September 2008 the SENIOR TIMES Westmount—Ville-Marie Spoilers Like Their Chances Noon

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2 September 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES Westmount—Ville-Marie spoilers like their chances Noon. “I think they have this feeling that all this time voting Liberal hasn’t served them necessarily as well as they were hoping, especially with this last minority government — they voted Liberal and they’ve gotten a de facto Conservative majority.” If the sound is newly partisan, it’s because that voice, Westmount’s Anne Lagacé Dowson, has been freed from the bonds of journalism and thrown into the race on behalf of the New Democrats, aimed squarely at the Liberals’ opposition record and Lagacé Dowson talks with consitituents Ginette Carrier and Carole Henelly the once-assured seat of former No “shackles and handcuffs to space chief Marc Garneau. On leave special interests” — Genest Adam Desaulniers red since 1962 under its former from the CBC as rotating guest hosts names and boundaries and home to take her place, Lagacé Dowson puts vitesse as an apt summation of their At press time it seems certain that institutions like Don Johnston and forth a soaring critique of the Dion woes. The same lack of returns felt by the four byelections scheduled for the departing Lucienne Robillard. era: “The Liberals are not the party longtime Liberal voters, she says, is felt September 8 will be canceled, and a But after the Liberals’ 2006 slide to they once were. On 43 confidence among Bloc support, with a “sharing general election called for October under 50% in the riding, and the motions they’ve absented them- of progressive values” making her 14, following Thanksgiving week- stunning NDP upset in Outremont, selves. People feel taken for granted party the likely beneficiary. end. Two Westmount—Ville-Marie massive resources are pouring into by the Liberals — they didn’t send On the environment, Lagacé candidates visited The Senior Times previously moribund campaigns, them to Ottawa to pass Conservative Dowson argues that the NDP’s Five- prior to the call, when it was still the betting on the possibility of a protest legislation. The NDP is a party that’s Point Green Agenda is “more only race in town, to talk in depth vote — against the Opposition. been steadfast in its resistance to the all-encompassing” than the Liberals’ about policy differences and their Much-hailed CROP and Léger Harper agenda.” Green Shift plan, but eschews the shot at victory. numbers showing the Liberals and She discounts any concerns over infamous Carbon Tax, which has What emerged was a picture of un- NDP neck and neck on the Island — splitting the federalist vote in the rid- been “a mixed success elsewhere” in precedented scale, presence and at a dilute 18 and 19 percent ing, citing Bloc candidate Charles reducing emissions. “Rather than funding for the NDP and Green respectively — make anything seem Larivée’s low-profile, barely existent going after people with less latitude campaigns. Both have targeted the possible. “We saw what happened in campaign. She sees the meager Blo- to fix the problem,” she says, the riding with an expectation of record Outremont with Thomas Mulcair quiste vote (13% in 2006) as up for NDP Green Agenda puts the burden gains, at the very least. last year, a supposedly untakeable grabs and uses the phrase une perte de (Continued next page) If there’s any seat in Canada to Liberal bastion — it’s a little bit the which the Grits feel entitled without same kind of phenomenon,” declares Marna Pennell Agente Immobili ère Affiliée a fight, it’s Westmount—Ville-Marie, the familiar voice of CBC Radio Seniors R eal Estate Specialist® - endorsed by CARP™ - Canada’s Association for the 50-plus™ Why choose a Seniors Real Estate Specialist®? - experience with clients over 50 - commitment to helping seniors make the right decisions - availability to help throughout the entire process 514-927-0195 [email protected]

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September 2008 3 THE SENIOR TIMES Media veterans count on protest vote (Continued from previous page) time candidate, the veteran of the race. Genest’s disdain extends left as well: “I’m so where it belongs — on polluters. The plan also No longer a contender for first Green MP,with disappointed with the NDP,”he says.“They take calls for a transfer of one cent per dollar of the gas Saturday’s announcement of ex-Liberal Blair Thomas Mulcair, this supposedly great passion- tax to municipalities, and the development of so- Wilson’s jump to the party, Genest could ate advocate for the environment, and what do called “green-collar jobs” through funding and tax nonetheless see such “momentum” — a term they do with him? They make him Finance incentives. that comes up frequently — raise his chances Critic just to shut him up.” Clearly more self-assured than the average neo- even further in an especially Green-friendly area. NDP policy neglects innovation in his opinion. phyte, Lagacé Dowson makes the case that“jour- “This is the greenest riding in Canada,” he says. Countering the notion of giant green bureau- nalists have made good MPs” and know how to “Our highest numbers. Second place Green fin- cracy, Genest overflows with market-oriented listen. Their presentation skills are often above ish provincially. It’s our biggest campaign in the ideas that he urges those on fixed incomes in average as well. But what about actors? The history of Quebec, by orders of magnitude. particular to consider simply for economy’s sake. spoiler to the spoiler is former Sirens star, cur- We’re the second choice of 50% of Canadians. Green windows, lightbulbs and appliances are rent host of the cable series Regeneration: the Art We’re the only party that’s growing, nearly dou- just a start. The slow adoption of hybrid tech- of Sustainable Living, and Green Party deputy bling every election. People respond to us,” he nology is curious to him.“My Prius gets me 45 leader Claude William Genest, a veritable professes, “because they see we’re citizens look- miles to the gallon. That’s money in my wallet. Gatling gun of eco-soundbites and, as a fifth- ing to take responsibility, not politicians trying People talk about investment when they really to take power.” mean speculation — like the stock market. This With the Liberal Green Shift and the NDP is a real investment, with returns that are guar- Green Agenda on the table, have the Greens not anteed, starting right away, aside from the eco- been marginalized on their own issue? logical benefits.” Genest also cites leadership in “Everybody’s green now. It’s more of a green “net metering”initiatives elsewhere — Germany, veneer on things.” The Liberal plan, he main- California, and now Ontario and BC — which tains, is insufficient.“You can shift taxes till the require electricity providers to purchase back Best Wishes for cows come home. Without ending subsidies to power generated by customers who use solar and Big Oil, Big Pharma, Big Agriculture, you’re still wind installations, which feed surplus electric- Healthy & Happy rewarding polluters and rewarding excess con- ity back into the grid, typically at night.“It’s your sumption. Scandinavians use one-third to one- meter literally spinning backwards. That’s New Year! half the energy per capita we do. Why? They’re money in your wallet too. Why aren’t we doing not better people. They’ve made policy choices this everywhere?”he posits rhetorically.“In Ger- In West End Montreal that make them competitive. Why aren’t we at many, they have to buy it back at eight times the Luxury Cars at Regular Rates on Request those levels? Where was Liberal green policy all billing rate. And guess who has the highest rate Special Attention to the Elderly those years we fell behind?” of solar-generated power in the world now?” Reducing consumption and replacing fossil 100% guaranteed Airport Reservations fuels with renewable energy isn’t just an envi- Pick-Up & Delivery Jennifer Gaudo ronmental imperative but a “tremendous economic opportunity,” says Genest — and an [email protected] alternative to mounting ecological costs, mounting waste, and further resource extraction that won’t pay off for years. “It’s more of the same,” YOU DON’T NEED TO BE ALONE... he insists with evangelical fervour, “versus pots of gold under our nose tomorrow! It takes policy choices. The Green Party doesn’t have the shackles and handcuffs to special interests that Let me take care of everything! keep it from happening.” Election day in Montreal will hinge on the re- Tel: 514-481-2126 covery of the Liberal machine and its ability to Cell: 514-445-4488 get out the vote. For the Garneau campaign to [email protected] match NDP and Green efforts in this respect is a tall order. 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September 2008 5 THE SENIOR TIMES Editorial: Barack Obama shines light for Canada Anyone who watched Barack key areas as Iraq, healthcare, and the him during the convention, demand- *** Obama’s magnificent acceptance growing wealth-poverty gap mobi- ing that he not cave on a series of cru- The intensity and passion seen in speech at last month’s Democratic lized millions – of people and dollars cial commitments. These include: Denver and the hope inspired by Party convention could only have – from across the spectrum. As power Obama can only spill over into the • Withdrawal from Iraq on a fixed been impressed by the man’s beckons, however, there are signs that upcoming Canadian election. Why timetable rhetorical skill and the magnitude Obama is retreating from some of his Stephen Harper wants one is some- • Universal healthcare of this historic moment. potentially controversial stands. One thing of a mystery. The polls show • A more progressive financial and This man is gifted, not just by his example is his reversal on denying him picking up support in Quebec at welfare system use of words – simple words that pack retroactive federal immunity to the expense of the Bloc, but losing • Public investment to repair a mighty punch – but also by his abil- phone companies involved in the some in vote-rich Ontario. infrastructure ity to touch on the concerns of aver- Bush domestic wiretap program. One hypothesis is that he wants to • Fair trade policies age Americans at a critical time in As The Nation magazine reported bleed dry the Liberals’ war chest at a • Shifting billions from fossil-fuel their history. His nomination speaks last month under the heading time when it can’t match Tory consumption to alternative volumes about how the political cul- Change We Can Believe In, progres- fundraising, which is short-term energy sources. ture in that country is evolving. His sive Americans who are supporting thinking at best – if another Harper • Restoration of the freedom to Yes We Can promise of change in such Obama delivered an open letter to minority results, all he’ll have done is organize unions by passing the weaken the Liberals’ finances for the Employee Free Choice Act. inevitable follow-up vote. THE SENIOR TIMES This last point is key to allowing Another possibility is that he wants Publisher & Managing Editor Barbara Moser Online & Production Editor Adam Desaulniers American unions to turn around their to get the election behind him by Assistant Editor Kristine Berey Photo & Technical Coordinator Scott Philip erosion in membership, which has mid-October to limit the progressive Office Manager Thelma Gearey Editorial Assistant Rachel Lau Journalists Kristine Berey, Adam Desaulniers, Printing Hebdo Litho hurt the middle class. The Act would spillover from the Obama campaign, Rachel Lau, Nancy Snipper Phone 514-484-5033 which can only help the opposition. Sales Manager Jacquie Soloway-Cons Fax 514-484-8254 allow arbitration on first contracts Advertising Jodie Alter, Gloria Beigleman, Email [email protected] after 120 days without an agreement, Whatever his reasons, Harper has yet Shirley Cohen, Sandra Schachter Website www.theseniortimes.com Production & Design Albert Cormier Cover photo Andrew Soong and would stop employers from or- to make a convincing case that the cur-

Published by Publications Newborn Inc. Contents copyright © 2008. All rights reserved. Legal Deposit: National Library of Canada No. D368087 Dépot légal Bibliothèque Nationale du Québec, 1993. dering secret ballots where the major- rent arrangement is holding him back. Although every caution is taken by Publications Newborn Inc. to moni tor advertising in the THE SENIOR TIMES, claims made by advertisers are not necessarily endorsed by Publications Newborn Inc. ity of workers sign union cards Liberal leader Dion, stopping briefly without evidence of coercion. in Westmount to support Marc Gar- This is what real change means and neau, assured The Senior Times that these areas clearly distinguish Obama when an election comes, seniors’ issues DRIVER from McCain, whose inherent prom- will top his agenda, including his Green ise of “more of the same” stands in Shift plan, which he said is of special FOR SENIORS stark contrast to Yes We Can. concern to grandparents. Reliable driver will pick you up & drive you to your errands/appointments Available 7 days/week (Weekly/Monthly contracts available) Côte St-Luc • Westmount • Côte-des-Neiges NDG • TMR • West Island • St-Laurent Alan 514-941-0047

6 September 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES May you be blessed with peace, health, and happiness in the coming year 5769

Painting by Elaine Budwing of the Creative Social Centre Greetings for the Jewish New Year from your MNAs

Shana Tovah! Bonne année! Monique Jérôme-Forget Raymond Bachand MNA for MNA for Pierre Arcand Lawrence S. Bergman Marguerite-Bourgeoys Outremont Minister of Finance MNA for MNA for Minister of Economic Minister of Government Services Mont-Royal D’Arcy-McGee Development, Innovation, Minister responsible Export Trade & Tourism for Government Administration 514-341-1151 514-488-7028 Chair of the Conseil du trésor 514-482-0199 514-368-1818 May your year be blessed with Health & Happiness!

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September 2008 7 THE SENIOR TIMES To our Shirley Cohen on a special birthday!

Congratulations to our beloved ments of her older grandchildren. Shirley Cohen, who celebrates her Marlene Jennings, MP for Notre- 80th birthday September 13. Dame-de-Grace–Lachine, has these Shirley has been a devoted member words to say about Shirley in a spe- of The Senior Times team for 15 cial message for the occasion: years, coming out of retirement to “Those who know you well and are learn and master the art of selling for fortunate to be close to you day in a market she knows formidably well, and day out speak of you with great along the way endearing herself in admiration and respect. Your love particular to our Members of Parlia- and commitment to family and ment and Members of the National friends never fails to impress them. Assembly. “For my part, I can vouch for the Shirley is always positive, hard- fact that you are a salesperson extra- working, and insistent on ensuring ordinaire! We hear from you, in my that our paper grows and prospers office, as regularly as the seasons with every issue. We miss her dearly change. From what my staff tell me, when she vacations in Florida for you master the art of friendly per- three months each year, but even suasion. Yes, you know how to from Florida she manages to stay in shower them initially with warmth touch with her clients and make sure and poetic kindness, but they know they don’t miss an issue of The Sen- that when Shirley Cohen beckons, ior Times. she has a mission, and the earth Shirley never fails to call and check trembles! It is very difficult to turn up on those in trouble and in need you down! of a kind word of support. She has Happy Birthday to a great and been a great and loving care giver to wonderful lady. We love you, Shirley. her husband Marvin as he has un- Many happy returns!” dergone serious health problems. And from each of us at The Senior Her eyes sparkle with love and pride Times, past and present, our warmest as she shows us pictures of the latest wishes and deepest appreciation for brilliant moment of her youngest all the Herculean efforts, exemplary grandson or recounts the achieve- patience, and kindhearted wisdom.

