Help Generations help kids generationsfoundation.com 514-933-8585 NoveMber 2013 www.theseniortimes.com Vol. XXViii N o 2 remembering “ What candles may be held to speed them all? Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes Shall shine the holy glimmers of good-byes. The pallor of girls’ brows shall be their pall; Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds, And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds.”

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2 The Senior Times November 2013 www.theseniortimes.com Health-care focus should switch to prevention, Picard says Irwin Block economy, especially when the econ- omy is ailing. … It’s a redistributive André Picard’s romance with jour- social program as well as a health- nalism began as an extracurricular insurance plan.” affair. On the weakness side, he asserts While studying administration in that the focus on acute medical care the mid-1980s at the University of rather than enhancing social wel- Ottawa, he developed a passion for fare programs and preventing health writing as a music reviewer for the problems has been “politically ex- student newspaper, The Fulcrum. pedient, but a costly mistake and Instead of becoming an accoun- missed opportunity.” tant or business executive, Picard We can be “a little smarter and get earned a second degree in journal- more bang for the buck” by spending ism. As a top graduating student at more on prevention, he observes. Carleton University, he was snapped Improvements in education, child up by The Globe and Mail, where he care and housing have a major im- has worked for more than a quarter- pact on human health and he agrees century. Quebec has been “a little smarter” Posted to the Montreal bureau, he with such programs as pharma-care, shifted from political to health re- free dental care for children up to porting with a national focus and Photo: Peter Ford / Pinpoint National age 10, and $7-a-day child care. in the process acquired an interna- “Quebec is really good on the so- tional reputation for excellence. “Social justice has to be important, but we can’t be cial, but spends a little less on health Picard is not satisfied with merely spendthrift. We have to think about the money part.” care, and has a very bureaucratic factual and in-depth reporting and medical system.” analysis. ~ André Picard With the increasing cost of publicly Those who worked alongside him funded health care and a steadily got to know a colleague/competitor where he pieced together the story view of the history, strength and weak- aging society, Picard expects private who would not make do with “he- behind the 1980s scandal. More than nesses of health care in Canada, written and insurance-funded care will have said-she-said” journalism, a slice of 1,200 people had contracted AIDS for the Conference Board of Canada. a greater role. colour and some background. from tainted blood in what is said to Picard’s guiding thread is “to em- “The objections we have toward His work as one of North America’s have been the worst health-care di- brace social justice without aban- private care are way too dogmatic. top health journalists reflects his per- saster in Canadian history, much of doning fiscal prudence.” Every country that has universal sonality: Behind the placid exterior it centred in Montreal. “I tend to be a pragmatist. Social health care has a mixture of private lies an inquisitive, perceptive and in- “That was a sprawling story. I wrote justice has to be important, but we and public care. dustrious scribe for whom the work about it for many years, so I thought can’t be spendthrift. We have to “The discussion we should have is only begins with the official story. it needed to be brought together in think about the money part. Maybe what’s the right mix, where is it most Philippe Couillard, the health pol- one coherent story,” Picard said in an that’s the accountant in me.” appropriate? icy adviser-turned-Quebec Liberal interview. Picard writes that Canadians are About 23.2 million Canadians have Party leader, said of Picard at a sym- Juggling his day job, a busy public getting “more care, faster and better” private health insurance, covering posium last year: “André, in my view, speaking schedule, and family life— and that the $200 billion Canadians drugs, various diagnostic services, is the most thoughtful and certainly he is married to Gazette reporter spend annually on health care ($140 and supplementary health care such often courageous public writer we Michelle Lalonde and they have two billion is from the public treasury) as private rooms. have on the health care sector in our teenage daughters—Picard followed is “good medicine for the country’s Continued on page 4 country.” up with a 118-page study of The New Passion and commitment are what Face of Charity in Canada for the At- drove Picard to write the first of sev- kinson Foundation and Critical Care: eral books, such as The Gift of Death: Canadian Nurses Speak for Change Confronting Canada’s Tainted Blood (HarperCollins, 2000). Tragedy (Harper & Collins, 1995), Picard’s latest is a comprehensive re-

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ClinicAudit_TheChronicle_2012.inddwww.theseniortimes.com 1 November 2013 The Senior 12-02-14Times 21:22 3 Picard runs the talk Some men, when they have a mid-life crisis, buy an expensive sports car. I started running marathons—at age 40. Since then, I have run about 20 full marathons (42.2 km) and 50 half- marathons“ (21.1 km). I run about five times a week, anywhere from 5k to 35k depending on my training program. I like running because it’s time away from my cellphone, email and other work demands. It’s also portable, which is handy if you travel. You can run anywhere, and anytime. As a health reporter, you can’t just write about the research on good health habits. I think we need to walk the talk—or in my case run the talk.” ~ André” Picard

Private care, no “cream skimming” Continued from page 3 $4 billion. Half of them could be at home if proper home care were Picard’s leitmotif for private care: available, at one-third the cost. “We should turn to the private sector “Imagine $4 billion being put into if the services provided are of equal home care instead of having people quality (private and public institu- live somewhere they don’t want to tions need the same rules and regu- live. We could get a lot of home care lations), if they are the same price or out of that money.” cheaper, if they are faster, and if the Picard is critical of the Harper public option has been exhausted. government for “withdrawing com- “We need to avoid so-called cream- pletely from the health-care leader- skimming, where all the profitable ship game, concentrating instead on procedures are left to the private sec- writing cheques.” tor and all the complex, expensive “I don’t think their interpretation care is left to the public system.” of the constitution—responsibility Public awareness and pressure can for health care is shared with the be effective, as it was in 2004 when provinces—is correct. It’s convenient Ottawa pumped in an additional $5.5 for their beliefs, but I think Canadi- billion to reduce wait times for can- ans expect more than that. cer and heart surgeries, hip and knee “The federal government’s role is replacement, and cataract operations. not to take over the provinces, but it “Our system was created when our is to level the playing field.” population was young. Now we have The Path to Health Care Reform: this older population that needs Policy and Politics may be down- chronic care. We have to rejig the loaded from elibrary.ca, or ordered system with a different philosophy.” by mail for $20 from the Conference Picard says that on any given day, Board, 255 Smyth Rd., Ottawa, Ont., 7,500 patients are in Canadian hos- K1H 8M7. 1-866-711-2262. pitals, at a total cost in one year of [email protected]

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4 The Senior Times November 2013 www.theseniortimes.com The captain yelled out: “Abandon ship!” Irwin Block

On November 11, we remember those who served our country, but for Harry Hurwitz the day he can’t forget is April 29, 1944. That was the day Hurwitz and other victims of a German torpedo attack on his Canadian ship ended up in the English Channel, struggling to survive. At 92, and a resident of the B’Nai Brith House Photo: Irwin Block in Côte St. Luc, Hurwitz recalled his remark- Harry Hurwitz, 92, recalls his time in the Canadian navy and as a WWII prisoner of war. able story in preparation for Remembrance Day ceremonies. He is to lay a wreath at the cenotaph in Montreal West. Buying Antiques and complete estates The Lachine-born son of trucker Chaim and Bella, with seven brothers and five sisters, enlisted in 1939 at age 18. He switched from the army to Over 20 years of experience the navy and in 1942 shipped out to Greenock, Reliable incorporated company just west of Glasgow, Scotland. As an able-bodied seaman, Hurwitz was Free evaluation 24/24 hours - 7/7 assigned to H.M.C.S. Athabaskan and in August 1943, while patrolling the channel, the ship was attacked by six Messerschmitt fighter-bombers. “We opened fire, we drove five away, but one came out of the sky and dropped a bomb right near me. I was one of the lucky ones. The guy next to me We pay TOP DOLLAR in CASH was killed instantly and seven others died as well.” He later sailed to Murmansk, Russia, as part of a GOLD JEWELRY 10k, 14k, 18k, 22k, 24k convoy of 57 ships delivering materials and sup- DIAMONDS, Colored Rhinestones plies to assist the Soviet Union in resisting and COINS 1968 or EARLIER counter-attacking the German assault. OLYMPIC COINS “Only about 20 made it. The rest were torpedoed ANTIQUE FURNITURE and sunk. I was up in the masthead when it was 40 CABINETS, bookcases below zero, watching for enemy ships. They gave Marble LAMPS me a cup of coffee every 10 minutes, it was so cold.” PORCELAIN From its base in Plymouth, U.K., the Athabascan china service sets continued to patrol the English Channel where the sterling silverware Allies were expected to launch the long-awaited SILVER, ANTIQUE CHANDELIERS second front by invading France. ROSARIES, FOUNTAIN PENS On April 29, the ship left Plymouth at 6 pm and CUFFLINKS **URGENT ** URGENT ** after three hours was at the French coast not far MILITARY ITEMS, OLD TOYS from Brest. Old CLOCKS, Old POSTCARDS, We are searching for “For some reason, we went a little too close to the Old Pictures, OLD TOOLS Wrist Watches French coast. I’m on my gun at our action station, Stamp Collection, INUIT CARVINGS and all of a sudden a torpedo hit our ship near the Wooden Duck Decoys Pocket Watches stern. It was cut off completely, about 2,000 shells WOOD SCULPTURES, BRONZE Charm Bracelets exploded and everyone was killed instantly. Oil on Canvas, or Paintings: “We got the order from Commander John CANADIAN, AMERICAN, EUROPEAN Stubbs—who gave the order to man the hoses—to +++AND MUCH More +++ see if we could put out the fire. Guys were dying, they were screaming. Me and four other guys grabbed the hose, and just then a second torpedo hit. There was no pressure, everything was dead, the whole ship was ablaze. I got a piece of shrapnel WITHOUT any obligation DO NOT THROW ANYTHING AWAY - without showing us right above my nose. “Then the captain yelled out, ‘Abandon ship!’ Me We do house calls and my friend Raymond Meloche (who lives at PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE Ste. Anne’s veterans’ hospital) jumped. I threw off my big rubber boots and my heavy coat. We sunk TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT at 4:28 am. How do I know? My mother bought me a cheap watch on my bar mitzvah and I had it Call Peter Fidiadis all these years. She paid $4 for it! “We were in the water for six or seven hours. 514-891-0140 Continued on page 6 www.theseniortimes.com November 2013 The Senior Times 5 “Release the men immediately” Continued from page 5 the Jews, but Hurwitz said he replied “First I was holding on to the mast- he had worked for Jews and never head, with Meloche. I couldn’t see. had any problems. “I was covered with oil from head to After 14 days in Brest, the PoWs toe. Then I held on to an empty barrel. were taken to a camp outside Ham- “One guy had his leg blown off and burg. “Every night at exactly midnight, he kept yelling, ‘I don’t want to die.’ R.A.F. bombers attacked the oil instal- Another had a big hole in his stom- lations there, and at Kiel, Bremen and ach and the salt water was getting in Hanover. We would sit on top of our and he was yelling. We couldn’t do shack and had a beautiful view.” anything. They all died in the water.” A lifeboat floated nearby, probably released by Allied ships to help sur- vivors. “About 15 or 16 of us got into the lifeboat. We had no oars, so we drifted, like a bunch of dummies.” A German battleship appeared and prepared to take the men prisoner. “I had my Magen David (Jewish star) and I ripped it off my neck and tossed it into the water. I also tossed a wallet, with Jewish things and about $40 I won the day before rolling the He and a fellow prisoner bribed a dice with the money from payday.” guard with 25 cigarettes, worth “$500 Records show that 129 of the crew, on the black market,” and got wire including Captain John Stubbs, died. cutters to escape. But when he asked a Hurwitz was among 83 men taken German woman in his Yiddish-style prisoner while another 44 were German in a nearby farm for a glass rescued by H.M.C.S. Haida. The war of water, she called the police and was coming to an end and the Ger- they were rearrested. man captors “were very good to us.” A senior British officer among the “We arrived in France and we saw prisoners at the camp warned the two girls completely naked, dead Germans to “release the men im- drunk, and they cheered, ‘A way, les mediately” because “the British were bons Canadiens,’ while the Germans only 400 miles away and I will hold commander yelled, ‘schnell’.” you personally responsible if anything Hurwitz was interrogated at a con- happens to them.” They were returned vent and gave his name as Hurwit – “I to the general PoW population. took off the zed, to sound less Jewish.” They were told to march to Lubek, His interrogator, an officer about and the column was accidentally at- 75, turned out to be “a really nice tacked by an R.A.F. fighter—four man. I told him I was from Lachine men were killed by friendly fire. and he told me he had worked for They returned to the prison camp. General Electric in Lachine for Hurwitz was liberated on April 29, about 20 years! I lived on 10th Ave. 1945—a year to the day he was cap- and LaSalle St., and General Electric tured. Two of his three daughters were was on 1st Ave. and LaSalle St.” born after war’s end—on April 29. The German had immigrated to When he lays the wreath, Hurwitz Canada to work as an engineer, but says he’ll be thinking of that day in in 1936 went back to Germany to 1944, and “the guys in the water help his country, Hurwitz recalled. dying, shouting: ‘Save me, save me’.” He pounded the table, denounced [email protected]

