Special Features - The Good Life - Summer 2015

SUMMER 2015

Communit y

Her cause is Richmond’s

Pat Watson see page 24

a

class act

Adult learning that’s definitely not old-school

livingwith less The benefits of decluttering

it’s a

grill

thing

Five ideas for your summer barbecue

home

leaving your alone Your vacation prep checklist

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Welcome to the Summer 2015 edition of The Good Life.

With one of the hottest summers on record, many of us are frequently using the barbecue. But there’s more to the BBQ than burgers and steaks. We offer up a few alternatives. While food is great, don’t forget about fitness over the summer—our new contributor, Ashley Miller from the Richmond Olympic Oval, gives her advice on how not to take a vacation from staying in shape.

Speaking of vacations, Martin van den Hemel has tips on securing your home before leaving on a holiday.

Also in this issue, look for columns by contributors Jack Micner on wills and Shaun Rickerby on financial planning strategies. Plus there’s a profile of Pat Watson from Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives, a feature on the Kajaks, tips on continuing your education and more.

Here’s to The Good Life!

5 Great Grilling Ideas | 4 Staying Fit in the Summer | 6

PUBLISHER Pierre Pelletier EDITOR Bhreandáin Clugston CONTRIBUTORS Don Fennell Matthew Hoekstra Jack Micner Ashley Miller Fatima Riaz Martin van den Hemel Shaun Rickerby ADVERTISING MANAGER Elana Gold ADVERTISING Collin Neal Kimberley Lim Jane Ilott Garry McLellan CIRCULATION Kristene Murray Lito Tuazon Roya Sarwary

Heading Back to Class | 8 Front Row | 10 Keeping Your Home Safe | 12 Running a Fountain of Youth | 16 Cellular Phones Offer Many Options | 20

PRODUCED BY THE RICHMOND REVIEW #1 - 3671 Viking Way, Richmond, B.C. V6V 2J5 604-247-3700 RichmondReview.com the richmond

REVIEW

Profile: Pat Watson | 24 Cleaning House | 27 Centuries of Old Law, Gone | 28 Getting the Best Investment Advice | 30 SUMMER 2015 « T H E G O O D L I F E

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5 great grilling ideas BHREANDAIN CLUGSTON

S

UMMER IS A GREAT TIME to get grilling on the barbecue. But there’s more to barbecuing than steaks and burgers. Here’s five other things you can throw on the barbie.

1. Corn. Corn on the cob is great slathered with butter, wrapped up in foil and put on the BBQ, but here’s an Iranian twist on grilled corn. Put corn on the cob directly on the grill and turn frequently.

Once the corn is cooked (it should take 5 to 7 minutes) soak it in a pot of warm, salted water for 10 to 15 seconds. Sprinkle with lime or sumac.

2. Pork tenderloin. Pork tenderloin is a great a cut of meat that’s perfect in size for two very hungry people. The key is to marinade it for several hours. Take a handful of roughly ground fennel seed, 4

add the juice and grated peel of one lemon, as much garlic as you are comfortable with plus salt, pepper and olive oil to taste. Pork also goes well with chilli rubs or marinades made from honey or soy sauce. Cook on medium high, turning over every 5 minutes until done. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

3. Eggplant. Barbecued whole eggplant mashed into a dip adds a nice Mediterranean touch to meals. Pierce the eggplant and insert slices of garlic. Cook on low heat until the skin is black and easy to peel. Once cool, scoop out the flesh and mash with lemon juice and olive oil for a simple spread. Herbs, pureed red grilled pepper or tahini are other great additions.

4. Salsa. No, don’t open a jar and pour it on the grill. Take several tomatoes, some peppers both hot and sweet, a small onion and garlic if you care for it.

T H E G O O D L I F E « SUMMER 2015

(Use a skewer or a BBQ tray to prevent garlic from falling.) Cook the vegetables until the skins have browned and can be peeled, mash it up together and voila, you have grilled salsa. Goes great with...

5. Kebab. Take 250g ground medium beef and 250 g lamb and mix it with 1 egg, 1 small grated onion, salt and pepper and refrigerate for several hours. Shape the meat on long, wide metal skewers and grill until done. Sorry, this dish isn’t very smart for your heart. For a low fat alternative, use chunks of chicken. Marinate chicken pieces for several hours in 1 cup of yoghurt with 1 clove garlic, saffron, salt, pepper, and the juice of 1 lime. Put on metal skewers and grill until done. An even healthier option is skewered chunks of firm white fish or shrimp marinated for 20 minutes in lime juice, pepper and chilli flakes. Add a skewer of vegetables.

Serve with rice and/or flatbread.

Everything you need to live your best life.

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Staying fit in the summer ASHLEY MILLER

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HETHER YOU’RE RELAXING on the beach or exploring a new city, time away from the normal routine can be a wonderful thing. It can also make it tough to stay fit- you are away from your personal trainer, your fitness centre, your kitchen that’s stocked with healthy snacks, and the routine you have established.

Here are some suggestions to stay healthy during and post vacation to ensure the hard work you put in over the year is not wasted.

Making just a few smart choices will keep you active and energized and help you get the most out of your vacation—and looking forward to the next one.

Try to book accommodations near places you can keep to your fitness routine. Most hotels now have fitness centres. Drop into the hotel gym after check-in to see what equipment is available and if there are any fitness classes offered to guests. If you like to run early in the morning, make sure there is a track nearby. If you enjoy cycling classes, check out some local spin studios and inquire about drop-in rates.

The great thing about exercise is you can do it anywhere with whatever is available.

