Seniors LifeStyle. Northumberland. Spring & Summer 2013.

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Interview with

Robert Bateman

Canadian naturalist and painter

life | health | travel | money | technology

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PublisherS Eldon Weiss Dan Weiss EDITOR Nigel Husing Design Lindsey White advertising & Sales Willow Publishing Co. Administration Simone Strassburger-McDonald CONTRIBUTORS Nigel Husing, Tom Robinson, Dr. Jinni Demine, DVM, Sanjeev Sukumaran, AU. D. Seniors LifeStyle Magazine is owned and published by Willow Publishing Co. 15681 County Road 2 Brighton, ON K0K 1H0 Phone: 613-475-2927 1-800-339-5662 Fax: 613-475-5331 www.willowpublishing.com info@willowpublishing.com Seniors LifeStyle is printed in Canada.

Articles included in Seniors LifeStyle do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher and information provided may be subject to change without notice.

Seniors LifeStyle is printed biannually.

Watch for the Fall/Winter edition of Seniors LifeStyle!

Visit us online at www.seniorslifestyle.ca

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Thank you! seniors lifestyle | spring & summer 2013

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northumberland

Interview with

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Canadian naturalist and painter

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ROBERT BATEMAN An interview with the well-known Canadian naturalist and painter

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Advertisers Directory Transferring Wealth – A Family Affair The Loonie turns 25 Phasing out the penny Pamper Yourself With A Cruise!

Music Hop history Robbie Lane interview Recipe: Grilled Turkey Breast Salad with Wild Mushrooms Recipes: Chocolate Almond Banana Smoothie / Raspberry Clafoutis

seniors lifestyle | spring & summer 2013

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Keep your pets cool this summer Dog Care: Dogs and Thunderstorm Phobia Four steps to fit and fun summer living How Does An Audiologist Clean Your Ears?

No need to be on the sidelines.

Join in the fun this summer Social media no longer just child’s play Seniors Stats Important Numbers Fall & Winter Events

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Transferring Wealth – A Family Affair “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children.” Proverbs 13:22 The transfer of wealth has begun. As the baby boomers’ parents make their exit, their assets and accumulated wealth are beginning to pass on to their children and their children’s children. According to a recent extensive survey

by Decima Research, this will involve a one trillion dollar transfer of wealth over the next two decades in the form of cash and securities, real estate and other valuables.

Planning for the trillion dollar wealth migration As part of your overall wealth management strategy, investors need to consider various strategies and plan for the transfer of that wealth to their children and perhaps their children’s children. And the sooner the better. By starting the estate planning process early, benefactors can better utilize a wider range of tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies that accomplish their goals with a minimum amount of taxation.

The gift of giving There is a lot to be said for doing as much as possible while still alive. The most tax-efficient way of transferring wealth to the children and grandchildren is cash gifting.

Gifts of cash leave a financial benefit to family members who can use it to further their own lives by funding an education, buying a home or building their own investment portfolio. Gratitude can be expressed while you’re still around to receive it and cash gifting has no tax implications for beneficiaries. Finally, it reduces the value of your estate for probate purposes.

However, a program of cash gifting to your offspring and grandchildren should depend on first making certain that you and your spouse will still be able to provide financially for your own retirement years.

distributed to beneficiaries can be specified in the terms of the trust. The assets settled to this type of trust would not form part of the estate and would not attract probate fees on death. The income derived from the trust’s investments is usually received in a more tax-advantaged way than if it was employment income.

This may appeal to those baby boomers who themselves are in the prime of their life, successful in their own right and most likely in a high marginal tax bracket.

Children and grandchildren who may have trouble handling a large sum of money may be better served if their inheritance was in the form of a trust set up with specific disbursement instructions, such as accomplishments (graduating from university) or specific age milestones (such as 25, 35 and so on.)

Very young grandchildren could be beneficiaries of a Participating Life Insurance Plan set up by the grandparent as a long-term insurance investment portfolio designed to compound in value over the lifetime of the grandchild.

Another insurance option to consider is a Universal Life Insurance contract with your child or grandchild named as beneficiary. Your annual policy deposits grow

Tom Robinson Financial Advisor

The matter of trusts and insurance If cash gifting is not an option, then there are other wealth transfer tactics to consider. Various trusts and insurance products have emerged over the past few years that help manage the transfer of assets to beneficiaries.

A life insurance contract can be used to pay a death benefit to the policy’s designated beneficiaries. The insurance monies can help pay taxes owing on all estate assets deemed sold at the time of your death.

For example, what is called an “intervivos” trust (set up while a person is alive) can place assets (that might otherwise form part of the estate) in a trust for beneficiaries. How the assets are to be invested and

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Raymond James Ltd. Independent Financial Services

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in an insurance investment portfolio on a tax-sheltered basis. After your death, the policy and its holdings pass to the beneficiary without any tax owing by the estate or the beneficiary.

Turning promises into action Successful estate planning requires good communications among all parties concerned. Those who are to benefit from the transfer of your estate’s assets need to know that you do have a plan in place and what they can realistically expect in terms of after tax inheritance so they can factor it into their own long-term financial planning. Communication and consultation also goes a long way to dampen any unrealistic financial expectations and clarify, if necessary, why some children or grandchildren are being treated differently – this can reduce the possibility of disputes and hurt feelings after you’re gone.

Communications with your financial and legal advisors is just as important. Raymond James Estate Planning Advisors and Financial Advisors are experienced in the special issues of transferring wealth from one generation to the next. Clients engaged in estate planning should talk to their advisor about the Raymond James Estate Planning and Preservation Strategies. It could affect your whole family’s future.

This material was prepared by Raymond James Ltd. for use by Thomas Robinson, Financial Advisor of Raymond James Ltd. It is provided for informational purposes only. Statistics, factual data and other information are from sources Raymond James believes to be reliable but their accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Securitiesrelated products and services are offered through Raymond James Ltd., member Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Financial planning and insurance products and services are offered through Raymond James Financial Planning Ltd., which is not a member Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

The Loonie turns 25

Phasing out the penny

A change in Canada’s coinage

In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Government announced it would phase out the penny from Canada’s coinage system. The decision to phase out the penny was due to its excessive and rising cost of production relative to face value, the increased accumulation of pennies by Canadians in their households, environmental considerations, and the significant handling costs the penny imposes on retailers, financial institutions and the economy in general. The estimated savings for taxpayers from phasing out the penny is $11 million a year.

The cent will remain Canada’s smallest unit for pricing goods and services. This will have no impact on payments made by cheque or electronic transactions—only cash transactions will be affected.

Moreover, pennies can still be used in cash transactions indefinitely with businesses that choose to accept them.

As pennies exit circulation, cash payments or transactions only will need to be rounded, either up or down, to the nearest five-cent increment.

The Government of Canada will be adopting a rounding guideline that has been used successfully by other countries for its cash transactions with the public.

Only cash transactions require rounding. Cheques and transactions using electronic payments—debit, credit and payments cards—do not need to be rounded, because they can be settled electronically to the exact amount.

It has been a quarter of a century since Canadians said goodbye to one-dollar banknotes and welcomed the new coin in their pockets and change purses. At that time, it was the most significant change to Canada’s coinage system in over 50 years.

The one-dollar coin was introduced into circulation on June 30, 1987 as a cost-saving measure by the Government of Canada. The coin was instantly dubbed the “Loonie,” after the solitary loon that graces the coin’s reverse side. The nickname caught on and Canadians have been using it ever since.

A Canadian legend is born Initially, the Loonie as we know it was never meant to be. The original master dies of the one-dollar coin, which depicted the motif of a voyageur, were lost in transit on their way to Winnipeg in November, 1986.

To preserve the integrity of the Canadian coinage system, the Government of Canada authorized a new design of the coin, which was of the loon.

The loon design was created by noted Northern Ontario wildlife artist Robert-Ralph Carmichael and was engraved by the Mint’s own Terrence N.E. Smith.

