April 55 Plus

April 2022

STELLAR FINISH AUTO DETAILING THE PERFECT TIME TO REDISCOVER CANADA WITH MILE ZERO TOURS GORDON’S HOMES SALES WANT TO LIVE LONGER? TRY LAWN BOWLING! PREPARE FOR YOUR ROAD TEST EXPERIENCE UNMATCHED: THE VISTA NEW RESIDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES: VRS SENIORS COMMUNITY SEASONAL ALLERGIES SILVER THREADS SERVICE TAPESTRY AT VICTORIA HARBOUR

Thrive in a vibrant and connected active aging community, as independent and wellness focused as you are.

For more information 250.419.4261 | TapestryVictoria.com

“Being well and feeling healthy is everything for me.”

2 | TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2022

TIMES COLONIST | 55 PLUS

Alex Flatman Owner, Operator

Stellar Finish Auto Detailing

Striving to break the mould, we are not your average detailing shop. We specialize in offering a premium service to discerning vehicle owners that is different from what you'd expect.

Exceptional results and true attention to detail form the core of our company. When your vehicle has to look its best, look no further than Stellar Finish.

We are a full service specialty shop centrally located in Victoria, BC. We invest in premium quality products that make your vehicle look amazing, not flashy gimmicks.

We specialize in professional grade CarPro™ ceramic coatings, paint correction, meticulous

detailing and vehicle surface protection.

We cater to drivers who take pride in having a clean, well maintained vehicle. We are not a high volume based detail shop.

We do above average work, and this requires more time to be spent on the vehicle to attain these results. We only use the highest quality products available and utilize the most advanced techniques to make your ride look amazing.

If you want nothing but the best, you've come to the right place!

4x Voted Best Auto Detailer in Victoria by the Times Colonist Readers’ Choice Awards.

250-896-2539 • stellarfinish.ca

Protect your Investment With a

T

The Perfect Time to Rediscover Canada with Mile Zero Tours

hinking of sticking closer to home this year? Well you are in luck then, because Canadians are blessed to live in such a diverse and large country.

However, oftentimes exploring our own, albeit very large, backyard takes a backseat to overseas bucket list destinations. This doesn’t need to be the case as there is no shortage of breathtaking sights to visit and experience within Canada and no better time to reap the benefits of travelling domestically.

Canada certainly has an abundance of wondrous destinations worth visiting. From coast to coast, our country is bursting with charming towns, natural geographical wonders, and fascinating histories. Mile Zero Tours, a local Island-owned tour operator, knows and understands this and specializes in crafting fi rst-class guided tours from Vancouver Island to some of Canada's most breathtaking gems.

This spring, summer and fall, travel opportunities include every province in the country. From the majestic landscapes of Alberta’s Badlands to the surprising highlights of Saskatchewan, to the cosmopolitan cities of Quebec and Ontario. Mile Zero Tours is

Ceramic Coating

Call Alex for a Free Estimate

250-896-2539

Or Price Your Package at: stellarfinish.ca

Tues, March 29, 2022

A Victoria Times Colonist publication

Publisher: Dave Obee Director of Advertising: Peter Baillie #201-655 Tyee Road, Victoria, BC V9A 6X5 To advertise in the next issue and or submit content contact: Susan Hickman, 250-380-5377 shickman@timescolonist.com

Kootenays Okanagan Spring Magical Maritimes Southern Alberta Skeena Adventure Surprising Saskatchewan Yukon & Northwest Territories Discovering Vancouver Island Haida Gwaii & Inside Passage

9 Days 5 Days 10 Days 9 Days 8 Days 9 Days 12 Days 8 Days 9 Days

Apr 29 May 6 Jun 4 Jun 14 Jun 25 Jul 2 Jul 18 Jul 20 Aug 23

$3799 $1999 $4399 $3999 $4299 $3999 $6599 $3599 $4399

going everywhere from St. John’s to Tuktoyaktuk. Plus there are many tours highlighting the many wondrous regions of our own home province. These include short escapes of 3-6 days to the Okanagan, Tofi no and Whistler or more in-depth explorations featuring Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, the Kootenays, a train ride across northern BC on the Skeena or an historic journey following the path of gold prospectors along the Fraser.

