Help Generations help kids MAY 2008 VOL.XXIIN O 7 (514) 933-8585

Pops turns 80 p. 11

Odd couple psychology p. 12 Music Actuelle & Chamber music p. 9 & 26 Dubrovnik through youthful eyes p. 28-29

Annual Guaranteed Income With Growth Potential Minimum $25,000 Opinion: Sick of health worries Under the rubric of protecting the landlords to dictate how tenants use the public health, our governments have for air in their accommodation is no longer some time demonized those of us who controversial, and one can indeed find choose to smoke, to deliciously ironic more intrusive demands — especially in effect. this town — slipped into online What seems at once obvious yet in- advertising and ill-composed lease comprehensible to those bent on reform- agreements dealing with matters from ing us incorrigibles is our buying into religion to food to gender to sexuality. It’s that demonization wholeheartedly and difficult, however, to imagine any of these learning to love it for what it is — a de- demands being backed by force of law in liberate alienation and an invitation to be a Canadian court. That the Tobacco messed with in the name of others’ rights. Manufacturer’s Council paid the legal No longer simply an excuse to go bills to defend this case is blithely outside for five minutes after a stressful portrayed by activists as Big Tobacco moment or tiresome situation to service versus the little guy, in spite of the fact our ‘addiction,’ tobacco use now gives us that it was the landlord taking it to court the opportunity to avoid all indoor public on appeal. Others among us are glad spaces altogether, plus the new nine- someone bothers fighting to keep such an metre exclusion zone demarcated in a invasive condition from being considered pleasing blue shade around the entrances legitimate when squeezed into the to some of our finer institutions. bottom of a lease as an excuse to meddle. And this April, the Court of Quebec’s We’ll take any champion we can get when Judge Normand Amyot gave smokers still reasonable accommodation for further reason to revel in the ostracism asthmatics starts reaching out from and white-hot shame of our foul lifestyle, public space into our private space. pushing the issue right into the bedrooms This month we feature a column about of the nation, under the expanded rubric stressing over what’s good for you, since it of protecting individual health from the seems we’re always hearing about some conduct of one’s neighbour in his or her new study highlighting the risk of some- own home. thing or other. The serene certainty that His ruling in the much-exploited all of that pales in comparison to what Fowler/Koretski case hinged on paper- one does to oneself voluntarily is reason work rather than principle — that the enough in itself to take up smoking if you tenant, a sales rep in her early thirties, haven’t tried it yet. missed two words of fineprint in her lease It’s easier now than ever to quit — we was excuse enough to overturn the Que- know. That makes choosing not to even bec Rental Board’s decision in her favour, more significant. The implicit admission and to leave aside the issue of the right to of something one doesn't like about privacy in one’s home versus the right of oneself, the chance to meet new people the landlord, an asthma sufferer, to police eager to share tales of sickness and death the quality of their shared air. The tenant — we love that stuff. It’s what keeps us smoker was ordered to immediately cease strong in the face of your derision. and desist in her home. Solidarity, smelly brothers and sisters. That it is accepted as reasonable for — Adam Desaulniers

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Large windows, Tulip Festival and The 25th Century Belongs to Canada elegant & bright lobby Lac Leamy Hull Casino Knowlton Players May 17, 2008 $30 pp August 28, 2008 $75 pp and dining room Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Stowe Vermont May 18, June 15, $75 pp Warm & friendly personnel July 13, August 17, 2008 $30 pp Sep t 20, 2008 Musical performances Charlie Pride Atlantic City and social activities Cornwall Civic Center June 1-5: Trump Plaza $385 pp June 16, 2008 $125 pp Aug 25-29: Trump Plaza $445 pp Sept 29-Oct 3: Trump Plaza $385 pp Nov 23-27: Taj Mahal $299 pp 1000 Islands Harbour Cruise & Gananoque Casino July 27, 2008 $45 pp Manoir Richelieu 400th year Celebration Danielle McCartney 514-735-7884 2 Days, 1 Night $179 pp double Adult-lifestyle Rental Complex 5555 Westminster N., Suite 202 July 14-15, 2008 $264 single www.itptravelinc.com OPC Fund of 0.35% incl. Retirement Residence: ''WHERE EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS CONVENIENTLY CLOSE'' Publisher & Managing Editor: Barbara Moser Production & Design: Albert Cormier LIMITED NUMBER OF APARTMENTS STILL AVAILABLE Assistant Editor: Kristine Berey Production Coordinator: Adam Desaulniers Copy Editor: Gisele Rucker Production Assistant: Megan Callahan Journalists: Kristine Berey, Adam Desaulniers, Systems Manager: Scott Philip Nancy Snipper Printing: Hebdo Litho 514-855-5552 Office Manager: Thelma Gearey Tel.: 514-484-5033 Fax: 514-484-8254 Sales Manager: Jacquie Soloway-Cons Email: [email protected] Advertising: Jodie Alter, Gloria Beigleman, Website: www.theseniortimes.com 1055 Côte Vertu, Ville St-Laurent Shirley Cohen, Sandra Schachter Cover photo: Robert Galbraith Published by Publications Newborn Inc. Contents copyright ©2008.All rights reserved. Legal Deposit: National Library of Canada No. D368087 Dépot légal Bibliothèque Nationale du Québec, 1993. www.placestmoritz.com Although every caution is taken by Publications Newborn Inc. to monitor advertising in the THE SENIOR TIMES, claims made by advertisers are not necessarily endorsed by Publications Newborn Inc. 2 May 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES I Get a Kick Out of You: Lyric eatre’s Broadway Sings!