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September 2008 9 THE SENIOR TIMES Linguistic chauvinism reigns supreme The French hate the Germans, both the French and the Italians refer to con games The Germans hate the Poles. as the “American swindle.” In Serbo-Croatian the Italians hate Yugoslavs, expression praviti se Englez translates as “to act like South Africans hate the Dutch, The Word Nerd an Englishman,”i.e. to act as if nothing is wrong in And I don’t like anybody very much! Howard Richler the hope that a situation will sort itself out. One –The Merry Minuet, Kingston Trio, circa 1960 humourous French idiom that references the Eng- lish is les Anglais ont debarqué which is used as a One of the less attractive qualities of ethnic and because they did not understand their speech. The euphemism for “I have my period.” linguistic identity is its association with intoler- Slavs conferred the name Nemet (“mute” or Outsiders are liable to be blamed for vice and ance towards outsiders. Many languages desig- “dumb”) on their German neighbours. immorality in our midst. No example better exem- nate those who are mutually intelligible as The view that one’s own language is superior to plifies this than the disease syphilis. The Italians at- “speakers” or “people” — Those who speak a others is widespread, and many reasons are sup- tributed it to the French and called it Mal francesse. language deemed incomprehensible are labeled plied in defense of this chauvinistic hypothesis. A The French turned the tables and called it Mal de as the “others,”or “babblers.” language might be viewed the oldest, the most log- Naples. The Germans also targeted the French and A few examples are in order. The Ancient Greeks ical, the most phonetic, or the language of the gods. labeled it Franzosen böse Blattern (“French bad blis- used the onomatopoeic term barbaroi (“babblers”) Some of the claims have been particularly prepos- ters”). The English called it ”French pox,” or the to mock anyone whom they deemed incompre- terous. Sixteenth-century German writer J.G. Be- “French disease” and referred to the baldness that hensible, i.e. anyone who used a language other than canus argued that German was superior because it syphilis produced as a “French crown.” To be Greek. This word came into Latin as barbarus, with was the language Adam spoke in Eden. Luckily, “Frenchified”meant to have a venereal infection and the same meaning, and bequeathed to us the words he claimed, it was not affected by the later Babel a “French pig” was a venereal sore. The Russians “barbarous”and“barbarian.”The Chinese bestowed debacle because the early Germans (the Cimbri- blamed it on the Poles, who in turn called it the on the Miao and Moso tribes of South China the ans) did not participate in the tower construction. “German Disease.”To the Dutch, it was Spaensche name “southern barbarians” and “miserable ones” Becanus informs us that the Almighty later caused Pokken (“Spanish pox”).Once the disease was trans- the Old Testament to be translated from an origi- mitted eastward to India, Japan and China, it nal but now defunct German into Hebrew. emerged as the “Portuguese disease” and not sur- Languages are prone to attribute negative quali- prisingly, Turks held Christians responsible. Finally, ties to foreign influences. In the English language in the 16th century it received the designation we refer to an unauthorized absence as taking “syphilis” which seemed to have universal appeal. “French leave.”The French retaliate by taking“Eng- The name derives from the name of a fabled lish leave,”(filer à l’anglais). Norwegians and Ital- syphilitic shepherd in the poem Syphilis, sive Morbus ians join the French in also taking “English leave.” Gallicus by Italian poet Girolamo Fracastoro. This Foreign idioms referencing English provide a fable relates the story of the shepherd Syphilis whose snapshot of attitudes towards those in the English- blasphemy so angered the Sun God that he saddled speaking world and it would appear that the hon- poor Syphilis with an eponymous new disease. esty of anglophones is questionable. In French to Linguistic chauvinism dictates that not only is “fleece somebody” is to anglaiser quelqu’un and one’s mother tongue “infected” by foreign influences, but that the alien languages are even responsible for the infections. CREATION Howard Richler’s latest book is Can I Have a AVEC FLAIR Word With You? He can be reached at howard@ theseniortimes.com.

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10 September 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES Biden or Palin: who’s really pro-life? openers, most data now show the pro-choice approach to be more effective at achieving ostensibly pro-life goals: reducing both the number of late- Pit Stop term abortions and the number of abortions over- Neil McKenty all. Key to the issue is preventing unwanted pregnancies. Pro-choice figures like Obama are the ones who champion wider access to birth control, When Republican nominee John McCain chose and it’s been pro-choice elected officials who’ve the little-knownAlaska Governor,Sarah Palin,44, fought for insurance coverage of the procedure and to be his running mate, he obviously saw three the introduction of new and more effective contra- things she would bring to the ticket: she’s a ceptives. Only 11% of sexually active American Robert Jones woman, she’s young and she’s pro-life. women forego contraception, and this 11% account Motivational Speaker Addiction Conflict Intervention Questions about Palin’s experience, or lack of it, for half of the abortions in the US. Obama and become more acute when you compare her to Biden support the comprehensive sex-ed programs “What have you done today Barack Obama’s choice of running mate. that have been proven to work. McCain and Palin to better your life?” There is no question that Joe Biden adds heft to support no-sex-until-marriage programs which the Democratic ticket. He’s a Roman Catholic from have been proven to fail. 514-806-9307 a blue collar background, two constituencies in Abortion won’t be the major issue in November, [email protected] which Obama is weak. He has a solid background the economy will. But Obama and Biden will need www.recoveryandhealing.info in foreign affairs and military policy, after six terms votes wherever they can get them, and the pro-life in the Senate, where he chairs the foreign relations faction may take another look at the Democratic committee. He recently returned from Georgia ticket if they realize it’s the real pro-life ticket. Lynda Pitt-Taylor BSW where he was consulted by the Georgian govern- Geriatric consultant ment. As the conservative pundit Andrew Sullivan - Seniors’ accommodations put it, “he’s a senator who doesn’t just call foreign Certiﬁed professional - Home care leaders – they call him.” groomer - Palliative care The scrappy Biden will also do for Obama what - Case management James Carville did for Bill Clinton – act as an attack for dogs and cats - Alzheimer’s expertise dog. The Globe and Mail calls his selection a sign of Home Service “a welcome determination to take the fight to the Re- N E C T I O O N N publicans on their home turf of national security.” Free initial C S One element of the Obama-Biden ticket will Sandra consultation come more to the fore now that Sarah Palin’s pro- 514 767-2800 S S 514-369-2185 E R life credentials are so high-profile. Both Democrats R V I O 877-878-6676 I C E S E N are pro-choice, despite Biden’s Catholicism. Does S F O R this mean Democrats will lose the pro-life vote? Not connections servicesfor seniors.com necessarily.Democrats have made a significant shift in their abortion policy. Besides the commitment to choice, their platform explicitly states that there Alzheimer Groupe (A.G.I.) Inc. offers ongoing ONE STORE IN VERDUN should be a reduction in the number of abortions. SUPPORT GROUPS for spouses and 501 DE L’ÉGLISE AVE. Obama and Biden have statistics to rally in their PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL GROUPS 514 768-0642 favour in appealing to social conservatives. For for adult children, ACTIVITY PROGRAMS, MÉTRO DE L’ÉGLISE ART THERAPY and MUSIC PROGRAM VERDUN 3 MIN. WALK for individuals in the early to mid-stages of Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders. TRAINING for professionals and caregivers. For further details, please call 514-485-7233 •OCULARIUM• OPTOMETRISTS MOVING & WAREHOUSING Since 1956 AVAILABLE MEDIUM WIDE, XXX WIDE Dr. H. Bergman H O U S E O F T R AV E L is well known Special prices for SENIORS! for his thorough Cruise Specialist on All Major Cruise Companies Special accompanied groups on different departures eye exam and personal approach. Certified specialist from Switzerland. Go nearly anywhere with Swiss Air • Laboratory on Site and stop a few days in the Swiss mountains. Harold • Great Choice Very special rates! For your travel arrangements, Bergman • Personalized Service call us first or last and save! & Associates Royal Caribbean is Explorer of the Sea Super ship, 135,000 tons. Ask for brochure. 00 Cruises with bus transfer included from 12 Days OPEN MON. –FRI. 9 AM – 6 PM Montreal to New York from $1550. $ 10. $ SUPER LAST MINUTE SPECIAL 09 NOV. $1300 514-488-6391 DISCOUNT ON REGULAR PRICE Call Alex anytime 514-282-1022 Permis VALID UNTIL DEC. 30/08 du Quebec 5510 Monkland (at Girouard) Villa Maria September 2008 11 THE SENIOR TIMES Estate planning calls for tough questions, experienced advice ties once both spouses their own and the proceeds of the readily available to address these are deceased. One can estate are governed through a third issues. Do the research. Ask yourself easily roll over assets party who dispenses money accor - some difficult questions. How will Common Cents between spouses tax ding to the wishes of the deceased for you be perceived by your own Ivan Cons free, however the same a finite time period. There are many children after you are gone? rules do not apply to the examples of businesses in Canada Seek out the resources of a trusted children. I’ve seen many that have not survived multiple professional with proper accredi - I’m often asked: what does estate estates greatly diminished through generations due to infighting tation and a good track record. Don’t planning mean and how does it poor planning or indifference. amongst siblings contesting the leave things to chance. Make sure apply to me? Proper estate planning One area of estate planning that desires of their parents or squandering your heirs (and not the government) ensures that your wishes will be requires particular interest is that of fortunes through mismanagement. receive the fruits of your lifelong met when you are no longer second marriages and blended families. There is so much information labours. around. In addition, it allows for Without proper guidance it is the orderly transfer of assets with a possible that the deceased natural focus on reducing the impact of children lose out completely due to taxation. assets being transferred to the second Goldilocks goes mattress shopping Proper planning can dramatically spouse, and upon the demise of this Bonnie Sandler awake since it required sitting up to increase the value of an estate. People second spouse, assets are inherited do so. No matter how I slept I ended are often shocked at the taxes owed by the second spouse’s own natural When I moved into my condo I up down in the sagging middle which to the individual governments on children. In this scenario all of the decided to treat myself to a new felt like a steam bath. After sharing final disposition of RRIFs once both original family’s wealth has just been mattress. There was nothing really my problem with customer service, I spouses are deceased. In addition, transferred to an entirely different wrong with my old mattress but it was sent an inspector, who after one capital gains on non-residential real family due to poor planning. was 10 years old and I had it topped glance at the mattress declared it to be estate and recapture of depreciation Sometimes the use of Family Trusts off with a memory foam pad. I defective. on final disposition of these assets are recommen ded as a way to disliked having the foam topper Back to the mattress store. Not can lead to enormous tax exposure creditor-proof estates and reduce separate from the mattress so off I wanting to take chances this time, I for future generations. Clients with taxes. There are instances as well went mattress shopping. opted for the newest mattress – full la- large investment portfolios can be where adult children are incapable of I visited a few locations of a major tex, no springs – and took the middle subject to huge capital gains liabili - managing large sums of money on mattress chain, did some web re- model, semi-firm. My full-body pain search and followed the advice of disappeared within a couple of nights. salespeople. I was torn between the But the upgrade cost close to $600. Affordable semi-firm and the plush model. I was After a few weeks of sleeping on a told that as a side and occasional latex mattress I can say that it’s as senior living stomach sleeper, I’d be better off with cool as promised. However, I began to in a park setting a firm mattress. I specifically said I notice a sag in the middle and began didn’t want a mattress that retains experien cing lower back pain. Think- body heat. ing I was going mattress crazy, I took • professional health care personnel 24 hours per day Each mattress comes with a war- a long, straight wooden stick and per- • state of the art smoke & sprinkler system ranty, but if there is any stain or tear formed my own inspection. Sure • spacious main lounges & attractive outdoor patio it voids the warranty even if defec- enough, the stick did not lie flat • large elegant dining room & bar tive. The only way to have the war- across the middle of the bed. At this • close to shopping, churches, library & recreation ranty upheld is to buy a protection point I would do anything to have • all inclusive services plan. I opted out. my old mattress back. For appointment to view please call 514-937-3943 Many stores guarantee the best I phoned customer service and was Manoir Westmount Inc. 4646 Sherbrooke St. W., Westmount price and will undersell any told the inspector would contact me www.manoirwestmount.ca competitor on an identical bed. But in a week. A week later I left a voice A project of The Rotary Club of Westmount manufacturers rename the message. After finally speaking with mattresses for different stores so customer service I was told that comparison shopping is almost there was no record of my request. I Ivan M. Cons Financial Services impossible. sent off a cranky e-mail to customer Investments, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategies After a few nights of poor sleep, the service and with the aid of a store Tel: (514) 336-6211 • Fax: (514) 336-6117 verdict was in on my new mattress. I manager I was offered an immediate Email: [email protected] hated it. It was way too firm. I needed exchange. Now it’s a matter of de- a mattress that relieves pressure ciding whether to just switch it for IF YOU OWN LIFE INSURANCE, points. This one didn’t. On returning the same brand or go with a different CHANCES ARE YOU’RE PAYING TOO MUCH! to the store, the softer model felt make and model. The online reviews 10 Year Term Rates (Renewable, Convertible) standard rates good, but how can one know after are very mixed for all brands, and just minutes of lying on it? You’re male non-smoker difficult to read when sleepy and in AGE $250,000 $500,000 $1,000,000 only allowed one comfort exchange, pain. 50 $45.63 $84.15 $163.80 What would happen if I hated the I’ve never felt so confused about a 60 $121.05 $225.80 $446.20 70 $349.88 $693.00 $1,379.25 second mattress too? purchase, worried about making a There were no marks on my first choice with such impact on my qual- female non-smoker mattress and I was able to exchange it ity of life. My helpful store manager AGE $250,000 $500,000 $1,000,000 for $35. I talked myself into loving told me she’d try to work something 50 $34.65 $58.05 $111.60 60 $85.95 $158.60 $311.88 the softer mattress the first few nights. out to my satisfaction and get back 70 $238.50 $468.00 $927.00 But who was I kidding? It was way to me early next week. So the story * all rates are monthly **for those that qualify, preferred rates may be available too soft. I was beginning to feel like ends in suspense. If it doesn’t all AT THESE RATES CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO BE INSURED? Goldilocks. It was impossible to turn work out I may end up sleeping on For personalized service call 514-336-6211 around in the bed without being fully the floor. 12 September 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES RO YAL JORDAN R.M. INC., REA LTOR ™ CHA RTERED REA L ES TA TE BROKER INDEPENDEN T AND AU TONOMOUS LICENSE S Happy New Year Ronald Massad Chartered Real Estate Agent 101 Amherst, Beaconsfield Cell: (514) 591-3472 Tel: (514) 694-6900 E-mail: [email protected] Registe red Relocation specialis t www.ronaldmassad.com

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Compassionate, affordable caregivers for seniors at home • Compagnionship • Outings & Escorting On your marks! Senior competitors get ready to rumble at opening ceremonies (photo: Gary Black) • Bathing & Medications • Live-in care 55+ Games celebrate Our very best wishes for a Happy and Healthy th The 6 annual Canada 55+ Games wrapped New Year! up in Dieppe, New Brunswick August 31, with a record 1503 participants competing in 20 “We care for you...in your home” categories, from track and field, swimming, 514.731.8600 and hockey to more sedentary activities such www.horizoncare.ca as cribbage, scrabble, and bridge. Athletes of note included Florence Storch of Alberta, javelin gold medalist in the women’s 90+ competition, and Doreen Erskine of Saskatchewan, silver medalist in the women’s 85+ shot put. Formerly the Canada Senior Games, the event was renamed in 2006 due to “too many participants complaining about being called‘Senior!’” Info on next year’s games will be available at 506-382-2008 or canada55plusgames.com. • Blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol tests • We renew prescriptions from other pharmacies • Orthopedic devices • Prefilled insulin syringes • Express counter and free parking at METRO • Free pick-up and delivery of prescriptions* Fulfilling Needs • Nutritionist services available Senior Residence at Every Stage • Retirement lifestyle of distinction & quality • Round-the-clock Best Wishes for a Happy caregiving by full nursing staff • Quality service • Luxurious & Healthy New Year! accommodations • Recreational programs • At-home atmosphere

