks on strategically placed rocks to avoid getting our feet wet. As we come to a sink-hole at the top of a cliff (divers have tried to deWWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM
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FREEDOM & FAIRY TALES by ALAN G. LUKE & JACQUIE D. DURAND Bremen may be at the end of Germany’s Fairy Tale Road, but it was the beginning of liberty in the region and remains a Free Hanseatic City today. Regarded as a state-city, as are Hamburg and Berlin, Bremen is also a Free Hanseatic City (Freie Handestadt), which pertains to its autonomy and association in a centuries-old, medieval mercantile alliance. The prosperous Hanseatic League served to protect trade routes of Northern European settlements and was never officially disbanded. As we strolled through the archaically charming Market Square, we stopped to admire the magnificent Gothic Town Hall with its Renaissance façade. In front of the 15th century structure stood the nine-metre high sandstone statue of Knight Roland with a raised sword and shield; this year is the 1,290th anniversary of his death (in 778). As Emperor Charlemagne’s nephew and right-hand man, he became a symbol of civic rights and privileges. Bremeners believe their independence and freedom will persist as long as their Roland statue stands. “For the Hanseatic cities, he is the symbol for independence and liberty,” said local tour guide Jurgen Hoppe. “He was carefully encased in wood, sand and then bricks to protect him from the bombing during World War II.” For his 600th birthday, Roland received a festive celebration in the town square and, in the summer of 2004, an UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Along with the Town Hall, they will “bear an exceptional testimony to civic autonomy and sovereignty, as they developed in the Holy Roman Empire.” Another symbol of freedom is a Grimm Brother’s fairy tale: The Town Musicians of Bre-
LEFT | Bremen Marktplatz Rathaus. RIGHT | Town Musicians’ monument beside Rathaus. PAGE 16 | ‘Bringer of Light’ relief on Bottcher Street. Photos: Alan G. Luke 16
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men (1819). The Town Musicians (Stadtmusikanten) are not people but rather four animals (donkey, dog, cat and rooster). A sculpted monument of the four standing on each others’ backs is situated on the west side of the Rathaus (Town Hall). Other interpretations of the statue can be found in the historic quarter of Bremen. Jim Henson even produced a television special titled: The Muppet Musicians of Bremen (1972). As the story goes, the Town Musicians were animals threatened with death at home and then departed. They met one another en route to become musicians and live in freedom in Bremen. I noticed the front legs of the donkey seemed a more polished bronze and discovered this was due to people rubbing its legs and making a wish. Apparently, this would bring one good fortune. On the same side of the Rathaus is the Ratskeller (Town Hall cellar) restaurant. Known as the “appetizing foundation,” the 600-year-old wine cellar lists more than 650 German varieties. Not only did it house the largest variety of German wines in the country, it reputedly has the oldest wine worldwide. I had the opportunity to sample an ancient vintage from 1653, offered by Wine Meister, Gunter Meyer. I guess by grasping the Town Musician monument, it really did bring me luck. This large barrel almost did not survive World War II. During the American occupation, the area was used as headquarters for the military. Over a three-year period, they consumed more than 400,000 bottles. When the officers came across this “old wine,” they thought the barrels may be contaminated due to their age. “So, the vaults were sealed with thousands of barrels intact,” Gunter said with a grin. Thank goodness there were no oenophiles in command during those years. To experience the essence of this Handstadt (Hanseatic Town), we explored the historic districts. Wending our way along the cobblestone streets, we stopped to admire a large golden embossed image on an archway above Bottcherstrasse. This gold relief panel is named Lichtbringer “light bringer,” installed by the Nazis in 1936 to signify Hitler leading the nation out of “darkness.”
䠀䄀刀刀䤀匀伀一 䠀伀吀 匀倀刀䤀一䜀匀
䠀椀欀攀 ⸀⸀⸀ 䈀椀欀攀 ⸀⸀⸀ 匀漀愀欀 ⸀⸀⸀ 倀愀搀搀氀攀 ⸀⸀⸀ 䜀漀氀昀 ⸀⸀⸀ 䘀椀猀栀 ⸀⸀⸀ 刀攀氀愀砀 ⸀⸀⸀ 圀栀愀琀攀瘀攀爀 礀漀甀爀 瀀氀攀愀猀甀爀攀 䠀愀爀爀椀猀漀渀 䠀漀琀 匀瀀爀椀渀最猀 栀愀猀 猀漀洀攀琀栀椀渀最 琀漀 漀昀昀攀爀⸀ 䠀漀琀 匀瀀爀椀渀最猀 䠀愀爀爀礀 眀漀渀搀攀爀猀 ᰠ眀栀愀琀 愀爀攀 礀漀甀 眀愀椀琀椀渀最 昀漀爀㼀ᴠ
眀眀眀⸀琀漀甀爀椀猀洀栀愀爀爀椀猀漀渀⸀挀漀洀 WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM
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Local merchant, Ludwig Roseliu, owned this section of town and was a Nazi sympathizer. However, his art and architecture were officially denounced as “degenerate art” by Hitler. Nevertheless, as the inventor of decaffeinated coffee, his product was promoted by the Nazi Party as a state policy. They advocated the avoidance of stimulants, safeguarding the idolized Aryan race. The pedestrian walkway was inhabited by coopers, barrel-makers and assorted artisans. The architectural arrangements of traditional red brick and modern expressionist structures offer contrasting and interesting building perspectives. I noticed a life-like interpretation of the Town Musicians in front of a store. Also, down the alleyway, one can find a carillon that chimes three times daily as different explorers are revealed as it revolves. Meandering along the walkways, we arrived at the oldest city section, the Schnoor quarter. This historic district is nowadays a popular tourist attraction with a surfeit of superb shops. Fairy tale