Bodyweight exercises are a great option for strength and cardiovascular conditioning. If you have small equipment (resistance bands, TRX, skipping rope, etc) that can fit into your travel bag, bring them with you for a hotel room or local park workout. Utilize a personal trainer to develop a travel program catered to the equipment available or no equipment at all to ensure a safe, effective workout and keep you accountable. Even though you’re sleeping in on vacation, it can be a good idea to start the day with exercise. That way, you’ve accomplished your workout, and you’ll have more energy with a faster metabolism during the day.

Get out and see the sights on foot. Skip the bus tours and explore the old-fashioned way to burn calories while taking in the views. Many cities offer cycling, walking or running tours that allow you explore the city while getting a workout in. When there is an option, always take the stairs and skip the elevator to sneak in some extra calorie burn.

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Mark Whitehead photo

The great thing about exercise is you can do it anywhere with whatever is available.

It can be very helpful to pack snacks to take along with you. Plenty of healthy options like almonds, apples, carrot sticks, string cheese and other snacks are easily transportable, whether you bring them from home or pick them up at your vacation destination.

Having snacks on hand might also deter you from grabbing whatever is available, which can throw off your calorie intake for the day.

T H E G O O D L I F E « SUMMER 2015

Get creative and have fun staying fit on

vacation! Don’t forget the sunscreen and be sure to stay hydrated! When you include fitness as part of your summer vacation, you’ll come home feeling re-energized and ready to bring that momentum back into your daily fitness routine.

Ashley Miller is the training supervisor at Richmond Olympic Oval. She has experience training a variety of individuals from elite athletes, police, fire and weekend warriors.

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Kwantlen Polytechnic University photo Rodlynn Cheetham at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s convocation ceremony in June. Cheetham, 69, earned her psychology degree after studying part-time for 18 years.

Heading back to class Universities, schools and institutions cater to adults learning later in life MATTHEW HOEKSTRA

B

ETTY BRYDEN has spent years hitting the books at Simon Fraser University—and she’s often among the oldest students in the class.

“You should always keep learning, somewhat like working out after a certain age. I swim every day and walk everywhere I go, including to work every morning, and I think your brain needs the exercise as well,” said the 71-year-old.

Heading back to class later in life is booming as opportunities for adult learn-

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ing continue to grow.

There might not be career pressure, professors are no longer intimidating and student loan debt is likely a thing of the past. There are new skills to gain, new people to meet and new ideas to share Whether it’s studying Chinese calligraphy, pursuing a bachelor’s degree or debating Aristotle, the options are endless. And classes can be matched to your schedule.

Taking general studies and continuing education classes at SFU has given Bryden a wealth of new information and knowledge—and not just from course materials.

“It has helped me in everyday interaction with young people, made me aware how much there is to learn and to be aware that you never have all the answers,” said Bryden. “I feel so much more confident in approaching senior years, and there is

T H E G O O D L I F E « SUMMER 2015

a mutual respect and understanding with your younger peers—that you recognize their achievements as well.”

Education for older adults is also accessible. Some public post-secondary institutions even offer classes for free.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is one such place. It doesn’t charge tuition for most of its courses to students 65 and over. The school, whose Richmond campus is on Lansdowne Road, also waives the registration deposit.

That’s something Rodlynn Cheetham took advantage of. Cheetham graduated from Kwantlen in the spring—at age 69. The South African native had been chipping away at her bachelor’s degree in psychology for 18 years, taking one or two courses each semester while also operating a daycare.

“My mom loves education and believes it’s important regardless of your age and now, as a senior, she believes it has the added bonus of keeping her young and her mind alert.�

“When I started I was mother to most of those students but completed my degree being grandmother to many of the professors,� Cheetham told Kwantlen. “My life experience made studying rewarding. It was now an interest rather than a means to acquire a profession.�

Despite working and raising a family, Cheetham’s commitment to education never wavered, added daughter Tammy Johnson.

The program doesn’t train students for a career, but instead examines subjects in a different light, probing the history, culture and sociology behind them. “If we’re offering a course on Tchaikovsky, you’re going to understand the time in which he wrote his music, himself as a composer, who else may have been around and influenced him, what his life was like, and of course, listening, understanding and appreciating the music,� said Kaplan.

“Most of us would have given up, but my mom loves education and believes it’s important regardless of your age and now, as a senior, she believes it has the added bonus of keeping her young and her mind alert.�

Students, whose average age is 70, represent all walks of life. Some are highly educated, others might not have a high school diploma.

Kwantlen also offers individual courses for learners over 50 through its Third Age Learning program, also known as TALK. Its classes come without quizzes, grades or prerequisites, and focus on discussion. Fees for most TALK courses and events are $15 this fall, with topics that include economics, endangered indigenous sites, medical marijuana, Iran and coin collecting.

Motivating students is the prospect of learning without the trappings of exams—and being with like-minded people while learning something they have no knowledge about, said Kaplan.

University of B.C. also offers most of its credit courses free to people 65 and over. The only cost is books and materials.

According to the university, students can expect to pay approximately $100 to $150 per course on materials.

“People from Richmond are very much a part of our program, as are people from all over the vast Metro Vancouver (area).�

See Page 15

SWIMMING – a great total body workout!

UBC also offers other programs for adult learners, including the Ageless Pursuits Summer Institute—a month-long program offered each June that’s packed with lectures and discussion.

A

T SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY, credit courses now come with a full cost, but any student at any age can audit a class with permission from an instructor. That allows a student to participate in a class—without writing exams—at half the tuition.

But the real draw at SFU is its continuing studies program.

For adults 55 and over, the program offers daytime, non-credit courses in the liberal arts at $110 each. Weekday courses are six weeks long and are available in three semesters each year.