Not to mention that by supporting Canadian businesses you are doing your part to strengthen the backbone of the economy. With all precautions in place, Mile Zero Tours is dedicated to providing safe travel as conditions allow but will not hesitate to cancel if it becomes unsafe or unfeasible. And you can rest assured that Mile Zero Tours guarantees all deposits fully refunded if conditions do not permit the trip to go ahead. So go ahead, make the plans and dream big for 2022!

For unforgettable travel that starts right from your front door in Victoria, call 250-590-0811 or visit MileZeroTours.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2022 | 3

Gordon’s Homes Sales WE MAKE IT A HOUSE, YOU MAKE IT A HOME

WELCOME HOME MANUFACTURED & MODULAR HOMES

F

or 50 years, Gordon’s Homes Sales has been leading the way in providing Vancouver Island with quality modular and manufactured homes, offering a cost effective and on-time alternative to conventional construction methods. With a wide variety of floor plans to choose from, we’re a splendid choice for your housing needs.

Our homes are fully built indoors, which means you will never have to worry about how our climate will affect the longevity of your home. Due to our wet West Coast climate, site-built homes see issues in the long term because of its effect on the materials used.

With a factory-built home, this is never a concern as the materials are stored in a dry, temperaturecontrolled space, and your home is fully built indoors. There are truly no limits to what you can do with

these homes, and we do our best to provide many options to suit our client’s needs.

Our unique partnership with Ecklundson Construction allows us to offer turnkey packages for our clients, which eases coordination, scheduling, and stress while completing your project.

We encourage you to visit us in our Nanaimo location and view the unique show homes featured on our lot currently. This will also allow you the opportunity to ask our sales team any questions you have, and to look through our many floor plans and design options. gordonshomesales.com

S H OWH OM E ON S I TE

KELOWNA 3 bed | 2 bath | 1,404 ft²

GARAGES & ACCESSORY STRUCTURES NOW AVAILABLE

(250) 753-6223 | gordonshomesales.com

4 | TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2022

TIMES COLONIST | 55 PLUS

Want to live longer?

BOWLS BC

Bowls South Island - Lawn Bowling

OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULES Burnside Lawn Bowling Club

Cowichan Lawn Bowling Club

Oak Bay Lawn Bowling & Croquet Club

100th Anniversary Celebration: June 18, 2022 noon - 3pm 274 Hampton Rd 250-727-0954 email: burnsidebowlslbc@gmail.com Open House: May 7, 1-4

1st St. at Centennial Park, Duncan 250-748-6542 email: cowichanclub3y1@gmail.com Open House: May 1, 12-3

2190 Harlow Dr. (Carnarvon Park) Website: bowlsoakbay.ca email: bowlsoakbay@gmail.com Open House: April 9, 16, 23 & 30 10-12 each day

Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling & Croquet Club 720 Belleview St 250-385-3577 email: cplbcc.info@gmail.com Open House: Bowling & Croquet April 23, 11-3 Central Saanich Lawn Bowling Club 1800 Hovey Rd, 250 652 4774 Website: sites.google.com/site/csaanichlawnbowls email: csaanichlawnbowls@hotmail.com Open House: May 1, 12:30-3

Gordon Head Lawn Bowling Club 4105 Lambrick Way (250) 479-0088 email: info@ghlbc.ca Open House: April 10, 10-2 Yard Sale & Open House: April 23, 10-2 Juan De Fuca Lawn Bowling Club 1767 Island Highway (beside Q Centre Arena) 250-478-8384 ext 2264 Open House: April 16, 17, 18, 19, 23 & 24, 1-3 Lake Hill Lawn Bowling Club 3930 LaSalle St 250-590-8125 email: lakehillbowling.ca Open House: April 23, 1-3:30

Sidney Lawn Bowling Club 9580 Fifth St. 250-516-2229 email: sidneylawnbowlingclub.com Open House & Garage Sale April 23, 9:30-1:30 Open House: April 24, 2-6 Victoria Lawn Bowling Club Beacon Hill Park Cook St. 250-383-5851 email: vlbclub@gmail.com Open House: Bowling & Croquet April 23 & 24, 10-4 Victoria West Lawn Bowling Club 95 Bay St. 250-382-0751 email: members@vicwestbowls.ca Open House: April 3, 10-3

Join us at any of the Open Houses above to discover the joy of Bowls on Lower Vancouver Island! www.victorialbc.com/links

Try lawn bowling!