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traces dot the crooked lanes and quaint courtyards with various replicas of Grimm Brothers’ Town Musicians and even a store named Rapunzel, with the applicable braided blonde hair on the sign, are present. “Rapunzel had magnificent long hair, fine as spun gold, and when she heard the voice of the enchantress she unfastened her braided tresses…” as the tale goes. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were patriots determined to preserve Germanic folk tales. Often cruel and capricious, their tales have fallen prey to propagandists. Theorists of the Third Reich believe that “Little Red Riding Hood” (Rotkäppchen) was a symbol of the German people, saved from the evil Jewish Wolf. At the end of World War II, Allied commanders banned the publication of Grimm tales in Germany believing they had contributed to Nazi savagery. Contrary to this belief, Walt Disney had released animated adaptations of the Grimm’s tales. The Brothers Grimm (2005) was also a film adventure about the legendary storytellers, starring Matt Damon and Heath Ledger. In the middle-ages, it was common for merchants and residents to stockpile various grains in their attics. In order to allow the owls to prey on the rodents feasting on their food supply, a hole was cut in the attic’s façade as an owls’ entrance. Several of those existing today are not only practical, but decorative. Similarly, cats are also a popular symbol with their ability to diminish the rat population. As you stroll the streets, you can see the owl or cat on overhanging signs for shops and restaurants throughout Bremen. The city symbol since 1041 is a key, which is representative of St. Peter waiting at the Gates of Paradise. A golden skeleton key is omni-present and can be seen embossed or emblazoned on entities throughout Bremen. Even the final fairy tale in the Brothers Grimm collection was a short parable-like story called “The Golden Key.” We found it refreshing to witness the liberal attitude of the Bremeners, who advocate the principles of freedom and tolerance in their historic fairy tale town. | For IF YOU GO information, visit www. seniorlivingmag.com/freedom-and-fairytales
Forever Fit THE KEY TO IMPROVING YOUR GUT HEALTH by EVE LEES We continually learn more about the human body and the foods that fuel it. The latest research is finding more evidence that balanced gut bacteria, or microbiota, is necessary for the body to function properly. Poor gut health is being linked to almost every known disease, disorder or discomfort humans suffer. Balanced intestinal microbiota allows our body to more effectively absorb the many nutrients from our foods. Nutrients are the “tools” the body needs to operate efficiently; to keep us healthy and alive. Without these nutrients, we risk a weakened immune system (among other things), making us susceptible to a myriad of health problems.
Eating a high-fibre diet is key to achieving balanced microbiota. Fibre is the food/fuel intestinal bacteria need to survive. Fermented foods and probiotic supplements are probably useful to help regain gut health, but this is treating only the symptom of poor gut health. It is not getting to the root of the problem. Unfortunately, the average person eats a diet high in convenience foods – foods that have had much of their natural fibre removed during processing (or changed drastically, so it is not as effective). And few people actually eat lots of vegetables! Most of us prefer a plate loaded with meat, complex carbohydrates like potatoes, and a vegetable or two as the “side dish.” Experiment with switching that around: Focus on vegetables or plant foods first. Have a large tossed salad, lots of vegetables on your plate, perhaps fresh fruit for dessert. The meat should be a small side, and the serving of complex carb (potato, rice, etc.) smaller than your clenched fist. Fibre is in plants. Not in meats and fats. Stay curious about that. And be very concerned about your long-term health if you are following any diet that focuses on meats, fats or eating low carbohydrates. |
Eve Lees is a Certified Nutrition Coach, a Health Writer & Speaker, and a former Personal Trainer with over 30 years experience in the health/fitness industry. www.artnews-healthnews.com
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CONNECTED TO THE SEA by JOHN THOMSON “My happy place is in the kayak. It takes me into the unknown and it’s helped me to live more fearlessly. I feel I’m more open about how things are falling in my life. I’ve learned about the laws of the universe, how to surrender, how to detach, how to be accepting, how to be non-judgmental. It’s made me into a softer, kinder person.” Adventurer and islomaniac Wendy Killoran reflects on her life. She’s seen a lot of islands, paddling around Haida Gwaii, the Bahamas, Vancouver Island and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In 2006, she became the first woman to solo circumnavigate Newfoundland. And there are more adventures on the horizon, too. Wendy says kayaking has freed her from past constraints. “I had a very rigid upbringing,” she says about growing up in London, Ontario. “You had to follow the rules. My father was a teacher and he wanted me to be a doctor or a vet.” So, she followed a conventional path, became an elementary school teacher, married at 24, and gave birth to her daughter, Sara, five years later. But there was a disconnect. Even as a child, Wendy was drawn to the natural world. “I felt most alive when I was outdoors in Nature being creative and being active. I really wanted to be an adventurer and a photographer.” It was a dream she thought was unobtainable until serendipity set things in motion. “I was sitting in the Florida Everglades and I was watching the sunset when, all of a sudden, a kayak slid into the scene,” she says. “It was like an epiphany. I realized that’s what I wanted to do, but I had to wait because I was five 20 18
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months pregnant. Two years later, at 31, I got into a kayak for the first time and realized, oh yeah, this is going to be a part of my life. I had to be true to my soul.” She started modestly, paddling with groups of people on the weekends. Gradually, as her confidence increased, she tackled more difficult conditions – bigger waves and scooting around parts of Lake Huron on her own. Transitioning from a hobby to a lifestyle was a no-brainer. “Mid-life crisis,” says Wendy unapologetically. “I didn’t want my life slipping away. I had read books of other people having these extraordinary adventures and I thought why am I reading about other people’s adventures? I know in my heart and soul this is what I want to do.” A trip to Iceland in the early 2000s convinced her she was ready to tackle ocean kayaking by herself. “I had conquered three-metre waves. I had learned how to roll the kayak without falling out. After that, I realized I can do this with or without people. I am ready to go solo adventuring. I knew what it felt like to be on big water. I felt more confident.”