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The program also offers one-time lectures, along with evening and Saturday courses open to adults of all ages. “We define liberal arts very broadly,� said Roz Kaplan, director of the program, which boasts 45 offerings this fall. “Some people may think of liberal arts as literature and maybe history, but we’ve included music and science courses and creative writing workshops and photography.�

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Front row ArtRich 2015 – Until Aug. 15, Richmond Art Gallery The first of its kind, a new exhibition at Richmond’s only public art gallery will showcase artwork from artists in Richmond and Metro Vancouver. The Richmond Arts Coalition, which works to ensure the local arts community can improve the quality of life in Richmond, organized the juried art exhibition, along with gallery staff.

This show is a chance for artists to gain greater exposure and for viewers to see the best of over 150 artworks that were submitted for consideration. Nearly 50 artists are represented. Admission by donation. Richmond Art Gallery: 7700 Minoru Gate.

Gipsy Kings – Aug. 27, River Rock Show Theatre They came on the scene over a generation ago with their guitar melodies and memorable chorus lines. And they’re still playing

A guide to what’s going on in Richmond this season. today. The Gipsy Kings have been fronted for 25 years by songwriters and producers Nicolas Reyes and Tonnino Baliardo.

Their blend of traditional flamenco styles with pop and Latin rhythms has sold millions of albums.

“Volare,” for example, was kind of a big hit.

Reyes and Baliardo began playing together in the French town of Arles in 1979. They travelled throughout the country, busking on the streets of Cannes, playing wherever they could—weddings, parties, festivals. It was a Gypsy lifestyle, and they became the Gipsy Kings. Their music crosses borders.

Latin, Cuban, Arabic, reggae, jazz—styles from cultures around the world are reflected in their tunes. That’s made them a big hit across the globe.

In periods where they’re not touring, band members still live in the south of France with their families. The frontmen are now preparing to pass the band down to their sons, and continue to travel and absorb cultures and styles. Richmond seems like a fitting place.

Tickets, from $89.50, at ticketmaster.ca and 1-855-985-5000. River Rock: 8811 River Rd.

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons – Sept. 2, River Rock Show Theatre

Gipsy Kings’ Tonnino Baliardo and Nicolas Reyes have led the Gipsy Kings band for a generation.

10

T H E G O O D L I F E « SUMMER 2015

He’s a legendary music icon. How do we know? He’s 81 years old, he has 29 Top-40 hits with his group and another nine as a solo artist. And one of the Four Seasons frontman’s hits is “Oh What a Night,” also known as “December, 1963.” Frankie Valli will arrive in Richmond like a rolling bolt of thunder, ready to hypnotize and mesmerize an audience. We have a funny feeling he’ll be seeking sweet surrender.

Beyond that song documenting that special time back in ‘63, there are others fans might want to hear from the group: “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Let’s Hang On,” “Working My Way Back to You” and “Who Loves You.”

Valli rose to fame in the ‘60s, but, as his somewhat dated website boasts, he’s hotter than ever in the 21st century thanks to success of the musical Jersey Boys, which chronicles the life and times of Valli and his group. His last album, Romancing the ‘60s, came in 2007 and puts his own stamp on some of Valli’s favourite songs of yesteryear. Time to find those disco shoes.

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons will perform in RichTickets, from $109.50, at tickmond for one night, oh what a etmaster.ca and 1-855-985-5000. night, in September.

River Rock: 8811 River Rd.

For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again – Oct. 8-24, Gateway Theatre MainStage Mother knows best, right? Quebec playwright Michel Tremblay uses humour and nostalgia to pay tribute to his mother in a MainStage play that will open the 2015-16 Gateway Theatre season. For the Pleasure depicts the relationship between mother Nana (played by Margo Kane) and son (Kevin Loring), the narrator, at five different stages of their lives.

Tremblay has created a strong female character based on a woman who he says nurtured his imagination, his reclusive reading habits and his love for theatre and the arts. Yet she never fully witnessed her son’s artistic genius, passing away before the performance of his first successful play. It’s a bittersweet comedy that shows us the power of a parent-child relationship, brought to life on stage by discussions of everything from misguided childhood pranks to overbearing relatives to their favourite books.

Tickets, $20 to $45, at gatewaytheatre.com or 604-270-1812. Gateway Theatre: 6500 Gilbert Rd.

CULTURE!

You are invited to dozens of free, fun interactive activities in Richmond during the Canada-wide Culture Days weekend,

September 25, 26 & 27. Visit culturedays.ca and click “Activities” or look for the 8-page pull-out Culture Days guide in The Richmond Review on September 23.

VISUAL ARTS

PHOTOGRAPHY & FILM

WATERCOLOUR PAINTING DEMO Sat & Sun 11am–12pm | Danny Chen Art Studio, 13291 Steveston Hwy.

FILM SCREENING & DISCUSSION: MORE THAN HONEY Sun: 2–4:30pm | Richmond Public Library, 7700 Minoru Gate

CALLIGRAPHY A DECORATED LETTER with Westcoast Calligraphy Society Sat: 1–4pm | Thompson Community Centre, 5151 Granville Ave.

BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP with Nora Montiel Fri: 6:30-9pm | Richmond Cultural Centre Atrium, 7700 Minoru Gate

PAPERMAKING WORKSHOP with the chART Collective Sat: 2–4:30pm | Richmond Art Gallery, 7700 Minoru Gate

PERFORMING ARTS PLATINUM PLAYERS OPEN REHEARSAL Sun: 2-3:30pm | Minoru Place Activity Centre, 7600 Minoru Gate RICHMOND SINGERS OPEN REHEARSAL Sat: 1:30–3:30pm | Gilmore Park United Church, 8060 No. 1 Rd.

