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THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

GoodLife Good THE

Spring 2014

A Guide to SENIOR LIVING and Activities

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Tuesday, April 22, 2014 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

The Good Life

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Restricted mobility not the end of activity for pair Renee Andor Record Staff

Wilma mckenzie plays piano at the views next to st. joseph’s general hospital.

Barbara and Carla

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Wilma McKenzie and Sue Simmons suffer from mobility issues but that doesn’t stop either of them from remaining active in their later years. McKenzie, 83, and Simmons, 69, are longtime residents at The Views — McKenzie since 1997 and Simmons since 2002. McKenzie can’t walk at all so is confined to a wheelchair, and Simmons has difficulty walking, so she relies heavily on a wheelchair. But, each woman regularly participates in a wide variety of activities, physical and mental, and McKenzie notes both kinds are very important for seniors. “You’ve got to work both parts of yourself; you have to work your body and your brain as much as you possibly can to achieve longevity,” says McKenzie. Simmons adds: “I refuse to roll over and play dead … As they say, ‘If you don’t use it you lose it.’ “ One way Simmons and

McKenzie stay active is the annual Pioneer Olympics,

sue simmons suns herself on the deck of a cruise ship on her trip to greece and italy in this take us along photo.

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Tuesday, April 22, 2014 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

The Good Life

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Views activities include music, fitness, computer

Continued from 2 various games against other local residential facilities like Glacier View Lodge and the Comox Valley Seniors Village. Some games include floor curling, horseshoes, and beanbag toss. Simmons says the St. Joseph’s Eagles (The Views team name), frequently win the tournament, thanks to “training” from staff in The Views activity department. Activities at The Views range from things like music, to fitness classes, cribbage tournaments, gardening and computer time in the facility’s computer room. Simmons and McKenzie say they enjoy many of the same activities; they regularly attend fitness classes, sing in the choir, participate in music appreciation, (in which participants listen to classical music together), paint and play cribbage. McKenzie used to play piano as a young girl, and during her time at The Views she’s rekindled her past skills. “I don’t make a bad job of it if I do say so myself,” she adds with a grin, noting she enjoys playing for the other residents. “Sometimes I play coun-

try-western, sometimes I play old songs like (Down By The) Old Millstream or I Love You Truly, or Red River Valley. “You Are My Sunshine is a standard here; everybody loves it.” McKenzie also writes poetry and spends time on the computers. Simmons enjoys gardening, and points out she has the largest garden at The Views. She also likes to do word puzzles and photography. Simmons says she’s always loved travelling the world, and she’s been to many different places, such as France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and Bermuda. Although she must have a care aide accompany her and get the OK from her doctor first, Simmons continues to feed her love for travelling the world by taking trips on cruise ships. She’s been on a cruise to Alaska and another to Italy and Greece. She’s also planning a 17-day cruise in September that would stop at China, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Thailand and Cambodia. Besides sharing their endeavour to remain active,

WILMA MCKENZIE AND SUE SIMMONS LIKE TO STAY ACTIVE IN THE PHYSICAL ACTIVATION RECREATION CENTRE AT THE VIEWS. both women have pushed through health problems in their lives and have a history with St. Joseph’s General Hospital. Simmons worked as a

Advanced Planning:

housekeeper there for 18 years before she had a brain hemorrhage in 2000. She was in a coma for two weeks, and after she emerged, it took her two years to relearn

how to talk and three years how to walk. McKenzie was born at St. Joseph’s in 1930 and has lived in the Valley her whole life. She had tuberculous

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meningitis when she was 16 months old; her recovery was long and she was unable to walk until she was four years old.