The one-dollar coin is eleven sided and is produced at the Mint’s Winnipeg facility, along with the rest of Canada’s circulation coins. Since 1987, 1.5 billion one-dollar coins have been produced.

Source: www.mint.ca/store/mint/learn/25th-anniversary-ofthe-loonie-7000002/#.UcHBePm1FrM

Source: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/lmntnpnny/menu-eng.html

seniors lifestyle | spring & summer 2013

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f l e s r u o y r Pampe ! e s i u r c a h wit

Marlin Travel Northumberland Mall

Seniors are no longer looking for just a pampering vacation; they are eager for an active experience, that once-in-a-lifetime trip to an incredible wonder of the world. Sure, they will travel each winter to the sun or on a Caribbean cruise, but after many years of working and raising families, they are more discerning in how they spend their leisure. They are also more worldly and sophisticated, therefore, expectations are higher.

We see more travellers requesting exotic sun destinations like Tahiti, Fiji, Hawaii or the Maldives.

Travel to Tahiti and stay in an overwater bungalow with a cruise on the Paul Gauguin where everything on board is included! There is diving or snorkeling for the adventurous, awesome sightseeing, and scenic beaches you will not find anywhere else in the world.

Since cruising has become popular with travellers of all ages, we are seeing seniors turn towards smaller vessels like the European Waterways luxury barges.

Another popular option is Seabourn Cruises, which offers luxury with or without the dress-up factor.

Seabourn also provides little extras that bigger ships do not: a complimentary bar in the cabin, personalized tours and amazing service. Seabourn covers unique destinations like Antarctica and Patagonia on the Sojourn, carrying only 450 passengers.

Windstar Cruises is another great option for those looking for ships that can dock in smaller ports and provide a personal touch. Since they are smaller, Windstar ships offer unique tour options. How about a Windstar cruise around New Zealand with kayaking to some incredible caves?

For those who want to stay closer to home, American Cruise Lines offers steamship cruises on 905-377-0997 the Mississippi, departing from New Orleans, 1-888-618-4211 Memphis and Cincinnati. These cruises are rich in www.marlintravel.ca/1213 American history, with incredible plantation tours, and give you options to go early or stay after the cruise

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to enjoy fascinating American cities.

Celebrity Cruise Lines recently added the fabulous 90-passenger luxury yacht, Xpedition, to the Galapagos Islands—definitely that once-in-a-lifetime experience, not to be missed!

Cunard’s wonderful Queen Mary II makes Trans-Atlantic crossings. Many travellers do not realize how inexpensive five days of luxury can be, with non-stop entertainment amidst beautiful surroundings. Pricing starts from US$999.00 per person—what a great way to begin, or end, a European vacation! Cunard knows how to make you feel special, no matter what cabin category you choose. They offer luxury dining, buffets for the nights you want to relax, movies in the planetarium, and lectures by international writers, entertainers and artists. Cunard also operates many worldwide itineraries and is a great way to travel to Britain to visit family or start your European vacation.

The travel counsellors at Marlin Travel, Northumberland Mall have travelled extensively on all the above cruise lines. With an average of 25-years of experience per agent, you can be assured of expert knowledge, superior service and a grand welcome.

Please come visit us at the Northumberland Mall.

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Music Hop

Music Hop is a Canadian music television series which aired on CBC Television from 1963 to 1967.

Pop and rock music was featured in this series for youth, essentially a Canadian version of American Bandstand.

The first season (1963–1964) was a Toronto production with host Alex Trebek who welcomed visiting musicians and introduced songs from the house musicians before a studio audience of dancing teenagers. He was replaced in following seasons by Dave Mickie, a disc jockey for CKEY at that time.

Series musicians were Norm Amadio and the Rhythm Rockers, joined by the female vocal trio The Girlfriends.

The second season’s schedule expanded to all weekdays with other Canadian cities contributing to the production of Music Hop: Monday: Let’s Go originated from Vancouver, Tuesday: Jeunesse Oblige originated from Montreal, Wednesday: Hootenanny originated from Winnipeg, Thursday: Music Hop originated from Toronto, Friday: Frank’s Bandstand originated from Halifax.

The first season of this half-hour series was launched on 3 October 1963 and broadcast Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. In the following two seasons, it was seen every weekday. The final show was broadcast on 28 June 1967.

According to CBC estimates, Music Hop attracted approximately one million viewers every week, most of them under the age of 20.

A special welcome to all newcomers in the area We are happy to welcome you and your family to our area, and trust your settlement here will be the most memorable in your life.

Did you know?

Since 1930, Welcome Wagon representatives have been greeting newcomers with a gift package as they move from one city to another in Canada.

We also have a gift package for you and your family as a newcomer to our area.

Please contact Welcome Wagon to advise them that you are new to the area and you will be contacted soon.

Gift packages include: • Maps & brochures of the area, as well as the surrounding area, with advice on some of the neat places to visit • Gifts from some of our local merchants • Invitations to return to our local merchants for other gifts.

It’s wonderful!

Call us today! Sharon 613-475-5994

Source: www.wikipedia.org

Alex Trebek hosts an episode of Music Hop in June 1964.

Photo: CBC Still Image Collection

Photo: CBC Still Photo Collection/ Barry Wilson

do you have a story idea? comments?

Let us know!

Contact Simone Strassburger-McDonald at: simone@willowpublishing.com • 1-613-475-2927 Toll Free 1-800-339-5662

seniors lifestyle | spring & summer 2013

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Robbie Lane

with Nigel Husing

Photo credit: www.ideacityonline.com

Robbie Lane was the leader of one of Toronto’s most popular bands, Robbie Lane and the Disciples. Robbie and his band backed up Ronnie Hawkins for many years. “Ain’t Love A Funny Thing” and “Fannie Mae” were two of his 70s hits. He co-hosted his prime-time, teenage pop music television show It’s Happening where the Disciples appeared as the house band. Robbie also has his own radio show on AM 740. The following is an interview Seniors Lifestyle Magazine conducted earlier this year with Canadian music legend Robbie Lane.

I know you have a history of being one of Canada’s best and most popular singers. How did it all start and when did the big break come for you?

It started when I was thirteen years old, I was singing in a neighbourhood band called the BJ Rebels. We probably played for a couple of years until we changed the name to Robbie Lane and the Disciples. I had added different players and we were now an eight-piece band. At that point I had also started doing television on a CBC program called Music Hop and that is where The Hawk, Ronnie Hawkins, first saw me. I met him in person later at the old Concord Tavern on Bloor Street – used to be on Bloor Street – when I happened to be in there one afternoon. Someone who knew me went to Ronnie and said “you should get this guy up to sing”. At that time, Ronnie Hawkins was working with EVERYBODY (who was important), The Hawks, Robbie and Levon. It was a Saturday afternoon matinee, Ron got up on stage and did one song, the whole band was there. Younger people could sit and watch on the dining room side. He called

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me up and I was really nervous but just thrilled to be playing with The Hawks. I did a couple of songs and then probably no more than three to four months later, he called me. He was playing at L’Coq D’Or upstairs at that time and he told me that they were looking for a band to play in their dining room downstairs on Fridays and Saturdays. Ronnie said “I just thought you’d like to do that with your band.” And so we did. I think we played there the entire summer that year. Towards the end of the summer The Hawks were pondering going on their own and at that point – I’d say this was the break – he asked me if we would learn his materials so that when they did leave, we would just become his backup band.

And that’s exactly what happened. Although I insisted that we keep our name. I didn’t want to be The Hawks, I wanted to be Ronnie Hawkins with Ronnie Lane and the Disciples and he agreed to that. Within the first year, we released a record and then the second record and both of them charted on CHUM and other places across the country. We were kind of on our way.

How many years did you play with The Hawk?

A year and a half.

