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SENIOR’S gROuP TESTS LEadINg EdgE IdEaInnovative new approach to raising funds that has the potential to forever revolutionize the way charities operate

Albertans have to accept they live in a one-party state

OPINION

Page 3 Page 6

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EDMONTON SENIOR, January 2015 3

Senior’s group tests leading edge idea

Ellen Nielsen, Special to the Edmonton Senior

Biidly is the brainchild of Karen Willson, a New Zealander transplanted to Calgary. She conceived of her idea after a friend went to work in an elder care facility. The friend found there were major challenges with raising the funds to support the fa-cility’s work. Willson realized that instead of asking businesses to constantly donate, it was possible for charities to partner in a more sustainable manner that would benefit both parties.Today Willson is beta testing her concept together

with a handful of charities, including SAGE.Biidly helps non-profits find corporate partners

willing to offer their product or service to the charity at wholesale prices. The charity posts the offerings on the Biidly website at market value. Customers can buy services they were already intending to buy, while supporting their charity.The business benefits by making money on their

product or service, while also supporting the charity without having to donate. Meanwhile they are also opening their business up to new customers through Biidly channels.The non-profit benefits because they earn consistent

revenue not tied to a specific event – and also with-out the usual time commitment from staff and a large numbers of volunteers. When a customer makes a purchase, the charity gets the difference between the wholesale and retail price, less a small percentage that goes to Biidly.The customer, in turn, is able to support a charity

of their choice with no actual out-of-pocket costs, while getting something they were already planning to purchase. As well, they have opportunity to get unique offerings, not available anywhere else. It’s also easier to share with others – friends and family might not be as interested in the fact a donor has sup-

ported a specific non-profit.And Biidly benefits by making a small amount

on each sale while helping an unlimited number of businesses and charities grow.The whole process operates continuously without

the same amount of effort usually required by fun-draising activities, and without asking businesses to donate again and again resulting in donation fatigue.SAGE’s initial offerings on Biidly include: • a trip for two to see a Broadway show in

New York City (including flight, three night’s ac-commodations and the show), • a week for two at a luxury resort on the Ko-

hala Coast of Hawaii (including flight), and• the opportunity to attend a taping of Danc-

ing with the Stars during a three night stay at a four-star hotel in Los Angeles (flight included). Depending on the results of the beta test, Biidly

will officially launch later in 2015.Businesses or non-profits interested in working

with Biidly can contact Karen Willson at [email protected] SAGE supporters can check out, bid on and share

the SAGE packages listed on Biidly.com Simply use the keyword SAGE in the search function on the website to find the packages.

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by Lydia J GoatcherOne of the most popular day trips

with Edmonton seniors is the annual holiday lunch buffets held at presti-gious Hotel MacDonald in December. These bus tours fill up quickly not only because of the scrumptious buffet and the convenience of transportation but also because of the hotel tour that fol-lows. On Dec 18 such a tour organized by North Edmonton Seniors Associa-tion (NESA) and Central Lions Senior Association (CLSA) picked up seniors and their guests at both centers and delivered them to the hotel entrance ready to enjoy the festivities of the season in style. Tables elegantly set with sparkling

silverware and glasses of ice water with cranberries welcomed guests in the Empire Ballroom. This ballroom was recently restored to it’s original elegance with chandeliers and an art-work ceiling entitled “The Chase” depicting the fox, hounds and hunters which had been concealed by a false

ceiling when the ballroom was deco-rated pub style. Soft music from the grand piano and choir added to the am-bience for diners.

Edmonton Seniors Enjoy Holiday Lunch Buffet and Tour at Hotel MacDonald

Continued on next page

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EDMONTON SENIOR, January 2015 5Continued from previous pageFollowing the meal, the hotel tour

guide provided a brief history of the hotel saying that it was built in 1915 of limestone imported from Indiana at a cost of 2.2 million dollars. After a pe-riod of prosperity, the hotel, named af-ter the first prime minister of Canada, Sir John A. MacDonald, came close to being demolished in 1983. The City of Edmonton came to the

rescue designating the building as a Municipal Heritage Property and, in 1988 it was purchased by the Canadi-an Pacific (CP) Hotel, restored and re-opened in 1991 after work totaling $28 million. The renovation added several suites in what had once been the attic. Today the hotel is part of Fairmount Properties and is owned by the chain Westmount.Next stop was the main lobby where

a replica of the hotel made of ginger-bread was proudly displayed. The tour guide explained that making this from scratch ingredients has been a tradi-tion for the last three years and starting early November, it takes the culinary team a total of 180 man-hours. There is a wooden frame underneath built according to the blueprint of the ho-tel that supports the completely edible material each year. Joining the tour group briefly was the hotel managers

Labrador dog named Smudge who has her own “hotel room” (doghouse) for daytime use. She works a normal 9 to 5 and greets guests as they come in. She can be booked and taken for walks if you miss your pet.Finally, everyone gathered at the only

elevator that goes to the eighth floor where the hotels grandest suite, the Queen Elizabeth II Suite is situated. This suite, consisting of 2400 sq.ft, is built on two levels and includes a large foyer, dining room, service pantry, two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms and a spacious living room. The view of the river valley can be seen at the south end of the living room. As the visitors entered many gasped at the enormous living and sit-ting area. Going upstairs to the second level revealed a king sized bed with sitting area and a gigantic bathroom with a hot tub sized bathtub. According to the tour guide, many

celebrities including Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Brad Pitt, Justin Bieber, Mick Jager have been guests in this suite. To ensure their comfort, a list of their wants and needs are received in advance. For example, there was a request for a special apple juice which the hotel had to have shipped from France as well requests for items such as green M&Ms. Carol Burnett was

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also said to be very impressed with the accommoda-tion and inspired to sing “Don’t Cry for me Argen-tina” from the balcony, according to the tour guide.In 2015 the hotel will be celebrating its centennial

and will be asking for the public for help in returning some fixtures, furniture and other items for display in the hotel. During the early1980s, when the fate of the hotel was uncertain, many of these articles were auctioned off to the public. Apparently, whatever is returned will still remain the property of the owner. In any case, from what was seen during this tour, it should be an event not to be missed by residents and visitors to the Edmonton area.

(Above) Seniors Enjoy a holiday lunch buffet in the recently restored “The Chase” ballroom.


Albertans have to accept they live in a one-party state

OpinionBy Roger Gibbins

CALGARY AB/ Troy Media/ - As the Progressive Conservatives swallow the Wildrose, there will undoubtedly be teeth gnashing and garment rending as commentators reflect on the health of democracy in Alberta.Certainly the Conservatives’ electoral grip will only strengthen going forward, and Pre-

mier Jim Prentice can put the champagne on ice as his party plans for its 50th year in office in 2021.The state of the opposition is nicely described by John Cleese’s classic Monty Python

parrot skit: “it’s passed on, is no more, ceased to be, bereft of life. It’s rung down the curtain and joined the choir invisible.”This demise leaves Albertans in the uncomfortable position of living indefinitely in a

one-party state, and thus we can expect a raft of proposals to resuscitate the opposition, to merge existing parties or create new ones to challenge the Conservative big tent from the left or right. All of this noise, however, may preclude a more constructive conversation about the future of democracy in the province.The starting point for that conversation is to accept the reality of a one-party state, as