writer@comoxvalleyrecord.com

THE GOOD LIFE

Tuesday, April 22, 2014 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Everyone’s life is unique Scott Stanfield Record Staff Every life is unique — which Malcolm Holt is reminded about with every recording session. The retired architect is a video biographer who owns Cameo Video in Courtenay. For the past 3.5 years, he has been producing personal biographies by capturing memoirs and reminiscences, mostly from elderly people. Typically, the result is a 60- to 90-minute life story

on DVD. “The real skill is not so much technical as being able to get people to open up and share their stories, and then subsequently to put it to together, that is to edit it, in a way that it comes out like a personal documentary. And that it has a flow to it. Not necessarily a chronological flow,” said Holt. Another skill in the process is knowing how and when to drop in images or pieces of music in a manner that complements the

subject. The end result is a multi-media production, or, in Holt’s words: “pieces of mosaic that can be compiled to create a picture of that person’s life.” Recordings typically take three or four hours while production time is about a week. “Once they start talking and they get caught up in their memories, they quickly forget the camera,” Holt said of his clients. “They are so See CUSTOMERS, 5

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Tuesday, April 22, 2014 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

The Good Life

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IN HIS ROLE AS PRESIDENT OF THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT JAZZ SOCIETY, MALCOLM HOLT PRESENTS THE OCCASIONAL BIG BANG.

Customers ‘spill the beans’ Continued from 4 focused on spilling the beans and getting their story out, that it becomes almost secondary that it’s being recorded.” Biographies can cover a range of topics, garnered from recollections about one’s life and reflections on the world. Even the same topic will result in a different story. Second World War stories, for instance, vary considerably as per individual experiences. While people might think their life is not so interesting, they tend to change

their minds once they see it on DVD. “You realize every life is unique,” Holt said. “Nobody’s ever lived your life.” His life is a case in point. Upon retirement, the native of Manchester, England and his wife Jackie spent the better part of nine years sailing the world. They left Canada in 1998 and returned in 2007, sailing 25,000 miles in the process. Along with recording biographies, Holt works on various other projects, including being president of the Georgia Straight Jazz Society. Holt is also involved in

the Comox Valley School District and Berwick Retirement Residence, where kindergarten students meet weekly with people in their 80s and 90s. “It’s a delight,” Holt said. “It’s a great exercise to see the way old people and young children have grown together.” For more information about his video biographer work, visit www.cameovideoltd.com. For more about his role with the Georgia Straight Jazz Society, see www.georgiastraightjazz.com. reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com

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THE GOOD LIFE

Tuesday, April 22, 2014 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

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Tuesday, April 22, 2014 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

The Good Life

ONE OF ELDERCOLLEGE’S LECTURE SERIES FOCUSED ON HUMOUR. THIS WAS A SESSION ON LAUGH YOGA.

It’s never too late to learn Terry McGraw

Special to the Record

ElderCollege (often called Third Age Learning) is an organization found across Canada, and is designed for mature students who are looking for a unique community of adult learners. There are no exams, no grades, and no pressure, and is for adults 55 and older. Comox Valley ElderCollege, about to to start its 15th year of operation, is run completely by volunteers and is self-supported financially. This past year there were over 900 members, which makes us one of the largest ElderCollege programs in Canada. In 2005, we were officially made a program of North Island College. Most courses are currently held on campus, which gives members access to the college library and computer lab. All of our courses are led by volunteers, who appreciate this unique opportunity to share their passions and their experiences and knowledge with others. It also gives members an opportunity to learn something new, meet new people and continue to participate

in life-long learning. Preparing, planning and presenting each semester requires over 140 volunteers, and the Comox Valley ElderCollege is fortunate to have many dedicated people who are willing to give their time to such an exceptional program. Our program includes two semesters per year, one in the fall (October and November) and one in the winter (February and March). Each semester includes general courses, which are six or eight weeks long; the Saturday Lecture Series, also eight weeks long; and a variety of four-week courses and our very popular “short” courses, which are one- or two-day classes. This past semester we offered 52 courses ranging from computer courses to Edifying Jazz to Beginning Spanish. Many of our very popular courses are repeated year after year, such as Great Books (14 years), Writer’s Workshop, and Tai Chi Ch’uan. The Saturday Lecture Series has always been very popular and is held in the Stan Hagen Theatre on North Island College’s Comox Valley campus in

Courtenay every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon for eight weeks. Membership costs only $10 annually. General courses and the Lecture Series are $35 each, fourweek courses are $20, and the short courses are only $10 each. Members may take any number of courses. If you are 55 or older, ElderCollege is a great opportunity to take some excellent courses, and there are some exciting opportunities to volunteer as well. The coming fall semester starts the first week of October. An information forum will be held Sept. 20 and registration for courses will start Sept. 22. Information and details about courses will be available on our website at www.nic.bc.ca/ec in early September and will also be available in our newsletter, which comes out at the same time. Copies are available in local libraries, senior centres and at the college, or you can call 250-334-5000, ext. 4602 for more information. Watch for more details about the fall semester in local papers in early September.