I remember a TV show called “It’s Happening” after your time with The Hawk. What led to “It’s Happening”?

I had been doing television off and on during all these years, making appearances on a show called Music Hop. The producer came to me and said “we are about to do a pilot for a prime-time, teenage pop music show, and

we’d like you and your band to be the house band. You would be the co-host of the show.” When that came about, we had to make a choice because we couldn’t be on the road with The Hawk and do the show at the same time. We had to be in town most of the time to do the show. Ronnie was not happy when we gave our notice but later, when he looked back on it, he understood why we did it. In September 1965 we started doing a weekly nighttime, primetime pop music show. The first year it was called A Go Go 66, then for three more years, four in total, it was called It’s Happening on CBC TV. You have a lot of hits. I remember “Fannie Mae” and “Sandy” and “Ain’t Love a Funny Thing”. I also remember one, I wonder if you can tell me the story. It’s an instrumental and it had something to do with a TV commercial. I know your group was behind it, were you involved in that, too?

Yeah, but only very slightly. Terry Bush who was then our guitar player and Doug Riley (Dr. Music), our keyboard player on the TV show had opened a jingle company and they were getting pretty busy doing various commercials and jingles for clients all over Canada. They were approached by...I can’t remember which company but it was whoever had the rights to distribute Baby Ruth and Butterfinger candy bars in Canada. They approached Terry and Doug and said “we would like you to write an instrumental jingle for the TV commercial for Baby Ruth”. So I went in with them. I just played tambourine with Terry on guitar and my drummer, bass player and keyboard player doing the instrumental called “Baby Ruth”. They

didn’t want to release it under the name Robbie Lane and The Disciples. They wanted it to be totally separate so they called the band The Butterfingers.

You never know where the hits will come from.

No, you don’t. I use that song every week on the radio show that I do now. On Fridays, I do a segment called Robbie Remembers and I put a spotlight on a Canadian artist. I play their material and talk a little bit about how they got together and what they are doing now. We use “Baby Ruth” as our theme song, so it still gets quite a bit of play.

I know you moved into another area with a solo career.

You are back with The Disciples now or The Disciples are back with you? What led you to a solo career? One song was a big hit, “M’Lady”. Where did that come from?

The touring – during the TV series we would be in Toronto for one week rehearsing, recording and videotaping two shows and the next week we would travel. After four years, most of the guys in the band were getting tired of traveling and some of them were getting married and settled down....that kind of thing. It just became apparent that we had to go our separate ways. It was very amicable, there was no fight

Photos courtesy www.RobbieLane.com

Clockwise from left: Robbie Lane and the Disciples; recent photo of the band performing; the band performing on the It’s Happening show in 1967.

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when you talk about oldies so why don’t you do the voice overs for the commercials?” So I did. A couple of months later he came to me and said “have you ever thought of doing your own radio show?” and I said “yeah, I have been trying to do this forever”. He said “Well, how about starting next week?”. So I did and I think I was with CHUM for about three and a half years. I stayed with them until they ceased to operate 1050 CHUM. At that time, I was approached by AM 740 and went to work with them within a couple months. I have been with them ever since. It has been about three and a half years on AM 740 now.

or breakup or anything. It was just one of those things that happened.

I put together another band and continued to do club dates. At that time I was approached by Quality Records and asked to do a deal with them. “M’Lady” was a song written by a guy named Brian Allen who had a very popular group at that time called Rose. He was writing all kinds of material. That particular song was not suited to his band but it was suited to me, so I ended up recording it and about 12 or 14 other tracks for Quality. Every three to four months, they would release another one. So, that is how that all happened but I never stopped playing the club circuit until, really, the late 1970s.

It was not until 1982 that we reassembled The Disciples and we have been together ever since.

I’m going to continue (the band and radio) until they tell me to stop... with the band, radio or both?

You mentioned that you are on the radio, I call that your day job. How did that start?

I started with 1050 CHUM which was at that time an oldies station. I was working with some clients who were club and restaurant owners and helping them promote their clubs. I approached CHUM about a club that I was dealing with and said “you know, if you guys would come in on Saturday nights and broadcast a...let’s call it a 1050 CHUM Saturday Nights Oldies Dance, I am sure that the club would be very happy to buy ad time on CHUM to promote the Dance. It would be like one hand washing the other”. The contract was signed and I was approached by the program director who said “you know what, you should voice these commercials.

You are so involved and your name is recognizable

I want to continue. I love what I do, I love playing music – I always have. Playing music live and also playing music on the radio. I am going to continue doing both until they tell me to stop...

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Robert Bateman with Nigel Husing Photos courtesy Robert Bateman

Canadian naturalist and painter

Robert Bateman was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. He has always been fascinated by the natural world. Being inspired by The Group Of Seven, he developed an interest in making abstract paintings of nature. Then, in the sixties, he changed to his present style of realism. The following is an interview exploring the great life and times of Robert Bateman.

When did you first realize that drawing and painting was something you could do and something that you really loved? Did it start early in your life?

I was twelve years old. All little kids love art and nature but most kids give up doing art in their spare time after coming home from school. At about the age of twelve or maybe even before, they usually start to lose interest in nature and go on to more mature things. I’m still getting away with doing kids’ stuff.

Has your interest always been birds, wildlife and nature?

Yes. Once I got older and luckily with my traveling,

I became interested in other cultures and obviously very interested in art and art history. I taught it for about twenty years. I think I am interested in everything that goes on in the world. I am interested in politics and international affairs.

Your love for wildlife and love for painting just sort of came together right at the beginning?

Yes, they were together at the beginning and then they separated which is interesting. When I was about 18, a friend of mine who was attending the Ontario College of Art told me that “you can not do real art with a small brush, you have got to get a big brush to do real art”. That was in 1948, the time of the Group of Seven and the impressionists, getting very painterly and loose was in. So I got a big brush and became an impressionist and then a post-impressionist and a cubist and finally, when I was in my early thirties, an abstract impressionist. I went through all the different phases from the age of eighteen to age thirty-two. But at the same time, I was seniors lifestyle | spring & summer 2013

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an avid naturalist and getting more and more serious about it. In fact, nobody had ever heard of me as an artist. I was a little bit famous as a naturalist, taking teachers out into nature and showing them how to take their classes out into nature. I was leading a lot of hikes, I was in naturalist clubs and organizations, I was on the executive of the Federation of Ontario Naturalists, and more. Yet, my paintings did not depict what was important to naturalists and that is a particularity of the real world. One evening, I had a road to Damascus experience, if you know your Bible. In 1962, I was at a show by Andrew Wyeth in the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo. I think it was maybe the first time in the twentieth century that a realist had an exhibition at an important modern art gallery. The Albright-Knox Art Gallery would usually show Pollock, Frank Stella and big abstract artists. Here they were showing a realist.

That really had not happened in the 20th century so I decided to go. Here was this guy who paid attention to the planet and he cared about the texture of the old stone walls and the grassy meadow. I fell off my abstract horse that night just the way Paul fell off his horse on the road to Damascus. I knew that this was something I wanted to do. It looked as if it was okay with the art priesthood to be a realist and it was appropriate for my whole philosophy of life. It took me a couple of years to evolve out of my abstract snobbery. I still have abstract and Group of Seven qualities and all of those others underlying my

present work, I think. I am glad I went through those different phases.

You have answered my next two questions about the Group of Seven and your transformation from abstract to realism, maybe I can get into the next question. We talked about high school teaching, you were a high school teacher. Was it a major decision in your life to give up teaching and go straight into painting and art or was it just an obvious transition for you?

I had not sold any art. I can not remember what Ross Gossling paid for his six kids’ portraits but I think it was $35 each. I did not think of that as an income source. Once I got into the realist style, my first show in 1967, the centennial year, at the Alice Peck Gallery in Burlington was a sellout before the show closed.