Danielle Smith appears to have done, while also recognizing that a good measure of democracy can nonetheless exist. Here we can learn from the Americans who have been adept at using primary elections to replace electoral competition between parties with competition within parties.In the South following the end of the Civil War it was next to impossible to elect anyone

other than Democrats. Voters, it was alleged, would vote for a yellow dog before they would vote for a Republican. Yet democracy did not die with the death of party competi-tion. It moved, or at least staggered, into the use of primaries to select Democratic candi-dates for state and federal office.Since then, primary elections have become commonplace across the country, and in

many cases are the only meaningful contests. Given that 96 per cent of incumbents in the House of Representatives win if they stand for re-election, the only true competitions take place in the primaries.Maybe, then, Albertans can redirect their long-standing interest in democratic reform

to intra-party reform. If Conservative candidates are virtually assured of election in the one-party province it has become, maybe we have to open up the nomination process to much broader public participation.Now admittedly, this would mean that provincial elections would be a mere formality

with respect to choosing a government, and the Legislative Assembly would cease to be a significant forum for political debate. But surely this point has been reached already?If we’re clever, we could use provincial elections as a platform for citizen initiatives and

referendums, as a new way to hold the government in check.It is useful to note the absence of references to California, the largest state, in the recent

mid-term elections. Congressional seats were locked down well before the election, leav-ing no hot contests to report, but there were numerous and vigorous referendum cam-paigns. Democracy in California has been redirected more than muzzled.Now, some may be uncomfortable using the American south or even California as a

democratic model. I would argue, however, that Albertans would be better off studying the American experience than beating their heads against the mantra “we need an effec-tive opposition.”A serious exploration of intra-party democracy might also counter some of the external

criticism Alberta is bound to encounter as opposition parties expire. Those who describe Alberta as a petro-state will be happy to add “one party dictatorship.” We have to demon-strate that democracy is alive and well in Alberta; it has just found a new home.

Roger Gibbins is a senior fellow with the Canada West Foundation.

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By Edith KirbyCalgary Senior Columnist

Food for thought at a seniors’ apart-ment complex.

Today I live alone, and really love my new apartment.

Though days and nights are quiet, there can be occasional surprises. This one got me thinking about the differ-ence between today’s lifestyle, and the one I share now with other “girls of the 1950s.”

One day the fire sirens sound throughout the building. Reluctantly, we all head for the main area, and wait. Suddenly there is excitement. Three or four big handsome firemen are coming through the area, carrying the tools of their trade. Just another fire drill, and we’re in good hands. But was I was the only lady thinking, oh yes, those are the “boys of summer?” And, alas, here we are, the “girls of winter.”

We are “the girls of the 50s.” Past tense. These young men are the pres-ent tense “boys of summer.” How do we see each other? Was I the only woman wishing we could do it all over again? Were the firemen wondering if their beautiful young wives or girl-friends will look like this someday? One group looks back. The other looks forward.

Trust a poet to put it into interesting perspective. Carl Sandberg says, “The working girls are going to work….….so many with a peach bloom of young years on them.”

But there are others walking to work.

“Green and grey streams run side by side in a river and so here are always the others, those who have been over the way, the women who know each one the end of life’s gamble for her … the how and the why of the dances …. and the feet of these move slower, and they have wisdom where the oth-ers have beauty. So the green and the grey move in the early morning on the downtown streets.” So this night, the green go back to the fire sta-tion, and the grey of the 50s go back to their apartments.

There’ll be no dance tonight.

* * *Next March, I have to take my driv-

ing test. I don’t want to lose my li-cense, but from what I’ve read, I’m terrified of the DriveAble test, and will I have a chance?

Can it be that bad? Have you had experience with them? Please let me know what I can expect. Written tests; memory tests, actual driving tests? What happens?

Write me at [email protected]. Or just leave your phone number and I’ll call you. Thanks.

* * *Here’s a couple of musical nostalgia

trips. Go to You Tube and type in “K. T. Oslin, 80’s Ladies.” And…. remem-ber Chubby Checker and the “Limbo Rock”? It’s on there, too. Hard to be-lieve these were over 30 years ago.

* * *Happy New Year 2015, everyone!

The Boys of Summer meet the Girls of the 50s

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By RAY TURCHANSKYAs people advance from a period in their lives when

they’re raising children, to a time of retirement filled with travel, they should regularly re-evaluate what types of in-surance they are eligible for, how much premiums cost, and what insurance they likely need most.For people facing costs of raising a family, a lengthy mort-

gage, and vehicle purchases -- Statistics Canada reports av-erage household debt reaching a record high 163 per cent of disposable income -- life insurance is likely a prudent thing to have. But retired people wanting to spread their wings and see the world might find travel medical insurance to be a bigger priority.Health InsuranceCommon types of health insurance provide coverage for

medical, dental, drug, vision and casualty expenses, and there’s travel medical insurance to handle out-of-country expenses beyond what local insurance covers.Provincial plans usually cover part or all of many health

basics, such as the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, which provides residents with full coverage of medically necessary physician and hospital services, plus a portion of some drug and vision costs, as well as specific dental and oral surgical health services. Most people want additional medical coverage from private insurers, to pay for more services or products. People switching employers or entering retirement should

examine what group medical insurance coverage they may be giving up by going to a new employer, becoming self-employed, or retiring. As part of an early retirement pack-age, employees may be able to negotiate some medical coverage after leaving. In any situation, it might be worth-while to compensate for lost or reduced coverage by taking out additional individual insurance.To be eligible for Alberta Health Care, residents must

physically be in Alberta at least 183 days of a 12-month period. But even people who are away less than that are strongly advised to purchase travel medical insurance, be-cause many out-of-country costs are only partially covered by local insurance, if at all.A former Edmontonian went to Mexico with a friend, who

suffered severe medical problems while swimming there, requiring both of them plus two medical attendants to fly by private jet to Florida for treatment. A $5,000 credit card deposit on the charges was paid, but the friend had taken out travel medical insurance in Canada, and all costs were covered including the deposit.Long-term Disability and Critical Illness Insurance.Many employers offer long-term disability or care insur-

ance, which reimburses an employee a portion of their sal-ary for a certain period, sometimes one year, while they cannot work due to a prolonged illness or accident.

Individuals can also take out critical illness insurance, where people who survive a period of usually 30 days after diagnosis of a disease they are cover for, receive a one-time lump sum payment depending on the amount of coverage. A basic critical illness plan covers heart attack, bypass sur-

gery, cancer and stroke until age 65, with pre-set premium increases every 10 years. Or you can initially pay more for level coverage with no premium increases to age 65, 75, or 100. And another rate allows you to get your premiums back at various ages if you don’t make a claim. Other levels of coverage can add conditions such as multiple sclerosis, kidney failure, deafness, blindness, Lou Gehrig’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.Life InsuranceDavid Chilton says in his book The Wealthy Barber that

life insurance is best held by people with huge looming expenses, such as raising a family, and little savings. He asks the question, if you were to die and your employment income would vanish, could your family carry on and be financially comfortable? Many people approaching retire-ment with no debt, reduced living expenses and enough savings to pay for funeral expenses, don’t need life insur-ance.There are two main types of life insurance, term and per-

manent, the latter usually being universal or whole life. Term insurance is the cheaper variety, paying a lump sum upon death, but premiums increase as the policy is regu-larly renewed. Permanent is more expensive, but premiums don’t increase over time, and it includes a fixed payment upon death, plus an investment component that compounds over years.Some people opt for whole life because of its forced sav-

ings component. But many advisers suggest having term in-surance and investing the difference you save in premiums

yourself, having time to achieve returns that outperform the low-rate returns of whole life, which opts for security.Home, Mortgage, Auto InsuranceShop around. Home insurers are often competitive, and an

