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LANGLEY TIMES’ SENIOR LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE • MAY 2014

Living

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F E A T U R E

A R T I C L E S :

Home is where your is.

Heart

dragonboaters 5

Thank you to Langley Times photographer Dan Ferguson for shooting the cover photo, and the above photo for this issue of Living 60 Plus.

ALSO INSIDE… a weedy dilemma

Medical Marijuana

enjoying the

Snowbird Lifestyle

gay seniors

9 smooth operators ham radio

Staying Together in Care 21 affordable, accessible

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Living

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Langley Living 60 Plus is published by the Langley Times, May 20, 2014. Publisher: Dwayne Weidendorf Project Coordinator: Sherri Martin Editor: Jim McGregor Creative Director: Millie McKinnon www.langleytimes.com 20258 Fraser Hwy., Langley, BC V3A 4E6 604-533-4157 ■ MAY 2014 ■ Published by THE LANGLEY TIMES

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notes Welcome to our fifth edition of Living 60plus

Our Fifth edition! If you need me I’ll be out back planning the big party for our tenth! tor

Edi

Thank you

for picking up this issue of Living 60 Plus. We have assembled a collection of educational and inspirational stories that we hope will inform and inspire you. Lilianne Fuller examines the alternative lifestyles in our senior community in her very candid interview with gay seniors and she brings us up to speed on the controversial topic of the medical marijuana and how it is finding a new place in our society. A seasoned traveller herself, Lilianne provides some valuable tips for snowbirds heading south for the winter or heading out across our beautiful country for the summer months. A little pre-planning can make your journey much more pleasant. I will take you on a short trip in a dragon boat on the mighty Fraser with an incredible group of local 60-plus ladies headed for the 2014 World Club Crew Championship Regatta in Ravenna, Italy. These ladies motivational experiences on and off the water reveal how the sport of dragon boating has changed their lives. I sat down with two of Langley’s valuable seniors – Mario and Marilyn Sergi – as we discussed emergency planning and the value of Ham radios, both day-to-day and during a disaster. Mel Kositski always has his finger on the pulse of Langley’s senior community and he brings some insight into the progress and initiatives regarding the hot topic of affordable and adaptable housing for seniors in our Province. We hope you enjoy our magazine and you are inspired by the many amazing active seniors we have in our community. Your feedback is welcome and we encourage you to contact our editorial department at newsroom@langleytimes.com. ~ Jim McGregor, Editor email: nine-1@shaw.ca Jim McGregor is a lifelong resident of Langley and former Fire Chief for Langley City. Jim is a published poet and author and a regular contributor to the Langley Times.

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I am perched on the tiny bow seat of a dragon boat at the Fort Langley Canoe Club dock as the coach gives last minute instructions to the team. I am sure I am smiling and calm outwardly while hoping that my grip on the tiny seat, eight inches from the water, is not leaving permanent finger indentations.

~ Jim McGregor

Fort dragon boat teams We

Dan Ferguson

push away from the dock and the 45foot long, 600-pound boat slips silently into Bedford Channel. After a few warm up exercises the boat is brought to a stop in mid-channel. The coach gives his commands, the paddles dig in and we lurch ahead with a neck snapping start. In seconds we are cutting through the water and as I look down both sides of the boat the ten paddles on each side appear to be mechanically connected as each one dips and pulls in unison as the rhythm propels us up to 15 km/h in a matter of seconds. The 24 members of Team Titanium, a 60-plus team of local ladies is on one of their three night a week practice sessions

preparing for a trip to Italy in September where they have qualified for the 2014 World Club Crew Championship Regatta in Ravenna, Italy. Three women’s teams from Fort Langley have qualified for the prestigious world even by placing within the top five in their classes at the Canadian National Finals on Elk Lake in Victoria last August, Titanium winning the bronze in the 59+ category. The other two local teams to qualify were Abreast With Fortitude, a team of breast cancer survivors and Fast and Furious a team of 49+ ladies. Fast and Furious, competing in the 49+ women’s senior B division, rallied from a slow start on the first day to battle …CONTINUED

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back and take fourth in their division. Once you meet these amazing ladies you realize age is not a factor, there is no quit in their vocabulary. Abreast With Fortitude is part of the Abreast in a Boat teams who are a group of women from Vancouver and the surrounding metropolitan area, who have had a breast cancer diagnosis. Through the strenuous demands of dragon boat paddling they have learned that they can push the limits of physical endurance and have fun doing it. Coach Ben Lee has been with the Fort Langley Dragon Boat scene since its inception. In 2008 he had a vision to put together a team of 55+ dragon boaters to compete in the 2009 Seniors Games in Richmond. It was such a positive experience for everyone the sport grew and the number of local teams increased. “It is my job to look after the technical end of the paddling,” explains Ben. “Once they have learned the technical skills, then the team building begins. These ladies are not professional athletes, many taking up dragon boating as a recreational activity at first. We

work together to build a cohesive unit both on and off the water. Their dedication to the program makes all the difference and they are all working well together.” In addition to the three times a week on the water, the team members do dry land training such as weights and cardio exercises and walking or cycling. Fast and Furious has hired a trainer and adapts the training as the year goes along so the teams don’t overtrain as they approach the trip to Italy. Fast and Furious also takes advantage of a sport psychologist who trains the team in mental preparation.

