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April/May 2016
A monthly guide to events, resources and services for Mission Seniors
Sharing his gift with others
Alfred Schwartz sits in his Mission home, surrounded by his work. The artisan and political protester has made and gifted over 100 lampshades. He creates the pieces by hand, carefully shaping each one, adding fine details
despite the fact that he has only one finger and a thumb on one of his hands. Almost every room in the 90-unit St. Andrews Co-op housing complex in Mission has one of his lampshades in it. For more on Alfred Schwartz see page 22
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Creating intricate artistic pieces Kier Junos
Mission record
Mission’s Alfred Schwartz has made, and given away, more than 100 decorative Kier Junos PHOTO lampshades
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When he was four, Alfred Schwartz trapped his right hand in the gears of an old farm harvester, leaving him with only with a thumb and a pinky. But he proved that he only needed seven fingers to make masterpieces, namely, his roster of lampshades numbering over 100. Even his modest lampshades have intricate, handmade fringes. The more elaborate ones – like the large crystal-fringed lamp on his bedroom dresser – could sell for about $1,200. At least two dozen of them sit in his home, at St. Andrews Co-op housing in Mission, a low-income community with 90 units. The front desk says there is likely a lampshade made by Alfred in each unit. He sits blanketed in his recliner, surrounded by lampshades of every size. Ever since the Alzheimers started setting in six months ago, he stopped making them. In his workshop, beer-can airplanes and wood-winged birds hang from the shelves, products of his past craftsmanship. His last lampshade is a modest black and gold and is unfinished. His wife Shirley says it will likely stay unfinished. Years ago, Alfred used to watch his neighbour, Clara, make lampshades when he lived in Slesse Park in Chilliwack. She drove around in a loud red Jeep and always wore a mini-skirt. Clara and Alfred became political protestors, starting with the time
they had trouble with the municipal government on their property. She had the mind for activism. But she needed Alfred to be the voice. Alfred remembers when a Britishaccented municipality man in a three-piece suit threatened that he could “Burn down his house if he wanted to.” Alfred promptly chased him off with a baseball bat and a can of pepper spray. There was a lot of talk going on, since Alfred came home late from political work some nights in the red Jeep. Many women felt safe around Alfred, according to Shirley. But she never had to worry, because she knew Clara and they both shared the same philosophy on healthy, opposite-sex friendships. Clara died of cancer around 2001. Her picture hangs in the workshop, where old un-shaded lamps cluster on the top shelves, effigies of what used to make light. Alfred and Shirley are Christians now, and they practice charity where they can. They’ll often buy the order for the strangers behind them in the Tim Hortons line. Once, a friend of theirs needed compression stockings and they anonymously sent them $100 for the cause. Then, of course, there are the lampshades. He is often asked, “Why don’t you sell ‘em?” Shirley says that you simply can’t pay for this work.
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Class reunites for 60 year celebration
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Cal Groening, one of the organizers of Mission Secondary’s Class of 1956 grad reunion, stands by some old photos that he hopes will provide his classmates with plenty of memories. Kevin Mills Photo
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It’s been six decades since Cal Groening graduated from Mission Secondary, but he still remembers those days fondly. The Mission man is helping to organize a 60th class reunion this weekend for the class of 1956. Former classmates will converge on Mission for a dinner at Martin’s Downtown on April 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. “I should mention that Rex Cox menswear is going to dress up a mannequin with the same bright sports coat and dark pants with a pink carnation, that’s what the guys from school wear,” said Groening. He is expecting 50 people to come out to the event on Saturday. “We held our 50th class reunion in Abbotsford,” said Groening. “We had 105 attend that one.” He said sadly, many former classmates have passed on since then, but everyone else is excited to get back together. “This might be out last hurrah.” Groening grew up in Mission, on
Cherry Street. After high school, he moved to Port Alberni. He moved back to Mission 10 years ago. In that time, he’s noticed plenty of changes. “Mission, at that time (1956) probably had a population of under 10,000 people. So much has changed. It’s grown.” One memory he has is when his school went to the provincial basketball finals in 1954. The local school was led by John Kootnekoff and Fred Kabatoff and took on Gladstone in the provincial final. “They (Gladstone players) thought it was quite funny. ‘Mission? Who the heck is Mission?’ they said. They quit laughing when we beat them.” Mission won 40-39 to bring the Fraser Valley its first provincial crown. He’s sure that story, and many others will be shared on Saturday. Reliving past glories and rekindling friendships are what class reunions are all about.
