Special Features - As We Age December 2015 Edition

asweage∙ December/January 2016

A monthly guide to events, resources and services for Mission Seniors

BOB FRIESEN PHOTO

When you think about it, Santa Claus is the ultimate senior volunteer. He’s old enough to be retired, works for free and seems to have an endless supply of energy and good will. But, Santa has to have helpers. In Mission, Doug Pearson has been “helping” Santa bring joy to young ones for the past 30 years. When you see Santa at the Candlelight Parade or other events, Pearson is always around, although you never seen the two together.

For more on Pearson see page 26

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Santa: The ultimate senior volunteer Kevin MILLS Mission record

Anyone who has kids or grandkids knows that the arrival of Santa is cause for huge excitement.

But whenever Santa comes to Mission, he usually needs a little help staying organized. That’s where Doug Pearson comes in.

Pearson has been “helping” Santa for more than 30 years. He has done it so often, it almost feels like he’s wearing the red suit himself.

“I probably do more of these events in Mission than anybody else,” he said.

He began his association with Santa when he was with the Kinsmen. He would visit schools all across Mission.

He finds himself in more and more demand as Santa’s schedule is pretty busy.

He’s heading to Langley twice next week for some private events and has attended the Breakfast with Santa event at Mission Springs.

But perhaps the biggest thrill is “helping” Santa at the Candlelight Parade, a job he has exuberantly done for the past 15 years.

“The parade is unbelievable, because of the kids. The enthusiasm

of the kids just gives me a great feeling. It’s hard to explain. When you see the kids cheering and hollering, it’s great, awesome.”

He said this year’s parade was something special.

“The turn out this year was unbelievable, so many kids. I didn’t think we had that many kids in Mission.”

Spending so much time with Santa, Pearson said you hear a lot of funny tales.

“There are so odd requests and funny moments,’ he said.

But for the most part, children are just thrilled to see him.

He said being at the mall in Abbotsford was “kind of crazy” but he doesn’t do that anymore because Mission keeps him busy.

“I’ve got 26 0r 27 events to do this year.”

When not “assisting” Santa, Pearson is the president of the drop-in activities at Mission’s Seniors Centre.

“I’m retired but I’m pretty busy.”

While he will turn 70 early next year, Pearson said he plans to continue what he’s doing for as long as he can.

“I’m just taking it year by year.”

Funding helps Mission seniors Mission Community Services Society (MCSS) is receiving funding to stock up the shelves at their food bank, thanks to a $48,000 grant from the B.C. government. Funding will also go towards their Meals on Wheels program and Seniors Connection program.

“Without this valuable support from the B.C. government we would be challenged to provide these valuable programs that assist so many of Mission’s most vulnerable citizens,” explained MCSS executive director Sanjay Gulati.

“Thanks to this funding, valuable services will continue to be provided to members of our community,” Abbotsford-Mission MLA Simon Gibson said.

This grant was awarded under the Human and Social Services category of the Community Gaming Grant program which help support the work of local agencies and clubs that deliver important social services to British Columbians facing challenging and difficult situations.

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asweage∙ Symonds will be missed

Mission recently lost a good friend when longtime volunteer Graham Symonds passed away.

The Mission Hospice Society and the community of Mission itself recently lost a good friend when long-time volunteer Graham Symonds passed away.

He passed away peacefully in Mission Memorial Hospital surrounded by family and friends.

On Nov. 26, the hospice society held a celebration of life for Symonds and more than 80 people came out to honor the volunteer, father, friend

and just amazing man.

Symonds immigrated to Canada from England in 1955 along with his two young daughters and the family dog.

He was a Cloverdale volunteer firefighter for many years and was chief for at least one of those years.

Prior to joining the Surrey Fire Department full time, Symonds worked for the Municipality of Surrey (from 1958 to 1964 approximately).

By the 1960s, Surrey began manufacturing its own fire pumpers at the municipal work yard. Eleven of these trucks were manufactured and the last one produced is housed at the Surrey Museum. Symonds was instrumental in building these fire SUBMITTED PHOTO trucks.

He worked for the Surrey Fire Department for 23 years (1964 to 1987) before retiring as a captain.

After retiring, he moved to Mission in 1989.

He was the President of the Surrey Professional Fire Fighters Pioneer Association for 15 years and has been a member since its formation in 1992.