insurance broker may get you the best deal. Renters often ignore insurance, but are often wise to obtain renter insur-ance covering their personal belongings. Mortgage insur-ance is usually obtained through Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, but conditions for acceptance have been toughened. With auto insurance, update your informa-tion; you can get reduced rates if you’re self-employed at home instead of driving to work daily. Also, you often don’t need additional insurance on car rentals, as it may be cov-ered under your personal auto insurance or your credit card.Insurance and TaxesMost insurance benefits are not taxable, but some of the

cash surrender value of a permanent life insurance policy is. Also, the federal government has moved to eliminate tax benefits for two insurance products, a leveraged insured an-nuity and a 10/8 arrangement.Meanwhile, insurance premiums are treated different

ways. Provincial medical insurance premiums cannot be claimed as a medical expense, but premiums for private insurance, plus the medical part of travel insurance (ex-cluding cancellation insurance) may be claimed. With long-term disability insurance, taxation of benefits received depends on who paid the premiums, often split 50-50 be-tween employer and employee. The employee pays no tax on benefits received up to the total amount of premiums he or she paid over time. If you’d paid $5,000 in LTD premi-ums the past 10 years, you don’t pay tax on the first $5,000 in LTD benefits.Ray Turchansky is a freelance writer and income tax preparer.

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Have you ever forgotten your grand-children’s names? Or where you last placed your credit cards, forgotten a familiar route that you always drove on your way home, or that walkway which you always took to your doctor’s office? Alice, in the 2007 novel by Lisa Genova “Still Alice”, finds herself in a similar predicament. But in her case she is only fifty years old. She concludes that she has a problem and seeks help. Her doc-tor responds, “....you may not be the best source of what is going on.” Both book and film will bring new understand-

By Nicholas Spillios

Aliceing of this disease during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in January.

The impact that this novel has exerted on readers was recently brought to my attention when I returned my copy to the library and was immediately engaged on its context by a patron. Although strang-ers, we both agreed that the book had achieved in drawing awareness of this cruel disease to everyone’s attention.

Alice Howland is an accomplished professor of psychology who begins forgetting. Her predicament begins by a loss of words in a lecture given many times. Then others escalate - a mis-placed blackberry charger in a restau-rant, a missed flight, and becoming dis-oriented in Harvard Square, a location she frequented often on a daily basis. Of course, she has her own rationale for explaining these incidents - multitask-ing, stress, menopause or perhaps the growth of a tumor. In a similar situation we would do the same.

Taking a daily run, Alice becomes lost. She panics and arranges a visit with a neurologist who diagnoses her with early-onset Alzheimer’s. That she is an academic, widely respected for her research devastates her. She now be-comes the observer forcing us to iden-tity with her and engulf us in the events which follow.

Genova, in the book guide, declares why she chose a younger subject. We

expect octogenarians to be forgetful, attributing the disease to old age, or to their living alone. We expect this to hap-pen to an elderly person. Usually there is no one to observe the stages of what is occurring. As we follow Alice we gain a deeper understanding of the steps in the onset. Alice’s family members become exposed to her condition including her husband who is on the verge of accept-ing a lucrative position elsewhere and thus does not wholly accept her state. When her children learn of her condition and that it may be inherited relationships are affected and impact on the whole family.

The unravelling of the stages all take place from Alice’s point of view to the extent that the conversation of family members often ignore her as if she were transparent. Such is usually the case.

Alice’s blackberry becomes a crutch in her survival. She posts five ques-tions in her computer every day and if by chance she can’t answer them her plan for her demise will surface. Genova makes this twist in her story poignant as we are drawn into each stage as onlook-ers. Considering that she is an academic carrying on research in her field, missing the ability to communicate is traumatic, particularly when she delivers her last speech at an Alzheimer’s conference, nervous and losing all confidence - a shadow of her original self.

Adapting the book to film presented a challenge. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film and Julianne Moore’s performance as Alice drew highly favourable responses from audiences. Again, Alice’s descent is de-picted from her point of view. But here we are drawn deeper in making her pre-dicament ours. Films truly afford a pow-erful means for helping us understand another’s viewpoint and exert a unique power in changing attitudes.

The film achieves a more gripping hold on us through pauses, close-ups, and blurred images which contribute in underscoring Alice’s lack of control as she passes each stage. Close-ups of Al-ice’s face drain our very being as her condition intensifies and she reaches for the “butterfly” file on her computer - her last resort where she had given herself details on the planning of her suicide. The film effectively opts on focussing more time on her revived relationship with her estranged daughter (Kristen Stewart) bringing about a positive note on her condition and resolution. In the end we feel a more intimate bond with Alice making us more emotionally in-volved than in the book.

Book or film, this most cruel of dis-eases registers strongly in both media by providing us with an understanding which many of us perhaps did not previ-ously possess.

Alzheimer’s from book to film

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Dawn Harsch has developed a radi-cal new way of doing business when it comes to senior care.

Harsch is a Registered Nurse, who also holds a business degree. She’s worked in the long-term care system in Alberta. She’s also implemented a busi-ness plan for an alternative way of car-ing for the elderly.

“I felt the way we look after people says a lot about us as a society,” she says. “There’s a feeling that the elderly are old and have lived their lives, and that we don’t need to give them as much respect as we would want ourselves.”

The care facility Harsch built is a 7,000 sq. ft. residential home, situ-ated on a residential lot, in a residential neighbourhood. It looks like any other estate home, though it’s built to com-mercial specs. At ExquisiCare, ten resi-dents live in a place that looks, feels and operates like home.

At the entrance there is a sitting room and a large winding staircase (there is also an elevator). There is a country kitchen and a dining room for special meals, like Thanksgiving and Christ-mas. There are ten small bedrooms, each with an ensuite and a walk-in closet. The staff are dressed in street clothes. They do everything from cooking to cleaning, just as it might happen with a caregiver at home.

“And most importantly,” Harsch says, “We give our clients lots and lots of love. That’s the biggest thing that’s missing elsewhere.

“[In institutional care] we talk about safety and quality and innovation. All of that is important. Here we provide that, but we also give love and attention.”

The residents also tend do better. The food is home cooked fresh food, natu-rally lower in sodium and fat. Still most clients gain from 10 to 20 pounds. Staff eat with the residents. There are fewer falls. There has never been an incident of a bed sore. Family members can come and go at any time of the day or night. Residents can go to bed when they want and get up when they want.

“We have one lady who sleeps in un-til 11 a.m.,” Harsch says. “She and her husband worked in the theatre business. This is what they were used to their entire lives. And, we’re not going to change it.”

Residents with dementia tend not to wander as much.

“One fellow said this looks great and thanks for the meal, but he had to get go-ing to Winnipeg.

“We just loved him and made it work.”And it did work.“I love what I do,” Harsch adds.ExquisiCare has one home in Edmon-

ton and will be opening two others in the near future.

ExquisiCareEllen Nielsen, Special to the Edmonton Senior

As a society, we tend to want ‘big’ solutions for our health issues: things like drugs, surgery or technology.

But sometimes the answers are sim-pler, though not necessarily less com-plex.

Art therapy can be used to help any-one of any age, especially where ver-bal expression is limited (for example, because of deafness or dementia) or because there are no words to commu-nicate certain feelings or experiences (as with abuse).

At its most basic, art therapy is a way to de-stress or to be in the moment (known as mindfulness). Participants often mention how fast the time has gone.

Art is also a way to communicate symbolically. It helps individuals ac-cess and share their memories and feelings.

