Merritt Golden Years 2018

The

GOLDEN Years

Healthy cooking for seniors Guide to cooking for one or two

Senior Safety Tips for crime prevention

Advanced Care Planning Record your wishes

Brought to you by The Merritt Herald

Jackie Tegart, MLA

for Fraser-Nicola

Merritt Constituency OďŹƒce #2-2152 Quilchena Ave. Merritt, B.C. Ph: (250) 378-8831 Em: Jackie.Tegart.MLA@leg.bc.ca As we age it is important that we, as seniors, have the supports we need to be as healthy, active and independent as possible; and to be able to age in our homes and our communities.

I am working hard to ensure that the programs and services seniors need are in place in our rural communities.

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www.merrittherald.com • The Golden Years

EMERGENCY NUMBERS Please note that the N.V. is now serviced by 911 These are Non Emergency Numbers

POLICE FIRE

MERRITT LOGAN LAKE PRINCETON SPENCES BRIDGE LOWER NICOLA DOUGLAS LAKE

378-4262 378-5626........................ 1-800-461-9911 523-6222 523-6225........................ 1-800-461-9911 295-3325 295-3325........................ 1-800-461-9911 458-2233 ........................................ 1-800-461-9911 378-4262 ........................................ 1-888-378-9660 378-4262 350-3344........................ 1-800-461-9911

AMBULANCE

OTHER EMERGENCY NUMBERS CRIME STOPPERS/TIPS �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1-800-222-8477 GAS LEAKS OR ODOURS (FORTISBC) ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1-800-663-9911 24 HOURS - EMERGENCY PROGRAM - PROVINCIAL EMERGENCIES ONLY (EARTHQUAKE, FLOOD, DANGEROUS GOODS SPILL, TSUNAMI) ����������������������������������������������������� 1-800-663-3456 FOREST FIRE REPORTING ONLY ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1-800-663-5555 POWER OUTAGES & EMERGENCIES ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1-888-769-3766 PROVINCIAL EMERGENCY PROGRAM INFORMATION ����������������������������������������������������������1-250-371-5240 MERRITT VICTIM SERVICES �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1-250-378-5699

“Friendly, professional service, from people who care.” √ Vaccinations √ Medication Consults & Reviews √ Blister Packaging √ Diabetes & Asthma Educators

Serving the community for over 50 years. √ Canes & Walkers √ Ostomy & Incontinence Supplies √ Bath Chairs & Grab Bars √ Giftware & Souvenirs √ Special orders by request

FREE Delivery for Seniors & Those With Restricted Mobility

2037 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC The Golden Years • www.merrittherald.com

250-378-2155 3

Welcome to our first edition of the Golden Years.

This publication was designed as an informational keepsake for seniors and their families.

We have designed this booklet as a quick reference guide filled with handy information such as emergency numbers, health information, safety tips, healthy eating with a delicious, easy to make recipes and also ads from our local advertisers that gives you a good idea of where and how to acquire the services that they provide.

We have included an article about the little community garden behind the Community Policing Office, a place where you can sit with your friends in a beautiful, charming environment, enjoy the sunshine, read a book or even enjoy some locally grown vegetables that are so lovingly cared for. See the article on our beautiful city of Merritt as an attractive place for seniors to move to in retirement and the custom home builder who specializes in making houses for people to age in place.

We hope that you enjoy the Golden Years We take great pride in delivering a booklet that will be updated from year to year to add more stories and useful tips and information that will be prevalent to our seniors! We welcome your feedback and any stories or information that you would like to see in our next edition of the Golden Years!

Editorial: Cole Wagner Sales: Michele Siddall Production: Theresa Arnold and Darla Gray Photo credits: Michele Funtography Contributors: Interior Health, Merritt & District Hospice Society, BC Centre for Palliative Care, BC Crime Prevention Association, Community Policing Office.

Featuring Daily Senior’s Menu

Your Hometown Hospitality Specialists

Smaller Meals suited for Senior Appetites with Senior Prices!

