Iron is a mineral that is an essential component of myoglobin and haemoglobin, the molecules in the body that are responsible for carrying oxygen to where it is needed. Iron is also essential for development, growth, and synthesis of some hormones and connective tissues. Humans must obtain iron from their food, either in the heme form (from meat, seafood, and poultry) or non-heme form (found in plants, fortified foods, and the sources listed above). Women, vegetarians, those with Crohn’s or Coeliac disease and those who frequently donate blood are at greater risk of iron deficiency anemia. Symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia include general fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, cold hands or feet, headache, dizziness, tingling in the extremities, swollen or sore tongue, and in some cases, cravings for non-food items such as dirt, ice, and clay.  As there are different forms of anemia, talking to your doctor about getting a blood test is the best way to determine whether you have anemia and if so, what type.

The best way to prevent any sort of anemia is to eat a variety of foods that contain both heme and non-heme iron. For most people, beef is the first food that may come to mind, but other lean meats, fish, green leafy vegetables, liver, tofu, fortified cereals and dried fruits (such as apricots, prunes, and raisins) are also good choices. Eating and drinking foods that are high in Vitamin C can help your body absorb iron. Make sure you eat foods rich in folic acid and vitamin B12 as these B vitamins along with Fe (iron) are necessary for the synthesis of red blood cells.

If your doctor suggests that you take an iron supplement, choosing the right one is important to minimize side effects and maximize efficacy. The most common side effect is constipation, with some preparations being more constipating than others. Different preparations have different amounts of elemental iron per tablet or capsule. For example, ferrous fumarate provides more elemental iron than ferrous sulphate or ferrous gluconate per tablet. Polysaccharide-iron complexes provide the most elemental iron per capsule and is synthesized such that is more readily absorbed than the iron salts listed above. However, we still hear reports of constipation associated with this type of preparation. New Roots Herbal’s HEME IRON is actually derived from porcine haemoglobin and contains the same polypeptide form of iron found in red meats and poultry. This makes it readily absorbed by the small intestine and thus less likely to lead to constipation. It also contains vitamin C to enhance absorption, and the biologically active forms of folic acid (5-methyltetrahydrofolate) and vitamin B12 (methylcobalamain) as co-factors for haemoglobin synthesis.

IRONSMART Liquid from Lorna Vanderhaeghe Health Solutions is an option for those who do not or cannot take pills. The iron in this product is in a patented liposomal “bubble” that allows it to be well-absorbed the small intestine, which contributes to its efficacy and minimizes the incidence of constipation and nausea.

Iron can interfere with the absorption of other medications and/or supplements. It can also be toxic if not used properly. Always check with your doctor prior to starting an iron supplement. If supplementation is recommended, check with your pharmacist to help you choose a supplement and to make sure you are using it properly.

(Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-owned and operated Pharmasave in Cloverdale, BC, which is celebrating 32 years this year.  They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use.  Everything mentioned in their article is available In-Store.  They would love to hear from you or meet you at one of their seminars.  Please call if you would like to schedule a seminar at your community facility.  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.)

While senate reputations are on the line these days, being a Senator used to be quite popular. Some people might remember the great baseball teams of the old Washington Senators. That franchise was well respected and very competitive until things started to change in the U.S. capital and the team moved away to Minnesota. When the baseball team was restarted in Washington, it was the old Montreal Expos who moved south to Washington and became the Nationals. Strange name for a baseball team but they obviously did not want to be called Senators again. Now the Nationals are considered one of the best teams in Major League Baseball and are World Series contenders this year.

Hockey pundits in this country will probably agree that being an Ottawa Senator these days is no great thing. While the hockey team is popular in our nation’s capital, given the goings-on on Parliament Hill these days, they probably would like to rename the hockey team to something less political. How the Senate Scandal plays out is an ongoing soap opera and a dark part of modern Canadian history.