Edmonton art therapist, Janet Stalenhoef tells of an elder who was presented with two photos – one of her daughter and one of a stranger. The el-der pointed to the daughter, whom she did not recognize, saying she thought

that was a nice person. In a similar way, art therapy can

work to strengthen memory or stimu-late the brain. Or it can give an indica-tion of the extent of cognitive impair-ment.

Creative experience is also self-af-firming, especially where choice and personal recognition are limited, as with those living in nursing care. No matter where else they have lost con-trol, here their decisions are the right ones, and they have choices over them. Just completing an art task can be re-warding.

Stalenhoef describes an experience working with her own mother.

“She created a fabric collage with a doll and a bed. She used ties she thought belonged to my father, who had already passed,” Stalenhoef says. “Then she quietly said ‘I am so tired.’ About a week later she passed.

“It was her way of saying goodbye.”For further information on art ther-

apy programs in Alberta, check the in-ternet or go to Janet Stalenhoef’s web-site: www.artiswell.com Note: Artistic skill is not required to participate in art therapy.

Home sweet home careEllen Nielsen, Special to the Edmonton Senior

Art as therapy

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Diana HerringtonAre you concerned about getting Alzheimer’s? The walnut that resembles a brain may be the answer to keeping Alzheimer’s disease at bay. The latest re-search suggests that eating 1/4 cup of walnuts a day may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Every 67 seconds someone in the United States de-velops Alzheimer’s.

Due to the huge number of people suffering from this condition, there is extensive research to find possible cures or means of prevention.

Recent Study Gives Hope:The New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, led by Dr. Abha Chau-han, used mice vulnerable to developing Alzheim-er’s disease in their study. They fed them a mixed diet which contained 6 - 9 percent walnuts. When they tested their learning ability, memory, and mo-tor development, it was found that the control group mice performed much worse than the walnut con-suming group. It was also noted, that there was a re-duction in anxiety and improvement in motor skills in the walnut eaters.Dr. Chauhan said these findings lead the way in ad-vanced human studies on walnuts and Alzheimer’s disease.

How Is This Powerful Effect Possible?Walnuts are the second highest food in antioxidants

and very rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Researchers speculate that this may be the how they protect the brain from degeneration.

Do we need to be concerned about Alzheimer’s?

Yes. Here are a few facts for you to ponder from the Alzheimer’s Association:More than 5 million Americans are living with the disease.• Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States• 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or dementia.• Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women.• A woman in her 60’s estimated lifetime risk for de-veloping Alzheimer’s is 1 in 6. For breast cancer it is 1 in 11.

Previous Studies indicate that Walnuts Help with Brain Function.

• Walnuts may help your memory was the conclu-sion of a report published in the Journal of Alzheim-er’s disease in 2012.• Diet of walnuts and blueberries may help maintain brain function. It was found that shorter chain fatty acids found in plants, such as walnuts, may have beneficial effects on brain function.• Increase your brain size with walnuts. A Study found that those with a low level of omega 3 had smaller brain volumes than those with higher levels.

Walnuts are full of health benefits beyond brain health:

• Researchers at Marshall University found that a daily dose of walnuts (equal to 2 ounces a day in humans) reduces the growth of breast cancer tumors in mice.• Similar finding in mice for prostate cancer was found at the UC Davis Cancer Center.• Walnuts have been found to be more effective than

olive oil in countering the ill effects of high-fat foods (Barcelona, 2006).• Walnuts may lower cholesterol and decrease heart disease. The high alpha-linolenic acid content helps maintain the elasticity of the arteries, which aids circulation. Cholesterol is linked to the two leading causes of death in the world.Include some walnuts into your daily diet.• Add them to your morning porridge.• To your salad.• Or just eat a few as a snack.

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IngrEdIEnTs:1 pound fresh spinach2 tablespoons lemon juice1/4 cup olive oilFew drops of steviaTamari or Braggs to taste1 avocado, diced1 mandarin Orange, in pieces1/4 cup soaked Walnuts, choppeddIrEcTIons:1.Wash and trim spinach; pat dry with paper towels.2.Put spinach in a salad bowl.3.In another bowl combine lemon juice, oil, stevia and Tamari or Braggs.4.Mix in diced avocado.5.Toss spinach with avocado and dressing.6.Add walnuts and orange, toss spinach salad again.7.Serve immediately.

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By Lisa M. Petsche In most cases, family members and friends – known

as informal caregivers - provide all of the help that the care receiver needs. Without their assistance, the care receiver might otherwise have to move to some type of residential care setting. It’s not necessary to live under the same roof as the

person one is helping, or to provide assistance with personal or medical care, in order to be considered a caregiver.Read on to learn more about the nature of caregiving

today.Who are the caregivers?

The typical caregiver is an adult child providing help to a parent or, less often, a parent-in-law. But a care-giver may also be, in order from most to least likely, a friend or neighbour, grandchild, sibling or other ex-tended family member, spouse or parent.The majority of caregivers are female. On average

they spend up to 50 per cent more time on caregiving-related tasks than their male counterparts.

Caregivers most often fall into the 45 to 65 age group and the majority are married. Those at the younger end of this group are likely to have children still at home and consequently have been labelled “the sandwich generation.” A significant proportion of caregivers are older themselves – in other words, younger seniors car-ing for older seniors. The older they are, the more like-ly they are to have health issues of their own, resulting in added stress and risk. Close to two-thirds of family caregivers are employed

in a full-time or part-time capacity. These people are juggling caregiving with paid work, not to mention other responsibilities such as maintaining their own household and attending to other family members. It’s no surprise, therefore, that self-care is usually a low priority for caregivers, if it’s even on their radar at all.

Who are the care receivers?The typical recipient of care is female, over 70 years

of age, widowed and living alone. The older the care receiver, the more likely they are to require personal care. Half of those over 85 fall into this category. The 85-plus age group is, of course, a rapidly growing seg-ment of the population.The most common types of health conditions asso-

ciated with care needs are age-related – for example, osteoporosis, arthritis and vision loss. Other common medical diagnoses of care receivers are cancer, heart disease (such as stroke), neurological disease (such as Parkinson’s disease), dementia and mental illness (such as depression).

Types of caregiving activitiesCaregiving tasks fall into two categories: basic activi-

ties of daily living (known as ADLs or BADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).ADLs are basic, daily self-care tasks including feed-

ing, toileting, dressing, grooming, bathing and mobi-lizing. Less than 25 per cent of caregiving situations involve helping with these needs.IADLs are the more complex skills involved in living

independently – skills normally learned during adoles-cence and early adulthood. They include using the tele-phone, way finding, managing transportation (whether it’s driving or using public transit), handling finances, shopping, preparing meals, managing medications, performing housework and performing basic indoor and outdoor home maintenance. Typically, care receivers need help with IADLs before

they require help with ADLs. In fact, the first indica-tor of cognitive impairment when someone develops dementia is difficulty managing IADLs, which demand a higher level of mental functioning.The most commonly provided type of caregiving help

is transportation. This involves taking the person to medical appointments and social and leisure activities and on errands such as shopping and banking. Other common types of assistance that relatives and friends provide are home and yard maintenance, house clean-ing and meal preparation.