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events for seniors asweage∙ March/April 2016
32444 7th Avenue Mission Phone: 604-820-0220 May 3 Osteofit and Low Impact Fitness classes with Alvina Tyler continue every Tuesday and Thursday morning. Phone 604-820-0220 for information. May 3 Chair Yoga with Norine Longmire continues every Tue. and Thur. morning from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. May 3 Used book sale is on from 9 am to 2 pm at 32444 -7th Ave., Mission. May 3 Warm Fuzzies Knitting Group meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 2:30 pm. Knitting for all ages and abilities. This is a “Linking Hands Through the Generations” program in partnership with School District #75. Cost: by donation. May 3 Gardening Grandfolks Group meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 2:30 pm. Time to plant those seeds. Any level of skill welcome. This is a “Linking Hands Through the Generations” program in partnership with School District #75. May 4 Nordic Pole Walking Group meets every Wednesday at 9 am at Heritage Park parking lot. New walkers welcome. May 4 Lifetime Learning Centre’s Annual General Meeting takes place at 32444 -7th Ave., Mission from 1 to 3 pm.
May 5 Piano Music with Tracey Tobin at Carrington House, 32700 -7th Ave., Mission. Time: 1 to 2 pm. Fee: $7 (nonmembers $10). May 6 Bus Tour: “Taste of Gastown”. Includes 9 amazing tastings, beverage and dessert. History and trivia thrown in. Bus leaves 32444 -7th Ave., Mission at 10 am and returns at 5 pm. Cost: $75 (non-members $85) includes meal. Pre-register at 604-820-0220. May 10 Falls Prevention Clinic presented by Fraser Health will take place at Lifetime Learning Centre from 10 am to 12 noon. Have your falls risk status assessed and get advice from health professionals. Register by calling 604-587-7866. No charge. May 11 Lifetime Learning Centre’s Music Appreciation Program will continue the discussion of North American folk music. Time: 10 am to 12 noon. Fee: $20 for series of three sessions or $7 drop-in. Nonmembers $30/10. May 26 “Learn to Use Your Tablet, Computer or Cell Phone”. Bring your device and students will show you how to get the most from it. Time: 1 to 3 pm. Fee: by donation. May 31 Philosopher’s Café (to be confirmed) 7:00 p.m.to 9:00 p.m. at Chartwell Cedarbrooke, 32331 7th Ave. Mission. Fee: $5. June 1 Celebrate Seniors’ Week at our Gardening Expo from 1 to 3 pm. Guest lecturer. Gardening fitness demo and tips. Plant sale. Tour of intergenerational garden.
This is a “Linking Hands through the Generations Program” in partnership with School District #75. No Fee June 11 Bus Tour: Ryder Lake. Visit this farming community near Chilliwack and see farms with unusual animals, unique gardens, woodland trails and panoramic vistas. Bus leaves 32444 -7th Ave., Mission at 9 am and returns at 4 pm. Cost: $40 (nonmembers $50). Pre-register at 604-820-0220.
33179 2nd Avenue Mission • 604.826.3634 Lunch with a Bunch Senior’s Luncheon Thursday, May 19th at the Carrington House the third Thursday of every month 11:30am - 1pm Transportation available To register please call Catherine at 604-826-3634 Senior’s Cinema at Silvercity Tuesday, June 7th Doors open at 12:30pm Transportation available Movie starts at 1pm Movie and charity to be announced Minimum donation of 2.00 For more information please call 604-826-3634 Mission Community Services Society Garage Sale June 16 from 10-4 pm Located at 33179 - 2nd Avenue parking lot Proceeds go to the “Adopt a Senior” Program For more information please call 604-826-3634
Old Age Pensioners Organization Br. 28 General Meeting 2nd Friday 1:30 pm
33100 – 10th Ave., Mission Old Age Pensioners 604-814-2188 Organization Br. 28 Email:msca2011@shaw.ca Birthday Party 4th
MAY Activities
Monday 12:30 pm Mission Drop-in Centre Bingo 10:30 am Bodhi Meditation 1:30 pm Seniors Mixed Bridge Tuesday 9:00 am Mission Drop-in Centre Line Dancing 10:00 am Walking Club 10:00 am Crafts / Knitting 10:00 am Seniors Health & Wellness Wednesday 9:15 am Mission Chair Fitness Exercise 10:15 am Mission Senior Drop-in Crib 10:30 am Walking Club 12:30 pm Mission Dropin Bingo Thursday 8:45 am Mission Drop-in Centre Line Dancing 10:00 am Crafts / Knitting 1:00 pm Jam Sessions Friday 9:15 am Mission Chair Fitness Exercise 11:00 am Mission Senior Drop-in Crib Sunday 9:15 am Advanced Tai-Chi New 10:15 am Beginner TaiChi New MONTHLY MEETINGS Special Events: Mission Drop-in Centre General Meeting - First Monday of each month at 11:30 am Mission Seniors Activity Centre Assoc General Meeting - First Thursday of each month at 10:30 am
Are you a Seniors Community Group in Mission?