ABOVE & RIGHT | Kayaker Wendy Killoran says being on the water is a healing and soul nurturing experience for her. Photos: Wendy Killoran
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In 2004, Wendy paddled around Manitoulin Island by herself. The following year, she circumnavigated Prince Edward Island, a distance of 650 kilometres in 12 days. That’s a little over 50 kilometres a day. She was spending all her vacation time on the water and yes, her obsession with paddling created tension within the family. “I knew the marriage was over in 2006 when I said to my former husband I’m going to go kayaking around Newfoundland and he said that’s a big one, right? And I said, yeah that’s pretty big… and he said well when you come back you can come home to a divorce. I guess he didn’t like the idea that I was going to do such an ambitious feat at the expense of being a dutiful wife.” Paddling around Newfoundland was emotionally and physically depleting. “There’s always this interplay between water and land,” she says. “It’s always at the back of your mind. Will I find a safe place to land? Will I like where I land? Will it be a challenge to land? I had a rogue wave in Newfoundland,” she continues. “All of a sudden, I see this huge wall of water coming towards me. I turned the kayak into it and paddled over this peak of water four metres high.” Scary? Yes, but her skill set, experience and sheer willpower kept her going. “I’ve only had brief, brief glimmers of fear and then I talk myself out of it. Paddling with fear creates a different flow. If I want to be successful, I have to push away self doubt and believe in myself.” Returning to Ontario after the rush of conquering Newfoundland only confirmed her affinity with the sea. “When I’m out there on the water, I feel a huge sense of connection; and when I’m in urban areas, I actually feel a
greater disconnect. When I’m on the water, I can be very present in the moment. I’m not worrying about the future. I’m not fretting about the past. It’s soul nurturing. It’s healing. Nature is the great healer and that’s where I developed a sense of spirituality. I’m just in awe and wonder of that moment because it’s absolutely divine.” “Sometimes you can get lonely,” she admits. “Sometimes it’s nice to have companionship, but when I go alone, I’m responsible for myself and I can choose a reality that is exhilarating or serene.” Besides, there’s another benefit to travelling alone. “It’s a great way to meet people. So often I’ve been invited into people’s homes for a meal and then a place to sleep.” Wendy has no regrets living an ascetic life. “I have complete freedom. I’m on my own and I have nothing tying me down. My daughter is a free spirit,” she says of Sara, whom she frequently visits in Vancouver. Otherwise, she’s responsible to nobody but herself. She’s already left her Vancouver Island cottage to prepare for her next expedition, paddling around all five Great Lakes. (Wendy left Ontario for BC in 2012, so she could paddle year round). She reckons she can circumnavigate the Lakes in two or three years in six month stretches. As a frequent Instagrammer, she’ll keep everyone up to date on how she’s doing. “I made quantum changes. I left my marriage, I had left my teaching career, I left my home town. I’m still trying to find out what I’m going to do in the second half of my life and, for now, being able to blog is a moment in the day where I’m able to connect with like-minded people to inspire and educate.” Her message? “Be honest with yourself. Think about what brought you joy as a child and don’t let that song die within you. Don’t die with regrets. Listen to your calling and make it happen.” |
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MAGICAL MYSTICAL MYANMAR by IRENE BUTLER The most sacred Buddhist site to the Burmese lies in Yangon, the capital. Gigantic legendary half-lion, half-griffin figures guard the entrance. Respectfully, we remove our footwear and climb the covered stairway to the expansive Shwedagon Paya (Pagoda). My husband, Rick, and I are awed by the ageless splendour of the myriad of pagodas filled with Buddha images and ancient relics. The mightiest pagoda rises 100m from a central plinth. As is customary, we walk clockwise around this behemoth; its plates of gold glimmer in the afternoon sun. The sparkle from the upper-most sections is astounding! What is called the “umbrella” has a variety of over 80,000 jewels and a total weight of five tonnes, of which half is gold. Above this is the “vane” with more gems, then the “orb” studded with over four thousand diamonds and tipped with a 76-carat stunner! Around the circumference, as per Burmese astrology, are planetary posts representing the day of the week one is born. It is Friday for Rick, north in direction, his planet Venus, his sign a guinea pig. My Saturday post is southwest, my planet Saturn, and my sign a “naga” (dragon serpent). We next seek out the nat (spirit) figures. Buddhism suppressed, but never replaced nat worship; these spirits influence everyday Burmese life. The engrossing atmosphere of Shwedagon swirls around us until after sunset. Myanmar’s history covers centuries of dynasty rule, British colonization until 1948, then over five decades of military dictatorship wherein the country was sealed off from the outside world. Since then, amid significant political changes and internal hurdles still to be resolved, the country has slowly been opening more and more areas to foreigners, making it one of the most sought-after travel destinations. Stepping out of our downtown hotel each morning is akin to swirling to the rhythms of a bygone era. The heart of Yangon (formally Rangoon) is on a grid developed by the Brits with some architectural gems from that time, such as the City Hall and Courthouse. The sidewalks and alleys are lined with tarps and tables filled with fresh produce, fish still swimming in tubs and just-plucked chickens. In the mix are all manner of other sale items, from clothing to tools. 22 20
