July 2008 - The Senior Times

Transcription

THE SENIORTIMES
JULY 2008
VOL. XXII N 9
O
Help
Generations
help kids
generationsfoundation.com
514-933-8585
Las Vegas jackpot —
the fabulous Elton John!
McKenty shakes Obama’s hand p. 4
New flavours with Barry Lazar p. 8
Summer festivals p. 22
GIC
RRSP
RRIF
or
p. 17
Crosby, Stills & Nash p. 7
Otherworldly Cappadocia p. 15
Reader and writer share Turkish experiences p. 16
4.50%
Rates are subject to change.
514-934-0586
514-697-0035
Thank you for giving
me a wild summer job.
Kids just love
the wilderness –
especially those who
live in the city.
And I just love helping
them learn about
nature and watching
them play outdoors
and sing by the
campfire. With your
generous donation,
I’ll be able to work
with many of
the same needy
Montrealers at Sun
Youth Summer Camp
again this summer.
Thank you,
Montreal.
Photo Credit: Wayne Oliver
Sun Youth • Annual Campaign
Please make out your cheque or money order to:
Sun Youth Organization Inc.,
4251 St. Urbain, Montreal, QC H2W 1V6.
Tel.: (514) 842-6822
Online Donations at www.sunyouthorg.com
Thank you for your support.
Charity registration number: 119206290RR0001.
Donations are tax deductible and will be acknowledged.
Ad compliments of Cowlik Communications.
2 THE SENIOR TIMES July 2008
Name:_________________________________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________________________
Co. Name:_______________________ City:_____________ Postal Code:_____________
Enclosed is the sum of: $___________________________________________________
Cheque:____ Money Order:____ Master Card:____ Visa:___
Cardholder’s name (as appears on card): _______________________________________
Credit Card Number:
______________________________________________________________________
Expiry Date (m/y): _____ / _____
Signature:______________________________________________________________
Photos: Espace Création Loto-Québec
Art for Art’s Sake
In West End Montreal
Luxury Cars at Regular Rates on Request
■ Special Attention to the Elderly
■ 100% guaranteed Airport Reservations
■ Pick-Up & Delivery
■
■
INFO @ ATLASTAXI . QC . CA
SUPER DEALS
The world of Le Sauteur
Until September 21, Espace Creation Loto-Québec presents an exhibition by Claude Le Sauteur, who died last
year. Curated by the Musée de Charlevoix of La Malbaie, the exhibit features 70 selected works,
including a 911S Porsche, which Sauteur used as a canvas. 500 Sherbrooke W.
Identity and reflection at Concordia
It’s in the bag
Photo: Alexis K. Laflamme
Monday, July 14 to Friday, August 15, 11 am – 7 pm
the Faculty of Fine Arts Gallery at Concordia presents
three concurrent exhibitions. Jake Moore works with
images drawn from the natural world to reflect on
western culture. Maskull Lasserre’s work addresses notions of class, culture and crafted artifacts. Lasserre’s
sculptures resemble, and function to some degree, as
mechanical musical instruments. Holly Tingley shows
seven paintings that deal with personal identity.
1515 Ste-Catherine W. (metro Guy-Concordia)
Info: 514-848-2424 x 7962 or fofagallery.concordia.ca
Until Sunday, September 14, the Museum of Costume
and Textile of Quebec presents the exhibition The Bag
Knows why… with numerous loans from museums,
private collectors and contemporary creators. The
evolution of this accessory is linked to the development
of women in society as well as major historical and
ideological currents.
349 Riverside Street, St-Lambert, accessible via
Highway 132 exit 6 or by bus 6, 13 or 15 from metro
Longueuil. Open Tuesday to Friday 10 am - 5 pm and
weekends 11 am – 5 pm. $4.
Info: 450-923-6601 or mctq.org
THE SENIOR TIMES congratulates
Dr. Henry Morgentaler
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
4
Days
3
Days
F
F
$329
quad $449 quad
F
F
Aug 28 or 29
$359 triple $499 triple
F
F
Including
$419 dbl $589 dbl
F
F
Hotel
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
Tor onto
F
F
dbl
N
i
a
g
a
r
a
F
a
l
l
s
F
F
triple
Au g 1 9 or 2 6
F
F
quad
F
F
3 days
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
Spain
Costa
del
Sol
F
F
from
October-2008 - 3 weeks
F
F
F
F
Air, plus Studio
F
F
F
F
F
F
Tunisia - October 2008
F
F
from
F
F
3 weeks - 2 meals/day
F
F
5
Star
Hotel
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
w w w. h e r i t a g e t r a v e l . c a
F
F
t a x e s i n c l . / O P C $ 3 . 5 0 p e r $ 1 0 0 0 n o t i n cl .
F
F
Bus Dep ar tures
New York
$319
$319
$259
$1595
$1699
Te l : 5 1 4 - 4 8 5 - 6 0 0 4
on receiving the Order of Canada
“I have a vision, a dream that all people should
be treated in a humane, compassionate way.”
—Henry Morgentaler
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
Marna Pennell
January 31, 1988
Agente Immobilière Affiliée
Seniors Real Estate Specialist® -
endorsed by CARP™ Canada’s Association for the 50-plus™
Why choose a
Seniors Real Estate Specialist®?
- experience with clients over 50
- commitment to helping seniors
make the right decisions
- availability to help throughout
the entire process
514-927-0195
[email protected]
Royal LePage Village Courtier Immobilier Agréé Franchisé indépendant de Royal LePage
ALL NEW ESCORTED TOURS
with your friends at ITP
TRAVEL
Creative Cuisine
At Masterpiece West Island, Retirement Residence ...
We offer the finest culinary experiences
prepared under the watchful eye of
Michele Forgione, our Executive DEP
Chef. Relax; treat yourself to a leisurely
breakfast in one of the café lounges.
Le Bistro Pépé Roni allows you the
flexibility to spontaneously invite
friends and family to dine as well as
choose when to dine and what to eat.
In the formal dining room, Le Papillon
D’Or, residents can feast their eyes on
1000 Avenue Holiday, Pointe-Claire, Qc
www.MasterpieceRetirement.com
the creative cuisine plated before them.
Chef Michele prides himself on expertly
prepared, beautifully presented,
delicious food. The ever changing
menu offers a choice of entrees and
an in house sommelier ensures our
residents dining needs are exceeded.
Come experience Masterpiece. “We are
here for you.”™
Call Now! 514-695-6695
Reserve your suite today.
SUPER
SPECIALS
Akwesasne Mohawk Casino
Atlantic City
Hogansburg, N.Y.
July 20, August 17, 2008
August 25-29, 2008
Staying at Trump Plaza
$30 pp
Orillia & Sunshine Festival
Lac Leamy (Hull) & Rideau Carlton
Monthly Casinos
Aug 3, Sept 7,
Oct 5, Nov 2, Dec 7, 2008
Featuring the Music & Dance
of Fred Astaire Sept 18-20, 2008
Optional Tickets
to Neil Sedaka
$25 pp
The 25th Century Belongs to Canada
Knowlton Players
Bowser & Blue
August 28, 2008
$375 dbl $490 pp
Next Stop on the Orchard Express
Sherbrooke, Magog, Eastman Train
Sept 28, 2008
$110 pp
$75 pp
D a n ie l l e M c C a r t n ey
www.itptravelinc.com
$445 dbl
51 4- 735 -7 88 4
55 55 Westminster N., S uite 2 02
OPC Fund of 0.35% incl.
July 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES 3
Obama or McCain: who’s best for Canada?
If Canadians were allowed to vote in the American
election the result would be a landslide. According to a
Harris-Decima poll, 55 per cent would vote for Barack
Obama, only 15 per cent for John McCain.
At first glance, this seems curious. On the one issue that
makes many Canadians nervous, Obama is on the wrong
side. The issue is the free trade agreement (NAFTA) with
the United States and the junior Senator from Illinois has
threatened to tear it up. Subsequently Obama has backed
off from his tough talk, telling Fortune magazine that some
of his trade rhetoric was “overheated and amplified.”
But John McCain’s record in favour of free trade is not
something he contrived for the campaign; he’s always held
that view. When he addressed the Economic Club of
Westmount Place
Great location in
Residential Westmount, Kensington
& Metcalfe, One month Free.
Newly renovated apartments. 24 / 7 Doorman,
camera surveillance, quiet building,
on-site convenience shops with helpful staff.
Laundry room facilities. Roof-top sun deck.
Includes hot water, stove, fridge and window blinds.
Easy access to Atwater metro, bus, mall.
Greene Ave, Westmount Park.
Units available: 1 1/2 to 5 1/2 + penthouse
Call Charlotte at 514-939-5529 to schedule a vist
Pit
Stop
Neil McKenty
Canada recently in Ottawa, the Senator from Arizona
attacked Obama’s position:“Demanding unilateral changes
and threatening to abrogate an agreemement that has
increased trade and prosperity is nothing more than
retreating behind protectionist walls.”
Almost all Canadians would agree with McCain’s views
on trade. So why would almost all Canadians refuse to vote
for him even if they could? For one thing, McCain seems
to have espoused “voodoo economics” which the current
president’s father once accused Ronald Reagan of peddling.
At the same time as McCain wants to increase the size of
the armed forces and spend billions to modernize their
weaponry,he is also promising to cut taxes – a surefire recipe
for more deficits.
McCain’s tax policy illustrates another McCain trait – his
ability to flipflop. He opposed the Bush tax cuts of 2001 and
2003 arguing rightly that they would lead to deficits and were
tilted toward the rich. His fellow Republicans attacked him
for this so he caved in and now favours making those cuts
permanent – and adding to them.
How does McCain propose to spend more and cut taxes
at the same time? He says he will do it by cutting“earmarks,”
Care Giver Available
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN
Montreal Section
Experienced care giver
• Excellent references
• Available to sleep in or out
• Bilingual
• Car transport for errands,
doctor’s appointments, etc.
SUMMER TRAVEL FESTIVAL
DAY TRIPS
•
Tel: 514-820-5331
Alzheimer Groupe (A.G.I.) Inc. offers ongoing
SUPPORT GROUPS for spouses and
PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL GROUPS
for adult children, ACTIVITY PROGRAMS,
ART THERAPY and MUSIC PROGRAM
for individuals in the early to mid-stages of
Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders.
TRAINING for professionals and caregivers.
For further details, please call 514-485-7233
Saratoga Ballet
Festival de Lanaudiere
Ottawa
Upper Canada Playhouse
Brockville Arts Centre
Tour of Eastern Townships
July
Aug
Aug
Aug
Aug
Aug
For information or to register
call 514-733-7589
THE SENIOR TIMES
Publisher & Managing Editor:
Barbara Moser
Assistant Editor: Kristine Berey
Copy Editor: Gisele Rucker
Office Manager: Thelma Gearey
17
3
7
13
21
28
those items of pork that US legislators add to money bills.
But they amount to a tiny proportion of federal spending.
Even if McCain’s economic policies made more sense,
he would have a hard time. After eight years of Bush lying the country into war and tapping his countrymen’s
telephones illegally, 2008 looks like a Democratic year.
And the party has nominated a candidate who has the
wind in his sails.
Obama is the most engaging and attractive candidate nominated by either party in my lifetime.He epitomizes the multiculturalism so valued by Canadians.As John Ibbitson writes
in the Globe and Mail, Americans are thinking seriously
about electing a Kenyan-American who has an IndonesianAmerican half-sister who is herself married to a ChineseCanadian doctor. So Obama has a Canadian connection.