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Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year from everyone at the King David. Shana Tova! Make Manoir King David Your Home 5555 Trent, Côte St. Luc, Tel: (514) 486-1157 • www.manoirkingdavid.com September 2008 13 THE SENIOR TIMES Innovative artist goes for the funky

Hot Hot Hot

Une, Deux, Trois Tasses Walking Through Time Jazz Queen Nancy Snipper a-kind ballerina prints, displayed be- coming into her own in a big way. mundane, such as a teacup, into an side the work of established artists She has exhibited at six Montreal gal- amusing version. On this tea theme, “I’m on a high right now.Many good Myrna Brooks Berkovitch and Joyce leries, and her whimsical works have I created an Alice in Wonderland se- things are happening in my life,”says Slapcoff Stuart. “The response was been in solo shows at Gryphon d’Or ries of paintings.” There is joy and Côte St-Luc artist Carol Rabinovitch. fabulous.” and Dix Mille Villages. humour as teapots dance about in a “My son just got married and so “Myrna’s mixed media art is mag- Her work has also been featured at colourful background speckled with did my daughter, within two months nificent. She’s my mentor and she in- Mountain Lake Arts Auction on PBS, spirals, stripes and dots. Talent of one another. My husband and I spires me as my teacher. Joyce’s oil The Art for Healing Foundation at pours out of her, just like the tea in are ecstatic but I’m also excited about landscapes and ballerina prints are Maimonides, and Mesquite Restau- her teapots. Called Party of Teapots, the art show” – an exhibition at Café appealing. I felt honoured to be in rant. At one exhibit,she showcased her this series’ themes are painted on Volver featuring acrylic and one-of- the same show,” says Carol, who is collages of recycled objects featuring tiny 7-inch-square canvases, cur- bottle caps, CD fragments and badges. rently on display at TMR’s Gallery Called Blue Hawaii, it was a hit. Archipelago. Her fun personality pops out in each “I never set out to change the image CALDWELL one of her paintings, from wardrobe, – it just happens, but I see that each watches and wedding scenes to shoes, piece shares a commonality: vibrant RESIDENCES dancers and musical instruments. colours, simple lines and seemingly “My passion flows in bright colours. I unrelated objects are prevalent. They take the traditional and make it seem to go together. I’m just happy Why live ALONE? whimsical and illogical. I’m often told that people respond to my art with a Caldwell Residences offers subsidized housing within a safe that my paintings are unique and giggle and smile. They must have community environment to independent people who are highly imaginative.” something going for them.” 60 years and over with a low to moderate income. Our buildings Carol has the uncanny knack of Admittedly, Carol says, she may be a creating a new version of something tad crazy. Even her son nicknames her are in Côte St. Luc & the Snowdon area close to Golden Age. ordinary that she sees. In her piece Crazy C.“Sometimes,I have to remind • Security Jazz Queen, a shirt sporting the word myself that less is more. I just want to ‘jazz’ and a male musician’s face have keep adding more decorative motifs.” • Sprinkler system throughout been morphed into a Picasso-like fe- But she certainly has found her crazy the building male playing a saxophone. It’s full of calling. It’s at the end of a paintbrush. • Cleaning Services provided her signature swirls and dots. Vi- To date, Carol has sold several of her • Recreational and Educational brant, almost kaleidoscopic, it seems paintings abroad and locally. Activities to move before your eyes.You can al- She also generously donates her art most hear the music. to charity fundraisers. Her website is • Exercise Program “My overactive mind turns the at earthartgallery.com. • Holiday Celebrations • Oneg Shabbat • Private residence • Close to Shopping Center, for seniors Bus, Metro, Pharmacy, Bank • Bilingual team and Local CLSC • Personalized care For more information call Caldwell Residences • In front of a park 5750 Lemieux Ave, Montreal, H3W 3G1 with view of river Tel 514.752.0728 514-737-7774 10332 Belvedere St, Pierrefonds • We accommodate [email protected] mobile seniors Caldwell Residences is a constituent agency of Federation CJA www.residencedubelvedere.com with Alzheimer’s

14 September 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES Sharing secret thoughts Alzheimer’s Disease is a long journey taking a felt a mixed bag of emotions – relief, and guilt at family through many stages as the disease pro- feeling relief. At the funeral, he told me that her gresses. Each stage brings different reactions and Let’s talk death had been a blessing. emotions. Family members ask what they would want for The early stage is difficult on families because the about it themselves if they were in this position. They re- AD individual is aware of the changes they are Bonnie Sandler, S.W. member their family members as independent going through: memory loss, confusion and diffi- and strong people and feel that they would never culty performing familiar tasks. The person may want to be dependent on others for all their needs. become depressed as they recognize these changes look in their eyes that makes us wonder how much One important purpose of a support group is and losses, over which they have no control. They of the person we knew is still there. being able to share thoughts with others who will are often treated with antidepressants. My friend would visit his mother once a week in nod in understanding and not sit in judgment. It Still struggling with the diagnosis, families are the nursing facility where she lived for several is a safe place to share feelings of anger, frustra- relieved to know why their loved one’s behavior years. She had been an accomplished professional tion, sadness and grief. has changed. They are also confused because there and a strong maternal force. My friend spoke to Some of these thoughts would be viewed by are many good days with no symptoms. me of being emotionally wiped out by these visits. mainstream society as taboo. But nothing is taboo In the later stages, the family witnesses their He no longer recognized the bedridden woman as among people going through similar experiences loved one’s inability to manage their own care. his mother and had mourned her for years. She no and feelings. They no longer recognize faces – they have a blank longer recognized him either. When she died, he Rock your cares away at NDG Council The NDG Senior Citizens’Council will holdits15th great if not more so. What strikes me is that even and avoid falls – will start in September. A support annualRock-A-ThonFriday,September 19 from 1 after 15 years we have members who have turned group, designed for those feeling low facing the to 3 pm. Similar to a walk-a-thon, volunteer up at every single Rock-A-Thon.” changes that accompany aging, will start as well. “Rockers”will raise money for the council’s pro- Another milestone is that the Council turns 35 The emcee this year is Shirleen Hayes, a singer and grams for seniors living in NDG and Montreal W. this year. band leader. The Benny Farm Idols will also per- “This one’s a real milestone for us, says Sheri All funds will support the Day Away Respite Pro- form. Justin and Natalie Jackson, a brother/sister McLeod, Executive Director.“I can’t believe Rock- gram, the Community Lunch Program, and Action dance duo, promise fancy footwork. Last year they A-Thon turns 15 this year. When Rock-A-Thon Transport, a service that links frail seniors with literally brought the crowd to their feet with their was first conceived we needed a distinctive drivers to get to medical appointments. The always mix of tap dance and hip hop. fundraiser to raise badly-needed funds for serv- popular Stand-Up! program – aimed at seniors Anyone interested in rocking or canvassing for the ices for seniors and even now the need is just as who wish to increase their leg strength and balance event is invited to call Shari Polowin at 514-487-1311.

September 2008 15 THE SENIOR TIMES South of the Border Harvest market Vermont Starting Saturday, September 27, Vermont’s fall Burlington Book Festival family harvest fair features the Underhill and Jeri- cho communities. Parade, live entertainment, flea Friday, September 12 to Sunday, September 14, market, Vermont artisans. Info: 802-899-1722 Burlington’s annual celebration of the written word features readings, signings, panels, work- Demonstrations, displays, decorating shops and presentations by nationally renowned Starting Saturday, September 27, celebrate the authors at downtown venues. Info: 802-865-7211 annual Vermont fine furniture and woodworking Field days and festivals festival in Woodstock. With live music and food. Info: 802-747-7900 or vermontwoodfestival.org Starting Thursday, September 11, old fashioned agricultural fair. Cambridge. Info: 800-889-5555 Fall foliage festival Taste of Deerfield Valley Saturday, September 27, the East Burke Vermont Autumn Foliage Festival features crafts, food, Saturday, September 13 at 10 am, this event is games and demonstrations. Info: 802-467-1266 under the tent at the Clock Tower at Mt Snow Re- sort. 15 restaurants participate. Info: 802-365-7650 Plattsburgh Wine and food Starting Saturday, September 13, the Flynn Cen- Farmer’s market days ter for the Performing Arts has a gourmet dinner Thursday,September11 from 1 pm - 4 pm,a farmer’s prepared by top Vermont chefs including tasting market takes place to promote local food produced premium. Shelburne Farms Coast Barn features in the Adirondack Region. Info: wildcenter.org Vermont’s food products, wines from local and international wineries, live music, an auction and Mountains antique show wine lottery. Info: 802-652-4500 Saturday, September 20, antique lovers and col- Classic car show lectors will enjoy fea- Thursday, September 18 to Sunday, September tured items of rustic Happy New Year ENJOY ARTFUL FOOD, 21, the annual British Invasion Classic Car Show furniture, hunting & HEAVENLY DESSERTS, takes place in Stowe, Vermont. This three day fes- fishing boats, and Na- FINE WINE, tival features more than 800 classic cars. tive American materials LUSCIOUS MARTINIS Info: 802-253-5320 at the Byron Park. Info: indian-lake.com &MICROBREWS Fairbanks festival weekend Adirondack antiques weekend CONNIE Saturday, September 20, celebrate rural creativity Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September ACOBS ARDEN J -W , with artisans and craftspeople who demonstrate 21 from 10 am – 5 pm, a preview of premier an- CHEF/PROPRIETOR knowledge and skills that shaped the landscape of tique and vintage furnishings managed by Rod CHECK OUR the rural northeast St Johnsbury. Lich, Inc at the Adirondack Museum. WEBSITE FOR Info: 802-748-2372 Info: adkmuseum.org MUSIC LISTINGS! Stowe Vermont Octoberfest celebration Adirondack harvest festival Friday,September 26, this two day‘Bavarian Blast’cel- Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5, the ebratesVermont’ssplendidAutumnseason,withOom- 4th Annual Harvest Festival. Info: adkmuseum.org pahbands,Germancuisine 24-28 North Main Street, St. Albans, VT and a silent auction. Route (802) 524-1405 Sundays 3:00-8:00 100, off I-89 exit 10, 10 APPLE ISLAND RESORT Lunch Wed-Sat 11:00-4:00 • Dinner Mon-Sat 4:00-9:30 miles north of Waterbury. www.chowbella.us US ROUTE 2, SOUTH HERO, VERMONT Info: 802-253-8506 Life Made Sweet “The Best of Vermont on Lake Champlain” A BURLINGTON, VERMONT LANDMARK FOR 18 YEARS! BECOME A SEASONAL RESIDENT AND ENJOY OUR MANY AMENITIES Voted one of New England’s Heated pool and hot tub – marina – golf course – free wifi – community center – fitness center Top 5 Diners in SPECIAL PROMOTION, buy a new unit now Yankee Magazine and receive FREE campsite rental for remainder of year “Your Aﬀordable Vacation Home” Park models range from $45,000 to - A Burlington area favorite - New $70,000. Seasonal Homesite or Long Term Enjoy friendly, upbeat service & Mom’s home cooking Easements available. Furnished & ready for immediate occupancy, We make all our own Cakes & Pies ( fresh & local) some with 3 season rooms. Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Please call Ken Duffy in sales office for more information. Preowned homes available. Mon 6 am - 4 pm Sat 7 am - 9 pm Tue - Fri 6 am - 9 pm Sales Office: Sunday Brunch 7 am - 2 pm Route 7 Winooski-Colchester Town Line (802) 372-3866 Exit 16, right off Vermont I-89 1-802-655-0343 www.appleislandresort.com 16 September 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES Exciting season begins at e Segal Kristine Berey Segal. “One of the key aspects of our entertaining a story as you’ll en- In June the Yiddish Theatre will theatre’s mandate is to produce classics counter,” Wasserman says. host the first ever International Fes- Human relationships in all their that remain socially relevant today,”says As a change of pace, in April, Man- tival of Yiddish Theatre. intensity, laughter and sometimes Bryna Wasserman, Artistic Director. itoba Theatre Centre’s Artistic Direc- “My mother founded a Yiddish tragedy take centre stage this season The season continues with the Feb- tor Stephen Schipper will return for Theatre in Montreal 50 years ago this at the Segal. ruary production of the Pulitzer Joe Dipietro’s endearing and warm- year and the festival is an opportu- Christopher Hampton’s adaptation Prize winning drama Buried Child, hearted comedy Over the River and nity to celebrate this historic mile- of Dangerous Liaisons, based on an by Sam Shepherd. A long-lost son, Through the Woods. stone,” Wasserman says. 18th century French novel about Vincent, and his girlfriend return to “Dipietro wants to know why each The Segal’s Yiddish Theatre contri- “lust, greed, deception and romance” meet his Norman Rockwell-esque generation makes sacrifices for the next, bution will be a unique Yiddish ver- launches the season this month. relatives. But bliss is only on the sur- why no future generation can ever fully sion of The Pirates of Penzance by A pair of former lovers attempt face in this painful portrait of a dis- appreciate those sacrifices, and how Gilbert and Sullivan. to seduce and manipulate others integrating and dysfunctional family. both generations can find a balance be- Info:514-739-2301or segalcentre.org around them. But when virtuous March will bring director Diana tween holding on and letting go.” Mme de Tourvel becomes the focus of Leblanc to The Segal in the produc- theVicompte de Valmont’s attentions, tion of Tryst, a psychological thriller predator falls in love with prey, with by Karoline Leach about a homely fatal consequences. seamstress consigned to the back- October’s offering will be the Ten- room of a London hat shop in Victo- nessee Williams classic Cat on a Hot rian England. With no future to Tin Roof, directed by Greg Kramer. speak of, she falls into the arms This is the third production in a series of George Love, seducer and robber of Williams’ plays mounted by The of desperate old maids. “This is as Discover the artist within Registration has begun at the CSL you’re an experienced painter, you Parks and Recreation’s Adult Art can enhance your skills with ad- Socio-Cultural programs, given at vanced painting techniques. Courses the aptly named Rembrandt Park are given both in the day and the Chalet. If you’ve never dabbled in evening, and both residents and non watercolour, oils, acrylics and pastels, residents are welcome. There are spe- but always dreamed of trying, there cial rates for seniors. are courses for novices like you. If Info: 514 485-6806