“There will be some adapting necessary when we arrive in Italy,” Coach Lee explains.” The Dragon Boats we will be using there are somewhat different than ours although we do have one here that is similar. All the teams get only one hour in the boat to practice before the heats, so in the end it will come down to training and preparation.” Dragon boat teams are made up of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steersperson. Each team will take 24 paddlers and it is part of the coach’s duties to set the roster and make the team assignments for each heat. They can have 24 members on the roster and can use different paddlers in each heat. The events in Italy will include 200-metre and 500-metre races as well as a gruelling 2000- metre event. A team may participate in up to three heats a day. The teams hone their skills throughout the year by attending other regattas across the province. Cities like Harrison, Victoria or Nanaimo can attract over 100 teams,” explains Ben. “The Alcan event in False Creek is one of the largest in the world and …CONTINUED

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teams arrive from all over to compete.” These events also have a social component that the paddlers look forward to. Long time friendships are fostered over the years and the regattas and weekly training sessions become a yearround lifestyle for many of the women. Maureen Spencer has been a member of Titanium for just over a year. “I am on the river five or six times a week. I have lost over 20 pounds and, over 60, I am in the best physical shape of my life.” So is it all about competition? When the paddlers were asked why they would undertake this sport at a time in their lives when most people are thinking about slowing down, the answers were varied but competition was not at the top of the list. While some members are naturally competitive, their drive will motivate others who have taken up Dragon Boating for other reasons. Dianne Shrimpton talks about being at a low point in her life. “I saw the dragon boats on the river and thought, “I would like to try it.” Dragon boating refocused my life and I made many new friends. Sure we want to win in Italy, but we, as a group are also winning all the time in so many ways as we work toward our goal.” Some of the ladies went as observers, got into the boat and have

never gotten out. Others had suffered a loss in their life and found that the team support became their life support and the physical activity led to re-shaping both their bodies and minds. For some, at age 60, this is the first physical team sport they have become involved with. Juanita Pegler from Abreast With Fortitude talks about the physical and emotional therapy. “There has been a proven 45 per cent reduction in recurring breast cancers when women get involved with physical activity. Dragon boating is a way of improving women’s wellness and their post-treatment quality of life. So many of the team members involved have improved their bodies and gained emotional stability.” There is no federal, provincial or regional funding for the teams headed to Italy. Each member is responsible for their own travel and personal expenses for the trip. Fundraising ideas are in the works, anything from bake sales to pub nights and any donations or sponsorships from local businesses will be gratefully accepted. To learn more about Titanium and Fast and Furious or Langley’s Dragon Boating Teams in general you can check out the Fort Langley Canoe Club’s website at: fortlangleycanoeclub.ca or: abreastinaboat.com ~ Jim McGregor

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Where

do you want to be if a disaster destroys every method of communication you have come to rely on? How about in the company of some Amateur Radio operators, or ‘hams’ as they call themselves. Not only are Mario and Marilyn Sergi Langley’s 2013 Seniors of the Year, they are still two of the busiest volunteers in the community and two of the most valuable people you would want to be with in the event of a disaster or an emergency. Since 2001 they have both been certified Amateur radio operators as members of the Langley Amateur Radio Association (LARA). Marilyn became aware of radio work when she worked in Communications at Edmonton Municipal Airport in the early 1960s, and later at Edmonton International Airport. In addition, their involvement with the Langley Emergency Program and Emergency Social Services Volunteers has allowed them to utilize their many talents both in Langley, across the province and into Alberta. Marilyn proudly offers, “We spent two weeks in Kamloops in 2003 in the command centre as the wild fires swept through the Okanagan. Previously, we were invited to operate the last radio checkpoint

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The Langley Amateur Radio Club has been in existence since 1988 and received its charter in 1989. It currently has a membership of approximately 50 active amateurs. “About half of our members are seniors,” Mario explains. “It changes from time to time,

sometimes people leave for health reasons. We have to be ready to be mobilized and ready to go and some seniors have come to rely on others. We have about the same number in our group now …CONTINUED

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to renew their license annually, they are required to inform Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) of any changes in their mailing address. They are disappointed that some of the regulations have been watered down over the years. It used to be more tightly scrutinized. There were strict protocols to be followed on the

“One wall of the classroom had been covered with white paper to make a giant screen and we connected with the International Space Station. As it passed over B.C., the students had a video conversation with Astronaut Robert Thirsk. I still get goose bumps.” air to keep the chatter to a minimum and there is not as much policing of that now. Licensed radio operators are taught to refrain from discussing topics like politics or religion or using profanity