Final thoughtsTo help ensure that informal caregiving is sustain-

able and remains a rewarding experience over time, it’s important for those providing care to make use of available help. This includes obtaining assistance from family members and friends as well as taking advan-tage of community services that can help maximize the care receiver’s functioning and assist the caregiver with necessary tasks. Doing so improves the quality of life of not only the caregiver but also the care receiver. (END)

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Reputable renovators shudder when they hear about consumers ripped off by bad contractors. It’s even sadder when the victims are seniors who may be struggling to get by on fixed incomes.Fortunately there are ways to protect yourself so

you can do the renovations that will make your home more comfortable, attractive, safe and accessible.The first thing is to recognize that charlatans may

be lousy renovators but are terrific at winning your trust.Warning signs include offers of a special deal be-

cause the contractor is supposedly doing another job in your neighbourhood. Watch out if you are quoted a price before the renovator sees the job. Alarm bells should go off if you are asked for a big down pay-ment to purchase materials.Besides the potential for outright fraud where a

contractor takes the deposit and runs, shoddy work can mean huge repair bills and trouble when it comes to sell a home if the work violates codes or was per-formed without permits.Most of us also like a bargain so it’s no surprise that

homeowners are tempted when a renovator offers to accept payment in cash if no receipt is required.The so-called “savings’ from cash deals can also be

an illusion. Unlicensed contractors likely pay more for materials and the purported GST savings may be eaten up by a padded bill.You are guaranteed not to get a warranty on the

work – plus the warranties on appliances may be cancelled unless you can prove they were installed

by a qualified technician. Without a written contract, there is no legal recourse

if there are problems. And you can be exposed to le-gal liability if the cash operator does not have cover-age for injured workers, or damage to your property or a neighbouring home.

Here are key questions to ask before you agree to a “steal of a deal”:• Will the contractor guarantee the quality of

the materials and workmanship in writing? • Will you receive proof of payment? • Have all building permits, inspections, licenc-

es and certificates required by your municipality been obtained?• Did you get two or three estimates? If an es-

timate seems too good to be true, review it to make sure nothing is missing.

One way to protect yourself from fly-by-night op-erators and ensure quality work is to hire a member of the RenoMark program.

This identifies renovation contractors who have agreed to the Canadian Home Builders’ Associa-tion Code of Ethics and a renovation-specific Code of Conduct. RenoMark renovators understand the value of customer service, provide warranties and continually educate themselves on trends, materials and new regulations.

You can also find more ideas about how to ensure your renovation goes smoothly by checking out the Get It In Writing page at www.chbaalberta.ca. This collaborative initiative with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. will help you understand issues such as liens, documentation to require from con-tractors, details about what should be included in the written contract and useful project checklists.

Jim Rivait, CEO, Canadian Home Builders’ Association – AlbertaHow to Avoid Renovation Rip Offs


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For the past few years, after com-pleting my annual Milk River/Writ-ing-on-Stone May Species Count, I have headed west on the 500 towards Cardston, Pincher Creek, the Crows-nest Pass, and my favourite area, the South Castle River just south of Bea-ver Mines Lake. I should add at this point that I am your typical citizen sci-entist, self-taught in all things nature, these days more of a bug guy than a birder! I do not use all these fancy Latin names – I prefer Bearberry or Umbrella Plant…not Arctoslapkylos and Eriogonum!I try to spend a few days exploring

the old road that runs alongside the South Castle River. I camp at Beaver Mines Lake. It’s easy to get to from Pincher Creek and a local store sells gas and the basic groceries. My rea-son for butterflying in this quiet, un-spoilt area is because I am always on a mission to find a Moss’s Elfin. Local butterfly experts Barb Beck and Nor-bert Kondla have been kind enough in the past to help in my search, and I would never have visited this area had it not been for them.About six years ago, I heard about

Prairie Bluff, about an hour’s drive to the east of Beaver Mines Lake, which is south of Beauvais Lake Pro-vincial Park. This is one of two loca-tions in Alberta where a sighting of Moss’s Elfin (Callophrys mossii) has

been confirmed. Barb and Jim Beck found the butterfly in question during a count there. Nowadays, it is hard to access the hilly area due to gas and oil development, and I am never sure my knees could handle the slopes are 60–70 degrees, so quite steep.The second location is Windsor

Mountain, directly south of Beaver Mines Lake. From Beaver Mines Lake, it takes about an hour to reach to reach Windsor Mountain on the old South Castle Road. The lower slopes are close to the road, so are easy to at-tain. I was there last year in very nice weather and it did not take me long to discover that a certain amount of scrambling was going to be involved. There was not much flying around in the variable vegetation, but I am sure I found Bearberry!I did come across a few Elfin bugs

but was not sure which species I was collecting. I was pretty sure I had hit the mother lode, but when I visited Norbert later, I found I had complete-ly missed my target. From there and the surrounding area, close to the riv-er, I had found only Brown and Hoary Elfin! Norbert said I should have been further up the slopes in order to find my elusive mossii. That rocky ridge looks pretty high up, but at least I now know where I am headed the next time I visit.

ON THE WING My Search for the Elusive Moss’s Elfin

by Nicholas SpilliosWhat better time to go to the movies

than during the December holidays? This year we have a great variety in topcs and positive messages in sub-ject matter so let’s take advantage of the opportunity. Senior choices this year include adventure, fantasy, mu-sicals, inspiration, and a takeoff on comics. Of course, violent themes and special effects are in evidence as well for seniors drawn to this kind of fare. Our recommendations are based upon those of us who like to search for more uplifting subjects. Rarely have we had better choices.

Here are just a few of them -

ENTErTaINMENT over the holidays

By Bob Parsons

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. After three films, the final in-stalment comes to a close. You can look forward to some fantastic special effects with the Company of Dwarves releasing a deadly force and Smaug taking it out on the habitants of Lake-town.

Exodus: Gods and Kings. Moses (Christian Bale) is given human inter-pretation in this epic adventure film by depicting his doubts and rages as he rises up defiant against the Pharaoh and leads the slaves in an escape from Egypt.

Annie. In line with the family values we all believe in, this sequel to the pop-ular film of the 80’s has additional new music and an integrated story line with Jamie Fox as Daddy Warbucks.

The Theory of Everything: No true life tale could be more uplifting than Stephen Hawking’s battle with ALS. Focusses on his first marriage and his wife’s help in overcoming the obstacles but on his brilliant mind as well. Truly uplifting. Premiered at Toronto Film Festival.

Mr. Turner: J.M.W. Turner was an out-standing British seascape painter in the 19th Century. In tune with light and its impact on buildings and the sea, Turner is also captured as lacking in social and human niceties in relation to women. Premiered at Toronto Film Festival.

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ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS

Candy Cane Lane – Ends Jan. 4 Neighbours in the west end area at 148 St. between 100 and 92 Avenues coordinate this annual event. The best way to view the lit hous-es is by walking, but you can also drive the route plus pre-booked sleigh rides are available (www.candycanelane.trav.graphics.com). Donations to Edmonton Food bank encouraged.

Muttart Conservatory – Ends Jan. 5 In the Fea-ture Pyramid: A Polar Christmas Phone 311 in Edmonton or 780-442-5311 outside city.

Enchanted Forest Holi-day Event – Ends Jan. 7 Decorated Christmas trees designed by local business and commu-nity organizations. On display at three venues in Fort Saskatchewan: DOW Centennial Centre, City Hall and the library. 780-912-2157.

New Year’s Malanka – Jan. 10 Hosted by St. Sophia Parish at the Ardrossan Rec Centre. Featuring cocktails, dinner, the Cheremosh Ukrainian Dancers, a dance with music by Millennia plus a late lunch. Tickets: 780-464-3989.

Byzantine Winter Fes-tival – Jan. 10 and 11 Festival includes ice and snow carvings, skating, cultural foods and music plus art markets etc. Along Alberta Ave. (118 Ave. between 91 and 94 Streets). 780-471-1580.

Seniors’ Dance and Social – Jan. 15 Dance, socialize or just enjoy the music; partners and singles welcome. 7 to 10 p.m. $9.50 per person at the door. Fea-turing The Serenaders. Info. 780-416-7234.