LITERARY ARTS WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE LAUNCH: SALLY STUBBS, PLAYWRIGHT Fri: 7-9pm | Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate

AND MORE! ART ON COFFEE SHOW Fri & Sat: 3–5pm | Art & Coffee, 2270–8888 Odlin Cr. PUBLIC ART BUS TOUR Sat & Sun: 1:15–3:30pm | Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate (pre-registration required)

FULL DETAILS AND MORE ACTIVITIES AT CULTUREDAYS.CA

70+ FREE ACTIVITIES

3 DAYS OF INSPIRATION

David Cooper photo Margo Kane and Kevin Loring star in a Michel Tremblay play about the relationship between a mother and son.

SUMMER 2015 « T H E G O O D L I F E

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Don’t let your home become an easy target for thieves while you are on vacation.

Keeping your home sweet and safe From timers to deadbolts to garden maintenance, all can help keep your home thief-free

MARTIN VAN DEN HEMEL

A

BOUT TO GO on a vacation?

There are some simple steps you can take that will make your house less likely to be targeted by thieves, and prevent other problems that might cause an

unnecessary headache on your first day back home.

Some of the following tips are great not just for vacations, but for year-round security.

See Page 14

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Leaving your home alone From Page 12 • Deadbolts on doors can give thieves a headache. Especially when they’re properly installed, with three-inch screws, and bolstered by door reinforcers and proper lighting that keeps entranceways easy to see from the street.

• Securing ground-floor windows is as easy as cutting a piece of wood that fits snugly into the bottom track to prevent the window from being forced open.

• Patio doors may need a little more attention, especially if they’re older. Those with sliding doors that open on the exterior side of the fixed pane of glass, need anti-lift guards that prevent the door from being lifted out of the frame from the outside.

This can be accomplished by installing a patio locking bar at waist level to prevent prying, or installing anti-lift guards in the frame both above and below the closed sliding patio door.

• Even a little bit of gardening can target-harden your home.

Shrubs and trees should be trimmed to avoid blocking doors and windows, eliminating a potential hiding spot for prospective thieves. Have a gardener make sure your yard is maintained while you are away.

• Making your home look like it’s still occupied is another big help. According to independenttraveler.com, curtains should remain open, and lights should be put on an automatic timer,

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• In the event of a water leak, such as the rupturing of a hot-water tank, consider giving insurance information to a trusted friend or family member, who can help start the cleanup before the mould sets in and creates a bigger catastrophe.

• Turning off the main water to the house can save one potential problem—a ruptured water line—while turning off the hot water heater will at the very least save you a bit of money.

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Here’s a few other things to consider about home safety before leaving on a vacation.

• Leave a key with a trusted family member/friend, and ask them to check in on the house while you’re away, especially if it’s a long trip. Check your homeowner’s insurance policy as there may be limits how long your home can remain vacant without your coverage voiding.

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• If your home has a security system, that’s great. What’s better is leaving your house key and alarm code with someone you trust, and providing the police with their name and phone number while you’re out of town.

• Consider asking your neighbour to collect your mail and newspapers. Better yet, call the local newspaper to suspend its delivery until after your return, so that doesn’t pile up on the doorstep.

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cycling on an off to make it seem as if someone’s home. Leaving lights on during all hours of the night, might in fact draw unwanted attention.

STYLISH HANDBAGS | PURSES | WALLETS | BACKPACKS

Securing ground-floor windows is as easy as cutting a piece of wood that fits snugly into the bottom track to prevent the window from being forced open.

• Don’t notify your circle of friends on Facebook and Twitter that you’re on vacation. There’s literally no anonymity on the Internet. Remember, anyone can access this information.

• Most people try to unplug from the world during a vacation. Consider letting your house do the same. Unplug TVs, computers, microwaves and other devices (not your fridge or freezer), which will protect them from power surges, while also saving electricity since many appliances use power even when they’re off.

—with files from Richmond RCMP

Heading back to class From Page 11 “I’ve had people come to me with tears in their eyes with enthusiasm because their mind has been opened up.”

Students are also drawn to the program by word of mouth. In the last semester, 100 of the 577 students were new.

“Every semester we get new students, but most of our students repeat. They like a particular instructor of subject, so that motivates them to keep coming back.”

The community that students find themselves in also keeps them coming back. Friendships are made—and in some cases, groups are formed. Students in one poetry class, for example, made such strong connections that they continued to meet monthly after the course wrapped up. Three years later, the group is still meeting in a community centre space.

SFU’s continuing studies program is now over 40 years old and it continues to grow. “I think we’ll see that as we go along because of the number of baby boomers that are retiring and are looking for something beyond golf and bridge and exercise,” said Kaplan.

R

ICHMOND ALSO HAS many community programs for adult learners. Community centres, Minoru Place Activity Centre and Richmond Public Library all offer programs aimed at lifelong learning and increasing physical activity.

At Minoru Place Activity Centre, for example, an introductory

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woodworking course is offered throughout the summer. Other ongoing programs focus on technology. Through a partnership with Minoru Place, the library offers one-on-one computer training to seniors. Also regularly offered is a group class, which teaches students technology skills.

Some monthly wellness clinics at local community centres offer various health-related workshops, such as navigating the health care system, chronic pain management, liver disease and nutrition.

Another free education option is the English Language Services for Adults. The ELSA program, offered at four locations in Richmond, including through the Richmond School District, offers basic and intermediate English training for adult newcomers to Canada.