All Day Tuesday FEATURE HALF RACK OF RIBS Includes Fries or Baked and Caesar Salad

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$ 95

+GST

Family Friendly Great Daily Features Sunday: 10AM to 11 PM • Mon-Thurs: 11AM to 11PM • Fri-Sat: 11AM to 1PM

250-378-4618 • 2099 Garcia St., Merritt, BC

www.facebook.com/GrandPubGrill 4

www.merrittherald.com • The Golden Years

Merritt – an attractive option for retirement living A white-hot real estate market in the Lower Mainland has more and more people considering a move into the Interior. Lower cost of living, great weather and fantastic opportunities for outdoor adventure make the Thompson-Okanagan region one of the most appealing destinations for seniors looking to make a move, said Chris Inkster, the president of Freeport Industries Ltd. Inkster has been in the business of building custom modular homes and retirement developments in the B.C. Interior long enough to know what makes a city a popular place for seniors and retirees.

“People want to be able to get outside, get exercise, get access to healthcare, affordable real estate and good weather,” said Inkster.

With the shores of Nicola Lake only minutes away from downtown Merritt and a new expansion set to be complete at the Nicola Valley Hospital, the City of Merritt ticks all of those boxes.

There are plenty of things to consider for those looking to make the move, said Inkster. Freeport Industries aims to make the transition as smooth as possible for seniors looking for a new spot to call home.

“Custom is a word that is lightly thrown around. The flexibility to incorporate a client’s needs into their home is maybe a better way to say it. So people in our development in Westbank for example, their average age is 65 and they have very specific needs or wants,” explained Inkster. “We’ve had clients that have been handicapped for example. They need wider doors, they need cabinets installed at a proper height, outlets installed at a proper height. So incorporating age-in-place characteristics into a home helps people stay there for longer.”

Allowing people to age in their homes removes the stress of having to make another sudden move in the event of a change in a person’s health, Inkster added.

“Sometimes people don’t even realize those things are options, so having the wherewithal to mention it, so they can at least mull it over and make that decision if they think it’s appropriate,” he said.

And with plenty of experience building modular homes, hiring a company like Freeport removes the stress of overseeing the construction of a new home.

“What Freeport does is it offers a turnkey process where we can do everything from start to finish, that may be appealing to somebody especially as they are transitioning from the Lower Mainland to Merritt, and maybe are looking for a more hands off approach as opposed to having to manage the day-to-day construction of a house,” said Inkster. “If you can save some time and remove that headache from your life, it might encourage more people to do it.”

With Kamloops and Kelowna only a short trip away from Merritt, Inkster said there is more to the Nicola Valley than just sunshine and the chance to play outdoors.

“It’s in a great spot,” he said.

The Golden Years • www.merrittherald.com

Merritt Senior CitizenS Association

Seniors helping Seniors 1675 Tutill Court, Box 2935 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 250-378-3763 msca2@telus.net

Come join us for some fun and friendship!

Starting in September we have Open House on most Friday’s from 10am to 3pm

General Meeting 2nd Friday each month at 1:30pm Drop in Lunch ($5) every 3rd Friday, from noon to 3pm Open House first and 4th Friday’s. Come and have a coffee, play games, do a puzzle, visit etc Our full activities start up in Sept. and go thru to June.

Cribbage • Carpet Bowling • Floor Curling and much much more!

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ADVANCE CARE PLANNING is a process of thinking and talking about what is important to you. This helps you and those closest to you to prepare for future health decisions.

THINK: • What matters most to you?

• Who could make health care decisions if you could not?

TALK: • Discuss your thoughts with those closest to you and your health-care providers PLAN: • Record your wishes • Share your plan with those closest to you and your health care providers

Supporting families

when they need it the most.

• Funerals • Burials • Cremations • Estate Fraud Protection • Compassion Helpline • Death Benefit Information • Grief Guidance Series

MERRITT FUNERAL CHAPEL 2113 Granite Ave., Merritt, BC

For further information visit: www.bc-cpc.ca or contact Merritt Hospice at 250-280-4040 6

250-378-2141 or 1-800-668-3379 www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com www.merrittherald.com • The Golden Years

Located in the heart of downtown Merritt is a beautiful little community garden, located at 2026 Granite Ave, behind the Community Policing Office.