Perhaps at an intuitive level Canadians understand that
the United States (and Canada) need Obama.Recent polling
shows that 80 per cent of Americans believe their country
is headed in the wrong direction, a higher number than at
any time since polling began.
Whether or not Canadians grasp the specifics of
Mr. Obama’s platform, they seem emphatically to buy his
message of hope and change.
And so do I,especially after I heard Obama deliver his message at an historic unity meeting in the village of Unity (population 1707), New Hampshire, by the Vermont border.
After driving from Montreal, my friend Jim and I got into
the unity rally, where a crowd of 5,000 on a hot sunny day
enthusiastically waited the arrival of Senator Barack Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton.
They did not disappoint. Senator Clinton promised
that she would help Obama and the Democratic ticket in any way she could. Some of her female supporters, seated around us, nodded their heads when she urged
them to back Obama and forget any foolish notion of
fleeing to Senator McCain.
Senator Obama reciprocated by assuring the former first
lady how much he needed her help and that of her husband
too. As the two leading Democrats embraced each other
and raised their clasped hands high, the crowd went wild.
Their party is now solidly united for change.
There was only one incident that left a bad taste in the
mouth. A few yards from where we were sitting, a minor
disturbance broke out. I looked around and saw a state
trooper hustling away a fiftyish man wearing a National
Rifle Association T-shirt. That didn’t bother me but the expression on the man’s face did.It was a narrow face,lips compressed and red with anger. A face to raise apprehension.
After the speeches I got myself down to the rope line
and managed to shake hands with Barack Obama.
His handshake was firm, his hands rough.
It was a satisfying way to end a splendid day.
Journalists: Kristine Berey,
Adam Desaulniers, Nancy Snipper
Sales Manager: Jacquie Soloway-Cons
Advertising: Jodie Alter, Gloria Beigleman,
Shirley Cohen, Sandra Schachter
Production & Design: Albert Cormier
Production and Online Editor:
Adam Desaulniers
Editorial Assistant: Rachel Lau
Photography Coordinator: Scott Philip
Printing: Hebdo Litho
Tel.: 514-484-5033
Fax: 514-484-8254
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.theseniortimes.com
Cover photo: eltonjohn.com
Published by Publications Newborn Inc. Contents copyright ©2008. All rights reserved. Legal Deposit: National Library of Canada No. D368087 Dépot légal Bibliothèque Nationale du Québec, 1993. Although every caution is taken by Publications Newborn Inc.
to monitor advertising in the THE SENIOR TIMES, claims made by advertisers are not necessarily endorsed by Publications Newborn Inc.
Intergenerational
oasis
* Complete DENTURE service
* Hookless Partials
* Emergency 1 hr repair
2545 Cavendish
On June 20 le Centre des Aînés Côte-des-Neiges held
the 15th Marchethon, its main annual activity aimed
at bringing CDN youth and seniors together.
Frederic Back, award-winning Canadian film animator and illustrator of the children’s book L’Homme
qui plantait des arbres (The Man Who Planted Trees)
was on hand, along with Robert Lebeau, president of
the centre, Mayor Michael Applebaum and CDN city
councillor Francine Senecal.
Over 50 seniors from the centre and 50 kids from
École Felix Leclerc unveiled a plaque and planted an
elm in Kent Park, establishing a symbolic meeting
space for seniors and youth.
Info: 514-344-1210
Can you go the Extra Miles?
Developed by the Montreal West United Church
following the 1998 ice storm, the Extra Miles program
offers companionship and support to housebound
seniors living in NDG and Montreal West.
In NDG/Montreal West, seniors represent 16% of the
CLSC area’s 67,000 citizens. Reports indicate that
although some seniors may suffer from common
disabilities affecting mobility, agility, hearing, seeing
and speaking, most suffer from loneliness.
Program Coordinator Christine Laberge says, “Extra
Miles volunteers bring the outside world into the homes
of isolated seniors.” The program is now recruiting
new volunteers.
Info: 514-482-3210 or mwuc.org
Implant
dentures
514 982-2517
Fulfilling Needs
Senior Residence at Every Stage
• Retirement lifestyle of distinction & quality • Round-the-clock
caregiving by full nursing staff • Quality service • Luxurious
accommodations • Recreational programs • At-home atmosphere
V isi t us tod ay !
4432 St . Cath er in e St . West , Wes tm oun t
514 935-1212
www.placekensington.com
A D I VI S I O N O F FA I R W AY M AN A GE M EN T CO R P.
Whether you’re lost or in need of emergency assistance,
Geo-Track responds within seconds!
G E O
•
T R A C K
Personal GPS Tracking
Security and protection in the palm
of your hand with GPS tracking.
Geo-Track features
include
• Automatic tracking
• Geo-fence alerts
(virtual boundary)
• 24/7 monitoring
• SOS alert button
with two-way voice
No matter where
you are, keep yourself
on track
★
24 / 7
Emergency Hotline
For more information about our award winning product and its unique features, contact us
geo-track.ca
514-721-1180 ext. 106
Village
Lauren Marks (Vesely)
Affiliated Real Estate Agent
Photos: Scott Philip
Cell: (514) 944-8336
www.laurenmarks.ca
[email protected]
Dedication • Devotion • Determination
Chopin and Mozart, brothers, used to be in foster care,
abandoned June 2, born March 24
Alina
Esthetician
•
SPCA: too many creatures, not enough humans
Facial Waxing Massage
•
•
PROMOTIONS:
Manicure & Pedicure $55
Facial $55
SENIOR SPECIALS
5 14 - 80 6- 93 4 0
•
Beige, 2½ years, found on street pregnant
By Appointment
1255 Phillips Square, Suite 202
Rachel Lau
The SPCA’s foster program has been working hard to
save the lives of animals for 20 years, but is currently
experiencing a severe shortage of volunteer help.
With facilities in Laval, Jean-Talon and the Plateau,
there are hundreds of animals that need a home.
“Some animals are abandoned on the streets and our
drivers pick them up and bring them to our shelters,”
says SPCA worker Dominique Montreuil.“We have the
best variety of animals here – young, elderly, male,
female, lactating, pregnant, and cats with the flu, all in
need of foster homes.”
The foster family’s job is to nurse the animal back to
health. Sometimes that means giving medication or
force-feeding cats to stop them from becoming anorexic
. Though volunteers’ efforts are not always successful,
Montreuil says that just having people care enough to try
is a reward in itself.
Those who choose to take in a pregnant cat must care
for her through pregnancy and labour. Afterwards, the
kittens must be cared for until they are two pounds and
eight weeks old.
“Fosters have the first choice to adopt,” Montreuil
said. “Sometimes they form a bond with the pets and
want to keep them.”
H o m e & o f f i c e se c ur i t y s y s t e m s
M e d e c o - A bl oy
Mailboxes, Master key systems, Security grills
Residential, commercial
Sales, installation, service
10% off Medeco Deadbolts
6010 Sherbrooke St. W. (bet. Hampton & Belgrave)
Cell: 514 952-8891 • Tel. & Fax: 514 481-8891
You don’t need to be alone...
Esthemedica
FOR MEN & WOMEN
Promotion: $70/Endermologie® treatment *
❖ Firm & reshape reshape your figure, reduce cellulite
For the way you
where diet & exercised can’t
want to look
❖ Lift sagging face, jowls, neck, facial
wrinkles without surgery / injection / laser
❖ Peeling for brown spots, fine wrinkles, acne: $99 / treatment*
❖ Laser for Facial/leg veins from $80 and
Botox, Restylane, Juvederm injections given by doctor
Free
❖ Laser Hair Removal upperlip 29$/tx.*, chin 59$/tx*
Consultation
❖ Foot Care by a trained nurse
*certain conditions apply
❖ Massage therapeutic / acupressure, stretching
for a limited time
❖ Facial, Manicure, Pedicure, Skin Care
★
Cel: 514-772-5787 Tel: 514-290-5277 / 514-482-3653
6584 Sherbrooke W, corner Cavendish (
Vicky Stewart
Vendome, Bus 105)
www.esthemedica.com
“We offer affordable living
for Autonomous
& Semi-Autonomous Seniors”
• Private and semi-private rooms
• Medication Supervision
• Visiting Physician
• Weekly Housekeeping/Laundry
• 3 Nutritious Meals Daily
• Sunday Chapel, Saturday Mass
• Recreation Program With 24 hour supervision
and assistance with emergency call bells &
intercom system
organized!
Moving?
Decluttering?
Downsizing?
Do you need to get organized
but don’t know where to start?
Don’t worry, WE DO!!!
Teaching Centre for McGill Nursing
The Salvation Army Montclair Residence
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL:
Vicky Stewart
514-481-5638
4413 Montclair Ave. Montreal (NDG) H4B 2J4
OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE SALVATION ARMY
Contact us today
for your FREE consultation.
514.783.1869
www.YouAreOrganized.com
2 years old, abandoned June 13 because of allergies
Foster care can last from two weeks to two months,
depending on the condition of the animal and whether
it returns to full health or not.
“Some people adopt because they want the animal
for the long term, but others travel or work, and they
prefer to foster,” Montreuil said. “It’s a rewarding
experience helping these animals.”
Those interested in fostering can fill out a form at the
Montreal SPCA at 5215 Jean-Talon W. One bag of food, a
cat or dog book and medication, if necessary, are provided.
Besides fostering and adopting, the SPCA is in acute
need of volunteers as counsellors, drivers and officers.
Next issue features the new SPCA and how it’s changed.
Info: 514-735-2711 or spcamontreal.com
NCJWC day trips
Reserve your place with the National Council of Jewish
Women as they tour to Saratoga Ballet July 17, Festival
de Lanaudière August 3, and Ottawa August 7.
Info: 514-733-7589
Errata
With apologies to Blanshay and M.R. Stavert of McGill
University Faculty of Law Graduates of 1958 whose
names we misspelled in our June issue, under their
reunion photo on page 26.
The photo credit goes to Jack Malric.
Crosby, Stills & Nash look backwards and forwards
Adam Desaulniers
Crosby, Stills & Nash’s performance at
Place des Arts Tuesday, July 22 brings
more music and less politics to the
stage than their 2006 Freedom of
Speech tour with Neil Young, which
bitterly divided critics and audiences
over its focus on the Iraq War.
Renowned for its three-hour marathon
shows, the group tested the limits of its
unity and stamina during the tour –
choosing to include large chunks of
Young’s Living With War album, noted
for its single Let’s Impeach the President
– and drawing the ire of many fans. The
turmoil is captured in the tour’s documentary CSNY: Déjà Vu, slated for
theatrical release in 15 cities the weekend after their Montreal show, with a
simultaneous video-on-demand release
and streaming video via Netflix. The
DVD comes just in time for November
elections in the US.
Premiering to mostly positive reviews
in January at Sundance, the film features
ex-ABC News Iraq reporter Mike Cerre
“embedded” on the tour bus and showcases both sides of the critical reaction,
including one infamous judgment that