A

ccording to ParticipACTION, “the best way to remain healthy, strong and independent is to get active”.

The research is clear that physically active adults have better health and live longer. Yet based on a recent study, the number of adults in Canada meeting national physical activity guidelines continues to drop.

How can you get active and remain healthy, strong, and independent? Try lawn bowls.

Lawn bowling, more commonly referred to as “bowls”, is a lowimpact sport that can help keep adults active well into their golden years. The sport is easy to learn, and the only equipment new participants need is fl at-soled

shoes. With adaptive equipment available, anybody can play bowls, regardless of their ability.

From competitive leagues to relaxed, social games, bowls offers something for everyone.

Not only does bowls improve your physical health, but it improves your cognitive and mental health as well. Participants who try bowls make new friends, become part of a community and increase brain activity by developing strategy and tactics.

So, do you want to live longer and increase your physical, cognitive and mental health?

Come out to one of the Victoria open houses and try bowls — it’s brilliant! victorialbc.com/links

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2022 | 5

Prepare for your Road Test

We’re Best For Your Re-Test

Call: 250-383-7483 office@wallacedrivingschool.com

Serving residents and community members of Victoria for generations.

Whether you are planning in advance or require our compassionate care immediately - please contact our team to honour you and your loved ones wishes within your budgetary needs.

Call us today: 250-388-5155

S

eniors are understandably nervous about having to take a driving road test. That’s why we are the best for your retest!

Most seniors do not properly prepare for the test preamble. They have been driving for longer than most examiners have been alive.

So why is it that they have such a difficult time with the road test?

The answer is simple. It is not a road test, but rather a checking test. Before going on the road test, a standard vision test is administered, and after that an explanation and reminder session about traffic signs is done.

The examiner knows that seniors, for the most part, are experienced drivers. The examiners are there to see if seniors are doing the proper safety checks. But first, the parking lot vehicle check list must be completed. Here is where things can go terribly wrong. Before the road work begins, all safety controls on the car are examined.

This includes the lights, low and high beam, signal, and brake lights, along with the horn, licence plate

insurance decal. Before leaving for the road, the senior will show the hand signals. It is advisable to know the controls for temperature, defrost, AC, and wipers.

While on the road there will be skills assessed while turning left or right, at stop signs, lights, and uncontrolled intersections.

Playground and school zones, and various speed zones will be encountered along with the surprise construction zones. Turning around with a 3-point, 2 point or a U Turn will be carried out. Parallel parking fortunately is not included. Included in the test, the senior will be given

Need assistance with a provincial program?

We're here to help!

Murray Rankin, MLA Oak Bay-Gordon Head

219-3930 Shelbourne Street Murray.Rankin.MLA@leg.bc.ca 250-472-8528

several instructions to follow and execute. This is one of the cognitive tests to test short term memory, while asking to change the interior temperature, turn on the wipers or toot the horn. There will be a short break and another round of multiple instructions to follow and return the reverse route just completed.

Updating driving skills is essential for success, attending one of our free webinars is recommended. Call to participate, offered on the 4th Wednesday of every month. joan.a.wallace@outlook.com

Sands Funeral Chapel Cremation & Reception Centre - Victoria

by Arbor Memorial 1803 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4B8 • sandsvictoria.ca Arbor Memorial Inc.

Rain shower or full-on typhoon, this H2XTREME® 2-layer storm shell is designed for maximum protection from high winds and rain showers - without the extra weight and bulk of traditional wet-weather gear. Performance features include a high-zip storm collar, adjustable hood, and hardwearing vision zippers.