Adult learners can also return to high school. The B.C. school system has a variety of options for students of all ages to complete secondary school. And it’s never too late. In 2013, Kay Eddison became B.C.’s oldest high school graduate by earning her high school diploma at age 89.

“I had always regretted that I didn’t get my Grade 12, and the opportunity came up so I thought, ‘Well, this is just about my last chance,’ and I went for it,” Eddison told The Chilliwack Times.

Richmond School District also has options for adult learners through its Continuing Education program. It offers six-week online courses that start at $119. Students are monitored by an instructor who is available to answer questions and guide students along.

Online courses (ed2go.com/richconted) include subjects of accounting and finance, business, computers, writing and publishing, health care, law and personal development.

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SUMMER 2015 « T H E G O O D L I F E

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Long-time Richmond Kajaks Jean-Jacques Schmidt and Don Pfeffer. The club has a successful masters’ athletes program.

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HE RICHMOND KAJAKS enjoy a well-earned reputation as one of Canada’s top track and field clubs. But while it’s perhaps best known for developing many of the country’s elite athletes during its five-plus decade history, the success of its masters program is equally eminent. You could even say, with only slight exaggeration, that it is a source to the fountain of youth.

Jean-Jacques Schmidt will heartily agree.

Nineteen years after knee surgery he’s still able to run quite well, thanks to both his longtime involvement with the Kajaks and the help of a renowned sports medical team that includes fellow noted runners Jack Taunton and Doug Clement.

See Page 18

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Kajaks excelling as they age From Page 16 It was Clement, along with his wife Diane (both former Canadian Olympic athletes) who started the Kajaks in 1961.

“There is hope for those who had knee surgery and gave up running,” insists the ever-enthusiastic Schmidt, who generally runs the course of 35 kilometres three times a week—just one of the many ways the active 74-year-old stays fit.

Born in France where he was an elite amateur athlete, Schmidt has been a Richmondite since 1971. It was his daughter Frederique, who started to run with the Kajaks as a youth in 1979, that inspired him to join the local track and field fraternity. In 1980, he began coaching in the Kajaks’ junior development program, specializing in distance running, and guided the young athletes for the next 20 years. He then turned his attention to coaching masters athletes, which he continues to this day.

Schmidt also managed to find time to run competitively himself.

He placed first in the Vancouver marathon in 1981, winning the men’s 40-year-old age group in a time of just under three hours, and successfully defended the title while lopping nearly 15 minutes off his time of the previous year. He also set a course record for men over 50 at the Portland marathon in 1991, finishing fourth overall in two hours, 40 minutes.

Schmidt remained an elite masters runner in B.C. until 1996 when,

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“We are here to maintain this legacy and ready to help more people... achieve their goal of becoming active for life.” unfortunately, his knees began to give out. The competitive blood still flows, however, and he managed to collect silver medals in all his events—800 metres, 1500 metres, 5,000 metres and 10 kilometres) at the 2012 B.C. Senior Games in Burnaby.

Schmidt is immensely proud of the Kajaks, and the many other masters’ athletes within the club who have or are leaving their mark in the sport of track and field. Among them are Fred Pawluk, who at age 68 is an elite competitor in the 800-metre, 1500-metre and cross country events; Jake Madderom, who at 70 still challenges for supremacy in the 800 metres and is also a strong cross-country competitor; and John Caruso, who at 75 is also fleet afoot on the cross country trails. Elizabeth Rollins, 65, holds several B.C. records in the women’s 200 metres, long jump, shot put and javelin events.

While Schmidt said the Kajaks’ masters program was already strong when he joined in 1980—Doug Clement was his coach from 1980 to 1986—he has been instrumental in helping maintain and grow the program. He credits Clement for inspiring his athletic prowess.

“I learned most of my coaching skills from his programs and owe to his guidance my rapid ascention in the sport as an athlete,” he says.

Several Kajaks have also become prominent figures on the international scene. Gwen McFarlan, 81, seems to break world records with relative regularity. She won the Canadian Masters Marathon Championship last year in Ottawa in a world record time of 4:12.30. She also holds world record for the women aged 75 in the marathon (3:57.30) as well as the half marathon (1:50.0).

“She has, of course, competed in many other events where she has been unequaled,” marvels Schmidt.

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Rose O’Hare, 65, is also an elite Kajaks who holds many provincial and national records in throws events. And Luke Wang, 43, is another Canadian record holder at 60 metres. Typically, he wins al his events in B.C. and performs near the top in the national and international meets he enters as well, notes Schmidt.

But while it’s clear many of the Kajaks are excelling as they age, Schmidt maintains “we are here to maintain this legacy and ready to help more people—men and women of all ages—achieve their goal of becoming active for life. We’re very proud of our elite masters athletes, but want to emphasize to people that there is plenty of room for recreation athletes as well. We have the ability among our coaching staff to help people who want to improve their fitness level to become a good runner, or maybe even an elite.”

Runners stay Forever Young Running club focuses on fun and fitness DON FENNELL

O

NE OF THE HOPES of people everywhere is to be forever young, which is the theme of a local eight-kilometre walk/run exclusively for those age 55 or better.

“We believe it is the first of its kind in Canada,” John Young says of The Forever Young 8k Walk/Run he is overseeing Sunday, Sept. 13 at Garry Point Park.

Having dedicated himself to many community initiatives, including previously organizing the local Terry Fox Run, the Richmond man believes strongly in the importance of exercise—both physically and mentally.

See Page 23

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SUMMER 2015 « T H E G O O D L I F E

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Cellular phones offer many options for seniors The latest smartphones offer a new world of connecting with people

Today’s devices offer voice-activated convenience, which means making a call to a spouse, son, or grandchild can be as simple as saying “Call Johnny.”