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Tuesday, April 22, 2014 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

The Good Life

CVRD Sports & Aquatic Centres

Adult Programs 50 and Over

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Lab tests to know about

Eight tests you should know about to take a more active role in your health Dr. Diedre Macondald ND Special to the Record

Want more strength or energy? Need motivation to keep physically active? Recovering from an injury or surgery? The CVRD’s sports and aquatic centres have programs that are specifically designed for adults 50 and over. Aquatic and dry land programs involve: • Participating at your own pace • An instructor who has special training www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/rec in teaching fitness to older adults Tel: 250-334-9622, ext. 1 • Small groups where the instructor can make sure you stay injury-free • The chance to try new fitness activities • Meeting like-minded people

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Funeral Planning Introducing Rosemarie Clark Certified Pre-arrangement Counselor Piercy’s-Mt. Washington Funeral Home

Rosemarie’s passionate, results-driven service attitude has been key in developing relationships with integrity and respect. She comes to us with 10 years experience with First Memorial Funeral Services, Victoria. Rosemarie invites you to call her for your complimentary “Personal Planning Guide” and if you are Rosemarie Clark Family Service Advisor a member of a group or service organization and are searching for a dynamic speaker for a 15-minute presentation on “Dying to know before you go” please call 250-334-4464. A door prize and cake will be offered for participants.

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Many of us go to the doctor and just get the basic bloodwork they recommend. We may or may not hear back from the doctor regarding the results. I recommend that patients take a more active role in their health by learning about blood tests and getting copies of their results. It is helpful to understand which tests to request from your conventional or naturopathic physician and optimal levels you should be aiming for. Thyroid: For patients dealing with fatigue or depression, I often recommend a full thyroid panel. The thyroid governs metabolism, affecting energy and weight loss. Typically, just a TSH test is run, but sometimes imbalances in the thyroid can be picked up by

strokes and Alzheimer’s. testing free T4, free T3 and Vitamin D3: The rate of thyroid antibodies. vitamin D3 deficiency in Ferritin: This test meaCanada is a staggering 70 sures iron stores. per cent. Lack of iron can cause Vitamin D is an imporanemia, which can cause tant preventer of autoimfatigue. It can also lower dopamine levels in the brain, mune disease, viral illness, cancer, heart disease, diawhich affects mood, motivabetes, osteoporosis, MS and tion and food cravings. more. Having Insulin: your levels For patients checked is with weight I recommend issues, therefore wise. that patients take a dementia The optimal more active role in and some levels of Vitatheir health by learn- min D is over hormonal imbalances, ing about blood tests 125 nanomoles/ checking and getting copies of litre. fasting C Reactive their results. insulin is Protein (CRP): Dr. Deidre Macdonald ND Inflammation an excellent tool to is an important understandrisk factor for ing how the body is dealing cardiovascular events, like with blood sugar. strokes and heart attacks, Even before elevated and it creates an environblood sugar is detected, this ment that supports cancer high insulin can be a sign growth. of insulin resistance. ProIt is a symptom of autograms that reverse insulin immune disease, obesity, resistance can accelerate the diabetes and other imporprocess of weight loss. tant health conditions. The Homocysteine: Patients C Reactive Protein in our with a personal or family blood is a reflection of genhistory of cardiovascular dis- eral inflammation levels. ease or dementia/AlzheimWhile the normal range is er’s are wise to have their under 5.0, the optimal range homocysteine levels checked. is under .8 for men and This amino acid, if eleunder 1.5 for women. See GETTING, 9 vated, is a risk for increased

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THE GOOD LIFE

Tuesday, April 22, 2014 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

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Getting enough B12, D3? Continued from 8