Edmonton Nature Club Meeting – Jan. 16 Speakers Ann Carter and John Jaworski with a presentation encompassing both Alberta and Costa Rica. Admission by donation; everyone welcome. 7

p.m. refreshments and 7:30 p.m. meeting. Kings University College (9125 – 50 St.). 780-459-6389.

Edmonton Motorcycle & ATV Show – Jan. 16-18 Seniors 65+ is $10 admission. Edmonton Expo Centre, North-lands. 1-855-598-3511.

Seniors’ Fitness Days – Jan. 22 Join in a fea-tured workout (suitable for all fitness levels) or take part in a walk on the track. Guest speaker, coffee & snacks. 10:15 a.m.- noon. Millennium Place, Sherwood Park. 780-416-7234.

2015 Edmonton Renova-tion Show – Jan. 23-25 Tickets available on-line at www.edmontonreno-vationshow.com or at the door. Edmonton Expo Centre, North-lands. 1-866-941-0673.

Ice On Whyte Ice Carving Festival – Jan. 23 to Feb. 1 Teams of artists create carvings which remain on exhibit for

duration of festival. Also featured: music, food and beverages plus cultural exhibits. 2-10 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekends. Tickets on site or in advance www.iceonwhyte.ca. Old Strathcona at End of Steele Park (Gateway Blvd. and Tommy Banks Way). 780-758-5878.

Edmonton Pet Expo 2015 – Jan. 24 & 25 Expo Centre, Northlands. Tickets available on-line or at the door. Info. 780-471-7210.

Edmonton & District Historical Society Jan. Program – Jan. 27 The Stories of Edmonton’s Great War Soldiers 7:30 p.m., Queen Alexandra School Gym (7730 – 106 St.). Members and guests welcome; free to attend. 780-439-2797.

West Edmonton Mall Seniors’ Social – Feb. 4 Live entertainment, free coffee and exhibits. Level One, Phase I (in

front of Target). 780-444-5256.

Senior Skating – Mon-days Jan. to April 1:45 to 2: 45 p.m. Skating is followed by coffee. Glen Allan Recreation Complex (199 Georgian Way in Sherwood Park). Info: 780-464-6361.

IN CONCERTSalute to Vienna: New

Year’s Concert 2015 – Jan. 4 2:30 p.m. Winspear Centre, down-town. Tickets: 780-428-1414.

SHELL Theatre at DOW Centre – Jan. 8 Fung and Chiu Duo Jan. 12 The Keith Richards One Woman Show In Fort Saskatchewan at 8700 – 84 St. Tickets for shows thru Ticketpro.

Edmonton Symphony Orchestra – Jan. 10 Brahm’s Second Symphony 8 p.m. Jan. 15 Around the World with Sultans of String 8 p.m. Jan. 17 Sultans of Swing 2 p.m. Jan. 18 Beethoven & Sibelius Jan. 21 Natalie MacMas-ter with Donnell Leahy & Family 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23 and 24 Orchestra

On Parade! 8 p.m. both dates. Winspear Centre. 780-428-1414.

Festival Place – Jan. 16 Marthe Redbone Roots Project (Aboriginal) Jan. 17 Rik Emmett (pop/rock) Feb. 1 Marcus Roberts Trio (jazz) 100 Festival Way, Sherwood Park. 780-449-3378.

Leduc Maclab Centre for the Performing Arts – Jan. 23 International Guitar Night, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 Erica Sigurdson (with Ivan Decker).Tick-ets: TicketPro on line or at 1-888-655-9090.

Horizon Stage – Jan. 16 Cod Gone Wild (Celtic) Jan. 23 Tom Alllen’s Debussy vs Ravel: the Judgement of Paris (classical music and storytelling) Jan. 29 Day Tripper: The Beatles Experience Feb. 5 The Emeralds 1001 Calahoo Rd. in Spruce Grove. 780-962-8995.

Full Moon Folk Club – Jan. 23 Tim Hus Band With special guests 100 Mile House. Venue: St. Basil’s Cultural Cen-tre, 10819 – 71 Ave. Tickets from TIX-On-

The-Square and The Gramphone.

Northern Lights Folk Club – Jan. 24 Ashley Condon (PEI) and Ian Sherwood (Ontario). Queen Alexandra Com-munity Hall. Tickets thru TIX-On-The-Square, Acoustic Music, Myhres Music and at the door.

Edmonton Recital Emerging Artists Series – Jan. 25 Featuring pia-nists Mikolaj Warszynski and Zuzana Simurdova. 2 p.m., Muttart Hall, Alberta College Conser-vatory of Music. Admis-sion by donation.

Concert at The Win-spear – Jan. 25 Henry Manx and Basia Bulat in Concert An evening of blues and Indian ragas. 8 p.m. Box Office: 780-428-1414.

Pro Coro Canada – Jan. 25 Time is NOW Young choristers present repertoire as part of Pro Coro’s newest choral project. 2:30 p.m., All Saints’ Cathedral, down-town. Tickets: 780-428-1414.

Continued on Page 22

Compiled by Denise DaubertTOWNOn the

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San Francisco has Fisherman’s Wharf while Edmonton has Hawrelak Park. New Orleans may have gumbo and jazz. But it also has the Mardi Gras, the French Quarter, the Garden District, cemeteries above ground, beignets, and pralines. There is so much to see and experience. Some of us may pass on New Orleans as a fall or winter holiday for some legitimate reasons - distance, safety, or not meeting the expectations of other

vacation spots.

“The Big Easy” has much to offer.

Winter weather is a draw with its teen temperatures. It is also a jumping off point for several cruises. Hurricane Katrina is well behind us with little evidence that it ever occurred unless one searches for it.

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Let’s focus on the city’s appeal to senior travel. We will try to touch on those points which in our experience are comfortable and interesting for seniors. The city is safe in the downtown core, friendly, a culinary mecca, and a fascinating attraction for history buffs who like to discover the big picture of a vacation on their own. It is also the largest concentration of French culture outside of Quebec in North America. So be prepared to make comparisons. Be also prepared to ac-cept the fusion of cultures including American, French, Spanish, and Caribbean. That’s the eclectic mix and excitement you will find here.

New Orleans is a city surrounded by water, largely under sea level with the highest point a mere 35 feet above sea level. Water seems to correspond with the city’s history and present. Although the city is recovering well from Katrina, the visitor should be aware of certain facts about the city’s terrain. There are 350 miles of levee systems designed to keep the city dry. It is not surprising that flooding is synonymous with New Orleans’ make-up but this does not appear to deter it’s populace, its vibrancy or its attraction.

After checking into your hotel and orienting yourself, it will be time to make some serious planning. Bourbon Street has a number of medium to expensive priced hotels. The advantage to the location will depend on your interests, cost and safety and proximity to the French Quarter.

You will likely begin your exploration of the city here. This is the geographi-cal area which gives the city its charm and European flavour. It dates back to the 1700’s as a walled military outpost which then comprised the whole city.

Enclosed by Canal Street, the Mississippi River and Esplanade Avenue, here is where the action is concentrated with clubs, bars, and museums. If you head for Jackson Square ( named after the U.S. president associated with its history), you will find the best preserved area in the city. As visitors, you must take in the Square with its musicians, artists, and jugglers. Yes, and pickpockets. So be cau-tious. Of course, you will want to take in Bourbon Street even though you are not a fan of jazz. If you are, save it for the evening when the “joint is jumping.” During your stay you will probably be exposed to music styles unique to the city including Brass Band, Dixieland, Ragtime and Cajun.