See us for hundreds of other Stormtech styles. We have a good selection of vests, fleeces, golf jackets, rain-pants and warm jackets. FREE waterproof bag included with every purchase.

Great for whale-watching trips!

1015 Broad Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2A1 250-385-0127 | victor@treckwear.ca

6 | TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2022

TIMES COLONIST | 55 PLUS

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2022 | 7

The Vista welcomes furry family members.

Experience unmatched, oceanfront retirement living on Canada’s West Coast The Vista provides a continuum of care for residents to comfortably age in place

Aerial view of Saxe Point in Esquimalt, Victoria BC

Rendering of The Vista, Vancouver Island’s premiere retirement community.

I

ndependence, safety, compassion, empathy. These are the hallmarks behind every decision staff at The Vista makes. And they keep them at the forefront of their mind, as our parents or grandparents are able to age in place at Vancouver Island’s premiere retirement community.

Currently under construction and scheduled for completion in August 2022, The Vista is an 11-storey building encompassing the perfect fusion of design, style, comfort and liveability. “Our communities are often compared to a cruise ship on land, where everything that you need is provided,” says Wayne Melvin, general manager for The Vista.

“That’s what is most appealing about us, so that when people

move in, they’re not worried about home maintenance, housekeeping, cooking, shopping or the cleaning that’s all provided for them.”

With a pristine, oceanside location in Esquimalt, the 177-suite building will offer a continuum of care across all of the stylish types of residence: owned condominiums, independent living, supportive living and memory care.

The level of assistance staff provides across those different types of residences will vary and cater individually to the resident and their family’s needs: 24/7 monitoring of emergency response devices will be provided to alert an attendant should the need arise.

Given the unprecedented heat dome that shrouded the south coast in the summer of 2021,

residents can be assured of comfort knowing that each suite comes with its own individually controlled air conditioning unit.

“For many residents, they just require some assistance in the morning – maybe it’s getting laundry done, assistance with their medications or just getting ready for the day,” Melvin says.

“For a lot of seniors, if they are getting that little bit of extra help, it allows them to maintain their independence much longer and they have the energy to enjoy all of the programs and amenities The Vista has to offer.”

Perhaps the single-biggest advantage The Vista offers is flexibility. No matter where residents find themselves in life – whether it be their age, health

or social interests – The Vista provides a wonderful balance.

“When people make that decision to move, they only want to move once,” Melvin says. “Our goal is to get people to move when they want to move, not because they have to move. When they do move, we want them to understand that those services that they may need as they age can be provided where they are.”

Those services will include transportation provided for community outings to shopping centres, community centres or local events. As an added level of convenience, The Vista is located directly on a major bus route.

The staffing cohort will include professionals across a myriad of disciplines to ensure a maximum

level of comfort and care: licensed practical nurses and registered care aides, specialized lifestyle activity aides, dietary staff, Red Seal chefs and environmental staff.

“We are extremely fortunate to have the staff we do, because this is a very specialized type of service.

It is not the type of work that just anybody can do,” Melvin says.

“The characteristics of compassion and empathy displayed by our staff are humbling to observe. You must be a sympathetic listener and understand the needs of the resident you’re dealing with, so the care and service provided is respectful and appropriate to their circumstances.”

Melvin adds that COVID-19 policies, both now and the future, will always be followed, as resident and staff safety are always of paramount importance. The Vista will also closely monitor new trends around hygiene practices, environmental sanitation, and technology.

“We’ve learned a lot over the last two years around how to maintain services in restricted environments, using enhanced environmental monitoring and doing what is needed to protect our residents and staff,” Melvin says.

The Vista comes with more than a generation’s worth of experience and understanding that will maximize a resident’s quality of life and enjoyment in a setting uniquely suited to life on the West Coast.

“We are a Victoria-based family owned and operated company,” Melvin says. “and our desire is to become a pillar of the community for many years to come.”

For more information, visit liveatVista.ca or call 250-885-4481 at our Sales Centre to arrange a personal tour.

OCCUPANCY SUMMER 2022

6 | TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2022

TIMES COLONIST | 55 PLUS

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2022 | 7

The Vista welcomes furry family members.