6 The Senior Times November 2013 www.theseniortimes.com He who critiques the class clown might have a higher calling Kristine Berey had Reader’s Digest, with a joke section inside. With my father, we always tried the best version, The great playwright George Bernard Shaw in competition.” With the Reader’s Digest always wrote, “Life does not cease to be funny when handy “in the toilet,” Bourgault estimates he people die any more than it ceases to be serious memorized about 900 jokes. “In high school, I re- when people laugh.” The link between laughter alized I could write my own jokes,” he recalls, and and tears is a longstanding one and it is in mov- he slowly tested them on friends and family. Until ing from one to the other that we learn to navi- he chose to do comedy full time, he did every job gate the time allotted to us. imaginable “except stripping. I was too fat.” “All comics have issues, and it doesn’t mean they While he thinks French in Quebec should be come from deprived or abused backgrounds,” says protected, he has little patience with those who say Mark Breslin, businessman, actor, comedian and too much English in Montreal is a threat to French founder of Yuk Yuk’s, the largest chain of comedy culture. “When you don’t know something, you are

clubs in Canada—the new kid on the block, join- Photo courtesy of YSébastien Bourgault scared. When I started learning English it was not ing Montreal’s burgeoning comedy scene. Located Sébastien Bourgault estimates he memorized 900 just to learn English, it was to check out how they in the Rialto Theatre complex, Yuk Yuk’s Cabaret Reader’s Digest jokes. think, it was to integrate. will feature English and French comics on different “We all have to upgrade our skills. We have two days, a first in the city. lationships, drugs, alcohol, stuff everybody goes great cultures here. If you ticket a guy because he “I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t through.” put ‘pasta’ on the menu, you should ticket the fran- discovered the thrill of making people laugh,” says Comedy doesn’t have to be shocking to be funny, cophone who put ‘hot dog’ on the menu.” Breslin, who says he has been under the care of a but often is, according to Breslin. “The whole en- As a comic, he wants to bring laughter, beyond psychoanalyst all his life, “though not always under terprise is a blood sport, always has been, always Quebec’s borders, beyond the limits of language, court order.” will be. The stuff in the clubs is the pure stuff, the around the world. “When I upgrade my skill, I am Comics are not necessarily class clowns, but stuff on TV is cleaned up. I like the stuff that digs not a francophone, not an anglophone, not a Ca- people who notice and comment on what happens the deepest, flirts with being offensive. A good co- nadian, not a Québécois. I am a human being.” around them, Breslin says. “They critique the class median stretches his audience a little bit. If you Bourgault says many people aren’t ready to be clown. They are social observers, not too funny off- go over the line and you upset them, you haven’t happy and life is so stressful that comedy is indis- stage, only onstage, where they can control every- done your job.” pensible. “When you laugh, it is the only time you thing. You can’t control a party but you can control Montreal comic Sébastien Bourgault, 39, is are in the moment. You have to forget your reality a performance. Standup is nothing but control.” funny in both languages. and just have fun.” Most comics develop material that has no ex- “I always wanted to do comedy, I always made Info on upcoming performances at: sebastien piry date, Breslin says. “Family, education, sex, re- people laugh,” he says. “When I was young, we bourgault.com, yukyuks.com, theatrerialto.ca

www.theseniortimes.com November 2013 The Senior Times 7 Editorial: The buck stops at Prime Minister Harper’s door The problem is Prime Minister Ste- On June 5, Harper told the House of trust” by making inappropriate ex- Military Police Complaints Com- phen Harper: his vision, his con- of Commons, “Those were (Wright’s) pense claims from Jan. 2, 2009, when mission, investigating whether Can- trol, his actions. decisions. They were not communi- she became a senator, to Sept. 20, ada knowingly transferred prisoners As the drama of how to punish cated to me or to members of my of- 2012. Wallin and Duffy were high- to be tortured in Afghanistan. three avaricious senators is being fice.” In late October, he said Wright profile media personalities who were n Hundreds of federal scientists finalized, it is increasingly obvious had informed “very few people.” used by Harper to drum up money said in a survey that they had been that the issue of what to do with the Harper went on in October: “As soon and votes. asked to exclude or alter technical Senate and its rules, or lack thereof, as I knew … I made this information Canadians can be forgiven for won- information in government docu- is secondary. Since it is all but impos- available to the public and took the dering what other shady activities ments for non-scientific reasons, sible to amend the constitution to get appropriate action.” Not quite. are being covered up. These are some and thousands said they had been rid of it, we do have to live with the CTV’s Robert Fife broke the story other Harper government issues we prevented from responding to the Upper Chamber for so-called sober on May 15, and at first Tory MP question: media or public. second thought. Pierre Polievre, acting as Harper’s n The chief enforcer of Canada’s elec- n Major findings of Statistics Can- The problem is the people Harper spokesman, claimed Wright had tion laws plans to conclude by the ada lost their scientific value when the chose, how he has used them to done “an exceptionally honourable spring an investigation into robocalls Conservatives made the long form shill for his party at public expense, thing,” saving taxpayers’ money. during the 2011 election. They are census voluntary in 2011. Agency and how he changed his story in Harper waited until May 19 to say probing thousands of complaints in head Munir Sheikh quit, saying no mendacious ways. Harper contin- he regretted Wright’s “decision” to more than 200 ridings of similar au- credible expert would agree the qual- ues to claim he knew nothing of resign. Last month, Harper said tomated or live calls that misdirected ity of a voluntary survey is as good. the $90,000 cheque cut by chief of Wright “was dismissed.” voters or appeared designed to annoy n The Conservative Party resolved staff Nigel Wright for Senator Mike Why would Wright help Duffy, not them into not voting. last month to scrap the Rand For- Duffy. The money was to repay un- a personal friend, and then be fired n The Conservatives in March ac- mula, which ensures union dues are warranted housing expenses. Given for it? Was he a scapegoat? cepted a plea bargain and agreed to automatically charged to members the control Harper exercises on all Duffy’s revelation that the Conser- repay $230,000 to Elections Canada of a bargaining unit that profits from major decisions, his claim of igno- vative Party paid his $13,560 in legal for overspending in the 2006 election. union resources. rance is dubious. Duffy’s claims were fees in arranging the $90,000 deal and n In shifting foreign policy from As Duffy would say, there’s more. being examined by an external audi- cover story adds fuel to the fire. The peacekeeper to warrior, the cost of a With Harper’s failure to provide tor, so the cash payment has every RCMP alleges that Senator Pamela proposed fleet of 65 stealth jet fight- leadership in health care, as outlined appearance of a coverup. Wallin committed “fraud and breach ers is estimated at $95 million each, by Globe & Health public health spe- or $1.2 billion more than projected. cialist André Picard (see Page 3), it n For two years the government adds up to a disastrous regime that is refused to provide records to the destroying the Canada we love.

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8 The Senior Times November 2013 www.theseniortimes.com Rent encompasses more than the rooms in which you live Special rules with regard to leases required by the Quebec Civil Code. one has a right to the exercise of his came into effect in 2011. The oblig- Legal Ease The Régie found the landlord was rights and freedoms without distinc- atory lease form included an annex Joyce trying to use the new law to justify a tion or exclusion based, among other with a list of services of a personal large rent increase. things, on his age, social condition nature to be provided to seniors Blond Frank The reverse situation occurred or handicap. and handicapped persons. B.A., B.C.L., LL.M. when a group of residents in a sub- These residents felt that obliging These new laws applied to leases in sidized housing program run by them to pay for a meal they did not seniors residences and to personal a non-profit organization decided enjoy was a form of exploitation and assistance services, such as distri- claimed that the cost of special ser- they did not like the lunch that was an abuse of their rights. bution and/or administration of vices should be established by him, offered as part of their rent. The The court held that to find the resi- medication, assistance with eating, not by the Régie. amount in the annex for the cost of dents were being exploited meant personal hygiene, dressing, etc. They In other words, any increase in the meals was $225 monthly. someone was taking unjust advan- are listed in the form issued by the basic rent had to be considered Although they had partaken of the tage of them for personal profit or Régie du logement. separately from an increase in the meal in past years, the residents felt advantage. The annex is obligatory when the cost of special services. The tenant the quality had deteriorated. They In this case, the residents were pay- landlord offers additional services to argued that $1,450 had included complained and petitioned and fi- ing a rent below the normal market the tenant because of age or handicap. the special services and as these had nally decided to stop eating their price to a non-profit organization. The rights and obligations of landlord meals at the residence and to stop They were not forced to eat the meal and tenant as set out in the Quebec paying the $225. and they could still benefit from the Civil Code apply to these services as Problems arose when leases They argued that they were not other advantages of their situation. well as the rented premises. had to be renewed obliged to eat at the residence and There was no abuse and their loss The form contains columns for to force them to do so was abusive, from paying for a meal they did not services included in the price of the respecting new rules. against the law and in violation of eat was outweighed by the benefits rent, the cost of additional included their charter rights. they received. services, and services available, but not changed, any increase had to be The Quebec Civil Code states They were ordered to repay what only paid for when used. made in accordance with the criteria that any attempt to limit the rights they had deducted from their rent The term “rent” is defined in the issued by the Régie. of a tenant to obtain services from for the meals. It would be interest- law as the monthly cost of enjoy- The decision states that a landlord whomever he wishes is illegal and ing to know what a court would have ing an abode with its services and has the right to modify conditions of without effect. said in a similar situation if the resi- accessories. For leases or lease re- a lease, including increasing the rent, The Quebec Charter of Rights dence had been a private, for-profit newals entered into after November with adequate notice to the tenant, and Freedoms provides that every- business. 30, 2011, the landlord is obliged to who then has the right to contest the specify what part of the rent applies new amount. to the cost for special services. For rental increases, the Régie has Problems arose when already exist- established criteria based on the ing leases had to be renewed respect- owner’s income and expenses, in- ing the new rules—the landlord had cluding taxes, insurance, heating, to distinguish between the cost of maintenance, major repairs and ad- the rent and special services. ministration. In a case heard at the Régie this The owner argued that the cost of spring, a tenant signed a lease for meals and services should not be the September 1, 2009, to August 31, considered part of the rent and not 2010, period. The rent was $1,450 per be subject to Régie rental-increase month. This lease was renewed annu- regulations. ally till 2012 with no increase in rent. In the judge’s opinion, it is the ob- For the lease to commence September ligation of the landlord to maintain 1, 2012, the new rules had to apply. those services listed in the first two In the renewal notice, the landlord columns of the annex and it is the advised that the cost of personal ser- obligation of the tenant to pay for vices would be $825 per month renew- them as part of the rent. In this case, able on a monthly basis and the rent the services were included in the for the premises would be calculated original lease even though they were at $900 a month, increasing the total not—and did not have to be—listed monthly rent from $1,450 to $1,725. individually. A list of the special services and The landlord could not modify the the cost of each were set out in the cost of these services independently mandatory annex. The landlord without following the formalities

