Edition

Hamilton/Halton
V O L. 28, Edition
ISSUE 5
HAMILTON/HALTON
EDITION
O C T O B THE
E R / SENIORS
N O V E MREVIEW
B E R 2– 0Page
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Page 2 – THE SENIORS REVIEW
Hamilton/Halton Edition
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THE SENIORS REVIEW – Page 3
Hamilton/Halton Edition
th
MUSINGS
John A Vedell
Autumn in
Dundas Driving Park
There are many autumn vistas to visit
in Ontario. One of my favourites is the
Dundas Driving Park. There, mature trees
display a kaleidoscope of burnished golds,
flaming reds, and pastel yellows. In the
park’s background is the Niagara Escarpment, with its jacket of shimmering multicoloured foliage.
Thinking about autumn’s splendour in
and above the park led me to wonder about
the origin of Dundas, the “Valley Town,”
and its Driving Park.
Some 450 million years ago a shallow
sea covered much of Michigan and Ontario.
Since that ancient time, a succession of geological events culminated in the recession
of the last of four Ice Ages. The Niagara
Escarpment resulted. Ice, wind, and water
continue to erode Escarpment rock, but we
won’t see significant change in our lifetimes.
Dundas, nestled in the valley below
the Escarpment, was born in 1787, when immigrant Loyalist Ann Morden, accompanied
by her eight children, was given some 980
acres in the valley. In 1788, a territorial division including Dundas was made by an Act
of Parliament. At that time Ontario was part
of the Province of Quebec. First known as
Coote’s Paradise, the settlement was incorporated as the Town of Dundas in 1814. Several jurisdictional changes were made in subsequent years, culminating in the implementation of regional government in 1974.
In 1822, one George Rolph allowed a
portion of his Dundas flat land to be used
as a Village Green, site of many community
activities. Rolph rejected his son-in-law’s
proposal to establish a harness and trotting
course on his property, but in 1865, his sonin-law’s wishes prevailed when he became
part-owner of the property. He built a halfmile trotting and harness race course. A
plaque in the park states that harness racing
continued into the early 20 century.
In 1886, the Town purchased the property for $3,500.00. Previously known as
Dundas Park, the park was renamed Dundas
Driving Park in memory of its horse racing
days. Today the track once used for horse
races rims the park. Now paved, it is used
by autos and an abundance of cyclists, skateboarders, and walkers.
Current day’s facilities in the park include a tennis club, lawn bowling club, several baseball diamonds, a volleyball court,
children’s play areas and wading pool, picnic shelters, plenteous picnic tables, and an
ice skating rink in winter. Above all, there is
a proliferation of trees – some young, some
old – that is vividly green in summer and
magnificently multi-coloured in autumn. One
tree, a Bur Oak, stands out. The Dundas
Valley Tree Keepers group estimates its age
to be 150 years.
This brings us back to the subject of
autumn and its magnificent hues. We sometimes think autumn as a time of nature dying, but an anonymous author on the web
envisions that autumn not as a time of dying,
but as a time preliminary to new life: “Mother
Nature is slowly coiling up, so she can be
Does a funeral
home offer a
simple cremation
or transfer
service?
The common theme we hear as funeral
directors is “I don’t want to use a funeral home,
I just want simple.” Funeral homes will do a
simple cremation despite what one might be
taught to think. A direct cremation is the most
affordable and simple funeral option. A direct
cremation simply means that the decedent
is brought into our care from the place of
passing, cremated and the cremated remains
returned to the family in a basic urn. Smith’s
Funeral Home offers a low cost funeral with
added benefits and services that you may not
otherwise receive with little or no added cost.
As licensed directors our staff understands the
454 Highway #8
Stoney Creek, ON
905.664.4222
ready to unwind in a new year.”
An excerpt from the1934 ballad, “Autumn in New York,” applies as well to autumn in the Dundas Driving Park: “It’s good
to live it again.”
[Sources: Picturesque Dundas, by Olive
Newcome; tourniagara.com; soto.on.ca]
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need to balance cost and dignity. We provide
fully licensed funeral directors who are with
you through every step of the process from the
moment of passing to the settling of estates.
We offer everything from simple cremations
and burials to the most detailed services. Many
transfer services in Ontario are considered “not
for profit” yet they charge more for their basic
services than the traditional funeral homes.
Other than cost,the most important issue is that
when a family deals with a transfer service their
options are limited and they must do a great
deal of their own arranging. A funeral homes’
added benefits to a direct cremation is allowing
485 Brant Street,
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905.632.3333
1167 Guelph Line
Burlington, ON
905.632.3333
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TYLER SUMAK
Licensed Funeral Director
for the family to have the opportunity to have
a private final time prior to cremation which
transfer services are not able to offer. This does
not necessitate embalming nor visitation but
rather a final goodbye if the family so chooses.
While both types of businesses have people on
call at all times, typically a funeral home is able
to meet the needs of a family at any time of day
or night, weekday or weekend. Not all transfer
services are like that and sometimes the family
must wait. So despite what one might think,
a funeral home can provide the same services
as a transfer service at a competitive cost to
the family.
11 Mountain St.
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905.945.2755
Page 4 – THE SENIORS REVIEW
Hamilton/Halton Edition
your used clothing and household items:
BUZZLINE
Mary Buzzell
5 Reasons to Donate
Used Clothing to Charity
My guest writer this issue is Kelly
Apollinaro, Administrative Assistant with
the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy
— Mary B
There are countless reasons to donate
to charity. Although it’s typically thought of
as a benefit to the community, studies have
shown that philanthropy is good for your
body, mind, and soul. If you’re not already
convinced, here are five reasons to donate
The War Amps
A Legacy of “Amputees Helping Amputees”
Since 1918, The War Amps has met the needs of
war amputees. Today, the Association continues to
serve them, and all amputees, including children.
We would welcome a gift or charitable bequest in your
will. With your help, The War Amps will continue to meet
its commitments to amputees long into the future.
For information about leaving
a gift in your will, contact:
1 800 363-4067
[email protected]
waramps.ca
Please visit our website for our Annual Report and Essential Financial
Information. The War Amps is funded by donations to the
Key Tag Service and does not receive government grants.
Charitable Registration No.: 13196 9628 RR0001
1. Clear and Control Your Clutter
We all know that a chaotic household
full of clutter can slow down productivity
and increase stress levels. According to a
Princeton University of Neuroscience Institute study published in The Journal of Neuroscience, multiple items in your line of vision reduce your ability to focus. Donating
unwanted items creates an opportunity to
get organized. If you’re new to the practice
of decluttering, take it slow. Start with putting
the unwanted items into bags and waiting; if
you don’t notice any feelings of regret after
days pass, call the Ontario Federation for
Cerebral Palsy (OFCP) Pick-Up Program
and they’ll take care of the rest.
2. Convenience
This is one of the most important factors from the perspective of a donor. The
OFCP Pick-Up Program ensures the donation process is effortless for their donors. A
pick-up can be scheduled over the phone,
on the OFCP website (www.ofcp.ca/donate),
and even through Facebook!
3. Charity of Choice
OFCP is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to supporting people with
cerebral palsy (CP) in Ontario. They are
committed to supporting independence, inclusion, freedom of choice and full acceptance of every person with CP.