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On some streets, makeshift kitchens churn out ready-to-eat delights. Many operate all day, while others, like those along 19th Street, spring up each evening, and where Rick and I often join hungry customers on plastic stools to partake in local favourites – ours is grilled tilapia. Traffic on the main thoroughfares is typical Southeast Asian “bumper to bumper,” yet Rick quizzes me on what’s different and can’t wait to blurt out, “NO motorcycles!” We learn that motorbikes are banned from the capital. Instead, peddle bikes are fully utilized. Two-wheelers with big baskets haul product, and threewheelers with side-cars or seating-behind-the-peddler transport passengers and goods. Down at the docks, long-boats shuttle passengers back and forth across the Yangon River and numerous vessels, both large and small, come to load and unload product. In awe, we watch 100-pound sinewy men lug sacks that are their body weight from barges to waiting trucks. A “boss” sits near the truck and hands a stick to each carrier as he passes with a sack; no doubt the tallymethod for payment at day’s end. To market, to market… Rick gracefully accepts our wanderings will include the biggies, such as Theingyi Zei extending over four blocks! Even I am taken aback with the roof-high inventory of textiles and housewares. Jewelry and electronics hold sway in
ABOVE | Swedagon Pagoda. RIGHT (top to bottom) | Inle Lake leg-rower; Village market Inle Lake; Inle Lake homes on stilts; Textile market Yangon. Photos: Rick Butler
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other sections. Towards the back are strange homemade herbal concoctions. Inle Lake is our out-of-the-capital excursion. The overnight bus to get there is not appealing, so we opt for a short flight to Heho Airport, where a driver with Gulf Travel awaits us. We are in for a 40-minute ride along a winding highway, passing trucks, oxen, mule and horse-drawn carts. Motorcycles, which are legal here, dart between all the above. Arriving in the town of Nyaungshwe, we hastily check into the Royal Inlay Hotel, and head straight for the jetty. Our guide, Nyee, and boat navigator, Al, are ready to take us cruising around the 22km long and roughly 11km wide Inle Lake. Within minutes we pass leg-rowing fishermen. Standing on one leg, with the other wrapped around an oar to paddle the boat, gives the fisherman a vantage point to spot surfacing bubbles indicating a fish, and his hands free to quickly lower a cone net over the fish. He then spears the fish though an opening in the top of the net using a pronged metal device on a pole. Fish to sell or supper for the family! “Now we come to the floating islands covering a quarter of the lake’s surface,” says Nyee. Hard-working villagers tend to vine-vegetables and flowers on these bobbling masses composed of mats of water hyacinth, marsh growth and seaweed, which together form a fertile solid mass that is staked to the lake bottom with bamboo poles. Today, we go past rows of tomato and cucumber. Our guide mentions, “On the mainland, root crops and fruits like papaya and bananas are grown, and also rice paddies. Along the shores and lake islands are 17 villages on stilts populated by 70,000 people. When combined with citizens living on mainland of Nyaungshwe Township, the total population rises to 130,000. We cruise the water lanes between the houses of one village and stop at a restaurant for a lunch of chicken, rice and strong coffee. Nyee then takes us to a series of small factories where hand labour is the key to exceptional products. At a weaving shop, ladies work on 100-year-old looms turning threads of silk and lotus flower into scarves and other sought-after items. At other stops, we witness the pounding of metal into knife blades, timber for boats being cut by lengthy hand-saws and ladies rolling 500 cigars a day. Lastly, we visit much cherished pagodas from the Bagan Emperor, one dating back to the 18th century. What a day! The next morning, Nyee is on hand to accompany us to the airport, insisting we take in the city market along the way. The villagers must have been up before dawn to spread their produce and other goods on mats. “Here’s where you get cheap but delicious food,” says our gracious Nyee, who gifts us with a bag of “special for health” dried tea leaves. Back in Yangon, we relish more street life vibes – our enchantment with everything experienced floods our minds. We leave knowing there is much more to see of mystical Myanmar and undoubtedly a country to come back to. | For IF YOU GO information, visit www.seniorlivingmag.com/ mystical-myanmar WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM
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MAKEOVER BEFORE & AFTER
Sometimes an unexpected situation can ruffle even the best laid plans. Such was the case with our final makeover contestant at the September 2017 Lifestyle Show in Vancouver. Luckily, in times like these, we all have family and friends willing to step up – and step in. Heather Akai, mother of INSPIRED’s stylist Hana Akai, graciously accepted the offer of a makeover when duty called. Hey, someone’s gotta do it! After 31 years at the University of British Columbia, Heather recently retired and now spends her days viewing the world – with wonder – through the eyes of her twoyear-old grandson. When time allows, she looks forward to travelling. Since she felt ready for a style change, her daughter didn’t hold back. “[Hana] drastically changed my hair colour and cut,” says Heather. “I have received many compliments on the style and colour from both friends and strangers.” Heather says the makeover experience was interesting and she would recommend it to anyone. “I don’t think I am much of a model, but the experience was relaxed and fun,” she says. “I really enjoyed being part of the show.”