It used to be that being a Senator represented the highest achievement in community service and a privilege of life in Canada. To be named to the Senate was an honour and based on great achievements in your community and province. This was an opportunity to serve the entire nation in a wonderful new capacity and the honour could only be bestowed upon worthy candidates by the Prime Minister. It usually came later in life, which is why the mandatory retirement age was set at 75 years, instead of the old 65 for most working people. It was not expected then that such young people as we have today would be sitting in the Senate. A Senate appointment was to be a final honour or pinnacle of success. My how things have changed!

Senators have become political party “hacks” instead of statesmen. Appointments are made by the political parties to ensure a majority in the Upper House in order that legislation be hurried through with little changes to legislation of the government of the day in the House of Commons. So much for the Senate being a place of sober second thought to ensure the legislation met all legal ramifications and was a benefit to the people of Canada – not to the party in power. A little bit idealistic in today’s world of negative politics. Successive Prime Ministers seem to have appointed people of all ages and genders mostly for political party reasons, and not always based on merit. That strategy seems to have backfired in spades as the house is now a mess and really needs fixing. There has been so much Senate controversy under the current Prime Minister that people seem to have forgotten Prime Minster Harper was first elected on a platform of Senate reform. Now we have a number of Senators being investigated by the police and involved in court cases. Probably not the type of reform first envisaged.

What is really bothersome these days is that some Senators are claiming to be sitting as “Independents” now that they have been thrown to the wolves by the parties who so proudly appointed them. How does that work? The party should not have the right to pretend there is no longer a connection and should there not be new legislation brought in to prevent this? But as long as the major media keeps referring to those Senators under suspicion or review as Independents, the system will never change. And remember there are a lot of perks that go with that job, besides a huge salary. Perhaps the best solution is that all Senators be appointed as Independents from the start and therefore are not beholding to any political party while they do the work of the Upper House. There are a lot of vacancies right now in the Senate and there could be a few more before the upcoming federal election. History has been that the Prime Minister makes a number of appointments immediately before the election or right after the results are in, thus keeping the current way of political patronage alive. It will be very interesting to see what Mr. Harper does later this year.

It has been a huge undertaking but they are ready to go, says Marilyn Fischer, co-chair/coordinator of Triple A Senior Housing.

Affordable and innovative housing solutions will be the main topics of discussions at a two-day summit in Langley later this month.

“Acting Now: Housing For Our Aging Population” will explore needs, options and local solutions to affordable, accessible and appropriate housing for seniors. The summit will feature a number of speakers, discussion groups and recommendations for action.

The senior housing summit will now take place at Newlands Golf and Country Club in Langley on Thursday, September 25 (8:30-3:30) and Friday, Sept. 26 (8:30-1:00). The event will also feature the release of the results of a housing survey conducted earlier this year by Triple A Senior Housing.

Keynote speakers include Noha Sedky, of CitySpaces Consulting, on “Age Friendly Communities and Housing for Older Adults” and Lorraine Copas, executive director of the Social Planning and Research Council of BC. A number of civic planners and representatives of housing agencies will also be part of panel discussions.

Summit organizers are hoping to attract a mix of older adults, nearly seniors, family and caregivers, community service organizations, government officials, developers and builders, as well as representatives of financial institutions.

Registration is now available online at www.tripleaseniorhousinglangley.ca or contact Marilyn at 778.878.5369.

Active seniors will also be in the spotlight early in the month as Langley hosts the 2014 B.C. Seniors Games from September 9 to 13. Volunteers are still needed to help host the thousands of athletes, aged 55 plus, who will be competing at the various venues in quite a variety of sports.

The B.C. Seniors Games began in Vernon in 1989 with just 650 people participating. Last year in Kamloops there were thousands competing, with Fraser Valley athletes winning a total of 403 medals. Will they top that?

Here’s your chance to vote for the New 7 Wonders Cities of the World. There are now 21 entries in the second elimination round. Voting continues until October 7. The top places selected by the public will move to the third round of voting (Oct. 7 to Dec. 7).