Although OFCP supports every government funded charity, they chose not to
be government funded. This allows them
to advocate first for their members. It gives
them the freedom to encourage their members to make their own choice without any
influence. They remain able to support any
initiative, regardless of political party.
OFCP answers to their members, not the
government.
OFCP does not lend their name to forprofit used clothing companies who in turn
Visit our
Website:
www.seniorsreview.com
pay a small percentage back to the charity.
Rather, they directly employ over 190 people in their pick-up services department.
4. Charitable Impact
Cerebral Palsy or CP refers to a group
of disorders that occur in infancy, affecting
a person’s muscular and nervous systems.
CP is not a disease or illness, but rather a
broad term that describes a group of nonprogressive brain disturbances that impair
the developing brain’s ability to control some
muscles, especially those affecting movement and posture. There is no cure for CP.
The Pick-Up Program enables OFCP
to provide funding to people with CP all
across Ontario for equipment and activities
that empower them to live active and inclusive lives OFCP funding is crucial for members and provides them with the opportunity
to enrich their lives with equipment and activities of their choosing. OFCP believes in
freedom of choice and every member having equal access to programs.
5. Changes in the Community
The programs and services at OFCP
create change in communities all across
Ontario. OFCP is committed to supporting
the most advanced research, including the
cure, cause, prevention, improved treatment
and/or understanding of CP.
Recently, OFCP contributed to a major report produced by the Ontario Brain
Institute called Brain Disorders in Ontario:
Prevalence, Incidence, and Costs from
Health Administrative Data. This involved
the contributions from clinicians, patients,
and advocates, and is imperative as individuals with brain disorders represent a large
and growing population, which will increase
as our population continues to age.
Most importantly, when you donate your
used clothing to OFCP you are contributing
to an organization dedicated to spreading
awareness and addressing the needs of people with Cerebral Palsy across Ontario.
For more information on OFCP, go to
www.ofcp.ca. For pick-ups in the Cambridge, Hamilton and London Regions, call
519-620-0918 or Toll Free 1-888-238-6327
or email [email protected]
THE SENIORS REVIEW – Page 5
Hamilton/Halton Edition
HEALTH
One Day Closer to a New Lifestyle
Shirley Picard
Last issue, you perhaps read about my
horror, shock and disbelief learning about
my cancer. Well folks, I have survived all
the treatments!
But I wouldn’t have survived without a huge help from my caregivers. One
actually goggled my meds and explained
what they did for me. She was extraordinary. The other day my friend, who I hadn’t
seen in a month, said, ‘”Oh my goodness,
you look great.” I said, “Money will buy
you no feeding tube or a new car.” In other
words ‘save your life savings, or save your
life’
I was for the most part happy and busy
with organizing the caregivers. However the
after effects of lingering chemo and radiation
were really difficult. I remember one nurse
telling me at emergency, earlier on, “it’s gonna
get a lot worse hon, before it gets better.”
Thank you, Yvonne, for the heads up.
When the caregivers were gone and I
was independent I must admit I was lonely.
My television was closed-captioned because
I did suffer some hearing loss, which will be
addressed in a few weeks.
Now it’s all about eating and getting
my strength back.
Did I mention I also fractured my ankle after surgery? Well guess what? Chemo
slows down that healing process. It is healing and I can walk quite well. No hiking yet.
I explained to my orthropedic surgeon, that
my E.N.T. surgeon told me that my lifestyle
will change forever. The surgeon, who is
never at loss for words, said “lucky you have
a lifestyle to change” – indeed!
The house? It sold the day I was released from the hospital after being was
rushed to emergency once again – something about electrolytes crashing. Again a
HSR Recent Route Changes
18 - Waterdown and
21 - Upper Kenilworth
Route 18 - WATERDOWN now has a two direction routing
(clockwise and counter-clockwise). The routing services the
residential areas along Hollybush Dr. and Spring Creek Dr. as
well as commercial areas along Clappison Ave. and
Horseshoe Cres.
Additional Weekday service has been added along with
Saturday service, which will operate from approximately
8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Route 21 - UPPER KENILWORTH was extended to service
the Heritage Greene Plaza. This route operates via Mountain
Brow Blvd., Mud St., Pritchard Rd., Stone Church Rd.,
Winterberry Dr., Artfrank St., and Upper Mount Albion Rd.
The recovery point is at the bus bay on the west side of
Upper Mount Albion Rd., just north of Stone Church Rd.
This route services the inside of Mohawk College campus in
both directions.
Need more Information? Please contact
905.527.4441 or visit www.hamilton.ca/hsr
smart-acting PSW said, ‘You have a fever,
we are going.”
Anyway, I had to designate my lawyer
as P.O.A. (Power of Attorney) for three
months. So on that day, I told the realtor go
find my lawyer and start initialing the agreement. Two wonderful friends cleaned the
house and packed the personal items and
liquidated the furniture. I am homeless but
happy and healthy.
My surgeon and oncologist both said
they are extremely confidant of the outcome.
I will be leaving Hamilton soon and
retiring to a little town. Volunteering will be
first on my list. I have met so many wonderful people here, volunteers at PAC and of
course the medical professionals at Jurvanski
Hospital.
When diagnosed, one must believe that
the nurses and the doctors know what to do.
They have seen it all. Once I told my doctor
to explain it to me like I was a ten-year-old.
He did.
Page 6 – THE SENIORS REVIEW
Hamilton/Halton Edition
HEALTH
TAKING CARE
Lisa M Petsche,
R.S.W.
Advice for Helping
Friends in Mourning
When someone you know loses a loved
one to death, you want to reach out but may
feel unsure of what to say or do.
Perhaps you haven’t lost someone
close, and it’s difficult to appreciate what
your friend is going through and anticipate
their needs.
Allow me to share some advice.
• Don’t agonize over what to say. Keep it
simple and heartfelt – for example, “I’m
so sorry,” “My heart goes out to you,” or
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905-318-8522 • 1-800-815-6396
Burlington:
905-847-1025 • 1-800-787-3037
•
perhaps even “I’m at a loss for words.”
Avoid platitudes such as, “It’s for the best”
or “You still have a lot to be thankful for.”
Let your friend do the talking and listen
attentively and non-judgmentally. Refrain
from giving advice.
Accept silence. Sometimes a bereaved person may not feel like talking but would
appreciate companionship. Remember, too,
that body language – such as a touch of
your hand or a hug – can also express support and caring, often better than words.
Keep in mind that grief affects one’s body,
mind and soul and that, although there may
be similarities, no two people grieve alike.
Don’t underestimate the pain your friend
is experiencing and don’t discourage tears
or urge them to “be strong.” Don’t try to
withhold your own tears, either; they’re
simply a sign that you care.
Share memories of your friend’s loved one
– kind or funny things they did or words of
wisdom they shared with you.
Encourage your friend to practise self-care,
getting adequate nutrition, exercise and
sleep and regular medical check-ups, as
well as avoiding unnecessary stress.
Offer to help in practical ways, such as fielding phone calls, preparing meals, running
errands or walking a dog. Make concrete
offers or simply go ahead and do things
like deliver a casserole or tend a garden.
Many newly bereaved people experience a
spiritual crisis, so don’t be alarmed if this
happens with your friend. Listen to doubts
and fears. If they persist, encourage your
friend to speak with a spiritual leader.