What the stylist did: Hair: My mother’s hair had been coloured to a medium light blonde for years. Lightened by the sun, it was quite dry on the ends. Since she has a lot of hair, it appeared quite heavy and started laying flat. To combat this, I added shorter layers and texture to work with the hair’s natural movement. I started the whole process by doing a special treatment by Redken to remove product build-up, allowing us to get the best possible result. Then, I used what is called a filler to add some of the underlying tone in the hair before adding the colour. This was necessary because I was taking the hair so much darker. The final step was adding some baby highlights throughout her hair to add some lightness and dimension to all the colours. I also added Redken pH bonder, which is a new protective colour additive that reinforces the bonds of the hair and it keeps it protected while adding smoothness. All the colours and products used are by Redken 5th Ave. For the haircut, I decide to go shorter and bring it up just under her ears. I created more lift on the top of her head and I textured the haircut, so her hair wouldn’t be so weighed down 24 22
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Photo: Tom Gould
by INSPIRED STAFF
and heavy. I chose this style for her because she likes to get a lot of lift out of her hair without a lot of styling. Makeup: My mom likes to keep her makeup routine simple. With this in mind, I wanted to bring more attention to her beautiful blue eyes and gorgeous smile. I started by applying a primer to smooth out her skin’s surface before I applied the foundation. I also put a special eye primer around her eyes and then used a yellow-tinted eye concealer to cover up any slight darkening under the eyes. For the foundation, I used a lighter foundation on the areas I wanted to accentuate and a darker foundation to contour the areas I wanted to conceal. The effect was subtle and very wellblended. To her cheeks, I added a soft pink cream blush. On her eyes, I did a delicate smokey application using a brown pencil. To highlight the colour of her eyes, I added a little darkness for contrast. I also contoured in the crease of her eye with a slightly darker shadow. Then, I finished off the eyes with a black mascara to open them up and curled her lashes. For her lips, I used a neutral pink tone. And, finally, I finished off the whole look with a makeup spray to set it. | Special thanks to the entire INSPIRED Makeover team: Hair Stylist – Hana Akai of Akai Hair Design 2559 Quadra St. Call Hana for details about hair and makeup 250-383-3227. Visit online at www. akaihairdesign.com Hana is an educator for Redken; all the hair products were sponsored by Redken 5th Ave. and Icon Salon Systems. Makeup provided by Hana Akai. Clothing was provided by Olsen Europe, stores in Vancouver (Oakridge Centre & Park Royal) and Victoria (The Bay). For more info, visit www.seniorlivingmag.com/articles/makeover-apr18
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REBOOT by VERENA FOXX
JUNE KATZ has been singing vocals with acclaimed jazz pianist MILES BLACK accompanying her on both piano and guitar since she was a part owner and music manager at Alma Street Café, Vancouver’s premier jazz venue from the mid 1980s to ’90s. She has also performed numerous times with Vancouver’s jazz greats Ron Johnston and Oliver Gannon. Now semi-retired, June recently hosted an intimate performance with Miles at The University Women’s Club at Hycroft. “I had jazz in my amniotic fluid and music in my soul,” says the Brooklyn-born songstress, referring to being raised in its hot jazz scene in the 1950s. She went on to teach high school English in Florida and, when she moved to Vancouver in 1973, three sons in tow, she started singing jazz by circumstance. “This isn’t what I thought I’d be doing,” says the “godmother” to Ross Taggart and other then-emerging jazz artists. She recently dedicated her sixth CD, Mixed Bag, to her four grandchildren. Producer Miles Black noted in the sleeve that the album “especially capJune Katz with Miles Black tures June’s sincere and emotive delivery.”
Enzo Federico and Ean Jackson day, have always found time, through tireless volunteer work, to support and pass on their love of trail running and other mountain sports. Ean, co-founder of North Vancouver’s Club Fat Ass, and Enzo, co-founder of the Knee Knacker North Shore Trail Run, successfully entertained and kept the VIMFF audience in stitches on Trail Runners night. Their grand finale toss-out of door prizes into the audience of well-toned endurance athletes was well received by the politely competitive crowd. |
EAN JACKSON and ENZO FEDERICO are long-time friends and passionate trail runners. They recently co-hosted the Trail Runner’s evening at the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) in North Vancouver, where they proudly showed off their 100-mile Western States Endurance Race belt buckles, in recognition of the run they first completed in the 1980s. Amongst many other races, ultra-marathon runner Ean finished the 180km Sunshine Coast Trail run in 2004, with an FKT (Fastest Known Time) of under 44 hours! Both men, still working in their IT-related professions by WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM
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FAIRY GARDENS CREATE A MAGICAL WORLD by NANCY J. SCHAAF If you have moved from a home with garden space to a condo or apartment with no yard, you may still want to enjoy flowers and plants. If so, try container gardening! This type allows you to grow plants and decorate creatively in miniature. These gardens can be enjoyed on a deck, patio, balcony and even indoors. The hottest trend in container gardening right now are Fairy Gardens. You can create your own enchanting miniature landscapes with tiny accessories, diminutive plants and charming fairy figures. A fairy garden is a perfect style for those who remember the magic of childhood and the fantasy worlds described in fairy tales. I remember the fascinating stories about the fairies that my mom read to me. My favourite tale was Thumbelina written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. The story tells of a girl who was so tiny, she slept in a walnutshell cradle. After many experiences, Thumbelina marries a tiny fairy prince and was given wings to fly by his side. The famous pixie, Tinker Bell, was also beloved. I remember clapping my hands and saying, “I believe” to return Tink to life as I watched Peter Pan on TV. Probably the most renowned is the wee sprite, the Tooth Fairy, who magically removed my tooth and left a quarter under my pillow while I slept. These magical memories can inspire your very own fairy garden. A fairy garden is limited only by your imagination. The popularity of this whimsical garden may be attributed to the ease of care and to the design itself, which provides an outlet for creativity. 26 24