After that I went to the Beckett Gallery in Hamilton and every show after that was a sellout. There was this huge demand for my work and eventually, by 1975, I wanted to try the international scene. The Tryon Gallery in London, England, the number one wildlife art gallery in the world wanted a one man show of my work (Note: Robert had work at the Tryon Gallery in Nairobi while living and teaching there in the 1960s). So I took a semester off teaching. I was at Lord Elgin High School at the time. I felt that this was an omen. If this show sold well it would mean that I should leave teaching. Everybody – well, not everybody – a lot of different people can be art teachers but nobody else can be Robert Bateman,

A lot of different people can be art teachers but nobody else can be Robert Bateman, the artist.

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seniors lifestyle | spring & summer 2013

the artist. By that time, it was 1975 and I was 35, I was making more money – or paying more income tax, actually – with my painting then I was with my teaching. I considered myself a great teacher.

I figured someone up there was trying to tell me something. The omen came true and I went to art.

In the 1970s and 1980s, you started to get major recognition and I remember the show you had at The Smithsonian. It drew a large crowd and you were becoming very popular. Did it surprise you? Were you ready for all this adulation? Could you see it coming or did it hit you overnight?

Well, I did not see it coming and it was not overnight, it sort of gradually grew. I had a bit of a following but it was strictly among the naturalist circles at the beginning. They were buying everything I sold so I had this constant demand. It is still that way, by the way. I have a waiting list of at least ten commissions of people that want my work. I guess I have always been spoiled and it has come as a bit of a surprise but I have tried to not think about it too much. There has always been a lineup at the door for my shows at the Beckett Gallery. Then I drew record-breaking crowds at a show going to museums all across Canada including the Royal Ontario Museum and museums in virtually every province, Musee d’Quebec, et cetera. I showed at the National Museum in Ottawa but not the National Gallery. That is a different story.

It was then suggested I should have a show at The Smithsonian. The Smithsonian is big time, it is one of the great museums in the world and to hear the statistics that I broke all records in their history for attendance was a huge honour. I heard recently that they have not equaled the attendance of the Bateman show since. The show was in 1987 and there was

a lot more money and budgets around, so it was a glorious show with a huge, all new architectural Evans Gallery. It was the biggest show I will probably ever have. My show at McMichael, which also broke records for McMichael, a few years ago was 55 pieces.

The Smithsonian was over 100 pieces. It was huge. I guess I could say I am constantly surprised but my aim is not fame and fortune and so I do not dwell on it. It is not good for your ego to dwell on things like that.

Now I would like to jump a few years and talk about your books. I understand that was something a little different. Did you want to bring your art to people that possibly had never been in an art gallery in their life?

Was there a conscious effort on what you were doing with those books?

No, not really. The books were simply a showcase for the art that I had done up until then. What the books did and the prints did was the same thing.

The prints came first and they created a market for the books. The books made the paintings available to everyone because the prints are relatively expensive as far as prints go. They are not like the originals and once somebody buys a print, they put it in their house. It is not the same as a whole book. I do not remember how many books I have sold, you may have read it somewhere. I do not pay attention to these things. I think sales are over one million which is a lot of books. That obviously has spread my fame, people may have heard of me even in different parts of the world. So the books did make a huge difference to this transformation.

I understand you have a connection to the Audubon Society. It kind of seems obvious from the outside but what are your feelings towards the Audubon Society and how do you fit into it?

I am sort of surprised you singled out the Audubon Society because I have connections to many, many other organizations. The Audubon Society did pronounce me as the – again, I ca not remember all these titles and things – being a defender of wildlife.

Anyway, I am on their reasonably elite list of guys who have done something for wildlife and the planet. I have not been an active member – although we belong and we subscribe to the magazine. I have had articles in the national Audubon magazine in the States. I am actually much more connected to the World Wildlife Fund, the Sierra Club and the Canadian National Wildlife Federation.

Continued on next page

Robert in 1948.

seniors lifestyle | spring & summer 2013

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I mentioned the Audubon and the Canadian National Wildlife Federation, I was wondering what your feelings are as a Canadian. Is Canada doing a good job with its relationship to wildlife or is it losing ground to other countries? What are your feelings?

Want me to get political? (laughs) Are you going to mention names? (laughs) No. I have to watch it now that we have a charitable status with the Bateman Foundation that I do not offend too many people in Ottawa. I think it is generally known that many provinces in Canada could be doing a lot better. I was shattered when the Liberals came into power in British Columbia with Gordon Campbell, he instantly just fired all the park naturalists. And we have had a terrible slaughter at the provincial and federal level of excellent scientists and parks people. We have lost a huge amount of human capital by just cutting corners and cutting budgets. I think that is very disappointing and it is not the way the world should be going. It should be going in the exact opposite direction, spending more time and money on things connected to making the world a better place.

Do you blame it on the government specifically or on people just not thinking?

I blame it on governments and I blame it on people electing the wrong governments, I guess. Sometimes, when a young kid asks me “what can I do to make the world a better place?” I could say “you can go and pick up litter”. That is easy to do and an easy answer.

Kids do that and it is a wonderful thing, it develops a nice attitude. But what would really be more effective, and I have said it once or twice, is “getting your parents to elect politicians that really care about nature”. Too often, they care about lobbyists or they care about – well, we do need to worry about jobs and the economy – so it is complex. I have just written a very large magnum opus of an essay on this topic. It is on the way the world is going, jobs and growth and that kind of thing. I think we need to have a totally new point of view toward the planet.

Do you have any tips for seniors that are thinking about painting or are still painting? Is there a time limit on people’s lives for painting? Does it stop at 75? Can they keep painting, keep doing whatever they like?

You should be whatever you are. Maybe your hobby is playing the guitar and there is no time limit on that.

Maybe your hobby is writing, keeping a journal, or firing off letters to politicians, or getting together for discussion groups. I know a lot of seniors, obviously a

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seniors lifestyle | spring & summer 2013

lot of my friends are seniors, and they are very active in clubs and organizations. I do not recommend being an artist as a way of life. If you are a senior, obviously you are retired and probably not looking for an income source. If you want to do it – in my case, it has never been recreation. I remember when I first started teaching, I did not even have a car, or a life or a house here. I was still living at my parents’ house in Toronto and I used to board in Burlington.

I remember getting a ride home to Toronto with a colleague woman teacher who lived in Toronto and one time she said “oh, I’m so envious of you being able to go home and having this wonderful hobby of painting on the weekend for something to do”. I said “listen, painting has never been a hobby“ and she said “have a nice relaxing weekend”. It is not relaxing. It is like saying to – in those days I said Sam Sneed, but I could say Tiger Woods – “have you had a relaxing weekend at the Hollywood Open?”. It is like saying to Wayne Gretzky “did you have a relaxing weekend at the…”

Stanley Cup, or whatever. (laughs) Yeah. (laughs) The work I do is not relaxing. It is the hardest thing I do and it drives me crazy. Although I am told many seniors and others do find it relaxing.

Just for a concrete point of view, for seniors, I use photography all the time. I am painting as we speak, by the way. I am painting a mini version for a huge 4’x5’ painting that I will be doing for somebody. I have an iPad now and I put my photographs on the iPad and boy, is it ever a handy tool because you can blow photos up and move them around. I used to look through a viewer. I use five to fifty photographs in the average painting.

What does the future hold for you? Are you in the middle of projects right now?

Yes, I am. I am always in the middle of projects. I have always been project-oriented ever since I was a kid. Of course, my at home projects always have to do with art and with commissions or shows that are coming up. We were just discussing a show that we will probably call the Five Bateman Boys show. It involve myself and one, two, possibly three sons and my nephew at a gallery in Calgary or Vancouver. That will be in the Fall of 2014. We had a Three Bateman Boys show at a gallery in Calgary and another here on Salt Spring several years ago and they were quite successful.

So it runs in the family, does it?