Vitamin B12: The levels of this important nutrient can diminish with age as absorption becomes more difficult. Vitamin B12 can be depleted by many medications, such as metformin (diabetes), birth control pills, and antibiotics. I am most concerned about acidblocking medications that many of my patients use for long-term management of acid reflux. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Testing (SIBO): SIBO is a condition in which the wrong bacteria are growing in the small intestine, creating abnormal fermentation of carbohydrates into methane and hydrogen. SIBO patients suffer from gas, bloating and other health conditions. When indicated, I test patients through a university laboratory in Portland, Ore. Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a naturopathic physician who has practised medicine in Courtenay for 17 years. For more information, contact The Macdonald Centre for Natural Medicine at 2508897-0235 or www.getwellhere.com.

COMOX VALLEY NATUROPATH DR. DEIDRE MACDONALD SAYS VARIOUS TESTS FROM BLOOD SAMPLES CAN REVEAL A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH.

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Tuesday, April 22, 2014 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

THE GOOD LIFE

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

GALLERY EVENTS Apr 8 – Apr 27 Monday Bunch

Apr 29 - May 11

Carole Goodwin & Wilma Richardson This gallery has featured exhibitions and sales by established and emerging local artists since 1977. It is a registered non-profit Society composed and operated entirely by volunteers. Tuesday - Saturday 10am-4pm, Sundays 1-4pm, and closed Mondays. Free Admission. New members are always welcome.

1729 Comox Ave., Comox 250-339-2822

May 13 - June 1 Vivian Lochridge

June 3 - June 22

Highland Secondary Senior Art Show

June 24 - July 13

Pearl Ellis Gallery Members’ People Choice Awards Show

July 15 - July 27

Hans Larsen “Impressions in Oil”

July 29 - Aug 17

Pearl Ellis Gallery Photo Members’ Vicki Lapp Memorial Award Show

www.pearlellisgallery.com

Your retirement is about more than numbers.

Comox Recreation

Programs

COME PLAY WITH US!

Katharine Spowart, PFP Investment and Retirement Planner

for Older Adults Tai Chi Level 1 Seniors Yoga

It’s about you. That’s why I’ll ask unexpected questions that get right to the heart of what’s really important to you. We can meet at a place that’s convenient for you, talk about your vision of retirement, and work together to create a financial strategy that gets you there. Call me to make an appointment.

Forever Fit

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 10:15-11:15 am

Seniors Circuit Training

Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:15 am-12:15 pm

Tel: 250-703-1496 or Tel: 250-650-5496 katharine.spowart@rbc.com Financial planning services and investment advice are provided by Royal Mutual Funds Inc. Royal Mutual Funds Inc., RBC Asset Management Inc.and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. Royal Mutual Funds Inc. is licensed as a financial services firm in the province of Quebec. ® Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. © Royal Bank of Canada 2013.

Zumba Gold Mondays 4:45-5:45 pm

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1855 Noel Ave, Comox www.comox.ca

Tuesday, April 22, 2014 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

The Good Life

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

COMOX VALLEY FUNERAL HOME’S KENT RODUCK says he’s never had a family regret pre-arranging a funeral or cremation.

Arrange to pre-arrange Kent Roduck Special to the Record You’re living longer — you’re living better, so why not arrange to pre-arrange and lock in at today’s prices? Our years of experience have taught us that although many people realize that pre-arranging their funeral or cremation is a practical idea, often they’re apprehensive about taking the first step. As much as we understand that, we’ve never had a family regret making the decision. In fact, most families will tell us, “I’m so glad that’s looked after, I feel so much better, now that it’s done.” Part of the hesitation is not being aware of the many choices families now have to say goodbye to the person who’s died. Many are looking for new ways to “celebrate one’s life,” that are quite different from what their parents chose. Some may want a ceremony with a civil celebrant. If a non–religious service is preferred, the deceased’s favourite music, a display of his or her special possessions that reflect that person’s life and achievements,

a video collage with special music, family and friends to share stories and of course a reception with refreshments to follow. For cremation families, perhaps the ceremony will