After the Funeral
• Continue to stay in touch after the funeral
is over. That’s when the reality of the loss,
with all its implications, sets in and grieving people need support more than ever.
• Don’t avoid the subject of the deceased
person or mention of their name. It’s comforting to the bereaved to know that others
remember their loved one as time goes by.
• Be patient. Since grief saps energy, take
the initiative in the relationship, calling and
arranging visits.
• Recognize that time lines for healing vary
from one person to the next.
• Don’t pressure friends into doing things
they don’t feel ready for, such as sorting
through a loved one’s belongings.
• Encourage friends to seek professional help
if they’re not able to function in day-today life or they appear stuck in one phase
of grieving (denial or anger, for example).
• Remember special occasions throughout
the year that are likely to be difficult: birthdays, wedding anniversaries and holidays
such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, as
well as the anniversary of death. Call or
send a card to let friends know you’re
thinking about them.
• Above all, keep in mind that bereaved
people don’t expect friends to provide answers to difficult, often philosophical questions – such as “Why did this happen?” –
or to take away their pain. What they do
want and need is the comfort of knowing
they are not alone.
Lisa M. Petsche is a registered social worker
experienced in grief counselling.
THE SENIORS REVIEW – Page 7
Hamilton/Halton Edition
HEALTH
Just Book It: Five Minutes Could Save Your Life
Breast cancer occurs most often in
women 50 to 74 years of age, but many
eligible women within this age group still
do not participate in breast screening.
October is Breast Cancer
Awareness month and Hamilton Niagara
Haldimand Brant Regional Cancer
Program in partnership with Cancer Care
Ontario, has launched Just Book It: Five
Minutes Could Save Your Life, a
campaign that invites women to make
the time to book their mammogram
appointment by simply calling 1-800668-9304.
October 21 has been chosen by
Cancer Care Ontario as the provincial
Day of the Mammogram. Participating
Ontario Breast Screening Program
(OBSP) sites across the province will be
accepting walk-in appointments and all
sites will be booking women for regularly
scheduled mammograms.
In 2015, an estimated 9,800
Ontario women will be diagnosed with
breast cancer and approximately 1,900
women will die of the disease. It’s
important for women aged 50 to 74 years
to get screened every two years – even
for those who feel well. A mammogram
takes an X-ray picture of the breast and
can find changes in the breast even when
they are too small for you or your
healthcare provider to feel or see.
The campaign’s goal is to increase
screening participation among the 50 to
54 age group in particular. The 50 to 54
age group has the largest number of
screen-eligible women who have not
booked their mammogram appointments.
Finding breast cancer early means
it’s less likely to spread and there’s a better
change of treating it successfully. Between
1990 and 2012, breast cancer mortality
decreased by roughly 41.6 per cent for
Ontario women aged 50 to 74 and by
36.4 per cent for women of all ages.
Mammograms are not perfect tests.
Mammography may produce abnormal
results, raising the suspicion of cancer,
when, in fact, additional imaging or
biopsies show there is no cancer.
Mammograms may also miss some
breast cancers and some cancers develop
in the time between screens. These are
among the reasons that regular screening
is important.
Eligible women can schedule their
mammogram appointments at any
Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP)
site. For more information or to book an
appointment, women in Niagara
Haldimand Brant Region, can call 1-800668-9304
or
visit
www.cancercare.on.ca/justbookit. No
referral from a doctor is required.
Women aged 50 to 74 who are not
at high risk for breast cancer can call
OBSP Hamilton screening location
directly at 905-389-0101 to make an
appointment since a referral is not
needed.
Alternative Health Care Clinic
Since 1984
THE
HOLISTIC
CENTRE
Atrium Execushare Services
10 George St., 4th Floor
Hamilton
Natural Choice
778 Tower St. S.
Fergus
905-521-9664
519-787-5256
“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patient in the care
of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.”
Thomas A. Edison
Page 8 – THE SENIORS REVIEW
Hamilton/Halton Edition
HEALTH
ASK A NUTRITIONIST
Quotes to Ponder
Sylvia Kearns, B.Sc.
Every now and then, in my readings, I
come across quotes that cause me to pause
and ponder. I often write them down, to reread at a later date. I thought, for something different in this month’s column, I’d
pass some of them on to you.
If available, I have included the author of the quote.
1. Everyone has a doctor within him or
her. We just have to help it in it’s work.
The natural healing force within each one
of us is the greatest force in getting well.
(Hippocrates)
2. The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient, while nature cures the disease. (Voltaire)
3. He’s the best physician that knows the
worthlessness of most medicines.
(Benjamin Franklin)
4. The body is naturally wired to heal
itself, and the mind operates this self-healing system.
5. There is proof that you can radically
alter your body physiology just by chang-
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ing your thoughts.
6. There is also proof that you can make
yourself sick when your mind thinks unhealthy thoughts.
7. Those who think they have no time
for exercise, will sooner or later have to
find time for illness.
8. Physical exercise acts like a natural
wonder drug for the brain.
9. Whatever is good for your heart is
good for your brain.
10. Cutting back on simple carbohydrates
such as sodas, and sweets, cuts levels of
insulin (a hormone that speeds aging of the
brain and heart), by 48 per cent. (Harvard
studies)
11. The more we leave the definition of
illness to the pharmaceutical industry, the
more illness we shall suffer. (Gordon Guyatt
M.D.)
12. If you believe you need all the pills
and drugs the pharmaceutical industry says
you do – then you’re already on drugs. (Comedian Bill Maher)
13. Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and
looks like work. (Thomas Edison)
14. There is abundant evidence that getting just four things right – not smoking,
maintaining a healthy weight, being active,
and eating well – could reduce the risk of
ALL chronic diseases by 80 per cent.
(David Kate M.D. from his new book Disease Proof)
WE SPEAK ENGLISH, ITALIAN,
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THE SENIORS REVIEW – Page 9
Hamilton/Halton Edition
HEALTH
IT’S YOUR HEALTH!
Lorraine Hulley,
Pro Health Navigators Canada
National Seniors
Strategy: a Crucial
Federal Election Issue
With the Federal election upon us this
month, there is an important opportunity to
challenge our candidates to develop a national strategy that addresses healthcare issues that are important to seniors.
Ninety per cent of Canadians agree that
we need a National Seniors Strategy. The
Canadian Medical Association is taking the
lead with this initiative and has developed a
website (www.demandaplan.ca) with the
purpose of bringing the needs of seniors to
the forefront of the Federal Election.
Some important facts to consider:
• When universal health care was set up 50
years ago, the average age of Canadians
was 27. Today the average age is 47. Despite this reality, the health care system
hasn’t really changed.
• Today 14 per cent of Canada’s population
is over 65, and seniors account for almost
50 per cent of health care costs.
• About 15 per cent of the hospital beds in
Canada are taken up by people – primarily seniors – who no longer need hospital
care but have nowhere else to go where
they can be cared for safely. This situation
causes undue stress to the patient and family, and creates a backlog in the system
where people that need care can’t get it,
This “gridlock” translates into long wait
and those that want to get out can’t either.
times everywhere.