Yeah. My number one son is a painter who was in fact born in Nigeria. After I taught at Nelson, I went

to teach in Nigeria for two years. He was born in 1965 and is now in his forties, a full-time artist living in Nova Scotia, married to his artist wife with two kids. He is a superb realist artist who paints his own world, something like Andrew Wyeth. He does not do wildlife, he does rural landscapes in Annapolis Valley and his house, wife, kids, the dog and things like that. At any rate, the heaviest thing I am doing right now is the Bateman Foundation which was formed a few months ago. It will be leaving my legacy to the Foundation. It includes a lease of one of the most beautiful buildings in Victoria, right in the inner city of Victoria. I do not know if you have ever been there? Right on the inner harbor in front of the Legislature, there is a beautiful classical revival Greek-style built in 1926. It was built as the CPR terminal where the ferries would come in. It has been earthquake-proofed and it is being renovated.

The third floor is going to be the Bateman Gallery.

There will be a shop and boutiques on the street level and the very top floor will be offices. A think tank in an effort to coordinate the return of kids, their parents and teachers, and everybody to nature. Over the last 15 years, they have all been drifting away from nature. Kids used to play outside, believe it or not. Nowadays, kids sit looking at an electronic screen and that is incredibly damaging to their body, their mind and I think their soul. A lot of them are either looking at a cacophony of narcissism or junk food. Feeding their faces with junk food for the body, leading to obesity and feeding their brains with junk food for the soul. Especially these violent video games the guys play. It is frightening, the next generation, what is in store for us if this is going to be the majority of kids in this generation. It is a major effort on my behalf and the Foundation’s behalf, but I am not alone. There are hundreds of other organizations and we are hoping to help coordinate this. The big thing right now is planning for the 24th of May, which will be my 83rd birthday, we are having the grand opening of the Bateman Gallery on

the waterfront of Victoria in this beautiful building.

So there is a lot of bits and pieces and fundraising going on with that.

Retirement is not a word that you ever use, is it?

No, but I am not alone. So many people, especially people that live the longest and have the most vitality in their old age, are ones that are busy and active and engaged with other people. I like the saying that Mark Twain had, “growing old is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”.

PORT HOPE FESTIVAL THEATRE Summer 2013

A Romantic Comedy by Michele Riml

June 6 to June 16

A Soulpepper Production by Ins Choi

July 11 to July 28

Plus

A Musical by Roger Bean

June 20 to July 7

A Musical Revue by Uwe Meyer

August 1 to August 18 A Capitol Youth Theatre Production

August 21 to August 25 905-885-1071 • 800-434-5092 CAPITOL THEATRE, 20 QUEEN STREET, PORT HOPE

www.capitoltheatre.com

seniors lifestyle | spring & summer 2013

17

recipes

Grilled Turkey Breast Salad with Wild Mushrooms

By Kelly Brisson of The Gouda Life This salad is perfect to enjoy while we wait for the rest of summer’s bounty to arrive. The sweet fruit, meaty wild mushrooms, tart vinaigrette and smoky grilled turkey balance every bite out. Feel free to play around with the herbs and fruit or even the mushroom choice. Stuffing this into grilled portabellas would be delicious, too!

For the Turkey: • 2 medium sized skinless, boneless turkey breast • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tbsp coriander seeds, crushed • 1 tbsp oregano • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika • 1/2 tsp salt For the Mushrooms: • 1 lb wild mushrooms (Shiitake, Oyster, Crimini etc) • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 cloves garlic • 1 tbsp tarragon • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice Mix together the olive oil and

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spices and stir to combine. Put the turkey breast, olive oil spice mixture and salt in a re-sealable bag, smoosh it around so the breasts are evenly covered, and let marinate for at least 1 hour.

Heat barbecue to medium-high heat and place breast on the grill.

Turn once or twice while cooking and remove when internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, 20-25 minutes.

While turkey starts grilling, place cast-iron skillet on barbeque so it heats up. Add mushrooms, oil and garlic and toss gently to combine. Cook for 7-8 minutes without stirring, and then carefully toss them around to brown the other side. Once golden and crisp, 10-15 minutes, remove from heat and toss with tarragon and lemon juice.

For the Salad: Ingredients • Grilled turkey breast • Cooked mushrooms • 1 1/2 cups sliced red grapes • 1 large gala apple, 1” dice • 1/2 cup hazelnuts, skins

seniors lifestyle | spring & summer 2013

removed and lightly crushed • 2 tbsp fresh tarragon • 1 large handful arugula leaves • Lemon vinaigrette, *recipe follows Toss all ingredients except for the vinaigrette together to combine.

Make vinaigrette and add 2-3 tbsp of it to the salad. Toss to combine.

Serve extra vinaigrette on the side so you can decide how much or how little you like. *Vinaigrette: • 1 tbsp lemon zest, from 1 large lemon • 1/2 tbsp lemon juice • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt • 1/4 cup olive oil Whisk first 4 ingredients together until smooth. Slowly add olive oil in a steady stream while whisking constantly until vinaigrette emulsifies. Keeps for 1 week covered in the fridge. Serves 4.

Source: News Canada

Chocolate Almond Banana Smoothie Give your morning or afternoon snack a bit of a kick-start with this cool and refreshing shake from the Almond Board of California. The perfect blend of bananas, chocolate almond milk and protein powder will not only get you going and keep you energized but it will satisfy any sweet tooth.

• 1 bottle (about 1/1/2 cups/ 350 mL) chocolate almond milk • 1 medium banana, broken into pieces • 1/2 cup (120 mL) ice cubes • 2 tablespoons (30 mL) almond butter • 2 tablespoons (30 mL) soy protein powder) Combine all ingredients in blender and puree until very smooth. Pour into 2 tall glasses and garnish with bananas if desired Makes 2 servings.

Per serving (325 mL glass): 344 calories, 15 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 7 g monounsaturated fat, 3g polyunsaturated fat, 30g carbohydrates, 33 g protein.

Sources: News Canada / www.almondboard.com

Raspberry Clafoutis This pretty berry-studded dessert is a delicious cross between a custard and a pancake. It makes a great entertaining option because you can pop it in the oven to bake while the main course is being served. It gets top marks as an arthritis fighter: it’s low in saturated fat for a dessert, and includes raspberries which are a great source of fibre, are high in antioxidants and have a low glycemic index.

• 2 cups (500 mL) unsweetened frozen raspberries • 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) liquid egg substitute • 1 1/4 cups (300 mL) 2% milk • 1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour • 3/4 cup (175 mL) granulated sugar • 3 tbsp (45 mL) melted non-hydrogenated margarine • 1 tbsp (15 mL) vanilla extract • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt • Icing sugar (optional) • Low fat vanilla yogurt (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

Scatter raspberries in a greased, 11-inch (28 cm) shallow baking dish with fluted edges.

Combine eggs, milk, flour, sugar, margarine, vanilla and salt in a blender. Blend, on medium speed, scraping the pitcher once, for 30 seconds or until smooth.

(Or, combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.)

Pour batter evenly over the raspberries. Bake for 40 minutes or until set. Dust with icing sugar (optional). Slice into wedges and serve warm with a dollop of yogurt (optional). Makes 12 servings.

Per serving: 166 calories, 5 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 7 mg cholesterol, 111 mg sodium, 25 g carbohydrates, 2 g fibre, 15 g sugars, 5 g protein.

Good source of vitamin A. Prep Saver Tips: Measure all ingredients except melted butter into the blender early in the day and reserve in the refrigerator until ready to blend, pour and bake. If you don’t have an 11-inch (28 cm) round dish, use a 12 x 9-inch (3 L) baking dish.

Sources: News Canada / www.arthritis.ca

seniors lifestyle | spring & summer 2013

19

pets

Keep your pets cool this summer

By DR. JINNI DEMINE, DVM trenton pet hospital

Summer is here and so is the gorgeous weather with long days and less inclement weather.