Experience unmatched, oceanfront retirement living on Canada’s West Coast The Vista provides a continuum of care for residents to comfortably age in place

Aerial view of Saxe Point in Esquimalt, Victoria BC

Rendering of The Vista, Vancouver Island’s premiere retirement community.

I

ndependence, safety, compassion, empathy. These are the hallmarks behind every decision staff at The Vista makes. And they keep them at the forefront of their mind, as our parents or grandparents are able to age in place at Vancouver Island’s premiere retirement community.

Currently under construction and scheduled for completion in August 2022, The Vista is an 11-storey building encompassing the perfect fusion of design, style, comfort and liveability. “Our communities are often compared to a cruise ship on land, where everything that you need is provided,” says Wayne Melvin, general manager for The Vista.

“That’s what is most appealing about us, so that when people

move in, they’re not worried about home maintenance, housekeeping, cooking, shopping or the cleaning that’s all provided for them.”

With a pristine, oceanside location in Esquimalt, the 177-suite building will offer a continuum of care across all of the stylish types of residence: owned condominiums, independent living, supportive living and memory care.

The level of assistance staff provides across those different types of residences will vary and cater individually to the resident and their family’s needs: 24/7 monitoring of emergency response devices will be provided to alert an attendant should the need arise.

Given the unprecedented heat dome that shrouded the south coast in the summer of 2021,

residents can be assured of comfort knowing that each suite comes with its own individually controlled air conditioning unit.

“For many residents, they just require some assistance in the morning – maybe it’s getting laundry done, assistance with their medications or just getting ready for the day,” Melvin says.

“For a lot of seniors, if they are getting that little bit of extra help, it allows them to maintain their independence much longer and they have the energy to enjoy all of the programs and amenities The Vista has to offer.”

Perhaps the single-biggest advantage The Vista offers is flexibility. No matter where residents find themselves in life – whether it be their age, health

or social interests – The Vista provides a wonderful balance.

“When people make that decision to move, they only want to move once,” Melvin says. “Our goal is to get people to move when they want to move, not because they have to move. When they do move, we want them to understand that those services that they may need as they age can be provided where they are.”

Those services will include transportation provided for community outings to shopping centres, community centres or local events. As an added level of convenience, The Vista is located directly on a major bus route.

The staffing cohort will include professionals across a myriad of disciplines to ensure a maximum

level of comfort and care: licensed practical nurses and registered care aides, specialized lifestyle activity aides, dietary staff, Red Seal chefs and environmental staff.

“We are extremely fortunate to have the staff we do, because this is a very specialized type of service.

It is not the type of work that just anybody can do,” Melvin says.

“The characteristics of compassion and empathy displayed by our staff are humbling to observe. You must be a sympathetic listener and understand the needs of the resident you’re dealing with, so the care and service provided is respectful and appropriate to their circumstances.”

Melvin adds that COVID-19 policies, both now and the future, will always be followed, as resident and staff safety are always of paramount importance. The Vista will also closely monitor new trends around hygiene practices, environmental sanitation, and technology.

“We’ve learned a lot over the last two years around how to maintain services in restricted environments, using enhanced environmental monitoring and doing what is needed to protect our residents and staff,” Melvin says.

The Vista comes with more than a generation’s worth of experience and understanding that will maximize a resident’s quality of life and enjoyment in a setting uniquely suited to life on the West Coast.

“We are a Victoria-based family owned and operated company,” Melvin says. “and our desire is to become a pillar of the community for many years to come.”

For more information, visit liveatVista.ca or call 250-885-4481 at our Sales Centre to arrange a personal tour.

OCCUPANCY SUMMER 2022

8 | TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2022

TIMES COLONIST | 55 PLUS

New Residents’ Perspectives:

What it’s like Living at a VRS Seniors Community By various residents of VRS Seniors Communities including Ross Place (Victoria) and Lakeside Gardens (Nanaimo)

E

veryone has their own reason for choosing to move into a Senior’s Community. Often, the reasons we hear from our VRS seniors residents are: having more opportunity for socialising with others in a community; having home cooked meals prepared, served, and cleaned; not having to do the daily household chores anymore; having fi nancial affordability and realising the increased value in their home and others assets; and more safety and security.