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www.theseniortimes.com November 2013 The Senior Times 9 Our heroes are the architects, builders and teachers of peace On Remembrance Day, November 11, we recall often innocent men, women and children. our heroes. We honour them as exemplars of Canada was once the world leader. We were first the virtues that we hope to attain: patriotism, Flavour Guy among nations in United Nations peacekeeping strength, commitment. Barry Lazar efforts. More than that, we were the initiators. In In the U.S., the same date is called Veterans Day. 1956, Prime Minister Lester Pearson helped cre- It celebrates those who have been in military ser- ate the first UN intervention of neutral military vice. Memorial Day south of the border honours personnel, or peacekeepers, in the Sinai. For this, soldiers who died. It is on the last Monday in May. Pearson received the Nobel Peace Prize. There is a subtle difference here. Canadians bring environments to bring sides in conflict together. For decades, Canadians were the muscle, if you a collective memory—respect and remembrance— They work with such organizations as InterPeace, will, under those blue berets. But in the past 20 years to the entire arena for just one day. Those who the International Crisis Group, Nonviolent Peace- several governments have taken a different stand. served, those who survived, those who fell, those force, and others we may not have heard of. Their We moved from the long, boring, difficult process who continue to serve—we honour them. Hero- goal is to end armed violence through negotia- of peace-making and peacekeeping, to the affirming ism, if it is there at all, is an act of participation. tion, mediation and community dialogue. They resoluteness of military campaigns. Real soldiers go My filmmaking partner Garry Beitel and I are are engaged quietly and often successfully, some to war. Witness Afghanistan. Witness Libya. working on a documentary about peace build- for decades, in several countries. We shifted our resources and our military from ers. These are men and women working in hostile Here, at the end of November, the YMCAs of Que- the tangled webbing of UN peacekeeping efforts bec will award peace medals to local organizations to the aggressive interventions of NATO. But, Northern Light Technologies with similar commitments and tangible success. even as we dropped from No. 1 in UN peace- The work of civilian peace builders is increasingly keeping support to, believe it or not, about No. 60 important in a world where the victims of war are today, there are Canadians out there, trained and Canadian manufacturer of determined to end conflicts, trying to bring war- Bright Light therapy units for 23 years ring factions together, bridging gaps and choos- ing to build bridges to peace rather than just For S.A.D. and sleep disorders keep enemies apart. Although media often ignore them, their efforts over the past couple of decades have been successful in reducing the incidence of TEL: 514.335.1763 or 800.263.0066 armed conflict. A few are soldiers, but most don’t wear uniforms. They don’t carry flags and rarely guns. But they are Healthy Women out there building peace and training others. We 5465 Queen Mary Rd., Suite 550 SNOWDON The McGill University Health Centre is recruiting rarely hear about what they are doing—in Mali, healthy women for a study of metabolic responses. in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in other African countries, in the Middle East, sometimes CANDIDATE PROFILE in South America, and even in Europe and Asia. • women of 72 years of age and older • normal weight While building peace doesn’t get as much cover- • non-smoker age as sustaining war, peace builders are creating the groundwork by proving that there are non- Length of study: Two 3-5 day stays violent models for conflict resolution. 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www.theseniortimes.com November 2013 The Senior Times 11 Words in danger: What we lose when we lose a language The adjective “endangered” is The Word ten language vanishes, we lose be- covered” the Waripiri of the Austra- usually twinned with the noun liefs and stories. These oral histories lian Outback. Not only do tribesmen “species” as the onslaught of civi- Nerd could possibly inspire us by provid- state in Waripiri, “This will eat kan- lization has brought about a dimi- Howard ing a new way to perceive the world. garoo I,” they also say “Kangaroo nution in the planet’s biodiversity. The loss of languages is a loss for sci- will this eat I” and “Eat will kanga- But not only are many species on Richler ence because a language represents an roo this I.” the verge of extinction—many lan- adaptive technology. For example, the By observing which rules hold and guages are teetering toward oblivion. Inuit language has approximately 100 which do not (“will” always comes in Of approximately 7,000 languages, their mother tongue and fluency de- words for sea ice and this instructs the second position in the sentence), it is estimated that anywhere from clines drastically among youth. one about complexities not generally linguists have been better able to set 50 per cent to 90 per cent will not Hilda Nicholson, a spokesperson known in other languages. parameters for universal grammar. survive the end of the century. So for the Mohawk band of Kahnawake, According to Mark Pagel, a bio- To test and refine universal gram- whereas the largest 80 to 100 lan- told me that the fluency rate in the mathematician at Oxford, languages mar, linguists require a myriad of guages in the world—such as Eng- 65 and older category was around have “particular habits of mind” and examples from diverse languages. lish, Chinese, Urdu and French—are 75 per cent, but in the 6-15-year- learning a specific language can pos- Unfortunately, until recently the da- spoken by 4.5 billion people, there old group, it drops to under 20 per sibly alter the brain. tabase was shrinking drastically. are around 3,500 languages whose cent. So, there is a clear sign when For example, Pagel interprets the “Until recently” is used in the last total number of speakers equals no a language is in danger. Parents stop inability of Japanese adults to differ- sentence because hope is on the ho- more than 10 million; an average teaching it to children and children entiate between “la” and “ra” sounds rizon. This year Google introduced of fewer than 3,000 speakers each. stop wanting to learn the language as meaning that on a physiological the “Endangered Languages Proj- Generally speaking, a language is of their ancestors. The obvious role level there may be brain distinctions ect” (endangeredlanguages.com), a regarded as secure if it has over of schools is limited no matter how based on language. website that allows people and orga- 100,000 speakers. Many languages great the effort of the school pro- The difference between Japanese nizations involved in language pres- are on the abyss of extinction, hav- gram, as the ultimate fate of the lan- and English pales when compared ervation to find and share the most ing fewer than 100 speakers. guage is determined by whether it is with some nuances we find in other current and comprehensive infor- Many aboriginal languages in Can- used on a daily basis in casual con- languages. It was once assumed that mation about endangered languages. ada fall into the endangered camp. versation. certain sentence structures were not With ELP, Google provides its tech- Only Cree, Ojibway and Inuktikut Several things are lost when we possible. So while one can say, “I will nology and vast storage capacity to are regarded as relatively secure. In lose languages. eat this kangaroo,” it was believed create a headquarters where data can many of the 53 Canadian aborigi- First, we lose cultural knowledge. that in no language would some be shared in a variety of forms, such nal languages, more than half of the Since there are around only 200 rational person utter “This will eat as text, audio and video files. population can’t communicate in written languages, when a non-writ- kangaroo I.” But then linguists “dis- [email protected]

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12 The Senior Times November 2013 www.theseniortimes.com The future is a (baby) booming place, visionary says Irwin Block We can take a longer view, have a ual needs.” chance to reflect and reinvent.” The model is a “Starbucks for se- Never trust anyone over 30, we were Self-help. While this has been a niors, where you can drop in for a told in the forever-young 1960s. boomer preoccupation throughout coffee, decide to take an exercise Now that the Baby Boomer genera- their lives, Adler posits that over the class or listen to a lecture.” tion is pushing into their late 60s and next decade self-help values and prac- There are housing facilities in Cali- early 70s, a well-known futurologist tices will be reinvented in such tradi- fornia for artistic seniors who want took a look at where we are heading tional aging issues as health, housing, to continue to be creative, for Chi- and came up with some fascinating finance and the environment. nese Americans who want to live in conclusions. “You don’t have to do it by yourself,” their culture, separate housing with Richard Adler, a distinguished fel- he said, stressing the sense of com- shared common space for meals Photo: Irwin Block low at the Institute for the Future “We’re larger, we’re stronger, we’re munity he saw in a tour of the many and senior residences built around in Cupertino, California—home of healthier,” Richard Adler says. activities at the Cummings Centre. greenhouses. Apple—shared his findings at a re- And there are plenty of self-help Lifelong learning is being rein- cent public meeting hosted by the Boomers Will Revolutionize Retire- sites online, such as Patients Like vented in institutions and online, Cummings Centre discussing the big ment and Transform America, has Me, founded in 2004, where people and courses in many fields are of- stories over the next decades. identified the end of middle age and with various health issues share in- fered from some of the world’s top Extended capacity. Boomers are in the beginning of retirement or old formation on one platform. universities at MOOC (Massive the process of extending their capac- age, as an “unstable stage that has “Shared information on this site got Open Online Courses). ity to work, play and create. Credible no name, no clear beginning and an the medical community to recognize “The old model of retirement is studies indicate a steady decrease in end, no rights or routes of passage.” the reality of chemofog—post-che- work, work, work hard, then go find the prevalence of disability in the “We need to create a new stage of motherapy cognitive impairment.” a beach and have an endless vaca- older population since 1985. life which is called the ‘encore stage,’ Virtual villages for seniors is an- tion. The new model is people with “We’re larger, we’re stronger, we’re characterized by purpose, contribu- other innovation. One of them, called hard hats on, doing good work. healthier, we’re living longer, and tion and commitment, particularly to Old-Up (“plus si jeunes mais pas si “It’s up to each of us to figure out much less prone to many kinds of future generations … going from suc- vieux”) is for those 75 and older. what’s the garden we can cultivate, diseases. It is a result of better health cess to significance,” Freedman says. “Their goal is to remove the barriers what’s the contribution we can make. care, nutrition, exercise, and our Another writer calls the early 60s to continued involvement by seniors “The positive aging movement is awareness. It’s what one scholar calls to late 80s “Adulthood II.” in all kinds of activities,” Adler notes. about opportunities for growth.” our ‘socio-technical evolution’.” Adler says, “It’s about doing what Reinstitutioning. This involves For more on seniors and the future, The encore stage. Marc Freedman, means something to you, and that’s creating institutions “that leverage visit iftf.org. author of Prime Time: How Baby the privilege of this later stage of life. collective identities to meet individ- [email protected]