It is usually during this time that our pets can get into some very big problems.  As pet owners, we love our pets’ companionship and take them with us for a car ride at every opportunity. A quick stop at the bank, short stop by the grocery store. You get the picture.

This is the most dangerous time for our four-legged canine friends. Have you tried to sit in the car with open windows in the hot weather in the parking lot?

It gets impossibly hot within minutes putting pets at risk of overheating, heat stroke and acute heart failure and even death. Driving your car on a hot day with windows open and no air conditioning turned on can also be very dangerous for our furry friends, as they most often stay at the floor of the car, where hot air accumulates.

It is not acceptable to leave your pet in a car even for 5 minutes without full air conditioning going.

Even putting down the windows is not enough. Not to mention that a bored pet will simply jump out of the window and follow its nose. We had this happen a few times. Luckily, owners were able to pick them up from a shelter a couple of days later.

Particularly in danger of overheating are black color pets, older, overweight and short faced pets. The breeds at risk the most are Pugs, Boston Terriers, King Charles Spaniels and other similar breeds.

If your pet did get overheated, follow these steps until you can see an emergency veterinarian. Soak several towels into cold water and lay them out over the chest, armpits and the abdomen of your pet. Wrap his feet in the face towels soaked in the cold water.

Turn the fan onto your pet. Â Turn on air conditioning as high as possible and take your pet to your regular or emergency veterinarian immediately. Time matters.

The less time your pet has been overheated, the easier it is to reverse the shock process. Do not submerse your pet into cold water and ice. You can cause hypothermia and create additional complications.

Keep yourself and your pets cool this summer!

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seniors lifestyle | spring & summer 2013

Dog Care: Dogs and Thunderstorm Phobia By the American Animal Hospital Association Does your pooch bury his head into your side every time it thunders out? Does he dive under the bed whenever rain starts to fall? From your point of view, this may seem like cute and endearing behavior, but it’s a sign that your dog is terrified of storms. Some owners are willing to simply put up with symptoms of storm phobias like hiding, trembling, whining, drooling, and pacing. In more severe cases, however, panicking dogs have been known to chew furniture, tear drapes, break windows, and more during thunderstorms. In either case, the behavior is a sign of a terrified, unhappy dog.

Causes Storm phobias are one of the most common behavioral problems dog owners face, but their cause is not entirely clear. Behaviorists are not yet sure what part of the storm frightens dogs most, whether they’re reacting to lightning flashes, the sound of thunder, wind blowing around the house, or the sound of rain on the roof. Some dogs even start to pace and whine half an hour or more before a storm. They may be reacting to a sudden drop in air pressure or the electrical charge of the air.

Nature or nurture?

An article in the July/August 2001 issue of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association describes an Internet survey of the owners of storm-phobic dogs. The authors discovered that some breeds may be predisposed to a fear of storms. Herding dogs, such as collies and German shepherds, and hounds, such as beagles and basset hounds, seem to be more likely to develop a storm phobia than other dogs. The phobia is also common in sporting and working breeds. The study suggests that this tendency may be explained in terms of the dogs’ genetics. For example, herding dogs have been bred to react quickly to stimuli, such as a calf wandering away from the herd, but not to be aggressive. It could be that herding dogs have a strong reaction to the startling noises and flashes of a storm, but they repress any aggressive response to it, causing anxiety.

The JAAHA study also showed that rescued dogs--dogs adopted from shelters or rescue organizations--may also be more likely to develop storm phobias. The article suggested that these dogs are more likely to have had unpleasant, scary experiences prior to being adopted.

They may have been abused or abandoned by a former

owner, or they may not have been well socialized or exposed to a wide variety of sights and sounds. These kinds of early-life experiences can make dogs more anxious and prone to all kinds of phobias.

What to do Your best bet for helping your pup overcome his thunderstorm fears is to talk to your veterinarian. He or she can help you develop a program to gradually retrain your scaredy dog by gradually, gently helping him adjust to storms through behavior modification.

Technically called “systematic desensitization,” this involves exposing the storm-phobic dog to some gentle reminders of a thunderstorm, such as a very soft tape recording of thunder or a flashing light, and rewarding the dog with lots of treats, attention, and other positive reinforcement only if there’s no evidence of anxiety. Over time, the intensity of the stimulus is increased, and only calm behavior rewarded. You should get professional guidance, either from a veterinarian or a veterinary behavior specialist, before you begin this process, however. If you introduce frightening stimuli too quickly or don’t see signs of fear your dog may be showing, you could possibly end up making the phobia worse.

If gentle, patient retraining doesn’t help your pooch, there are some prescriptions that can. Your veterinarian can prescribe one of several anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications to help your dog remain calm during storms. You can also make sure your dog has a warm, safe “den” to retreat to when the weather gets too scary. You can try padding a crate with blankets or clearing a space underneath your bed. Just make sure that it’s somewhere your pup can get out of whenever he wants. A panicked dog can do a lot of damage to his crate and himself if he’s confined.

Most important, though, is that your treat your dog gently and kindly when he is afraid. Don’t cuddle and reassure him, because that will reward his scaredy-dog behavior, but definitely don’t punish him for it either.

Instead, just be calm and provide him with a safe, familiar place where he can feel secure and ride out the storm.

Content provided by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Visit the AAHA pet owner Web site at www. healthypet.com for more pet care advice.

seniors lifestyle | spring & summer 2013

21

health

Four steps to fit and fun summer living

Summer means longer days, warmer temperatures and more time outdoors. The pleasant weather also brings opportunities to improve your lifestyle and start a new commitment to wellness. With a few tips, you can be on your way to fit and fun summer living.

1. Eat fresh. Summer is prime time for fresh produce, and incorporating fruits and vegetables into your daily menu can be a delicious way to a healthy lifestyle. With a high-performance blender, you can easily make hundreds of whole-food recipes that taste great. For example, the new Vitamix 7500 can make tasty treats like a whole-fruit smoothie, frozen sorbet, fat-free salad dressing or veggie dip. This powerhouse machine can whip up nutritious recipes that are perfect for any summer occasion. A nutrient-packed fruit smoothie takes only seconds to prepare with such

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seniors lifestyle | spring & summer 2013

a tool and is sure to please even the fussiest eaters.

2. Move it. Getting in shape doesn’t need to mean hours at the gym, especially during these warmer months. Simple activities like going for a bike ride or taking your dog for a walk are good ways to get moving while enjoying the outdoors. Swimming is a great low-impact, full-body exercise that lets you work out while cooling off. Or try another sport that you wouldn’t be able to participate in during winter, such as golf, outdoor basketball or beach volleyball. Making an activity part of your routine is the best way to keep at it, so set aside some time each day for exercise.

3. Relax. Summer is the perfect opportunity to unwind and treat yourself to some “me” time. Focus on doing things you enjoy, such as finishing that book you’ve been reading for months, learning to how to surf or play tennis or simply basking in the sunshine—with the right protection: sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.

Whatever activity you choose, make time each week to let go and de-stress. Summer is a popular season for vacations to the beach and other outdoor destinations, but you can also find tranquility in your own backyard.

Meditation and yoga—done indoors or outside—are calming activities that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, too.

4. Sleep. You can improve your lifestyle even when you’re not awake. Good sleep habits are essential to physical and mental well-being, and inadequate rest can curtail your efforts to eat right and exercise. Muscles need time to repair and regenerate after working hard, making proper rest a vital component of any fitness routine. Make sure your bedroom is a comfortable temperature, adding fans or blankets as needed, and remove or turn off bright lights and electronic screens.

Get into a nightly routine, and try not to eat or exercise for at least an hour prior to going to sleep. When you’re well-rested, other aspects of your improved lifestyle will be even more effective and enjoyable.

With a few lifestyle adjustments, you’ll be on your way to happy, healthy summer living.

Source: News Canada

How Does An Audiologist Clear Your Ears?