...families ❝ always make bet-

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Kent Roduck take place at the cemetery where the urn can be buried in the ground, placed in an above-ground niche wall or dispersed in a scattering garden, so final closure can take place. Cemeteries aren’t just for caskets anymore. There are far more options than most families realize. Licensed funeral directors provide the expertise to create this “gift of significance” to ensure that family and friends will have a memory that will last a lifetime. You have only one opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of this special person who deserves to be properly honoured at a time and

place when all can have the opportunity to say goodbye. Many people are not aware that in British Columbia, all money for prepayment of funeral arrangements must be placed by the funeral home into a trust or insurance annuity, where the principal accrues growth to offset inflation. The funeral home cannot retain the funds and can receive them only upon providing proof of death to the institution holding them. Your funds are totally protected, and may be withdrawn if necessary or transferred to another location. If possible, it’s time well spent to visit with the funeral director prior to requiring his or her services, to share your thoughts and preferences and in turn receive some valuable input and helpful ideas. There are many myths and misconceptions about funerals, cremations, and related services. Take the time to get the facts. There is never any obligation and families always make better decisions when they’re better informed! Kent Roduck is a licensed funeral director at Comox Valley Funeral Home.

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Tuesday, April 22, 2014 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

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The Good Life

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AFTER STAGING MUSICALS IN YORKTON, SASK., (LEFT) GLORIA HERAUF IS DOING THE SAME IN THE COMOX VALLEY.

Music(als) what she loves Erin Haluschak Record Staff From Yorkton, Sask. to Comox, music has followed Gloria Herauf across Canada, where she now creates musical dinner theatre in the Comox Valley as a new vehicle for performance. “It’s an opportunity to do what I love — make music

and give back to the community,” she said. An elementary music education for 30 years, Herauf also produced CDs for classroom teachers and taught music appreciation with the University of Saskatchewan for 10 years. “I always had a dream to work with adults,” she added.

Before moving to the Comox Valley in 2007, Herauf founded and directed Yorkton Community Theatre, producing shows such as Oklahoma!, Hello Dolly, Crazy For You and Annie Get Your Gun. Through the theatre, Herauf donated profits to the Children Are Our Future

See GIVING, 13

ALLEN & COMPANY BARRISTERS • SOLICITORS • MEDIATORS Are you an Executor of an Estate? Do you have questions regarding Wills or Estates? 480-10th Street, Courtenay, BC Telephone 250-703-2583 • Fax 250-703-2582 email: cmiller@allenlaw.ca CATHERINE L. MILLER, Lawyer Competent,Compassionate, Experienced.

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Tuesday, April 22, 2014 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

The Good Life

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Giving back to the community vital component Continued from 13 Project, in which disadvantaged children have the opportunity to have music lessons in band, piano, voice, dance and scholarships for post-secondary study. More than 150 students were sponsored and approximately $70,000 was given towards the program in seven years. “We got to do what we love, and brought joy to people, and were able to give back.” Herauf received the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in 1998 in addition to the Saskatchewan Music Educators Honourary Life Membership in 2001. Now the pianist at Comox United Church, she also directs the Beach Street Players, the musicals group that now presents highquality musical revues at the Have a Heart Dinner Theatre, with all of the profits going to local groups. Their most recent production — Strutting At The Speakeasy — generated more than $25,000 for local groups such as the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, Dawn To Dawn, United

WHEN GLORIA HERAUF STAGES A MUSICAL, SHE THINKS BIG — AS THIS CAST FROM SASKATCHEWAN DEMONSTRATES. Way and Care-A-Van. Herauf said the Beach Street Players don’t require auditions or stage experience, but many of the mem-

bers are part of a choir or read music. “With a smaller group, there’s more emphasis on the music, and it’s more like

a variety show,” she noted. Recently, Herauf and her husband Les were presented the Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Strathcona

Sunrise Rotary, which provides the organization of dinner, tickets sales and publicity. Herauf said she’s look-

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• • • • • • •

ing forward to taking a few months off before returning to plan the next dinner theatre production for 2015.

