Do you have any ideas or suggestions for activities, travel ideas, or projects for charitable contributions

for our club. We appreciate ALL feedback and look at and consider all comments we receive.

This is your club

help us give you what you want !

email: heritagevanisle@shaw.ca

Van Isle Heritage Club Newsletter # 30 August 2016

President Jim Sharpe

Vice President David Gilbert

Victoria council Brian Superle 2nd vice president

Jerry Witty 3rd vice president

Treasurer Eleanor Smith

Administration assistant Angela Warnock

Our valuable helpers: Val Chabot, Bill Thomas,

Patricia Treadwell (Santa’s elf) and Al Bennett

John Wooten

VanIsle Heritage Club Executive 2016

Message from Jim and Karen Sharpe: This newsletter is #30

Almost 10 years of our time with VanIsle Heritage Club.

We have made many friends, travelled to MANY wonderful places around the world. Fundraised to support

causes we are passionate about helping. Luncheons and activities up and down our beautiful Vancouver Island.

Looking forward to so much more

We have sadly lost good friends over the 9+ years

A couple of things to update you on :

TOFINO we had lots of interest on a trip taking a few days to our most popular Vancouver Island town. WELL as

we found out you have to make accommodation arrangements far in advance to get 15 rooms in a hotel there.

Secondly the prime time in the summer – prime time prices for the rooms ! So our trip will be next year late

spring / early summer. It will be great fun and we are really looking forward to it. All those that sent interest I

will contact you in plenty of time to give you the opportunity to secure one of the rooms

PICTURES : We have included a selection of pictures from our HC activities in this newsletter BUT if you would

like to see more .....

Check out the Heritage Club website . I have posted many more ! Our THANKS to David Gilbert for always taking

so many pictures that we can share the Great Memories with our members. Heritageclub.ca

Christmas Luncheons: - details to follow but mark your calendar Dec 19 Victoria Dec 16 Parksville

Eleanor Smith

Brian Superle

Jerry Witty David Gilbert

Jim

Sharpe

address: 878 Fairways Drive

Qualicum Beach V9K 2J1

heritagevanisle@shaw.ca national website heritageclub.ca Please make sure you let us know if you are moving.

We still get returned mail even though we work diligently to keep addresses updated so everyone will get their newsletters

ELECTIONS: Are you interested in taking over any of vanisle heritage club executive positions ? If

yes , please let us know, elections can take place once each year.

OR do you have anything you would like to contribute like stories or articles about fellow Heritage

Club members or information you think others would like to hear about. We always like to share

information about those contributing to the community. As well, if you have an upcoming event We

can share that with others for you ! Many Heritage Club members do not get out that much any

longer but they continue to let us know how much they enjoy seeing and reading stories about

former coworkers and friends. So PLEASE

Pass on to us stories – new or old.

Our WELCOME to all New Members: Lennie Hanischuk – Victoria

Mary Buchanan - Comox

Robert Wolley - Victoria

Maureen McPhee – Port Hardy Pam Blair – Port Hardy

Me

Medoc Travel Remindars Our Heritage Club access to the benefits of Medoc Travel insurance is

definitely one of the perks of being an ACTIVE Heritage Club member. The many members that have the

insurance and have compared to other plans out there appreciate the value !

We are insured on the annual plan for unlimited trips up to 40 days At the June 2016 AGM it was

pointed out by the Johnson Insurance Rep the importance of giving accurate information – ensure you

correctly list your medical history on the Health questionaire. Misrepresentation could result in your

policy being rendered as null and void and your claim not paid out. For example: if you fall and break your

leg and you have a heart condition that you did not disclose although not related to your injury your claim

can be denied SO be very conscious of how you complete the Health Questionaire

TRIP CANCELLATION: Make sure your coverage is in place before you book a trip in order to be

covered Lastly ….. ensure your Heritage Club annual dues have been paid … being an ACTIVE member

is very important if you need to have a claim paid out

Travel News: Our Panama Canal Cruise Trip group booking SOLD OUT we did have to turn people down Sorry

that happened ! We most often book long in advance so in order to not be disappointed I would

suggest if you are interested but not sure what or where your life will be in 18 months or more –

check to ensure your deposit in refundable and then book. Your stateroom or space is secured.

Just read in Van Frasers NEWS that they have a cruise going San Diego return 80 days ! Ports

Include – Dutch Harbour, 5 cities in Japan, South Korea, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Vietnam,

Singapore, Indonesia, Darwin, Cairns, Sydney , New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, and Honolulu. Oct 15

2017. Fred and Leslie Danells are Fabulas travel hosts I can guarantee they will treat you to a trip

of a lifetime !! If you are interested Call me at 250 927- 4266 I will get prices for you and have

Fred Danells contact you.

We have had a few great suggestions for future trips and I have discussed with Vi McLennan

some options. 2017 / 2018

1) AMERICAN Queen Steamboat Company – River cruises down and up the Mississippi River.