www.theseniortimes.com November 2013 The Senior Times 13 Magic of music validated in iPod project for people with dementia I recently attended the 2014 Canadian residents with dementia with dignity Conference-goers were shown a film Conference on Dementia in Vancou- Let’s Talk and respect.” showing an iPod project that brought ver. The focus of the conference was a About It Families can play a role in reaching people into a world of music and mem- “person-centred approach to demen- Bonnie their loved one, lost to the world as ory. Unresponsive patients were given tia care.” we know it, in a very personal way. A iPods filled with personalized music Research presented by leaders in the Sandler, close friend described the sad state of and we watched in awe as their eyes field proved that we need to offer this BS.W. her mother’s condition in a nursing opened wide and their minds were approach. This is nothing new to any- home. No longer able to chew or swal- brought to life. Something so simple one working or familiar with dementia son as a collection of symptoms and low, a feeding tube kept her mother as an individualized music playlist can but this type of care is hard to find. behaviours to be controlled, person- alive. Mary’s mother’s favourite food make all the difference. The Alzheim- According to “This approach aims centred care considers the whole was chocolate and potato chips. So dur- er’s Society and other organizations are to see the person with dementia as an person, taking into account each in- ing her visits, Mary got into the habit finding ways to broaden this project. individual, rather than focusing on dividual’s unique qualities, abilities, of dabbing her mother’s tongue with a If you have a loved one in a nursing their illness or on abilities they may interests, preferences and needs. Per- touch of chocolate and a speck of a po- home, I strongly urge you to fill an iPod have lost. Instead of treating the per- son-centred care also means treating tato chip. with meaningful music and place the Mary could feel that her mother en- headphones on him or her. Then stand joyed these tiny treats and asked the back and watch, and you may just be staff to do the same. Within a year, her blown away by the reaction. If you are mother slowly started eating enough to a teacher looking for a student project, have her feeding tube removed. Having this topic would be amazing. this knowledge of her mother’s favou- Get involved by donating an iPod rite food and sharing this with the staff to one of the organizations doing brought her mother to a place that oth- this kind of work. Discover more at erwise would have been unattainable. musicandmemory.org.

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14 The Senior Times November 2013 www.theseniortimes.com Play examines the pervasive problem of police shootings Kristine Berey Tristan D. Lalla, Kim Villagante, Jordan Waunch, and veteran Cree actor Billy Merasty, deliver pow- Opening night of the Black Theatre Workshop’s erful performances as members of an aspiring Sal Capone: The Lamentable Tragedy of! by multiracial rap band caught in the aftermath of a Omari Newton evoked names and faces many police shooting. still recall: Anthony Griffin, Marcellus François, Their unstoppable energy and fearlessness embody Rohan Wilson, Fredy Villanueva—young men the fundamental innocence of youth, and bring who had everything to live for but died in their home—like a slap in the face—the obscene waste prime in encounters with Montreal police. of precious human potential that occurs in such We’ve heard the story before. The victims are incidents. Anger and violence are discussed and guilty of a minor infraction or of nothing whatso- through the character of Jewel, Newton brings up ever, a gun goes off and in the long run the inci- what he calls hip-hop’s problematic relationship with Photo courtesy of BTW dent is chalked up to an unfortunate/unavoidable Powerful performances delivered by the BTW cast. women. “Jewel represents a largely under-appreci- accident. In the end, no criminal charges are laid ated and under-represented minority in hip-hop.” and no one is held accountable. the shooting of a good friend. Newton remembers friends who have died, Much blood and ink have been spilled since “I was inspired to examine the theme between joined gangs or are living in poverty. “There is a Griffin’s death in 1987, with the number of fatali- police and youth,” says playwright and actor Omari great sense of nihilism among youth of colour. If ties during arrest or in custody rising to well over Newton, who grew up in affluent Kirkland and your prospects of getting a job are dim, you’re stuck 60, according to the Coalition contre la repression remembers police following him right up to his in a cycle of welfare and poverty, the future for you et les abus policiers. Some say the cause is racial parents’ driveway. “My parents are two rational, is very bleak. When actions are limited, you resort profiling, while others, like Henry Aubin of The thinking people who told me to be polite, to be re- to desperate measures.” Gazette, suggest it is a lack of appropriate train- spectful to police, so it never escalated to something The essence of the tragedy in this play is cap- ing of police in restraining terrified or mentally ill dangerous.” Newton characterizes the experience as tured in its last three words. individuals. Invariably, police say they felt threat- unsettling and unnerving, which he allowed because This play has the potential to become an indis- ened, and, in seeming panic, shot to kill. For the “I would rather feel violated than get shot.” pensible educational tool in generating dialogue last 17 years, a protest march has been held every When he heard of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin’s between seemingly opposing camps—and in so spring against police brutality, resulting in more shooting in Florida in February, he says he wasn’t doing to save lives. And if you think that music violence and more arrests. surprised, but was deeply affected. “The anger and must be acoustic and melodic, as in Bach and the Until now, to my knowledge, no one has created hopelessness lasted for days. I didn’t know the kid, Beatles, go and see this play. The raw force of rap art out of this ubiquitous yet heartbreaking reality, my only connection was that another person of co- will surprise you and move you, at least in this and no one gave a voice to the young people left lour was being shot and no one held accountable.” context, to tears. behind, who are permanently injured following The superb cast, including Letitia Brookes, 514-932-1104, blacktheatreworkshop.com UNIVERSAL KIDNEY CENTERS NEED DIALYSIS? Escape The Cold Weather

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www.theseniortimes.com November 2013 The Senior Times 15 WE BUY GOLD - WE PAY CA$H Including BROKEN JEWELLERY ‘Mensch’ honoured for integrity, empathy and DIAMONDS We Pay Best Prices As time marches on, we might neglect to hon- Free Estimates, Jewellery Repair our key people in our lives, long gone now, who Generations We buy estate Jewellery and watches made sacrifices for us, for our communities, for Mon.-Thurs. 12:00-5:00 Foundation Friday 12:00-2:00 our country. Saturday Closed It is important to take the time to think of our Natalie Sunday 12:00-4:00 Free Jewellery Cleaning dearly departed parents, and possibly siblings Bercovici Gold Buyers International and other family members who nurtured us and helped create important memories. Say a prayer 5897 Sherbrooke West (corner Royal) 514-419-0656 goldbuyersmontreal.com 514-903-4222 for their souls and visit their gravesite. We proudly dedi- Friends and supporters are to be duly recog- cate our column nized as having made a difference to our personal to him and to he- history and success. roes like him, to all optimum PHYSIO One such individual, a friend and “hero” to Gen- war, police and fire erations Foundation, was Sam Charon, who died heroes, who con- Do you suffer October 4. tinue to put their from pain? He was a member of the Air Cadet Corps at 15 love of people and Reduced rates for 60+ and in the Royal Canadian Air Force at 17. Those community before $30 treatments for: who knew him remember him as a “mensch,” a themselves. -Muscular pain -Capsulitis person of integrity, honour and empathy. -Sprained -Bursitis ligaments -Patello-fermoral He was an advocate for our veterans and mer- Thanks you to -Sciatica Syndrome chant marines. The phone never stopped ringing Nicolo Morena Photo courtesy of Generations Foundation -Osteoarthritis -Spinal curvature at his home, where he raised money for charities. and Johnny Azzue Sam Charon was an -Tendinitis -Etc... He engaged companies to donate to needy causes at St. Viateur Bagel advocate for veterans. To have access, an evaluation by our doctors and spent countless hours with callers and visitors & Café for their gener- is needed, at no charge, to clarify the diagnosis to handle their difficult situations. osity in directing proceeds from the sale of 1,000 and direct treatment. CSST, SAAQ, Private We marveled at his strength and courage in dozen bagels and breakfasts on October 3 and to Do not endure your pain, Contact Us! struggling with his family’s health issues as well all who participated to benefit Generations Foun- You will be served in a timely manner as his own in his last years. Despite the loss of his dation food programs. youngest daughter, Stacey, last year and the strug- Our Holiday Joy Breakfast is Friday, November 235 Cote Vertu Blvd., Suite 140 gle with cancer of his eldest daughter, who lives in 22, hosted by La Stanza Buffet, 6878 Jean Talon E. TEL: 514-439-5012 Oregon, Charon was, till the end, concerned for 6:30 to 10 am. those who most needed him. generationsfoundation.com We help Seniors avoid costly mistakes in preparing to sell their home!

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16 The Senior Times November 2013 www.theseniortimes.com Photo: Joseph Munro NBA legend Robert Parish poses with young Sun Youth athletes Jason Drivakos (from left), Trenton Dias-Maxwell and Luca Rienzo. NBA fills tall order for charity Sports have a special place at Sun Here at Youth. Since 1954, the organization has offered a number of programs Sun Youth to Montreal children. Some former Joseph Sun Youth athletes have gone on to professional careers, like Miami Munro Heat NBA champion Joel Anthony and the Boston Celtic’s Kris Joseph. Recently Sun Youth hosted NBA Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls Cares, part of the Purolator Tackle and an NBA legend who holds the Hunger Program, at an Alouettes NBA record for most games played, game. There was a basketball clinic was also at the event. for kids and the NBA donated funds NBA Cares encourages physical toward the refurbishment of Sun activity and healthy living for chil- Youth’s basketball gym. Robert Par- dren and families through programs, ish, a four-time champion with the events, and products.