photos@comoxvalleyrecord.com

Implant Supported Dentures Immediate Dentures Full & Partial Dentures Sports Guards Same day repairs and relines Service 6 days a week 17 years experience

Tuesday, April 22, 2014 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

The Good Life

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Roslyn Smith going strong in her golden years Mandy Larade Record Staff

ROSLYN SMITH HAS BEEN SETTING RECORDS AT ALMOST EVERY RACE SHE’S ENTERED. Photo BY JIM HOCKLEY

The golden years just keep getting better for local senior Roslyn Smith. Smith, president of the Comox Valley Road Runners (CVRR), has celebrated tremendous success in running this year. This year, Smith has broken the records in the women’s 65-69 category for all six races that she entered in the Vancouver Island Series. These races included the Pioneer 8K, Cobble Hill 10K, Cedar 12K, the Comox Valley Half Marathon, Merville 15K, and the Sooke River 10K. In the Merville 15K race which took place earlier this month, Smith beat the old record in her category by five minutes with a finishing time of 1:09:33. Smith started running 39 years ago while she was teaching in Inuvik, N.W.T. “At 55 years old, my personal best marathon was 3:30:51 in Victoria in 2004,” Smith says. After moving to the Comox Valley in the fall of 2005, she began running year-round in the ideal weather conditions and par-

ticipated in speed training with the Comox Valley Road Runners. In 2008, Smith set the record for the women’s 60-64 category in the Comox

The Victoria ❝ Marathon remains

my favourite race along with the Island Series.

❞ Roslyn Smith

Valley Half Marathon at 1:38:23. The following year, she set a record in the Victoria Marathon with a time of 3:33:18. Her record still stands. “The Victoria Marathon remains my favourite race along with the Island Series.” During the Boston Marathon in 2009, Smith’s time of 3:36:45 made her both the first placed Canadian and sixth placed overall within her age category. In the fall of 2012, she sprained her Achilles tendon, putting her out of races for the following year. Like all serious runners, Smith is disciplined with her training. She runs four to five times each week along

with strength and flexibility exercises, cross-country skiing, yoga, and cycling. Every fourth week is a recovery week where she reduces the distances that she runs. “I have a personal coach for the first time in my life,” Smith says. Smith began training with a coach in January in order to prepare for the Vancouver Marathon coming up on May 4, where her goal is to run a time of 3:39:00 or better. Although it is her first time participating in the Vancouver Marathon, Smith is determined to place first in her age category. Smith also plans to run in the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 12, hoping to place in the top three for her age category. “This will be a major highlight as I hope to get a better time there than in Vancouver,” Smith says, adding the “course is the flattest and fastest in the U.S.A.” Smith admits that it isn’t always mentally easy preparing to race, however, it doesn’t diminish why she likes running. “There is great satisfaction getting to the finish line knowing you did as as well as you could that day.”

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Tuesday, April 22, 2014 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

The Good Life

Cataracts cloud vision but surgery corrects it Cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens in a person’s eye. This clouding will become acute enough that it affects a person’s visual clarity and dulls colours, which could produce flares and hallows at night. This condition is usually a problem seen in seniors. Modern medicine provides a relatively straightforward solution. The damaged lens is removed and an artificial lens is installed by an ophthalmologist. Usually one eye is done at a time, as often the rate of clouding will be different for each eye. The wonder of the implanted lens is that any distance visual error that you had before surgery should be mostly corrected with the implanted lens. That means that often only reading glasses are needed for reading and near work. Recent research indicates that ultraviolet light and even near-ultraviolet blue light increases the rate of

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IF sight GETS BLURRY DUE TO CATARACTS, SURGERY CAN RESTORE THE VISION THAT HAS BEEN LOST. clouding and can compromise internal eye health. Proper ultraviolet protection is a very important feature in a person’s eyewear before and after surgery. Post cataract eyewear: Readers — Most postcataract patients find that their distance vision is almost always corrected and therefore putting them at a deficiency for near vision. Reading glasses take care of this issue very easily. Bifocals and progressives — are useful even if distance correction is good, allowing for mobility when multitasking in both near and distance (for example,

shopping). For most people they can be worn part-time as needed. Transition lenses — have the ability to control light intensity as well as providing 100 per cent ultraviolet protection. Anti-reflective coatings — give maximum light to the eye, and eliminate unwanted glare at night as well as providing excellent ultraviolet protection. If you don’t opt for antireflective coatings or transitions, an ultraviolet filter can be applied to your lenses to give you maximum ultraviolet protection. — Vogue Optical