WOW! WOW! WHAT A DEAL! RIDEAU CARLETON RACEWAY & SLOTS Ottawa Ontario If you love musicals, you won’t want to miss the Lyric Along with the tribute to Cole Porter, the Lyric The- Theatre’s Broadway Sings! this June at Oscar Peter- atre Singers also perform hits from Broadway’s most • Weekly Departures son Hall. The Lyric Theatre Singers, under musical popular musicals: Beauty and the Beast, How to Succeed every Saturday director Bob Bachelor, promise a dynamic concert of in Business Without Really Trying, Sweeney Todd: the • First departure May 10th the best Broadway show tunes with a spotlight on Demon Barber of Fleet Street, A Chorus Line, Fiddler on Cole Porter. the Roof, and The Fantastiks. • Slot Machines from 1 cent to $5 Sophisticated and clever, composer and songwriter The Lyric Theatre Singers, known as Montreal’s fore- • Receive $15 casino package Cole Porter had hit shows on Broadway from 1928 to most interpreters of Broadway,jazz and pop choral music Transport by Deluxe 1956. Porter was a prolific contributor to the Great since 1990, appear June 5, 6, and 7 at 8 pm and June 7 at • $25 pp American Songbook with hits like You’re the Top, 2pm,at Oscar Peterson Concert Hall on Concordia’s Loy- Motor Coach Begin the Beguine, Night and Day, Be a Clown, My ola campus, 7141 Sherbrooke St.W. $28/ $24 for seniors • Weekly draw for free trips Heart Belongs to Daddy, Now You Has Jazz, Too Darn (60+) & students; $14 for children 12 years and under Hot, I Love Paris, Just One of Those Things, and De- (service charges applicable).Reserve now: 514-363-3382. • Great Restaurant & Lovely. In 1948, Porter’s biggest hit show, Kiss Me, Kate The Montreal Children’s Library, serving children Live entertainment won the Tony Award for Best Musical, and Porter won since 1929, hosts a special fundraising concert on June 5. Claire 514-979-6277 for Best Composer and Lyricist. $55. Info: 514-931-2305 or www.mcl-bjm.ca

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We Care for You... 514.731.8600 ...in YOUR HOME! www.horizoncare.ca May 2008 3 THE SENIOR TIMES Does your apartment need repairs? If you are living in an apartment or a (phone, visit, etc). If it is impossible to rooming house, you have the right to reach the landlord, or s/he refuses to act, be treated according to the law and you can carry out the repairs, and either with dignity.Therefore, it is imperative deduct the money from your rent pay- that you know your housing rights. ments, or claim the money back at the It is the landlord’s responsibility to Rental Board. You will need to have maintain the apartment in good condi- proof that the repair was urgent (e.g. tion, and make any necessary repairs (as witnesses, photos) and that you tried to long as they are not due to damage contact the landlord, in case the land- caused by the tenant). There are three lord claims you illegally withheld rent. main types of repair situations: Apartment unfit for habitation Repairs that are not urgent (flood, heat cut off during winter) You may send a registered letter to the You have the right to abandon your landlord requesting the repairs be done apartment. Within 10 days, you must within 10 days. Project Genesis has a send a registered letter to the landlord, form letter for this. If still not done after stating your reason for abandoning. Be- 10 days, you can fill out an application fore abandoning the apartment, make HOW ARE YOUR PARENTS? at the Rental Board for the following: sure you have proof of the condition • deposit your rent at the Rental Board. (witnesses, photos) in case the landlord DO THEY NEED A CHANGE? • ask for a rent reduction, denies it, and sues you for the rent. For •ask for an order for the landlord to problems involving health and safety, carry out the repairs, you should also call the City of Montreal BEIT CHAI • ask for permission to withhold money Inspection Deparment (514-872-3181 SENIORS RESIDENCE from the rent to do the repairs, or 514-872-2237). Accredited Rose d’Or Program • ask for damages due to loss or • Professional and caring staff inconvenience, or Project Genesis offers free informa- • 24 hr supervision • ask for cancellation of the lease. tion on issues, including housing rights. No appointment necessary. • Bright & spacious rooms Urgent repairs (pipes bursting) • Elevator equipped Call 514-738-2036 or visit at 4735 • Home-cooked tasty meals You must inform, or try to inform the Côte-Ste-Catherine (in front of the • Comfort and Security landlord of the problem immediately metro, corner Victoria). We also offer Respite Care VISIT US! 5065 Van Horne Avenue • Private residence Call for appointment for seniors 514-738-6111 • Bilingual team • Personalized care • In front of a park with view of river Tel 514.752.0728 • We accommodate 10332 Belvedere St, Pierrefonds mobile seniors [email protected] with Alzheimer’s www.residencedubelvedere.com