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Bonnie Sandler, Social Worker • Assessment • Placement Sun Youth day campers enjoying a ride on the Garden Train at Exporail • Case Management • Support Groups Every day a blast at summer camp • Educational Workshops younger groups, and bowling trips every other week. 514-489-8678 At Sun Youth, they took part in photo club activities Here at Sun Youth and arts & crafts on alternating weeks. Big thanks go ALZHEIMER’S EXPERTISE to Wayne Oliver (photo club) and Carlos Anglarill Nicolas Carpentier (arts & crafts) for organizing these activities. www.servingmontrealseniors.com One of the most popular activities this summer was the visit to Exporail at the Canadian Railway What a summer it’s been at SunYouth, especially Museum in Saint-Constant. On July 25, eleven en- for the children at our day camp. thusiastic nine-to-ten-year-olds enjoyed a day of Despite the poor weather conditions, every day fun and activities, riding the streetcar and the Gar- was a blast for the 80 kids. Throughout the summer, den Train, driving miniature trains and climbing our friendly counselors organized many activities to aboard locomotives. The visit was organized by put smiles on the faces of the young campers. Exporail and CIT Roussillon, the South Shore This year, day camp started June 23.As usual, par- transit company that recently inaugurated regular ents registered their children months in advance to daily service to the museum, to celebrate Exporail’s be sure to get a spot. Parents appreciate that for a new door-to-door accessibility from downtown very reasonable cost, their children are busy all Montreal, providing lunch and transportation and summer long and fed breakfast and a hot lunch, a conductor’s hat for every camper. plus a snack in the afternoon, enough for plenty of Camp ended August 15 with the traditional talent energy. Children are grouped by ages 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, show for parents. After a day at the waterslides, the and 11-12, with 18 counselors supervising. children returned to Sun Youth for a dinner with Day camp is a great place to make new friends.Kids their parents. There were prizes for campers, such come from very different backgrounds,both socially as Best Smile and Most Helpful. For every group and culturally. Special financial arrangements are there was also a“Super Camper”chosen. These four made with parents living on limited incomes. The lucky kids won brand new bicycles. maximum fee for the full 8 weeks is $500. Campers displayed their skills on stage,ending with Outings included a day at the waterslides,fun in the a video montage showcasing the summer’shighlights. sun at Sablon Beach and Parc Jean-Drapeau beach,a Registration for next year’s Sun Youth Day Camp Jungle Adventure trip at the Laval resort for the two begins March 2009. Over 30 years experience at your service Info: 514-842-6822 BARBIERIG AUDIOPROTHÉSISTES “LET’S GET MOVING” DIGITALHEARINGAID(S) NOWPAIDBYMEDICARE RE/MAX WESTMOUNT INC. Come in and discover what a digital hearing Chartered real estate broker aid can do for you! • Assistive Listening Devices • Audiometric Exam A CHANGE OF PACE MAY NEED A CHANGE OF PLACE • Ear Protectors lejardindemelissa.com • Hearing Aid Repairs – All Makes Illustration not • Invisible Hearing Aids covered by medicare TIME, PATIENCE, EXPERTISE Come in for your Alina COMPLIMENTARY Esthetician HEARINGTEST • Facial • Waxing • Massage I PROMISE YOU ALL OF THESE 1396 St. Catherine W. Suite 404 PROMOTIONS: Massage $60, Facial $70 (Corner Bishop) 15% DISCOUNT SENIOR SPECIAL House calls available FIRST TUES. EVERY MONTH HARRIET FINKELSTEIN Call for details Affiliated real estate agent Bonus: Unforgettable 5673 Monkland Avenue 514-806-9340 • By Appointment Tel. 514-482-3347 rd Results 514 866-1687 585 St. Catherine St. W, 3 Floor McGill [email protected] 18 September 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES Potluck Pizza – how to astound your friends and keep it simple ground black pepper. handy. Use two oven racks, one at the For the cheese, grate a oven’s highest level and the other at Flavour Guy half cup per person of the lowest. After the oven is at the soft cheese such as Moz- right temperature, put the pans in for Barry Lazar zarella, mild cheddar, about 10 minutes and be careful. Use Gouda, Bel Paese, thick oven mitts to bring them out Fontina – these all work just before you put in the dough. The The request was cottage country well – and mix in a little freshly hot pans give the pizzas a great crust. a couple of minutes until the dough basic. “We’re doing potluck. Bring grated Romano or Parmesan. Mild Once the pans are in the oven, go comes easily off the pan and the bot- over what you have.” A simple re- goat cheese (not feta) is good instead into action. Lightly flour your hands tom starts to brown. Remove the quest but we were at the cottage and of the others but break it into small and the counter surface. Take a wad pan, flip the dough, brush it all over the store was half an hour away. The pieces and dot it over the pizza. Re- of dough about the size of a small with the spicy garlic oil, then cover it cupboard was almost bare: a package member, this is potluck – work with grapefruit. Flatten it between your with a handful of tomatoes and an- of whole wheat flour – now why had what you have. If you don’t have hands and stretch it to a 6-inch circle. other of cheese. Put the pan back on I bought that? – lots of tomatoes,and tomatoes try canned or fresh aspara- Then roll the dough using a rolling the top rack for about 5 minutes or some cheese from the farmer’s mar- gus, thin slices of sweet pepper, pin. No pin? Try a wine bottle! If the until the top of the dough starts to ket. Some salad stuff, but someone cooked broccoli, sliced mushrooms, dough sticks, shake a little flour over brown. Work on the next pizza. else was bringing a salad. etc. But don’t overload the pie or the it. Turn the pizza 90 degrees after When that’s ready, take the one from A-ha! Pizza. Everyone loves pizza, crust will be soggy. each pass to keep from overstretch- the top rack and put it on the lower but few make it. Frankly, after you’ve The flavour punch comes from the ing one side. You’re aiming for a rack. Keep doing this until you have baked it a couple of times, you won’t oil: heat a cup of olive oil in a small shape no larger than the pan you’re them all done. Serve at once with a want to buy it. I had to make the pot and add a tablespoon or more of putting it in. salad, a bottle of wine and a towel to dough from scratch at the cottage, finely chopped garlic and a teaspoon Timing is everything. Take the pan wipe the sweat from your brow. This but the Flavour Guy isn’t averse to or less – depending upon your per- from the oven and put something is pizza that you’ve worked for, and last-minute inspiration, and will buy sonal heat quota – of chili pepper under it – a wire rack, a trivet, a towel it’s worth it. raw pizza dough at the supermarket flakes. Cook this slowly until the gar- – to not burn the counter. Put the Barry Lazar is the Flavour Guy. or even beg it from a pizza parlour. lic just starts to sizzle and remove the dough in the pan, and slip the pan You can reach him at For cottage country pizza, I was pot from the stove. This spicy oil is back to the top rack in the oven. Wait [email protected]. going to prep everything and then fantastic brushed on any flat bread, bring it to the neighbour’s for bak- like stale pita, and cooked on a baking. The neighbour had pans and, ing sheet in the oven at a moderate most importantly, an oven – some- heat – 375˚F or 190˚C – until the thing lacking chez nous. bread is golden. For the toppings, the simpler the When everything is ready, turn the better. Take fresh tomatoes, 1/3 of a oven to as high a temperature as it pound or 150 g per person, cut them will take without broiling, around into small chunks, salt them and let 500˚F or 260˚C. For baking, a pizza them drain in a strainer or colander stone is nice but the Flavour Guy is for an hour or so. Add fresh herbs – adept with cast iron frying pans or a basil and oregano are nice – and thick cookie sheet or whatever is

QUALITIFRUITS

Warmest Wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year. Thank you for your patronage for the last 18 years. From Pat and Vince • Finest quality of fruits & vegetables • Fresh baked breads & imported produce • Variety of cheeses & health foods • Excellent Home made Take-out Foods • Fruit/Cheese/Deli meat platters for all occasions • Solly’s products now available 5818 Westminster, Côte St. Luc Tel: 514 481-7341 September 2008 19 THE SENIOR TIMES Dining Out

THE BEST IN TOWN Sun. - Thurs. Tommy and the La Belle family wish Restaurant all their clients best wishes for the New Year! 11 am - 11 pm Start your day at 5:30 am A V A N T I Fri. - Sat. with a sumptuous breakfast SPECIALTIES • ITALIAN • GRILL • SEAFOOD 11 am - midnight 6752 ST. JACQUES W. Day & Night Table D’Hôte • Sat & Sun Breakfast from 9 am 68 Grand Blvd, Île Perrot • 514.453.6395 The family of Restaurant Marathon 514-481-8114 Fully licensed www.avantirestobar.apweb.ca wishes their clientele a Healthy & Happy New Year! RESTAURANT FOR TAKEOUT & RESERVATIONS: 5365 des Jockeys 514-731-6455 Decarie & Jean Talon

SOUVLAKI A warm Greek experience Best wishes for Management & Staff wish our clientele A Happy & Healthy New Year. the New Year Mon-Sat: noon-10 pm • Sun: 4 pm-10 pm 5800 Sherbrooke 6200 Somerled (corner Melrose) (corner Grand) 514 227-0505 • 514 227-0606 Pick-Up & Delivery Full Dining Room Service 6544 Somerled 514-484-3717 For reservations call 514-484-4959 514-488-1555 • The same great menu • New Daily Specials Looking forward to serving you! Reception Hall • Fully Licensed Extended Lunch Menu Monday to Friday till 5:30 pm HAPPY NEW YEAR RESTAURANT Wishing our Clients A Happy & Healthy New Year Fireside Wishing All our clients 4759 Van Horne (near Victoria) 514-737-5576 A Happy & Healthy New Year!

Come Discover • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Dessert & Coffee The Culinary Tuscan Tradition Italian Cuisine of Family Dining NEWADMINISTRATION BACKTOORIGINALRECIPE 2356 Lucerne Restaurant - Bar corner Côte de Liesse Highway 40 7333 Newman, LaSalle TUSCANY GRILL 514-366-0999 Cucina Italiana • Fully Licenced Come home to Family portions of Salads, Pasta & Chicken Start your day the healthy way Boccacinos & celebrate! Breakfasts $5.25+ Omelettes $7.20+ Carmine’s Family & Staff • Book early for your special events wish all our Jewish Friends • Access to FREE wireless Internet Luncheon Specials 11am–4pm $8.95+ Best Wishes for the New Year WE CATER NOW! Nightly Dinner Specials $9.95+ www.carminecatering.com Fresh fish daily 5525 Côte-St-Luc Rd 514-366-1777 Catering & Delivery 25% SENIORDISCOUNT 514 484-7525 SPECIAL DISCOUNT Monday & Tuesday after 4:30pm (min $10.95) 20% OFF All week from Monday to Sunday 3800 St-Jean Blvd Must Reserve (can not be Valid at BOCCACINOS in LaSalle only combine with any other Reservations or Take out Happy Rosh 514-626-5757 coupons or promotions) Until Sept 30/08 Must bring coupon 514-735-1911 Hashanah 20 September 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES Chalet BBQ a beacon of stability in an ocean of change Adam Desaulniers ambiance are cited by fans as often as the recipe among reasons to ® Over 62 years into its hot streak, visit.Another top draw is queen of NDG’s landmark Chalet BBQ on seniority Lucia, serving customers Sherbrooke has made an enduring for over 50 years. “I have great business out of sticking to one staff,” he attests. “It’s not me. I’ve ® specialty — slow-cooked charcoal- got great kitchen people and fan- grilled chicken with a unique, tastic waitresses. That’s why people smoky trade-secret sauce handed are loyal. We get to know them.” down through the ages and Such accolades were borne out after five shrouded in mystique. The flavour, during a Thursday lunch visit, with unlike any standard chicken joint zealous service and speedy refills in fare, prompts enough fan testimo- a relaxed, low key environment nials — spanning multiple genera- suited to quiet conversation. It’s tions — to give the most jaded unbeatable for business lunches, as aficionado reason to try. long as you keep your fingers off “It’s still the same family that runs the paperwork once the food ar- it,” says Daniel, head of the estab- rives, and even a first date, wher- A LARGE sandwich lishment for the past 20 years.“We ever a vintage oldschool vibe is (Signature or Real Deal) $5 + Tax,- after 5pm, every day, haven’t changed a thing, that’s the called for. for September (Limited time offer). beauty of it. Staying with what you Daniel guesses about three quar- know best, that’s the secret.When I ters of the clientele are over 40. He started, the boss said, ‘Danny, just notes that the flipside of loyalty is a make sure you serve good food, and strong preference for continuity. lots of it, at good prices, and don’t “We moved one thing,”he says of a worry about the rest.’“ minor redecorating effort, “and Apart from the sage advice and everyone’s asking me, ‘Why did you distinct barbeque recipe, he attrib- move that? I liked it there.’ So we utes his lasting success to a few learned if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” other key ingredients: “Other Patrons of all ages will thus find the places use natural gas. We use atmosphere comfortingly retro. 6528 St-Jacques West charcoal. Most of our customers As a specialty outfit, their menu (corner Cavendish) like it well cooked, a bit crispy. doesn’t take long to read, but 514-489-3462 Others like it a bit different. Our there’s a deeper logic to doing one policy is we do it the way you like thing well, learned from prior it. Everybody’s got a favourite. My restaurateur experience: “Some- staff know by heart what our regu- times they ask,‘Why don’t you put lars like. And we never charge for ribs on the menu,or this or that on extras.” the menu?’ When the place gets Sampling the half chicken dinner, busy like this, you know how much PIZZA AU FOUR À BOIS accompanied by fries and coleslaw, that slows things down? Our the singular taste raises an eyebrow chicken takes an hour and a quar- at first bite. Special enough to stir ter to cook. This way it’s ready Wood oven pizza talk and idle speculation on its right away when you order.” And constituent parts, it raises one the food does indeed arrive at burning question: how has such breakneck speed, making any big craft stayed confined to NDG all discussion a better idea to leave these years and not propagated until afterwards. worldwide? This find, already familiar to “People ask us about opening an- many readers of The Senior Times, other location,” says Daniel with a is a top candidate for any Best-Of laugh,“but you think you can find itinerary when showing out-of- people like Carmie every day?” A towners around. Chalet BBQ is at celebrity waitress by any measure 5456 Sherbrooke W, by the Decarie after 15 years at Chalet BBQ, Expressway overpass, and has free TableTable d’hôted’hôte Carmie and her contribution to the parking in back. TableTableTableTable d’hôted’hôted’hôted’hôte 7777 joursjoursjoursjours //// SemaineSemaineSemaineSemaine MEAL DEAL 7777 DaysDaysDaysDays //// WeekWeekWeekWeek ) redi vend di au y ) ( lun rida à 8 F 2434419 Très Joyeux 5 ay to ( Mond 5 to 8 appy Hour Offer expires Oct 31, 2008 Very H Wishing Our Clients plus taxes a Healthy, Happy Del Friscos New Year! $8.80 Creative Italian American plus taxes 3237, boul. des Sources, DDO T. 514 683-4444 • F. 514 683-3848 www.delfriscos.ca September 2008 21 THE SENIOR TIMES When the bell rings, come to the 12 o’clock express at Good things come in small packages Magician Pat Gueller will be on hand to launch the first concert in I Musici’s Piccoli series, The Choice of 8 meals Wizard’s Book of Spells. The concert on Sunday, September 14 From $6.99 will be followed by other concerts Includes one soft drink or coffee/tea, one daily dessert In Dining Room – 11 am to 3 pm especially conceived for children throughout the year. Storyteller Always a Great Deal Suzanne De Serres will welcome Moorree artists from various back- M grounds, including circus, dance, at magic, theatre, mime and art. Be- Tel: 514-595-3535 fore each show a musician in the 8520 Newman Blvd., Lasalle • www.SCORES.ca orchestra will talk about his or her instrument. The music on the program will feature works by Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, Respighi and more. Concerts are presented in French at Ogilvy Tudor JUICE BAR • RESTAURANT Hall, 1307 St Catherine W, 5th floor. $12/$8. The family is growing Info: 514-982-6038 NOW 2 LOCATIONS in the West Island! or imusici.com Pat Gueller Musici I of courtesy Photo When life hands you lemons... Wishing All our think orange. think inc. dejeuner inc. Clients A Healthy, ÉPICERIE TRATTORIA THE GREATEST THINGS SINCE SLICED BREAD. Happy New Year. FINE CAFÉ

3339b des Sources Monday to Friday 514-684-8000 Early Bird Special 6 am to 8:30 am Lunch Table d’Hôte 11 am to 3 pm SPÉCIALITÉS ITALIENNES ITALIAN SPECIALTIES

A MUST FOR THIS 5768 Monkland • 514-486-4343 AUTUMN AOU RESTAURANT D

E E P C N U I I S Daou S 1 9 7 5 Fine Lebanese Cuisine Catering & Banquet Service

519 Faillon East, Montreal 2373 Marcel Laurin, St-Laurent 514-276-8310 514-334-1199 Owner: Daou family Fax: 514-334-6720 Best Wishes for a Happy & Healthy New Year to our Jewish Friends.