By Sanjeev Sukumaran Au.D - Audiologist The answer is there is not one way to remove ear wax. How an ear is cleaned depends on the health of the ear, shape and size of the ear, the kind of wax in the ear, the amount of wax in the ear and numerous other considerations. It takes a professional with the appropriate training and knowledge to do a case history and an otoscopic exam to determine the best approach to ear wax removal.

Lately there has been talk around a hand held device that claims to be a safe and effective way to clean ears.

Does it work? Perhaps minimally. Will it remove wax from our ear that is problematic? Unlikely. This mild form of suction may vacuum out loose and light debris but will not budge hard impacted wax. Wet heavy sticky wax would also prove impossible to remove with this method. The truth is the type of wax the device may remove is likely wax that can and will fall out naturally – on its own.

How then do you clean your ears? Consult your audiologist or physician to see which method is best

suited to your particular needs. The use of mineral oil or a branded ear wax removal kit are certainly two recommended methods. It is best to make these decisions based upon professional advice rather than a one size fits all approach which may prove to cause harm or simply do nothing at all.

To learn more about ear wax removal please visit www.earcompany.ca.

Peterborough Audiology Inc.

•

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705-741-1114 Email: info@earcompany.ca www.earcompany.ca

Sanjeev Sukumaran M.A. AuD Doctor of Audiology

Everything related to hearing.

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23

health

No need to be on the sidelines.

Join in the fun this summer.

Outdoor events go hand in hand with warm weather and long days. Unfortunately, many of the 10 per cent of Canadians living with osteoarthritis (OA) may not be able to enjoy their favourite summer activities due to pain and inflammation.

Chronic pain can be extremely burdensome, and pain associated with OA of the knee in particular can significantly inhibit the mobility of those affected.

And while the physical pain is hard enough to bear, chronic pain can also manifest in other ways; as many Canadians experience a variety of social and psychological impacts, including depression.

“Those suffering from chronic pain experience negative effects on quality of life, both physically and emotionally,” says Lynn Cooper, President, Canadian Pain Coalition. “Social isolation is common as many individuals are scared to participate in activities they once enjoyed. This solitude may lead to feelings of helplessness, anxiety, fear and even depression.”

The following tips may help sufferers better manage their OA of the knee so they can continue doing the things they enjoy during the summer:

Lighten up Making healthier food choices can help shed excess weight. Paying attention to portion size can also reduce unnecessary calories. A long-term study on the effects of weight loss on OA of the knee in overweight and obese patients, for example, suggests that losing a pound results in a four-pound reduction in knee-joint load for each step.

Get moving Exercise can do wonders to improve both muscle strength and joint stability. Participating in low-impact exercise such as walking, swimming, physiotherapy or yoga is ideal. It is also important to be mindful of limitations — and not to over-extend or put unnecessary stress on the knees. Before beginning any type of exercise regimen, it is best to consult your healthcare provider.

Speak up Talking with a doctor about options to relieve pain and increase functionality is extremely important.

This will allow for a better understanding of one’s condition, and will help determine possible benefits and side effects related to treatment. In addition to non-pharmacological treatment options, there are prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can provide effective pain relief, are non-addictive and well-tolerated.

Get support There are a variety of devices that can help take unnecessary stress off joints. It’s important to be mindful of sensitive knees and select shoes that are comfortable and supportive, and a cane or walking device should be within reach, if needed. In addition, community support groups are also a great way to learn about management options, and share stories and tips with those who are experiencing similar pain.

Source: News Canada

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seniors lifestyle | spring & summer 2013

technology

Social media no longer just child’s play The Internet and related technologies have been a game-changer for people of all ages. The instant connectivity made possible by these advancements has been valued by young adults and children for years. But now social media is attracting an entirely different demographic -- seniors.

More than just a method of channeling information to the comfort of home, the Internet and the various social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, are ways for older adults to stay connected with friends and family. For seniors faced with mobility issues, social media helps to bring the world to them.

Despite the stereotype that seniors do not want to learn to use new technology, many seniors are getting on board. Findings from

the Pew Research Institute show that social networking use among Internet users ages 50 to 64 grew by 88 percent between April 2009 and May 2010. The research also found that the percentage of those 65 and older using social media grew from 13 percent to 26 percent during that same stretch. Although young adults continue to be the primary users of social media, older users are gaining momentum and surpassing youth in the number of new users.

Individuals who are not yet utilizing social media to manage their communication efforts may be inspired by these benefits to doing so.

Photo and video sharing: The majority of photos being taken today are digital, as fewer people are making prints of their photos. Rather, they are being shared via e-mail or through social media sites. Grandparents can see their grandchildren in photos in real time. Also, if they’ve managed apps that enable video sharing, they can view and chat with relatives who live miles away, just as if they were sitting across the table.

Conversations with family: In a world where families are no longer centrally located, communication may be lacking. Despite the prevalence of mobile phones, fewer and fewer people seem to pick up the phone and make calls as they once did. Instead, they’re texting and updating social media posts. They’re also e-mailing one another. Older adults who have no access to this technology could be left out of the mix. This is a way for seniors to stay close to family.

Convenient check-ins: At times when a full-blown conversation may not be practical, having a quick method to check in with a loved one can make social media

advantageous. Men and women can send a quick text to their parents to find out how they’re feeling or if they need anything. Such ready access can provide some peace of mind to adults concerned about their elderly parents.

Online shopping: Seniors who don’t get out much or who cannot safely drive a vehicle might not be able to shop as often as they would like. Having Internet access and experience with browsing Web sites enables older men and women to shop from reputable Web sites who ship items directly to the house.

With the vast array of items now sold online, anyone can have their choice of items and not be forced to settle because of their age.

Improved feelings of well-being: Avoiding feelings of isolation and loneliness can benefit older men and women. A study by Dr. Shelia Cotten, a sociologist and associate professor from the University of Alabama, Birmingham, revealed that Internet use was associated with a 30 percent decrease in depressive symptoms among older adults who used it regularly, while other studies have shown similarly impressive results.

Working the mind: Going online, chatting on social media or simply writing an e-mail works areas of the brain. Typing also helps improve manual dexterity. These factors can be beneficial for seniors looking to stay sharp.

Using the Internet as a form of communication is a growing trend among the 50-plus demographic. It enables them to stay connected with family and the world in a variety of ways.

Source: Metro Creative Connection

seniors lifestyle | spring & summer 2013

25

Ontario is ... almost 1/3 the size of India more than 3 times the size of Germany more than 1/10th the size of Canada more than 8.25 times the size of England more than 15 times the size of Ireland about the same size of the US states Texas & Montana, combined.

Sources: tripadvisor.ca, almanac.com

The best fishing

days this summer

will be when the Moon is between new and full - July 8–22, August 6–20, September 5–19 and October 4–18.

Wasaga Beach is the

world’s longest freshwater beach at 14 km. Wasaga Beach is located about 2 hours northwest of Toronto.

The Thousand Island Railway, which ran in Gananoque, ON, is North America’s shortest railway in history, just 5.43 km.

Summer will be a bit cooler than normal, with the hottest temperatures in mid-July and mid-August.

Rainfall will be below normal in the east and above normal in the west. September and October will be

much warmer and drier than

normal, on average.

Yarns │Quilting │ DMC Embroidery Tapestry │ Kids Krafts │ Knitting Classes Gift Certificates │ Something for Everyone!