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www.theseniortimes.com November 2013 The Senior Times 17 Let the world come to you with documentary film festival Kristine Berey Part of the newly added Beat Dox section dedicated to music, Bloody Martha Argerich is recognized as a Daughter is one of 135 documentaries titan of the piano. At the age of 8, she from 43 countries to be screened at the performed Mozart and Beethoven Montreal International Documentary concertos on stage, going on to win Festival November 13-24. the most prestigious international The festival opens with The Square piano competitions and launching a (Al Midan), by Egyptian-American stellar career. filmmaker Jehane Noujaim, who docu- Throughout her life however, she re- mented the uprisings in Tahrir Square, mained an intensely private person, providing a perspective she says most shunning the limelight. news organizations did not get. Her daughter Stephanie, from her Abenaki director Alanis Obom- Photo: Montreal International Documentary Festival third marriage to renowned pianist Ste- sawin is represented at the festival Stephanie Argerich tells the story of her pianist mother in Bloody Daughter. phen Kovacevich, has created a docu- with her new film Hi-Ho Mistahey mentary about her mother, affording (The People of the Kattawapiskak) in Toronto International Film Festival Within the Against the Grain cat- an intimate glimpse into the humanity the Canadian feature competition, in September. The film tells the story egory, defined as “Works that challenge of one of the greatest living musicians. which had its world premiere at the of Shannen Koostachin, a young girl our perceptions of popular and under- of Cree descent who tried to alert the ground culture,” we have a first film by government to the shameful state of Mariam Abu-Khaled, a tour-de-force education in her community: a lack on how art and life imitate each other. Do you have pain? of funding, not enough teachers, Art/Violence, filmed in Arabic, Hebrew contaminated and mouldy school and English, focuses on the Freedom A program for SENIORS buildings. Her accidental death at Theatre in the Jenin refugee camp in 65 years old and over!!! the age of 15 did not end her dream Palestine and its cultural resistance to of accessible and high-quality edu- the Israeli occupation through art, fol- cation for First Nations children. lowing the assassination of its founder, Treatment offered for the following conditions: Instead it led to a nation-wide cam- Juliano Mer Khamis. arthritis, back pain, joint pain, spinal stenosis, paign from classrooms to the United Crippling poverty exists on the fringes pinched nerve, tendinitis, bursitis, capsulitis, etc... Nations, under the watchful lens of of all societies, be they Lakewood, New Obomsawin. Jersey; Bangalore, India; Sao Paolo, Bra- The Team: Doctors, physiotherapist, acupuncturist, O.T. One of 41 films screened in Quebec zil; Mirabeau, France; Istanbul, Turkey; Doctor’s evaluation covered by medicare card, for the first time, Ba noi (Grandmother) or closer to home, Kiticisakik, Quebec. physio $30.00 per treatment. by Khoa Le has won several prizes, in- In its world premiere, Jean-Nicolas cluding the Inspirit Foundation Plural- Orhon documents shantytowns in me- ism Prize at Hot Docs. ticulous detail, from its inhabitants and Evaluations for disabled parking, ticket application SAAQ An intensely personal yet univer- their struggles to the causes of their ex- and adapted transport SAAQ sal experience, the film takes us to istence, their history, organizations and CENTRE MEDICAL PLAZA CÔTE DES NEIGES Vietnam, where the filmmaker vis- implications. Ominously, the film is its distant relatives to celebrate the titled Bidonville: Architectures de la ville New Year. In discovering his grand- future. 6700 Côte des Neiges, Suite 125 mother, he discovers himself in a Films will be screened at several lo- (in basement, near the food court - free parking) journey told through scenes of ev- cations and there are parallel events 514-342-2941 eryday life layered with dream-like within the festival. For full program- images and memories. ming: ridm.qc.ca. 514-499-3676.

On this important day of Remembrance and reminder, we commemorate all those who fought for liberty! En cette importante journée du Souvenir, nous nous rappelons tous ceux qui se sont battus pour la liberté! Canada

Hon. Irwin Cotler Hon. Stéphane Dion Marc Garneau Francis Scarpaleggia Justin Trudeau P.C., O.C., P.C., M.P. Saint-Laurent– M.P. Westmount – M.P. M.P. M.P. Mount Royal Cartierville Ville-Marie Lac-Saint-Louis Papineau 514-283-0171 514-335-6655 514-283-2013 514-695-6661 514-277-6020 irwincotler.ca stephanedion.liberal.ca marcgarneau.liberal.ca scarpaleggia.ca justin.liberal.ca

18 The Senior Times November 2013 www.theseniortimes.com In honour of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our rights and freedoms.

En l’honneur de tous ceux et celles qui ont fait l’ultime sacrifice pour la défense de nos droits et de nos libertés.

Lawrence S. Marguerite Blais Bergman MNA for MNA for Saint-Henri– D’Arcy-McGee Sainte-Anne

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www.theseniortimes.com November 2013 The Senior Times 19 War stories told through private collection Remembering our war veterans and their sacri- fices should always be part of our lives. A small museum here in Montreal allows citizens to hon- Smart Shopping our their achievements by learning about their Sandra Phillips lives. Grenadier Militaria is a business involved with the study and presentation of Canadian military his- tory from the First World War. There are three parts to the organization: a private collection of wartime firearms and even memorabilia, a military bookstore and a reference trench art and library. frightened let- Mark Cahill has been collecting war-related items ters home. Cahill for 30 years, gradually focusing on the First World roamed around War and elements related to Trench Warfare, so Eastern Canada, expect to find helmets, rifles, jackets, caps, flags, the Eastern U.S., Photo: McGill University France, England First World War poster encourages French Canadians to join the war effort. and Belgium, and also bought from other collectors. Medals, uni- forms, mess kits,

miniatures, war Photo: Archives of Canada posters and more Advertisement for war bonds can be found on circulated during WWII. the upper floor. Cahill especially likes to collect items that tell stories of individual soldiers, so he buys personal items like medals, uniforms, badges, cigarette cases, lighters, Exclusive Care Taker medallions, photographs and diaries. ...Because we care in the West Island Area These elements make viewing his collection poi- about you Stay in your house longer! Alleviate family stress! gnant and personal. Spray Foam Insulation Receive the personal treatment that you deserve! Posters, paintings, silverware and porcelain table- (Polyurethane) • House cleaning & cooking • Exercise trainer ware related to the war effort help us remember • Bill paying and banking assistance that war was experienced at home, as well as in the Good for: Attics, Sound Control, • Grocery shopping • Appointment driving muck- and blood-filled trenches. Air Sealing, Wall Insulation, Basements • Pet care & walking Cahill has evolved from an inveterate collector into Increase the value of your property an authority on the subject. His is one of the largest Live in comfort - Save money First World War collections in Canada. Maria Bairaktaris Shoppers can look at the online catalogue to check 514-659-2242 438-935-0224 out rare and out-of-print books to buy online. www.isohome.com [email protected] Browse in person Monday to Friday, 9-5, or make [email protected] Website : www.mariacare.ca an appointment for a Saturday visit. Mailing list subscribers receive a free printed cata- logue. A Great Christmas Concert Comfort, fashion Grenadier Militaria plans to obtain a copy of each by candlelight Canadian regimental history relating to that war; and style they have about 200 so far. If you are interested in Available in wide widths finding out about an ancestor or you are a student who needs to do some research, or even if you are just interested in learning more about this period of history, you are welcome to browse. The reference li- brary is more for regimental research, since it is hard to get specific information on a particular soldier. With Ensemble Ambitus For that information, visit the Canadian War Re- Imagine hearing the most beautiful carols, cords Service. celestial Ave Marias, the orchestral ballet Grenadier can help obtain war records of Cana- dian relatives who fought in the First or Second suite “The Nutcracker” by Tchaikowsky, World War, via a form on their website. Soldiers who music by Johann Sebastian Bach fought in the Second World War will have to have and Arcangelo Corelli’s magnificent been deceased for 20 years to obtain the records; Christmas Concerto, in a church they also require proof of death. There are charges illuminated only by candles. for this service. With the 100th anniversary of the start of the Great Dec. 5, 8 p.m. Tickets: $25 War approaching, Cahill and his team are preparing Notre-Dame de la Paix Church, 514-488-5580 to play an important role in the global commemora- 11075 Gouin Blvd. W. in Pierrefonds 7137 Cote St. Luc Rd. tion. (450) 419-9148 (Cote St. Luc Shopping Centre) 5524 St. Patrick, Suite 202. 514-788-6007, www.concertchandelle.com www.juniorbooty.com grenadiermilitary.com. Grenadier Militaria buys First World War items. 20 The Senior Times November 2013 www.theseniortimes.com Study on stimuli could lead to pill to help treat Alzheimer’s An Israeli study has discovered a nied by the degeneration of brain environments with those raised in number of microRNA chains that biological mechanism that could cells and memory loss. It is char- normal environments. underwent significant changes dur- explain how challenging mental acterized by decreased levels of “The same microRNA chains that ing the early stages of the disease. and physical activity can delay proteins responsible for communi- were found to have changed as a result This information could be used to the development and onset of Al- cation between the nerve cells and of Alzheimer’s or stimulating envi- establish an early detection test, pos- zheimer’s disease, the Israeli news- the brain. This decrease in proteins ronments are also responsible for the sibly with a simple blood sample. paper Ha’aretz reports. is what harms the patients’ cognitive regulation of proteins that affect the “Studies conducted over the last The study, led by Boaz Barak of Tel and physical abilities. communication between nerve cells few years have proved that it’s pos- Aviv University, was published in The levels of these specific proteins and the brain,” Barak told Ha’aretz. sible to isolate and quantify the the September issue of the journal are boosted by exposure to intellec- “The amount of those chains in the amount of various microRNA chains Translational Psychiatry. tual stimuli and physical activity. cell rose after exposure to Alzheimer’s through simple blood tests, and I “As a rule, the more intellectually The researchers compared the and caused a decrease in the amount hope that within the next few years, stimulating and physically challeng- amount of microRNA, the mole- of proteins, which is liable to dam- it will be possible to detect changes ing a patient’s lifestyle, the slower cules responsible for regulating the age nerve function in the brain. On to microRNA levels in the brain it- the disease develops,” Barak told the amount of proteins in cells in healthy the other hand, exposure to stimuli- self, and not just blood,” Barak said. newspaper. “What was missing was rodents, to the amount of microRNA rich environments showed a decrease The findings could be used to cre- the biological explanation behind in rodents that served as a model for in the amount of such microRNA ate patient-specific treatments, he ob- this rule. What exactly about an en- Alzheimer’s disease. chains, which resulted in an increase served. It may pave the way for some vironment rich in stimuli stalls the In the process, the team compared in proteins, which could lead to an in- form of Alzheimer’s medication. disease at the cellular level?” the amount of microRNA chains in crease in nerve function in the brain.” For more on Alzheimer’s studies, Alzheimer’s is usually accompa- mice that were raised in stimuli-rich The scientists also discovered a please see page 25.