J Truardlyi nAuthentic Asea Asiann Ga Tasterden • Szechuan • Dimsum • Thai • Sushi ALL YOU CAN EAT Sunday - Thursday $22.95 95 Friday - Saturday $25. Dining Room Only

FREE DELIVERY MONDAY - THURSDAY 11:30 am - 2:30 pm 5 pm - 10 pm FRIDAY - SATURDAY 11:30 am - 2:30 pm Reservations: 514-487-8868 5 pm - 11 pm SUNDAY 5828 Sherbrooke St. W. (corner Regent) 11:30 am - 2:30 pm www.aseangarden.ca 5 pm - 10 pm 22 September 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES Nascent academy entertains possibilities Kristine Berey

When 16-year-old Ryan Cons took a Media Workshop course at the brand new Academy for the Performing Arts at the Segal Centre, he discovered it takes a lot more than a state-of-the art camera to create a video worth watching. “We learned to handle the camera to add ambiance to a scene, and how to do interviews, how to zoom in and create special effects, and how to be in front of the camera.” Cons says he learned to see with a critical eye.“My teacher, Paul Shore, used to say, ‘You don’t want to go to a movie with me because I’ll criticize everything.’” As well, the novice filmmaker had to confront the agony of editing, which he says he found the most challenging.“A movie’s made with many takes. Editing is basically taking out stuff that’s not important.” It’s too early to say whether Cons will become a filmmaker. But one thing is certain: his appreciation of film will have grown immensely. “Research has shown that performing arts education has significant impact on children,”says Gisele Rucker, director of the Academy, as she describes the new lineup. “It allows Photo: Kristine Berey them to achieve greater academic success and develops self-confidence and Gisele Rucker and George Doxas, music director of the academy resilience.”She says another goal of the Academy is to make the arts accessible to the community by keeping the fees affordable and not requiring previous knowledge. Besides the Media Workshop program, there are courses offered in Circus Arts for children (2-13), Theatre Performance (9-17), The- atre Production (high school students) and Music (2+). There is a practical music session offered to preschoolers, featuring ele- ments from the Kodaly and Orff methods. There are courses in drums, saxophone and guitar, and jazz and rock combos, as well as two music history courses for adults. All courses are taught by professionals experienced in working with kids. She doesn’t have to stretch her imagination too far to see the Centre be- coming a foundation for the future. In her thirties she joined the Yiddish Theatre, met her future husband there and years later brought her son to join the cast. Everything is possible. Rucker speaks of bringing the arts outdoors, perhaps involving the neighbourhood with performances in the park.“We want to provide a safe place to explore and take risks artistically, where students are allowed to dream and play.” “We’ve just begun, this is a new voyage,”says George Doxas, director of the Music Program, who has four decades of instrumental, choral and Big Band Jazz teaching under his belt. He speaks of kids“getting in through the ground OUR PASSION IS PHOTOGRAPHY floor”and evolving with the Centre through the years.“Once we have a group OUR STYLE, FRESH & SPONTANEOUS! of kids who know something, we’ll streamline the courses.” The future, vast and limitless, still lies ahead. “The exciting thing about working here is that there’s a long-term vision,” Doxas says. “This kind of 4710 St-Ambroise ı suite 120 commitment makes everybody want to do that much better.” Montreal, Quebec H4C 2C7 PHOTO.COM To register, call 514-739-7944. For more information, call Kasia Leskiewicz [email protected] 514.759.8654 at 514-739-2301 x 8379.

September 2008 23 THE SENIOR TIMES Epona Foundation: smoothing the ride through life

Photos: Andrew Soong Front to back: Tanae, Savana, Kiki Savana riding come surprisingly articulate, even To help “at-risk” children, Desmier Kristine Berey them free tutoring and horseback eloquent – eager to share their vast drew upon an experience from his riding lessons, and they’re not sure knowledge of horsemanship. own childhood. “I spent a summer The boys are understandably nerv- what to expect. “You brush the horse with a curry feeding, cleaning, putting out to pas- ous meeting the lady reporter. They Initial questions are answered by comb, with a circular motion then ture, doing everything involved with know they are being interviewed typical teenage nods and uh-huhs. use a brush to remove all the dirt,” horses, except riding. We would about Epona – an organization that But when the conversation turns to says Kenry, explaining how to gently spend hours brushing and taking keeps kids in school by offering horses, Kenry, 13, and Justin, 9, be- lean on a horse before attempting to care of the horses. It was magical.” lift his hoof to clean it.“You use four When Desmier finally decided to re- fingers to check that the girth is not turn to riding, he met Jackie Poirier of Résidence Steger on too tight,” says Justin, describing Free Spirit stables – a like-minded Gracious Retirement Living how to comb a horse’s mane so it person who had been contemplating doesn’t get caught in the bridle. Their starting a riding facility “for kids who 514-337-0000 knowledge is impressive. Red and would never have an opportunity to blue ribbons, won in a competition ride” – and Epona was born. 2450 Thimens Blvd at Ormstown, hang proudly in the “I knew the first kids’ parents St. Laurent living room. Their mom, Gloria Ju- through social services and other pro- lian, says the boys’ marks have gone grams in the community,” Desmier Best Wishes for up and believes the confidence said.“Now they’re being referred from a Happy and Healthy gained at Epona has transferred to school boards and our website.” their studies. Kenry agrees.“My work The other Epona programs partner New Year! is getting better. My teacher says I’m with community organizations to help a good student to teach.” kids 5-18, including Stay-In-School Why spend your time alone? The bottom line at Epona is aca- (tutoring), Literacy, and Mentoring Come have fun with us! demic success, says Peter Desmier, a programs, where Epona graduates re- The Steger offers independent & active seniors youth worker at Batshaw Youth and turn to tutor younger kids and earn a dynamic lifestyle! Live entertainment, afternoon socials, Family Centres for over 30 years and riding time in the process.Epona works founder of the four-year-old Epona with parents and within the schools. parties, exercise & activities galore! Integrated Riding Foundation. “One Dawson student and Epona men- Enjoy Jewish-style meals & Sabbath services thing I’ve noticed about kids living tor Atiba Howell, 18, doesn’t yet — all in a secure friendly environment! Live-in managers. with a great deal of stress is that their know whether he’ll go into law or Call for a personal tour & complimentary lunch! education suffers,”Desmier says.“The police work – but he knows he’ll de- Not sure? Ask about a free-trial stay. whole concept of Epona is working vote over four hours a week as a vol- Sign up bonuses too. with kids over a long time to develop unteer tutor with Epona in the long a relationship so they graduate.” term. As one of the first Epona rid- 24 September 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES Photo: Andrew Soong Photo: Kristine Berey Sandra Permanad wants the very best for her children Kenry with his tutor ers, he describes himself as having courage to speak.” since the kids came home from the felt shy and isolated. He recalls his Desmier instructs his staff and vol- sessions smiling. “It really made the encounter with the first live horse unteers to ensure the kids feel “it’s load lighter,”she said. She fiercely be- he’d ever seen. “When I saw the about them” and asks that they wait lieves in the value of learning. horse’s size I said to myself, ‘Okay, for and greet the kids warmly as the “Without education you’re noth- buddy, you’re not going on one of bus rolls up to the stables.“This is such ing. Whatever you want to do you’re those!’” As he learned to send the a simple yet powerful gesture. It would held back.” right signals to the 1000-pound ani- be a missed opportunity if neglected,” She wants for her kids nothing mal, he realized his mare “Griffin” he writes in a memo to his staff. more and nothing less than all loving wouldn’t “just warm up to anybody” When Sandra Permanad’s children moms want. “I want them to have a but liked him especially. So did Jamal, 9, and Gariba, 7, joined good education and a good job.” everybody at the stable.“Eventually I Epona’s tutoring program, her young Epona has a dedicated group of sen- thought it was really cool. Every- family was going through turbulent iors who help with the fundraising that body’s really nice and you never feel times. To make matters worse, her the organization depends on to survive. left out when you’re there.” Howell French was not strong enough to All volunteers are welcome. For infor- Photo: Kristine Berey believes his schoolwork would have help her older son with his school- mation or to donate call 514-421- Dawson student and volunteer been fine with just tutoring. “With- work. She says she had been too 7433 or visit eponafoundation.com. Epona tutor Atiba Howell out riding I would’ve had the grades. stressed to play with them, and But with Epona I actually got the Epona in their lives was a godsend, Photo: Andrew Soong Justin has learned a lot about horsemanship

In trouble: Jason with Jackie Poirier equestrian coach September 2008 25 THE SENIOR TIMES Picking the right trip for a single senior fuse box on my deck. It was housed in my closet. I was disturbed several times by a hunk of an elec- Wishing All our Clients a My Way trician trying to fix somebody else’s blown fuse Happy, Healthy New Year. just as I’d emerged from the bathtub wrapped in Ursula Feist my towel. He told me arrogantly that he had not designed the ship. It occurred to me later that he could have been Jack the Ripper and nobody Ever since I lost my husband I’ve traveled alone would have missed me! and thoroughly enjoyed my trips. Sadly, my re- The 20-day trip started in my favorite place, cent riverboat cruise on the Danube did not Prague. It was so crowded that I could barely ma- TIRED OF DOING LAUNDRY match my expectations. neuver my way across the famous Charles Bridge. OR TOO BUSY? At the Captain’s “Welcome Cocktail Party” I Massive crowds blocked the view to the Moldova WE CAN DO IT FOR YOU knew I had chosen the wrong cruise. I was the only River and the hurdy-gurdy blaring “New York, elderly female and nobody came to the rescue as I New York” was irritating. I spent hours in Prague’s stood in a corner with a glass in my hand. This famous Jewish quarter. The ancient Jewish ceme- would never have happened to a man! I felt like an tery with about 12,000 tombstones, clustered into Laundry immigrant: sink or swim! The Danube isn’t ex- a small space, is so unique, moving and peaceful. actly swimmer-friendly! Nor is it blue. This most In Salzburg “The Sound of Music” had taken over Service serenaded and venerated river, considered by some from Mozart! as a metaphor for life, is smelly, has a sickly green- This would never have happened ish colour, and drags pounds of algae. Pollution “ to a man! CALL US, WE PICK UP & DELIVER has caught up with it. ” 5872 Sherbrooke St. W. The dining room tables were elegantly set for 2, The second half of the cruise took us through the 514-489-7701 4, 6 or 8 but the maitre d’ was nowhere to be seen. Balkans and the Iron Gate to the Black Sea, which I fled to my cabin and opened the windows wide was blue! This is rough territory of awe-inspiring the splashing sounds of the river lolled me to sleep. beauty. Its complicated history is soaked in blood The riverboat was brand new but its architect and full of rage, superstition, corruption and war. had not discovered a sensible location for the only Some actually believe that Dracula, cruelest ruler of the 15th century, is still haunting the area. At his Re-taking your driving tomb on the Romanian island Monastery at test for medical reasons? Snagov I wondered whether it was empty. Did Feel like you need Dracula ever exist or is he just a frightening fig- Have the TV a refresher course? ment of the imagination, good for Hollywood? as loud as you like By that time two couples had invited me to dine NO PROBLEM! with them. We didn’t share a lot in common but without disturbing Update your Driving skills with had some good laughs and this, together with a OMEGA DRIVING SCHOOL visit to a trendy beauty parlour in Vienna, helped Special classes for 55 + others! my state of mind. Call now 514-271-8306 I blame myself for not doing enough research 5645 Côte des Neiges www.ecoledeconduiteomega.ca before signing on. My recommendation to anyone (Free parking at rear) 514 www.ecoledeconduiteomega.com 344-3988Côte des Neiges www.handicapdrive.com who travels alone is to find out beforehand what www.ultravisionmontreal.com to expect, especially if you’re a senior and single.

Do you want to quit smoking? Have you made a resolution Montreal to Florida to quit before the end of the year? Join us at an information session offered by the CSSS Cavendish: Florida to Montreal Thursday , October 2, 2008, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm CLSC de NDG Montréal-Ouest Montreal 450-687-2200 2525 Cavendish Boulevard, Decarie room – Florida 866-247-2200 Free smoking cessation group begins on October 9 for 8 weeks RESERVE NOW!

For more information and to register call: 514-849-3804

Individual or group consultations.