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as when we started but other clubs throughout the Lower Mainland also have many senior members.” “It is a great hobby as well,” explains Marilyn. “Years ago people used to buy or scrounge parts and assemble their own radios. New technology has caught up with amateur radio and they are cheaper to buy and easier to use. You don’t necessarily have to know how it works, you can easily learn the knowledge and theory of why it works.” Traditionally, amateur radio operators were issued two separate authorizations; an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate and a radio station license. The Amateur Radio Operator Certificate was issued for life and had no fee associated with it, while the radio station licence was issued on a yearly basis and a license renewal fee was charged. Effective April 1, 2000, Industry Canada combined these documents into one authorization, the Amateur Radio Operator Certificate. This certificate is the sole authorization required to operate amateur radio apparatus in the amateur radio service. Although it is no longer necessary for amateurs

or going on at length about their ‘daily shopping or illnesses’. All users are identified by their call signs which may be displayed on their vehicle license plates. For instance, VE/VA represents Canada, the next number is the province and the last two or three letters is the individual designation. For example, Marilyn is VE6 - SSS. This tells users that she is Canadian, received her license in Alberta and, if you know Marilyn, the SSS stands for sugar, sugar, sugar, (or more properly Sierra Sierra Sierra in phonectic codes). The ‘Ham’ term was attached to amateur radio operators many years ago. The first wireless operators were landline telegraphers who left their offices to go to sea or to man the coastal stations. They brought with them their language and much of the tradition of their older profession. In those early days, every station occupied the whole spectrum with its broad spark signal. Government stations, ships, coastal stations and the increasingly numerous amateur operators all competed for time and signal supremacy in each other’s receivers. Many of the amateur stations …CONTINUED

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were very powerful. Two amateurs, working each other across town, could effectively jam all the other operations in the area, depending on the amount of wattage being used to transmit. Frustrated commercial operators would refer to the ham radio interference by calling them “hams.” Amateurs, possibly unfamiliar with the real meaning of the term, picked it up and applied it to themselves. As the years advanced, the original meaning has completely disappeared. Some say the amateurs were ‘ham-fisted’ with Morse Code. “We play a very valuable role around the world today,” Mario explains. “We have had a lot of very proud moments and have received a lot of self satisfaction being able to assist people in our many travels. Often we have come across a traveler stranded or a vehicle accident in places where there is no cell phone service. We get on the air, locate another Ham and they patch the information through to 911 or other authorities. We have located families in Canada for people from other countries who are having an emergency. Even just to be able to pass along to family that their loved ones are OK is very big.” “We never pass an emergency without stopping,”

Marilyn shares. “Especially if we see another Ham licence plate pulled over. It is an inexpensive piece of safety equipment to have on board if you do a lot of motor home travelling.” Both Marilyn and Mario enjoy the Field Day exercises. Mario explains the value of training. “These are great opportunities for the Club to set up our antennas and equipment and test both our knowledge and our radios to prepare for an emergency like an earthquake or a flood along the Fraser.” “We learned many years ago what it means to be self sufficient for long periods of time,” Mario says. For 10 years we ran a 240-acre camp at Pigeon Lake Alberta. It was not always easy to run to town and we had to hand make parts or salvage them from the local dump. It is hard to get people to understand how difficult 72 hours will be on your own with little or no communication. Marilyn adds, “In disasters like Katrina or the Tsunami in Japan, those areas lost cell service almost immediately. The only active communication out or in was by Amateur radio operators, listening around the world.” Most of the systems we use on a daily basis rely on fiber optic cables or microwaves. Once these

are down, Ham radios will still operate. The technology may be old but once the call for help goes out it can heard round the world by any operator, as opposed to a telephone call that will only reach one person. Today’s Ham radios can last up to two weeks on batteries and longer on a generator. “One of the most amazing experiences I have had was the day in 2009 when we set up our equipment at Belmont School,” Marilyn shares. “One wall of the classroom had been covered with white paper to make a giant screen and we connected with the International Space Station. As it passed over B.C., the students had a video conversation with Astronaut Robert Thirsk. I still get goose bumps.” “There is a big responsibility attached to being a Ham,” says Mario, “but there are lots of rewards and we encourage people of all ages to get involved.” You can learn more about the Langley Amateur Radio Association at: LangleyAmateurRadio Association.com, or contact Langley Emergency Program at ep@langleycity.ca ~ Jim McGregor

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SNOWBIRD

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Spread your tiny wings and fly away… and little snowbird take me with you when you go, to that land of gentle breezes where the peaceful waters flow. — Anne Murray

and more baby boomers in Canada are becoming snowbirds. Retirement with a disposable income has made it easier than ever for seniors to get away from Canada’s sometimes harsh winter climate. The following are stories of snowbirds near and far, and how they make their snowbird experience a successful one. After eight years, Art and Sue of Langley are full-fledged snowbirds. Their family farm was at the stage where a grown son could take over and give the couple an opportunity to semi-retire. They found that since they worked from home it was difficult to fully retire, so they decided to venture a bit farther afield to get away from the day-to-day operations. It is an experience they describe as marvellous. The couple’s favourite destinations are Palm Desert in California and Casa Grande in Arizona.” For either destination our motor home knows its own way now,” laughed Art. They enjoy the warmer temperatures and blue skies that allows them to play golf and socialize in a seemingly endless summer climate. Art and Sue drive to their destinations and, in order to avoid the snows in the high mountain passes, they leave in the last week of October. The United States and Mexico have various policies pertaining to visitors to their countries. “It’s a good idea to know the rules and follow them. Make sure you are aware of U.S. regulations …CONTINUED

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regarding your place of residence and don’t exceed the U.S.’s limit of 183 days for visitors. Have adequate medical insurance and absolutely do not do any casual work,” he said.

least a quarter-tank of gas at all times. Even if traffic looks clear, within minutes you could be in a major traffic jam and your gas will go very quickly,” added Rick.

The United States government has strict rules pertaining to visitors working, and that includes volunteer work.