• In 2012, 461,000 Canadians were not getWith a lack of long term care beds nating the home care they thought they retionally, and more supports needed to care
quired, and wait times to get into long term
for seniors in their communities, many sencare ranged anywhere from 27 to over 230
iors spend time in hospital when they would
days. At the same time only about 16 per
be better cared for elsewhere. Many of the
cent of Canadians that needed palliative
clients and families I have served would
care actually received it.
agree. They would rather not be a burden to
• Canada’s older population is set to almost
the system.
double over the next 20 years.
What can you do? Contact your can• The number of people 85 and older is exdidates to find out what their party’s stand
pected to quadruple by 2035.
is on a National Seniors Strategy. For more
By developing a National Senior Stratinformation, including a sample letter that
egy, programs can be developed for seniors
you can send to your candidates, contact us
that focus on community and home support.
at the number below or visit
In this way, seniors can receive more timely
www.demandaplan.ca.
and appropriate access to the care they need
when they need it. They will have a place to
Pro Health Navigators Canada provide
go when they are well enough to leave hosnavigation support, coaching and communication for
patients and families in today’s complex health care
pital, but not well enough to care for themsystem.
Call 905-562-6883 or email at
selves safely.
[email protected] for a free
The benefits of a national strategy are
consultation to see if their services are right for you.
www.prohealthnavigatorscanada.com
twofold: first, it provides care that is patient
and family centered.
And second, it helps
alleviate the congestion that is present in
our healthcare system. Because of the
lack of available
beds on hospital
wards, many people
Healthcare is becoming
have to wait unreamore complex and confusing.
sonably on the emerAs Healthcare Professionals, we
gency ward, putting
Free
work for you to navigate the system
stress on emergency
consultation
and ask the questions so you get
room staff to prothe care you need.
vide inpatient care.
&$!%"!
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Be in control of your health
What our clients are saying:
“I don’t know where I would be without your help. My
family lives a few hours away and are not able to be with me
when seeing the doctor. You made sure I understood
everything and that I was getting what I needed. It was such
a relief for my children.”
Page 10 – THE SENIORS REVIEW
Thanksgiving Day
Francisca D’Costa
Thanksgiving is an official statutory
holiday in Canada, with the exception of the
Atlantic provinces of PEI, Newfoundland
and Labrador, New Brunswick and Nova
Scotia - however federally regulated institutions do observe Thanksgiving in these
provinces.
It has been celebrated on the second
Monday of October since 1957. Many people have the day off work and all schools
There’s more to
people with dementia
than just their dementia.
Let’s start seeing them for
who they are. It all begins
with awareness, understanding
and real conversations about
the disease. So let’s start talking.
Test your attitude towards dementia at
www.alzheimer.ca/letstalkaboutdementia.
www.alzheimer.ca
Hamilton/Halton Edition
and post offices, stores, businesses and organizations are also closed. Public transport
services may run on a holiday schedule.
In the U.S., Thanksgiving is the fourth
Thursday of November. Several other countries around the world observed similar celebrations. Thanksgiving has its historical
roots in religious and cultural traditions and
has long been celebrated in a secular manner as well.
The native peoples of the Americas
held ceremonies and festivals to celebrate
the completion and bounty of the harvest
long before Europeans settled here. Thanksgiving to Native Americans was a way of
everyday life rather than a one-day celebration.
While some researchers state that
“there is no compelling narrative of the origins of the Thanksgiving Day in Canada, the
first Canadian Thanksgiving is often traced
back to 1878 and the explorer Martin
Frobisher, who held a ceremony after he had
survived the long journey in his quest to find
a northern passage from Europe to Asia.
The origins of Canadian Thanksgiving
are also sometimes traced to the French settlers who came to New France with explorer
Samuel de Champlain in the early 17th century, who celebrated their successful harvests. The French settlers in the area typically had feasts at the end of the harvest
season and continued throughout the winter
season, even sharing food with the indigenous people of the area.
New immigrants into the country –
such as Irish, Scottish and German – also
added their own traditions to the harvest celebrations. Most of the U.S. aspects of
Thanksgiving (such as turkey), were incorporated when United Empire Loyalists began to flee from the U.S. during the American Revolution and settled in Canada.
Many thanksgivings were held following noteworthy events during the 18th century. Refugees fleeing the civil war in the
United States brought the custom of an annual thanksgiving festival to Canada. From
1879, Thanksgiving Day was held every year
but the date varied and there was a special
theme each year. The theme was the “blessings of an abundant harvest” for many years.
However, Queen Victoria’s golden and diamond jubilees and King Edward VII’s coronation formed the theme in later years.
From the end of World War I until 1930,
both Armistice Day and Thanksgiving Day
were celebrated on the Monday closest to
November 11th, the anniversary of the official end of hostilities in World War I. In 1931,
Armistice Day was renamed Remembrance
Day and Thanksgiving was moved to October. In 1937, the Canadian Parliament proclaimed Thanksgiving to be observed on the
second Monday of October.
The original idea for Thanksgiving was
to give thanks for a good harvest and other
fortunes in the past year, but for many Canadian families the tradition has changed over
time and the focus is now a family get-together to enjoy a large turkey dinner with all
the trimmings!
Canadian Cremation Services Ltd.
452 Highway #8, Stoney Creek
THE SENIORS REVIEW – Page 11
Hamilton/Halton Edition
Seniors
Calendar
Submissions to the Seniors Calendar must be received by
November 15 to be included in the December/January edition of Over 50 and Loving It – The Seniors Review
UPCOMING EVENTS
41st Annual Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival –
October 9-12, 10 a.m - 5 p.m. daily. 150 + artisans, live
music, children’s activities, nature tours, heritage demonstrations, gourmet food, wine & craft beer. $6 admission, kids under 14 free with adult, seniors $4 Friday
only, $14 weekend pass. For more information visit
www.thanksgivingfestival.ca.
11th Annual Tinsel, Tuxedos & Tapas – Steel Magnolias – October 15, Michelangelo Banquet Centre, 1555
Upper Ottawa St., Hamilton. Admission $75. Fashion
show, silent auction, 3-course dinner, complimentary
wines, special guests and much, much more! Proceeds
to Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice. For tickets call Sarah at 905387-2448, ext. 2211 or email [email protected].
Beaux & Belles Bazaar – November 7, St. Elizabeth’s
Anglican Church, 5324 Bromley Rd., Burlington. For
more information visit www.stelizabeths.net, email
[email protected] or call 905-637-6335.
Afri-Can Market – November 14, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.,
Dundas Lions Community Centre, 10 Market St. S.,
Dundas. Grandmothers of Steel. Artisan table; cards; fabrics; African food sampling and recipe kits; hand-crafted
items; silent auction and tea room. Proceeds to the Stephen
Lewis Foundation for Grandmothers in Africa.
Theatre Burlington presents their annual children’s show
Hansel & Gretel – Nov. 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, The
Drama Centre, Central Park (next to the Library. All tickets $10. All shows one hour long, Matinees on Saturday &
Sunday, Thursday & Friday evenings. Call to order tickets
at 905-637-1728 or visit www.theatreburlington.on.ca.