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Tuesday, April 22, 2014 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

The Good Life

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Honouring our fathers and our mothers Christa Hutchison

Special to the Record You’ve done your research and found the perfect community to call home. However, now you need to downsize and decide what should come with you. Deciding what to do with a lifetime full of treasures can be a stressful time. Finding the right people to help you is very important! Easing the angst of downsizing can be challenging without the right help on your side. It can be difficult to think about downsizing for sentimental and physical reasons; for many of us, our home includes the furniture and treasures that represent the backdrop to some of our favourite memories. Where to go when it is time to downsize? Finding people who care and help seniors take the stress out of downsizing — it’s a very important job when honouring our mothers and fathers. It is easy to accumulate many unique treasures and furniture that you cherish and love. You want the reassurance that you are going to find someone to welcome, and cherish, your items like

you do. The emotional aspects of selling furniture and keepsakes and letting go can be overwhelming. This is a project that should be approached with a clear plan, lots of patience and a sense of humour! Selling your furniture on consignment is easier than you ever thought possible. A consignment store does everything for you. This allows you to enjoy your time and the comfort of your home and families, without all the hassles of selling your items and dealing with lots of strangers. As soon as your items sell, you collect your money. So, whether you are remodelling, scaling down, or just making changes to better suit your lifestyle, consignment is the way to help you sell your furniture and treasures. Why bother placing ads, staging yard sales, having strangers calling and coming to your home, when consignment can help you sell your furniture and treasures at a price that is reasonable to both you and the buyer? Christa and Tyler Hutchison own the Treasure Shack in Courtenay.

The consignment option can be helpful when your parents are moving to a retirement community and need to downsize their possessions.

Want a guarantee against market loss? Consider GICs. With a GIC your principal investment is safe and the interest rate can be ﬁxed, or variable, for the term of the investment. Contact me for more information. Robert Mulrooney, CPE HollisWealth Certiﬁed Portfolio Engineer Senior Investment Advisor Scotia Capital Inc. Unit 1-145 19th St. Courtenay (British Columbia) V9N9G2 Tel.: 250-338-5222 r.mulrooney@holliswealth.com

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holliswealth.com All rates are annual and subject to change without notice at any time. Mindset Wealth is a personal trade name of Robert Mulrooney. ™ Trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under license. HollisWealth is a division of Scotia Capital Inc., a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.

757 Ryan Road, Courtenay | Phone: 250-334-6901 Optical Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sundays & Holidays 11am-4pm Store Hours: Daily 7am-10pm

Tuesday, April 22, 2014 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

The Good Life

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Want to live a good life? You will find it in a garden

