community
COMMUNITY BRIEFS UBC APPLE FEST
How do you like them apples? If the answer is any variation of “lots,” then head over to the UBC Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research (6804 SW Marine Dr.) this weekend for the annual Apple Festival. More than 70 varieties of the popular pomaceous fruit, grown both conventionally and organically, will be ripe for the picking, including the samples of Grimes Golden, Bramley’s Seedling, Cox’s Orange Pippin and the newly minted Ambrosia, which was recently hybridized in the south Similkameen Valley town of Cawston. The B.C. Fruit Testers Association will also give demonstrations of grafting and cider-pressing. The event is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 19 and 20. Tickets are $4 for adults. Kids under 12 are free. For more information, call 604822-4529 or visit botanicalgarden.ubc.ca
A self-described bully doctor, modern minstrel, fish lover, soul poet, sexplainer, circus kid, inquisitive gastronomist, thoughtful lawyer and even an IT guy are among the 15 people set to step up to the microphone at the inaugural TEDx RenfrewCollingwood event Oct. 19 at Windermere Secondary school. Inspired by but independently organized from the world renowned TED talk series boasting “ideas worth spreading,” the full-day event called From Far To Here includes of a variety of speakers, performers and activities inviting thought, discussion and play. Brian Adler, CEO of Aldercast Films and part-time professional wrestler, and techvibes.com co-founder Lindsay Smith will host the event running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3155 East 27th Ave. Tickets are $50 each ($40 for seniors and students with valid ID) and include food and beverages. Visit tedxrenfrewcollingwood.com for more.
The case was prudently brought to trial seven years after the accident, at which time Helen was still suffering from after-effects. This allowed the court to evaluate the longer term consequences that can follow from such brain injuries. Before the mishap, Helen was a delight to her family and friends. She had a fun-loving, outgoing personality, did reasonably well in school and put most of her energy into her first love, sports. The supervisor at her first part-time job (when she was 15) described her as “fun loving, chatty, crazy, a joy to have around.” Her plan was to become a police officer, and she likely would have been able to achieve that career goal or succeed at an alternative career. After the accident, and well after the immediate effects of the impact had passed, a different picture emerged. While she worked hard to regain her former self, Helen was no longer organized, punctual or reliable. On college and university team projects, she was disorganized and always late, and her written communications were poor. Unlike before, she needed study aids like cue cards as well as frequent note reviews. She could only handle a reduced
Mastectomy Fitting Day 10% Off October 23, 2013 • 10am-5pm
CAR CRASH CONCUSSION AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
“Helen” (not her real name), 17, was a passenger in a truck that drove off the road and hit a tree. Although she was wearing her seatbelt, her forehead struck the windshield so hard that it starred the windshield. She suffered a mild concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) – terms the court said were interchangeable. She also suffered neck and back injuries and soft tissue injuries.
EW15
RENFREW’S TEDX
You and the Law Sport-induced injuries get the most press. But car accidents are by far the most common source of concussions – which, in some cases, have life-long effects. A 2010 decision of the Mark Epstein Supreme Court of BC dealt with such a case.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013 THE VANCOUVER COURIER
www.epsteinlawcorp.com
course load and took longer to earn her college diploma and university degree. She lost her first job after university because of performance difficulties. Her emotional and social profile changed as well. She suffered from serious depression for months after the accident. Long term, her personality became volatile. Her temperament could change quickly and she could become mean. She would sometimes say hurtful things, without realizing the effects of her words. She became moody and a sometimes difficult person to be around. Helen’s career prospects, as well as her ability to enjoy life and carry out ordinary tasks without assistance, were much reduced. In short, her life changed permanently for the worse. The court in this case pointed out that “mild” concussion or MTBI refers to the physical damage to the brain not the potential consequences, which in exceptional cases can be long-lasting and severe. There is no single objective test to establish MTBI, which may exist even if, as here, it wasn’t detected by an MRI scan.
All mastectomy products including: Breast Forms | Bras and Lingerie | Swimwear | Leisurewear | Activewear
www.compassionatebeauty.com
Call 604.733.3001 to book your appointment 1683 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC V6J4M6
New Dentures or a
Natural Smile? Cosmetic Precision Denture System™
The court assessed Helen’s lost career opportunities and reduced earning capacity at $1 million. It also awarded her compensation for the costs of future care and other losses. This case shows how important it can be to have a thoroughly prepared and wellpresented case in order to bring out the sometimes subtle consequences of a concussion – before-and-after differences in cognitive abilities plus changes in social skills, behaviour, mood and personality – all brought about by a “mild” concussion. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you.
The Art and Advantages of Cosmetic Precision Dentures:
Written by Janice Mucalov, LL.B. with contribution by MARK EPSTEIN. This column provides information only and must not be relied on for legal advice. Please contact MARK EPSTEIN for your FREE, no obligation, initial consultation.
Guaranteed for 5 years against breakage
Consulting Available • House Calls
Lawyer Janice Mucalov is an award-winning legal writer. “You and the Law” is a registered trade-mark. © Janice Mucalov
E PSTEIN L AW
est. in 1958
BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS
1900-1177 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 2K3 •
604.685.4321
• Located downtown • Free initial consults • "No Fee" arrangements
Alex Hupka, RD, RDT
Registered Denturist, Registered Dental Technician (1 block from Richmond Centre) www.bcdenturist.ca