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EPENDING ON WHAT you’re looking to do on your cellular phone, there’s plenty of alternatives for adults first entering this sophisticated world. Want to take pictures of the grandkids and trade text messages with loved-ones?

Paula Lloyd of Solutions Co., says adults in their 50s or older shouldn’t feel intimidated by the world of smart phones, which are easier to use and more versatile than ever.

With large, sharp screens, simple-to-navigate software, and cameras that can snap high-quality images, the learning curve isn’t as steep as it might seem for those who’ve steared clear of smart phones to this point.

How about the score to that game you missed on TV? Just speak into your cell phone and the answer will appear on the screen.

Lloyd said the barrier for entry for some seniors isn’t their ability to learn something new. It often boils down to whether their own children know how to use those devices themselves, and whether they’re willing to teach them.

The most-common stumbling blocks are stubborness, rigidity and a lack of interest, she said. “You don’t know what you don’t know,” Lloyd said.

The newest cell phones can open an older adult’s eyes to an entirely different world of social interconnectivity.

See Page 22

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Training offered for new cell phone customers From Page 20 Capturing good-quality photos and sharing them via text message or via social media sites like Facebook, provides “so much joy” to those who participate, Lloyd said.

Still daunted by the learning curve that might come with cellular phones?

Lloyd’s company (solutionco.com) offers reasonably-priced classes to help people learn how to use their smartphones, tablets and computers.

At Telus Mobility, they’re willing to provide oneon-one training for their customers.

Telus. “Once we’ve picked the perfect phone, we ensure the phone is set up with voicemail and email and that the customer understands their bill and how to access their account online before they leave the store. We want our customers to walk out happy and with their new cell phone fully operational.

If you’re just looking for a device that’s portable, simple to use, and essentially just an in-case-ofemergency companion, then a flip phone, with a clamshell-like hinged cover that protects and covers the keys, may be perfect for you.

Telus’ Chantal Hunter The Alcatel OneTouch, offered by Telus and KooIn-person, one-to-one sessions of up to 45 min- helps new customers. do, has big numbers, loud ring tones and tactile utes can be booked with a professional who will feedback on the numerical keypad, which can be show those who have purchased a new device how especially helpful for those with faltering vision to properly operate it, and answer any questions and hearing. The Samsung Rugby is a rugged flip they might have. phone with a great battery life and “will stand up to being “We talk through the options and find the right phone for them,” says Chantal Hunter, a client support facilitator with SAVE

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dropped (and then some),” says Hunter.

Otherwise, the number of flip phone options are relatively few, as large-screen smartphones currently dominate the market.

For some older adults, vision and hearing and manual dexterity can become issues.

“A lot of my older customers love the iPhone because the operating system is simple and surprisingly intuitive and easy to learn,” Hunter says. “It also has accessibility features for users with impaired vision or hearing. Samsung phones are also great for older users because of their Easy Mode feature.

Easy Mode transforms the phone into a basic smartphone with only a few simple easy-to-use applications. Swipe to the left and you can store full-screen photos of friends and family with one-touch speed dial.”

The website phonearena.com has listed the top seven cell phones (tinyurl.com/SeniorCellPhone) specifically designed with seniors and older adults in mind.

For information about whether all of these options are compatible in Canada, contact your local cellular phone service provider.

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T H E G O O D L I F E « SUMMER 2015

“The right cell phone can make your life safer, healthier, easier and more enjoyable,” says Hunter. “Today’s cell phones do so much more than just make phone calls, they are also health monitors, flashlights, magnifiers, radios, maps, currency converters, cameras and alarms! A cell phone can also be a critical lifeline in an emergency and they are a great way to stay in touch with grandchildren, who much prefer to send text messages than talk on the phone.”

Staying healthy as you age From Page 19 So while this year marks the inaugural Forever Young race, a club of the same name has existed for seven years.

“We started with just my wife, our good friend and world record holder—81-year-old Gwen McFarlan, and myself,” smiles Young, who serves as the club’s co-ordinator. “Through word of mouth we have grown to a mailing list of 130 and regularly have 25 to 35 people out for a walk or run on the trails, dykes and pathways of Richmond.

Our focus is on fun and fitness, and the fun part comes first. We exercise for an hour and we have coffee for an hour. That’s the fun part.”

“A quick look at the age groups of the Sun Run 10k show many, many finishers over the age of 80.”

The Forever Club even has a special chapter, a group called the Cardiac Club for those who have had heart issues or surgery.

many finishers over the age of 80. We hope these active seniors will find out about Forever Young and give it a try.”

“I believe our run/walk is a sports story but it is also a story of lifestyle and fitness among our aging population. Through the Forever Young 8k we want to show all ages that many seniors are staying fit and active later and later in life. Our idea for the event is to honour those who remain healthy as they age, and to give them a medal and a T-shirt that proves their commitment to staying in shape.”

And whether you’re just entering the golden years or already making the most of them, Young has more good news. Coffee and goodies will be provided for all participants, who will be entertained by music from the ’50s and ’60s. As well, many awards and draw prizes will be presented post-event and winners in each age group will also receive a bottle of good B.C. wine.

Though registration for the inaugural walk/run will be limited to 250, Young encourages participants to challenge their children and their grandchildren to see if they can walk or run 8K as well.

Young says if you’re keen to participate—and he sincerely hopes you are—register now before the event is full, and in order to guarantee your shirt size. Visit www.foreveryoung8k. ca for details and registration. For questions about the event contact info@foreveryoung8k.ca.