Alan and Nadine have been spending the past 14 years in Mexico. Their destination is a small town called Riñcon de Guayabitos. Located about 90 km north of Puerto Vallarta, it has a more For safety along the road, the couple have a few suggestions. relaxed lifestyle than the big city. For Alan and Nadine, it’s a “Always keep your phone charged and ready for use. Keep way to escape the harsh Saskatchewan winters. They stay for up flashlight batteries charged and always carryy to four months and live mostly the same way appropriate clothing such as rain gear and they do in Canada. Like other snowbirds warm jackets. We keep a can of Raid close “Make sure you they drive to their destination and the drive to the front door as ‘our weapon’ in case takes about six days. are aware of U.S. of trouble. The spray shoots farther than “Take your time so you don’t get stressed regulations regarding bear spray and is more accurate.” said Art. out, just enjoy the drive.” said Nadine. “Lastly, keep a low profile by obeying all the your place of residence country’s rules and stay out of trouble; quite Mary and Hank from Chilliwack have gone and don’t exceed simply use common sense.” to Arizona for more than 20 years. Like Art the U.S.’s limit of and Sue they travel in a motorhome, but Anne and Rick agree. For the past 17 years usually they drive in a convoy with other they have driven south to Florida. 183 days for visitors. snowbirds. This helps everyone arrive safely “When driving avoid end-of-the-month Have adequate at their destination. For an economical travel. This is when most snowbirds leave place to stay while on the road, the couple medical insurance and and it increases traffic and hotel costs.” said recommend a Walmart or casino parking lot. absolutely do not do Anne. “Parking is free and there is security.” said any casual work” “Check into a motel before dark and pick a Mary. hotel near a restaurant. Be sure you have at

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Arizona is close to Mexico and one of the perks is to be able to take advantage of having dental work done at vastly reduced costs. Many snowbirds in the Casa Grande/Yuma area of Arizona cross the border into Algondones, Mexico, where they can get deeply discounted dental work. In addition, eyeglasses, hearing aids and even prescription drugs are available. The Mexican dentists are trained in the U.S. and their work is impeccable. The price for various procedures is about half of what you pay in B.C. The couple agree the lower cost of dental work helps pays for their winter holiday. Topher and I visit Mexico annually. We are considered “short stay” snowbirds, because we are there for only five weeks. However whether you are away for five weeks or five months, you must ensure that your home is protected. Getting someone to house sit is a good idea but if that’s not an option, there are things you can do to avoid problems. These include: 1 Don’t announce on Facebook that you are going away. 2 Have lights with timers on a schedule to go on and off at different times of the day.

The Mexican snowbird experience isn’t for everyone. But if it’s something you’d like to try, start by visiting an all-inclusive hotel in the area. It provides a good taste of what a long-term stay would be like. Being a snowbird takes some planning and a little bit of research but it’s well worth it. The warm weather and stress-free days can add years to a person’s life. In Florida and Mexico there are snowbirds who are in their 80s and 90s living the buena vida; the good life. Why not you? ~ Lilianne Fuller

“I just got back from a once in a lifetime vacation. I’ll tell you what - never again.”

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Retired People, 72 per cent of people aged 45 and over support the legal use of medical marijuana and agree that the drug can help patients with conditions ranging from multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease. A truck driver for Safeway, Ross started getting lost on familiar streets. In 2005 he was diagnosed with a form of dementia similar to Alzheimer’s disease. His wife, Lorraine became his full-time caregiver. She found the drugs he was taking weren’t helping him cope. “Life was a roller coaster and I was continually walking on egg shells,” she said. She’d read that marijuana could help with depression and anxiety so she got some from a friend and had Ross try it. It calmed him down and made him more accepting of his disease. She felt uncomfortable buying it illegally, so she started the process to have him licensed under Health Canada’s MMAR (Medical

Marijuana Access Regulations) Program. The MMAR application requires a patient to disclose where they will obtain marijuana if not from Health Canada. The couple’s response that they would purchase it from a Vancouver dispensary was rejected, so Ross was denied a license. However Lorraine continues to purchase it and says. “I don’t care, as long as it helps him, I’ll get it for him.” In 2010 a medical marijuana dispensary opened in Langley. It was operated by marijuana advocates Randy Caine and Carol Gwilt. The dispensary was similar to a doctor’s office with a waiting room and three consultation rooms. Operated as a compassionate club the members were referred to as patients and Ross became one of them. The number of patients grew to almost 200 with the majority being seniors. In 2011 the dispensary was raided and forced to close. Caine maintains that he had consultations with City council, government officials and the RCMP prior

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to opening and said the raid came as a surprise. Caine was charged with trafficking but the charges were dropped and all references to drug trafficking were removed. The courts ruled that it was a regulatory violation under the MMAR. Now cleared of all charges, Caine has approached the City of Langley for a new pilot project — The Releaf Compassion Centre. The centre operates strictly as outlet for information. Staff assist clients by guiding them through the MMAR application process and someone is available to educate the patient on the various strains best suited to alleviate their symptoms. The Centre will provide advice and support but stops short of dispensing. Instead, patients will be directed to a dispensary where they can purchase their medicine. According to data released by Health Canada in December 2012, more than 13,000 seniors in British Columbia alone are licensed to possess medical marijuana. …CONTINUED