This campaign is a project of the New7Wonders Foundation, an organization looking to promote the beauty of this world as well as respect for cultural diversity. To vote online, log on to the New7Wonders website at www.new7wonders.com/en/cities.

Among the finalists is the City of Vigan, in Ilocus Sur in the northern Philippines. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for the preservation of its Spanish-era architecture.

“About the only thing that comes to us without effort is old age.” Gloria Pitzer

In the warmer seasons, tiny pollen particles are released from trees, weeds, and grasses, causing seasonal allergies, commonly referred to as hay fever. While Pollen is one of the leading causes of seasonal allergies, irritants inside the home may be to blame as well? Individuals with pollen allergies can develop sensitivities to other allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and mould spores. The first step in treating allergies is to avoid what you are allergic to. The following are effective ways of reducing exposure to allergens inside your home.

Minimize Exposure to Dust Mites:

Allergy to dust mites is one of the most common causes of allergies in the home. They are microscopic bugs that feed off human skin, therefore found in great abundance where we live. Dust mites live in mattresses, pillows, beddings and carpets. Some measures to minimize the problem of dust mites include:

Encase your mattress and pillows with specially-made dust mite mattress covers. Air permeable are more comfortable for the mattress. Less expensive plastic or vinyl covers can be used for the box spring. Covers should be washed or wiped down weekly.

Wash all bedding sheets and pillow cases in hot water weekly.

Avoid feather pillows and down comforters. Purchase washable pillows, comforters and blankets and wash them in hot water once a month.

Keep your bedroom free of clutter: books, upholstered furniture, fabric curtains, stuffed toys and boxes are dust collectors.

Stuffed toys should be washed in hot water or kept overnight in a freezer to reduce dust mite levels. Avoid giving kids with allergies stuffed toys, as these can collect dust.

Hard surfaces and window blinds should be cleaned every week with a damp cloth.

Vacuum rugs and carpets at least once a week. It is best to use a central vacuum that vents to a garage or outside. Vacuum cleaners with a HEPA filter may prove some benefit.

Clean carpets, rugs and upholstery regularly. This will help to reduce the circulation of dust and dust mites in your home.

If you can remove carpets, rugs, and heavy curtains from your bedroom. Consider installing hardwood, cork, linoleum and tile on floors. Hard surface floors should be cleaned with a damp mop regularly.

People with allergies should also avoid airborne irritants, including tobacco smoke, aerosols, paint, perfumes, cleaning products or other strong odors or fumes.

Consider installing a Central Air Cleaner or Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) by Lifebreath. I have recently tested an air purifier called IQAir. It stops the smallest, most harmful particles in the air, all the way down to 0.003 microns – the smallest particles that exist. That includes viruses, pet dander, dust mites, air pollution and even cigarette smoke.

Dust mites do not live in air ducts. If you have a pet you should have your ducts cleaned every 3 years, if you do not, every 5 years is sufficient.

Check and clean or replace your furnace filters with a good quality filter on a monthly basis. Check the M.E.R.V. rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value). The higher the MREV rating the more efficient the filter is at removing air particles.

Installing an intake filter on the air supply reduces the entry of dust-laden air before it enters the ductwork and furnace by filtering and removing dust from the air stream. Be sure to clean these filters regularly.

Control Humidity

Keep the humidity in your house below 50%; dust mites don’t like to live in a place with low humidity. Ideal humidity is 30% – 40%. Humidity is measured by a hygrometer which can be obtained from hardware stores.

Install exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen that exhaust directly to the outside.

Let your bathroom fan run for one hour or longer after you shower or bathe.

Let your kitchen fan run for 20 minutes after cooking.

Seal up air leaks with weatherstripping and caulking to improve winter humidity conditions and reduce your heating bill.

Controlling Dust when Remodelling

Preparations should be done during a home remodelling project to reduce allergens caused by dust particles spreading throughout the rest of the home.

Inform the contractor about any allergies.

Seal off the area to be remodelled with plastic sheets; leave plastic sheeting up until cleanup from the job is complete.