“This idea came early in my position as co-ordinator for the Community Policing Office,” explained Marlene Jones.“The small lot beside our building was not being used and being very central it got quite a bit of negative attention. We came up with the plan to clean up the area and put in a small community garden.”

Funds for the garden were donated by the Community Policing Office, the City of Merritt through the Canada 150 committee and The Rotary Club of Merritt.

“Arnica Contracting and All About Cedar were very helpful with labour, ideas and supplies,” said Jones. “The ladies that volunteer in my office have worked together with myself to plan the space, plant the beds, and now tend to them.”

The CPO is also working with the Nicola Valley Community Arts Council to add to the space.

The idea is to have a garden where everyone is welcome, Jones added. “We have planted some items as an example that people can watch while other items are growing well and can be harvested by anyone who could use them. We ask people to come in, enjoy the space, and take whatever they can use while leaving the garden to grow and continue producing for others to harvest. So far, it has provided greens for many people who walk through and harvest as well as a total of 8 bags of produce that we donated out to service organizations.We encourage anyone interested in having some produce, or a nice place to sit and visit to come down.”

The Golden Years • www.merrittherald.com

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entitled to.

Speak to an H&R Block Tax Professional today.

Advance Care Planning

Open Year Round 2145 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC Phone: 250-378-4695

Maximum Refund Guarantee*

What is Advance Care Planning?

Get the biggest refund possible Our Maximum Refund Guarantee* ensures you get all the deductions and credits you’re entitled to.

Speak to an H&R Block Tax Professional today

Advance Care Planning is a process of thinking and talking about what’s important to you.

This helps you, and those closest to you prepare to make future health-care decisions.

Open year Round 2145 Quichena Ave, Merritt, BC Phone: 250-378-4695

What’s involved in Advance Care Planning?

hrblock.ca | 800-HRBLOCK (472-5625)

© H&R Block Canada, Inc. At participating offices. Some restrictions may apply. See office for details.*If H&R Block makes an error in the preparation of your tax return, that costs you any interest or penalties on additional taxes due, although we do not assume the liability for the additional taxes, we will reimburse you for the interest and penalties.

Talk

Think

What matters most to you?

Who could make health-care decisions for you if you cannot?

Plan

Record your wishes Share your plan with: • those closest to you; and • your health-care providers

Need the help to create a plan to enjoy the life you desire today, & tomorrow?

David L. Brown is here for you

Discuss your thoughts with: • those closest to you; and • your health-care providers.

RRC & Certified Financial Planner professional

➣ Personalized Retirement Plans ➣ Detailed Risk Analysis ➣ Risk Management & Estate Planning ➣ Strategic Retirement Analysis & much more Ph: 250.315.0241 ♦ Fax: 250.315.0251 E-mail: david.brown@investorsgroup.com https://advisor.investorsgroup.com/en/david_brown Investors Group Financial Services Inc.

Record your wishes

Prepare an Advance Care Plan by:

Forksdale Ave., Merritt DENTISTRY @ MERRITT 2731 250-378-4888

• Documenting or recording what matters most to you; and • listing your potential Temporary Substitute Decision Makers. Even if you have a Representative; if they are unavailable, another person from the Temporary Substitute Decision Maker list may need to be contacted.

Regular/ Implant Dentures, Relines of old Dentures Same Day Dentures(immediates), Fillings, Check Ups and Cleanings.

You may also wish to include:

• a Representation Agreement; and • an Advance Directive

Share your Plan

• Share your plan with your family, people who could be your voice, and your health-care providers • Store your plan in a safe place where it can be easily located if needed.

• Documents needed by first responders must be accessible to them, for example on your fridge

NEW PATIENTS & WALK-INS WELCOME!

Review

10% seniors discount

Remember to review your advance Care Planning annually or whenever your circumstances change.

For more information go to the BC Centre for Palliative Care website under the Resources button, then Advance Care Planning.

There are also have some “My Voice” booklets at the Hospice Office, as well as some other material.

The office is open Thursday mornings 9am – Noon at 2025 Granite Ave. (across from Spirit Square.) We can also arrange to meet you at another time if Thursday mornings aren’t convenient.