Circle of Harmony Chorus presents a Good Old
Acapella show with guests the Sheridan College Student
Choir, November 28, 2:00 & 7:30 p.m., ClearView Christian Reformed Church, 2300 Sheridan Garden Dr.,
Oakville
For tickets and information visit
www.circleofharmony.ca. Our music, your experience.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Alzheimer Society of Hamilton and Halton holds social group meetings for male caregivers of persons with
dementia mornings each month at Phyl’s Restaurant, 930
Upper Paradise Road, Hamilton. Call 905-529-7030.
Celebrate Recovery – a Christ-centred 12-step recovery program. Fridays at 7 p.m., Philpott Memorial Church,
84 York Blvd., Hamilton. Call 905-525-3341 or email
[email protected]. for details.
Coping with Grief and Loss – weekly support group
meetings, Tuesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., 45 Main St., Dundas.
Call Cheryl McQueen 905-628-6008.
Diabetes Hamilton is a free community health program
providing information resources to help people manage
their diabetes. Call 905-925-9140, ext. 22351.
Dundas Community Services provides services and
supports for community seniors such as assisted transportation, Meals-On-Wheels, friendly calling and visiting, counselling and assistance. Call Margey Lam at 905627-5461 or email [email protected] for details.
Glanbrook Home Support Programme provides
assistive programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities in Hamilton: Meals Made Easy (frozen); Diner’s Club; Housecleaning & Laundry; Home Maintenance
& Repair; Foot Care: Clinic & In Home; In-Home Hairdressing; Information & Referral. For more information call 905-692-3464.
East Hamilton Family Caregiver Connection meets
monthly at the Police Station, 2825 King St. E., Stoney
Creek. 7-9 p.m., dates vary. Call Barb at 905-523-1055.
Hamilton-Wentworth Stroke Recovery Association
meets on the last Wednesday each month at the St. John’s
Ambulance building, 65 Nebo Rd., Unit 5, 7:30 - 9 p.m.
Guest speakers and refreshments. Call 905-385-1639.
Hard of Hearing? – check out the Canadian Hard of
Hearing Association (CHHA) website at www.chhahamilton.ca or call 905-575-4964 for details.
Hepatitis C Support Group – meets every Monday at
12 noon at the AIDS Network, 140 King St. W., Lower
Level, Ste. 101, Hamilton. Contact Shirley Alexander at
905-531-2901 or email [email protected].
The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Association of Halton/
Hamilton Wentworth (CFS) Meets the last Wednesday of
each month (except Dec., July & Aug.), 7-9 p.m. at 49
Charlton Ave. East, Hamilton. Call 905-319-7966.
Osteo-Prevention – Hamilton YWCA offers several
classes aimed at building strength and bone mass at their
75 McNab Street South location. Call 905-522-9922.
Parkinson Society Hamilton Chapter – Meetings held
in the Auditorium, St. Peter’s Hospital, 88 Maplewood
Ave., Hamilton, 10:30 - noon. Call 905-387-0129.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Informational Support Meetings –featuring speakers and peer sharing
about chronic kidney disease. Free. Join our mailing list!
Email [email protected], call 1-877-4101741 or visit www.endpkd.ca/2012/Hamilton/index.asp.
St. Joseph’s Villa Community Outreach Services Bathing and personal hygiene program, dermatology, dental, footcare, audiology, etc. Call 905-627-3541, ext. 248.
The Stoney Creek Caregiver Support Group meets on
the 2nd Wed. of each month from 7-9 p.m. at the Police
Station, 2825 King St. E., Stoney Creek. Call 905-575-8916.
SOCIAL
Awaken your Spirituality – through encounters with
unusual topics. Wednesdays 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Facilitated
by Living in the Supernatural Opportunity Center , 196
Wentworth St., enter door #7. Call 907-977-8717.
The Ancaster Senior Achievement Centre (622
Alberton Rd. S., Alberton) is open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon.
to Fri. Call 905-648-3466 for more information.
Burlington Arts & Letters – meets the 4th Thursday of
the month, Sept to Nov. and Jan. to April at 2 p.m. in the
Centennial Hall, Central Library, 2331 New Street. Guest
speakers. Non-members welcome. 905-634-7214.
Burlington Footnotes – daytime performance classes
include tap, jazz and clogging. Non performance classes
include Balletone, Tap Basics and Zumba. Classes held at
Student Theatre, 2131 Prospect St., Burlington. Each 10
week session is $59 ($69 for non members). Call 905681-1517 or visit www.burlingtonfootnotes.com.
Burlington Lawn Bowling Club invites you to learn
to lawn bowl. Just wear flat-soled shoes, we do the rest!
Group and individual lessons available every Wednesday
evening. May through September. Call 905-634-6289.
Burlington Senior Centre, 2285 New St., offers beginner and Intermediate Tap and Jazz classes on Thursdays throughout the year. For details call 905-335-7888.
Burlington Newcomers Club – A ladies non-profit
organization that holds socials on the firrt Wednesday
of each month. Plus many activities include badminton,
book clubs, bridge, euchre, golf, walking, lunches, pot
lucks, dinners, scrapbooking and more. If you have recently moved to Burlington or have experience a life
change like divorce, widowhood, etc., and wish to make
new friends, call 289-208-9183 or visit
www.burlingtonnewcomersclub.com.
CARP – Halton Chapter – meets at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre, 2285 New St., on the 4th Tuesday of the
month, 7:00 p.m. except July, Aug. and Dec. Contact
Tom Carrothers at 905-319-7345 or visit www.carp.ca/
haltonregion.
CFUW-Hamilton meets on the third Tuesday of the
month at 7:30 p.m., at the Cresmount building, 1020
Upper James St. October 20: “Tumaini”- Lynn Wright
and Gail Woltens of Canadian Nurses for Africa describe
the work of this organization, which provides free medical care to communities in Kenya. November 17: “Telling Tales”- Susan Jasper of the Telling Tales Festival
will speak about her work with Ontario’s largest children’s literary festival. These meetings are free and open
to the public. For more information, please visit
www.cfuw-hamilton.com
Canadian Orpheus Male Choir – Men aged 19+ who
want to sing and have fun while giving back to the community are welcome to join. Visit www.comc.ca or email
[email protected].
Choices is recruiting volunteers for reception duties,
assisting support workers in life skills classes, and
events. Call Lynne, 905-628-6147 ext. 58.
Dance to the Country Jammers – Every Wednesday
Night 7 p.m., 58 Legion 1180 Barton St E., Across from
Centre Mall Hamilton. All welcome. For further information call 905-544-6385.
Page 12 – THE SENIORS REVIEW
Dundas Lawn Bowling Club. Dundas Driving Park. Free
lessons with no obligations. For further information call
Jill at 905-627-1701.
Flamboro Information and Community Services –
provides many services for seniors, eg. Shopping Program, 55 Alive Drivers Ed, Computer Lessons, information and referral, social and recreational activities, income tax clinics. Call 905-689-7880 for details.
Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship in Canada,
Hamilton Chapter, invites you to their coming meetings.
For dates and information call Bram at 905-521-8107.
Hamilton Accordion Club meets every second Thursday of the month at The Canadian Legion Hall at King
and Lake Streets, Stoney Creek. From novice to pro, just
a lot of fun and music. Call 905-634-9033 for details.
Hamilton Seniors Active Living Centre, 75 McNab
St. S. (YWCA), Hamilton. Brain Gym; Carpet Bowling;
Computer Classes; and more. Call 905-529-7727.