The Quarter takes the lead in the city as the point where cultures collide as mentioned earlier. Some outstanding culinary stops are interspersed in the 90 square block area. The most outstanding among them, in my opinion, is Gala-toire’s for their fish luncheon prix fixe, Paul K’s Kitchen with a superb shrimp avocado salad and stuffed soft shell crab and Nola for shrimp and grits and a creme brulée trio for dessert. The ambience for the latter is impressive and in-cludes an elevator which takes you to a second floor balcony. Be careful that you are in the original Nola’s on St. Louis Street as the name is to be found in several establishments. Incidentally, Nola stands for New Orleans, Louisiana. While the cost is somewhat steep in these restaurants and others such as Antoine’s, the quality of food is well worth it. Somewhat lower in price but still satisfactory is Landry’s for seafood.

The famous Gumbo Shop located on St. Peter’s Street but hidden in a shop-ping mall is adjacent to the wharf. The gumbo here is authentic usually requiring okra simmered for hours in a rich stock with onions,celery and bell peppers. Don’t leave the Quarter without savouring some other local dishes including crawfish étouffée and a po-boy, a piled-high sandwich with deli meat, shrimp, catfish or crawfish. Beignets, a deep fried piece of dough covered with icing sugar is often referred to as the French doughnut - the most authentic will be found at the Café Du Monde. It can stand in place of your breakfast or afternoon break. The cafe is always loud and busy but worth a visit.

But enough about food. You can combine history with literature by either vis-iting the William Faulkner House or heading for the Garden District by taking the street car on St. Charles Avenue which will give you an excellent grasp of the stately antebellum mansions stemming from the Greek Revival which swept the south. Take your camera along on the ride. A stop at the above ground burial system will nicely substitute for a tour.

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You can’t avoid hearing here about some of the literary giants represented by Tennessee Williams and Ann Rice’s mansion.

If you choose tours, opt for the Oak Alley Plantation, probably the most pho-tographed of plantations as within the grounds it includes a Civil War encamp-ment and the slave quarters. A short walk from the French Quarter or Bour-bon Street to Toulouse Street and the Canal Street Dock will also take you past Harrah’s Casino. Better pass up on a stop here unless you are looking forward to spending some large sums. The Canal Street Shopping Center with some major outlets such as Nieman-Marcus is a few steps from the dock.This will bring you to the starting point for steamboat cruises including jazz cruises which should satisfy those of us who are jazz fans.

A city as large as New Orleans always boasts a number of museums. Because of our interest in past world wars we made a stop at the National W.W.II Mu-seum, one of the finest war museums you will find.

The Exhibit Galleries feature America Goes To War, D-Day- the Landing Beaches, and the Stage Door Canteen which acts as a tribute to entertainers who gave the troops their time and talent. You should devote at least an afternoon to this visit as there are five buildings to explore.

Did we confuse you? There is so much to see and experience that a plan be-forehand is essential to take full advantage of your visit. The Edmonton Public Library should be able to help you. In the meantime, bone up on your knowl-edge of the Civil War, the Battle for New Orleans, the Louisiana Purchase and any works by Faulkner, Williams, and Ann Rice. On your local classics film channels and on DVD you can catch such film classics as “A Streetcar Named Desire, “Interview With A Vampire”, “Suddenly Last Summer” set in the Garden District, and “Saratoga Trunk” with Gary Cooper. All this should put you in the mood for your trip.

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CLUES ACROSS 1. Contradicted 7. The Donald’s Marla 13. Mediterranean sandstorm 14. Shoulder adornment 16. Earth crust’s 5th element 17. Rainbow prize 19. NCIS star’s initials 20. Mischa __, violinist 22. Constitution Hall org. 23. More dried-up 25. First on moon 26. Braid 28. 11% of Guinea population 29. Sea eagle 30. Scottish variant of “to” 31. A border for a picture 33. Belonging to a thing 34. On top 36. Automobile hood (Brit.) 38. Skewered Thai dish

40. Clamors 41. Eggs cooked until just set 43. Flat 44. 13th Hebrew letter 45. Short poking stroke 47. Japanese classical theater 48. 007’s creator 51. Romanian Mures river city 53. Music term for silence 55. A crane 56. Ringworm 58. Romanian money 59. True frog 60. Integrated circuit 61. “Highway Patrol’s” Crawford 64. Point midway between S and E 65. On a whim 67. Protagonist 69. Quantity with only magnitude 70. Oversights

CLUES DOWN 1. One who operates a dial 2. Trauma center 3. Prickly pear pads 4. Fashion superstar 5. Shock treatment 6. Mindless drawing 7. AKA migraine 8. Military mailbox 9. Buddies 10. Heavy tranquilizers (slang) 11. Raised railroad track 12. School session 13. Picture 15. Stabs 18. Supervises flying 21. Early American militiaman 24. Downfall 26. Cooking vessel 27. Check 30. In a way, manipulated 32. Sacred book of Judaism 35. Chum 37. Negating word 38. Relating to the body 39. W. hemisphere continents 42. Make lacework 43. Witty remark 46. More hairless 47. Relating to a nerve 49. Originates 50. Consumer advocate Ralph 52. Actress Winger 54. Center for Excellence in Education (abbr.) 55. Japanese brews 57. Fleshy seed covering 59. Canadian law enforcers 62. So. Am. wood sorrel 63. Actress Lupino 66. Personal computer 68. Do over prefix

Recently I did something which I hadn’t done for some time. I went to the movies . Not just any movie but to one of my favourite’s movies - Helen Mirren in “The 100 Foot Journey”. It wasn’t that I’ve been busy and too discriminating . I am just as busy with a range of activities as most seniors are these days - gardening, grandchildren, home repairs, downsiz-ing, medical appointments, volunteering and bridge. Don’t misunderstand me. I love movies. I always have. But there just haven’t been that many choices for the past while. Besides some films are shown in theatres which are not easily accessible. So going to the movies needs what I would call a senior plan.Let’s face it. Seniors love going to the movies.

By Nicholas Spillios

SeniorS love going to the movies

THE IMITATION GAME with Benedict Cumberbatch

Continued on next page

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all the best in 2015


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Why? For many reasons - getting out to a theatre for a matinee or an evening becomes an event for some of us, particularly the homebound. Or perhaps the excursion takes us back to another time, a time when we took in the Saturday morning serials, romance, westerns or even the swashbucklers. Who knows? Today, we have a little more time to make choices. Our exposure to films on TV and Netflix may also account for our becoming even more discriminat-ing on what we see. Our standards are higher. Be-tween “The Best Exotic Magnolia Hotel” and “The Queen” there are sometimes arid spaces.

Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is a se-nior film? Is it romance, comedy, drama, history, sci-ence fiction or adventure? Yes, yes,and yes. It is all this and more. Granted the Dames (Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren) and males (Colin Firth) are our special favourites but they are also favourites of a broader audience. Truly, what seniors look for in film is quality - in acting, production values and writing. It is not surprising that several of the stars mentioned are seniors. Film creators are actually paying attention to us.

The range of content extends from biopics on Stephen Hawking and Alan Turing, the breaker of the Enigma Code in “The Imitation Game”, to the plight of a Canadian journalist imprisoned in Iran in “Rosewater”. “The Theory of Everything” on Hawking should also be at the top of our list. While all premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, the sur-prising connection with these titles is that they are all based on fact. If there is anything that seniors are drawn to it is reading about or seeing films based on incidents with which they are familiar or recall. Be prepared to queue. Here are some recommendations to help us make intelligent choices -

THE IMITATION GAME. Alan Turing (Bene-dict Cumberbatch) was a brilliant mathematician hired by the British military to break the German Enigma Code. We get a glimpse at a mind whose

impact changed the way we think. Meticulous detail creates a suspenseful film which captures our atten-tion as Turing’s private life unravels.