Contact: Jill Sanford, 250 378-4577 For more information and resources visit www.gc-cpc.ca/acp BC CENTRE FOR PALLIATIVE CARE - 300-601 SIXTH STREET Designer Eyewear • Knowledgable Staff

New Westminister, BC V3L 3C1 office@bc-cpc.ca • www.bc-cpc.ca • 604-553-4866

Seniors get

25% off GLASSES

NO HIDDEN FEES ~ Accepting all insurance plans

2001 Quilchena Ave., Merritt, B.C. 8

www.merrittherald.com • The Golden Years

The Golden Years • www.merrittherald.com

250-378-2022 9

Healthy eating important for seniors

Healthy eating is important at any age. When you eat healthy, you give your body the nutrients and energy it needs.

Healthy eating means: • A way of eating that meets your energy and nutrient needs and supports your physical, mental and emotional health.

• Being able to shop for, buy and prepare a variety of healthy and affordable foods.

• Being able to enjoy the food that you eat.

• Getting pleasure from sharing meals with family and friends.

As you get older, your body’s ability to use or absorb some nutrients may change. Changes in home life can also impact how we eat as we age. We may no longer be preparing meals for a family – instead, we may now be shopping and cooking for one. And we may have a chronic disease, such a heart disease and diabetes.

Our budget may be more restricted than in the past. Those on a fixed income may find it challenging to make ends meet, and groceries can be expensive. One thing seniors can do is ensure your taxes are done and check to ensure you receive your Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement. Up-to-date tax filings and registration with the Medical Services Plan will also help ensure you are eligible for drug coverage. Free assistance is available through Canada Revenue Agency Community Tax Clinics.

For more tips, check out the HealthLinkBC fact sheet called “Eating Well on a Limited Income” available at www. healthlinkbc.ca.

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You can meet your nutritional needs by following Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide, available from Health Canada (www.hc-sc.gc.ca).

If you are over 50 years of age, aim for: • 7 servings of vegetables and fruit; • 6 to 7 servings of grain products; • 3 servings of milk and alternatives; and • 2 to 3 servings of meat and alternatives As you get older, you may find it harder to get to a grocery store to buy your groceries. Look for services in your community such as: • Home delivery from grocery stores; • Fruit and vegetable delivery from local farms; • Meal delivery services; • Or ask a neighbour to pick you up a few items on their next trip to the grocery store.

You may find yourself only cooking for one or two and this can be challenging! You can try to: • Cook larger portions and freeze leftovers for later • Cook a few meals each week with friends and families • Join a community kitchen program • Have a recipe exchange with friends and family If you have any questions about healthy eating, food, or nutrition, call 8-1-1 toll-free in B.C. to talk to a Registered Dietitian. The Dietitian is available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. You can also leave a message after hours and a dietitian will return your call. Visit www.healthlinkbc.ca/ healthyeating/ for more information. www.merrittherald.com • The Golden Years

RECIPE: Spinach Frittata This spinach frittata uses simple ingredients, and it is easy to prepare. It includes a serving of vegetables, along with protein and fibre. It can also be modified based on the ingredients in your fridge or your personal preferences. For example, try adding mushrooms, peppers or other vegetables. Serve with a slice of whole wheat toast, a glass of milk and fruit for dessert. Serves 1. Cook & prep time 20 min.

Ingredients: 2 eggs 1½ tsp (7 mL) water ½ tsp (2 mL) olive oil 2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped onion ¼ tsp (1 mL) minced garlic ¼ tsp (1 mL) dried basil 1 cup (250 mL) chopped spinach or Swiss chard, packed 2 tbsp (25 mL) grated parmesan cheese Per serving: Calories: 362 Protein : 23 g Fat: 14 g Carbohydrate: 19 g Fibre: 3.8 g Sodium: 562 mgs Calcium: 316 mgs Instructions: 1. In a small bowl, whisk eggs and water together. Set aside.

2. In a small non-stick skillet (fry pan), heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook for one to two minutes.

3. Stir in chopped spinach or Swiss chard and basil, and cook for three to four minutes or until wilted.

4. Add the egg mixture and cook for three to five minutes or until browned on the bottom but still not completely set on top.