Symonds and his wife volunteered at Pleasantview for several years

before his wife became ill and was in Hospice at Christine Morrison.

After his wife passed away in 2007, and Symonds saw first hand the good works done at Christine Morrison, he knew that he wanted to volunteer there.

Hospice made life bear­able for him after his wife’s passing. He was able to help people and be sociable at the same time.

He was a member of the Brits Club and enjoyed the company of fellow Brits at lunch each Wednesday.

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EVENTS FOR SENIORS asweage∙ December/January 2015

32444 7th Avenue Mission Phone: 604-820-0220 ■ Jan. 5 Lifetime Learning Centre’s used book sale is on from 9 am to 2 pm at 32444 - 7th Ave., Mission.

■ Jan. 5 Osteofit and Low Impact Fitness classes with Alvina Tyler continue every Tues. and Thur. morning at 32444 - 7th Ave., Mission. Phone 604820-0220 for information.

■ Jan. 11 Lifetime Learning Centre presents French conversation classes with Nicole Bellay at 32444 - 7th Ave., Mission.

Beginners 11 am to 12 noon, intermediate 9:30 to 10:30 am. Call 604-820-0220 for information.

■ Jan. 12 and 14 Lifetime Learning Centre’s Warm Fuzzies Knitting Group meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 32444 -7th Ave., Mission from 1 to 2:30 pm.

■ Jan. 5 Chair Yoga with Norine Longmire continues every Tue. and Thur. morning at 11 am at 32444 - 7th Ave., Mission.

■ Jan. 20 Lifetime Learning Centre’s Writing Group with Sharon Syrette meets from 12 noon to 2:30 pm at 32444 -7th Ave., Mission.

This is a series of five classes with a fee of $5 per session (non-members $7).

■ Jan. 7 Piano music with Tracey Tobin is presented from 1 to 2 pm at Carrington House, 32700 - 7th Ave., Mission. Fee; $7 (non-members $10).

■ Jan. 26 Lifetime Learning Centre’s Book Discussion Group meets from 1 to 3 pm at 32444 -7th Ave., Mission. Call 604-820-0220

Get Published

Mission. Fee: by donation.

Pre-register at 604-820■ Jan. 26 Lifetime 0220. This is a partnership Learning Centre program with School District presents Philosophers’ #75, offered as part of the Cafe. Topic: “Where now Linking Hands Through the with climate action?”

Generations Program.

Moderator: Neil Smith. Time: 7 to 9 pm. Place: Chartwell Cedarbrooke, 32331 -7th Ave., Mission. Cost: $5 Whats on at the refreshments provided.

Legion: for information.

■ Jan. 27 Lifetime Learning Centre’s Open House is from 1 to 3 pm at 32444 -7th Ave., Mission. Learn about and register for our programs.

Refreshments. Hear guest speaker Michael Boronowski, District of Mission Community Engagement Officer. Michael will discuss the various ways we can engage to create the type of community we desire.

■ Tuesday Nights from 6:30 pm CRIB Wednesday Night from 6:30 pm BINGO ■ Saturday from 3pm MEAT DRAWS

Sunday from 3pm MEAT DRAWS & BINGO ■ Last Sunday of every month: 27th December: Sunday Breakfast is served 9:30 am - 11:30am

■ Jan. 28 Lifetime Learning Centre presents “Tech Time” 33179 2nd Avenue with Sharon Syrette.

Mission • 604.826.3634 Bring your cell phone or tablet and students will be on ■ January 21 Lunch hand to help you. Time: 1 to With a Bunch from 3 pm. Place: 32444 -7th Ave., 11:30am until 1pm at the Carrington House.

Entertainment and door prizes. To register please call Catherine at 604-826-3634.

Crafts / Knitting ■ Wednesday 9:15 am Mission Chair Fitness Exercise 10:15 am Mission Senior Drop-in Crib 10:30 am Walking Club 12:30 pm Drop-in Bingo ■ Thursday 8:45 am Mission Drop-in Centre Line Dancing 10:00 am Crafts / Knitting ■ Friday 9:15 am Mission Chair Fitness Exercise 11:00 am Senior Drop-in Crib Jam Session will have lunch at 12:30pm. On the 12th and 26th and Jam Session starts a 1pm.