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING. Stephen Hawking challenged all predictions for longevity for one diagnosed with motor neuron disease at the age of 21. The film is another peek at a brilliant mind and the stress which his illness placed on his first marriage and family life. The English actor Ed-die Redmayne captures the man with his collapsing physique.

ROSEWATER. Transporting us into today’s headlines is Maziar Mahari, a Canadian - Iranian journalist imprisoned in Iran for satirical comments made on the “Jon Stewart Show”. The focus is on in-terrogation by psychological torture preceded by his arrival in Teheran and leading up to and following Iran’s elections. The claustrophobic tension engulfs us in the events which followed and Bahari’s cour-age in living through the ordeal.

ST. VINCENT. Lastly, to cheer us on and inspire us is a young/old relationship about a curmudgeon. Bill Murray is the neighbourhood grouch who baby-sits his neighbour’s son and teaches him to assert himself against school bullies, visit the race track, and consort with prostitutes. Inspiration is some-times uncovered in the most unlikely places. Just what we need to balance the above serious fare.

HAppY VIEWING!

DIVE INTO AN OCEAN OF ADVENTURE

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Arden Theatre – Jan. 27 Marc Cohn In Concert 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 and 31, Feb. 1 Mary’s Veil (musical production featuring The Villeneuve Choir). 5 St. Anne St., St. Albert. Box Office: 780-459-1542.

St. Albert Chamber Music Recital Series – Jan. 31 Warzsynski-Simordova Piano Duo Venue and tickets: Don’s Piano Place (8 Riel Dr., St. Albert; 780-459-5525). Note venue is not wheelchair accessible.

Edmonton Opera – Jan. 31, Feb. 3 and Feb. 5 Magic Flute Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Box Office: 780-429-1000.

Alberta Baroque Ensemble – Feb. 1 Baroque Strings Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 – 123 St.; 3 p.m. TIX-On-The-Square (780-420-1757) and The Gramophone.

Live at the Winspear Series – Feb. 1 Rosanne Cash (daughter of Johnny Cash). Winspear Centre. Box Office: 780-428-1414.

THEATREShadow Theatre – Jan. 14 to Feb. 1

Circle Mirror Transformation In Old Strathcona at 10329 – 83 Ave. TIX-On-The-Square 780-420-1757.

Citadel Theatre – Jan. 17 to Feb. 8 Venus In Fur Jan. 28 to Feb. 15 Playing With Fire: The Theo Fleury Story 9828 – 101 A. Ave.780-425-1820.

DOW Centre – Jan. 23 Little Shop of Horrors Presented by Element Theatre. In Fort Saskatchewan at 8700 – 84 St. Tickets thru Ticketpro.

St. Albert Theatre Troupe – Jan. 29 to Feb. 14 How the Other Half Lives Some dinner theatre availability; check at www.stalberttheatre.com. Venue is Kinsmen Hall, 47 Riel Dr. Box Office: 780-222-0102.

Jubilations Dinner Theatre – Ends Jan. 31 Sherlock Holmes West Edmonton Mall (Phase II, upper level). Tickets 780-484-2424.

MUSEUMS AND ART EXHIBITS

Royal Alberta Museum – Thru Jan. and Ending March 22 Nowhere People. Thru Jan. and Ending April 12Wildlife Photographer of the Year. 12845 – 102 Ave. 780-453-9100.

Art Gallery of Alberta – Thru Jan. and Ending March 1 Three exhibits: Colin Smith: Obscure Inversions, Suburbia: A Model Life and View from a Window. Jan. 24 to May 3 Future Station: 2015 Alberta Biennial of Contemporary Art . 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq., downtown. 780-422-6223.

Strathcona County Archives and Mu-seum –Jan. 5-15 Exhibit entitled Praise (historical and current artifacts/info on the various churches in Strathcona County). Weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; wheelchair accessible. Admission $4 for 65+. 913 Ash St., Sherwood Park. 780-467-8189.

Jeff Allan Art Gallery – Jan. 5 to 29 Life Is My Muse. Jan. 29 to Feb. 25 Seren-dipity. Strathcona Place Seniors Centre (109 St. and 78 Ave.). 780-433-5807.

Gallery 501 – Jan. 9 to Feb. 22 Else-where. 501 Festival Ave., Sherwood Park. 780-410-8585.

Musee Heritage Museum – Ends Jan. 19 Take Your Best Shot: Youth Photo Ex-hibition. Jan. 27 to April 12 From Berry Baskets to Souvenirs. 5 St. Anne St., St. Albert. 780-459-1528.

Art Gallery of St. Albert – Ends Jan. 31 Our Luminous Land 19 Perron St. 780-460-4310.

DANCEAlberta Ballet – Jan. 20 and 21 Les Bal-

let Trockadero De Monte Carlo (guest company). Note some mature content. Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Box Office: 780-428-6839.

Citie Ballet – Feb. 28 and March 1 Mosaic IV: Vocal Beat Timm’s Centre for the Arts, Tickets 780-472-7774.

continued from page 17TOWNOn the

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Mature Painter, DeCorator

As time Goes By

BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS EDMONTON SENIOR, January 2015 23

PEt PHOtO OF tHE MONtH WINNER

“Katie & Holly” Wins $50!Congratulations Hellena Y. her photo of

HONOURABLE MENtIONS

“This is 16 year old Katie (the big one) and 9 year old Holly. They are Shih tzu. They enjoy walks and cuddling with family. Both very loving. They will do anything for cheese”

“Memphis” - Carol J.

“Oscar” - Tom H.

Do you have great photos of your pet?

One of them could win you PRIZES or $50 in cash. Just enter them in the Edmonton Senior Pet Photo Contest. Every month the best photo is selected by a panel of judges and wins the prize.

Email your photographs to: [email protected]

or send prints by postal mail to:Pet Photo Contest, Edmonton Senior,

340 Carleton Drive, St. Albert, AB t8N 7L3

Post your pet photos on our Facebook page

to enter our Pet PHoto Contest!Visit: www.Facebook.com

EdmontonSeniorNewspaper

RetiredSemi-Retired

or Seniors

Looking for Greeters for our eDMONtON

retail location

This position allows for either full-Time or parT-Time

availability. This will be a permanent position

(not seasonal)

starting wages are $13.50 per hour

Please e-mail resume [email protected]

CALL780-470-5602

LIFESTYLE OPTIONS RETIREMENT COMMUNITYNow Renting All Locations!

W Haven Dr

W H

aven

Blv

d

Gran

t Mac

Ewan

Blv

d

39

Black & Gold Dr

50th Ave

Quee

n El

izabe

th H

wy

2

2

LEDUC108 West Haven Drive

Leduc, AB780.980.3064

RIVERBEND SQUARE200 Falconer Court

Edmonton, AB780.433.2223

Now renting!• Socially interactive dining experience

• Meaningful unique life experiences

• Independent living with home care,

Designated Supportive Living & Dementia Care

• Visiting health professionals, foot care,

hair salon, spiritual services & so much more

• We’ll drive! Our buses are spacious

with wheel chair & walker access

www.lifestyleoptions.ca

TERRA LOSA 17203 99 Avenue


WHITEMUD CROSSING 4069 106 Street



edmonton senior news jan 2015

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