My cruise of interest is Memphis to New Orleans 9 days on an opulent Riverboat. Visit

Graceland while in Memphis and we can plan a pre-cruise visit to Nashville.

2) Cruise – New England and Atlantic Canada . Lots of itineraries to decide from but my

choices would be Boston to Quebec City

Send me a note if you are interested in either and I will keep you updated

CHRISTMAS Cruise December Have you ever thought about a cruise for your Christmas Celebration ? Carnival Cruises have

3 and 4 day cruises out of Long Beach California. The ships are decorated beautiful and

Christmas dinner is fabulas. It is a great “stress-free” family holiday. Carnival has great

programs for your kids or grandkids to enjoy and be entertained. We have done it and will be

enjoying one of these cruises again and I can definitely recommend it.

Is an AFRICAN SAFARI on your bucket list ???

We have the perfect opportunity. Ronnie Pitcher from EXPEDIA Cruiseship Centers

personally escorts his groups to Africa. He has been many times – knows where to go and

can give you a once in lifetime experience. He says “ We don’t just send you – we take you “

Included in this newsletter is an itinerary / overview on their next trip in May 2017. That

date is SOLD OUT but it is Just an example of what future trips will look like. If you are

interested I can send you a file which is a very exciting look at what would be a trip of a

lifetime heritagevanisle @shaw.ca 250 927-4266 Or contact directly …..Or contact directly …..Or contact directly …..Or contact directly …..

Ronnie PitcherRonnie PitcherRonnie PitcherRonnie Pitcher

Owner / Manager Expedia Cruiseshipcenters

106 - 6750 Island Highway North Nanaimo , BC , V9V 1S3 , Canada

Tel: 250 390 7401 tollfree 1-888-423-7114

WEBSITE News New website for you to enjoy

The Heritage Club website has been updated and is going to be a great way for you to keep up

with Heritage Club news across the country. Each chapter will be able to put on their newsletters

and current and upcoming events. As well there is a section for pictures which we will be using for

our activities !! So have a look at our pictures and news as well as other chapters.

The Famous Man One day a famous man went to a nursing home to see all of his friends again and see how there

were doing. When he got there EVERYBODY greeted him [because, of course, everybody knows him]. One man he noticed didn't come up to him or say anything to him, so later he walked up to

the man and asked him "Do you know who I am?" and the old man replied "No, but you can go to the front desk and they'll tell you.

Coffee Clubs Victoria – Mayfair Mall– foodcourt – every other Wednesday

Victoria – Westshore Shopping centre – every Wednesday morning

Nanaimo – LAST Wednesday of each month Windward Pub 9am Let us know if you have a Coffee Club get together and I will include in a newsletter

Securing your Personal Information:

In June at the AGM, the Heritage Club presidents were given a presentation by an RCMP officer that spoke about

the dangers of online fraud and keeping yourself safe. Some of the hints he gave are ones we hear everyday but

worth a reminder but others were not as talked about and very important to be aware of

• It is very important to NEVER carry your Social Insurance Card (SIN) If it was stolen so could your

identity. Your SIN is not to be given out.

• Banking: If you have a credit card with a CHIP and the TAP feature – Use It – This is much more secure

because your card info is not recorded and stored on the interact reader

• Use a chip protector case on your credit card with a CHIP This prevents a thief from scanning your card.

At the present time a thief only has to be 6 inches away from your card to scan the number.

• Check your online transactions frequently – do not just wait until the end of the month

• Use an inside bank ATM whenever possible

• Always cover the pin pad when entering your secure password

• Online banking – always use the Bank website that shows the full www. … each and everytime you log on

• Never use stand alone ATMs

• Ensure you only use reputable companies when you make purchases online

• Facebook – great fun – great way to keep in touch with your friends and family but do NOT put anything

personal on

And the one we all know but dread the thought of PASSWORDS – change regularly – do not use the same one for

everything – do not use birthdates or 1234 or anything that would be obvious

Be very aware of the webcam on your laptop – If you leave it open

cover the webcam with tape or always close it. Cyber intruders can

get in and watch you !!!!!!!! Warn your grandchildren

Appies and Shooters Golf May 2016 at Eaglecrest – Qualicum Beach

Thanks Jill for all those hotdogs

Jerry and

June Witty

John and

Rose

Johnston

Ron Featherstone Don Heggstrom

Eleanor Smith Bob Gough

Brian Superle

Al Sherman David Gilbert

Merle Schwandt

Steve

Clark

June

Witty

John

Johnston

Blue Grouse Winery

David

Gray

Jill

Schwandt

Welcome Sointula

Mel and Dot Smith and Dave and Tilly Gray

Cowichan Valley

Wine Tour

Aug 2016

Another beautiful ISLAND winery

UnsworthUnsworthUnsworthUnsworth

Winner 50/50 Elly Smith

Winery draws Jack Bryan

Barry & Helen

Thank you ! we

raised $360 for our charities

Past President Ed Coutu & John Wootten

Panama Canal January 2017

MEET and GREET

We have 28 people joining us on this cruise. We had a great deal and it did Sell Out Vi McLennan and

Ronnie Pitcher both joined us at the M & G held in August to answer questions. We all had an opportunity

to share ideas and plans and meet others travelling with us. Lots to eat and drink ! and Mother Nature

came through and we had a sunny afternoon outside on the patio.

