PROPERTY TAX BREAK PAGE A3
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
QUESNEL COWGIRLS ON CBC PAGE A12
VOL. 102 NO. 36
www.quesnelobserver.com
Aiming for his shot A competitor during the B.C. Winter Games biathlon trials at Hallis Lake looks down at his target preparing his shot.
Ryan Graham photo
Hey Baby! Put your baby’s picture in the
Beautiful Babies of 2015 Special edition
Entry deadline is January 20, 2016
Good day, Quesnel. Thanks for reading — and that includes loyal subscriber Gloria Pinette! To join the Observer family, please call 250-992-2121 and ask for circulation.
ON TO NATIONALS PAGE A15
PM 40005365
1
$ 30
includes GST
Dementia education coming to Quesnel
Many Quesnel residents are this month making one of their most important New Year’s resolutions ever. They’re becoming Dementia Friends, committing to learn a little bit about dementia so they can be supportive and inclusive toward people with the illness, which has become one of the country’s most pressing health issues. Statistics suggest three out of four area residents know someone living with dementia. “People affected by dementia continue to live in and be a part of our communities and we can support them to stay connected in ways that are meaningful for them,” Leanne Ranes, Support and Education Coordinator for the nonprofit Alzheimer Society of B.C. for Quesnel and the North Interior and Skeena said. “Through individual actions we can raise awareness of dementia and reduce the stigma attached to it.” The Dementia Friends campaign is the cornerstone of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, which runs until the end of January. Ranes said becoming a Dementia Friend is easy. The process starts by signing up at DementiaFriends.ca. The next step is to understand five simple things about dementia: • It is not a natural part of aging. • It is not just about losing your memory. Dementia can affect thinking, communicating and doing everyday activities. • It is possible to live well with dementia. • There is more to a person than a diagnosis of dementia. • The Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s North Interior and Skeena branch is here to help Quesnel residents with dementia and their care partners. That knowledge can easily translate into action at home and work, Ranes adds. The Society has supported people living with dementia for 35 years. One of its initiatives, First Link®, connects people affected by dementia with information, Society support services and programs such as Minds in Motion®, and dementia education sessions at any stage of the journey. Quesnel residents can find out about upcoming education sessions by contacting Leanne Ranes at 250-564-7533 (toll-free 1-866-564-7533) or lranes@alzheimerbc.org, and visiting www.alzheimerbc.org.