5. Sprinkle with cheese.

6. Flip frittata over and cook for one to two minutes until browned and completely set.

7. Remove from pan and cut in half.

Too order a print copy of Healthy Eating for Seniors, call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1. Find it online at www.gov.bc.ca.

NICOLA VALLEY MASSAGE THERAPY CLINIC Nicola Valley Massage Therapy is located in beautiful Merritt, BC. Here, you will experience massage therapy techniques that are specific to your body’s needs.

Tim Kroeker has been an RMT for 18 years, providing safe, effective health care to you and your loved ones.

We are pleased to provide our seniors with a discount on any privately billed appointments!

Don’t let your past injuries define your future health, Call our office today at

250-378-8300 or visit our website at nicolavalleymassagetherapy.com to find out more about how we can help you.

The Golden Years • www.merrittherald.com

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Seniors Safety is a major concern Statistics show seniors are the least victimized group for most crimes, however, many seniors list “fear of crime” as one of their biggest concerns. When older adults are victimized the consequences are often more severe. Many seniors live on a fixed income, so the loss of money or property is difficult to replace. Also as people get older their bodies take longer to recover from injury.

Protecting your Home

• Keep doors locked at all times. Use your peephole to see who is at the door. If you do not recognize the individual, do not open the door. Verify the identity of service or maintenance personnel by having them show their identification – if unsure, contact the company to verify before opening the door.

• Ensure exterior doors are made of solid wood or metal and the door frame is reinforced or made of metal.

• Installing security film or Plexiglas on the inside of windows increases the difficulty of breaking the glass.

• Install motion-activated lights. Exterior motion-activated lights can alert you to suspicious individuals outside your home at night. Interior motion-activated lights installed in hallways or stairwells allow for illumination if you need to get up during the night.

Identity Theft, Scams and Frauds

• Never provide personal information (such as birthdate, social insurance number, and banking information) over the phone, via email, social media or over the Internet, unless you have initiated the transaction. Identity thieves may use phony offers or pose as representatives of financial institutions, Internet service providers or even government agencies to trick you into revealing identifying information.

• Shred or destroy documents with personal information or receipts containing credit/debit card information. Cut up expired and unused credit and debit cards, the card may have expired but the number may still be valid and could be used to make purchases.

• Pay close attention to your financial and credit card statements. Report any discrepancies on your statements to your financial institution right away.

• Guard your computer and its information. Install fire-wall, anti-virus, anti-spyware and security software, and keep it up to date. Always create passwords that include a combination of letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and symbols – do not use automatic login features that save your username and password.

• Do not reply to, open attachments, or click on links in unsolicited emails. Spam and phishing emails are often a source of scams, viruses and offensive content. Delete suspicious emails.

• Be cautious of anyone contacting you for goods or services. Do not let yourself be pressured into purchasing over the phone or computer, always ask for a number to call back to validate who they are. Never provide personal or 12

payment information to an unknow caller.

• Be skeptical of unsolicited offers - Do not send money up front in order to claim prizes. Do not provide personal information, banking or credit card information over the phone to unsolicited callers.

Personal Safety

• Walk with your head up high and with a sense of purpose, to give yourself the appearance of not being vulnerable.

If you feel threatened, go to the closest business or public space to request assistance.

• Carry only the essentials in your purse. Carry your purse close to your body. Although wearing the strap across your body makes it harder for an attacker to take the purse, if you are attacked it can increase the likelihood of injury.

• Carry keys and identification documents in your pocket.

• Do not carry large amounts of money. Speak with your bank about options for having cheques directly deposited and for bills to be direct from your account.

• Cell phones can come in handy during emergencies. Carry cell phones in your pocket to ensure you have access if your purse is stolen.

Safety Tips to Maintain Independence

• Maintain good health and keep a healthy diet. Have an active social life, try to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water. This cuts down on health risks and injuries.

• Build a close circle of friends. Isolation can contribute to poor mental health and cognitive decline. Maintaining a close social network can support an individual’s wellbeing and offer a network for individuals to call upon if assistance is needed.

• Create a list of emergency contacts and post it near the telephone. The list should include medical professionals, family members, and friends.

• Ensure a sufficient supply of medication is available. Running out of medication can be life threatening.

