Creative Artisans of  Winthrop Washington

Creativity takes inspiration, and inspiration, can come from anywhere!  This article will be a little off the beaten path from what I normally write.  I have had the pleasure of traveling to Winthrop Washington over the last several years.  We found “The Rivers Edge Resort” this quaint resort boast unique chalet style cabins over looking the Chewuch River.

This small town has come together to make their Hamlet a unique destination.  Main Street is complimented with wooden sidewalks, western styled store fronts a variety of Artisan’s shops, cafes, boutiques that sell exceptional clothing and its very own brew house.

An Artisans Co-op sells cleverly crafted blown glass, handmade aprons, paintings, cleverly welded figurines, unique jewelry.  This little town is a must see!  After you have explored the town take a drive; there are many roads to explore the country side.  As an artist and writer, Winthrop inspires those who visit; to Live Creatively!

Roxanne Griese is an Artist. Her passions, include decorating, organizing, and writing, to see more articles and artwork visit.  www.artbyroxanne.ca

 

A place for seniors and their families to speak out, share stories and ask questions.

Once and a while I like to update all seniors on what is available in a care home. This year I want to tell you about Westminster House in South Surrey/White Rock BC, a Faith Based Home for seniors.

Westminster house is nestled amongst the tree at 140th and 16th Avenue and one would not see her if you did not know where to look. She looms upward in design like a large magical cottage with her small square windows that adorn the front of the building, and one would not think it was a care home upon entering as you see no seniors lingering about. They are all too busy enjoying the many activities put on by Nancy their Manager of Recreation & Volunteer Services.

Westminster House is unique as she is a non-profit organization and is a 117 suite home private pay home, fully accredited and committed to providing a warm, safe, comfortable home for seniors.

They had a dream and it was to create a Christian Village offering a faith based community of integrated housing. Although ownership changed over the years they have kept their promise through the years offering Christian love and values.

Pastor Walter Opmeer and his parents visit daily spreading joy, hope and encouragement to the many residents and leads Worship on Sundays.

General Manager Linda Fernholm tells me they had about 75 residences for their first Christmas, now 21 years later the Christmas spirit is once again upon them as their Tradition is alive with seasonal festivities.

Franken sense and Myrrh fill the air A Daphne their Director of Support Services offers up a lovely salad and soup bar alternating daily, giving the seniors choices and it is such a delight seeing the residents help themselves.

Westminster house just recently remodeled some of their suites and welcome all for a tour of their home,

Come and enjoy the Christmas Spirit with the Westminster House Team or Call us at 604-538-5291 for a meet and greet.

Yearly Poem.

Twiz the night before Christmas and all though the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse; but the room was full with laughter and cheer as seniors galore got together for a night of good cheer.

The stories then started as one by one they reminisced childhood and shared in the fun. The care aides served chocolate and the nurses danced around; bringing joy to the seniors here all around.

The stories were funny, some sad but some not and the simple sock with carrots & coal brought many to tell of this night since lost.

Someone sat at the piano and played a few tunes of the past but ones that they knew. Another year they say had come and gone and our hearts said “goodbye” to the ones that moved on. New faces entered and sang right along; yes another good year were the words in our song.

We all looked around and watched all the lights that twinkled and lighten our thoughts for the night. Now we are tired and ready for bed but our hearts are happy as sleep enters our head. Goodnight

A warm hello to you all and as it is that time of year once again let me offer some suggestion when buying gift for friends or family members who live in a care home.

While our hearts are always in the right place we need to look at what gifts are suitable and the most needed.

Residents responded with these suggestions:

Stamps, Pens (roller tip style)

Stationary

Photo albums

Mug with plate for night time snacks

Teapot with cup-individual serving type

Movies for VCR

Neck support pillows

Slippers with rubber soles

Soft throw blankets (washable)

Nice soaps

Subscription to favorite magazine (large print)

Gift basket with favorite jams or sweets

Books (large print)

Gift Certificates are always great for Pedicures, Manicures, or on site Hairdressers & Tuck Shops. A drive to see all the city lights is always a precious gift.

Gifts seniors found not suitable were bubble bath or oils, cosmetics and flowers. Enjoy the month, get together and give to the less fortunate.

December can be a time for joy a time to play and often a time of year that is lonely for some. I share this poem sent in by a senior.

I don’t chide myself   for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn’t need, but looks so Avanti garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon?

I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the years past, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful; there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. I eventually remember the important things.

One does not know all my secrets and sometimes I am lost in my memories.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken.  How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody’s beloved pet dies; broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think and you don’t question oneself anymore.  I’ve even earned the right to be wrong.

I like being old, it has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be.

May friendships never come apart especially when it’s straight from the heart!

So take this time of year to visit old friends, make new ones and reminisces over past ones. Visit those who cannot get out and share what is going on in your life.

Many seniors as they age lose touch with old friends and sometimes family members as they are no longer able to get out; or for many they just can’t remember.

Surprise someone this year with the unexpected; an old photo album, a story, or better still just pop in with an old friend.

Volunteer, spend time with others and share your stories.