Open windows in the room being remodelled and set up a fan to exhaust air towards the outside.

Close and seal the vents with Polyethylene in the area being remodelled so that dust won’t travel though the air ducts.

Change your furnace filter often since it will pick up more particles than usual.

Vacuum and sweep daily to prevent dust from spreading.

Note: Have heating ducts professionally cleaned after renovations as well as new home construction, as there is no way to prevent 100% saw dust and other building materials from finding their way into vents.

For more home improvement information, to send Shell an email or to find reliable contractor in your area go to www.AskShell.com. 604-542-2236

By Ursula Maxwell-Lewis

VANCOUVER, BC: The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art made a perfect backdrop for Navajo artists visiting Vancouver with Arizona Office of Tourism partners in August.

On the gallery’s sunny outdoor patio, artists Baje Whitethorne, Sr., Elizabeth Whitethorne-Benally and Bahe Whitethorne, Jr. shared note only their art, but their paints. With a blank canvas perched on an easel in the shade, and oil paints and brushes arrayed nearby, guests were encouraged add random brush strokes in their choice of colours to the blank canvas.

Initially hesitant, the novices grew bolder – circles, strident stripes, blends, movement here, a blaze of colour there.

Gradually, under the watchful eyes of the experts, an image began to emerge -the one you noticed on the TS cover.

Baje is a grandfather who was influenced by his Navajo grandfather.

“Pay attention to little things,” his family elder once advised. “Listen. Think. Pay attention to the balance of life and colour.” As an award-winning artist, the advice has service him well, prompting him to write an illustrated children’s book based on a day with his grandfather.

It occurred to me that painting, like life, seems to happen more by instinct rather than design. Long forgotten memory scraps woven into pictures, memoirs, or even simply a chat with a child, sibling or friend, could last longer than we might guess.

Bill Reid, the gallery namesake, was a Haida artist. As with the Navajo, tradition and nature, became treasured guides.

Beyond the sunny, tree-lined makeshift patio studio, traffic rumbled, honked, ebbed and flowed. Cel phones jangled. Life went on.

Facing the open door, an impressive Bill Reid totem pole dominated the north end of the main gallery interior. Unable to interpret the tales (truths?) hammered into the West Coast wood, I wondered if the ancient spirits of the legendary Haida and Navajo were smiling and nodding. Behind me a face had emerged on the canvas. The random brushstrokes of assorted Pacific Northwest residents had, within an hour, become inextricably blended into a work of art by desert Navajo visitors.

So, apart from an art lesson,what else did I learn about Arizona? Here are a few fun facts that might be new to you Snowbirds.

In February 12, 1912, President William Howard Taft was prepared to proclaim Arizona a state, but it was Lincoln’s birthday. The next day, the 13th, was considered bad luck. The deed was finally done on February 14 – which is why Arizona became known as the Valentine State.

Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, were married in Kingman, Arizona on March 18, 1939.

If four 13,000-foot skyscrapers were piled on top on each other, they still wouldn’t reach the top of the Grand Canyon.

London Bridge really didn’t fall down. It was sold, dismantled stone by stone, shipped from the U.K to the U.S, and now attracts tourists to Lake Havasu City.

Wyatt Earp was neither the town marshal nor the sheriff in Tombstone at the time for the shootout at the O.K Corral. His brother, Virgil, was town marshal.

The Sonoran Desert is the most biologically diverse desert in North America.

The Lost Dutchman, Jacob Waltz – the alleged owner of the yet to be discovered Lost Dutchman Gold Mine in Superstition Mountain  – was a German.

Lastly, you’ll find the worlds best preserved meteor crater near Winslow, and – roadrunners are real. Those famous zany characters have been clocked 17 mph.

To learn more about Arizona go two www.visitarizona.com

Secrets to Loving your Home

There are few secrets to loving your home, surround yourself in things and colours you love, keep it; simple and uncluttered, then follow this simple plan when decorating your space.