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The first step in creating a fairy garden is to think small in the selection of a container. This could be a flower pot, dish, bird bath or tea cup. Katie Elzer-Peters, the author of Miniature Gardens: Design and Create Miniature Fairy Gardens, Dish Gardens, Terrariums and More – Indoors and Out has created dozens of pint-sized gardens. “Size is the main thing to keep in mind when selecting plants and accessories for fairy gardens,” she says. “You’re creating tiny worlds. Make sure everything looks like it belongs.” The use of dwarf plants, miniature cottages or castles, little fences and arbours, and tiny-winged fairies create an attractive display. What is your garden personality? The English poet Alfred Austin said, “Show me your garden and I shall tell you what you are.” Your garden reflects you just as your clothing style and home décor. The type of plants and the accessories selected will create a theme for your miniature fantasy land. For example, pastel colours such as pink, pebble paths, ponds, and white picket fences and arbours portray a light-hearted fairy
ABOVE | A miniature fairy garden is the perfect solution for small-space gardeners. Photo: Nancy J. Schaaf
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land found in storybooks. In contrast, you might utilize dark colours of deep purple, gargoyles, gnomes, and a gothic castle to produce a more edgy garden world. Once a theme is determined, consulting with garden centres and nurseries is helpful in determining the correct plants to use for the landscaping. The sun and water requirements determine the choice of flowers and foliage. Keep in mind the elements of design such as scale, proportion, and colour pattern. Accessories and contrasting colours create texture. Some plants are irresistible to fairies. For example, thyme and moss provide a soft place for fairies to rest. The fragrant herb rosemary has always been regarded as having mysterious powers. A Sicilian legend tells of baby fairies sleeping in the rosemary flowers as the lowest petals of the flowers are ideal cradles. Foxglove, also known as fairy thimbles, fairy caps or fairy petticoats is a wonderful addition. Tiny blue forget-me-nots are suitable for partial shade areas. Pansies and primroses add vibrant colour and the fairy rose and pink hollyhocks are enchanting in the miniature world. The royal colour of purple violets honours the Fairy Queen in the garden. A dwarf plant that likes shady areas is the Blue Mouse Ears hosta, which grows only eight-inches tall. Its blue-green colour and curled leaves add dimension to the landscape. Once the container and plants have been selected, adding tiny accessories to your garden enhances the theme. Twigs, stones and leaves are whimsical natural additions. Small-sized birdbaths, tiny watering cans, little benches and miniature frogs and bunnies enhance the fairy world. If you need inspiration, there are numerous books and websites devoted to fairy gardens. One of the best websites is Two Green Thumbs (www.twogreenthumbs.com). Two Canadian websites for purchasing accessories are Gardenworks at (www.gardenworks.ca) and Fairy Garden at (www.fairygarden.ca). The bestselling book on the hobby, Gardening in Miniature: Create Your Own Tiny Living World by Janit Calvo is considered the most comprehensive, professionally written and photographed book that gardeners refer to it as “the bible of miniature gardening.� A
revealing peek into the captivating world of gardening in miniature can be found in Miniature Gardens by Katie ElzerPeters. This book has enticing photos and simple instructions, as well as tips on small-sized accessories. Garden centres and craft and hobby stores have all the supplies needed to create your own miniature fairy garden. If you enjoy fairy tales and if you love to dream of mystical lands inhabited with fairies, a fairy garden is the perfect style. Filled with magic and charm, each WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM
miniature garden scene is a snapshot of a dream. This kind of gardening transports you to an enchanted world where dreams come true. |
Nancy J. Schaaf is a retired English Educator and a Registered Nurse. She self-published two genealogy books and her articles have appeared in various magazines. She enjoys reading, travelling, riding motorcycles, jumping out of airplanes and writing. JUNE 2018
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Travel Tips By Wendy Johnstone checkpoints and what documentation you need to bring. For example, most transportation providers request that you keep all medications in their original containers and some over-the-counter products from Canada require prescriptions in other countries, including the United States. Keep all information about your prescriptions with other documentation close at hand. Pack an extra supply of medication. If you use oxygen, airlines have rules about how they handle it, so check beforehand.
My mom is getting ready to visit our family and, although the flight isn’t excessively long, it still works out to be about a 12-hour day including layovers, flight time and getting to and from airports. She doesn’t complain about her physical challenges: a sore knee aggravated by tight spaces; walking long distances; standing for lengthy periods and on uneven surfaces; edema in her leg due to previous radiation treatments for cancer; and a shoulder prone to dislocation. Travelling often exacerbates her symptoms, but she doesn’t always vocalize these challenges. While it’s unlikely my mom will take advice from her youngest daughter to ensure her trip is as comfortable as possible, perhaps you will take away some handy tips before your next trip. Make Friends with Reality. Be very clear with your travel agent, transportation company (plane, cruise, train, bus) and accommodation provider about your limitations. This is not the time to be overconfident or minimize health, mental or mobility challenges. Also, not all disabilities or challenges are evident, and giving specific details allows for better service and planning. Research your destination. Take time to become familiar with climate and ease-of-access places to go and see. Most cities are investing in accessible communities and will often provide information on accessible attractions. It’s also handy to find out about medical and health facilities at your destination. Medications. Ask how medications are handled at security
Assistive Devices. If you use a wheelchair or other mobility aids, let your transportation company know ahead of time to allow for proper preparations. You may need to transfer to a boarding wheelchair somewhere between check-in and boarding, and you can ask to delay this for as long as possible. Ask how your mobility aid will be secured and stored on board. If you have a hearing aid, be sure to carry extra batteries, and always carry an extra set of glasses, as well as the prescription for replacement, in case of loss. Best Bit of Advice: Give travel and accommodation providers at least 72 hours advanced notice to ensure you get the help you need. You may also want a friend or family member to assist you through the terminal. Ask ahead of time if you can get a temporary pass to get your escort through the secure zone to the boarding area. Download Take Charge of Your Travel: A Guide for Persons with Disabilities at www.otc-cta.gc.ca/eng/takecharge. We’ve had excellent feedback about this guide and one of main takeaways is to use the service by calling 1-888-222-2592 or by TTY at 1-800-669-5575. Or send an email to info@otc-cta.gc.ca and they’ll point you in the right direction. If you are travelling locally in BC, the www.hellobc.com site has a page (click on About BC tab) dedicated to information on accessibility and accessible locations and activities. Finally, enjoy the journey! | Wendy Johnstone is a Gerontologist and a consultant with Family Caregivers of British Columbia in Victoria, BC.