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(438) 338-1001 The Salvation Army Montclair Residence For further information, please call Vicky Stewart 514-481-5638 (710) 4413 Montclair Ave., Montreal (NDG) H4B 2J4 Owned and operated by The Salvation Army 22 The Senior Times November 2013 www.theseniortimes.com Appreciation The Senior Times’ King of one-liners will be missed We have lost our Joe King and we will miss him. uments give us the basis of a new kind of garbage Joe was the associate editor of The Senior Times museum—not the routine and predictable coffee- in the late ’80s and early ’90s and a talented and grounds-and-used-tire kind of thing planned by comical addition to our staff. Joe was always … the Americans.” you guessed it … jo(e)king. He died October 26 It was Joe’s idea for The Senior Times to publish a at the age of 90. resource directory, which he researched extensively Before writing books about the history of Mon- and contributed to. We now publish a French and treal Jewry, he was a radio man, which explains English directory annually. the one-liners and the way he wrote for us—to the A devoted and constant advocate for Israel, Joe point, and always with a touch of humour. served as president of Canadian Friends of Tel Joe’s column, In the King’s Court, was a reader Aviv University and Canadian Friends of Haifa favourite, which he penned for a couple of years University. before embarking on an antique column, taking Joe is the author of several books on Israel and us with him to such antique venues as Plattsburgh the Montreal Jewish community and was known (who knew?) in search of rare books. Here are a for his thorough research on its leading lights and few lines from In the King’s Court, May 16, 1990, their achievements. titled “Garbage museum would fill a need in our In a review of Fabled City — the Jews of Mon- nation’s capital.” treal, published in 2009, Andrea Belcham wrote: “I cannot help but acclaim those brilliant people “King’s easy narrative style and anecdotes about who are setting up a garbage museum in the U.S. his own interactions with historical figures make Photo: Gift to Barbara Moser from Joe King Why do we always have to wait for the Americans Joe King was our chronicler, archivist, storyteller. for a lively read.” to set the pace? In any event, this Museum of Gar- Joe’s other contributions include From the Ghetto bage is to be erected at an appropriate site in New fied. First you have those slick, expensive govern- to the Main, Baron Byng to Bagels, The Jewish Con- Jersey. From what I have seen of New Jersey, they ment reports that are pumped out in astronomical tribution to the Modern World and The Case for Israel should have no problem finding a site for a gar- numbers. as a handbook and DVD. bage museum. The problem will be clearly identi- “These benefit the politicians who demand Joe was our chronicler, archivist and storyteller. fying the museum from the other sites. them, the civil ‘servants’ who supervise their pro- I will miss seeing Joe on his walks or on the bus “Great care should be shown in selecting what duction, and the writers, designers, graphic art- going to a meeting or to the library. Our deepest goes into the garbage museum. There is so much ists, proofreaders, translators, printers and other sympathies to Joe’s family. garbage in the world. Much of it goes unclassi- specialists who do the actual work. … These doc- — Barbara Moser

www.theseniortimes.com November 2013 The Senior Times 23 Help feed the birds (it’s tuppence a bag) of Le Nichoir Kristine Berey 10 days they can walk or fly, depending on their size. It’s phenomenal.” Le Nichoir, the largest rehabilitation centre Wylie says bird populations are declining in all for aquatic and songbirds in Canada, received categories, including waterfowl, nighthawks, birds seven baby Canada geese this summer. Caring that eat only insects and songbirds. for these birds is difficult because they easily be- “One of the issues is that so many insectivore come attached to humans and if that happens, birds have to change their diet because of temper- it is impossible to release them into the wild, ature change. When they come back from South which is Le Nichoir’s mission. America, they don’t find the same insects. Luckily, a short time later, the centre received a “Climate change is real. Breeding patterns are slightly injured adult female Canada goose. different.” The staff recognized that this bird had been If you are planning to feed birds this winter, looking after her own young prior to having been Wylie cautions that you clean the feeder about injured. once a month to prevent the spread of disease, Knowing that Canada geese will care for goslings and that you do not include bread in the birds’ not their own, they were able to treat the newly diet. formed “family” until they were ready for release. “When you’re feeding birds bread, it’s like junk The birds were brought to the edge of a nearby food, it’s filling but not nutritious.” pond, the cages were slowly opened and the adult Besides rehabilitation, Le Nichoir focuses on ed- and the goslings walked toward the water to- ucation, teaching schoolchildren about the birds gether, swimming quickly away with the “mom” in their backyard. in front and seven goslings in tow. “A lot of children are sensitive to nature and ani- In its first year, Le Nichoir cared for 478 injured mals. Many already know something about birds birds. Almost 20 years later, it cares for 1,500 birds and are extremely enthusiastic,” Wylie says. that are brought to them and fields 5,000 tele- Le Nichoir, which survives mostly through pub- Photo: Hayley Juhl phone calls a year from people wanting to know Canada geese have the potential to become lic funding, has launched its annual fundraising what to do if they find a baby bird, or hear chirp- emotionally attached to humans who care for them. campaign. ing in their chimney. There is no charge for their There are many ways to support the centre and services. A bird can fly into your window, or be acciden- there is much to be discovered about the fascinat- “People bring birds to us for a variety of reasons,” tally hit by a car, or become orphaned. But even ing world of the birds around us. says Susan Wylie, the centre’s executive director. “ after being injured, if they break a wing or leg, in Learn more: lenichoir.org, 450-458-2809.

24 The Senior Times November 2013 www.theseniortimes.com Learning new skills could help stave off dementia, study suggests Older adults are often encouraged to The findings provide much-needed cial contact, some participants were as- to be assigned randomly to different stay active and engaged to keep their insight into the components of every- signed to a social group that field trips lifestyles for three months so that we minds sharp. They are told to “use it day activities that contribute to cogni- and entertainment. could compare how different social or lose it.” But new research indicates tive vitality as we age. After three months, Park and col- and learning environments affected the that only certain activities—learning “We need, as a society, to learn how leagues found that the adults who were mind,” Park says. “People built relation- a mentally demanding skill like pho- to maintain a healthy mind, just like we productively engaged in learning new ships and learned new skills—we hope tography, for instance—are likely to know how to maintain vascular health skills showed improvements in mem- these are gifts that keep on giving, and improve cognitive functioning. with diet and exercise,” Park says. “We ory compared with those who engaged continue to be a source of engagement These findings, to be published in Psy- know so little right now.” in social activities or non-demanding and stimulation.” chological Science, a U.S.-based journal For their study, Park and colleagues mental activities at home. Park and colleagues plan to follow of the Association for Psychological Sci- randomly assigned 221 adults, ages 60 “The findings suggest that engage- up with the participants one year and ence, reveal that less demanding activi- to 90, to engage in a particular type of ment alone is not enough,” Park says. five years down the road to see whether ties, such as listening to classical music activity for 15 hours a week over the “The three learning groups were pushed the effects remain over the long term. or completing word puzzles, probably course of three months. very hard to keep learning more and They believe that the research has the won’t bring noticeable. “It seems it is Some participants were assigned to mastering more tasks and skills. Only potential to be profoundly important not enough just to get out and do some- learn a new skill—digital photography, the groups that were confronted with and relevant, especially as the number thing—it is important to get out and do quilting, or both—that required ac- continuous and prolonged mental chal- of seniors continues to rise: something that is unfamiliar and men- tive engagement and tapped working lenge improved.” “This is speculation, but what if chal- tally challenging, and that provides memory, long-term memory and other The study is particularly noteworthy lenging mental activity slows the rate broad stimulation mentally and so- high-level cognitive processes. given that the researchers were able at which the brain ages?” Park asks. cially,” says psychological scientist and Other participants were instructed to systematically intervene in people’s “Every year that you save could be an lead researcher Denise Park of the Uni- to engage in more familiar activities lives, putting them in new environ- added year of high quality life and in- versity of Texas at Dallas. “When you at home, such as listening to classical ments and providing them with skills dependence.” are inside your comfort zone you may music and completing word puzzles. To and relationships. Association for Psychological be outside of the enhancement zone.” account for the possible influence of so- “Our participants essentially agreed Science (reprinted with permission)

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www.theseniortimes.com November 2013 The Senior Times 25 On a stock roller coaster? Don’t get mad — get evened out It’s easy to get emotional about stocks, especially mutual funds that follow a similar approach. This when markets behave like roller-coaster rides. is to ensure adequate diversification, which does That’s why it’s a good idea to stay disciplined in Financial Fitness not guarantee a profit or protect against loss, but your approach to stock selection. It sounds sim- has proved over time to be very prudent. ple, but the fact is that ignoring short-term gyra- Deborah Leahy In identifying quality companies, here are four tions and holding an array of quality stocks for the key characteristics to look for. long term is a time-tested, successful strategy for Operation in attractive industries. You might serious investors. find that certain industries are particularly appealing Of course, it’s important to make sure that stocks may be increased, decreased, or eliminated at any because they have high barriers to entry, low capital do not represent your entire investment portfo- time without notice), while providing the poten- intensity and beneficial types of regulation. At the lio. You need to have an appropriate allocation of tial for long-term growth. same time, it might be best to avoid highly cycli- assets, with stocks complemented by other asset Individual investors who want to own stocks cal industries that are overly dependent on a strong classes, such as bonds. might be best served by owning a basket of at least economy to produce good growth opportunities. With that in mind, some of the most attractive 20 to 25 of these stocks, selected from a variety of Strong competitive position. If a company stocks for your portfolio are those that provide industries and countries, including Canada, the doesn’t command a leadership position within dividend income (though keep in mind dividends U.S. and western Europe. An alternative is to own its industry, it should offer other competitive strengths that could help it sustain long-term profitability. Typically, companies with a strong Bonnie Sandler, BSW “franchise” or a special niche tend to generate Stephen J. Laing, BA, MBA higher returns on capital. Tel 514-866-5811 ext. 2212 • Housing Expert for Seniors Cell 514-941-1883 Experienced management teams. Companies [email protected] led by strong management teams that have a track Autonomous, www.sunlife.ca/stephen.laing 1001 Dorchester Square, suite 600 record of success are most likely to be deploying Assisted Living, Montreal, Quebec H3B 1N1 the firm’s capital in ways that will consistently Life’s brighter under the sun

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Discreet and Effective an evaluation by an Audioprothésiste is required ber that a long-term focus and systematic process if the above instrument is suitable for you may be your most valuable guiding principles. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results, but it’s safe to say that investing in qual- ity companies at attractive prices has historically been a successful way for individual investors to own stocks over time. Deborah Leahy is a financial adviser with Edward Jones and member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

26 The Senior Times November 2013 www.theseniortimes.com movers & shakers

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Come and visit us at THE SENIOR TIMES booth at Le Salon Mieux-vivre 50+ Pick your favourite columnist and get a free book! Subscribe to The Senior Times for one year and choose a book of your choice! Celebrate Irwin Block’s 70th with a piece of birthday cake on Sunday! Booth #1105 near the restaurants Palais des Congrès de Montréal Saturday and Sunday, November 16 and 17, 9am-6pm

www.theseniortimes.com November 2013 The Senior Times 27 This is our Quebec

Our coverage of the proposed Quebec Charter of Values generated lots of mail. Here is a selection from theseniortimes.com and Norman Cornett’s blog, haveyouexperienced.wordpress.com.