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medical marijuana - an alternative treatment In light of the current changes to the MMAR, these seniors, many of whom were growing their own supply, are wondering what will happen next. Health Canada is moving to have marijuana grown by large corporations in buildings in industrial areas. Medical marijuana advocates are decrying this development for many reasons but mostly they feel that the price will increase and it will not be readily available to the people who need it most. “This is becoming more and more like privatized medicine and that is illegal in Canada,” said Simmi Dhillon, a dispensary owner. Dhillon is a wife and mother. In 2003, she suffered a head injury in a car crash. The injury produced horrendous headaches and she was prescribed powerful drugs that rendered her unable to function. One evening instead of taking a pill she tried a toke instead. Within minutes, her

headache was gone. “I thought it would make me all goofy but it didn’t; I just felt better,” she said. She applied for and received a MMAR license and began to purchase her medicine from the Langley dispensary. When it closed she was forced to look elsewhere and realized she wasn’t the only one in need of medicine. Thus began her journey to open Exhale Dispensary. Like other dispensaries she is able to provide oils, edibles and topicals. Operating in a grey area of the law, Exhale Dispensary is providing medicine to 20 MMAR licensed patients, of whom 70 per cent are seniors. Many Canadian doctors are reluctant to prescribe marijuana and are hesitant as well to complete the paperwork for a MMAR license. Simply put, they don’t want to become the gatekeepers for the distribution of medical marijuana. This is due in part to the Canadian Medical

Association’s (CMA) position on medical marijuana. While the CMA favours the advancement of scientific knowledge of medical marijuana research, they feel there is not enough information available for a physician to prescribe its use. In contrast, the Israeli government has conducted research into the use of marijuana as medicine for more than 40 years. Hundreds of clinical trials have been done and the country is considered head and shoulders above the rest of the world in marijuana research. Israel has a government-sponsored medical cannabis program and a convenient regulatory climate for research. Marijuana was not always illegal and was once used as a medicine. In North America in the 1930s, marijuana was prescribed to treat conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis. Later on the government attempted to tax the drug and failed. This led to a demonization of marijuana and

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or just a pipe dream films such as Reefer Madness perpetuated the myth that marijuana contributed to crimes such as rape and murder. In 1970 the United States government added marijuana to Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act and possession and sale of marijuana was criminalized. Throughout much of the world marijuana is illegal. But as societal attitudes change so do the laws surrounding its use. Many countries are decriminalizing marijuana and in December 2013, Uruguay became the first country to outright legalize it. This was to thwart the drug cartels operating in that country. In February 2014, President Jose Mujica was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for legalizing marijuana in his country. The city of Amsterdam is well known for its tolerant outlook but the use of marijuana recreationally in The Netherlands is illegal. But for the treatment of the sick the government has set up the

Office of Medicinal Cannabis (www. cannibisbureau.nl.en) to test, regulate and supply patients with the drug. They advise that smoking marijuana is harmful and recommend the patient to either use a vaporizer (inhaled) or in an edible form like a cookie. Marijuana is currently illegal but as baby boomers age many are looking for alternate ways to treat various illnesses. Research is demonstrating that marijuana does have merit as a medicine as long as it is not smoked. Attitudes toward medical marijuana are changing but in Canada until Health Canada, the CMA and the other levels of government develop a policy, the issue of using medical marijuana will remain in limbo and dispensaries will continue to operate in a grey area of the law. I visited Lonnie the other day and I peeked into her cupboard for something to snack on.

There was a little plate of cookies so I took a bite. Lonnie yelled, “Don’t eat that.” Thinking it was one of her special cookies, I spat it out immediately. She laughed and said, “You’re here for lunch and I didn’t want you to spoil your appetite, but then again I have something that can fix that too.” ~ Lilianne Fuller

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gay seniors

– staying together through assisted living Being “One of the invisible sections loved and respected, and keeping your dignity, are very important to seniors. One group of seniors faces unique challenges in this area as they age and need more assistance from outside the walls of their homes. Gay and lesbian people have been around since the beginning of time, but previous generations have been reluctant to acknowledge them, or discuss same-sex relationships. The 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City helped to change that. They were a series of violent demonstrations by members of the gay community and are acknowledged as being the birth of the gay rights movement. The generation who took part in these riots were in their 20s and 30s. Now they are senior citizens. One of the invisible sections of the population is seniors who are gay, because of a social stigma. Thankfully, society’s attitudes are changing. Here in the Lower Mainland, there are resources available to them. I spoke with four people and found they are concerned about issues that straight seniors also raise. These include the danger of isolation, seniors’ rights when in care, and the right to be themselves. In the Lower Mainland, there are groups for gay and lesbian people that offer support and social activities. Helen is almost 69 years old. Six years ago,

of the population is seniors who are gay, because of a social stigma. Thankfully, society’s attitudes are changing. Here in the Lower Mainland, there are resources available to them.”

she moved here from Calgary. Knowing only one person, she took advantage of visiting a group in South Surrey. Helen, being a very social person, needed to meet people and she wanted to do it in a safe and supportive env ironment. The group she found is organized by the South Surrey Women’s Centre. It has been around for almost 30 years and is facilitated by a gay coordinator. The group meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month and the women discuss topics such as