“the huddled sixty somethings look
like they’re comparing prescriptions
on stage.” Besides strong lyrical content,
the tour featured backdrops of war
scenes, casualty counts and clips of the
Bush administration’s finer moments.
Reception in some cities, particularly
Atlanta, was openly hostile. The strain
on the foursome’s solidarity, and the
resulting internal political struggle, is
documented cinema-verité style in
moments backstage. Produced by
Young, the film was judged by one
critic as “not so much the chronicle of
a newsworthy tour as a committed
political artist’s sincere attempt to get
to grips with an America whose mood
seems to have changed utterly since the
band’s debut.”
The current tour, minus Young, picks
up some elements from 2006 and introduces new ones, notably sharing one microphone on some acoustic numbers for
the first time. “It screams of how much
we’re getting it on together,” Nash said
in a recent interview. “Instead of our
sound man trying to blend three
sources, we’re doing it ourselves. It’s not
easy to sing so close to each other. But it
sounds great.”
A feature of the 2006 tour sure to be
repeated is its compelling example of
eco-responsibility. Pioneering the modernization of the notoriously messy
touring business, they achieved a zero
carbon footprint by using 100%
biodiesel for the entire convoy of vehicles
and offsetting 100% of the tour’s greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing and
permanently retiring credits from the
Chicago Climate Exchange – a “registry,
reduction, and trading system” similar
to the Montreal Climate Exchange
(mcex.ca) that allows emitters to “neutralize” their carbon footprints through
large-scale sustainability projects.
Reviews of the current tour have been
favourable, often commenting on the
trio’s newly trim physiques and lauding
their unabated vocal form, impressive
musicianship and wise musical choices.
Setlists are partly chosen by fans –
the group has been soliciting requests
online for upcoming shows at
crosbystillsnash.com – and Nash has
found “some surprises” from this,
noting “we’re doing about four or five
suggestions of stuff we haven’t done
in years.”
Special VIP seats are still available online through two charity beneficiaries
of the tour, the Guacamole Fund,
guacfund.org and World Hunger Year
at worldhungeryear.org.
Heimish Atmosphere - Attentive & Caring Staff
Independent & Assisted Living Within a Supportive Environment
Synagogue & Kosher Kitchen - Full Social Activities Program
Ma ke M a no ir Kin g Da v id Yo u r Home
w ww.m ano irk i ngda vi d .c om
5 5 5 5 Tr en t, Cô te St. Luc , Tel: (5 1 4 ) 4 8 6 -1 1 57
The Flavour Guy likes
food, likes to eat, likes to
chew the fat and then
some. The Flavour Guy
likes going into an
Italian grocery store and
having the clerk advise him
that the $39.99 bottle of
olive oil is actually pretty tasty and
would work nicely with whatever salad
or meat marinade is going towards
dinner. Sure a $39.99 bottle of olive oil is
sharp, earthy, buttery, grassy, peppery
(choose your adjectives here) and tastes
pretty nice on its own – just like that
magnificent 1998 Pomerol makes for
ambrosial sipping and self-satisfied inhaling – but few people make a dinner
of a mere chunk of bread dipped in olive
Flavour Guy
Barry Lazar
Excuse my wine-ing… but did someone make a decision that liquids and
solids are no longer to be consumed at
the same time? Am I a better person if
I detect the herbal notes from a highpriced “extra virgin” (which means low
acidic) olive oil? Have I failed to achieve
a level of wine-aficionado satori because I can’t tell my Gris from my Albarino? When did food start being
work and stop being fun?
ANNIVERSARY
Made by:
Granite & Marble esthetic coating
Les
Industries
Ideal for: B alconies • F oundations
MarTex Inc.
• Pool walkways • and m ore!
514-335-0990
Before
After
Before
After
Before
Save
$
50
THE SOLUTION FOR YOUR
GARAGE FLOOR!
• Esthetic coating
• Resistant • Decorative
• Many choices available
Professional installation
FREE ESTIMATE
Call
(514) 863-4694
with coupon
oil and washed down with a glass of wine.
Food tastes best when it’s enjoyed in the
company of other food (and other people).
Even Château Dépanneur is acceptable
in the right company – hamburger for
instance, or almost any strongly flavoured
dish. The more garlic in the main course,
the less likely the Flavour Guy appreciates
a sincere Sancerre.
Here’s how to do it: eat some food, drink
something refreshing, pause and then do
it all over again. Repeat as often as necessary until either the plate is clean or the
stomach is full. After a little practice you
are likely to be able to achieve both
conditions at the same time. The idea is to
enjoy what we eat and not be cowed
because we don’t know what Angus beef is
(it’s a popular breed of cattle).
Why are we looking outside – and feeling ill at ease inside – because we can’t
choose the perfect liquid to go with our
solids? We live in a region blessed with
great beer, superb apple cider, and
frankly, lousy wine – however we ignore
our natural riches and spend fortunes on
imported wines and olive oils (often at
the same price). The Flavour Guy favours
searching out local foods and supporting
indigenous agriculture: PEI mussels
steamed with a St. Ambroise blond and
later, maybe a slice of mignon de
Charlevoix cheese with a small glass of
very cold Pinnacle ice cider on the side.
Barry Lazar is the Flavour Guy:
[email protected].
Credit: bellaroo2 (flickr.com)
Search out local food and drink
Mussels for two
• A tablespoon of butter
• A cup of finely sliced Quebec
seasonal vegetables (all or some of
onion, tomato, leek, garlic, celery,
red peppers, carrots)
• Lots more chopped garlic (make
sure it’s from Quebec, it’s worth it).
• A half bottle of beer (I’m afraid
you’ll have to drink the rest).
• A ¼ teaspoon of salt
• A kilo bag of mussels (if the
mussels come in a 5 pound bag
– double the other ingredients).
Make sure the mussels are tightly
closed when you buy them.
• A handful of fresh parsley,
finely chopped
Melt the butter and cook the veggies
over low heat until the onion is soft but
not brown. Add the beer, salt and mussels. Bring it to a boil and then quickly
reduce it to simmer. Cover. Stir the
mussels once or twice. It’s ready when
the mussels are open. If a few don’t
open, discard them. Sprinkle parsley
over the mussels. Serve with a baguette,
Quebec cheeses and a green salad.
Valid for PROSURFACE only
Before
After
After
exp. 31-08-08
Love letter for the Times
Peace
of mind
Six years ago, a reader met a gentleman
through our Meet a Friend column.
They dated for six months and then
married. Sadly, two years ago, her
beloved husband passed away.
Our reader writes that he was the most
gentle, wonderful, patient, kind man she
had ever known. She vows that she will
never meet another like him but she
would like to meet a friend. They really
loved each other, she writes. Our reader,
let us call her ‘Mary Ann’, would like us
to start up Meet a Friend again and in
tribute to this loving relationship, we
have decided to do just that.
Mary Ann is in her 70s, independent
Home for autonomous senior citizens, situated in the heart
of the village of Saint-Lambert, the Carrefour Victoria with its
panoramic views offers a complete range of services like: security
24/7 with monitored security cameras, indoor heated pool,
whirlpool, sauna, lounge, library, T.V. and movie room, billiard room,
games room, outdoor terrasse, 2 elevators, balcony, heat and
electricity included, laundry facilities on site, dedicated on site staff,
friendly community, interior parking available, a medical
doctor one day per week, near shopping and close to major highways.
Centre for Training & Development
In the building you will also find the following services: bank,
beauty parlor, restaurant, dressmaker, convenience store,
dry cleaner and gift boutique.
Register now for intensive courses
OPENING HOURS:
Our friendly rental agent, Louise will be more than happy
to answer all your questions at
450-465-8550 ext. 24
222 Woodstock, Saint-Lambert
and in search of a friend for coffee,
movies or driving.
If you wish to contact her, send your
letter with a recent photo to Mary Ann
at Meet a Friend, 4077 Decarie Blvd,
Montreal, QC H4A 3J8.
Would you like to Meet a Friend? Send
your bio of 25 to 30 words and a cheque for
$20 to the above address or call Rachel at
514-484-5033 or e-mail your bio to
[email protected] and call to
give us your credit card number.We reserve
the right to edit for clarity and brevity. No
phone numbers will be given out. You will
be assigned a number and all your mail forwarded to you from our office.
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
during the month
of July, our office
is closed on Fridays
Tel. (514) 933-0047
Fax: (514) 937-3832
[email protected]
• French • English
(Monday to Thursday)
For a complete list of courses offered this summer,
please check our website:
www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/ctd
4001 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West
Suite 2G.1
Montreal QC H3Z 3G4
Uncovering the rest of the iceberg
Kristine Berey
In early January, a Montreal senior took a fall and
had to be taken to hospital by ambulance, where a
nurse stitched up her wound. However, the cut soon
began to bleed and though it was re-stitched, it did
not heal properly.
In a letter to The Senior Times, Lisa N. (not her real
name) describes several encounters with medical professionals at various clinics and hospitals where her
pleas to have her injury looked at went unheeded. She
was scolded, “patted on the head,” told to check her
blood pressure and sent to another institution. At one
clinic, she writes,“the doctor was very rude and did not
even look at the wound. I was embarrassed that the
doctor would ridicule me and not even look.”
It was not until two weeks and several visits later that
a nurse responded to her request to have her injury
seen. “She finally checked the wound and told me that
it was smelly and infected. She cleaned it and had me
come back the next day to see the doctor, who put me
on antibiotics. I’m very upset that the nurses and doctors would not take me seriously.”
Treating seniors like children and ignoring their specific requests is one subtle form of elder abuse. Other
forms may be more dramatic, as expressed in a collective formal complaint by family members of residents
in a long-term care facility: “The caregiver-resident
ratio reflects chronic understaffing. It appears that the
residence is aiming to provide the lowest-cost care for
the least amount of care time. Bells often go unanswered. Residents are left sitting for hours in front of
the dining room. Residents wait for food, wait for toileting, go un-bathed and are isolated and neglected because of inadequate staffing. (One of our ill parents
had to call his daughter in Toronto to beg her to phone
the staff on his unit so that they would reply to his call
bell, as his need to urinate went so long unattended).”
The letter goes on to say that the facility is “a terrible
place to die” as the inadequacy of medical care causes