Friday 1:30 pm
What’s on at the Legion: 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: Breakfast is served 9:30am - 11:30am April 9th 6:00 pm Silent Auction and Steak Dinner
Annual Green Thumb Plant Sale Sat & Sun April 30 & May 1
Sat & Sun May 7 & 8 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
32965 4th Avenue, Mission
MISSION GARDEN CLUB’S ANNUAL PLANT SALE SATURDAY MAY 7th, 2016 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
LOCATION: MISSION PUBLIC LIBRARY 33247 2nd AVE. MISSION FOR MORE INFORMATION Call JIM: 604-807-1953
Submit your events listing to adcontrol@missioncityrecord.com
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Mother’s Day Parfait Ingredients: 5 servings - 354 cals 2 (8 ounce) containers vanilla yogurt 1 (10 ounce) package frozen mixed berries 2 tablespoons crushed graham crackers 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg Preparation: Cover the bottoms of two small glasses with a layer of yogurt. Cover layer with berries. Repeat until both glasses are full, ending with a fruit layer. Sprinkle with graham crackers and nutmeg.
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CLUES ACROSS
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CLUES DOWN
1. Prods 2. Tempest 3. Miserable 4. Excited 5. Temindung Airport 6. P rovides shade from the sun 7. Generators 8. Newspapers 9. Unaccompanied flights 13. Bahrain dinar 14. Romanian currency 17. B etween northeast and east
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Gord
Says Gordon Dainard
What do they want done?
Planning for the future is important, especially if something unexpected happens and you become incapable of making your own decisions for health care treatment, personal or financial reasons. Careful planning can help you and your family to feel more at ease and manage through a difficult time. There are a number of legal options and resources, including forms, available in British Columbia to assist capable adults to make plans in the event of future incapacity. Advance Directives and Representation Agreements are two of these forms that can be done without visiting a lawyer or notary public. Advance Directives allow you to state your instructions about your health care treatments you want to accept or refuse, including life-support and
life-prolonging medical interventions. Representation Agreements allow you to name a representative to act on your behalf. There are two types of agreements (section 7 and section 9) and each has different powers and authority to make different decisions on an adult’s behalf when an adult becomes incapable. More information about these agreements and the Advance Care Planning guide discussed in the December edition of As We Age are available on the SeniorsBC website at seniorsbc.ca/legal/ healthdecisions. If you wish to order hard copies of the My Voice: Expressing My Wishes for Future Health Care Treatment guide, please call Crown Publications Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 250-
387-6409 or 1-800-663-6105 (toll-free in B.C.). A charge for shipping and handling, plus applicable taxes will be applied to your order (about $10). Representation forms are also available from the Nidus Personal Planning and Resource Centre and Registry from their website at nidus.ca. COSCO Health and Wellness Institute has a free workshop on Personal Planning and is available to groups of 10 or more. Information in this workshop is not legal advice. Please contact Gordon Dainard at gdainard333@ gmail.com to discuss booking this workshop for your group.
Make memories matter As many Mission families know, dementia doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed. Caregivers, family members and friends are also impacted, and caregiving is often required 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. It’s a hugely challenging responsibility and one that requires a variety of support. So it’s fitting that Mission caregivers are among the honorees for the Investors Group Virtual Walk for Alzheimer’s. The innovative fundraising event for the non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. allows residents to get involved online. All they have to do is visit www. walkforalzheimers.ca and sign up for a Virtual Walk. Residents can then take a stroll with family and friends on Sunday, May 1 and collect pledges, or make a donation to the campaign. Residents can also participate in person at the Fraser Valley Walk in Chilliwack. The Virtual Walk is province-wide, and uses the theme “Make memories matter.” “Memories make us who we are,” said the Society’s special events officer, Daphne Tsai. “When you walk,
you honour those who have passed and support our work to help provide help and hope for those living with the disease today. “Everyone will be touched by dementia, whether it’s a relative, a friend or someone in your community. You can make a difference.” Caregiving affects people emotionally and physically. It requires determination, empathy and kindness. And caregivers require support for everything from assisting with legal and financial decisions to helping with everyday tasks. The journey of dementia can’t be made alone. That’s why individuals and teams from Mission are invited to join the Virtual Walk. Funds raised support programs and services in the community that: Improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and for their families; Support other activities like education and public awareness. For more information on local resources to help families live well with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, visit www.alzheimerbc.org.