“There are many active older folks in the Lower Mainland,” he says. “A quick look at the age groups of the Sun Run 10k show many,

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SUMMER 2015 « T H E G O O D L I F E

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Finding rewards in serving the community

BY DON FENNELL

A

RMED WITH A STRONG SENSE of adventure, Pat Watson approaches each day with a keen desire to make a difference. And there is perhaps no greater challenge, or reward, than serving the community.

Pat Watson talks about how Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives serves as a hub for volunteering and philanthropic gifts

In her capacity as the new chair of Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives, Watson is continually motivated by “the opportunity to find ways to improve.”

“Creative leadership is looking at the situation from all possible points of view,” she said. “Being in a leadership role is a moving platform. The business structure, economics and competitive marketplace continually shift and how you lead, coach and collaborate will evolve to meet these challenges.”

Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives serves as a hub for volunteering and giving, said Watson.

It means continuing to provide services such as child care resources and referral, seniors programs, volunteer opportunities, youth leadership and the Christmas fund among many others.

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T H E G O O D L I F E « SUMMER 2015

Pat Watson, chair of Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives, is motivated by the opportunity to find ways to improve.

Rob Newell photo

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Pat Watson From Page 24 “Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives is about helping the community succeed with a portal for community organizations to identify their volunteer opportunities and their short term and forever fund requirements.”

Watson joins Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives from an extensive background as a widely-respected senior business executive who has contributed to several different vocations such as information technology, natural resources, utlities, health care and education. In each sector, she said, the business models have been slightly different but the challenges very similar.

Watson’s beliefs, and indeed experience as a leader, stem initially from an active childhood. “Being part of a large multi-generational family in Richmond allowed for plenty of opportunity to explore the larger neighbourhood. This meant taking care of yourself and others around you.”

“There is always competition, stakeholders and a community of workers,” she said. “Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives has a governance board and we have board members who reflect a broad base of skills and knowledge. This allows us to collectively provide effective governance.”

Ed Gavsie, interim executive director of Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives and a longtime community volunteer himself, speaks highly of Watson. “She’s a very warm, engaging person and I think people are naturally drawn toward her,” he says.

“She’s very genuine and what you see is what you get. She’s easy to work with because she’s direct and experienced and a team builder.”

Watson spent the last eight years on the board of the Richmond Public Library, two as chair. She is most proud of the fact that the board listened to the community to determine what people who use the library now and in the future would like their library to be.

Gavsie was a member of the Volunteer Richmond board as its was going through the process of joining forces with the Richmond Community Foundation to create the collaborative initiative under its new name which came into being last February.

After Sylvia Gwozd completed her term as foundation president last year and Watson became the new president, Gavsie keenly promoted the idea of Watson becoming chair the new board.

“We engaged in community consultation that involved both online tools and community meetings,” she said. “It was hugely successful with over 18,000 participants. It provided concrete data to the library board and staff, with clear priorities in planning library resources for the community.”

When not engaged in her responsibilities at Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives, Watson and her husband Gary enjoy grassroots motorsports. They participate in and attend events with the many clubs in the Lower Mainland.

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Cleaning house Decluttering is the first big step in downsizing FATIMA RIAZ

D

OES CLEANING THE HOUSE drain your energy?

Do your belongings play hide and seek with you? It’s about time you consider this: homes with too many belongings make cleaning a tough job.

Items need to be constantly shoved into the storeroom.

Misplaced cutlery takes forever to find. If this sounds familiar, chances are your house is cluttered.

Susan Borax, co-founder of Good Riddance, a Lower Mainland-based company specializing in helping people get organized, said downsizing is a “daunting process for anyone at any age.”

She said even though the process is a bit challenging and messy, the results are worth it.

Many people are emotionally attached to their belongings making it hard for them to be objective about decluttering, Borax said. People gather things thinking they will utilize them but they do not, she added.

She says seniors tend to slow down with age and are not physically able to maintain their homes. According to Goodriddance.ca, many residential houses are not designed to suit conditions that older adults face, such as “reduced mobility or limited range of reach.”

It is important to maintain a strong focus when downsizing, said Borax. People must start clearing their houses six months to one year ahead of time, she said. Moving systematically from one room to another will make the process much lighter.

The first step in downsizing is to distinguish between how much you will “need” and what will fit in the new home, Borax emphasized. Sell, donate or recycle unwanted items

Downsizing is a “daunting process for anyone at any age.”

rather than dumping them at the landfill, she advises.

In her article, House Resolution #1: Easy De-Cluttering for 2013, Borax lists types of “CRUD (completely ridiculous useless debris)” that can be decluttered: 1) We all collect durable goods that could be used later on, instead they just keep piling up. This includes plastic bags and tub-wares which must be recycled.

2) Items sitting in storerooms or on shelves that are “beyond repair,” including broken furniture and electronics that are not supported anymore by manufacturers. These must go.

3) Many parents hold on to their children’s items thinking that one day the kids will utilize them. Instead, the children hold no more importance towards the belongings indicating that the items are clutter.

Borax’s solution to avoid clutter is to stop piling up unnecessary items: avoid things items you don’t need. Always follow the rule of thumb; when something comes in, something must go out.

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Centuries of old law, gone What would have invalidated a Will in the past does not necessarily do that now JACK MICNER

T

HE NEW WILLS ESTATES and Succession Act (or WESA) came into force last year, on March 31.

Section 58 of WESA has shifted centuries of old law off the table, in favour of what might be called “Testator intention.”

Put another way, what would have invalidated a Will in the past does not necessarily do that now. What the Testator (or “Will Maker”, under WESA) expresses, rather than how (s)he expressed it, is now more important. Case authority is helping clarify all this.