“preventable pain” to the palliative care patient.
Though the situations described in these testimonials
are dire, the fact that they were expressed is reason to feel
hopeful, says Helen Wavroch, executive director of the
Réseau Québecois pour contrer les abus contre les ainés.
“Because of public awareness campaigns, people are
talking about it more and we hear of more cases. Statistically, we’ve had 150,000 cases a year. We’ve always said
that that was just the tip of the iceberg, those who come
forth. But how many are too afraid, or shy and don’t want
to deal with it publicly? If now we have 200,000, I think
it’s the same 50,000 that were silent the year before.”
The National Seniors Council on Elder Abuse estimates
that in Canada 4-10% of seniors experience some form
of abuse, with financial abuse being the most prevalent
and much unreported abuse taking place in the home.
Which is why, in June, to mark World Elder Abuse
Awareness Day 2008, the CSSS Cavendish (Health and
Social Service Centre), NDG Community Committee on
Elder Abuse, NDG Senior Citizens’ Council and Extra
Miles Friendly Visiting Program organized activities to
entertain, inform and empower seniors. The event featured workshops on telemarketing fraud, Alzheimer’s
Disease and the Impact of Elder Abuse on Society.
CSSS Cavendish includes the CLSC René Cassin,
CLSC de NDG–Montréal-Ouest, the Richardson Hospital and the Henri Bradet Residential Centre, a longterm care residence. It serves 117,650 people and has
the highest percentage of people over 65 on its territory,
19.2% compared to 15.3% on the island of Montreal.
The CSSS features several programs and services for
seniors such as homecare, the Elder Abuse Info line,
and the Care-Ring Voice tele-workshops for caregivers.
It must also provide front-line services to the rest of
the population.
Francine Dupuis, Executive Director of the CSSS
Cavendish, says that since the government stated that
homecare is a priority, things have been easier, but that
essentially the organization is underfunded. “You want
people to stay in the community for as long as possible,
but there is never enough money to meet the demand.”
Part of the problem, she explains, is that her organization does not get to keep all the funds it receives.
“With the new budget we receive a little more but 50%
goes to other areas outside Montreal because historically they were receiving less. It will take several years
until things even out.”
Dupuis says the government doesn’t allow for the
complexity and uniqueness of Montreal’s problems.“It
may be true per capita but in Montreal there are complex problems that are more acute, and we should be
allowed to keep every penny of development budget
that we are allocated.”
A recent study by the Agence de la Santé et des services
sociaux revealed that of 10,808 respondents, including
those living at home or in a public long-term care centre and their caregivers, 95% were satisfied with the
services they received from Montreal’s 12 CSSS.
Meanwhile, the waiting lists get longer and the variety of services offered decreases, notes Dupuis. “Do I
give more services to a few or less to a larger number of
people? It’s not easy to decide because you’re always penalizing someone. We make these decisions every day.”
If you experience or suspect elder abuse, call the
Elder Abuse Info Line at 514-489-2287
“What have you done today
to better your life?”
514-806-9307
[email protected]
www.recoveryandhealing.info
❃❃❃ SHOP❃SHOP❃ SHOP ❃❃❃
Wo o d b u r y C o m m o n s O u t l e t s
2 5 0 D e s i g n e r O u t l e t s • Ce n t r a l Va l l e y, N . Y.
August 30 - Sept 1 • 3 days/2 nights
Labour Day Weekend
Side trip to New York City $245 dbl
Call Claire 514-979-6277
D E L U X E B U S TO U R S
Rideau Carleton Racetrack/Slots
July 12 $25
Burlington, VT
• Sat. July 19
• Saturday
Plattsburg , NY
Lake George, NY • Saturday
Thousand Islands • August 16 &17
Call Claire 514-979-6277
ACACIA ELECTROLYSIS
European & Canadian studied & trained
• Waxing
• Facial – Cleaning + Massage (herbal serum)
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
514-233-5509
Queen Eliza beth Health Co mplex
21 00 Mar lowe Ave. Suite 53 6
Vendôme
REDUCED FEES!
15
LOOKING FOR CLIENTS
Tuesday - Wednesday only
C U T/ B LO W D R Y $
by Hairdresser Trainee
Please call for
an appointment
514-487-4441
C.S.L/
HAM PS TEAD
5 1 5 0 & 5 5 0 0 M A CD O NA L D
Robert Jones
Motivational Speaker
Addiction Conflict Intervention
D E L U X E B U S TO U R S
Montreal to Florida
Florida to Montreal
Montreal 450-687-2200
Florida 866-247-2200
RESERVE NOW!
LUXURIOUSLY
RENOVATED APARTMENTS!
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
Classic elegance and charm!
24 hour doorman
Security cameras
Outdoor pool, sauna
Indoor parking available
Appliances / dishwasher
Spacious 4 1/2 furnished executive suite
Available monthly
5150:
514-291-1934
5500:
514-487-5525
Photo: Nicolas Carpentier
Shortage of food, abundance of spirit
• Fami ly -Ori en ted H ome
• Lon g & Sh or t Term
• C o nv a le s c e nc e /R e s pi t e
14 Cedar Ave. Pointe Claire
Some of the Sun Youth volunteers gather around the former Seniors Club president,
Mary Murphy, at a recognition ceremony for volunteers.
(514) 697-8922
Over 30 years experience at your service
Here at Sun Youth
BARBIERI G
AUDIOPROTHÉSISTES
Nicolas Carpentier
D I G I TA L H E A R I N G A I D ( S )
N O W PA I D BY M E D I C A R E
Summer is a season of firsts: the first time you ride a
bicycle, the first time away from your parents at summer camp or the first time you move into your own
apartment.
At Sun Youth, this summer brings something new.
Our food bank is short of food. For the first time in 54
years, Sun Youth has embarked on a summer non-
Come in and discover what a digital hearing
aid can do for you!
• Assistive Listening Devices
• Audiometric Exam
• Ear Protectors
• Hearing Aid Repairs
– All Makes
• Invisible Hearing Aids
Illustration not
covered by medicare
Come in for your
CO M P L I M E N TA RY
H EARI NG TEST
1396 St. Catherine W. Suite 404
(Corner Bishop)
House calls available
Call for details
514-866-1687
Coiffure Novo
UNISEX
Tues-Wed 20% for Seniors
Mon-Tues-Wed: 9am - 6pm
Thurs-Fri: 9am - 8pm Sat: 9am - 5pm
Our goal is your satisfaction
4234 Decarie Blvd.
514-670-3218
Our caregivers make the difference...
every visit, every time.
OUR CLIENTS SAY it’s the compassion and
professionalism of our caregivers that makes
the difference – and allows them to live with
independence and dignity in the comfort of
their own homes. Find out how a personalized
care plan can help you or your loved one.
In the Montreal area, please call
514.879.5657 / 1.800.322.9228
www.bayshore.ca
• Nursing
• Personal Care
• Home Support
• Companionship
• Funding Investigations
• Free Assessments
• Nurse Supervised Staff
• 24 Hour/7 Day Service
Villa-Maria
Parking Available
perishable food drive to replenish its almost empty
warehouse shelves.
A number of factors are responsible for the shortage.
An increase in food prices is affecting our purchasing
capacity and that of our donors. We purchase less food
with the same amount of money. Soaring gas prices
aren’t helping either, adding to the financial burden of
our clientele, mainly low-income workers who need
their vehicles. This means more people come to Sun
Youth for assistance.
Food donations are less of a priority in summer. With
an increase in demand fuelled by these realities, we are
forced to contemplate reducing quantities of food
given to our clients.
With 2,500 families assisted every month, Sun Youth
desperately needs donations of non-perishable food.
They can be dropped off at Sun Youth, 4251 Saint-Urbain. Call 514-842-6822 or visit sunyouthorg.com, to
make a monetary donation specifying that the donation is intended to buy food.
On a more positive note, Sun Youth recently honoured its volunteers, many of whom are members of
the Seniors Club. We paid tribute to the former President of the Sun Youth Seniors Club, Mary Murphy
with the unveiling of a painting.
From all of us at Sun Youth, pleasant summer
wishes. Enjoy the pleasant weather but keep us in
your hearts.
Founded in 1921, the Wales Home
is a private, not for profit
organization. We provide a
continuum of care to 185 residents
from minimum care to palliative care,
including a specialized Alzheimer’s unit –
all in a warm and safe environment.
R e s i de n ts o f th e Wal e s H o m e b e n e f i t f rom :
F
F
F
F
F
Peaceful country surroundings
A full schedule of activities for all levels of care
Home-made nutritious meals
Qualified and friendly personnel
Home-like environment
Come and join us in Richmond, Quebec on September 9 th 2008
between 1 : 3 0 pm and 4 : 0 0 pm for information and a tour of our Home.
It will be our pleasure to show you all the Wales Home has to offer!
RSVP to: [email protected] or 819-826-3266 ext 247 or by mail:
The Wales Home, 506 Route 243 North, Richmond, Quebec J0B 2H0
If you are interested in visiting the Wales Home, but are unable to attend
the Open House, please do not hesitate to contact us for an appointment.
Contactivity inter-generates song
Hosting their annual Picnic in the Park would have
been a lot easier if it hadn’t rained. But instead of
letting a little rain spoil their day, Montreal’s Contactivity Senior’s Centre took their festivities inside
the Westmount Park United Church.
About 120 seniors and children
gathered to celebrate those born
in July and watch
the
Interlink
Inter-Generational Choir perform. Led by Ian Lebofsky
and accompanied by Steve Corber, the choir sang
songs that according to Lebofsky, “everyone can enjoy.”
These included The Lion Sleeps Tonight and Do Re Me.
The soprano-alto choir was a concept that started
13 years ago to “break the stereotypic ideas each may
have of the other generation,” said Lebofsky. The two
generations – Grade 4 children from Westmount
Park School and seniors from Contactivity – start as
pen-pals and after two months meet as an ensemble.
“Sometimes these pen-pals carry on for years,” says
< Bridget Polidoro and Raschale Johar
spokesperson Ginny Thomas. “It becomes like a
mentoring.”
For more information on upcoming events, call
514-932-2326 or visit contactivitycentre.org
Manoir
Clanranald
Person-centered home
health care professionals with
10+ years experience
• regular outings • daily recreation • social activities
one month free with this ad
5201 Clanranald corner Queen-Mary 514-482-0641
manoirclanranald.com
514-577-5060
Lois Hardacker
Royal LePage Action, Chartered Real Estate Broker
Virtual tour: www.estrimage.com/rlp/110mtecho
TOP OF THE WORLD
SETTING - with a fabulous
Brome Lake view, a wonder
in every season. Surrounded
by pristine agriculturally-zoned land and hidden away on
a long winding drive, this home offers you perfect privacy and restful calm. A 1948 classic, fully renovated just
a few years ago. You'll enjoy a new kitchen and 4 baths,
one for each of the bedrooms. Windows, doors, siding
and the roof - all have been changed! The original highquality hardwood flooring graces the home, along with
two wood-burning fireplaces and, always, the view! You