Ask yourself some questions before you decorate a room!

What is this room primary use?  Do want a relaxed environment or an energizing space?  What type of storage will you need?  Then decorate based on function, not what looks good, choosing furniture with or without storage options.  Then think of lighting!  Overhead lighting tends to be energizing while task lighting has a more relaxed vibe.

Don’t forget the kitchen, it is often the central meeting room of a home.  Borrow a few ideas from the living room to bring into the kitchen, it could be grand like crown molding or a piece of art hung on the wall, or as simple a washable low pile throw rug and flowers.

Each room should have one standout feature, competing features can make the room feel busy and chaotic.  It could be a large decorative piece over a fireplace, or a cozy reading corner for two, that will draw people in,  you may find yourself referring to the room; as the feature of the room!

When making a large purchase for your home, like a dresser, rug, lamps or a table; put yourself to a test… The purchase should be able to live comfortably in at least three different areas of your home.  This way you can simply update a room by making quick changes throughout your home, without breaking into your piggy bank.

For example, a dresser can be used in a dining room as a side board, or in a foyer as an entrance table, or in a kitchen as an island by adding large locking rolling casters.

Every room should have a favourite spot that makes you smile.  Make your home your favourite place to be!

I’d like to read your favourite “Creative Living Ideas” email me at creative_living@icloud.com

Roxanne Griese is an Artist and Columnist, visit www.artbyroxanne.ca

Give Your Brain A Boost

Nobody likes to be forgotten, and, definitely, nobody enjoys forgetting.  Regardless of your age, a healthy brain and nervous system are crucial to creating and maintaining our valuable memories.  However, as we age, we need to help our bodies along by eating healthy, exercising our brains, and considering appropriate supplements to maximize our brain function and continue learning and remembering.

Ginkgo biloba can be effective in improving cognitive function in patients with mild to moderate memory loss issues.  It could improve short-term visual memory and speed of cognitive processing.  It appears to work by increasing blood flow to the brain, decreasing toxic beta-amyloid peptides, and increasing antioxidant activity in nerve and brain cells.  It is generally well-tolerated, but caution should be taken in patients on anti-clotting medicines and/or those who get migraine headaches. Benefits typically appear after 2-3 weeks of use.  Ginkgo can be found on its own in products such as GINKGO PHYTOSOME (by Enzymatic Therapy), where it is bound to phosphatidylcholine for enhanced absorption.  Combination products such as COGNIPLEX (by Biomed) combine ginkgo with other herbs such as bacopa monniera and vinpocetine to further improve circulation in the brain as well as to enhance learning rate and memory, especially in relation to dementias such as Alzheimer’s.  SMART GINKGO (by New Roots Herbals) is another such combination that includes GABA and l-theanine to help promote a feeling of calmness as well as phosphatidylserine to nourish the brain’s tissues.

COGNISURE (by Metagenics) contains COLOSTRININ, which is a bovine-derived, protein-rich complex.  It has been observed in various clinical studies to improve cognitive function in adults.  It appears to work via its antioxidant properties as well as its ability to stabilize beta-amyloids and protect various DNA structures.  It is well-tolerated and is taken just once daily. Cognisure’s benefits can be felt in as little as a week (as reported anecdotally). CERALIN FORTE (by Metagenics) is a foundation neuroprotective formula formulated to provide further antioxidant protection for the central nervous system (i.e., the brain and spinal cord) and to support healthy cognitive function on an ongoing basis. Both of these supplements are well tolerated and pose very little potential interactions with other medications.

LION’S MANE (eg. by Purica) is a medicinal mushroom shown to boost brain power by protecting nerve cells from chemical damage.  It may also help calm the nervous system, improving focus, concentration, memory, and even curbing depression and anxiety. The active ingredients in Purica’s LION’S MANE (like their entire line of medicinal mushrooms) is harnessed by a special “micronization” process to ensure a much higher active ingredient content than other brands which rely on a simple “extraction” process.