• Keep a list of medications, allergies and personal information in your wallet or purse: If you have a specific medical condition, wear a medical alert bracelet. This information is valuable to emergency medical personnel when they are responding to a medical emergency, especially if you are unconscious or unable to communicate.

• Build or purchase an emergency kit to be used in the event of a natural disaster. Include survival supplies like dried food, blankets, bottled water, flashlights, matches, candles, and medical supplies. Build a ‘Grab-&Go’ bag with essential survival supplies, if you need to evacuate your home.

Visit www. gov.bc.ca/PreparedBC for more information. www.merrittherald.com • The Golden Years

WE CAN HELP with Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement Inquiries

2562-B Main Street, West Kelowna, BC V4T 2N5 dan.albas@parl.gc.ca WWW.DANALBAS.COM • 1-800-665-8711

S, U O E T R U CO , T E S C I A V F R r E o S F L NA O I S S E F O PR • Keep your home in good repair to prevent dangerous hazards that could cause injury or become a health and safety risk. Install handholds and bars in bathrooms and hallways to prevent falls and assist with mobility.

• Consider an emergency alert system. Some alarm companies offer medical alert systems for seniors, allowing them to summon assistance in the event of a fall or accident, by pressing a button worn on a neck lanyard.

Additional Resources BCCPA Seniors Safety and Crime Prevention Booklet: Provides personal safety and crime prevention information, along with links to resources for older adults. $2.00/booklet, contact BCCPA at 604-501-9222 or info@bccpa.org to order.

The Golden Years • www.merrittherald.com

www.mariostowing.com (250)378-9241 Toll Free: 1-888-292-1581 Merritt ~ Princeton ~ Hope ~ Kamloops ~ Kelowna

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INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING

FREEDOM TO LIVE LIFE AS YOU SEE FIT. Experience a warm, bright, cheery environment that makes you feel like your on vacation.

Here’s what a few residents had to say about living in Nicola Meadows “Hanna, our Recreation Director, always has fun, interesting things for us to do, such as games, crafts, reading, sewing and wood projects, to name a few. They bring in musical entertainers quite often as well.”

“The food is wonderful. They make sure and take care of any dietary needs we have and the best part?

We do not have to cook or do dishes!”

“We have excursions to the Seniors Centre for activities and social gatherings, as well as they take us to Walmart once a month.”

“We come and go as we please. We can sign out & go downtown to explore or shop.”

“The staff are so friendly here. They go out of their way to make sure we are comfortable and cared for.”

“When our families come to visit, the staff makes them feel welcome.”

“I like it here.

I would highly recommend it to anyone.”

“I love to go outside and take care of the flowers.”

OFFICE HOURS: Mon - Thurs: 7:30 am - 4 pm

For more information on our facility and extended services or to book your personal tour call 250-378-4254

2670 Garcia Street, Merritt, BC • www.nicolameadowsmerritt.com 14

www.merrittherald.com • The Golden Years

SENIORS PROGRAMS

Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre 378-6662 lchivers@merritt.ca Merritt Civic Centre 315-1050 fpeat@merritt.ca City Hall 378-4224

Vinyasa Yoga @ the Civic Centre Mondays, Sep. 17 – Oct. 29 . 6 wks Mondays, Nov. 5 – Dec. 17 . 6 wks 5:30 – 6:45 pm . $54 Vinyasa is a creative, flowing yoga experience.

Suitable for all fitness levels. (no class Oct. 8 & Nov. 12) Instructed by Trish Davey

Stand Tall, Don’t Fall

@ the Seniors Centre Mondays, Sept 10 - Dec. 17 10:00 – 11:00 am . Free Fridays, Oct. 12 – Dec. 21 10:00 – 11:00 am . $2 This excercise class is proven to help to improve strength, balance, flexibility and posture.

Sponsored by the Seniors Society. (no class Oct. 8 & Nov. 12) Instructed by Illa Jackson

Stretch & Stability @ the Aquatic Centre Monday, Wednesday & Friday . Ongoing 11:00 am – 11:45 am . Regular Admission Tuesday & Thursday . Ongoing 7:00 am – 7:45 am . Regular Admission This class will build on maintaining proper form by keeping a well-aligned spine and stable core.

