WEDNESDAY
S I N C E
DECEMBER 4, 2013
1 8 9 5
Vol. 118, Issue 191
105
$
INCLUDING G.S.T.
Follow us online
Bantam Reps host tourney Page 9
PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF ROSSLAND, WARFIELD, TRAIL, MONTROSE, FRUITVALE & SALMO
Music helps stir up memories Therapy and songs revitalize seniors’ ability to communicate BY SHERI REGNIER Times Staff
Remember when Gene Autry honkytonked or Judy Garland crooned over the air waves? Many Poplar Ridge residents lived through those years and with gentle encouragement from Karen Yamazaki, are able to share the songs along with memories of a golden past. Yamazaki is a music therapist and for five years has brought the extended care seniors together in weekly gatherings of sing-alongs, percussion sessions, and in some cases, one-on-one sharing of melodies. “Music itself is communication about emotion,” said Yamazaki. “For people who have difficulty speaking or dementia, when I play a song they’ll recognize it and start singing the chorus. “Quite often a few songs seem to oil things and they are better able to express thoughts and ideas.” As an accredited music therapist, Yamazaki uses the creative process inherent in musical participa-
SHERI REGNIER PHOTO
Karen Yamazaki has been sharing stories and memories through the power of song since 2008 with the residents of Poplar Ridge Pavilion. Yamazaki is a music therapist and uses her craft to evoke memories and improve overall wellbeing of the seniors. tion to assist the seniors, many stricken with dementia and neurological disorders, to improve their mental, social, and emotional well-being. Yamazaki recalled a gentleman who lives in the Pavilion and carries only a single word into conversations related to challenges with mechanics of speech, including an
inability to move his lips and lack of supportive breath. “But I can play ‘There is a tavern in this town,’ and the fellow is singing without effort,” she said. “It is amazing because he is fluent for the entire verse whereas regular speech for him is just one word.” Yamazaki’s twice a week afternoon ses-
sions are sometimes taken into the resident’s room if the person is unable to join the group, and strumming songs on the guitar specifically selected for the senior provides intimate comfort for sharing of stories. “The most important thing is the music has to be something you like for the best effect,” said Yamazaki.
“If I can identify a type of music or singer, quite a few enjoy old county western, I will share the songs in their room.” She has heard many stories about decadesold memories such as a country song called “Golden Saddles,” reminding a senior of dancing to her father’s fiddle during hard times growing up in the prairies, or classical Beethoven symphonies stirring up another’s memory of attending concerts in England with her mother. “One of the beauties of music therapy is that it can bring all of the residents together regardless of their level of dementia. And it’s fun for me to see them singing or tapping their foot.” Research indicates that music therapy can improve physical comfort, lift the spirits and improve responses from those in late stages of dementia, although why this happens remains unanswered. “They haven’t figured out why it is working,” she said. “But seeing how these folks really focus in a music session and how they are alive and really bright is just wonderful to see.”
Fruitvale senior seeks change to bus route BY SHERI REGNIER Times Staff
A 20-minute trip to visit family and long-time friends in Salmo has turned into a four-hour excursion for Fruitvale’s Bob Brown. The 77-year-old, known in the community as Brownie, recently lost his driver’s licence.
So when he chose to make the jaunt to Salmo by bus, the Beaver Valley Manor resident was met with a circuitous journey through Trail, Castlegar, Playmor Junction and Nelson, before BC Transit’s wheels ever hit the village’s turf. “I have been introduced to a new way of life,” he said.
Hey Boys & Girls Mail, drop off or email your
Letters to Santa
“After 61 years my doctor sent a letter to the Motor Vehicle Branch,” explained Brown. “With my present eyesight I could not drive safely and was thus introduced to the new upgraded transit system.” Historically, there has never been a bus route available on the 26-kilometre stretch of highway between
Fruitvale and Salmo, and calling a cab would be a wallet-busting $75 one-way ride. The shortest distance between all six communities is 132 km but allowing for additional diversions through the route’s drop-off points, the distance grows meaning further delays and time added See LACK, Page 3
s ur letter er 16th o y n i g Brin emb han Dec t e r e t a l no em in th h t t n i r lp s and we’l 20th Trail Time r e t Decemb e or prin
it ber... wr k pen or Remem ar sing a d to include u y l t a e n re nd be su e. pencil a ag me and your na
Community responds to call to help Filipino families BY SHERI REGNIER Times Staff
A fundraiser to help survivors in the Philippines after a devastating typhoon hit the island country last month, has left Siony Thompson humbled and a little teary. Thompson, a retired nurse from Genelle, organized the event on behalf of the West Kootenay Filipino Canadian Society and was overwhelmed with the turnout that brought in $3,300 Sunday afternoon. “I am so overwhelmed and happy with all the support “I am so I feel like crying,” she said. overwhelmed “The weather and happy with did not stop anyall the support I one from coming and the hall feel like crying.” was full with SIONY THOMPSON so many people who stayed right to the end.” Thompson said the money will be divvied up between seven families in the affected areas who have relatives in Greater Trail and Christina Lake. “We have the means to get the money to the affected people right away,” she explained. “We have the families’ addresses and will be sending the money directly by electronic transfer,” said Thompson. “All we have to do is phone them and within minutes they will have the money.” According to the latest reports, the Philippine government estimates that nationwide, the death toll from Typhoon Haiyan, which hit the region on Nov. 8, stands at 3,982 with 1,602 still missing and more than 200,000 homes destroyed, with over one million people displaced. “I’ve seen people who live in the affected areas on the TV,” said Thompson. “All they have is a bag of rice and a few cans of sardines for their families to survive,” she continued. “The money we raised will help to feed the families we know and maybe they can start rebuilding their homes.” Another fundraiser is planned for this weekend at a local eatery. Carole Dasti, owner of Huckleberry’s Cafe on Old Waneta Road is hosting a silent auction in the restaurant on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. For information call 368-3346 or 6931576. See photos on Page 2
Send your letter to:
Contact the Times: Phone: FineLine250-368-8551 Technologies 62937 Index 9 Fax:JN250-368-8550 80% 1.5 BWR NU Newsroom: 250-364-1242 Canada Post, Contract number 42068012
1163 Cedar Avenue, Trail, BC V1R 4B8 or sales@trailtimes.ca