Abbotsford Social Activity Association

(Seniors) 33889 Essendene Ave Dec 31: Sweetwater New Year’s Eve Dance $9 for members $10 non-members.

■ Mondays 9:00 am Line Dancing 1:00 pm Carpet Dancing 7:00 pm Square Dancing ■ Tuesdays 9:30am Senior’s Dancing

Do you have a STORY, ISSUE or EVENT that is relevant to 55+ Seniors in Mission?

Email: msca2011@shaw.ca ■ Wednesdays 6:30pm

Submit to karen.murtagh@missioncityrecord.com, then look for the next AS WE AGE feature to see if your submission has made it.

■ Tuesday 9:00 am Mission Drop-in Centre Line Dancing 10:00 am

33100 – 10th Ave.,Mission Phone 604-814-2188 ■ Monday 12:30 am Mission Drop-in Centre Bingo 1:30 pm Seniors Mixed Bridge

Are you a Seniors community Group in Mission?

7:00pm Ballroom Dancing Line Dancing

■ Thursdays 9:30am Senior’s Dancing 7:30pm Square Dancing ■ Fridays 7:30pm Dance

Submit your events listing to adcontrol@missioncityrecord.com

asweage∙

Cheddar Turkey Casserole Ingredients: 4 cups uncooked spiral pasta 1 garlic clove, minced 3 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon prepared mustard 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon pepper 2 cups 2% milk 1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese 2 cups cubed cooked turkey 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed 1/2 cup slivered almonds

Preparation: 1.Preheat oven to 350°. Cook pasta according to package directions.

2.Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, sauté garlic in butter until tender. Stir in flour, salt, mustard, thyme and pepper. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in cheese until melted. Drain pasta; place in a large bowl. Toss with turkey, vegetables and cheese sauce.

3.Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake, uncovered, 35-40 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 6 servings.

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asweage∙ CLUES ACROSS

1. Red wine 7. Best nurse-patient aid 10. Footwear closure 12. C hinese dynasty 1122221 BC 13. Persuade to one’s side 14. Advocate 15. Mandela’s party 16. A woolen cap of Scottish origin 17. About aviation 18. S hallowest of the Greats 19. Sheathe 20. Frightened 23. Brews 24. Relates 27. Atomic #52 28. Up the ante 33. The “Kings’s” initials 34. Lepton 36. C ornmeal mush (British) 38. One who analyzes syntactically 39. Algonquian tribe 40. S ystems, doctrines, theories

41. H erb __, San Francisco columnist 42. I nformed about the latest trends 45. Seven 46. Morocco’s capital 47. W hat a doctor practices 49. Beaks 50. In a way, extends 51. A number or amount not specified 52. Gambling

CLUES DOWN

1. C omposition for orchestra and soloists 2. Bulgarian monetary unit 3. Settled upon 4. Common frog genus 5. E lectronic countercountermeasures 6. Golf ball supporter 7. Divided into 3 8. Crazy (Spanish) 9. Billiards stick 10. More deficient 11. S olomon Islands capital

12. Larval crabs 14. Malta capital 18. Clairvoyance 19. Tomato condiment 21. Alleviation 22. French seaport 25. New Testament 26. Shortened (abbr.)

29. Employee (abbr.)

30. Opposite of leaving 31. Lip locking 32. Foes 35. Many not ands 36. C overed with healing scrapes 37. Regions 41. Abel’s brother (Bible) 42. G reek Queen of the gods 43. Esau’s descendants (Bible) 44. Canarium ovatum 46. Ribonucleic acid 47. G as usage measurement 48. An oppositional argument

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asweage∙

Gord

Says Gordon Dainard

If you are not capable of answering their questions someone else must make decisions for you? This requires careful thought and planning and we think about this more as we age. We start to think about what life vs quality of life means to us and what our beliefs on end of life care means. The first step is deciding what’s important to you should the situation arise.

Planning means finding ways to express your wishes in advance so that if you become incapable, your wishes will be respected and followed.

This provides information to decision makers to make informed decisions on your behalf.

In BC, legislation was amended on September, 1, 2011 to address this. There are forms and information guides and free workshops that explain the various decision maker requirements and the forms.

Have you ever wondered what decisions you may have to make when faced with a medical emergency? We all know to call 911 but then what?