For more Caregiver resources Please visit our website for webinars, articles, one-on-one support community resources, support groups, caregiver coaching and more! Visit us at familycaregiversbc.ca. We’re here to help.
Caregiver Support Line 1 877 520 3267 Office 250 384 0408 Hours: 8:30am-4:00pm www.familycaregiversbc.ca 28
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Marketplace COLLECTOR SEEKING vintage/col-
lectable cameras, binoculars and microscopes. Nikon, Leica, Contax, Rolleiflex, Zeiss, Canon, etc. Mike 250-383-6456 or e-mail: msymons6456@telus.net Victoria
SENSUAL MASSAGE. Are you miss-
ing touch? I’m a Certified Sexological Bodyworker, I work with Couples and Individuals. Sher 250-889-4166 or email sexeducator@telus.net
WANTED Scandinavian Mid Century Furniture from the 50’s & 60’s. Teak, rosewood, leather, and chrome pieces any condition. 250-380-7022. Send an email to lacknerwayne@gmail.com Need homecare for your loved one? Choose a company with HEART! CAREGiversSM with HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE are thoroughly trained in dementia care, bonded and insured to provide customized homecare for your family’s needs. Book a complimentary care consultation: 250-382-6565 or visit www.HomeInstead.com/victoriabc
ALWAYS GREAT FEET. Nanaimo’s professional mobile foot care nurses. Debbie Mason LPN and John Patterson LPN. Home, facility, and hospital visits. Experienced, qualified nursing foot care for toenails, corns, calluses and ingrown nails. Direct billing for DVA clients. Call 250-390-9266. WANTED: OLD POSTCARDS, old photographs, and pre-1950 stamped envelopes. Also buying old coins, medals and badges. Call Michael 250-652-9412 or email fenian@shaw.ca WANTED: Old stereo/audio equipment. Any condition. Amplifiers, turntables, speakers, receivers etc. Honest/friendly. Victoria and V.I. Call Bob, 250-896-2268, northtowns26@gmail.com
THINKING OF DOWNSIZING YOUR CURRENT HOME? OVERWHELMED?
We can help! Sell your home with us and we will assist with professional downsizing & move management services. Norm de Wit ReMax Camosun - Oak Bay C. 250.858.8560 O. 250.370.7788
CORNERSTONE SENIORS ADVOCACY
Assisting Seniors through life’s changes. Specializing in Transitional Moves, Downsizing, Estate Clear Out & Sale of Assets. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. 250.858.8560 www.cornerstoneadvocacy.com
FOOTCARE: Happy, Healthy Feet make Happy, Healthy People. The more the merrier. Call FootNurse Marcia R.N.,B.Sc.N. 250-686-3081. CHANGING PLACES Downsizing and relocation specialists SINCE 1991. Moving? Aging in place? Need help? Don’t know where to start? Let us take care of all the details from start to finish. Call Jane 250-721-4490 Victoria and the Island for a free estimate www.changingplaces.ca KULEA LOVE: Companions to appointments, recreational, social activities to seniors and people in the community feeling lonely and isolated. Victoria 250-216-3039, 778-410-2460
Single Seniors Meet & Greet • Victoria Wednesdays • 9:30-11am Location varies. Join our weekly newsletter to get current info.
UPCOMING EVENTS June 6 - Uptown Bistro June 13 - Social Evening - details TBA June 20 - The Kensington, featuring guest speaker June 27 - Uptown Bistro
Stay informed. Join our weekly email newsletter. Email singleseniors17@gmail.com SPONSORED BY
INSPIRED senior living We take care of everything for your stress-free move.
From downsizing, packing & unpacking, to full set up of new home including hanging pictures. We hire the moving company to load and deliver to your new home.
FAMILY CARE HOME SUPPORT,
Moving to Nanaimo Seniors Village, Comox Valley Seniors Village or Casa Loma? Call us to see if the cost of your move is covered.
DEBI’S MOBILE HAIR SERVICES
Delaney Relocation & Home Support Services 250-339-1188
making life easier for seniors in Greater Victoria. Contact RJ Angels Care Ltd. 250858-5924 www.rj-angels.com in the comfort of your home for everyone in your family. Serving the Victoria area. Please call Debi at 250-477-7505.
MOTIVATION MEDICS, professional
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care planners and advocates assure your rights and dignity are upheld as you age. Ph: 778-761-0485, info@motivationmedics.com. www.motivationmedics.com.