It is surmised many peoPutting in a garden ... ple living in an urban enviwhether in your yard or ronment are secretly lusting your balcony ... guarantees after a quiet place in the spending time with your country. Somewhere they plants. It is a known fact can grow vegetables, tend a ... spending even a few flower garden, put in fruit minutes in a garden after trees, raise some chickens. a busy day is a good way to However, living outside relieve stress. of city limits is simply unatResearchers in the Nethtainable for a large portion erlands discovered garof the population. Word has dening was a better form, it, roughly 75 medically, of per cent of the Duchess of Dirt relieving stress global human than sitting and race will be reading a book. living in urban After completeslie centres by the ing a stressful year 2050. ox task, both study Whether groups, gardenthat number is ers and readers, exactly true or not, the fact stated they were in a betremains many people are ter mood when they spent tied to a city existence. 30 minutes doing their But a city environment assigned leisure activity. is no reason to give up the Of prime interest, howdream of a garden ... whethever, was that the researcher it is full of flowers or ers found lower levels of growing fresh food for onecortisol, a measurable stress self. Some cities even allow hormone, in the gardeners backyard chickens. versus the readers. Anyone with a yard has There are other room to put in a small garresearched and published den. You do not need acrestudies which have revealed age in order to grow a wide we benefit from making our variety of plants. Using time gardens an extension of our constraints due to job and living space. kids as an excuse does not Moving the dining room wash either. out to the patio for the sumA small border or vegmer months takes everyday etable garden does not take meals to new highs. too many minutes per week Creating a quiet nook to maintain. with a couple of chairs, a Keeping chickens would small table and a water require a little more expenfountain is the perfect spot diture on a daily basis. If to enjoy some relaxing time is of the essence, you moments at the end of the would have to factor in day. whether the benefit of fresh Tucked away in a corner eggs would be worth the of the garden or surrounded effort. by a myriad of potted plants No yard. No problem. on the patio, there is no betPots, planting boxes and ter place to enjoy life as it is window boxes are made meant to be experienced for patios, balconies and Leslie Cox co-owns Growwindow sills. You would be ing Concern Cottage Garden surprised at the number of different types of vegetables, in Black Creek. Her website is at www.duchessofdirt. flowers and shrubs specifica and she writes a column cally suited for growing in that appears every two weeks smaller environments. in the Comox Valley Record. The choices are amazing.

Moving the dining room out to the patio for the summer months takes everyday meals to new highs. Or, create a quiet nook with a couple of chairs and a small table to relax in. Photos by Leslie Cox

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Tuesday, April 22, 2014 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

The Good Life

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Green poised to run amazing 300th marathon

Record Staff

Janet Green is about to hit a marathon milestone. The Comox Valley doctor is halfway through a threeweek trip during which she is running the London, Paris, and Boston marathons. On Sunday, May 4, she will run her 300th – the Vancouver Marathon. Her return to the 18th annual Boston Marathon will hold special memories: Last year Green was the only Comox Valley runner

in the epic 26.2-mile race which was cancelled when two explosions went off near the finish line. She had finished the race just 10 minutes prior to the explosions, which killed three people and injured more than 250. “I have no problem going back,” Green told the Record after returning safely to the Comox Valley last April. “Most of us who are dedicated runners will be back to show support.” A “dedicated runner” is

a description that aptly fits Green, who began marathons with the goal of completing 50 by the age of 50. She did the first 100 of her 42-km races in October 2001. “I wanted to run 100 races before age 50, and I made it by 48,” she says. The marathon circuit has taken Green from Baffin Island to Stockholm and from Whitehorse to Athens. She has also competed in numerous half-marathons and triathlons.

sports@comoxvalleyrecord.com

Happy to Help... OWNER - Leann Baum

■ Light Housekeeping ■ Appointments / Shopping ■ Meal Preparations ■ Companionship ■ Medication Reminders, etc.

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UNWELL

Special

MAKE YOUR ANNIVERSARY

janet green will RUN HER 300TH MARATHON ON MAY 4 IN VANCOUVER. Photo by JIM HOCKLEY

All Around Services leeobrien@shaw.ca larryobrien@shaw.ca

250-338-6336

320 - 5th Street, Downtown Courtenay

250-334-2611

Serving the Comox Valley and surrounding areas from 2003-2014

Services Available Homemaking/ Housekeeping

Companion Services

Health Services

Hauling

Handyperson

Gardening

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Lawn Care Pruning/Raking Weeding Planting/Replanting

Tuesday, April 22, 2014 â€˘ COMOX VALLEY RECORD

THE GOOD LIFE

Get to know your local Audiologist.

Susan Sinclair MA, Aud (C), Registered Audiologist, RHIP

See how discreet hearing aids can be. Oticon Intiga model shown

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Working with your Physician for Better Hearing.

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Tuesday, April 22, 2014 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD

The Good Life

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

So nice to come home to.

Move for Free – Worry Free! Move into Casa Loma or Comox Valley Seniors Village with Delaney Relocation Services and we will pay up to $2900 if the move is from the Comox Valley or up to $3600 on Vancouver Island. For more information, please call Leah at 250.331.4365 or info@comoxvalleyseniorsvillage.com 4646 Headquarters Road

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