It doesn’t matter if you are a 19-yearold adult or a 91-year-old senior, someone – such as emergency medical and hospital personnel or health care providers responsible for your care – will have questions for you.

The main areas covered are: • Temporary Substitute Decision Maker – A list of eligible people that can be appointed including family members as well as close friend. • Representation Agreement – Someone you appoint to act on your behalf. • Advanced Directive – Provides

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consent or refusal to health care in advance. • Personal Guardian – Appointed by the court.

There are two free Cosco Health and Wellness Society workshops on Advanced Care Planning and Personal Planning available for groups of 10 or more. Please contact Gordon Dainard

at gdainard333@gmail.com to discuss booking one of the workshops for your group.

Tune in next month to read what Gord says about wills and estate planning and be sure to check the Mission Seniors Events page for scheduled workshops including Mission Seniors Centre Association – Falls Prevention at the seniors centre on Jan. 26.

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asweage∙

Maintaining a relationship with aging parents The sandwich generation is one to be admired. The juggling act between being a parent of young children and being a dutiful child to their own parents, all while keeping a full time job is something that many people are facing today and are quickly burning out.

The most difficult aspect of this juggling act is honoring your roles. As so many parents will say, no matter how old a child gets, they are still children.

This is where the biggest dilemma stems from.

As a parent ages, they require more support.

As they require more support, a child is the first one to volunteer.

After all, they raised you right? So as children of aging parents begin to support their aging parents, emotions run high.

The aging parents either feel as though they are a burden, or their pride won’t allow their children to help. The “I am your parent, you are my child” sentence continuously arises as children ask their parents to take their medications, or eat proper meals. So how do children of aging

parents maintain the relationship while still ensuring the best care?

Caregiving children are the ones that know their parents the best. Their likes, their dislikes, how they feel most comfortable, and what will make them happy.

Handing over the reins to someone outside the family is often a struggle, but the majority of those who have asked for outside support have seen improvements all around.

For example here is a short scenario about Darryl and Darla. Darryl was always the pro-

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tective father, saving his little girl from monsters under the bed and building her that treehouse in the backyard. As he aged, he felt less strong, less confident and having Darla constantly taking care of him, made him feel like a burden. Darla decided to get home care and once Chloe, the caregiver came into the picture, Darryl started to gain confidence.

Chloe was taking him out for walks to get his legs moving and strong again, she was feeding him hearty meals to put more meat on his bones and his relationship with Darla improved, because she was again, just his daughter. Her visits were to spend time with Darryl, not to care for him.

Ethel and Christina had an amazing mother daughter relationship.

They were the best of

friends. They used to go shopping all the time, they went for manicures and even went to the theatre together to watch the newest play that had come to town. A year ago, Ethel was admitted to the hospital and things changed in an instant. Ethel wasn’t getting invited to shopping trips or the theatre anymore. Ethel was feeling depressed and wanted to go home. It was then that Christina and Ethel decided to hire a caregiver to bring her back home. The caregiver was the best decision for the pair because now, as mother and daughter they have the freedom again to go on shopping trips, do family dinners and see shows once in a while, and have a caregiver there to help Ethel if she needs it.

Few families are

aware that medical and non-medical care exists beyond the four walls of the hospital. It’s important for family caregivers to utilize available resources in the community, like private home care, to lessen the burdens of care. Unfortunately, it’s often not until there is a medical emergency that the topic of enhanced care is first discussed. It can be challenging to broach the topic of increased care with parents. In fact, the number one fear of seniors is lost independence, which is why seeking help from experts at initiating happy aging talks is so important.

Article submitted by Carol Lange, franchise owner of Nurse Next Door Maple Ridge/ Mission. Nurse Next Door Homecare is an award-winning, local company dedicated to bringing love, happiness and caring to seniors and others needing help at home.

To all our Valued Clients at this Christmas Season, May you find time to enjoy life’s simple blessings and the beauty of each quiet moment.

It is in this spirit we say simply but sincerely thank you, and best wishes for a beautiful Holiday Season filled with peace and happiness.

asweage∙ is dedicated to our seniors. We welcome story submissions and photos. E-mail submissions to Karen at karen.murtagh@missioncityrecord.com PUBLISHED BY THE MISSION RECORD

Merry Christmas

For advertising opportunities call Karen at 604.820.5453 7576 Grand Street Mission 604 • 826 • 8087

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