If you want to approach things from a homeopathic stand-point, try CEREBRUM COMPOSITUM. The goal here is not only to improve the brain’s cognitive and memory functions, but to prevent or improve any circulatory disturbances that may arise from arteriosclerosis (thickening and/or hardening of the artery walls). Its formula also contains ingredients to  help with stress and calming, which can be beneficial in certain cases of dementia.

Essential fatty acids have many benefits in the body including cardiovascular health, joint health, brain health, neuroprotection and healthy cognitive function. TOCO-X-KRILL (by Biomed) is a combination of biologically active tocotrienol (a form of vitamin E) and “Neptune Krill Oil” (a source of omega-3 fatty acids). Tocotrienol is better absorbed and provides antioxidant protection, which may protect against stroke-induced brain injury as well as prevent aging of the brain and dementia. Krill oil is well-known to help reduce inflammation as well as help improve cholesterol levels.

Our father, Dr. Henry Cheng, has been recommending LUCOZADE for his patients for years with amazing results.  It appears as if it is simply a carbonated sugar drink, but Lucozade can give you a temporary mental and physical boost, hence it has been a staple in sports and general medicine in England and Hong Kong for decades.  For the purpose of boosting brain function, Lucozade only needs to be consumed in small quantities.

Preserving cognitive function and preventing memory loss and/or dementias takes more than just popping a pill. Just as we need physical activity to maintain our body’s mobility and function, research shows we can improve the connections in our brain simply by using it: Consider doing crosswords, jigsaws, or challenging a friend to a game of chess…keep up hobbies such as sewing, knitting, carpentry…join or start a book club…it’s never too late to pursue a new interest such as learning to play a musical instrument. Work your mind and you’ll help to preserve its function and your precious memories.

(Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique family-owned and operated Pharmasave in Cloverdale, BC.  Their pharmacy celebrated its 30-Year Birthday last year.  They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use.  Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore and OnLine.  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.)

By Ursula Maxwell Lewis

LANGLEY, BC:  You’ve heard of bats in the belfry, but have you heard the one about the artist/accountant with a bathroom full of otters? That would be Bob McMurray, past president and Honourary Life Member of the Federation of Canadian Artists. It’s also why Bob, plus other renown BC artists, donated signed, one-of-a-kind, hand-painted Muskoka Chairs for Critters in the Garden Art Fundraiser Silent Auction to benefit Critter Care Wildlife Society.

The society provides short and long term care to native mammal species and, through rehabilitation and public education, helps prevent suffering of injured and orphaned wildlife.

Laurie, Bob’s wife, joined CCWS in 2004. Soon she conscripted Bob. Before he knew it, not only had the society’s playful orphaned otters captured her heart, but six of them had taken up temporary residence in the McMurray second floor bathroom. It was only one of many times they would play foster parents to the sparkly-eyed little critters.

After cuddling a silky-soft baby raccoon during this story interview, I understood why Laurie’s heart was captured by a CCWS infant. However, unlike Laurie I resisted the urge to bring him (her?) home.

On my tour of the CCWS property at 481, 216th Street, I peeked into enclosures securely housing curious baby bears scampering around their temporary home, shy, delicate Black Tailed deer, and gleaming otter offspring chilling in their man-made pools. Nature’s lively, colourful babies are tough to resist.

Run by a volunteer board, Executive Director Gail Martin, and three full-time animal care supervisors, the facility attracts interns from around the world who work for room and board only.

Cleanliness is critical to avoid cross contamination and spreading diseases. On our tour, society vice president, John Wilcock, showed me the immaculate kitchens – one for people, one for animals, and the well-kept grounds.

Being on a well, water is a constant challenge, so extra supplies are trucked in and stored in special tanks.

Donations of disinfectants and cleaning supplies are always welcome, as are baby receiving blankets, electrical wire, and tools to assist with ongoing repairs. On a larger scale, the wish list includes more enclosures for bears. The few available grants help, and sponsor donations, or bequests, are gratefully accepted.