26 September 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES Expensive, enchanting Trieste — ﬁrst stop on our spontaneous summer adventure

Summer Times and Places Barbara Moser Gorgeous twin view Trieste canal Our first stop on this summer’s adventure was crowded with smelly teens. We had bought a $10 change it and she happily obliged. Trieste, Italy at the Northeast top of the Adriatic adaptor at Trudeau airport, which simply attaches We had three restaurant meals in Trieste (eating Sea. Trieste has all the best qualities of Italian to the plug and then goes into the wall. A helpful the second meal from the supermarket deli coun- cities — accessible on foot, terrific tomatoes, rep at Bureau en Gros told me that more expensive ters) and the average bill was 30 euro ($50) in- marvelous mozzarella, and fabulous fish that converters are unnecessary for laptops, which al- cluding wine and sparkling water. The service was tastes like it just came out of the sea. Then there’s ready have the ability to run on 110 or 220 volts. always friendly and accommodating. the gelate — multi-flavored Italian ice-cream in We arrived on a Saturday and spent most of the The hotel gives out a special menu for a restau- its various forms — yogurt, sorbet and rich day catching up on sleep and walking the streets rant that is two streets away: Risorante Pizzeria O- cream — at every corner, which became a seri- that run around the Grand Canal. The first after- Scugnizzo. For 20 euro you can have Primi (First ous threat to my diet. noon, I walked across the street to the Supermer- Course) pasta, Secondi (Second Course) fish or Our hotel, the 2-star Alabarda, was friendly but cado and purchased some succulent peaches, meat in tiny portions; Contorni (salad or grilled offered only 30 minutes of free wifi in the room. nectarines, tomatoes, and cheese, as well as a per- veggies), and Bevanda (Beverage) — either min- This seemed rather stingy when we later compared fect size orange melon resembling a cantaloup. eral water, ¼ liter wine or beer. We weren’t that them to other hotels in Albania, Macedonia, and The next morning we enjoyed a wonderful café hungry or willing to splurge yet again so we asked Greece, places we would visit later in the month. latte at one of the spots along the canal. Fancy cof- if we could share. We could and did! Irwin had the This is the first time we took a laptop to Europe. fees are the only thing cheaper than Montreal, spaghetti with fresh mussels and clams (both in It fit nicely into our knapsack on wheels and we apart from the wine and gelate. the shell) and I had the secondi of grilled squid. rarely took it out of the hotel rooms. It was nice The music in the bars and restaurants is awful — Restaurant food in Trieste and in Rome, as we to not have to find the local Internet café, usually loud and aggressive. We asked one waitress to Continued next page

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Founded in 1921, the Wales Home &OKPZJODPNFBOE is a private, not for profit organization. We provide a continuum of care to 185 residents from minimum care to palliative care, TFDVSJUZJOZPVS including a specialized Alzheimer’s unit – all in a warm and safe environment. QPSUGPMJP Residents of the Wales Home benefit from: 8JUI"('GJYFEJODPNFNVUVBMGVOET ZPVDBO F Peaceful country surroundings DPNCJOFTBGFUZPGDBQJUBMXJUIBSFHVMBSJODPNFTUSFBN F A full schedule of activities for all levels of care *GZPVDBOPOMZMJWFXJUITNBMMGMVDUVBUJPOT BO"('GJYFEJODPNF F Home-made nutritious meals GVOEXJMMCFBXFMDPNFBEEJUJPOUPZPVSQPSUGPMJP Qualified and friendly personnel 'PSNPSFJOGPSNBUJPO QMFBTFDPOUBDU F 1BJEJOQBSUCZ Home-like environment F 8JMMFN8FTUFOCFSH .#" 5FM th Come and join us in Richmond, Quebec on September 9 2008 .BSTIB-MPZE "TTPDJBUF between 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm for information and a tour of our Home. 5FM XXXXFTUFOCFSHDB It will be our pleasure to show you all the Wales Home has to offer! Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated RSVP to: [email protected] or 819-826-3266 ext 247 or by mail: with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are The Wales Home, 506 Route 243 North, Richmond, Quebec J0B 2H0 not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities If you are interested in visiting the Wales Home, but are unable to attend which are affiliated. *Member of CIPF. ® Registered trademark. the Open House, please do not hesitate to contact us for an appointment.

September 2008 27 THE SENIOR TIMES Trieste after the storm

Continued from previous page Magnificent Muggia were later to discover, is well prepared return) and toured a lovely little port and fresh but beyond our budget. town, sampled more gelate and more On the second day, we visited the delicious coffees.You get the picture! port and decided not to take the cruise What a beautiful little town. We going to the Greek Islands for one would have inquired about the week. We weren’t ready to be packed apartments for sale at 140,000 Euro in like the grilled sardines I had for if it hadn’t been a lazy Sunday. Muggia swimming girl lunch, listening to loudspeakers and On the third day in the evening, we unable to stay in a place longer than a boarded a ferry headed for Durres, few hours. At least that’s the impres- Albania for a return visit to this sion we had of cruises before we took budget land of friendly people and one two weeks later in Greece. hair raising rides along mountain Instead we boarded a chug-a-lug to cliffs. Next issue Albania — still the Muggia, a half an hour away (6 euro best kept secret in Europe.

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www.bayshore.ca BEST MANAGED COMPAGNIES 28 September 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES quis de Sade, Baby Face Nelson, Mahmoud Ahme- Shortchanging the short dinijad and Josef Stalin from the above list. It is not the stature of a person that presents the Howard Richler problem, rather it is the prejudice directed to the “vertically-challenged” that must be addressed. This past July, Bobby Ackles, the President and We might say that good things come in small CEO of the BC Lions football team, died sud- packages, but as a society we’re obsessed with denly of a heart attack at the age of 69. height and perhaps even hard-wired to prefer peo- Alstonvale Boarding Kennel By all accounts, Ackles was greatly liked and re- ple who are tall. Economists have long been aware • Personalized care in a family environment spected. He had started out his employment with that short men earn less than taller men. The av- • 24 hour surveillance the Lions as a water boy in 1953 and enjoyed suc- erage height of a Fortune 500 CEO is around 6 feet • Spacious, heated and cessful careers as a football executive both in the (roughly 3 inches taller than the male average). air conditioned kennels Canadian Football League and the American Na- Taller people earn approximately $1000 per inch • Four daily walks, lots of tional Football League. Unfortunately, many of the more a year than short ones. This is comparable love and play-time comments lauding him seemed to stress his hav- to the earning discrepancies that exist on the basis ing overcome his height of less than 5 foot 4: of gender and race. 450-458-2847 “To be a man so small in stature and accomplish Discrimination expert Dr. Mahzarin Banaji, a what he did in our league and in the National psychology research leader at Harvard, uses his Football League is incredible” – Saskatchewan Implicit Association Test (ITA) to demonstrate OFFICIAL FRAMERS Our prices Roughriders general manager Eric Tillman that“the vast majority of us harbour deeply rooted FOR THE ASSOCIATION are mo re OF JEWISH ARTISTS than “While Ackles wasn’t very tall, the shoes he left negative feelings about shorter men.”The IAT is a PICTURE FRAMING under the desk are awfully big.” – Kent Gilchrist, highly respected tool designed to quantify subcon- competitive The Province scious prejudices. In a comprehensive study, Dr. Wishing Our Clients “Small in stature, but a giant in life.”– Winnipeg Banaji discovered that“height bias is in your face… A Happy, Healthy New Year Free Press It’s as strong as other very important biases such • Manufacturer/Wholesaler (open to the public) • Large Selection of Imports & Domestic Moulds “The president and CEO of the BC Lions was a as race bias or gender bias.” His results were con- • Quality Custom Framing • Lamination • Canvases, etc. great little football man who had been around the sistent regardless of gender, age, or ethnicity. Store Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 6831 DE L’ÉPÉE, MONTREAL game all his life.”– Mike Beamish, Vancouver Sun In a 1995 article in The Economist, author Satu rday 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tel./Fax: 514-495-1930 Similarly, sportscaster Brian Williams and an Jonathan Rauch stated that “height hierarchies are executive with the Lions drew attention to the fact established early, and persist for a long time. Tall that Ackles reached great heights notwithstanding boys are deferred to and seen as mature, short his diminutive nature. Without meaning to, these ones ridiculed and seen as childlike. Tall men are commentators are saying that being short is a seen as natural ‘leaders’ – short ones are called shortcoming that must be transcended. ‘pushy’... The men who suffer are those who are Have these people never heard of the likes of noticeably short: say, 5’5” and below. In a man’s Woody Allen, Ludwig van Beethoven, Mel Brooks, world, they do not impress. Indeed, the connec- Truman Capote, Charlie Chaplin, Eddie Fisher, tion between height and status is embedded in the Michael J. Fox, Francis of Assisi, Buckminster very language. Respected men have ‘stature’ and Fuller, Yuri Gagarin, Mahatma Gandhi, Harry are ‘looked up to,’ quite literally, as it turns out.” Houdini, Immanuel Kant, John Keats, René That Bob Ackles could start off as a lowly water Lévesque, Aristotle Onassis, Pablo Picasso, Alexan- boy and climb to the top executive position in a der Pope, Martin Scorsese, Paul Simon, Henri de large organization is truly impressive, inspiring and Toulouse-Lautrec, Voltaire and Paul Williams – worth mentioning – the fact that some people stress SNOWBIRD TRANSPORT none who exceeded 5 foot 5? he did so as a short man, while perhaps not being Notice that I excluded Charles Manson, the Mar- the height of prejudice, is the prejudice of height. Leave Road Hazards to Experts

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CALL NOW • Free information 514- 684-9584 Units available: 1 1/2 to 5 1/2 + penthouse 1-800-554-9454 email: [email protected] • ww w.taichimontreal.com Call Charlotte at 514-939-5529 to schedule a visit September 2008 29 THE SENIOR TIMES What’sHappening in September ART FOR ART’S SAKE Friday, September 26 to Sunday, September Info: 514-345-2627 x 3010 Starting Thursday September 11, 11 am – 6 pm, 28, The Montreal Public Poetry Festival hosts the Thursday, September 18 at 7 pm, Atwater Po- the Thomas More Associates present the 44th Ex- world’s first fringe-like festival devoted to poetry etry Project features readings by poets Maxianne hibition and Sale of Art by Contemporary Profes- with a line up of 100 poets at Café Culturelle, Berger and Peter Dale Scott at the library. sional Quebec Artists and a special retrospective of 5124 Sherbrooke W. Info: 514-484-9958 Info: 514-935-7344 the works of the late Sarah Gersovitz. Vernissage: Sunday, September 28, join the Montreal Zo- Saturday, September 20 at 8:30 pm, Temple Tuesday, September 10 from 5 – 8 pm at 3405 ological Society on a trip to the cranberry inter- Emanu-El Beth Sholom presents film screening Atwater. Info: 514-935-9585 pretation center at St-Louis-de-Blandford. and discussion of My Dear Clara at 395 Elm. Friday, September 19 to Sunday, September Members $50/ non members $55. Reserve by Info: 514-937-3575 21, the Bonsai and Penjing Society of Montreal September 16. Info: 514-845-8317 Tuesday, September 23 at 7:30 pm, Monique hosts its 30th annual bonsai show at the Tree Wednesday, October 1 at 7 pm, West Island Polak discusses What World is Left (my mother’s House of the Montreal Botanical Garden. Palliative Care Residence hosts Fashion Show for untold story) at McGill Faculty Club, 3450 Mc- Info: 514-872-1782 Funds at the Chateau Vaudreuil Pavilion, 21700 Tavish. $10 / $3 students. Info: 514-484-0146 Until Wednesday, September 24, view the oil Route Transcanadienne, Vaudreuil-Dorion. $50 / Wednesday, September 24 at 7:30 pm, the Je- paintings of Ann Kruzelecky and meet the artist VIP $100. Info: 514-693-1718 wish Public Library holds a book launch of Sunday, September 7 from 2 – 4 pm in the media Wednesday, October 1 at 12:30 pm, Atwater Women in Power, a novel by Blema Steinberg. room at Beaconsfield Library. Info: 514-428-4460 Library marks the 80th anniversary of Dr. Norman $10 / $5 students and JPL members. Starting Thursday, September 25, the Mon- Bethune’s arrival in Montreal. Info: 514-935-7344 Thursday, September 25 at 7 pm, Concordia treal Museum of Fine Arts explores the role of hosts a lecture by former senator Michael Kirby music in the works of Andy Warhol, featuring LECTURES on the launch of the Mental Health Commission photos of Elvis, Marilyn, Liz, and Mick Jagger. Thursday, September 11 at 7:30 pm, Wendy of Canada at Oscar Peterson Concert Hall, 7141 Info: 514-285-1600 Edwards gives a workshop on ovarian cancer at Sherbrooke W. Info: 514-486-1448 Beaconsfield Library. Info: 514-428-4460 Thursday, September 25 at 7 pm, Penn Kemp, BAZAARS AND SALES Wednesday, September 17 at 12:30 pm, histo- Paul Serralheiro and Barry Webster read poetry Saturday September 6, 10 am – 2 pm, St rian Aaron Krishtalka, Dawson teacher, speaks on and prose at The Yellow Door, 3625 Aylmer. $5. Clement’s Church holds a rummage sale, Satur- Isaac Newton’s Principia Mathematica at Atwater Info: 514-398-6243 day September 20, 10 am – 2 pm, a flea market Library. Info: 514-935-7344 Thursday, September 25 at 12:30 pm, Atwater and Saturday, October 4, 10 am – 2 pm, a book Wednesday, September 17 at 1 pm, Dinu Library hosts a reading and talk by poet Dennis fair at 4322 Wellington, Verdun. Lunch will be Bumbaru speaks on preserving Montreal’s archi- Lee. Info: 514-935-7344 served. Info: 514-769-5373 tectural heritage, at the Montreal Council of Tuesday, September 30 at 9:30 am, The Kite Saturday, September 27 at 9 am, All Saints An- Women at 2700 Rufus Rockhead, opposite the At- Runner by Khaled Hosseini will be reviewed at glican Church holds a garage sale at 7325 Ouimet, water Market. $6. Info: 514-768-1245 Beaconsfield Library. Info: 514-428-4460 Verdun. Info: 514-766-0556 Wednesday, September 17 at 7:30 pm at Tem- Saturday October 4 from 10 am - 2 pm, St ple Emanu-El Beth Sholom, Jerusalemite Eliezer Clements Church holds a book fair at 4322 CLUBS Yaari discusses Israel’s strategies for coping with Wellington, Verdun. Info: 514-769-5373 Wednesday, September 10 at 7:30 pm Shaare internal challenges, 4100 Sherbrooke W. Zedek Sisterhood hosts an evening of kosher wine Info: 514-937-3575 MUSIC tasting, honey and other treats with chef Garen Thursday, September 18, 1:30 – 3 pm at Pointe Thursday, September 11 and Friday, September Blais at 5305 Rosedale. $15. Info: 514-484-1122 Claire Library, Dino Riccio presents a photo- 12, Ogilvy series at Ogilvy Tudor Hall features Jo- Saturday, September 13 at 9:30 am, Montreal graphic journey of China’s silk road. hann Sebastian Bach. Urban Hikers Walking Club meets at Victoria Info: 514-630-1218 Info: 514-982-6038 Hall, 4626 Sherbrooke W. Info: 514-938-4910 Friday, October 3, POP Montreal presents Burt Saturday, September 20 at 8 pm, Montreal’s LITERARY FARE Bacharach live in concert at Église St-Jean- Single Person’s Association hosts a Mix & Mingle Saturday, September 6 from 10 am – 4 pm, Baptiste, 309 Rachel E. $55. Info: 514-842-1919 dance party at St Catherine Labour Church, Thomas More Institute holds a book sale and open 448 Trudeau. $12. Info: 514-366-8600 house at 3405 Atwater. Info: 514-935-9585 THEATRE Monday September 22 at 1:15 pm, Teapot 50+ Sunday, September 7 at 12 pm, Howard Shrier Until Saturday, September 13, Montreal The- Center holds an information session about Old discusses his mystery thriller, Buffalo Jump at the atre Ensemble and John Abbott College Depart- Age security and Wednesday, October 1 at 1:30 Leisure Institute, 425 Metcalfe. $5. Reservations ment of Theatre and Music, presents Of Mice and pm, a budget workshop at 2901 St Joseph. required: 514-937-9471 Men at the Casgrain Theatre, 21275 Lakeshore, Info: 514-637-5627 Wednesday, September 10 at 12:30 pm, Julie Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue. Info: 514-287-8912 Barlow speaks on recent developments in France Until Sunday, September 28, Leanor and Alvin EVENTS and her latest book The Story of French at Atwa- Segal Theatre presents Dangerous Liaisons at Sunday, September 7 at 7 pm, CANGRANDS ter Library. Info: 514-935-7344 5170 Côte-Ste-Catherine. Info: 514-739-2301 celebrates Grandparent’s Day and discusses the Wednesday, September 10, Centre Greene importance of grand-parenting at 6350 Terre- holds a fundraiser and reading of Scapegoat Car- À vendre Piano for sale bonne. Info: 514-733-4046 nivale Theatre’s upcoming production of Life is a Sunday, September 7 at 9 am, the Winners Dream at 1090 Greene. Info: 514-287-8912 Walk of Hope benefits ovarian cancer research at Wednesday, September 10 at 10 am, Michael Mount Royal Park Smith House, 1260 Remem- Tritt reviews Away by Amy Bloom at Temple brance. $25. Age 15 and under walk for free. Emanu-El, 395 Elm. $8. Info: 514-937-3575 514 488-9003 Info and pre-registration: 1-877 413-7970 x 232 Wednesday, September 10 at 7:30 pm, Atwater Thursday, September 11, the National Council book club, led by author Mary Soderstrom, dis- of Jewish Women of Canada organizes a day trip cusses De Niro’s Game by Rawi Hage, at the li- COMPANION to Quebec City. Call for reservations. $73. brary. Info: 514-935-7344 light housekeeping, cooking Info: 514-733-7589 Thursday, September 11 at 5:30 pm, Renata $15/hr. part time weekdays Thursday, September 18 from 1 – 4 pm, the Witelson Hornstein will launch her Holocaust Excellent references (Senior Times) Atwater Library holds a beading workshop. $15. memoir A Tumultuous Journey: Horror, Hope and 514-570-8373 Info and registration: 514-935-7421 Happiness at the Jewish Public Library. 30 September 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES LIMITLESS LEARNING Computers adjust headers and footers, grammar Learn introduction to computers, In- 10 am - 11 am with Ruth Dranov. Increase your com- and spelling. The course runs for 8 ternet, Internet plus, Excel, Excel plus 5237 Clanranald. puter skills in an hours at $115, 10 am - 12 pm Mon- and Word. Register by September 9 Info: 514-488-0907 intimate setting at days and Wednesdays in October. for residents and September 10 for Atwater Library Facebook: Connect with friends and non-residents. Info: 514-630-1218 Teapot 50+ Center at 2901 St- and Computer family using today’s hottest social Joseph in Lachine offers a variety of Centre. Private les- networking tool. $15. Friday, Sep- Fitness and wellness ways to stay fit. Starting Thursday, sons are available. tember 26, 10 am - 12 pm. The Creative Social September 25 at 1 pm,their 10 week Introduction to Windows Get organized: Learn how to create, Center invites eve- course of chair exercises is designed and email: Understand the basic label and organize your files and ryone to join for those with limited mobility. $3 functioning of Windows and email. folders. $15. Wednesday, October 15, their folk dan- per class. The course runs for 8 hours at $115, 10 am - 12 pm. cing group Wed- Starting Tuesday, September 9 at 10 am - 12 pm Mondays to Thurs- Christmas cards: Create cards with nesdays from 9:30 am, Rona Donald teaches aer- days in October, and 6 pm - 8 pm Word. $15. Friday, November 14, 10:45 am to 11:45 obics. $3 per class. Mondays and Wednesdays in Octo- 10 am - 12 pm. am. Folk dancing engages body and Starting Tuesday, September 9 at ber and November. Info: 514-935-7344 or mind through movement, music, so- 1:30 pm, Marie Schaffhauser teaches Introduction to Excel: Format work- atwaterlibrary.ca cial interaction and learning new line dancing. $35 for 10 weeks. sheets, use numerical functions, cre- steps. Yoga classes with Shalini start Thurs- ate graphs, charts, spread sheets, Cummings Jewish Centre for Sen- Practice yoga postures with Ruth day, September 11 at 1 pm. $100 for analyze data, plot trends and sort in- iors Computer Learning Center of- Dranov and learn to stretch the 10 weeks. formation. The course runs for 8 fers basic and advanced computer muscles for a better range of motion. Info: 514-637-5627 or theteapot.org hours at $115, 6 pm to 8 pm, Mon- classes five days a week. Be comfort- Classes take place Tuesdays and days, November 3, 10, 17 and 24. able and familiar with operating Thursdays, 11 am - 12 pm. Vanier College offers aquatic courses Searching the Internet: Search for Windows applications including Aerobics has been named the foun- Saturday, September 13 to Sunday, news and information, learn web Word, spreadsheets, graphics, games tain of youth as it benefits all the bo- December 7. pages, saving and printing. The and the Internet. Courses are $90. dy’s organs, including the brain. This Call 514-744-7000 to register. course runs for 4 hours at $55, 10 am Info: 514-342-1234 x 7348 course runs Tuesdays and Thursdays, - 12 pm, Mondays and Wednesdays in October and November. Computer courses at Pointe Claire Introduction to Word: Create, edit, Library run Monday, September 15 print, save, use formatting tools to until December. $35 for 6 hours. This Fall at the library 5851 Cavendish Blvd. Côte Saint-Luc, QC 514-485-6900 elcslpl.org