can move right in.
450-242-2000 • loishardacker.ca
Baby’s Breath & Holly
Summer in
Small Business is B
Le Biloquet
Carole Rocklin and owner Bonni Colton Green
A beautiful, unique baby store filled with baby gifts,
hand-painted children’s furniture, shabby chic finds, crystal
chandeliers, monogrammed towels and custom made blankets.
5122 A Sherbrooke W
514-744-8133
INTERMIX
Two-year-old Sahra Spiegelman, mother Lehe Elarar, grandmother
Nicole Elarar, and owner Nancy Mater
Ice-cream heaven awaits you at the oh-so-delicious
Le Biloquet. Famous for its exotic creamy flavors, Biloquet also
offers non-fat sorbet. And get this – Biloquet’s products are
all hand-made, you’ll never find artificial flavoring in any scoop.
The tasting is in the believing!
4864 Sherbrooke W
514-369-1118
Art-Enfant
Priya Judge
This beautiful boutique offers handcrafted sterling and gold
jewelry created by Karin Rosenfeld. These are stunning works
of art. Exclusive clothing lines and accessories are also featured
at boutique INTERMIX.
4928B Sherbrooke W
514-313-6555
Campbell Framing
Owner John Campbell with niece Gillian Campbell
Connie De Melo and Jennifer Top
A landmark framing institution since 1924, this friendly family-run
business has made framing an art for four generations. They are
experts in restoration and classic design custom framing.
They also consult and visit you for your in-house art display.
4916 Sherbrooke W
This four-year-old toy store has all the fun stuff your grandchild
would ever want: Thomas the Train, Playmobil, Corolle Dolls
and tons of toys and games for indoor and outdoor play.
4968 Sherbrooke W
514-481-1560
514-488-4041
n The City
Big in Westmount
Mess Hall
Second Cup
Mess is now Westmount’s eatery to go to! It features homemade
bistro cuisine that’s unique. Come and feast on their lobster with
truffle fettuccini, halibut with crab cakes and steak.
Their fries are fabulous and so is the ambiance!
Enjoy happy hour on their terrace this summer.
4858 Sherbrooke W
514-482-2167
Folklore I
Owner Nader El-Doraini and crew
For 13 years Second Cup has been pouring great coffee in
Westmount as well as yummy cakes, muffins, pastries
and sandwiches that won first prize in 2007 as Best Supplier.
5001 Sherbrooke W
514-487-3030
Thimbelina
Owner Gerald Fellerath and Carolyne Aubin
Folklore I offers beautiful hand-crafted jewelry and clothes from
Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, India, Bali and beyond. This unique shop
features gorgeous and affordable garments, silver and costume
jewelry and also highlights outstanding Canadian designers.
4879 Sherbrooke W
514-486-8852
Bark and Fitz
Owner Kathi MacNeil
When it comes to beautiful bedding and customized bedroom
accessories, Thimbelina is the place to visit. This adorable boutique
wraps your little one in a land of fabric fantasy.
Kathi MacNeil is an interior decorator who has a host of specialists
waiting to create a child’s wonderland.
4937C Sherbrooke W
Co-owner Evelyn Couture
Bark & Fitz is the newest place in Westmount to take your dog
or cat for the finest food, treats and grooming.
Their products pamper your pooch and cuddle your cat.
Your pet will be spoiled on their gourmet goodness.
4868 Sherbrooke W
514-484-0954
514-483-3555
J U I C E
B A R
•
R E S T A U R A N T
ST-JEAN
DES SOURCES
The family is growing
NOW 2 LOCATIONS in the West Island!
When life hands you lemons...
think orange.
think inc.
dejeuner inc.
THE GREATEST THINGS SINCE SLICED BREAD.
3339b des Sources
514-684-8000
Monday to Friday
Early Bird Special
6 am to 8:30 am
4701c St-Jean
514-624-4000
Lunch Table d’Hôte
11 am to 3 pm
The enchanted world of Cappadocia
Times and Places
Molly Newborn
If you have ever dreamt of traveling to
the moon and then realized that the
384,403 km, eight million dollar space
shuttle ticket might be a bit out of
budget, might I recommend a trip to
Cappadocia? Located in the center of
Turkey – the middle Anatolian region
spanning five cities – you will find this
lunar-like landscape.
After a grueling overnight bus from
Antalya, my tour group of 14 was
deposited at what at first looked like a
boring little Turkish town. I rubbed my
eyes as we walked down the empty street
at 5 am and realized this was no ordinary place. It looked like some of the
houses were built right into mysterious
and unearthly looking rocks. Look a
little closer and this bizarre scene
stretches for miles and miles.
Volcanic eruptions, erosion and winds
from millions of years ago somehow
created the wondrous rock formations of
Cappadocia. The Fairy Chimneys – the
most common and absurd looking structures – are natural cone formations made
from the volcanic eruptions smoothed
over time by wind and rain (good thing
this article comes with pictures because
otherwise you would be lost).
The Hittites were the first known civilization to inhabit the volcanic rock
structures of Cappadocia about 3800
years ago, followed by the Persians and
the Romans. They discovered the volcanic
rock was easily carved and shaped yet
sturdy enough to hold permanent structures. Whole towns were carved into
these rocks with houses and tunnels and
churches with frescos. People still live in
houses carved into the stone, and some
lucky tourists can even book a room in
one of the pricey carved rock hotels.
After a short 30-minute hike through
the landscape, our tour guide took us to
the old deserted town of Zelve. Zelve was
inhabited until 1952. In 1967 it was
turned into an open-air museum. I felt
like I was 6 years old again climbing up
the cliffs to the caves (or houses),
exploring each room and tunnel, imagining the lifestyle of the cave dwellers
while admiring the views as I climbed.
We then piled back into our rented
minibus and headed to a town called
Avanos. This is a town famous for its
colourful pottery made from the red clay
of the Kyzylyrmak River – the longest in
Turkey. We visited a shop that allowed us
to watch and learn how the intricately
decorated pots were made. We were all
so impressed with the show and the
artwork that each of us bought a souvenir pot. As we explored the tourist
kiosks that seem to be around almost every
Cappadocia corner we realized that they
were selling the same pots at a half to two
thirds the price we had paid in the shop.
Fairy Chimneys
Our next excursion took us to one of
Cappadocia’s 36 identified underground
cities (only four are open to the public).
It was like climbing through a giant ant
farm, crawling through holes and tunnels and more holes. These cities were
actually fully functioning civilizations
equipped with communal kitchens,ventilation systems, and common rooms.
These cities were built to live in during
invasions and could sustain hundreds of
people for up to six months! They are
not for the claustrophobic. The tall
might emerge with a bit of back pain.
Our tour guide – about 5’3” – appeared
to be standing comfortably in the rooms
while the rest of us had to hunch. I did
however get a kick out of crawling down
the maze of tunnels and rooms carved
eight levels down into the earth!
Our final night in Cappadocia was
spent watching the mesmerizing prayer
dance of the whirling Dervishes. The
Dervishes belong to the Sufi sect of
Islam. The whirling they do is a type of
prayer to achieve a meditative trance
state, connecting with the ever revolving
motion of all existence – from the protons and electrons around the nucleus,
to the planets around the stars. Their
long flowing angelic white skirts seem to
send them soaring into mystical flight.
The “show” is incredibly beautiful and
relaxing. Sweet cinnamon tea is served to
the audience to conclude the show. My
sweet tooth couldn’t get enough of it. It
cost 35 lira (about $35). I stumbled
across more Whirling Dervishes a week
later near the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.
That show was free and it did not skimp
on the tea.
Although I opted out of the $250 hot
air balloon ride (apparently a must see),
and may have fallen into a couple of
tourist traps, my Cappadocia experience
was nothing short of extraordinary. From
the giant ant farm to the towering Fairy
Chimneys, Cappadocia took me to another world, and back to the playground.
Whirling Dervishes
Molly’s Istanbul sparks reader’s memories and reflections
I was deeply touched by Molly Newborn’s June travel article Istanbul – the
magic, the madness & the mosques. I
was in Istanbul in 1958, exactly 50
years ago, my head full of Pierre Loti,
taking a summer course in Turkish for
foreign students at Istanbul University.
It was the most beautiful city I had
seen, at least its skyline of domes and
minarets.
By the way Bosporus is a strait between
two seas, not a river (Mr. Richler, please
correct me if I am wrong) although it
may look like a river if you don’t taste its
salt water.
Ms. Newborn’s first impressions were
bitter. She was hassled by peddlers offering to sell her a carpet and by cavaliers
hoping to date her. They could tell she
was a tourist. Maybe the way she was
dressed in jeans or her typical tourist behaviour, looking around with curious
starry eyes the way no local would. Judging by her photo we would expect her to
draw admiring glances not only in
Turkey, though we can’t expect her to
accept an invitation for a date, especially
a crudely formulated one from a
stranger. She goes back to her hotel
room to cry for the rest of the day. She is
obviously a sensitive young woman. It
may be her weakness as a journalist, but
it is her strength as a writer.
Well, carpet sellers or other peddlers
did not run after me. I was a student,
and students, even foreign students,
were not expected to have much money.
Ms. Newborn is rescued by Ahmet, a
former Turkish classmate from UCLA,
who gives her a guided tour of the city.
She is “stunned” by the grandeur of the
Hagia Sophia. I remember how excited
I was, as a Christian, seeing what was
perhaps the most beautiful Christian
church ever built. Mehmet the Conqueror had transformed the church into
a mosque, adding the first of the four
minarets. The secularist President
Ataturk turned it into a museum.
A house of worship has a soul that a
mere museum cannot have. Something
Ms. Newborn missed. She shows us a
photo of the Blue Mosque, illuminated
at night, displaying the inscription
“DONYA AHIRETIN TARLASIDIR”
(“The world is the ploughed field for
after-life”). Yet, one of the wonders of
the Hagia Sophia is its Christian mosaics
which had been plastered over during
the four centuries when the building was
serving as a mosque. The subject matter
may not have been objectionable to the
Muslims who venerate the Prophet Jesus
and his Mother but a mosque may not
contain any pictorial representations,
viewed as idolatry. To most if not all
Turks, it would have been tantamount to
a symbolic surrender of the city to the
Greeks, a nightmare, which had almost
happened at the end of World War I.
Ataturk’s victory over the Greeks and
their British and French allies saved the
city for Turkey and for Islam.
When visiting the Blue Mosque, Ms.
Newborn feels “uncomfortable” at being
asked to cover her head. Come on, young
lady! Haven’t you ever wrapped your