Hamilton & District Council of Women. Want your
voice heard? Join us the 1st Tuesday of each month at
5:45 p.m. at the Self Help Centre, 255 West Avenue
North. Call Thelma McGillivray at 905-639-0447.
Karaoke with Jane – Every Friday – 7:30 p.m., Royal
Canadian Legion, across from Centre Mall, Hamilton.
Newcomers welcome. For further information call 905544 -6385.
Music & Friends – Fridays, 7-10 p.m., Navy Veterans
Association, 108 Parkdale Ave. N., Hamilton. Free space
for accepted party occasions while our C&W music plays
– spot dances, line dancing, open mic, cash bar & coffee.
Or come to our End of the Month Group Birthday Party/
Pot-luck Bash. Free admission. Call 905-385-1290.
Orpheus Male Choir – Men aged 19+ who want to sing
and have fun while giving back to the community are
welcome to join. Visit www.COMC.ca or email
[email protected].
Ottawa Street Seniors Centre, 52 Ottawa St. N., Hamilton, offers dance classes, fitness programs, arts, special
events, day trips and more. Call 905-545-6866.
Phoenix Fellowship Drop-in Centre – St. Luke’s Anglican Church Parish Hall, 1382 Ontario St., Burlington. Wed.,
11 a.m. Speakers, games, DVDs, pot-lucks, socializing and
local trips. New members welcome. Call Murray Heintz at
905-632-6258 or Parish office at 905-634-1826.
RHLI Veterans’ Association - 1353 Barton St. E., Hamilton. Cribbage, Shuffleboard, Music, Darts, Euchre,
Trips, Meat Draws, etc. Call 905-545-4611 for details.
Roselawn Lawn Bowling Club – welcomes anyone
wishing to learn a new sport and make friends to join us
in Gage Park (Lawrence Rd. entrance). Bowling times
are Mon., Wed., Fri evening 7-9, Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.
afternoons 1:30, Sat. 1 p.m. Equipment available to try,
flat-soled shoes needed. Call Dave at 905-573-7852 or
www.hamiltonroselawnlbc.com.
Rosedale Tennis Club - Lawrence Road & Gage Ave., Hamilton. Discover or re-discover tennis, join our Round Robin
Group or set up your own games. Summer membership May
to Sept. Call 905-545-5205 or 905-547-1013.
Roxborough Senior Centre – Bingo, Poker, Euchre,
Scrabble, Hand & Foot, Exercises, Tai Chi, crafts, potlucks
and much more! East Kiwanis Community Centre (St. Helen
School), 785 Brittania Ave., Hamilton. Call 289-684-8713
or email [email protected].
Ryerson Recreation Centre – Offers free easy stretch
sessions for seniors on Mondays at 1:15 p.m.. Call 905572-7286 or 521-2240 for details.
Hamilton/Halton Edition
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 58 – 1180 Barton St.
East, Hamilton. Dances every Saturday at 8:00 – $5.00
per person – June 6th & 27 Heading Home, June 13 & 20
Lionel. Fish & Chips every Friday from 4-7. Karaoke
with Jane every Friday -7:30 -11:30 p.m., public welcome. Hall Rentals available. Call 905-544-6385.
Royal Canadian Legion Mount Hamilton Branch 163
– 435 Limeridge Rd. East (at Upper Wentworth), Hamilton. Thursday Night Snooker, Men’s Monday Night
Winter Darts; and Mixed Thursday Night Darts. Fish Fry
($9.00, 4-7 p.m.) & Karaoke every Friday. Dances: Saturdays, 8 p.m. For details call 905-387-4515.
Sackville Hill Seniors Recreation Centre – 780 Upper Wentworth (cor. of Mohawk), Hamilton. Many activities and classes. Movie Night, Manicure & Pedicure,
Bingo, Dinner Dances, Sociable Singles, Scrapbooking,
, parties and more. Fees may apply. Call 905-546-2541
for further information.
Skyway Connection Chorus – Ladies’ Barbershop – Tuesday evenings 7:30 p.m., side entrance of hall of Stoney
Creek United Church, 1 King Street West, Stoney Creek.
For details visit www.skywayconnectionchorus.com or call
905-630-SING (7464).
Stoney Creek Seniors Club 60 (ages 55+), 6 King St.
West, Stoney Creek. Euchre, 4-Handed Bid Euchre, Cribbage, Contact Bridge, Duplicate Bridge and Bingo. For
days and times call 905-664-6110.
Thursday Riders meet every Thursday morning, April
through November, 10 a.m. til lunchtime at the Ancaster
Senior Achievement Centre, 622 Alberton Rd. S. (rear).
Leisurely ride along quiet, scenic country roads. Call
905-304-3250 or e-mail [email protected].
Warden Park Seniors Club – looking for happy seniors to join them for Bid Euchre, Euchre, Line Dancing
and many other activites several days of the week at 40
Centennial Parkway. Call 905-578-5290 for details.
Waterdown District Seniors – Euchre every Wednesday at 1 p.m.; Bid Euchire Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. Canadian Legion, 79 Hamilton St. North, Waterdown. Everyone Welcome.
Waterdown Seniors Social Club – meets at Sealey Park
Scout Hall, 115 Main Street South, Waterdown, Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Many different social events including
day and theatre trips, board and card games, exercise and
dance groups. Call Margaret at 905-975-4262.
Waterdown Village Squares –St. James United Church,
306 Parkside Dr., Waterdown. Come for 8:00 p.m. as a
couple or alone. Beginners classes on Thurs. Email
[email protected].
Westdale/West Hamilton Seniors & Retirees – meets
at Grace Hall, Grace Lutheran Church, 1107 Main St.
West. Meetings 3rd Wednesday of each month furing
2013-14 season. Fellowship, Food, Card/Board Games.
Guest speakers and conversation. Call 905-527-1257.
Winona Seniors Centre – 1239 Highway 8, Stoney
Creek. Activities 7 days a week. Snooker, line dancing,
shuffleboard, bid euchre, bridge, cribbage, movies,
zoomba, exercising, and tai chi. Call 905-643-4563.
Women’s Canadian Club of Hamilton – meets the 2nd
Wednesday each month at the Hamilton Scottish Rite, 4
Queen St., South. Visitors always welcome. Topics vary
each month. No meetings in Jan., June, July or Aug. Call
905-538-6634 or email [email protected].
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Canadian Cancer Society Hamilton-Wentworth Unit
needs volunteers for various programs and events. Contact Dorothy at 905-575-9220, ext. 3115, or email
[email protected].
Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers to drive seniors
to day centres and medical appointments. For more information call 905-522-8485, ext. 254. Other volunteer
opportunities available.
Catholic Family Services is looking for seniors to be
trained for their Senior’s Intervention and Support Team.
Call Diane at 905-527-3823, ext. 3437.
The Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice offers a palliative care
training course for those interested in visiting those with
life-threatening illnesses. Call 905-387-2448, ext. 2214.
Dundas Community Services needs friendly callers,
visitors and drivers to support seniors to live independently in the community. For details call 905-627-5461.