Computers 101 All Night Read-a-thon the art of posture Introduction to computers and how to use Help raise money for the Comfy Cozy Fund them. (for library members) by reading all night in the library. Courses begin on September 8, Saturday, October 25 September 9 and October 20 7:00 p.m.- 7:00 a.m. Get a fresh new look! $60 for 6 sessions Concert: Ensemble Caprice Learn to acquire a good balanced posture! Your Smile: Healthy for Life Improve your breathing, boost your energy, focus performs Vivaldi and the Gypsies with Dentist Dr. Michael Wiseman Innovative interpretations of Baroque your attention, not just sitting up straight! Thursday, September 18 at 2:00 p.m. music presented by the Conseil des arts de Register now! Tickets $3 Montréal en tournée and the library. New classes from Sept. 11 to Dec. 20 Lecture: Fashions of the 1940s Sunday, November 9 at 2:00 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays 5:30pm to 7:00pm Tickets $5 Tuesday, September 23 at 2:00 p.m. The Montreal School for the Alexander Technique 514-259-5665 Tickets $3 Salon des écrivains / Author’s Salon Currency Trading (FOREX) Local authors perform short readings from Get some tips on foreign exchange cur- their works. rency trading from expert Marcel Stein. Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 24 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets $2 Tickets $3 Ami Sands Brodo & Aviva Ravel Reads Gina Roitman Côte Saint-Luc’s favourite playwright will Author Talk for Jewish book Month read from a number of her well-known plays. Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $2 Tickets $3 Les Boréades in Concert Presented by The Conseil des arts de Mon- tréal en tournée and the library. Thursday, October 16 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $3 Lecture: The President This is only a taste of what’s McGill professor Gil Troy will discuss US happening at the library, for more politics and the upcoming American information come in and pick up a presidential elections. program brochure or check us out Tuesday, October 28 at 7:00 p.m. online at www.elcslpl.org. Tickets $3

September 2008 31 THE SENIOR TIMES STAINED GLASS LIMITLESS CLASSES

Beginner or advanced classes. ten weeks. Orientation is Thursday, Teapot 50+ Center holds intermedi- Day - evening or weekends. Humanities Seminars on Saturday The McGill Institute for Learning September 11 at 688 Sherbrooke W, ate Spanish courses with Irma de la in Retirement offers study groups Suite 229. Luz Pérez starting Tuesday, Septem- STUDIODU to people 55 and over. Participants Info: 514-398-8234 or mcgill.ca/milr ber 9 at 10:30 am. VERRE choose from litera- Info: 514-637-5627 or metro Champs-de-Mars ture, music, his- Analyze current affairs at Cummings theteapot.org 515 Bonsecours tory, religion, Jewish Centre for Seniors. Examine Old Montreal travel, and cre- political corruption in national and Vanier College offers introductory 514-842-3968 ative writing. international politics. Courses run and literature courses in English and studioduverre.com Learning from Tuesdays from September to No- French. A placement test is required one another is the vember. $15 to $36. for all English courses. name of the game. The new term Info & registration: 514-342-1234 Literary Themes, Literary Genres begins Monday, September 22 for and Introduction to College English, The Pointe Claire Library offers Ge- run Tuesday, Wednesday and Thurs- nealogy courses beginning Wednes- day from 6 pm - 10 pm. day, October 1 from 1:30 pm – 4:30 Elementary French with intensive pm and 6 pm – 9 pm, at the Pointe runs Saturdays, September 6 to Claire Library. $30 for 6 hours. October 25 from 9 am - 3:30 pm. Info: 514-630-1218 Info: 514-744-7000

Revisit the myth of Helen of Troy at Learn Yiddish at the Jewish Public Thomas More Institute. Trace the Library starting Monday, September changing visions of her and discover 8 from 7 pm – 8:30 pm. $86 students, why this is a classic of Euripides, $96 library members, $106 non- Stresichorus, Theocritus and Ovid. members. Course begins Wednesday, Septem- Info: 514-345-2627 x 3006 ber 24 at 3:45 pm and runs for 12 weeks. Other humanities courses of- Performance fered by Thomas More include Across The recorder group turns music Asia on the silk road, Berlin: expelling into a fun activity at the Creative the ghosts of history, and Freedom and Social Center. Classes are Wednes- equality and the spirit of inquiry. days 9:30 am - 10:30 Info: 514-935-9585 am with Edna Janco. Vanier College offers courses in The Creative So- world views, knowledge, ethical is- cial Center choir sues and industrial electronics Mon- sings a reper- days, Wednesdays, Thursdays and toire of popular, Saturdays, 6 pm - 9 pm, 9 am - 1:20 traditional and pm and 6 pm - 10:20 pm. classic songs. The Info: 514-744-7000 choir class is Thursdays from 1 pm - 3 pm with Brian Brice. Languages To register: 514-488-0907 Join us Cummings Jewish Centre for Sen- new! join us for the iors offers basic and intermediate All would-be thespians are welcome latest in over 200 day English, French, Spanish and He- to join the Teapot 50+ Center drama cross train and evening courses in brew. Develop and im- group with Kevin O’Halloran. Re- your brain a relaxed learning prove conversation Mysteries environment! hearsals start Friday, September 12 at of the Mind new this fall and reading skills. 1 pm. • What World is Left: For times and fees, Info: 514-637-5627 or Monique Polak book call 514-342-1234. theteapot.org launch and signing • Clay Sculpture • Sex, Lies and Corruption in Politics • Kaballah: The Search SIVANANDA for Inner Joy, Happiness and Fulfillment • Zumba … and more! YOGA register now for fall courses Call 514.342.1234 or visit www.cummingscentre.org Postures 5700 Westbury Ave. Montreal qc h3w 3e8 Breathing 5178 CUMMINGS Relaxation St-Laurent Tuesdays at 10:30 am JEWISH CENTRE FOR SENIORS Meditation

32 September 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES LEARNING

Visual arts The Creative Social Center creative Vanier College provides introduc- Workshops Cummings Centre for writing group provides a space for tory courses in social science, sci- Pointe Claire Library offers work- Seniors offers pho- aspiring writers. Classes are given by ence, business, accounting, shops and conferences. Pointe Claire tography classes Judith Castle. geography, management, mathe- residents register Tuesday, September this fall. Call 514-488-0907 to register. matics, physics, and marketing 9, from 10 am - 9 pm. Pointe Claire Learn how to trans- evenings Monday to Friday, start- non-residents register Wednesday, fer images from your Creative writing starts at the Pointe ing at 6 pm. September 10 at 10 am. digital camera onto a Claire Library Thursday, September Info: 514-744-7000 Info: 514-630-1218 x 1632 computer and do basic photo editing. 18 from 3 pm - 5 pm. $40 for 10 Bring your camera with attachments hours. and manual. The course starts Info: 514-630-1218 x 1632 Wednesday, September 24 from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm. $21. It’s “all about music” at Thomas

Improve photo-taking skills and More Institute. Discover the basics • Computers & Technology • Photography master the technical and artistic as- — timbre, rhythm, harmony and Animation Courses & Workshops Computer-Aided Design Portraiture Forms Program pects of digital photography. Learn acoustics, get to know the orchestra Computer Basics & Office • Professional & Personal Applications Graphic Applications & Web Design Development how to control shutter speed, ISO, and its instruments, study the sociol- Arts Business white balance and flash. Get ac- ogy of music-making and philoso- • Languages Creative & Professional Writing English, French, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Italian General Interest Portfolio quainted with digital retouching and phize about music. The course starts printing software. View and discuss Monday, October 20 at 1:30 pm for contemporary artistic photography 24 weeks. as a means of acquiring helpful Info: 514-935-9585 photo-taking tips. Wednesday, Octo- ber 29 to November 19 from 2:30 pm Continuing education - 4:30 pm. $65. E.N.C.O.R.E begins registration FALL 2008 – REGISTER NOW Learn to paint and work with Tuesday, September 2 for Fall NEW Online Registration acrylics, prepare a support, mix courses including acrylic painting, OFFICE HOURS: colour, and create textures. Enjoy drawing, bridge, music-jazz, philo- Tel: (514) 933-0047 Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. WWW.DAWSONCOLLEGE.QC.CA/CTD 4001 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West, this versatile medium through stim- sophy, Tai Chi, yoga, quilting, Suite 2G.1, Montreal, QC H3Z 3G4 ulating projects with personal guid- world crisis, creative writing, and ance. Materials not included. hand-writing analysis at 1857 de Mondays, September 8 to December Maisonneuve W. 1 from 9 am - 12 pm. $150. Info: 514-484-1846. Discover the facets of creating with DREAM glass and create small projects using Dawson College Continuing Educa- techniques in glass mosaic, stained tion offers credit and non-credit BELIEVE glass and glass fusing. Materials not courses. Classes include business ad- included. The course runs Wednes- ministration, computer science, eco- CREATE days, October 29 to December 3 nomics, English, French, history, from 9 am - 12 pm. $70. humanities, mathematics, mechani- ACT Info: 514-342-1234 cal engineering technology, psychol- PLAY ogy, sciences, social sciences and Learn to draw and discover your cre- sociology. ativity at the Creative Social Center Info: 514-933-3771 with Miriam Cohen, Wednesdays from 10 am – 12 pm and 1 pm – 3 pm. John Abbott College offers credit Eugene Jankowski teaches sculpture and non-credit courses. Most Wednesdays 9:30 am - 11:30 am. credit courses are in three hour Starting Monday, September 8, Gor- sessions over 15 weeks. These in- don Hincks invites everyone to come clude business administration, ACADEMY COURSES FALL 2008 by and paint up a storm. $70 for the computer science, economics, 10 week course. English, history, humanities, GRANDPARENTS ALERT! Give a gift that lasts a lifetime. Info: 514-488-0907 mathematics, physical education, psychology and publication & web Writing and music design. DISCOVERYOUR PASSION Starting Wednesday, September 24 Non-credit courses are offered THEATRE PERFORMANCE from 3pm – 5 pm, Beaconsfield Li- evenings and Saturdays. Classes MUSIC EDUCATION THEATRE PRODUCTION brary holds creative writing work- include business, computer, com- CIRCUS ARTS shops with Timothy Fain. $40 puters & digital photography, AND THE MEDIAWORKSHOP members, $45 non- dance, entrepreneurship, event members. Registra- planning & fundraising, finance & REGISTER TODAY (514) 739 7944 tion until Friday, investment, fine arts, professional www.segalcentre.org September 19. development, languages, pharma- Info: 514-428-4460 ceutical technology and retirement. Info: 514-457-6610 x 5355 or 5361

September 2008 33 THE SENIOR TIMES Larry’s Shoes closes after 68 years Byron Toben mographic of the neighbourhood.In this age of Asian imports,Al Levy reminds us that Quebec was once a Larry’s Shoes, a fixture on Queen Mary since center of quality shoe manufacturing with brands like 1940, closed its doors on August 31. Slater,Tetrault,McFarland-Lefevbre andWhite Cross. Back in the 1920s, Alan Levy’s grandfather, a re- In the 1970s, the U.S. invaded with names like Flor- cent immigrant to Montreal,founded M.Levy Shoes sheim and Brown. More than shoe offerings are dis- on St-Laurent near Napoleon,not far from Moishe’s appearing with this closing. Al Levy is known in the Steakhouse.His son Larry followed Horace Greeley’s district for his humourous schmoozing and recollec- famous advice to“go West, young man”and opened tions of history.Larry’swas always good for shoes and the Queen Mary location in 1940. Alan joined in sympathy,and will be sadly missed. 1961 and assisted until 1986, when Larry retired at “Summing it up, my clients were my extended the age of 86. Alan then ran the shop on his own for family, and many are upset. When you build up a 22 years. Until now – truly the end of an era. lot of trust, it goes a long way — the handshakes The store was always family oriented. In 1997, the and the hugs hurt. This is the end of one chapter, focus shifted to seniors, reflecting the changing de- and the beginning of another.”