That brings me back to the fund-raising painted chairs.

Admiring “SGang Gwaay Sights”,  the name of Bob McMurray’s donated painted Muskoka Chair, I note the Haida inspired theme. He explains: “The subject matter, mainly the poles, came from SGang Gwaay, Haida Gwai. In 2000, I had the good fortune to tour the southern part of Haida Gwai for 10 days with eight other artists on the Jennifer Gayle, a 62-foot converted seiner. Willis “Bozie” Crosby, the owner-operator, is a Haida and we were welcomed at all of the historic village sites where we were invited ashore to paint and photograph at these incredible locations.”

Bob estimates the true value of his chair to be about $1,600. Sanding, careful layers of paints, tackling the challenge of painting totems on backrest spars (as per original works on canvas), and weeks of drying, culminated in layering applications of Outdoor Satin Varathane to protect and preserve the final one-of-a-kind product. The winning bidder will receive instructions about chair care, and the background to Bob’s unique Haida experience.

Critters in the Garden is on Facebook.  Bids can be made through http://www.32auctions.com/crittersinthegarden .Online biding closes at 11pm August 17. For other information, or internship applications, call 604-530-2064.

It’s that time of the year for all seniors to celebrate.

The first week of June is recognized as Seniors Week in B.C., with activities and events being planned to honour the important role seniors play in shaping our communities. Across the province there will be numerous events taking place and many of them will be free of charge. Check with your local seniors centre to find out what’s going on, when and where. Then join in the fun!

A new group has been very active in Langley with a focus on affordable, accessible and appropriate housing for seniors. Called the Triple A Senior Housing Group, they recently completed a survey of housing needs and are planning two new events. The group will be holding a film showing in June and a housing summit in mid-September.

To help kick off Seniors Week, the group will be showing the film “I’d Rather Stay” on June 2 at the Fraser River presentation theatre located in the Township of Langley civic facility (203rd and 65th). It starts at 1:30 pm, followed by an open discussion with the film’s producer. The housing summit is planned for Sept. 18-19 at St. Joseph’s Church hall. For information, contact tripleaseniorhousing@gmail.com

TRIPLE CROWN ON THE LINE: the world will be watching on Saturday, June 7 as California Chrome and his 77 year old trainer Art Sherman try to make modern horse racing history by winning the illusive Triple Crown for the first time since 1978. His owners (also seniors) are from northern California.

The three year old chestnut colt has forged a rags-to-riches story for all to cheer for, and now with simulcast racing becoming so popular, people around the world will be able to bet on the race at Belmont racecourse in New York City.

Can he win? It won’t be easy as Chrome will be the 13th horse to try since Affirmed last claimed the Crown in 1978 – but he may just be good enough. He certainly looked in good shape after winning the Preakness Stakes in Maryland, just two weeks after his Kentucky Derby victory on the first Saturday in May. He just may have scared off all the legitimate competition but expect a large field of pretenders to try for the $1 million purse. His style of racing on the speed will help him on any kind of track condition. One thing for certain – he will be the people’s choice.

June 7 is also National Health and Fitness Day in Canada. Last year almost 70 cities and towns across the country celebrated the day by organizing free activities and waiving fees at recreational facilities to help get people involved. Check with your local government or Member of Parliament to find out what’s happening in your area.

THERE’S HOPE YET: it is too often that the younger generation is criticized for being uncaring. But not so in the case of three young roommates in upper state New York.

You may have already heard the recent story about the trio buying an old, beat-up couch and a chair for $55 at a Salvation Army thrift shop in March. They soon noticed some unusual lumps and bumps and then discovered they were envelopes tucked inside and found they contained a total of $40,800!

Instead of just keeping the money, they discovered a deposit slip in one of the envelopes and tracked down a 91 year old widow, who of course was overwhelmed to get the money back. Her family had donated the couch to the Salvation Army while she was having health problems.

So there are too things to reflect on from this story. First, don’t discount the younger generation just yet – and always check that old furniture!