Friendly Calling Program – We match volunteers to isolated seniors based on personality and interests. Volunteers
call them on the phone for social contact and offer a link to
community services. For more information contact Margey
Lam at 905-627-5461, email [email protected]
Habitat for Humanity Halton is looking for volunteers to help in their ReStore. Call Mirela VukosaGiannidis, Volunteer Coordinator at 905-637-4446, ext.
226 or email [email protected].
Habitat for Humanity Hamilton is looking for volunteers to help out in various areas. Call 905-560-6707
ext 102 or email [email protected].
Hospice Volunteer Training – Acclaim Health offers
a free 10-week training program. For details call 905827-8800, ext. 2318, or 1-800-387-7127.
Hospice Volunteer Service – provide care for people
with life threatening illness and provide assistance and
support. Call 905-522-0053 for more information.
Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital – needs volunteers
for their Assisted Dining/Feeding Program. Training is
provided. Learn what is involved at an Information Session. To apply, call or email Carolann Badger at 905632-3730, ext. 1443 or email [email protected].
Links2Care is looking for dedicated volunteers to provide companionship and conversation in the Oakville,
Burlington & Milton areas. Call 905-844-0252, ext. 28.
Mission Services of Hamilton – is looking for volunteers to assist at food bank or clothing bank . Greeters,
intake/interview volunteers, food room attendants and
client assistants. Call Kellie at 905-528-4211, ext. 106
or email [email protected].
North Hamilton Community Health Centre needs
Children’s Breakfast Club Support Workers and Interpreters. Call Diana DeSimone at 905-523-6611 ext. 223,
or Email [email protected].
St. Peters Hospital needs volunteers for in-visiting with
patients, helping with meals, escorting to medical appointments or assisting in the Gift Shop. Call Joan
Annibale at 905-777-3837, ext. 12202.
Telecare Burlington Distress Centre, telephone listening and crisis service, is in need of Volunteers. Training
provided. Help make a difference in someone’s life. Call
905-681-1488 or email [email protected].
VON needs volunteers for: Meals on Wheels – drivers
and servers. Volunteer Visiting – visit lonely seniors in
their homes. Tele-Touch – provide phone calls to seniors
living alone. Hospice Volunteer Service/Bereavement
Support – provide care for people with life-threatening
illness so they may live at home. Call 905-522-0053.
Reading Tutors – Neighbour to Neighbour Centre is recruiting reading tutors for the “Kids Can Succeed” program in 10 mountain area schools Call Deban Brunette at
905-574-1334. Training and police check required.
St. Peter’s Residence is looking for volunteers to visit
and spend time with our residents.All scheduling is done
according your availability. Contact Jennifer Neiser at
905-383-0448 ext. 15557 or [email protected].
THE SENIORS REVIEW – Page 13
Hamilton/Halton Edition
A PIECE OF MY MIND
Marie M. Dynes
Thoughts on Writing
Apparently script or cursive writing is
no longer mandatory on the school curriculum beyond grade one. Reading, Writing,
‘Rithmetic – when we were a couple of kids
eh? I assume young students still learn their
ABCs, but printing only. Texting is already
the new writing (aka keyboard printing unless you make it look like writing with a
Script font), so we have less words and forget about Websters and Oxford.
What would happen if the “art” of writing is lost? In my opinion, it would equate to
something like the fall of the Roman Empire.
Loss of vocabulary via texting equals loss of
reading and communications skills, and what
good would the world’s mass of recorded information – print, handwritten, computer – be
if humans couldn’t read. Research has demonstrated that printing, cursive writing, and
typing on a keyboard are all associated with
distinct and separate brain patterns. And,
cursive writing enhances brain function, including motor skills and discipline.
A bit of history. According to Daniel
J. Levitin, author of The Organized Mind,
humans have been around for 200,000 years,
but around 10,000 years ago people discovered farming and irrigation. The discovery
of cave paintings and pictures on papyrus
estimates these creative advances in communicating to have likely begun around
16,000 years ago. The written word is believed to have developed 5,000 years ago in
Sumeria. The brain further evolved when
humans began to trade and travel, training
their brains at the same time to adapt to new
uses such as commercial and trade transactions. Another benefit was that writing allowed for the recording of memories. The
next step was the invention of the printing
process in the mid 1400s.
I like to write things down, and I don’t
think it’s just because I’m a writer. I make
lists, and I index my books, and I get a great
deal of pleasure reading about the sources of
words. Some might call me anal, but we all
have the urge to put the pen to paper, so to
speak. There are many benefits to writing
down your thoughts. Some people, including
various writers, have expressed that they have
an actual need or urge to write – not only
using a computer keyboard, but with pencil
or pen in hand. From thought and vision, to
hand, to paper may appear to be instant, but
it remains a complicated process for the brain.
Our thoughts are expressed in a kind of
narrative, and they are random. They can be
funny, amazing, enlightening, and downright
crazy. Thoughts are spontaneous, a constant
stream of consciousness, but if you actually
pay attention, and have a pen in hand, you
can record them to good use. For me, it’s like
talking to myself . When you are talking to
someone, or to yourself, those thoughts can
come from everyday observation; they can
be willed, as when we have a problem to solve;
or they come from the netherworld of an erratic and mysterious subconscious.
I took a communications course once
on writing techniques, and the professor
started each class with the words, “Pick up
your pen and write,” time given being three
minutes. The exercise, a form of stream-ofconsciousness, was both disciplinary and
personal, and the subject matter yours alone.
Your New Home A
waits!
Awaits!
Call the
CANADIAN
CANCER SOCIETY’S
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• Private and Semi-private rooms • Friendly, caring staff
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SENIORS COMPLEX
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What was amazing to the students was after
writing down your thoughts, without analysing them or pausing, you could begin to resolve your problems or set goals of the day,
or at least become aware of them. When we
focus, It’s not just gibberish we turn out.
So this partly explains why people (not
just seniors) can’t always remember things.
We can, though, find what we search for, or
something we weren’t searching for, using
some writing techniques. In reality there are
many images, sounds and words between
each thought we might write, but they move
at light speed like dreams.
• Stream of consciousness (as described
above) is one of them, and it is a great way
to record the power of the present moment.
• Word association is familiar as a psychiatrist’s ‘trick,’ or in a board game, but it
works when it comes to memories.
• Another is journal writing. It can be serious or not, like the secret Dear Diary of
our teen years.
What must not be forgotten, though, is
that mind and body are both parts of the
whole. Our thoughts reflect ourselves and
what we feel, and writing serves well as a
means of expressing them. I just hope the
next evolutionay leap doesn’t mean writing
and reading will be forgotten or replaced –
mind reading is a scary proposition!
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I invite you to contact my office
with any of your provincial
concerns or seniors’ issues.
289 Queenston Rd., Hamilton L8K 1H2
905-545-0114 or 1-800-411-6611
Fax: 905-545-9024
Email: [email protected]
Page 14 – THE SENIORS REVIEW
Hamilton/Halton Edition
HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Alide Kohlhaas
In 2012 I reviewed a book, Murder
without Borders, which described the killing of journalists in various countries, including Russia. Bill Browder’s book, Red
Notice, gives an even more chilling inside
view of Russia under Vladimir Putin. The
author calls himself “an accidental activist”
because his career started as a Wall Street
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trader. He naively felt safe as a foreigner
from the corruption that took hold of Russian business after the collapse of the Soviet Union. He opened an office in Moscow
and when Putin became president, he believed him to be a modern man ready to
embrace the western form of capitalism. But
after the president arrested all the oligarchs,
and stripped them of their riches as well as
sending them to jail, the money ended up in
the hands of Putin’s inner circle, as well as
in his own pockets, through indirect means.