Vi McLennan

People Helping People:

Mel and Dorota Smith retired to Parksville and have travelled the world since. They have worked with

Habitat for Humanity and here is a note from them sharing their exciting experiences………

If you are looking at an exciting way to help others, make new friends, travel to just about anywhere in the

world, and perhaps learn something new, I can think of no better way than Habitat for Humanity. All this

and a tax break too.

In December 2012 we found the Habitat for Humanity website, something we had decided to try to do

years ago and now that we had retired, the timing was right. After viewing upcoming trips we filled out an

on-line application for a build in Kauai, the most southern of the Hawaii Islands.

Our application was accepted and after a skype interview we were accepted. There is no requirement for

specific building skills, just an enthusiasm to work and help others. The first step was to post a donation to

Habitat which would provide us with lodging, food, transportation and cultural activities while we build.

Our Canadian team had two leaders and 12 volunteers, people who truly wanted to make a difference. We

were assigned to work on finishing two houses, work ranged from painting walls and trim to installing

flooring and baseboards, with tasks changing as required. The Canadian team was also asked to build 2

wheelchair access ramps and Mel worked on that site. Dorothy worked on another site installing hardwood

and engineered floors as well as painting. Tasks vary depending on need and volunteer’s skills. Sites are

overseen by professional trades and we were asked to stay within our comfort level and to ask for help if

and when we were unsure what to do.

The experience was very rewarding, we saw the future homeowners almost every day and they were so

grateful for our help. They are employed aboriginal Hawaiians, working their jobs and coming to work on

their houses after work. They are required to put in 700 hours of work time. When they get the house it

comes with a mortgage and they cannot sell it for profit.

After the build we stayed in Honolulu for a few days. The extra days were part of our joy. Our hotel was

next to Waikiki Beach and we enjoyed shopping, restaurants and touring the magnificent Island of Oahu.

We returned home relaxed and ready to do it again next year. Our airline tickets were also tax deductible.

Since our first build, we have travelled to Macedonia, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, P.E.I., Poland and we

are getting ready to go to Chili in November and Nepal in February. Each time we visited other countries as

part of the Habitat trip. We are going to Peru in November and will be passing through Dubai, Delhi and

Agra (Taj Mahal) and Singapore in March.

Habitat builds have helped us to help the less fortunate families and see the world.

Check out upcoming opportunities in Habitat for Humanity CANADA then check Global Village and choose

your adventure. Feel free to contact us if you have questions smithmdxy@gmail.com

BC – Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands

Volunteer Comox Valley

310 Puntledge Road

Courtenay, V9N 3R1

Tel: 250-334-8063

Fax: 250-338-2488

http://www.volunteer.iscn.ca/

bev.moquin@iscn.ca

Oceanside Volunteer Association

#4 - 125 McCarter Street, PO Box 1745

Parksville, V9P 2H3

Tel: 250-248-2637

Fax: 250-248-6308

http://www.oceansidevolunteer.org/

oceansidevolunteer@shaw.ca

Volunteer Victoria

306-620 View Street

Victoria, V8W 1J6

tel: 250-386-2269

Fax: 250-386-2279

http://www.volunteervictoria.bc.ca/

vgreen@volunteervictoria.bc.ca

Volunteer Cowichan

1 Kenneth Place

Duncan, V9L 5G3

tel: 250-748-2133

Fax: 250-748-3509

http://www.volunteercowichan.bc.ca

mailto://vc@volunteercowichan.bc.ca

Family Caregivers’ Network Society www.familycaregiversnetwork.org

Finding Respite from Caregiving: Respite is the break caregivers get when they allow someone

else to temporarily take over their caregiving duties for an hour, a day a week or longer.

Respite can help prevent caregiver burnout and permits you to continue caring for your family

member as long as possible. It gives you a chance to recharge, rest get your errands done or

take a much needed holiday.

Contact your local health authority to find out what is available to you if you are the caregiver

or what you can do to help someone needing a little time away. Forms of Respite help can be

as simple as having someone – a neighbour or volunteer coming in for a couple of hours to play

cards with a family member so you can go out to do errands.

For Respite to be refreshing the caregiver needs to be able to let go of worrying. Others may

not provide care exactly as you as the caregiver does but their daily life will be enriched by

interactions with new people. The caregiver will come back stronger and more refreshed.

Everyone will benefit.

THINK ABOUT HELPING OUT! Do you have a friend or family member that would benefit from

a few hours to themselves OR if you are the Caregiver ask for help, there are others willing to

help you, just ask !!

Information from Senior Living magazine