Reminder Readers

Vancouver has many stories to tell and in the 30’s and 40’s she was a young and growing city. After the war and into the late 50’s she seemed to come alive and was unstoppable in her growth.

Now all the young people of those years are themselves in their late 50 – 80’s. These kids from that generation are now all seniors with stories to tell.

I myself came from the Project or Renfrew Heights area. While most of my school mates walked to Vancouver Tec High School I ventured on to Gladstone High.

My most precious memories are from Renfrew Elementary and I know that is what will fill my mind when I reach the age of reminiscing.

No matter what area of Vancouver you were from let’s hear from you and your most treasured memories.

Look forward to speaking with you all again next month. Let’s talk, mail your comments to:

cozycornernews@gmail.com

Cozy Corner

P.O. Box 1196

Metrotown RPO

Burnaby B.C. V5H 4J8

November is the time to remember

“They shall grow not old,

As we that are left grow old,

Age shall not weary them,

Nor the years condemn,

At the going down of the sun,

And in the morning

We will remember them.”

Laurence Binyon

 

November is the time to remember

On the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, Canadians will take the time to pay tribute to war veterans. They will remember Canadian sacrifices, achievements and valour.

This year Remembrance Day is more significant than previous ones thanks to the actions of the federal government and its new legislation affecting lifetime benefits to our war veterans. Expect to hear and read lots of information about the new act as protests mount against it and petitions are circulated against the changes.

One wonders why the government has chosen this course of action when it has seemingly supported the military and has become “hawkish” as opposed to peace keepers – Canada’s traditional role in world affairs. So it doesn’t make a lot of sense to many people, even their own political supporters.

But hopefully the political activities do not take away from the many community ceremonies that occur and the importance of teaching young people about history.

In British Columbia we created a new Family Day holiday in February, but really November 11 should be a time for families to get together and share stories of past conflicts and discuss recent events. This is especially important for families involved in the military. Hopefully people take the time to “remember” and not just use this as a shopping day.

Remembrance Day is a holiday in this province but it is not a national holiday. Back east, in Ontario and Quebec, it remains a regular work and school day with time out taken before noon to remember. There is usually national news coverage of the ceremonies centered around the monuments in Ottawa, which is kind of ironic especially this year.

Therefore it is more important this year than ever to show support by wearing a poppy. “Why Wear A Poppy?” is a famous poem found pinned to a pillar outside the British Legion in Lianelli, South Wales. The author is unknown.

If you have never read it, here are a couple of paragraphs from the lengthy poem:

“Please wear a poppy, the lady said,

And held one forth, but I shook my head.

Then I stopped and watched to see how she’d fare.

Her face was old and lined with care,

But beneath the scars the years had made,

There remained a smile that refused to fade.”

“…The poppy there is a symbol for

The gallant men who died in war

And because they did you and I are free —

That’s why we wear a poppy you see.”

“And so when you see a poppy worn

Let us reflect on the burden borne

By those who gave their very all

When asked to answer their country’s call

That we at home in peace may live

Then wear a poppy — remember and give.”

 

One of the best trips of my life was a visit to the small Belgium town of Ieper, which included spending time at the famous Menin Gate and a visit to the bunker where Canadian doctor John McCrea wrote the famous poem “In Flanders Fields” in 1915.

If you are in Fort Langley on November 19, you will see a number of events celebrating Douglas Day – which recognizes the founding of the province of British Columbia by Governor James Douglas.

There is the annual re-enactment of the proclamation at the historic Fort Langley and other community activities. Langley holds a traditional Douglas Day banquet to honor its pioneers age 70 and over. It is a wonderful event for seniors. Douglas Day was at one time celebrated province wide.

Fuel Your Brain

Sometimes it feels like the more candles we have on our birthday cake, the fewer brain cells we have. Unfortunately, this is probably true. Once the neurons (or brain nerve cells responsible for transmitting information in the brain) are damaged or killed, it is not likely they will regenerate. Although neurons are typically the longest living cells in the body, they do die in the natural course of life. Additionally, neuronal death in the brain can also be caused by brain diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease), physical damage to the brain, stroke, or spinal cord injury.

So, what can we do to keep our brains healthier and functioning optimally for as long as possible? It may surprise you that physical activity is key! Exercising ensures good blood flow to the brain and like any other organ in the body, the better the blood flow, the more oxygen and nutrients the neurons in the brain receive. Exercise can also improve cardiovascular health, which can decrease the risk of stroke, heart attack, and diabetes, all of which are risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.  Consider regular activities such as yoga, walking, bicycling, gardening, or tai chi.

Along the same lines, eating a heart-healthy diet can reduce these same risk factors so try to keep your diet low in red meats (and other sources of saturated fat) and high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, olive oil and other healthy fats.  If you find it a challenge to include all this into your diet, consider a well-rounded nutrient powder such as VEGA ONE, which contains high protein, vitamins and minerals, anti-oxidants, greens, fibre, probiotics, and OMEGA FATTY ACIDS.