Browder had among his staff a mild-mannered young tax lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky.
Today we owe it to this lawyer, murdered
by thugs in prison, that the United States
passed a law in his name that enabled sanctions not only against Russian human rights
abusers, but set the standard for all the western nations to put a financial squeeze on
Russia after Putin invaded and annexed Crimea. Browder and all of his staff fled Russia and settled in London. He wanted
Magnitsky to also come, but the lawyer was
convinced the law would be upheld, not realizing that Russian law now is whatever
Putin wants it to be. Red Notice, the book’s
title, is an Interpol term for an arrest alert.
Much to the Russian government’s frustration, Interpol has twice refused to issue such
a notice against Browder, a very unusual
move. Browder’s book starts off very quietly, but as the story unfolds, it turns into a
mixture of financial caper, crime thriller and
political crusade. I found it hard to put down.
[Simon & Schuster, hardcover, 396 pages,
$32.00, ISBN 978-1-4767-5571-7]
905-692-7714
905-632-2110
Tessa Hadley is a new author for me
although she has a string of novels to her
name. The Brit’s latest is The Past, a well
drawn story about four very different siblings who meet yearly for three weeks in
their grandfather’s home. In the novel this
will be their last get-together because they
can no longer afford the upkeep of the house.
Hadley digs into the character of each sibling, revealing what drives them, even if much
remains hidden from each other. Coming from
a family of four with nothing in common except parents, I found myself reflecting through
The Past on my own life. While the three
sisters and their brother manage to survive
more or less for three weeks in the old parsonage despite below-the-surface tension, my
three older siblings and I would at most last a
week. It isn’t often that a writer forces such
reflection on a reader, and does so with a
highly individual style. A remarkable book!
[Random House Canada, hardcover, 361
pages, $32, ISBN 978-0-345-81611-5]
There is always pleasure connected
with the discovery of a new composer, or a
well known one’s unfamiliar work. Perfectly
suited to the mood of a pleasant early fall
day is the music by Connecticut-born Quincy
Porter (1897-1966). The Ives Quartet chose
the composer’s String Quartets Nos. 5-8 in a
performance that makes me want to hear more
of Porter and the Ives Quartet. Although the
works date to the mid-1930s, they in no way
appear dated. [Naxos, American Classics,
66:00 min., 8.559781]
For something very Canadian there is
a CD that features piano works
SOCIAL EVENTS
by a cast of composers, all of
whom make their home in OnSocial
Dance
ST
RD
1 & 3 Friday each month
tario. Pianist Elaine Keilor chose
8 p.m. • Admission $10
works by Morawetz, Weinzweig,
GERMANIA BANQUET CENTRE
Alexina Louie, Wlma Miller,
863 King St. E., Hamilton
905-549-0513
Patrick Cardy and Kelly-Marie
EVERYONE WELCOME!
Murphy. This CD, aptly named
WANTED
Poetic Sketches, also suited this
ALL OLD TUBE Hi-Fis
perfect fall day and added a difAudio Equipment & Speakers
(Macintosh, Marrantz, Tannoy & Others)
ferent kind of colour than that preand Hammond Organs
sented by the trees. [Centrediscs,
40 years or older
CASH PAID • WILL PICK UP
CMCCD 21615, 65:52 min., dis519-853-2157/1-800-947-0393
tributed by Naxos]
.00
THE SENIORS REVIEW – Page 15
Hamilton/Halton Edition
TRAVEL
I Love Lucy!
STEPPING OUT
This story is for people of a ‘certain age.’
If you don’t make a connection with the title, it
George Bailey
won’t mean much to you. As a teenager growing up in the 1950s, I can clearly remember
eat. Good choice. If you’re from Niagara you
sitting in front of our second-hand black and
might remember the Diana Sweets Diner in St.
white TV with my mom and brother watching
Catharines. The Pub Restaurant, which has been
the early sit-com, I Love Lucy, starring Lucille
around since 1965, has the same style of old
Ball and Desi Arnaz. It was right up there with
high-back wooden booths and the atmosphere is
Abbott and Costello and Roy Rogers.
A
re-creation
of
the
Ricardos’
Hollywood
hotel
suite.
very similar.
I thought I’d try and re-live some of my
Other Attractions in the Area
Lucy moments by visiting the Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz Museum in
• The Roger Tory Peterson Institute at 311 Curtis Street, Jamestown.
nearby Jamestown, New York. Jamestown is about a 90 minute drive
Roger Tory Peterson is best known as an American naturalist who
from the Niagara border at Buffalo.
published many well loved books on birds.
First, here’s a bit about the show. Lucy portrays Lucy Ricardo,
• Robert H. Jackson Center at 305 east Fourth Street, Jamestown. Jackson
the wacky wife of Cuban bandleader Desi Arnaz, living in New York
was a leading American lawyer and judge known for his writings on the
City. They were, in real life, actually husband and wife. In the show
American court of laws.
Ricky was trying to make it big in show business and Lucy was always
• Jamestown Audubon Center and Sanctuary at 1600 Riverside Road,
trying to help – much to his chagrin. The results are hilarious. Their best
Jamestown. Five and a half miles of easy trails through fields and
friends are Fred and Ethel Mertz, who live in the same building. The first
forests where you see many types of wildlife.
I Love Lucy show appeared on television in June 1951 and the final
Photographs by Ellen Bailey
episode aired in April 1960.
The Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum & Center for Comedy is
located in downtown Jamestown at 2W 3rd St. (www.lucy-desi.com)
and when I first went through the doors of the shrine to this comedic
OCTOBER 9 - 12, 2015 • 10AM - 5PM DAILY
couple my memories began to flow.
My wife, Ellen, who kind of remembers the show (she’s a bit
younger than me), was amazed at the size of the museum, which con sists of two buildings. One contains memorabilia of the private and
screen lives of Lucy and Desi and another is the Desilu Studios,
which displays exact re-creations of the I Love Lucy sets. We saw
the Ricardos’ New York City apartment living room and kitchen.
Also featured is a life-sized mural of the original studio audience.
Above the Desilu Studios is a recreation of the Tropicana Club.
150+ artisans • Live music
which was where Desi performed in the TV show. Today, the room is
hosts private events.
Children’s activities
For an additional fee of $7.00 you can pick up an audio tour and,
Nature tours • Heritage demonstrations
as you make your way through the museum, you can learn more about
Gourmet food, wine and craft beer
various artifacts, gowns, scripts, awards, etc . The audio is narrated by
Lucy and Desi’s daughter, Lucie Arnaz.
BALL’S FALLS
Hours and Cost
The Center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5
p.m., and on Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Adults $15.00, Seniors
(60+) $14.00, Youth (6-18) $10.00, Children (5 and under) free. There’s
free two-hour street side parking outside.
Where to Eat
After our visit, we stepped inside The Pub Restaurant (209 North
Main Street), a block away. A few locals told us it was a good place to
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16 – THE BY
SENIORS
REVIEW
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