Denying reality solid enough. What is the Marois government A communications ploy I am saddened by the Quebec government’s really trying to do here? Doesn’t she, as a leader This idea of a charter is a communications ploy. introduction of the charter. Religion is insepa- in this province, have a duty to create social I’ve worked in the Quebec public service and in- rable from culture and personal identity, and to cohesion by being a role model in accepting creasingly heard North African-accented French. interpret and attempt to enforce the separation diversity? Why is she not able to embrace and These immigrants from former French colonies of church and state in this sort of extreme way celebrate this diversity? Does it not send a mes- were selected for their education and ability to denies the reality of Quebec’s demography, the sage of superiority to those who already have integrate. They were given a document stating humanity of its citizens, and their right to free that pervasive xenophobic mentality that exists that Quebec society was based on gender equal- religious expression. As a professor (University here in Quebec? Does it not create a mentality ity. Why this “acharnement” (unremitting effort) of Alberta), a Canadian, and one for whom faith of them and us? I am not bothered by religious against the very people selected for immigration, is not merely a compartment that can be isolated symbols, so why is this government forcing me after years of waiting? Getting into public ser- from other aspects of my being, I urge Quebec’s to accept this charter? A proposed charter is vice is not easy. Why is the government treating people to reject the charter. being drafted behind closed doors by public them this way? Pauline Marois was instrumental William Hackborn, Camrose, Alta. servants without accountability, transparency, in getting the Centres de petite enfance daycares or diversity. Welcome to Quebec 2013! started. Now, there are complaints about the num- Proud of who we are Simone Nichol ber of certified caregivers wearing hijabs? Let’s Irwin Block’s reporting was able to capture the chill, tout le monde. The whole thing is a trial bal- thoughts of Dr. Cornett very well, summing up loon … and a diversion. some of the dynamics around the new charter and A toxic split Marie-Cécile giving us all real hopes that the government will We are divided on this charter largely on eth- not succeed, motivating all of us to keep fighting nic grounds, with francophone majority citizens Change of heart these ideas and be proud of who we are as Que- the larger player in the province and the more in Extreme secularism is indeed a form of cultural becers of great diversity. favour of the charter and creating a society that religion, another in a long list of misguided quasi- Salam marginalizes its minority members. The tensions religious panaceas attempting to build a better are played out of a society closely resembling the world without God and respect for freedom of Behind closed doors mother country of the Québécois, a Republican religion. In trying to impose change of the heart Since when does a secular government have French model vs. Canadian multicultural. To hide from the outside it has the opposite effect: it di- the right to tell people how to dress? How can this issue with stereotyping those who wear kip- vides people, creates disharmony, mistrust, bitter- you order citizens—who have invested much pas, turbans, or headscarves is unjust. This sug- ness, and is destined to failure. I’m saddened and time, effort and money to relocate—to con- gested charter, apart from being a sovereignist outraged. While the emphasis is on hijabs, tur- form to a rule that never existed prior to their power play, erodes the social peace and creates a bans amd kippas, it is equally inimical to Chris- arrival? I thought the division between church toxic split. tianity and all religious beliefs as well as freedom and state,2012.06.27.1 with theAGI.Senior judiciary Times.pdf right 1 12-06-28there, was 4:13 PM Jaswant Guzder of expression. James Clarke

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28 The Senior Times November 2013 www.theseniortimes.com This is our Quebec

Gifts of difference In 2003, Canada’s chief justice, Beverly McLach- lin, observed: “Accommodation … means ending exclusion, encouraging and nourishing the iden- tity of the other, and celebrating the gifts of dif- ference.” The proposed charter not only fails to honour the aspirations of Canada, it fails to honour the aspirations of history. George Feenstra, Kamloops, B.C.

Modified democracy The charter is far from perfect, but it simply deals with reality in the most reasonable way. Photo: Irwin Block When groups in our society use democracy in a corrupted way (using free speech to promote and because I’m permitted to do the same.” I like to Mask for discrimination eventually dictate anything but freedom), then believe that the society I live in guarantees that I oppose the charter because it is regressive, democracy has to be modified in order to become others have the same rights, that we are equal in racist and violates the fundamental rights of mi- a sustainable democracy for all. If not, we will all our differences. I celebrate that I not only live norities guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of pay the price! I have relatives in the Netherlands, somewhere in the world but that the world lives Rights and Freedoms and the UN declaration France and Belgium. These countries are paying a here with me. I want the place I live to be a model on diversity. It is a mask for discrimination and heavy price. for what the world can and will become: a peace- denial of diversity. Neutrality comes from equal Thankfully, Canada is waking up before Europe able place where our liberties of all manner of ex- recognition of people for who they are and ensur- did. I know my opinions are not “popular” and are pression are shared and respected and where we ing that minorities have the same opportunities often seen as “narrow minded.” I believe that it’s thrive because we learn from each other. as the majority—it does not come from denying truth and reality, and that time will prove me right. The purpose of beliefs is not just to have a code differences or forcing them to hide their heritage Joseph Cooper, United Kingdom. to live by, but to have something significant to and history. The charter privileges the majority re- share with others. ligion by allowing the Christian cross in the legis- “Us” and “them” I don’t see the charter debate as a matter of pro- lature, on Mount Royal, and on the Quebec flag, Restricting the religious symbols people in gov- tecting Québécois culture. Culture is not about which Premier Pauline Marois asserts is Quebec’s ernment jobs could wear would not be promoting what you wall off, but about what you share. The heritage and patrimony. This is racist as it ignores the “religious neutrality of the state.” more a culture is shared the stronger it becomes be- the primacy and the patrimony of the First Na- As the charter proposes to treat religious groups cause it is part of the context of the broader world tions, colonialism in a post-colonial era. differently (i.e. a woman may wear a cross neck- and the human experience. The richness of a cul- I oppose the charter because it reverses the prog- lace, but not a hijab), it would promote the “us” ture is in how it speaks to others, not just to itself. ress made in ending discrimination in public in- and “them” mentality that is at the heart of xeno- Walls and barriers offer no protection because they stitutions. The charter distorts multiculturalism, phobia. Neutrality requires respect and tolerance, prevent the world from hearing what you are and which encourages cultures to respect each other. not suppression. you from hearing what the world can teach you. Rahul Varma, Teesri Duniyah Theatre. Emily Bamforth Bruce Meyer, Barrie, Ont., poet laureate

We’re always listening We want to hear from you. You can comment on any of our stories at theseniortimes.com, email us at [email protected], or drop us a line on our Facebook page, facebook.com/theseniortimes.

www.theseniortimes.com November 2013 The Senior Times 29 What’s happening Bazaars complete their post-secondary education. $40. 7:30 Christmas bazaar • Sat. Nov. 9 pm. Dollard des Ormeaux Reception Hall, 12001 Baking, preserves, gift baskets, crafts, vintage linens de Salaberry, D.D.O. 514-683-5685 mluwc.com and much more. Coffee, muffins, lunch offered. Card party • Fri. Nov. 15 9:30am - 2pm. Church of St. John the Baptist, 233 Refreshments served, players will be taught how to Ste. Claire, Pointe-Claire 514-697-1714 stjtheb.ca play before the game begins. $5. 7:30pm. Dorval- Polish Bazaar • Nov. 9-10 Strathmore United Church, 310 Brookhaven. 514-631-8641 Hot and cold traditional Polish dishes and desserts, Clubs and Groups amber, folk art, books and more. Fundraiser for the Concert • Sat. Nov. 16 Committee for Relief to Children and Seniors with Bon Appétit Dinner Club Swing into high gear with the jazz quintet Conti- disabilities. 9am-5pm. St. Antonin Church, 5361 Visit restaurants around the city. 514-264-8951 nental Rhythm. Proceeds to Refugee Action Mon- Snowdon Club Gourmand treal. 7:30pm. Suggested donation: $12. Church Bazaar & book sale • Sat. Nov. 16 Wine and dine every other Friday at 6:30pm in a of St. Columba by-the-Lake, 11 Rodney Avenue, Offerings include a country store with homemade variety of restaurants. 514-935-4880 Pointe-Claire 514-364-3027 Tourtieres ($8), jams, pickles, etc. Lunchroom Hope and Cope Book launch • Mon. Nov. 18 opens at 11am. 9am-2pm. Summerlea United Weekly Mourning walk, Thursdays, from 10- Carol Katz presents her first children’s book Zaidie Church, 225 - 50th Ave., Lachine. 514-634-2651 11:30am for those who have recently lost a loved and Ferdele: Memories of My Childhood. She will Parish bazaar • Nov. 16-17 one to cancer. Beaver Lake 514-973-2254 also talk about her watercolor workshop in Italy last summer. Refreshments served. 1pm. White elephant table, tea room, raffles, games. Sat. Femmes du Monde Creative Social Centre, 5237 Clanranald. 9am-3pm, Sun. 10am-noon. St. Thomas More Par- Tues. Nov.12. Racism Here And Elsewhere. A 514-488-0907 cscmtl.com ish, 978 Moffat, Verdun. 514-768-4741 meeting to discuss and inform ourselves about rac- Christmas shopping sale • Nov. 16-17 ism in our countries of origin as well as the country Book launch • Wed. Nov. 20 Hungarian cuisine, homemade pasta, baked goods, that hosts us. With the Commission des droits de Lawn Chair Soirée presents Czandra & Erika jams. 10am-3pm. Hungarian United Church, 50 la personne et de la jeunesse du Québec. 1:15pm. White promoting Czanda’s chapbook This side uP. Graham, Mt Royal. 514-731-5732 6767 Côte des Neiges, #597 514-735-9027 Open mike and light buffet with vegan options. Suggested donation $5, book $12. 6:30pm. Montreal Urban Hikers Book sale • Nov. 16-17 514-721-8420. Fundraiser for N.D.G. Food Depot and organ. Sat. Sat. Nov. 30 The Christmas Underground City. 10am-5pm, Sun. 10am-1pm. Ignatius of Loyola Place des Arts metro, eastern ticket booth. 9:30am. Helvetia Seniors Club • Nov. 21 Parish Hall, 4455 West Broadway 514-831-7716 $2. 514-938-4910 montrealurbanhikers.ca Wilhelmina Fredericks speaks about “Clean Water in Africa”. Lunch follows. 11am-2pm. 6151 Monk- West Island Singles walking club Marché St. Columba • Nov. 22-23 land. 450-687-5256 Home baking and specialties, Christmas crafts, Tues. & Thurs. at McDonald’s south of Hwy. 40 on knitting and sewing. Dinner Fri., lunch on Sat. Fri. St. Charles. Walk: 1-2pm followed by social time. The Stewart Hall Singers • Sat. Nov. 30 4:30-8:30pm, Sat. 9:30am-2:30pm. St. Columba by 514-630-0909 [email protected] A Baroque Christmas features choral selections the Lake Church, 11 Rodney. 514-697-2013 from Bach’s masterworks, an extended choral Events anthem by Handel, other seasonal favourites, and Treats, treasures & Empty Bowls • Sat. Nov. 23 Hudson Theatre • Nov. 7-17 carols. 514-630-0331 stewarthallsingers.ca Buy a handmade ceramic bowl filled with soup for Stone Soup Productions presents Waiting For $20 to help raise awareness of hunger and food is- Anniversary Concert • Sat. Nov. 30 The Parade by John Murrell. Set in Calgary during sues. Baked goods, local artisans, raffle and light Celebrating Zerf Productions’ 25th year. 7:30pm. WWII, five women work for the war effort while lunch. 10am-3:30pm. Centre Greene, 1090 Greene. Admission: donation of non-perishable food and/ their men are away. Tickets: $23, matinee $21, 514-931-6202 centregreene.org or a freewill contribution to the Water well Project groups $18. 2pm & 8pm. Hudson Village Theatre, in Tanzania. Loyola Chapel, 7141 Sherbrooke W. Christmas Sale & Dinner • Sat. Nov. 23 28 Wharf. 450-458-5361 villagetheatre.ca 514 486-0924 Baked goods, preserves, plum puddings, guest Multicultural Dinner • Sat. Nov. 9 harpist. Proceeds to St. Margaret’s Home, and Christmas Celebration of Music • Sun. Dec. 1 Sponsored by the Fondation Sénégal Santé Mobile. Fulford Residence. 11am-3pm, dinner $10, served With guests Caroline Derome, flutist, and Rafael Enjoy humour and music in French, English, He- from 11:30am-2:30pm. St. George’s Anglican de Castro, organist. Program will feature familiar brew and Wolof with the participation of Brigitte Church, 1101 Stanley. 514-866-7113 Christmas carols for all to sing. Child care avail- Albert, Abby & Mark, Christine Mayr, Zale Seck et able, refreshments served. Freewill donation. 3pm. Christmas fair • Nov. 29-30 drummers. 6:30pm. Ruby Foo’s 514 369 8607 sen- Mountainside United Church, 687 Roslyn. More than 40 local artists and artisans, lunch with egalsantemobile.org 514-486-1165 music. Fri. 3-9pm, Sat.10am-5pm. Villa Maria Merry Wives of Windsor • Wed. Nov. 13 High School, 4245 Décarie. Diabetes Lecture • Wed. Dec. 4 Presented by the Professional Theatre program 514-484-4950 villamaria.qc.ca Hosted by the Dawson Community Centre, in col- of Dawson College. 8pm. Call for prices. Dawson laboration with the McGill Centre for Studies in Christmas bazaar • Nov. 30 Theatre, 2000 Atwater. 514-931-5000 Aging. 10-11:30am. Free. 666 Woodland. Raffles, Tarot Card readings, fishing pond, chil- Evening with Bowser & Blue • Thurs. Nov 14 514-766-2010 dren’s horse racing game, hot dogs. Visit Santa Sponsored by the Montreal Lakeshore University Claus! 10am-3pm. Royal Canadian Legion Branch Christmas Concert Thurs. • Dec. 5 Women’s Club benefiting the scholarship fund 212, 7771 Bouvier, LaSalle 514-364-0428 Music by candlelight with the Ambitus ensemble. which helps young women in the West Island to $25. 8pm. Notre-Dame de la Paix, 11075 Gouin W., Pierrefonds. 450-419-9148 concertchandelle.com Talk to us What’s Happening? You tell us Cantabile Chorale Concert • Dec. 7 We’re always listening. Mostly Messiah, the beautiful musical experience Email your events by November 20 with [email protected] performed by a 70-voice, 35-musician Chorale What’s Happening in the subject line. facebook.com/theseniortimes under the direction of Maestro Peter Willsher. [email protected] twitter.com/theseniortimes 7:30pm. $20, seniors and students $15. Ste. Gen- evieve Church, 16037 Gouin W. 514-637-4661 30 The Senior Times November 2013 www.theseniortimes.com www.theseniortimes.com November 2013 The Senior Times 31 32 The Senior Times November 2013 www.theseniortimes.com Our restaurant passions and peeves Happy Since we boomers are taking over the world, sometimes to converse with a friend or loved Hanukah at least in numbers, and more businesses are one. Why do we need piped-in tunes? catering to our needs, here are two of our fa- vourite restaurant features. Do one or two things and do them well Sun. - Thurs. Dear readers, add yours to our list and we’ll Very few restaurants get away with an exten- 11 am - 11 pm publish them next time. sive menu that is always fresh and appealing. Fri. - Sat. Two of these restaurants are Tiffany’s on Dé- 11 am - midnight Mellow music or bust carie and B & M on Somerled. If you know oth- We love classical, soft rock, jazz or—better ers, please tell us. The family of Restaurant Marathon wishes still—nothing at all. When it’s hard to talk over Most restos we love do one ethnic theme or their clientele a Happy Hanukah the music, we wish we had stayed home. And one style of cooking, like Moonshine on Dé- FOR TAKEOUT & RESERVATIONS: the music for us is the diners and their chatter. carie, which cooks “real southern barbecue.” Music is best left in cafés. Even there, we often (Next month, when we reveal how well they 514-731-6455 walk out when it’s too loud. We go to a café barbecue.) 5365 des Jockeys Décarie & Jean Talon to read or work or browse on the Internet, or Send us your favourite restaurant features, by commenting on this story at theseniortimes. com or emailing [email protected] with Resto in the subject line. To all our Happy Clients Hanukah & Friends Olympique Agora 6544 Somerled 514-227-0505 Come & Enjoy our Grilled Greek Chicken A Favourite with Everyone! Ataste of Portugal at your doorstep SUPER SPECIALS DAILY Starting at $12.95 includes chef salad, rice or potatoes, soup, mini pIkilia & coffee LUNCHEON SPECIALS Starting at $7.95 Delicious choices.