■ MAY 2014 ■ Published by THE LANGLEY TIMES

finances in a gay relationship, sexual habits, how to meet someone new and what went wrong in the last relationship. The group is especially nurturing to someone who is just coming out. Art is 68 and his partner is 88. They’ve been together for more than 30 years and were married five years ago. Art has known all his life that he was gay, but it wasn’t until he was in his early 20s that he started to come out. The first person he told was his sister who ‘outed’ him to the rest of the family. Art’s family were very accepting and “if you’re happy, we’re happy” was their attitude. Art co-ordinates the Fraser Valley chapter of Hominum. Hominum is a confidential support and discussion group for gay, bisexual and questioning men. The group meets the last Friday of the month. Janice McTaggart of You Gotta Have Friends was approached by a man who was in the process of coming out and needed support. Janice Found Hominum and …CONTINUED Lıvıng

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I would hope that the people who work in those places subsequently she met Art. She invited him to start a group in Langley and offered space at You Gotta Have Friends, which is based in Langley City. Cathie is almost 58 and came out 20 years ago. When she was in her early 20s, she met and moved in with a man and she eventually had a son. “It was the role we were supposed to do back then,” she said. One day she met a lady and went out for a drink, and it all fell into place, She realized “ah, that’s the difference.” When I asked her if she has concerns about going into an assisted living situation, she said no. “I would hope that the people who work in those places will treat each person with dignity and respect.” She added that she is the type of person who will stand

up for herself but realizes that not everyone can. “Also, if you don’t have children, who will speak for you if there is a problem?” she added. Shirley has known she was gay since she was seven years old. She had been engaged twice but she knew she could no longer live a double life. “Young or old, you only have one life and you can’t live it for anyone else. Being in the closet is not a happy place. You may have people put you down, but it’s still better than living the double life. Be brave and bite the bullet,” she said. Shirley hopes that any prejudice against gay people that exists in care homes today will have changed by the time she gets there. “Hopefully the people who work there are there for the right

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will treat each person with dignity and respect reasons,” she said. “They should have an open mind and treat everyone with respect.” she continued. Both the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and the Fraser Health Authority have published documents pertaining to sexuality in long-term care homes. The Vancouver Coastal Health Authorities guiding document is called Supporting Sexual Health and Intimacy in Care Homes; guidelines for supporting adults in long-term care. Today, members of the gay community are referred to as LGBT which stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered. The term defines more accurately the range of lifestyles being gay encompasses. The Fraser Health Authority’s website has a section for LGBT resources, which they announce is coming soon. Seniors’ rights in care homes is an issue for both straight and gay people. Art feels

that going into a care home may force some gay men back into the closet. This should not be the case. Everyone agrees that all seniors regardless of their sexual orientation should be able to expect fair treatment. To that end, dialogues have begun and care homes and assisted living facilities are developing policies to deal the issue of sex, gay or straight. The Alzheimer’s Society in England offers some very good suggestions for gays and lesbians moving into a care home. Their website www.altzheimers.org.uk suggests asking questions. “Does the residence feel like home? Do the brochures include pictures of lesbian or gay couples? Are there private areas for visitors to talk to residents?” While the staff may include lesbian or gay people, it is not a guarantee that the home is a gay-friendly environment. If the sexuality of the person moving in might

be an issue it is something that must be addressed from the outset. “Ask how the care home would handle any hostility or homophobia toward residents or visitors from other residents or visitors.” says the website. Being LBGT in today’s world is not easy, but societal norms are changing. Today there are more resources available and this is a good thing. The generation coming up won’t stand for discrimination and will expect fair and equitable treatment. These people have worked for the right to be who they are and as a society we must accept this. Thankfully most retirement residences and care homes are now beginning the dialogue and process to ensure that a person, whether straight or gay, can live a life of dignity and respect while in care. ~ Lilianne Fuller

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Affordable, accessible and appropriate housing Seniors housing in Langley is beginning to receive much community attention

Since

its formation last summer, the Triple A a housing survey, which received 540 responses, Triple A Senior Housing group has been very active Housing is now organizing a two-day Senior Housing Summit in focusing on local needs for a growing population base. Its for September and a documentary film showing to help kick off working groups are comprised mainly of older adults, including Seniors’ Week in June. members of the partnering organizations involved. It represents “It will reflect our strategy of awareness, advocacy and action a broad coalition of grassroot stakeholders,, says y Marilyn y in the pursuit of Affordable, Accessible and Fischer, who co-chairs the group along with Appropriate (Triple A) senior housing,” said A Petrina Arnason. Fischer, who is also the coordinator for the The survey was project. The senior housing summit, planned The housing group was formed in June, conducted to for September 18-19 at St. Joseph’s Church 2013 through the partnering of members hall, will include speakers, panel discussions, of Chapter 48 CARP (formerly Canadian help identify examples of projects and other options Association of Retired Persons), the Langleyy housing needs available. The results of the survey, which is Seniors Community Action Table (LSCAT) and preferences, now being analyzed, will also be discussed and the Langley Senior Resources Society, during the two-day event, which begins on and is receiving support from the City and a reflection of the the Thursday afternoon. Township of Langley. group’s philosophy: The survey was conducted to help identify After holding a highly successful workshop last fall, where about 100 people gathered “plan with seniors, housing needs and preferences, a reflection of the group’s philosophy: “plan with seniors, at the Seniors Resource Centre to help not for seniors.” shape the direction of future planning in the not for seniors.” community, and recently having conducted Fischer says all the information will be

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included in a report on the work of Triple A Housing, with recommendations for municipal and provincial governments, housing developers and renovators, financial institutions, senior housing providers, seniors’ groups, as well as individuals, in order to advance the interests of creating and maintaining a range of housing options. “Groups are really pulling together. This is a huge undertaking.” On Monday, June 2 – the first day of Seniors’ Week – Triple A has organized a screening of “I’d Rather Stay”, an intimate documentary film guided by the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility’s research on how the neighbourhood built environment is affecting the health and well being of Canada’s aging population. The film explores the joys and challenges of growing older in one’s own home and

Photos from the trailer of “I’d Rather Stay”, an intimate documentary film guided by the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility’s research on how the neighbourhood built environment is affecting the health and well being of Canada’s aging population. See story for local screening information.