At VRS Senior’s Communities, we asked our most recent residents what they had to say about their new home. Here is what they had to share: “With my family leaving Kelowna, I quickly needed somewhere safe and caring to live. I was relieved to fi nd Orchard Gardens seniors community.

I love it here!” – Muriel at Orchard Gardens, Kelowna “After years of living alone, I had the good fortune of fi nding Ross Place. Here I have a comfy suite, great meals, and space to continue working as a freelance

essay writer.” – Jaime at Ross Place, Victoria “Visiting local facilities to explore options confi rms we made the right choice for us with a move to Lakeside Gardens. We thoroughly enjoy the delicious meals, easier daily living, various recreational activities, friendly employees, new friends, and above all security.”

– Anonymous couple at Lakeside Gardens, Nanaimo “Although I only moved into Charles Manor a few months ago, I was fi rst struck by the friendliness of everyone.

Phil at Sunnyside Manor, South Surrey

Because Seniors Deserve

our very best

Quality, affordable seniors independent and assisted living suites on Vancouver Island available now.

Call today to book your private tour!

Rates from $2800

Rates from $2600

250-756-0799

250-381-8666

lakeside-gardens.com 4088 Wellesley Ave, Nanaimo

rossplace.ca 2638 Ross Lane, Victoria

Friendliness not only from the staff, but also from the residents who made me feel so welcome.

My welfare and happiness is the staff’s fi rst priority and nothing is too much trouble for them.

The food is always good. There are many activities each day and lots of visiting entertainment for everyone. I certainly get value for my money. If you are looking for a home away from home, Charles manor is the place for you!”

– Margaret at Charles Manor, Penticton “They go above and beyond for us here; we are always so well taken care of. On top of that, the price is really affordable!”

– Phil at Sunnyside Manor, South Surrey

“We have one big family atmosphere here.” – Charles at Pacific Carlton, South Surrey “Andover Terrace is wonderful. We get lots of entertainment, the people are nice, the staff are very helpful, the food has excellent variety, it’s conveniently located close to town, and a nice place to live with reasonable prices!”

– Jean at Andover Terrace, Salmon Arm For more information about seniors living in Victoria visit rossplace.ca or in Nanaimo visit lakeside-gardens.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2022 | 9

SEASONAL ALLERGIES

S

pring is upon us and it’s a wonderful time of year… unless you have seasonal allergies. Itchy, watery eyes, runny nose and fatigue - in addition to reduced sleep quality and productivity - can make you hesitant to get outside. The key to managing seasonal allergies is to take action before you show symptoms.

Here are several things you can do to prevent symptoms and reduce their severity: Keep windows and doors shut especially in the mornings and evenings (when pollen counts are highest) and on windy days.

Protect your nose while outside: Applying a thin petroleum jelly at the entrance of your nostrils will trap pollen & prevent it from entering your respiratory tract. Thoroughly wash your hands before touching your nose, and don’t use too much as it shouldn’t be inhaled.

Protect your mouth while outside: Many people have noticed reduced allergy symptoms during the pandemic due to wearing masks while outdoors. Surgical masks & N95 masks seem to be more effective.

Protect your eyes while outside: Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and pollen particles; sunglasses with side shields are even better.

Don’t bring the outside... inside: When coming home after time outdoors, change your clothing as it’s likely carrying pollen. If you have long hair, wearing it pulled back or wearing a hat while outside can reduce the amount of allergens that gets stuck in your hair. And if it’s in your hair, it’s on your pillow!

Changing your pillowcase more often will reduce the amount of pollen your face makes very close contact with each night.

Many people fi nd that their seasonal allergies are simply not manageable without medication.

Always speak with your pharmacist or trusted healthcare provider about which medications are right for you. Visit any of our Heart Pharmacy locations to speak with our pharmacy staff and we’ll be happy to help!

Take care, The Heart Pharmacy Team

Worried about the safety of living at home alone, but not ready for long-term care or full home-care?

Sometimes a little help means a lot.