At the end of June, reasons for judgment were released in the case of the Yaremkewich estate. The case give us a good description of what may happen in many families in the future.

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T H E G O O D L I F E « SUMMER 2015

Facts The deceased died (age 64) in 2014, leaving an Estate valued at about $545,000. Her husband and parents predeceased. She had no children.

In April, 2014 she drafted a Will using a pre-printed form (a “drugstore” Will). The Will was placed in an envelope with three other documents. The envelope was found when the deceased died.

The other documents included a 12-page, handwritten list of personal items, along with the people to whom they were to be given. There was also a one-page, handwritten list of charitable bequests the deceased wanted, and a three-page document describing how to care for the deceased’s dog.

(The Court) can order an “improper” document effective nonetheless, if the Court is satisfied that the document represents the deceased’s testamentary intentions.

The two witnesses signed the Will, but at a time when it had not been filled out! The witnesses, in their evidence, did not recall whether the deceased had signed the Will before them. The Court was not sure that the other documents were completed at the time the witnesses signed the Will.

The decision The Court first held that the Will did not comply with the formalities of WESA. The Will was not validly witnessed.

The Court considered Section 58 of WESA at some length, holding ultimately that it can order an “improper” document effective nonetheless, if the Court is satisfied that the document represents the deceased’s testamentary intentions. The words expressed by the Will Maker in the document have to represent a “fixed and final” intention of the person making the Will, at the time the Will is made.

Here, the Will did, in the Court’s view, express the deceased’s testamentary intentions, and so the Will was effective after all.

As for the other three documents, the Court stated that if they represented the Will Maker’s intentions, they could be incorporated into and be part of the Will. The Court then held that the Will was effective and that the other documents, except for the one with the dog instructions (because they were not “testamentary”), were part of the Will.

Two years ago, the deceased’s Will in this case would have been declared invalid, and her Estate would have been distributed under the rules of intestacy. So the change in the law is dramatic, and by the look of it, it led here to a just result.

That doesn’t mean, however, that these kinds of documents can or should be done casually or informally. Not every case will end like Yaremkewich, and the cost of bringing such a case to Court likely exceeds the cost of making, with a professional advisor, a full and proper Will.

Jack Micner, barrister & solicitor with Spry Hawkins Micner, welcomes your questions on wills, estates and elder law.

He can be reached at jack@willpowerlaw.com SUMMER 2015 « T H E G O O D L I F E

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Getting the best advice How to find a financial advisor SHAUN RICKERBY

F

INDING A TRUSTED INVESTMENT ADVISOR can be one of the most important decisions you can make in achieving your long-term financial security. So having said that, how does one start by finding a “good one.” (It’s the kind of challenge I face when picking a wine.)

they might have their IFIC licensing allowing them to sell mutual funds only or, ideally, are IIROC licensed allowing them to also deal in securities such as stocks, bonds, preferred shares and index shares.

If they are a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) then you have found an individual who is committed to the profession and this is a great accreditation to have.

The first thing one needs to understand is that different advisors and different investment firms can be more adept at working with clients depending on their net worth.

One of the first challenges an investor faces is to ensure that they find the most appropriate One of the first advisor for the investment capital challenges an investor they have available. People with faces is to ensure that $2 million probably don’t have the they find the most same expectations around fees, services and investment alternatives appropriate advisor that people with $200,000—or for the investment $20,000—might expect.

capital they have

Other major accreditations that suggest experience and strong investment knowledge include the Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI) and also a Certified Financial Analyst (CFA).

The bottom line is that as your assets grow, chances are that the fee structure should decline, the services provided should increase and the range of investment solutions should broaden. Services should include financial planning as well as estate, retirement, and tax planning.

So the first thing of course is an available. advisor’s experience. Although everyone has to start a new job Individuals with a portfolio of one day, when it comes to your over $1 million should be able to find qualified promoney, it’s probably wise to find someone with at fessionals who have total fees in the range of 1%. If least five years of experience. They will have proven you are just starting your investment career, it might their ability to find and retain clients by that point be argued that an ideal investment tool is mutual as well as gained a few battle scars from the slings funds at an annual cost of 2.25%. and arrows of the investment battle.

In conclusion, as you go through life, try to ensure Next, ask about qualifications and accreditation. that your advisor has the ability to grow with you The number one issue is to ensure they are licensed and always ensure your advisor is licensed with B.C. with the B.C. Securities Commission (you can go Securities Commission. to the BCSC website at www.bcsc.bc.ca and check who is licensed). Every professional advisor in B.C. has to be licensed so if the person you are talking to is not, terminate the discussion right there. Next, 30

T H E G O O D L I F E « SUMMER 2015

Shaun Rickerby is a Portfolio Manager at TD Wealth in Richmond and can be reached at shaun. rickerby@td.com.

Q U A L I T Y

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A C T I V E

S E N I O R S

W H AT T O D O A B O U T S T U F F ?

SING YOUR CLUTTER AWAY! TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 2:00-3:00PM

Are you a senior looking to declutter, downsize and organize? Do you have a parent or grandparent that you are trying to assist but years of memories and attachments keep getting in the way?

Join us for a hilarious laugh, learn and sing-a-long that will teach all of us the art of getting rid of stuff guilt-free!

Space is limited.

RSVP Gilmore Gardens Seniors Community 4088 Blundell Road, Richmond, BC

604 271 7222

info.gilmore@diversicare.ca gilmoregardens.com

Managed by Diversicare, awarded the BC Senior Living Association Seal of Approval and Canada’s Order of Excellence, Gold Recipient for SUMME R 2Quality 015  T H E G O O D

LIFE

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T H E G O O D L I F E « SUMMER 2015