Mission workshops are sponsored by the Mission Seniors Centre Association at the Seniors Centre. Call 604-814-2188 for details about upcoming workshops.
SENIORS
SAVINGS DAY at Mission Canadian Tire
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Mission Junction Shopping Centre, 325415 London Ave • 604-826-5840 Auto Service Centre • 604-826-5851 STORE HOURS: Mon - Fri 8am-9pm Sat 8am-6pm Sun 9am-6pm SERVICE DEPT HOURS: Mon - Sat 7:30am-6pm Sun 9am-6pm
Get Published Do you have a STORY, ISSUE or EVENT that is relevant to 55+ Seniors in Mission? Submit to karen.murtagh@missioncityrecord.com, then look for the next AS WE AGE feature to see if your submission has made it.
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Tips to improve family dining with seniors Many people would agree that food is important in our daily lives. Maybe you started your day with a coffee like I did? Packed a lunch? Had a lunch meeting? “Foodies” would argue that food is their life, but food is more than just a schedule for our lives. Food comforts us in stressful times, connects us, and helps us recall childhood memories. To say the least, food does more than just keep our bodies going. Thanksgiving and Christmas for example, bring multiple generations to the dinner table. Family traditions are performed during these holidays, and the home-cooked family favorites are enjoyed. However, dining with an elderly person is not always easy. In fact, sometimes it may become
challenging. In this column, we will talk about practical ways of supporting an individual’s eyesight and hearing specifically while dining. By the end, I hope to have given you some tools to make a difference at the dinner table. The goal of the following suggestions is to raise awareness to increase the quality of life of our loved ones. Eyesight decline. Setting up your dining room may seem quite easy. But there are many things to consider for aging eyes. Firstly, colour vision declines with age. This is why place-settings with contrasting colours are helpful. Mashed potatoes on white plates, with white tablecloths, do not allow borders to be easily distinguished. Using a dark tablecloth to contrast
Carol Lange, Owner/Care Designer
Did you know you don’t have to move into Assisted Living to have assisted living? It’s true. You can have the freedom of living safely and securely, all in your own familiar home. If you want help with nutritious meals, housekeeping, driving to appointments, getting groceries, and getting out to activities you enjoy, you don’t have to move into an assisted living apartment. We can set up your own unique wellness program that provides safety, security, healthy meals, transportation, grocery shopping, housekeeping and fun outings and community experiences. We will help fall-proof your home and keep your mobility up. And when needed, extra care can come home too. Similar to doctors that make ‘house calls’, if you need help with medication, mobility, or personal care, our Certified Care Aides and Licensed Nurses come to assist – in the comfort of your own home.
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your white plates gives aging eyes a sharp border to prevent unwanted messes. Another vital component of aging eyes is the need for ample lighting. Unfortunately, light that may feel too bright to normal eyes is actually the right amount for aging eyes. The light helps illuminate the plate, and leads to a more enjoyable dining experience. As an additional side note, dining room rugs should be removed to prevent trips – aging eyes may not be able to see the edges (normal eyes also misjudge the rug too!). Hearing decline. With hearing loss, many seniors become distant from the conversation at the dinner table. They become isolated and may even be talked over like they are not there. Awareness is therefore the most important step in combating somebody’s hearing loss. Simply being aware allows the speaker to assist more effectively. They can pronounce words more clearly, increase the volume, move to the good ear, and/or speak slower. In addition, eliminating background noise from the TV, radio, or fan can make a difference.
Families often forget they can make an impact on individuals with hearing loss at the dinner table. Families can do their part by continuing to include the individual in the conversation. Asking for their opinion can help the individual feel like they are contributing to dinner conversations. Family eye contact, and valuing their comments (even by nodding), can help foster positive emotions and energy. Jokes and banter are easy ways to get a good laugh as well! Positive feelings can go a long way with hearing loss. As you may have noticed, awareness is vital in the decline of eyesight and hearing. It allows us, as loved ones, to find proactive solutions while aging. It is the little things that can help make a big impact. Little things help quality of life, self-worth, and independence. I cannot stress enough the attention to detail in seniors care. Article contributed by Nurse Next Door Home Care Services. Carol Lange is the local owner and can be reached at 604-468-2273 or carol@nursenextdoormr.com.
It’s always good to have a plan - let me help. Estate Planning is an opportunity to get your affairs in order, making life easier for you and your family, and to help take away the stress so you can focus on what’s really important.
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