There are a few supplements that have shown promise in helping with brain health. PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE is an essential component of the nerve cell membrane and its presence is important in cell-to-cell communication as well as maintenance of the cell’s internal environment. Phosphatidylserine supplementation has been shown to increase levels of neurotransmitters (e.g., acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine) in the brains of Alzheimer patients. Because neurotransmitters are the molecules used by brain cells to communicate with each other, this could improve brain function.

Carnitine is a molecule that is essential to the normal functioning of the mitochondria, the “power houses” of every cell. As such, carnitine plays an important role in fat metabolism and energy production.  Acetyl-l-carnitine is the form of carnitine that is used by the neurons in the brain. It is also important in making acetylcholine, a molecule that is depleted in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. CERALIN FORTE (by Metagenics) contains acetyl-l-carnitine to help ensure a steady supply of the building block for acetycholine as well as other ingredients that may guard against oxidative damage to the neurons.

In addition to the nerve cells in the brain, there are glial cells that support, feed, and protect the neurons. One subtype of glial cells is important in optimizing communication between nerve cells. This is where taking in healthy fats in the diet can help. Using olive oil to cook with, eating fish a few times a week, and/or taking an omega-3 fatty acid supplement such as OMEGAGENICS EPA-DHA 720 (by Metagenics) can provide the body with the necessary building blocks to nourish these lipid-rich glial cells, thus enhancing cell-to-cell communication.

Along with dietary modification and exercise, maintaining strong social connections and keeping mentally stimulated can help lower the risk of cognitive decline. Go for a walk to visit a friend….play card games…play board games…even reading, writing, or playing an instrument can keep your mind active. Our brains are like muscles: if we don’t use it, we will lose it.

(Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique family-owned and operated Pharmasave in Cloverdale, BC.  They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use.  They would love to hear from you! 604-576-2888; www.cloverdalepharmasave.com. Of course, before you begin any activity program or try any OTC supplementation, check with your physician and pharmacist.)

Prepare your Heating System for Winter

Fall arrives, cooler nights set in and homeowners are ready to turn their home furnaces on. Heating contractors are inundated with calls from homeowners eager to have their systems serviced months of dormancy. At the end of the summer season and before the rush it is ideal for homeowners to beat the winter rush by arranging a maintenance visit from your heating contractor. Thus you will  avoid any unexpected surprises from your Heating System when you need it the most and of course then there may be a long wait for repair or replacement while you get a little chilly. Don’t become a victim of Murphy’s Law. Note: Hot Water Radiant heat will require a “Hydronic Heating” service person.

In order to keep things working smoothly there are many components in heating systems that require regular inspection by a licensed heating contractor. Typically, a heating specialist will check the heat exchanger, carbon monoxide levels, ignition system, fan, motor, bearings, belts, pumps, controls, exhaust, burners, pilot, thermostat, venting system and filters. They will make tune ups as needed and identify potential problem areas in order to ensure that your furnace is running safely and maximize the life of your heating system.

Throughout the year, homeowners should regularly replace the air filter on forced air furnaces and ensure areas around the furnace and return air grilles are clear of obstructions. I’m sure many of you use your mechanical room to dry and store your sporting equipment. I would recommend that you relocate your sporting equipment to avoid causing excess humidity in your mechanical room. Excess humidity can cause rust to develop on some furnace heat exchangers.

Install an Approved Carbon Monoxide Detector:

Every home should be equipped with an approved Carbon Monoxide Detector. While CO detectors are not a substitute for the care and maintenance of your heating system they are another line of defence against CO exposure in your home.CO detectors can warn you about any failure with fossil-fuel burning appliances.

Potential CO sources in the home could include:

• Improper venting of a furnace and cracked furnace heat exchangers.

• A chimney blocked by a nest, ice or other debris.

• Exhaust fumes seeping into your home from a car running in an attached garage.

• Using fuel-burning appliances designed for outdoor use (barbecues, camping stoves, lawnmowers and gas generators) in a closed area or by a window.

• Combustion gases spilling into a home if too much air is being consumed by a fireplace or exhausted by kitchen/bathroom fans in a tightly sealed home.

Carbon monoxide detectors should have the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) 6.19 standard or the Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) 2034 standard. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for further details regarding proper use and placement.

FURNACE TUNE-UP CHECKLIST

1. Clock and adjust input to the manufacturer’s rating plate specifications.

2. Confirm temperature rise across heat exchanger is within the manufacturer’s rating plate specifications.

3. Inspect and clean fan and air filter assembly.

4. Inspect filters or electronic air cleaner as applicable.

5. Inspect, adjust and clean pilot light and electronic ignition as applicable.

6. Visually inspect heat exchanger (if accessible), ensure the appropriate electronic inspection equipment is used to detect cracks.

7. Inspect, clean and adjust burners.

8. Check electrical controls wiring and controls.

9. Check proper operation of venting system.

10. Inspect thermostat – check heat anticipator at correct setting (as applicable)

11. Check condensate line/pump and secondary heat exchanger (as applicable)

12. Heat Pumps should also be inspected to insure adequate pressures, charges, and so on.

 

For more home improvement information or to send Shell an email go to www.AskShell.com and become a member of Shell’s HouseSmart club