…CONTINUED

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Seniors housing in Langley neighbourhood. Told through the diverse experiences of five seniors, the film explores fear, resilience and the importance of building more accessible and inclusive communities. Director, producer and story editor Callista Haggis and Dr. Joanie Sims-Gould, UBC Centre of Hip Health, will facilitate a discussion following the viewing. The June 2 event takes place from 1:30 to 3 pm at the Fraser River Presentation Theatre, located on the 4th Photograph from the “Searching for solutions to senior housing” workshop held November, 2013. floor of the Township of be done online at RecExpress.ca or by calling any community Langley Civic Facility at 65 Avenue and 203 Street. recreation centre in Langley. Transportation will be available by Transportation shuttles, provided by some local independent request if registered by May 28. living communities and the Langley Senior Resources Society, For further information about Triple A Senior Housing and any are being arranged from Aldergrove, Fort Langley, Walnut of its activities, contact: tripleaseniorhousing@gmail.com. Grove and Brookswood/Fernridge. Registration for the film can ~ Mel Kositsky

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Langley will be a hub of activity during BC’s annual

Seniors Week

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And this year will be extra special as the torch lighting ceremony for the upcoming provincial Seniors Games will also be held here.

A full calendar

of activities is being special guests for the commemorative ceremony on Thursday, planned from Monday, June 5. It will include entertainment, guest speakers and lots of free June 2 to Sunday, June 8 - and the majority of the events will be activities at the new Bedford Landing Plaza in Fort Langley. The free of charge. So there will be plenty of opportunities for all to get events get under way at 6:30 pm. The BC Seniors’ Gameswill be held September 9 to 13 in Langley. involved. Seniors Week provides an opportunity to acknowledge and For those who enjoy music, the Langley Community Music celebrate the integral part seniors play in communities across School is holding a free concert on Saturday, June 7, starting the province. Seniors of all ages, interests and abilities are invited at 7 pm. The school is holding its final recital of the year. It will be to take part in the many events planned and being organized by a showcase of the winner of its concerto competition, the LCMS various Langley community partners and organizations. There will Concert Orchestra and graduating students. be something for everyone as more than 40 activities are being Another special event is the second annual Township of Langley planned, from sports and fitness events such as lawn bowling, Seniors Picnic and Health Fair on Friday, June 6 from 11:30 am swimming and a table tennis tournament, to music recitals and to 1 pm at McLeod Athletic Park, across from the Langley Airport. social lunches. The event is an opportunity for seniors to get outside, be social and The highlight of the week will be the Seniors of the Year luncheon learn ways to increase their quality of life. on Wednesday, June 4 at the Langley Seniors Centre, 20605 51B Langley community service providers and organizations will be Avenue. The recipients of the male and female 2014 “Seniors of the part of this event. Year” awards will be honored by the community during the lunch, Lunch and speakers are included. Registration is $5 per person and which runs from 11:30 am to 2 pm, and includes entertainment by a bus service may be available from various recreation centres. PreMardie Wolsey. Previous Langley Seniors of the Year will also be register at 604.533.6090 (Local 5105) or contact astark@tol.ca. recognized. For those interested in learning more about emergency Selection of the top seniors is based on their contributions to the preparedness, there is a special luncheon on Tuesday, June 3 at the community. They must be 65 years of age or older and be a resident Langley City Fire Hall on 203rd Street at Logan Avenue. “Food, of Langley City or the Township of Langley for at least five years. Friends and Fire” will include lunch provided by Choo-Choo’s Tickets for the luncheon are available at the Seniors Centre for Family Restaurant in honor of all of the seniors in Langley. There $19 ($17 for members). Call 604.530.3020 or send an email to: will also be a fire safety presentation and prizes. The luncheon runs info@lsrs.ca. from 11:30 am to 1 pm. To kick off Seniors Week, this year’s winners will be announced As space is limited, pre-registration is required and there is a cost of Monday, June 2 at 11:30 am at the Seniors Centre during the $5 per person. Call 604.514.2940 to reserve your spot. official opening ceremonies of Seniors Week. There will be cake, refreshments and kind words from a variety of dignitaries and For more information about the many activities during Seniors Week in Langley, contact the Langley Seniors Resource Centre at members of the community. 604.530.3020. Also on Monday, June 2, the Triple A Housing group will be ~ Mel Kositsky showing a free film documentary called “I’d Rather Stay”. The film explores the joys and challenges of growing older in one’s own home and neighbourhood. It will be shown at the Township of Langley’s Fraser River Retirement is Presentation Theatre (4th floor) from 1:30 to 3 pm. so great. I just A discussion with the film’s producer will follow the love being my viewing. own boss. Another unique highlight of Seniors Week will Coming honey. be the torch lighting ceremony for the 2014 BC Seniors Games. Join the organizing committee and ■ MAY 2013 ■ Published by THE LANGLEY TIMES