Yes! We prepare take-out orders. Happy Hanukah to all our clients & friends! Mon: 5 pm- 9pm Tues-Thurs: 11:30 am-9pm ◆ ◆◆◆ 10% discount with coupon until Nov. 20, 2013 Charcoal grilled meats &seafood Dining room •Take-out service•Catering 1970 Graham, Mount-Royal (corner Kindersley) 514.504.5110 Delivery available www.galogrill.ca

A complete quarter Valid with this coupon on dining room orders only chicken meal... Offer expires now that’s an Dec. 10, 2013 (maximum 2 persons per coupon) Fish Specials Daily Take Out & Delivery VIP cards available extraordinary deal! except holidays and festivals Meal includes tomato juice or coleslaw, 1/4 Happy Hanukah 9595 chicken leg, french fries, sauce, bun 10 choices - only $8.95 and choice of soft drink. Lunch Specials Daily* to our Jewish Friends HAPPY HANUKAH TO ALL OUR FRIENDS AND CLIENTS $ 95 20% DISCOUNT FROM REGULAR MENU Until Dec. 1, 2013 9. + taxes Bring your own wine *Special available exclusively at Queen Mary location

Tommy, steve & the la belle family extend hanukah greetings to all our clients & friends Breakfast worth waking up for Early bird specials starting at $3.95, Mon. to fri. starting at 5 a.m. SPECIAL - 7 DAYS A WEEK - $4 6752 St. Jacques W. (514) 481-8114 2 hamburgers Chicken Grilled We now accept Interact, Visa & Mastercard or chicken Pita OR chicken burgers or Gyros sandwiches Super fall special Family Special - $15.99 Kids Menu - $3.95 $4 $4 Choice of Spaghetti Vegetarian 8 hot dogs 1 hot dog, 1 pogo with meat or pepperoni or 4 hamburgers, or 1 hamburger sauce submarine french fries and Pepsi with fries and drink Coupon valid Mon., Tues. & Wed. Coupon valid Mon., Tues. & Wed.

www.theseniortimes.com November 2013 The Senior Times 33 Chilling in sun-drenched Lipsi on Juliette’s beach

ipsi is our new favourite Bakery—a gathering spot for locals Greek island, and when we and visitors featuring homemade make that statement we’re Italian ice cream, such Greek pas- Lnot merely paying lip service to its tries as our favourite orange pie, charms. and excellent filtered coffee with We arrived on a small, passenger- hot milk for 1.50 euros, about $2. only ferry called Patmos Star. It was We helped ourselves to yogurt from a topsy-turvy trip. Once ashore in the fridge, just as we do in a gro- Lipsi town, the main port, we were cery store. That second morning greeted by an array of proprietors we had brought our own honey and standing at the foot of the quay almonds and created our own yo- with photos of their lodgings. We gurt-based breakfast while sipping looked at one that had too many our coffees. steps, but had a view of a small bay The entire island has an incredible that looked a lot like the waterhole vibe. Everyone is friendly. This is not where Irwin swam when he was a fancy place. No star sightings, and a boy near Préfontaine. The only the financial crises that were wrack- shade was from a row of tamarind ing mainland Greece, Spain and Por- trees and there were no chairs or tugal were far from our minds. ice-cream vendors, though we had more options that left us wanting cooked in olive oil, and salad was On the third day, we took a boat a lovely time swimming there in the for space and a view, we happened 7euro ($10). The staff at Yannis wel- ride to five islands, a trip that in- early evening after the sun had al- upon Akrogiali Studios, facing the comed us every night to feast on fish cluded swimming off the boat. The most set. It’s cool at night, at times main bay, with sailboats heading and mezes (appetizers). Other than family in the room next to ours quite windy, much like on Patmos. out to sea, seagulls bobbling in the eating and reading, we swam every happened to be on the same cruise, The island is small and unassum- waves, and a pale blue cloudless sky day and sometimes twice a day at but they were leaving Lipsi to go ing. When we arrived around 11 above. Our room was big and airy the “city” beach, a sandy expanse of to Arki. Gilles 60, his wife, Marie, am, it seemed eerily quiet. As noon with a small flat screen TV, good water, wave-less, and shallow. 16-year-old son Arthur and his gave way to a cooler afternoon and lighting, a kitchenette, and a bal- Lipsi has a year-round popula- friend Marc are from the Paris area evening, restaurants started filling cony overlooking the sea. tion of about 700 but it swells in (photo on far right). We got to know their open-air tables, all featuring Our small hotel was right next the summer with visitors mainly them on the boat we shared with fresh fish caught by the many fish- to the most popular restaurant in from Italy, France and other parts 20 other passengers. We stopped ermen whose small boats line the town, Yannis, owners of our hotel. of Greece. to swim at various bays and at the harbour. Service and food are exceptional We discovered the charming and last island, Arki, Gilles told us their After examining two or three at Yannis: a whole fish and fries extremely popular Traditional special story over lunch.

34 The Senior Times November 2013 www.theseniortimes.com Their daughter, Juliette, died of cancer when she was 9, two years before. Gilles showed us many beautiful pictures of her in Lipsi, where they would holiday every year, and of a beach nearby that she had called “paradise.” The mayor of the island had agreed that the family could create a min- iature chapel (the size of a small dollhouse) in honour of Juliette at her favourite beach, Gialos. The next day, we took a taxi out to that beach and found the lit- tle chapel on the road beside the beach (photo on left). Juliette’s picture is inside. She was a beau- tiful child, and there are stuffed animals all around her photo and flowers growing around the chapel in patches of earth surrounded by rocks. You can look inside and see her face. It is a lovely memorial. We swam at Juliette’s beach and then returned to our studio. We are planning to meet Juliette’s family next year in Lipsi. At the restaurant at Juliette’s beach we met a young Greek cou- ple, law professors from Thessa- loniki, (pictured on the right) and shared a cab back to our village. We sat at our “Traditional Bakery” and exchanged life notes. He was very interested in the non-withstanding clause in our constitution. They talked about how their salaries had been cut by about 600 euro a month but other than that they seemed to be having good lives. That evening we attended a wine festival held in the park across from the bakery, a fundraiser to buy audio-visual equipment for the primary school. The high school has 25 students with 23 teachers who may also teach at the primary school. The pupils from the school performed traditional Greek dances in costume, accom- panied by two bazoukis and a vio- lin, great entertainment that lasted into the wee hours. There were many toddlers dancing along and enjoying the souvlaki skewers. The mayor spoke at length about his successful efforts to create a wine industry on the island, to keep young people employed beyond the tourist season. We left Lipsi on the Flying Dolphin, a crazy boat ride to Samos (it kind of flies over the water and is very bumpy) to see our old friends Jocelyn, of the Thannasis Sister’s Restaurant, and bubbly Sandy from New Zea- land at her café bar. From Samos, we ferried to Chios and then to Lesvos, the climax of our island hop last summer.

www.theseniortimes.com November 2013 The Senior Times 35 36 The Senior Times November 2013 www.theseniortimes.com