Heart Pharmacy’s Heart at Home program helps with:

• Daily in-home medication support, ensuring that your loved one is taking their medications daily • Assistance with more challenging medications like patches, inhalers, eye and ear drops, and insulin • Regular reporting to your doctor and loved ones of any issues with medications or general health • Companionship and structure, with the same faces every day at consistent times

To discuss how it works and whether it’s right for you or a loved one, contact us anytime by: Phone: 778-817-0417 or Email: heartathome@heartpharmacy.com

www.HeartPharmacy.com/heart

10 | TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2022

TIMES COLONIST | 55 PLUS

SILVER THREADS SERVICE

Silver Threads Service

THE MAGIC OF MEMOIR

Celebrating 65 years of community service to seniors!

Victoria Centre 1911 Quadra St. 250 388-4268

Visit www.silverthreads.ca for more information

stay active * stay healthy * stay connected

EARTH’S OPTION CREMATION AND BURIAL SERVICES Contracted provider to the Memorial Society of BC

WE COME TO YOU All arrangements made in the comfort of your home and all pre-arrangements are fully transferable at no cost.

Specializing in low cost cremation and green burial.

778.440.8500 EarthsOption.com

5 - 831 Devonshire Rd, Victoria

You’ve earned your pension.

Join us and protect it.

Protect federal pensions and benefits by supporting our advocacy work.

Save money with our partners, including our MEDOC® travel insurance at membership-only rates.

Access expert information to make the most of your retirement.

You don’t have to be retired to join!

To become a memeber, visit www.federalretirees.ca/join or call us toll-free 1-855-304-4700.

Membership is exclusively for those eligible to receive or who are in receipt of a pension from the Public Service of Canada, RCMP or Canadian Armed Forces as well as federally appointed judges.

Each one of us is a library containing the stories of our lives. An autobiography would represent all your stories from the entrance to the exit but a memoir is a selection of events that are a weaving together of common threads and find the meaning in them. A finished memoir might have as its theme, accepting change, friendship, work-history, survival or, perhaps, something that communicates the truth of our lives to others.

Memoir is, in a way, a record of social history – what life was like when we were young, struggles that were experienced by families and individuals. A good historian will look, not only at the official records but also, in letters, diaries and memoirs that were written at the time of a particular area of study.

Our intention in writing might be to leave something for our children and grandchildren but a memoir is also a way to share experiences, life lessons and wisdom even when it is through our mistakes. It is a chance to take another look at our younger selves through more experienced eyes, a chance to learn more about us, an opportunity to come to terms with what happened and have a new understanding.

According to researcher, Brené Brown, human beings are hardwired for connection and when we share our stories we connect with people who have gone through the same experience or, as writer, Isabelle Allende says, ‘I have more freedom when I write fiction, but my memoirs have had a much stronger impact on my readers.

Somehow, the message, even if I am not aware that there is one, is conveyed better in this form.’

ANSWERS book 6. literary fables 7. fiction chapter 8. sharing story 9. vocal biography

Saanich Centre 286 Hampton Rd. 250 382-3151

By Jennifer Ferris

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Offering great programs & two locations to serve you.

It is possible to write on one’s own but, since we do not live our lives alone, many writers find that writing with others opens memory doors and windows that they did not even know were there.

The physical practice of writing together, reading excerpts to each other, giving and receiving gentle feedback is immensely helpful in the creative process of setting down a true event in such a way that it has the elements of a good story that will engage the reader.

A GOOD WAY TO HONE THESE SKILLS IS TO JOIN A MEMOIR WORKSHOP. The Victoria Centre of Silver Threads Service will be offering a Memoir Writing Class with instructor Jennifer Ferris.

The 8-week session will start Thursday, April 7th and run to May 26th from 1:30 to 3:30pm.

Cost is $50 for members and $75 for non-members. Jennifer also teaches a Story Telling Workshop on Tuesday, April 12th from 1:00pm to 2:30pm. The Victoria Centre is located at 1911 Quadra Street.

Call 250 388-4268 for more information.

We are now offering in person classes with the next session planned for April 2022.