head with a scarf to protect yourself from
Canadian wind? I don’t remember
whether Western women tourists were
asked to cover their heads when visiting
mosques in Turkey in my time. I remember that we all had to take our shoes off.
Ms. Newborn is not much impressed
by the Islamic call to prayer, appreciated
by so many non-Muslims, including
Byron who had fought against the Turks
in the Greek War of Independence:
“’Twas musical, yet sadly sweet...” (The
Siege of Corinth)
On her own Ms. Newborn takes the
train across the Galata Bridge to the
Dolmabahge Palace. A train across the
Galata Bridge? I am sure the “train” here
is a misprint for tram, or is it an innovation since my time?
After her guided tour of the city Ms.
Newborn spends the night partying
with Ahmet and his friends in the bars
of Taxim (her spelling). That is quite in
character with the society. Unlike most
Muslims (Arabs, Iranians, Pakistanis)
the Turks drink openly, without inhibition, even taking pride in their drinking
prowess. Except that those were strictly
men-only sessions. It was not considered
dignified for Turkish ladies to drink raki.
I wonder if there were Turkish girls partying that night?
Please note the spelling: Taksim. There
is no X in Turkish. It is an Arabic loanword meaning “division” or “partition.”
Taksim Square is the centre of Pera or Beyogiu, the formerly “Frankish” suburb of
Istanbul with more bars than mosques.
In the end Ms. Newborn forgets her
initial disappointment and is won over
by the city: “Istanbul is magical. There is
no other place that compares.” I haven’t
been back to Istanbul for 50 years.
Ms. Newborn has captured the spirit
of the place and brought back precious
memories of my youth.
Thank you, Molly!
Çok tesekkür ederim!
– Jan Witold Weryho, NDG
Dear Ms. Weryho,
You are so very welcome! I was delighted
to learn about your experience in Istanbul 50 years ago. It seems as though
things haven’t changed too much.
We were asked to take off our shoes
and cover our heads upon entering all
mosques. Taking off my shoes made me
as uneasy as covering my head. There
were water fountains outside all mosques
where the men washed their feet (and
face and arms?) before entering. I found
a crowd of about 30 women jammed
into the ladies’ restroom with three sinks
outside the Blue Mosque washing their
feet. As a foreigner it is not my place to
complain, especially since entering the
stunningly beautiful mosque negated
any uneasy feelings.
Ahmet presented me with my first
glass of Raki during our lunch under the
Galata Bridge. The first of many. There
certainly was no shortage of alcohol for
the ladies in Taksim! There were girls in
Ahmet’s circle of friends who joined us
in the festivities, and they could have
easily passed as Americans. This took
me by surprise since I was advised to
“cover up” while traveling around
Turkey, but when it came to Istanbul the
girls definitely weren’t shy to be sexy.
This is a far cry from Urfa, which I will
be writing about in a future issue.
I did come to enjoy the Islamic call to
prayer. It was a bit of a jolt when I heard
it for the first time without warning. It
was a constant reminder wherever I
went, saying “Listen! You’re in Turkey!”
And I certainly appreciated it when it
woke me up to catch my flight
Thanks again for your reply! I am so
happy we were able to share our stories
with one another.
– Molly, Los Angeles
House & garden tour for the Piggery
Thursday, July 17, the Piggery Theatre
holds its biggest fundraiser of the year.
From 9:30 am - 4:30 pm, wander
through six homes and two gardens in
and around North Hatley and SteCatherine-de-Hatley, chosen for their
architecture and prime views. $50.
Info: 819-842-2431 or piggery.com
DRIVER
FOR SEN IORS
Reliable, honest and patient
person will pick you up, drive you
to your errands, wait for you and
carry your items.
• Cote-St-Luc • Westmount • Cote-des-Neiges
• N.D.G. • TMR • West Island** • St-Laurent
Alan 5 1 4 - 94 1 - 0 0 4 7
** For the first new ten clients from the West Island 25% off first month.
My Vegas — 30 years of memories and Elton
Barbara Moser
Most people I know who haven’t been
to Vegas have little desire to experience
it. They have no connection to the
place. They see it as crass and glitzy.
But for me, Vegas means a lot. It holds
30 years of memories — of family, love
and loss.
My first time was with the father of my
daughters just before we married in
1975. I was smitten — with Vegas.
We never left the Tropicana: the food
was free or close to it, the orange juice
freshly squeezed, the lox abundant and
succulent. It was my first encounter with
the starry glitter and tinkle of the slots.
Not that I’m a gambler, but I’ve always
liked the nickel machines.
My mother lived in Vegas for ten years.
She moved there to be closer to Paul
Anka. Once at a show we saw together,
he asked her to dance, recognizing her
from her many fan letters. She still has
his autographed pictures on her walls:
“To Eva, Love Paul.”
On my visits during those years, Mom
and I would sit for hours in the piano bar
at one of the Strip’s cheaper hotels and
watch Angelo, the singer-piano man, belt
out our requests — hers being Nat King
Cole and Paul, and mine, Elton John.
My sister Melanie moved to Vegas to
live with my mother. Melanie had a
tough life and in Vegas she felt like a
somebody. She loved the Strip, the slots,
the lights, the free drinks, the buffets, the
music — and most of all, Neil Diamond.
Melanie died in Vegas in December
2000. She was 48. Her funeral was in a
room at her favorite hotel, the famous
Golden Nugget.
I remember walking along the Strip
the day of the funeral, having come from
Melanie’s apartment carrying our
grandmother Molly’s wine glasses
wrapped in our grandmother Laura’s
embroidered tablecloth.
Melanie had no children, just a dog. I re-
On the Strip: Flamingo Hotel bathers
Elton John singing Candle In the Wind at his 200th concert in Vegas
member taking her aging Pekinese to have
him put to sleep. She would have hated me
for that, but I just couldn’t take him on.
On this trip, I see Melanie everywhere.
I’ve come to Vegas to visit my daughters and accompany my husband on
business. I am staying at the Hilton Star
Trek, just off the Strip. Gone are the days
when you could stay at the Aladdin or
the Hilton Flamingo for $17 a night.
These rooms cost $160. Alas, the laid
back Aladdin was blown up to make
room for a glitzier hotel, which is the
fate of most Vegas hotels.
The slots have changed. Now you slide
your bills in and if you win, the coins
don’t come pouring out. I miss that
sound. Now it’s a fake jingling and you
get a slip you can exchange in another
machine. The drinks at the slots are still
free and are they ever strong! They still
do everything to get you to gamble.
There are no bookstores in sight. And
I’m the only one this morning at the
Hilton Buffet with a laptop. People are
looking at me like I’m weird.
The buffets are still good and plentiful,
but prices are up. Today’s brunch is $14.
It’s a better deal than the restaurants; the
fresh fruit grown in California, just two
hours away, is divine.
They now have penny slots in every
hotel but the thing is you have to bet at
least 25 cents if you’re going to win more
than a few pennies. I still love to watch the
high rollers bet $25,000 a shot. But I don’t
dare try my hand at Black Jack anymore.
Now for my jackpot! Amy, Molly and I
took in the Elton John show at Caesars.
Tickets start at $100 and peak at $250.
We opted for $115 in the first row of the
second balcony. We all agreed the concert was the best we had ever seen. I
cried every second song, seeing 40 years
of my life and Elton’s career pass before
me in a flash, watching the big screen
images of the sixties, reveling in the
memories and the present. Holding my
The stage was an ever-evolving
magical place with massive inflated
breasts, red roses, a lipstick
and other overtly playful
phallic parts.
daughters’ hands and swaying back and
forth, we waved the black and red boas
we had been given in the lobby to
celebrate Elton’s 200th concert in Vegas.
What a show! The stage was an everevolving magical place with massive inflated breasts, red roses, a lipstick and
other overtly playful phallic parts. I was
thrown back to the days when sex was
less serious and more innocent. I cried
during Candle in the Wind, Rocket Man,
and most of all, when he sang his finale
— Your Song, in honour of his two
bodyguards who had just tied the knot
in California! I laughed when he lovingly referred to Celine Dion as “that
skinny bitch” who never has to worry
about her weight as he does.
He looked just lovely to me in his
longish appliquéd jacket and the glasses,
more muted than I remember – the
whole Elton aging gracefully into a less
raucous show-off, his virtuoso piano
playing more beautiful than ever, his
voice strong and robust, having lost
none of its sexy, smooth tone. My girls
and I knew all the words, sometimes
singing along. This is the sign of a star
— to last more than two generations.
Molly and I walked over to the Riviera in
the heat and were blessed with a stunning
rendition of Your Song by a house
crooner, the talented and friendly Mark.
To cap off our stay, we saw Menopause
— the Musical, a zany slapstick look at“the
change” through the eyes of four icons of
“our age” — the professional woman, the
fading soap star, the Earth Mother, and the
Iowa housewife. The songs are takeoffs of
tunes from the 60s and 70s, with themes
ranging from the ever-present hot flashes
to ever-present need for food to the ever-
Amy, Mom, and Molly in our
boas after the concert,
taken from Amy’s iPhone
present need for sex from hubby. The best
performance of the show was a very risqué
dance rendition of My Guy sung to a huge
red vibrator. (I just can’t bring myself to
use the D-word).
All of us who have gone through the
change were invited onstage to do an
aging can-can and receive buttons: I’ve
changed.
I don’t have much change left as I leave
this town. If you go to Vegas, I recommend staying on the Strip. You can take
the monorail (at $11 a day) to get
around but you’ll still have some walking to do. It’s much more expensive,
more crowded, less accessible, and you
get a lot less “bang for your buck.”
Vegas has changed — a lot since 1975!
Little is free in this town. It’s not the
easygoing place I fell in love with 30
years ago. Yet, all in all it was a slice.
Thanks Elton for playing my songs!
So, everyone, get off your high horses
and live a little. You won’t find high
culture here, but it’s a breath of notso-fresh air in the city that never sleeps.
Elton John plays the Champlain Valley
Fair in Vermont July 21. Details page 19.
South Of
The Border
Vermont Events
Unique antiques
Fiddling family fun
Saturday, July 12 from 10 am – 4 pm,
Vermont’s Children’s Aid Society’s
Annual Antiques & Unique Festival
features 120 antique vendors, pottery,
paintings, jewelry, collectibles, toys and
quilts. Feast on bake sale goodies and
enjoy Trinity music.
Info: 802-655-0006
Friday, July 18 at 8 pm, Cracker Barrel
Fiddlers Contest offers an evening of
music, food and family fun. Foot