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Travel Doctors Keeping you healthy while you travel abroad. Planning

your next adventure is exciting but it can take you into the area of the unknown with health risks while abroad. So it is important to be sure you are travelling healthy. What potential health risks may you encounter on your trip? Travel health clinics employ doctors and nurses who specialize in keeping up-to-date with the risks of traveling abroad. At a travel clinic, you will be given an individual risk assessment specific to your itinerary and medical history. You will be offered the vaccinations you may require and can have them administered all in one convenient visit, so you can cross off yet another item on your ‘to do’ list! Many family doctors don’t stock the vaccines you may need and may not be up-todate with the risks specific to your itinerary. Because travel medicine is considered preventive medicine, it can’t be billed to the Medical Services Plan, therefore there will be a consultation fee. But being prepared to enjoy the trip of a lifetime is well worth it. If traveling abroad is in your future, why not make sure you remain healthy on your trip so you can enjoy all of the sights and sounds around you. Use a travel doctors’ expertise and your common sense to make the most of your next vacation. Most clinics will offer a variety of services in addition to their travel sessions. You can purchase travel health accessories such as insect repellent, mosquito nets and water purification systems to enhance your safety while traveling. They will also provide other vaccinations such as the new shingles vaccine, which is recommended for those over 50. Check out your nearest Travel Clinic for more information. ~ Dr. Gio Miletto MD CCFP CTH

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the best of

mcgregor says Turn off the TV, go outside and play!

recently spent some time at a giant yard sale. I love to browse the tables and McGregor watch what people are buying. Even if I don’t buy anything Says myself, I always take home JIM MCGREGOR a few ideas for stories. Any gathering is full of stories if you are patient enough to watch and listen. I know I’m enjoying a good book when I feel as if I’m watching the scene unfold. During the sale I was standing near a table heaped with games and puzzles in no semblance of order and searching through the pile became a game in itself. Someone would find an old board game and call over a friend or sister or brother and they would chuckle at the memories an old Trivial Pursuit game would conjure. They would discuss buying it ‘for the kids’ for a moment, then either put in their basket or back on the pile. Four boys, all refugees from Myanmar, picked up a table hockey game and cleared a spot on an adjacent table. In an instant, sides had been chosen and the plastic puck was slamming back and forth along the ice surface and the laughs and shouts followed every pass and shot. My younger brothers and I played endless hours of table hockey. Our set had all the players of the original six teams. OK, I’ll admit, when I was a kid there were only six NHL teams. The Canucks were yet to annually break our hearts and we didn’t despise any team in particular. The players were all in the team colours so we could match the game being played on Hockey Night in Canada, even though our TV was black and white. The players were metal and with a gentle twist of the pliers you could put a Bobby Hull curve in one of the forward’s sticks and with enough practice you could snipe it around a slow moving goalie. We would organize tournaments and playoff series and keep a record of who beat who. Mom was the unofficial timekeeper and more than one game had to be finished in the morning after the Head Referee/Arena Manager sent us packing off to bed. As I watched the four young boys playing, a goal was scored followed by cheering and protesting. I do not understand their language but I know exactly what they were saying. They left the gym with the game under their arm and smiles on their faces.

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A friend was at a family barbecue last summer and one of the young boys there fell out of a tree and bumped his head pretty hard. After a trip to the hospital, a scan told them he would be OK. But it was a remark by the doctor that got my attention. He said, “You seldom see kids falling out of trees any more, they rarely play outside these days.” We lived outside when we were kids and if there was no one to play with we always had our imagination. I remember the satisfaction of finding the perfect stick. If it just the right weight and length, it could be anything you wanted. Maybe it started out as a rifle or a machine gun that would never miss and never run out of ammunition or batteries. It could be as loud or as silenced as you wanted and maybe once in a while make a ricochet sound as you ran from tree to tree or rolled under the porch to avoid return fire. After a while it was a perfect pirate sword made from the finest Spanish steel, balanced for your hand alone. It was sharp enough to slice the rope releasing the enemy sails but crafted just right to clamp between your teeth as you leapt swashbuckling from ship to ship, lopping off limbs in an attempt to rescue the damsel in distress. If you tucked it under your arm as you swung up onto your steed, it was the sharpest lance in the kingdom. Made from the hardest oak in the land it would never splinter when you jammed it into the breastplate of the Black Knight. As you walked down the road to your friend’s place, it could be Mickey Mantle’s bat. Each pebble you smacked was a game winning home run in the seventh game of the World Series, each ball going farther over the wall and higher into the stands. Its final role for the day was an enemy battleship floating down the ditch under fire from dive bombers. What an amazing toy. Just a stick, company for time alone, time to be kids, time to let the imagination take you places Mom and Dad couldn’t afford to. I passed a lot where a house had been torn down. In one corner a tree was still standing with an old tire hanging from a rotting rope. I wonder where the kids from that house went when they climbed on board. If they were lucky, they left this earthly plane behind. At least, that’s what McGregor says. Published by THE LANGLEY TIMES ■ MAY 2014 ■

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Published by THE LANGLEY TIMES ■ MAY 2014 ■