• Ultra Qwick Oil Changes • Card Lock - Gas & Diesel • Service Bay - Mechanic on duty 65 Applewood Drive, Brighton Tel 613-475-1661 Only fuel south of the tracks

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seniors lifestyle | spring & summer 2013

important numbers Emergency 911

Police, Fire, Ambulance

Hospitals Northumberland Hills Hospital, Cobourg 905-372-6811 Campbellford Memorial Hospital

705-653-1140

Trenton Memorial Hospital

613-392-2541 1-800-267-1373

Poison Control

Municipalities Alnwick/Haldimand Township, Grafton

905-349-2822

Municipality of Brighton

613-475-0670

Town of Cobourg Municipal Offices

905-372-4301

Township of Cramahe, Colborne

905-355-2821

Township of Hamilton, Cobourg

905-342-2810

Municipality of Port Hope

905-885-4544

Municipality of Trent Hills, Campbellford 705-653-1900 613-392-2841

City of Quinte West, Trenton

OTHER SERVICES 211

community and social services info

1-866-797-0007

Telehealth Ontario Four County Crisis Community Mental Health Information

705-745-6484 or 1-866-995-9933

Peterborough-Northumberland Victim Service

705-748-0324 or 1-888-822-7729

Please note: There is no cost to make a phone call to any phone number that starts with “1-8” as in 1-8XX-XXX-XXX.

See us for all your wine making needs!

Ferment on premise

1.888.420.4567

All your regular pharmacy needs!

www.brightonwinery.ca

3 King St. E. Colborne, Ontario Phone: (905) 355-2825 Fax: (905) 355-3305 Monday-Friday: 9 am - 9 pm Saturday: 9 am - 6 pm Sunday: 10 pm - 5 pm

do you have a story idea? comments?

Let us know!

Contact Simone Strassburger-McDonald at: simone@willowpublishing.com • 1-613-475-2927 Toll Free 1-800-339-5662

seniors lifestyle | spring & summer 2013

27

SPRING & SUMMER COLBORNE Thursday, June 20 Music in the Square Victoria Square, Downtown Colborne Elvis “Sing Like the King” contest and BBQ beginning at 5pm, Elvis tribute artist Bruce Andrew Stewart from 6:30-8:30 pm.

Thursday, June 27 Music in the Square Victoria Square, Downtown Colborne Al Brisco, Steve Piticco, Warren Sutcliffe & Frank Woodcock (traditional country music) Thursday, July 1 Music in the Square Victoria Square, Downtown Colborne The Auction Barn Jamboree Band with Mike Pollard, Classic Country Canada Day celebration at 5pm with hot dogs, drinks, cake and ice cream served by Cramahe Township Council.

Thursday, July 4 Music in the Square Victoria Square, Downtown Colborne The Shadows (60s & 70s) Thursday, July 11 Music in the Square Victoria Square, Downtown Colborne The Whaley Boys (bluegrass) Thursday, July 18 Music in the Square Victoria Square, Downtown Colborne Cruisin’ 50s and 60s (pop rock) Thursday, July 25 Music in the Square Victoria Square, Downtown Colborne 8 Wing Concert Band - C.F.B.Trenton (wide variety of musical genre) Thursday, August 1 Music in the Square Victoria Square, Downtown Colborne Sawmill Road (country rock) Thursday, August 8 Music in the Square Victoria Square, Downtown Colborne Kinfolk (new & classic country) Saturday, August 10, 6am - 3pm Trash ‘n Treasures The County’s largest and wackiest yard sale!

Victoria Square and throughout the community. www.visitcramahe.ca Thursday, August 15 Music in the Square, Victoria Square, Downtown Colborne Rusty Zipper (blue collar)

Thursday, August 22 Music in the Square Victoria Square, Downtown Colborne. Sweet Grass With Ginny McIlmoyle and Cheryl Casselman (bluegrass/country); BBQ at 5:30 pm Thursday, August 29, 7 - 10pm Auction Barn Jamboree 80 Division St. www.auctionbarnjamboree.ca COBOURG Sunday, July 7, 1-4 pm Cobourg Horticultural Society Four-Club Members’ Garden Tour, hosted by the Grafton Society. Columbus Community Centre, 232 Spencer St. E., Cobourg. Guest fee $2. Info: Sarah Holland, 905-349-3710, or visit www.cobourggardenclub.org Saturday, July 13, 1:30 - 4 pm Cobourg Horticultural Society Summer Flower Show and Tea, at the Cobourg Public Library. Guest fee $2.

Info: Sarah Holland, 905-349-3710, or visit www.cobourggardenclub.org Sunday, July 21, 7:30pm Members’ Tea Party Cobourg Horticultural Society, Columbus Community Centre, 232 Spencer St. E., Cobourg. Guest fee $2. Info: Sarah Holland, 905-349-3710, or visit www.cobourggardenclub.org Wednesday, September 4, 7:30pm Gina Brouwer, Cobourg’s Heritage Canopy: Preserving & Celebrating Significant Trees, Mini Fall Flower & Vegetable Show. Cobourg Horticultural Society, Columbus Community Centre, 232 Spencer St. E., Cobourg. Guest fee $2. Info: Sarah Holland, 905-3493710, or visit www.cobourggardenclub.org Wednesday, October 2, 7:30pm Charlie Dobbin, Behind the Magic at Canada Blooms.

Cobourg Horticultural Society, Columbus Community Centre, 232 Spencer St. E., Cobourg. Guest fee $5.

Info: Sarah Holland, 905-349-3710, or visit www.cobourggardenclub.org Wednesday, November 6, 7:30pm John Shaw Rimmington, Dry Stone Walls; AGM & Awards. Cobourg Horticultural Society, Columbus Community Centre, 232 Spencer St. E., Cobourg. Guest fee $2. Info: Sarah Holland, 905-349-3710, or visit www.cobourggardenclub.org Wednesday, December 4, 7:30pm Wayne Hingston, An Orchid Christmas – Now What?; Greenery Exchange & Celebration Cobourg Horticultural Society, Columbus Community Centre, 232 Spencer St. E., Cobourg. Guest fee $5. Info: Sarah Holland, 905-349-3710, or visit www.cobourggardenclub.org

BRIGHTON Friday & Saturday June 28 & 29, 6:30 - 8:30pm The Gates Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre $30/person. Contact: 613-210-0851 info@brightonartscouncil.com www.brightonartscouncil.com Monday, July 1, 8am - 4pm Canada Day Festivities Come down to King Edward Park and enjoy fun and games for Canada Day. Pancake breakfast, petting zoo, music, free cake and more!

11am-4pm: Enjoy servings of Strawberry Shortcake and a tour of Proctor House Museum Tuesday, July 2 until end of August, 1-4pm Proctor House Museum, 96 Young St., Tours Tuesday through Sunday. Group tours available, please call in advance to arrange dates and time.

613-475-2144 info@proctorhousemuseum.ca www.proctorhousemuseum.ca Wednesdays, July 3 - August 28, 6:30-8:30pm Concerts in the Park, Brighton Memorial Park.

Admission is free! Bring your own lawn chair.

July 3 Fade Kings July 10 Cedarail July 17 Kin Folk July 24 Lorne Buck and the Backwoods Men July 31 Don MacArthur Band Jackie Marshall Photo courtesy August 7 Cruisin August 14 MacGreevy and Hardman August 21 R&R August 28 Whaley Boys Saturday, July 13 Brighton DBIA Summer Sizzler Main Street. Contact Wayne Jefferson 613-475-2775 August 3, 2013, 8am - 4pm Presqui’le Provincial Park - History Weekend Evening programs, walks, croquet relay, old-fashioned fun and games, boat building bee and regatta, music

by Peter Solmes, and a history play. Unless otherwise noted all events are free. A valid park permit is required to enter the Park.

328 Presqu’ile Parkway, Info: 613-475-4324 ext 225 info@friendsofpresquile.on.ca www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca Saturday, September 28 Brighton Applefest Street Fair Main Street, 10am - 4pm Brighton Applefest Car Show Brighton Public School, 10am - 4pm Brighton Lion’s Club Children’s Village King Edward Park

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT! Contact Simone Strassburger-McDonald at: simone@willowpublishing.com • 1-613-475-2927 • Toll Free 1-800-339-5662 Event dates were current at time of print. Please contact organizer to confirm.

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seniors lifestyle | spring & summer 2013