stompin’ toe tappin’ and knee slappin’
tunes await. $6.
Info: 802-866-5580
Festival on the green
Friday, July 18 to Saturday, July 19, the
Stowe Street Arts Festival in Waterbury
features Phill ‘n’ the Blanks Friday
evening from 7 – 10 pm after the
Congregational Church’s Chicken
Barbeque.
Info: 802-244-8300
Sunday, July 13 to Saturday, July 19,
Vermont’s Village Green hosts its 30th
annual Festival-on-the-Green. Marta
Gomez and group perform original
compositions based on Latin American
rhythms. Street dance closes the Festival
on Saturday.
Info: 802-462-3555
Photo: Ryan Parent
Ballroom dancing
Thursday, July 17 to Sunday, July 20,
the 7th Killington Wine Festival features
wine tasting, educational seminars, live
music and a gala wine dinner.
Info: 800-337-1928
Saturday, July 19 to Sunday, July 20,
participate in a Weekend Ballroom
Dance Workshop with dancing and
lessons with world-renowned dance
instructor Ian Folker. Champlain Club,
20 Crowley, Burlington.
Info: 802-598-6757
Vermont brewers festival
Top dogs
Friday, July 18 to Saturday, July 19, the
Vermont
Brewers
Festival
in
Burlington’s scenic Waterfront Park is
perfect for enjoying Lake Champlain
and the Adirondack Mountains.
Info: 802-244-6828
Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13, see
hundreds of top breed dogs at the
Vermont Cluster Dog Show at
Champlain Valley Fairgounds, 105 Pearl,
Essex Junction.
Info: 902-878-5545 or cvexpo.org
Wine fest
The Green Mountain Railroad’s Champlain Valley Flyer
Paintings, photographs &
fine arts
Tired from long distance drives?
We have the solution for you.
We have been in the vehicle transportation
for the last 20 years.
We offer:
• Up to 7 trucks departures weekly
• Express service
• All year round service
New:
• Enclosed trailer
• Website, reservation on line
Give a call to our dynamic team!
1-800-360-4336
www.transportlaberge.com
Cookies and ice cream
Sunday, July 20 from 10 am – 5 pm
Billings Farm & Museum presents its
25th Anniversary Celebration for free ice
cream and cookies. Performances by the
Vermont Fiddle Orchestra, Vermont
Governor Jim Douglas and Robert
Resnik & Friends. Route 12 North at
River Road, Woodstock.
Info: 802-457-2355
Folk concerts
Tuesday, July 22 at 7 pm, the 10th Old
West Church Folk Concert features
Peggy Seeger, Deb Flanders and Pete
Sutherland. The Calais Concerts,
organized by Deb Flanders, highlight the
traditional music of New England in
honour of Deb’s great-aunt Helen
Hartness Flanders, one of the pioneers
of folk music history in the US.
Info: 802-863-5966
Pump boys and dinettes
Tuesday, July 29 to Saturday, August 9
at 8 pm with a Saturday matinee at 2
pm, Pump Boys and Dinettes - the
Musical celebrates the simple pleasures
and good folks at the Double Cupp
Diner. Saint Michael’s Playhouse,
1 Winooski Park, Colchester.
Info: 802-654-2281
Saturday, August 23 at 8 pm, Vermont
Public Radio presents Garrison Keillor
and A Prairie Home Companion.
Sunday, August 24 at 7 pm, 95 Triple X
presents Daughtry as part of the Bud
Light Concert Series.
Thursday, August 28 at 7 pm, US
Marine Corps band performs.
Friday, August 29, 106.7 WIZN presents
Ted Nugent.
Info: 802-878-5545 or cvexpo.org
Tickets: 802-86-FLYNN or flynntix.org
Strongman lung benefit
Saturday, July 26 NAS Green Mountain
Strongman Challenge to benefit the
American Lung Association of New
England. Tickets on sale through the
American Lung Association of Vermont.
$5 person, $15 family of four, 8 and
under free. Champlain Valley Fairgounds, 105 Pearl, Essex Junction.
Info: 802-876-6500 or lungvt.org
Horse show
Friday, August 15 to Saturday, August
16, Vermont Dressage Days Horse Show
benefits Women Helping Battered
Women and the Vermont Humane
Federation. Champlain Valley Fairgounds, 105 Pearl, Essex Junction.
Info: 802-878-5545 or vtddatcve.com
Champlain Valley Fair features
Elton John
Voted one of
New England’s
Top 5 Diners in
Yankee Magazine
- A Burlington area favorite Enjoy friendly, upbeat service & Mom’s home cooking
We make all our own Cakes & Pies (fresh & local)
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Mon 6 am - 4 pm
Tue - Fri 6 am - 9 pm
Sunday Brunch 7 am - 2 pm
Route 7 Winooski-Colchester Town Line
Exit 16, right off Vermont I-89
Sat 7 am - 9 pm
1-802-655-0343
APPLE ISLAND RESORT
US ROUTE 2, SOUTH HERO, VERMONT
Life Made Sweet
“The Best of Vermont on Lake Champlain”
BECOME A SEASONAL RESIDENT
AND ENJOY OUR MANY AMENITIES
Heated pool and hot tub – marina – golf course
– free wifi – community center – fitness center
“Your Aﬀordable Vacation Home”
Park models range from $45,000 to
New $70,000. Seasonal Homesite or Long Term
Photo: Steve Mease
Saturday, August 23 to Monday, September 1, the Champlain Valley Fair
presents entertainment, agricultural
competitions, arts and crafts, horse and
oxen pulling, shopping, Reihoffer Carnival and Midway, Coca-Cola Grandstand
concerts, motorsports, music, Vermont
Talent and food. Champlain Valley Fairgounds, 105 Pearl, Essex Junction.
Monday, July 21 at 8 pm, Elton John
plays the Coca-Cola Grandstand. Four
ticket limit.
A BURLINGTON, VERMONT LANDMARK FOR 18 YEARS!
Champlain Valley Fair
Easements available.
Furnished & ready for immediate occupancy,
some with 3 season rooms.
Please call Ken Duffy in sales office for more
information. Preowned homes available.
Sales Office:
(802) 372-3866
www.appleislandresort.com
Warm and inviting... in every season!
Aug. 23 to Sept. 1
Summer’s Biggest Shows in VT
Aug. 23: Garrison Keillor
Aug. 24: Daughtry
Aug. 25: Danity Kane
Aug. 26: Extreme Motorcycles
Aug. 27: Demolition Derby
Aug. 28: US Marine Corps Band
Aug. 29: Ted Nugent
Aug. 30: Toby Keith
Aug. 31: The Jonas Brothers
Sept. 1: NTPA Truck & Tractor Pull
Order at
FLYNNTIX .ORG
or (802) 863-5966
Champlain Valley Exposition
105 Pearl St., Essex Jct., VT
(802) 878-5545
On-site RV and Tent Camping Available
Senior Day is Tuesday, Aug. 26!
SAVE $4 on Admission with coupon
from participating Kinney Drugs in VT
A warm Vermont welcome awaits you at the Black Bear
Inn! Surround yourself with our 6,000 pristine acres that
offers hiking, picnicking, swimming, waterfalls, breathtaking views, snow shoeing and Alpine & Nordic skiing.
Not only are we New England’s only slopeside country
inn, we are also located minutes from Burlington, Montpelier, Stowe and Waterbury. All rooms have private
baths, cable TV, and WiFi; many feature private hot tubs
and firestoves. Enjoy dinner in our candlelit dining room,
and wake up each morning to a hot country breakfast.
We look forward to being your hosts in the mountains!
-Brian and Jill Drinkwater, Innkeepers
www.blackbearinn.travel • 800-395-6335
Specialists in
Caribbean Food!
O P E N DA I LY
MON - SAT: 11 am - 9 pm
FREE Delivery (min. $8 order)
5 1 4 .4 8 7. 7 48 8
5889 Sherbrooke St. W.
Italian Cuisine
Re s t a u r a n t - B a r
7333 Newman, Lasalle
(514) 366-0999
C o m e ce l e b ra t e S u m m er t im e
a t B o c c a ci n o s!
• Book early for
your special events
WE CATER NOW!
w w w. c a r m i n e c a t e r i n g . c o m
Catering & Delivery 5 1 4 - 3 6 6 - 1 7 7 7
• Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Dessert & Coffee
20%
OFF
Must Reserve
(can not be combine
with any other coupons
or promotions)
Organ concerts this month
Orgue Et Couleurs presents the 44th season of
“Concerts populaires de Montréal” under the artistic
direction of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, at Centre PierreCharbonneau, 3000 Viau. $18 to $27.
Wednesday, July 9 at 7:30 pm, Tango Spotlight features
spirited tango music with the warm sounds of the bandonéon, an authentic voice and other instruments.
Wednesday, July 16 at 7:30 pm, Backstage At The
Orchestra. Classics and comedy go hand in hand.
Wednesday, July 23 at 7:30 pm, Land of Love features
works from the Classical and Romantic periods.
Wednesday, July 30 at 7:30 pm, At the English Court
promises one royal evening, two eras: the 18th and
20th centuries. Orchestre Métropolitain Du Grand
Montréal, conducted by Julian Wachner.
Info and tickets: 514-899-0938
or orgueetcouleurs.com
Dining Out
• Access to FREE
wireless Internet
C ome H ome T o B oc ca ci nos
SPECIAL
Music Music Music
All week from Monday to Sunday
Valid at BOCCACINOS in LaSalle only
Unt il July 31/08 Must bring coupon
Sun. - Thurs. 11 am - 11 pm
Fri. - Sat. 11 am - midnight
FOR TAKEOUT & RESERVATIONS:
514-731-6455
5365 des Jockeys
A MUST FOR THIS
SUMMER!
JULY 10 TO AUGUST 30
514 790-1245 www.admission.com*
1 800 361-4595
*service charges apply
Infos : cabaretducasino.com
Decarie & Jean Talon
Beaconsfield outdoor concerts
The City of Beaconsfield presents its summer line-up
of free summer concerts and activities in the park.
Sundays at 12 pm, bring a picnic to Centennial Park
for free activities and concerts. 288 Beaconsfield.
Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, six outdoor concerts are presented in collaboration with Sunrise Senior Living.
Rain venue: Beaconsfield Recreation Centre, 1974 City
Lane.
Info: 514-428-4480 or beaconsfield.ca
Literary, musical fundraiser a success
The 3rd annual summer solstice literary and musical
cabaret at the Atwater Library on June 27 successfully
raised $411.50 for the library’s fund to acquire and
maintain a piano.These proceeds were from voluntary
donations.
Over 80 people attended the event, which was organized by Senior Times contributor Byron Toben and
included performances by Senior Times music columnist Paul Serralheiro’s trio. The evening included a play
reading, Irish story telling and music, folk music and a
tango demonstration. Jack Todd of the Montreal
Gazette donated an autographed copy of his new best
seller Sun Going Down as a door prize.
Whose word is it anyway?
The Word Nerd
Howard Richler
Who owns a word? Recently, three residents of the
island of Lesbos laid claim to the word “lesbian,” filing suit against the organization Homosexual and
Lesbian Community of Greece for using the word
“lesbian” in its name. The litigants claim the organization’s name “insults the identity” of the people of
Lesbos, who are also known as Lesbians. One of the
plaintiffs, Dimitris Lambrou, claims that the global
dominance of the word “lesbian” in its sexual context
violates the human rights of the islanders of Lesbos
and causes them world-wide humiliation.
This case brings to mind a 1998 protest that occurred
in England over the name Mecca Bingo for a bingo hall
chain. Muslim protesters felt insulted that the name of
their holiest city be associated with gambling and this
led to some violent demonstrations, although to my
knowledge no legal action was launched claiming a
proprietary right to the word “Mecca.” It’s also interesting to note that as Mecca Bingo Ltd. was established
in 1884, the protests about the use of the name were
hardly immediate.
These actions prompt the question of who owns a
word. While the first OED usage of lesbian in the 17th
century refers to people living on the island of Lesbos,
by the end of the 19th century the term lesbian referring
To drive or not to drive
Let’s talk
about it
Bonnie Sandler, S.W.
All too often when I ask families about their loved one’s