Noon Hour Aqua Fit @ the Aquatic Centre Monday – Friday . Ongoing 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm . Regular Admission

This class combines running, interval training and a variety of exercises designed to decrease body fat, increase cardiovascular efficiency, improve strength and help people get into a routine of regular exercise.

Admission Fees

Seniors Free Swim @ the Aquatic Centre

Golf Course ���������������������������������250�378�9414 Lawn Bowling�����������������������������250�378�2095

Wednesdays . Oct 3 – May 29 Pickleball Association ���������������250�378�7452 9:00 - 10:00 am . Free Seniors Society ��������������������������250�378�3763 This program is intended Admission Fees for seniors to come for10a Punch Drop In Monthly 6 Month Annual fun, free swim.

Tennis Club ��������������������������������250�378�5687 Card by Category Sponsored by the Seniors Society

Admission Fees

Tot (0-2 yrs) Free n/a n/a n/a NICOLA$ VALLEY CENTRE$OPTIONS & FEES Child (3-12 yrs) 2.40AQUATIC $ 21.60 25.90 $ 142.50 Admission Fees Youth (13-18 yrs) $ 3.00 $ 10 Punch 27.00 $ 32.40 $ 178.20 Drop In Monthly 6 Month Adult by (19-59 yrs) $ 4.00 $ Card 36.00 $ 43.20 $ 237.60 Category Tot (0-2(60+) yrs) Senior $ Free 3.00 $ n/a27.00 $ n/a32.40 $ n/a 178.20 Child (3-12 yrs) $ 2.40 21.60 25.90 Student 3.20 $ 28.80 $ 34.60 $ 142.50 190.10 The Golden Years • www.merrittherald.com Youth (13-18 yrs) Room $ 3.00 $ 27.00 $ 32.40 $ 178.20 Lions Den Fitness Adult yrs) $ 4.00 36.00 $ n/a 43.20 $ n/a 237.60 Family(19-59 1st Person 3.00 $ n/a

n/a $ 259.20 $ 324.00 Annual $ 432.00 n/a $ 324.00 $ 259.20 345.00 $ 324.00 $ 432.00 n/a

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Dr. Carrie-Lynn Snee Dr. Jill Slywka & Associates Optometrists

Ph: 250.378.2020 Merritt: 2177 Quilchena Ave.

Merritt Princeton 2177 Quilchena Ave. 131 Vermillion Ave. Box 1569, Princeton, B.C. V0X 1W0 Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8 Ph: (250) 295-6640 Ph: 250.295.6640 Ph: (250) 378-2020 Toll Free 1-877-222-2020 Toll Free: 1.877.222.2020 Princeton: 89 Kenley Ave.

www.doctorseyecaremerritt.com OPTOMETRISTS: Dr Carrie-Lynn Snee, Dr Jill Richardson, Dr Petar Prpic Optimizing your vision and ocular health is our passion!

We believe in: • Taking the time to listen to you, understand your needs and find personalized solutions.

• Investing in the latest diagnostic technology to unlock keys to your ocular and even systemic health.

• We can detect precursors to macular degeneration, initiate treatment to slow it down and in some cases even repair damage that has been done.

• Wheelchair accessibility and home delivery.

• Having a wide selection of eyewear to cover all your needs, including a variety of sunglasses, fit-overs, night driving glasses, blue light blockers and magnifiers.

• Direct billing (available for most third party plans).

• Treating each of our patients with appreciation, kindness and respect.

The Weekly 10 second Vision Check We examine the back of your eye using special instruments to detect and monitor conditions affecting the macula (the part of the retina responsible for central vision).

Here’s how: • Cover the eye that’s not being tested.

• Hold the test grid (or tape it on the fridge or bathroom mirror) about 14 inches in front of your eyes.

• While looking at the dot, all the lines, both vertical and horizontal, should appear straight and unbroken.

• If any of the straight lines appear wavy, or some of the lines seem to be missing, note their location and contact your eye doctor right away.

• Remember, this test does not replace your regularly scheduled eye examinations.

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Amsler grid - normal vision

Amsler grid - with AMD

www.merrittherald.com • The Golden Years