“I’ve dealt with cases where 12-year-olds came to been dating an older man for over a year. Kids having kids me, telling me they felt they were ready to become “I knew they wouldn’t approve of my boyfriend parents,” Freeman said. “Most of them don’t go and that they wouldn’t approve of me having a baby, Natacha Tremblay through with it, but sometimes it happens.” Free- that’s why I didn’t tell them,” Claire said. “It has man explained that this usually appears when a nothing to do with me being ashamed. I am so Claire (not her real name) is 16.In two months,she child did not have a real family life,or had a bad one. proud of being pregnant. It’s the only good thing willgraduatefromhighschoolatthetopof herclass. Having an older significant other is also a reason that’s ever happened to me.”After meeting Claire, This summer, she will travel abroad on an intern- teens may resort to having children. She says that Freeman says she is not surprised by her decision. ship with Doctors without Borders. In September, being involved with an older person and trying to She was an overachiever being run into the ground. she will begin studying Pure andApplied Science at keep the relationship interesting is a lot of pressure. “Often,overachieving teens feel like the love of their Dawson.InOctober,shewillgivebirthtoababyboy. “Teens often agree to do things per the demand of parents depends on their achievements and they seek “I’vealwaysbeenmorematurethanmostpeoplemy their older significant other,but the drastic decision of the unconditional love a child will give them,”Free- agesoIdon’tseeaproblemwith havingababy,”Claire havingachildat15or16usuallyindicatesthattheper- man said.“They feel the need to start a family so that says.“The way I see it, if I start having kids early,I fin- son has extremely advanced emotional dependency,” they can avoid making the same mistakes with their ish having kids early too and I’m not too old and ugly Freeman said.“The most likely scenario is that these children that they feel their parents made with them.” to have fun by the time my kids go away to college.” teenshaveneverfeltlovedbyanyoneuntiltheymetthis Freeman says teens will continue having children Claire says she is going to work as the manager of manorwomanandtheyarenotwillingtogivethatup.” younger and younger as family values disintegrate in a Shell gas station and move out of her house to Claire, who is already four months pregnant, says North America due to the lack of family bonding or marry her boyfriend, who is 26, as soon as possible. she decided to have a baby because she felt it was parental presence in a child’s life. “I was never very According to Angela Freeman, a pediatric psy- the right time in her life. Her parents say the close to my parents and I really want to be very close chologist, the phenomenon of teens wanting to be- young girl never showed any signs of emotional to this baby,” Claire said. “I want to be like the come parents is neither a new trend nor a rare one. instability and claim they were not aware she had Gilmore Girls with my son.Yeah,that would be nice.”

UPCOMING

The SeniorTimes Semiannual Housing Supplement October ’08

Honouring our veterans November ’08

Répertoire des ressources pour 50+ December ’08

Grandparents raising grandkids January ’09

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theseniortimes.com 34 September 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES The unusual suspects Kristine Berey cals is not always taken into ac- • Coal tar derivatives, present in Guide, a 2001 California study count. products such as hair dye. found that longer-term use of hair Almost daily there is a new report The good news is that as public Although the link between dark dyes increased the risk of bladder linking chemicals in our everyday awareness grows, the rules change. hair dyes and cancer has been de- cancer in hairdressers, who were environment to cancer, from our Health Canada is in the process of bated, a study published in the In- five times more likely to develop shower curtains to the canned compiling a “hotlist” of suspected ternational Journal of Cancer the illness after working for 10 food we eat. This illness has been toxins. And cosmetics companies (2004) stated that “in women, use years or more. steadily on the rise since the must now declare the ingredients of rinse-type hair dye was associ- More info is available from the 1950s. that make up their products. ated with a modestly elevated risk Breast Cancer Action Montreal Consider these facts, published For now a consumer’s best de- of bladder cancer.” According to website at bcam.qc.ca or by calling by Health Canada and Canadian fense is to read the label.Here are a the Cancer Smart Consumer 514-483-1846. cancer agencies in 2004: few substances to avoid, from the • In the 1930s, 1 in 10 Canadians Cancer Smart Guide published by could expect to develop cancer Vancouver’s Labour Environmen- over their lifetime. tal Alliance Society and available • By the 1970s, that number was locally from from Breast Cancer 1 in 5. Action Montreal: • By 2004,1 in 2.4 Canadian men • Bisphenol-A, an endocrine-dis- and 1 in 2.7 Canadian women may rupting chemical present in plas- be diagnosed with cancer. tic bottles and containers Over 23,000 chemicals are pres- identified by the number 7 in the ent in Canadian industrial and recycling triangle symbol on the consumer goods such as pesticides, bottom. cleaning products, food, personal • Benzyl Violet, also listed as Vio- care products and plastics. Not all let 2 or 6b,is a colouring in various chemicals in all products have been products including nail treat- tested adequately, as even when ments, and a possible human car- safe levels are established for a sub- cinogen according to the stance, time or length of exposure International Agency for Research UniversalHappy R oMonumentssh Hashanah and interaction with other chemi- on Cancer. Chana Sandow John Machalani 514-488-2989 514-945-5445 Meet a Friend Fax: 450-474-6207

Mary – Healthy widow, 78, available for coffee and light company, nothing serious. Outgoing, with a good circle of friends, but miss- Lawrence, ing male companionship and conversation, even if it’s about cars. Your Driver Geoffrey – WWII vet, 82, 5’11” and financially independent, world traveler, likes to cook, seeking a woman 72-75 to travel with for the 50 plus to Europe and take to Legion dinners and dances. I will patiently pick you up & drive you to your appointments, To contact Mary or Geoffrey at Meet a Friend, send your letter and a shopping, and errands, & assist you with your deliveries. recent photo to: Meet a Friend, c/o The Senior Times, 4077 Decarie Areas Available: CDN, CSL, NDG, Blvd, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J8. Outremont, St-Laurent, TMR, Westmount If you’d like to Meet a Friend, you can send your description of 25– Tel: 514-449-3906 or 514-344-4923 30 words with a $15 cheque or money order to the above address, or email your description to [email protected] and call our office at 514-484-5033 to pay by credit card. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and brevity. All contact info is kept confidential and all responses are forwarded from our office.

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FUNERAL HOME A family business since 1958 THEis on the SENIOR prowl for TIMES a part time experienced journalist with computer 560 Lakeshore Dr. savvy and digital camera expertise. Dorval 514-631-1511 2125 Notre Dame Lachine 514-639-1511 Julie Cardinal Call 514-484-5033 for an appointment. September 2008 35 THE SENIOR TIMES Cotton Castle gives rise to Spa-City in Southeast Turkey

Times and Places Molly Newborn Travertine pools There is a certain ease and carelessness that I feel Turkish trek. I wore jeans, a tank top and a little mosque echoed while I watched the many tourists when traveling with a tour group as opposed to sweater to cover my shoulders. Mustafa, our tour march up the hill in their speedos and string biki- traveling solo. When traveling solo I do the re- guide, informed us that most of the way up the nis. I suspected the unofficial modesty rule did not search. I know exactly where I’m going and why. travertines we must be barefoot. This was starting apply in Pamukkale. The bottoms of my jeans were I memorize a map of my destination along with to sound a little strange. But from what I had ex- getting wet. It was hot. I suddenly wished I had all the attractions. Surprises are minimal. As perienced so far, strange was no stranger in Turkey. worn my bikini so that I could jump into one of part of a tour group my survival instincts take a We started out from our hotel, walked a couple the pools of hot spring water on the way up. The back seat and I coast along knowing my tour of streets, turned the corner and were suddenly in youngest of the group, and always the slowest, I was guide will be taking us to all the hot spots.We what looked like a winter wonderland, in the mid- last to make it to the top. were on our way to a place called Pamukkale – dle of the southwest Turkish landscape, in Octo- The ancient city of Hierapolis awaited us atop Cotton Castle in Turkish. Located in the Denizli ber. It seemed as though the entire side of the hill the cotton castle we had climbed. Founded in the Province in southeast Turkey,it is a major tourist was covered in glistening white snow. 2nd century BCE by Eumenes II, King of Perga- attraction not to be missed. As we approached the foot of the hill, Mustafa ex- mum (an ancient Greek city in modern-day Our little tour bus rolled into town late at night. plained that this anomaly was white limestone Turkey) the spa-city prospered with the help of Mustafa, the hotel owner and chef, welcomed us from calcium deposits.Wewere standing in an area the healing powers of the water. Tourists can still joyously into his hotel and did not waste any time that was struck several times by earthquakes, which swim in the 36˚C ancient sacred pool – the An- putting food on the table. He insisted we fuel up gave rise to hot springs. The water flows down the tique Pool. Sounds impressive but the Antique on food and sleep for our big hike in the morn- mountain and deposits its calcium while cooling, Pool is saturated with tourists, kiosks and over- ing. A hike? Hmmm… I wondered what could creating this very unique-looking blinding white priced cafes. Much more impressive was walking possibly be so grueling that I was stuffing my face frozen waterfall. We slowly made our way up the through the white-stoned, pillar-lined streets of to do it. 250-metre hillside to the plateau, barefoot and in the ancient city, imagining its beauty and glory The next morning I dressed for the hike, careful disbelief. The water flowed between my toes as I centuries ago. There is a brilliant Roman theatre to respect the unofficial Muslim modesty rule that carefully wandered up the hill. I stopped occasion- located behind the Antique Pool, which seats we were politely asked to obey throughout our ally to bask in the scene. The prayer call of the 12,000 spectators. It occurred to me that the cities

Walking along Pamukkale’s cliffs Climbing the Cotton Castle 36 September 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES Hierapolis ruins Hot spring waterfall of today are not much different than the ancient from the white limestone spring-water pools. dark when I reached the bottom, and the rough cities. Nonetheless, the ancient cities had a certain Looking past the pools and the cotton castle into limestone made my feet as smooth as butter. magnificence and grandeur that our modern-day the vast deserted land ahead is breathtaking. The next morning we all piled back into out ones are much lacking. From one perspective I slowly made my way back down through the little tour bus and chugged up the twisty cliff-hug- we’ve come so far as a civilization, but from an- warm waterfall, enjoying every moment of this ging side roads along the shores of southwest other we haven’t even budged. natural phenomenon while at the same time try- Turkey to rendezvous with our next dazzling and The sunset from the summit was like nothing I ing my very best not to slip. One wrong step and I bizarre surprise of a destination. had ever seen. Beautiful reds and yellows glow could have slid all the way down the castle. It was

September 2008 37 THE SENIOR TIMES “China” town belongs to everyone

Rachel Lau times they bring their Asian friends and even they ask for General Tao. It’s funny, because we’ve west- Chinatown, the place to discover Asia in Mon- ernized Asian children.” treal. At least, that’s what I thought until I found The original dish is General Tso’s Chicken, dat- out that the small streets near metro Place ing back to the 1600’s Qing dynasty. The modi- d’Armes no longer accommodate only Chinese, fied version is a popular dish introduced to but are filled with Montrealers of all back- North America in the early 70s as an example of grounds itching for an oriental experience. Hunan and Szechuan-style cooking. Unlike our “On some days there’s a half and half mix,” says beloved sweet, honey-covered General Tao Kico, an employee at Commerce Chung Fung. Chicken, traditional Hunan meals are quite spicy “But I have mostly Caucasian customers.” and not very sweet. They are attracted to Chinatown by the current Xiu-Lan says that the influx of Westerners into craze in Japanese fashion and cartoons. There’s no Chinatown is good for business. “Every day I get better place to buy jewellery, clothing, books and more and more Caucasians coming in. They come more, directly from Japan, Taiwan and Korea. here to try something different. Like bubble tea, “There are so many white Harajukus, Bishies and they don’t know what it is and they come here to Otakus,” he says – Harajuku and Bishie are two find out.” styles of Japanese dress, while Otaku is a derogatory One amusing result of the intermingling is the term for someone obsessed with Japanese cartoons. sight of non-Asians fluent in Chinese or Japanese Outside the Japanese community people seem to addressing us in our “mother” tongue and getting be proud to call themselves Otaku. “It’s odd to see nowhere, since some of our families haven’t spo- French kids wearing J-Rock outfits. Mainly they ken it in generations. Montrealers, thinks Xiu-Lan, buy plushies, stickers, Japanese dramas and posters are exceptionally open to other cultures and quick with Naruto or Final Fantasy on them.” to adopt some of their features.“People who come The first time I went to Chinatown, two of my from Asia dress like Caucasians and try to fit into friends took me to a small café called L2. For the society. But people from here are trying to find someone who was brought up in a traditional something different so they can stand out. I think Chinese family, I have to say that for once in my it’s definitely a good change.” life, I had no idea what I was eating. This is be- Today’s Chinatown, like much of the city, has because some restaurants have had to westernize come less an ethnic enclave than a multicultural their menus to accommodate Western diners. marketplace. For those who haven’t been lately, it’s “They always want to eat General Tao Chicken,” worth a trip to see the change firsthand. notes Xiu-Lan, a waitress at Magic Idea. “Some-

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