driving abilities after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s,I’m told
there’s no serious concern.After further questioning it’s
not unusual to learn the individual is “only” driving
close to home (where accidents never happen?) – or only
lost their way a couple of times, or scratched the car in
the garage. Yet when I ask whether they would allow
their children to be in the car, the answer is a firm no.
Who is protecting the neighbours’ children? I’m not
insensitive to the significance of driving to someone
who has been driving most of his or her life. Having
car keys taken away can be devastating. But driving demands good judgment, skills, reflexes, concentration,
and sensory abilities.
The burden of this decision should not be left to fam-
to same-sex female couples entered the dictionary and
was entrenched in the English language. Similarly, by
the middle of the 19th century, the word “Mecca” was
often used for a place which attracts people of a particular group or with a particular interest.
The aforementioned contentions are by no means the
only litigious possibilities. So far, no protests have been
heard from the residents of Bohemia over the usurping
of the word “bohemian” by artsy-fartsy vagabonds who
lead irregular lives. Nor have I heard any murmurs of
dissent from the residents of Donnybrook, the former
Irish suburb of Dublin, that the word donnybrook has
come to refer to a riotous brawl.
And where will it all end? Shouldn’t Bulgarians take
umbrage that the word “bugger” comes from Bulgarian?
The OED relates that it was “a name given to a sect of
heretics who came from Bulgaria in the 11th century,
afterwards to other ‘heretics.’” Perhaps Slovenians will
come to feel that the word “slovenly” casts aspersions
on them, notwithstanding the word does not derive
from Slovenia, but merely sounds as if it could?
Personally, I’ll be astonished if the courts in Greece
rule in favour of the Lesbos litigants. An etymological
close precedent, the word gay, has long been usurped
by the homosexual community. Along with merry
folks, people whose first name or surname is Gay could
well be upset by puerile people who ask “are you Gay?”
Also, who can listen to the lyrics “don we now our gay
apparel” and not be prone to a vision of cross-dressers?
The reality, however, is that “gay” to refer to a homosexual is now an entrenched meaning – like it or not,
words do acquire new meanings.
On the other hand, some will argue that politically
correct society has decided not to use certain terms like
ily members. In California, physicians must report a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s to the health department, who in
turn passes this information to the motor vehicle bureau. The Quality Standard Subcommittee of the
American Academy of Neurology recommends driving
tests be conducted every six months for those with AD.
Why don’t we have a similar process in place here? I
suggest that doctors be obligated to report a diagnosis
of cognitive impairment to the SAAQ, who should
mandate frequent driving tests. This would relieve the
family of having to decide where to draw the line. Caregivers have enough on their plates without having to
play the enforcer in this respect.
In the meantime, these signs should help families
know when it’s time to schedule a driving test:
✔ Driving too slow or too fast
✔ Unable to find the way to a familiar place
✔ Slow in reacting to a new situation
✔ Not observing traffic signs
✔ Hitting curbs
✔ Agitation when behind the wheel
✔ Confusing the gas and the brake pedal
✔ Scratches on the car
✔ Trips taking longer than usual
Above all, safety is not negotiable!
Contact Bonnie at [email protected].
the verbs “to jew,” “to welsh” and “to gyp” as they attribute
certain traits to the Jews, Welsh and Gypsies, respectively. Clearly, these are seen as a different situation
from the “bohemian” and “donnybrook” usages because
there is a consensus in society that stereotyping certain
groups by supposed negative traits is offensive. The
Lesbians’ strongest legal argument seems therefore to
rest on the fact that they are being negatively tarred and
this at a time when society is largely tolerant of sexual
preference. Not a compelling argument.
So, given the entrenched and acceptable nature of
“lesbian” to refer to same-sex female couples, I have a
suggestion for the Greek litigants. Why don’t you
demonstrate largesse, and compromise by adopting the
word “Lesbonians” as an English term to refer to the
inhabitants of Lesbos?
Howard Richler’s latest book is Can I Have a Word With
You? He can be reached at [email protected].
H O U S E O F T R AV E L
Special prices for SENIORS!
Cruise Specialist on All Major Cruise Companies
Special accompanied groups on different departures
Certified specialist from Switzerland.
Go nearly anywhere with Swiss Air
and stop a few days in the Swiss mountains.
Very special rates!
For your travel arrangements,
call us first or last and save!
Royal Caribbean is Explorer of the Sea
Super ship, 135,000 tons. Ask for brochure.
Cruises with bus transfer from 12 Days
Montreal to New York from $1550.
Call Alex anytime (514) 282-1022
Permis
du Quebec
ONLY
DELIVERS
Bring us right to your door,
$21
(taxes
included)
every month of the year.
First Class Mail! • 1 year = 10 Monthly issues
plus Annual Residence & Resource Directory
Name:
Address:
City:
Prov:
Postal Code:
Tel:
Please make cheque, or money order payable to:
or
THE SENIOR TIMES or pay by
THE SENIOR TIMES
4077 Decarie Blvd. Montreal QC H4A 3J8
Tel : 514 484-5033 Fax: 514 484-8254
Photo: JFLeblanc
Photo: Baptiste Grison
Festival de Lanaudière - Bernard Labadie and Violon du Roy players
Francofolie crowd
Notes
of note
Paul Serralheiro
Whether you plan to go out to the country or stay in
town, there are plenty of musical events to celebrate
the summer season. Choices abound, from festivals in
bucolic settings that give “country music” a totally
different meaning to urban festivals a metro ride away.
Running July 5 to August 3 just a short distance from
Montreal, the 31st year of the Lanaudière Festival has a
• Amplified phones
• TV listening systems
• Low vision aids,
strong magnifiers
• Magnifying lamps
• Polarized sun shields
5645 Côte des Neiges
(Free parking at rear)
514 344-3988
www.ultravisionmontreal.com
Lachine
La Résidence
Côte des Neiges
Possibility
of 30%
Tax Credit
76 units: Private rooms and 3 1/2
Easy living
rich offering of first-rate classical musicians, both local and international, from
medieval to contemporary, throughout
July and early August. Featuring Kent
Nagano and Yannick Nézet-Séguin,
pianists Alain Lefèvre and Valentina
Lisitsa and the Baroque Orchestra of
Freiburg, the festival offers a healthy fare
of music with dinner, encounters with
musicians and cruises on Lac St-Pierre.
There is also a special sound installation
of bird songs taking its cue from the
works of Olivier Messiaen.
Festival international du blues de Tremblant
Music of a different ilk can be heard
north in the hills of the Laurentians, with the Mont presents its Concerts aux Îles du Bic chamber music
Tremblant Blues Festival running from July 4-13 and festival from August 1-10. Yuli Turovsky and I Musici
featuring Johnny Winter, Paul James, Keb’ Mo’ and a of Montreal perform intimate classics. The varied
tribute to the recently deceased Jeff Healey.
chamber music formations deliver the calming reperAlong the breathtaking views of the lower St. toire of Mozart, Debussy and Poulenc.
Lawrence just south of Rimouski, the Parc du Bic
If your summer promises to be an inner-city affair,
there are scores of festivals to choose from. Besides the
well-known Montreal International Jazz Festival,
florist • Flowers • Plants
there’s Nuits d’Afrique, which runs from July 8-20,
le
and features African musicians with both free shows, at
• Weddings
the Place Émilie-Gamelin, and ticketed shows. There’s
• Balloons
de
mélissa • Fruit Baskets
also Francofolies, July 24 to August 3, which serves a
wide range of music by francophone artists, in the
Call us for
same setting as the Jazz Fest, this year featuring
Your Wedding
homage to the great Félix Leclerc.
Urban and bucolic at the same time are the events
Delivery around the World
known
as Les Weekends du Monde held at the Parc
( 5 1 4 ) 4 8 8- 1 1 4 7
Jean-Drapeau throughout July. The program features
6206 Sherbrooke St. West
www.lejardindemelissa.com
daylong activities with music from the Caribbean and
Latin America, as well as Classical Thursdays.
The Celtic Music Festival, held on the beautiful
grounds of the Douglas Hospital in Verdun ran until a
couple of years ago. It featured wonderful music from
North America, Ireland and Britain, Celtic France and
Spain. Hopefully this festival will see the light of day once
more, although not likely this summer. Perhaps in 2009?
jardin
Final Expense Protection*
Affordable!
• Funeral arrangements*
Guaranteed!
• Peace of mind*
Priceless!
•
Respite / Vacation / Convalescence
Day Centre 7 am - 6 pm, includes breakfast,
lunch and recreational activities
• Also available on weekends, by week or by month
• Limited space • Wheelchair & walker access
• 3 meals a day / 7 days a week
• Snacks (24 hours a day)
• Regular housekeeping (cleaning and laundry)
Prix d’excellence SCHL
• Laundry room
Processus et gestion
• Home assistance program available
24-hour
• Certified nurses • Qualified staff
surveillance
• Private telephone line
[email protected]
1655 William McDonald, Lachine
514 637-4551
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Activities • Great staff
Housekeeping
24 hour concierge
Clean & safe environment
Three meals/day (specified diet)
Private & shared rooms
Regular Nurse & Doctor visits
Assistance with shower/bath
IT’S ABOUT... PEACE OF MIND
FAMILYSIDE
4847 Jean Brillant
Côte des Neiges QC
Call us! We have a place for you.
514-731-2985 • 1-877-731-2985
For FREE information
rschmalhaus@
lakeviewmemorial.ca
Rainer Schmalhaus
514 606-9426
Photo: Mont Tremblant Resort
A smorgasbord of summer festivals
than
For Mr. Fraser, it was more
a harmonica.
es.
ll always sit next to his ash
wi
t
tha
e
on
d
an
r,
he
fat
m his
It was a treasured gift fro
Opting for cremation
rtant and personal decision.
er another is an impo
found respect that
Choosing one kind of urn ov
one. It is with the most pro
ery
ev
for
ing
an
me
t
en
fer
cess.
is a choice that has a dif
out the entire planning pro
gh
ou
thr
u
yo
ny
pa
om
acc
we pledge to
ious moment at a time.
Honouring life, one prec
8 735-1361
For more details, call 1 88
.org.
or visit www.cimetierenddn
Affor
da
Price ble
!
SINCE 2003
Winner of the 1996’
Gerontism prize
SINCE 2004

July 2008 - The Senior Times

Transcription

Similar documents

Passport

Visit Montreal Part 3

View Promo - St. Michael`s Health Group

July 2011 - The Senior Times

to your all access subscription

L`Avenue Condos: Redefining Montreal`s skyline

brochure - Cades Cove Heritage Tours

We`ll help you get rid of junk mail! Please place unwanted catalogs

October 2008 - The Senior Times

Scottish Immigrant Kenneth Richmond Coupar Appleby

PDF - Westmount Historical Association