Call 250 388-4268 for more information and to be added to the interest list.

MEMORY PLUS CHALLENGE ZOOM WORD SCRAMBLE Memory PLUS is a Silver Threads Service program for those 55+ who would like to enhance their memory skills in an active and social group setting.

The PLUS stands for Practice, Laughter, Useful Strategies.

Call 250 388-4268 or visit silverthreads.ca for more information.

We encourage you to exercise your brain by solving an all about writing word scramble.

1. okob

____

2. albefs

______

3. tprecah

______

4. ytrso

_____

5. pyarhgoib _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 6. treaylri

________

7. tofcini

_______

8. nsrahig

_______

9. valoc

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REGISTRATION IS NOW ON FOR THE NEXT SESSION! Wednesdays, March 23rd to May 11th. Morning classes are at the Victoria Centre, located at 1911 Quadra Street from 9:30am to 11:30am. Or there are afternoon classes at the Saanich Centre, located at 286 Hampton Road from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. The cost for 8 sessions - $72 Members or $104 Non-members.

Call 250 388-4268 for more information.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2022 | 11

Tapestry at Victoria Harbour Named Best in Wellness in North America

typical day in Tapestry at Victoria Harbour is anything but routine. Visit the community on any day of the week and you will find residents involved in unique activities, living vibrant and active lives in a wellness-inspired environment that nourishes mind, body and spirit.

In the fully-equipped gym, residents are enjoying a work-out class focused on strengthening core muscles to enhance mobility and stability. In the theatre, a resident is leading a conversation on professional achievements and sharing her own experiences as one of Ford Canada’s first female automobile designers. And on the stunning rooftop deck with endless views of the ocean and mountains, Tapestry’s executive chef is presenting a cooking demonstration using fresh herbs harvested from the garden.

With the community’s unique approach to active aging, it is no wonder that Tapestry at Victoria Harbour was recently named as the number one seniors’ community in North America for wellness as the proud recipient of the 2021 Pinnacle Award.

Presented by the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) and NuStep, LLC, this prestigious Award recognizes Tapestry at Victoria Harbour for outstanding commitment, creativity and culture, and for serving as a shining example of how to foster a wellness mindset and environment

that emphasizes promise and opportunities.

“We are thrilled that Tapestry at Victoria Harbour, which opened in February 2021, has been recognized as the top seniors’ community in North America for exemplary performance and exceptional contributions in wellness,” says Mark Andrew, Senior Vice President, Tapestry.

“For a newly-opened community, being honoured in this manner is an amazing achievement that reflects our commitment to creating an environment where our residents can pursue their physical, mental and spiritual health.”

Research has shown that seniors’ communities can have a significantly positive effect on health, longevity and quality of life by emphasizing connection and encouraging engagement.

During the evolving pandemic, when many were socially isolated

and physically distanced from others, individuals of all ages – and especially seniors living alone – experienced profound impacts on mental and physical health. The pandemic has reinforced the vital importance of wellness as a lifestyle and the benefits of living in a vibrant and thriving community.

With Tapestry currently offering significant purchase and lease incentives, the time has never been better to explore the award-winning wellness lifestyle at Tapestry at Victoria Harbour by Concert.

Visit TapestryVictoria.com or call 250.419.4261 for more information.

12 | TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2022

TIMES COLONIST | 55 PLUS

 in Wellness in North America

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In our first year of operation, we are proud to have earned the distinction of “Best in Wellness” among senior living communities in North America as the first place recipient of the ICAA NuStep Pinnacle Award.

This unprecedented achievement recognizes Tapestry residents live healthy, vibrant and engaged lives in a community that inspires all of us to achieve new heights in wellness. Live at Tapestry and enjoy a rich and active life where you can cultivate your interests, explore your passions and savour gourmet meals.

Inspire your wellness with our holistic approach to active aging Call us to experience life at Tapestry by joining our “April in Paris” soirée

TAPESTRY AT VICTORIA HARBOUR

777 Belleville Street, Victoria

TapestryVictoria.com | 250.419.4261 ®Registered trademarks of Concert Properties Ltd., used under license where applicable.