PERSONALS VICTORIA GENTLEMAN ESCORT
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(healthy, mid-70s) looking to provide companionship, outings, friendship, travel to an active, healthy senior lady. References available. lensun44@gmail. com
Basic: $49 for 20 words + 5% GST $2.25/extra word. Red color 10% Ads must be paid at time of booking Phone: 250-479-4705 ext 100 office@seniorlivingmag.com
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Hidden Maui Paradise 2 Bed, 2 Bath Condo for rent Central Kihei • 250-882-1963 www.hiddenmauiparadise.com
12 issues for $33.60 | 24 issues for $44.20 (includes tax & Canada ONLY S&H) Name _________________________ Address ________________________ _______________________________ City ___________________________ Prov _____ Postal Code ___________ Make cheque payable to: Senior Living 3354 Tennyson Avenue Victoria BC V8Z 3P6 OCTOBER 2009 39
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ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL
Outrageous
Pat Nichol is a speaker and published author. Reach her by email at mpatnichol@gmail.com or visit Pat’s website at patnichol.ca
Runners and Walkers Welcome! 30 28
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&
to 10 years? We each keep our space and, several evenings a week, we have a meal together, we run away on weekends or travel by PAT NICHOL to places we both wish to see. Benefits: we get to deal with habits on a part-time basis; the relationship stays fresh and is more exciting; we have less to argue about; and we both get to maintain the sense of self we’ve nurtured over the years. Sharon Hyman, who has been studying this concept since 2015, is creating a documentary on the subject. If you want to know more about the concept and how other people approach it, visit Sharon’s website for some great information, Apart*ners: Living Happily Ever Apart, http://apartnersthemovie.com Let me know what you think of the idea. Are you already doing it? Is it something you would like to try? Together or apart, I hope your days are joyous. |
Photos: Matt Cecill
If you had a choice of how you lived with a partner, what would it be? For previous generations, there was a choice. In the 19th century, husbands and wives often had their own bedrooms. This option is still a possibility; some for a matter of comfort, others so they don’t murder each other before dawn. If you have ever had a partner who flailed wildly while dreaming or sounded like a 747 getting ready for take off, this may be a viable option. Another increasingly prevalent possibility, especially among people who have been on their own for a while and are comfortable with their own space, is the concept of LAT Living Apart Together. Let’s say, for example, we meet, date and decide a committed relationship is something we both want. Where do we live? My apartment is just fine for one, but not for two. I really don’t want to give up the possessions that bring me joy. How about you? Wait a minute… I am not about to give up my special chair and my bed is mine, mine, mine. Plus, your building does not allow pets. Do we give up on our relationship? No! Why not try something that has had favour in Europe for several decades and has been gaining popularity in Canada for the past five
Courageous
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Senior Living... The Berwick Way™ At Berwick Retirement Communities, you will enjoy an unparalleled standard of living at a superior value. Creating a wonderful environment where residents enjoy exceptional services from friendly staff is The Berwick Way. Find out more about The Berwick Way™ – Ask one of our Senior Living Experts Today!
www.BerwickRetirement.com V I C TO R I A | N A N A I M O | C O M OX | K A M LO O P S | C A M P B E L L R I V E R Proud to be BC owned and operated JOB BRC-17779 CLIENT: BERWICK RETIREMENT COMMUNITY PUBLICATION: SENIOR LIVING MAGAZINE INSERTION DATE: TBD TRIM: 7.25X4.75 PREPARED BY: ECLIPSE CREATIVE INC. @ 250-382-1103
888•595•7889 Victoria: 250•590•7889
Find Yourself Someplace New!
I belong here, active everyday! Mon to Fri:
Hi/Low Impact Fitness, various centres
Tues:
Stretch & Strength, GR Pearkes
Wed:
Chair Fitness, Gordon Head
Thurs:
Seniors Day, Commonwealth drop-ins $3.25
Fri:
Waterfit, Gordon Head & Commonwealth
Sat:
Cedar Hill Social Club, Cedar Hill
Sun:
Yoga, Gordon Head
Call for times and details Gordon Head Recreation Centre 250-475-7100 G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre 250-475-5400 Cedar Hill Recreation Centre 250-475-7121 Saanich Commonwealth Place 250-475-7600
Early Booking Discounts! North Cascades & Olympic Peninsula Sept 9 9 days $2695 Waterton Lakes & Cypress Hills Sept 18 9 days $2575 San Juan Islands Sept 18 5 days $1560 Oregon Coast Explorer Sept 18 10 days $2775 West Coast Cruise & Rail Sept 24 16 days from $5055 Book of Mormon in Vancouver Sept 27 3 days $855 Thanksgiving at Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge Oct 4 4 days $935 Yellowstone & Canyonlands Oct 6 18 days $4995 Jasper Park Lodge Senior Getaway Oct 8 6 days $1530 Montreal to Florida Cruise Oct 11 19 days from $7320 Mediterranean & Adriatic Cruise Oct 14 20 days from $9055 New Orleans & Cajun Country Oct 22 10 days $3685 Remembrance Day Centennial at Vimy Nov 1 14 days $8145
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Photo: Croatia. Mediterranean Cruise
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The Wells Gray Tours Advantage * Early Booking Discounts * Single Fares Available * Local Offices with Local Planner * Pick ups in Victoria & BC Interior * Experience Rewards Program * Escorted Group Tours * Knowledgeable Tour Directors * Tour 25 – Limit is 25 travellers BC Reg. # 65842
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I didn’t expect to feel so comfortable here. At Amica you can expect to feel at home. Whether joining in our daily activities or spending time with family, here you can always enjoy your day the way you want to. Expect first-class amenities, with a range of personalized services and care to always meet your needs.
Discover which of our seven communities is right for you. Book a visit online at amica.ca
Mature Lifestyles WWW.SENIORLIVINGMAG.COM 32 10151AMI_ALL_BC_fullpage_Inspired_Snr_GRACE_FA.indd INSPIRED SENIOR LIVING pub: INSPIRED Senior 1Living community: All BC insertion: May, June
riddochcommunications #545 67 mowat ave • toronto • 416.515.7562
2018-04-10 9:59 AM