4 May 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES CNIB launches web store For the more than 800,000 Canadians and their for people anywhere in Canada,” says Jim Sanders, families living with vision loss, CNIB has launched a President and CEO of CNIB. “Whether someone is convenient way to locate and purchase products to looking for support for themselves, their aging parents, St. Patrick Square make life a little easier. a family member or friend who is having trouble 6767 Côte-St.-Luc Road From hundreds of easy-to-see products that feature seeing, the answer is here. Once they visit the store, we high contrast and large print, to dozens of talking hope they will browse the website in search of other products like timepieces, thermometers, scales, information and connections, and take advantage of calculators or pedometers, CNIB’s web store at all CNIB has to offer.” webstore.cnib.ca offers over 1100 items chosen CNIB is a nationwide, community-based, registered specifically for people with vision loss. There is also a charity committed to public education, research and large selection of magnifiers, sunglasses, and equip- the vision health of all Canadians. CNIB provides the ment for home, office and recreation, as well as white services and support necessary to enjoy a good quality Discover our unique apartments designed canes and accessories. of life while living with vision loss. To find out more, for 55+ & autonomous. Well located near “This new initiative offers opportunity and convenience visit cnib.ca or call 1-800-563-2642. banks, shopping & bus lines. 3½ & 4½ Large gardens, indoor pool, saunas, library, gym & billiard room, & mini putting green. * Complete DENTURE service 514-481-9609 * Hookless Partials

* Emergency 1 hr repair Implant F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F dentures F F F F F SUPER DEALS F F F 2545 Cavendish 514 982-2517 F F F Europe Cruise June - 14 nights, air, all meals F F F F Visiting: Malaga • Barcelona F F • Nice • Florence • Rome F F • Gibraltar • Lisbon • Vigo F F • London & F F Transfers F F $2699 F F F F Spain Costa Brava F F F F $1399 June - 15 days F F Air &hotel, 2 meals/day F F F APPLE F F F Singles Cruise Group F F Bahamas 8 days F F Meals, drinks, & F F transportation $1499 F HILL F F Senior Citizens’ Home F F Fulfilling Needs F F 24 hour supervised care Senior Residence Fulfilling Needs Italy Amalfi Coast F June - 15 days F Private rooms - Doctor visits at Every Stage F $1699 F • Retirement lifestyle of distinction & quality • Round-the-clock F Air, hotel, 2 meals/day F Well balanced meals F F caregiving by full nursing staff • Quality service • Luxurious F Daily exercise program Canada, New England Cruise F accommodations • Recreational programs • At-home atmosphere F F Fire detectors in each room F August 31 - 7 days F F Transportation included $1099 F Happy Mother’s Day! Visit us today! F F F F Jana Cerny & Mila Sedivy 4432 St. Catherine St. West, Westmount F Tel 514-485-6004 F F Tel 514-457-1637 Cell 514-813-4166 F www.heritagetravel.ca F 5 1 4 - 9 3 5 - 1 2 1 2 F taxes incl. / OPC $3.50 per $1000 not incl. F 115 Hawthorne, Baie-d’Urfé ww w. p la cek ens ing ton .c om A DIVISION OF FAIRWAY MANAGEMENT CORP . F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F

Open 7 days/wk 6321 Transcanadienne Rd 11am to 11pm (Complexe Pointe-Claire) Tel: 514-695-9991 Until June 30/2008 Special Lunch WEST ISLAND Bring coupon Menu Starting at $7.95 Valid at this location only. Get a $5 rebate with any purchase of $20 or more upon presentation of this coupon. One coupon per table. Valid only in restaurant. May not be combined with any Dinner Table other promotional offer. Not convertible to cash. d’Hôte Reserve now for MOTHER’S DAY! Starting at $15.95 Sunday Brunch 10am - 3pm 6321 Transcanadienne Rd 514-695-9991

May 2008 5 THE SENIOR TIMES You don’t need to be alone... Taste of the Caribbean Sunday, June 8, A Taste of the Caribbean, Quebec’s plus carnival costumes on parade, moko jumbies, largest Caribbean Food Festival, celebrates its 9th Caribbean Rum Tasting, and prize trips to the anniversary at Raymond Bourque Arena at 2345 Caribbean including an all expense paid trip to Sandals Thimens in Ville St-Laurent. Cuba, courtesy of Sandals. Everyone is invited to spend a day in the Caribbean Tickets for this all-day festival are $35 and $10 for under one roof without leaving Montreal, with over children under 12. The $100 VIP Patron ticket includes 100 tropical mouth-watering dishes, tropical drinks a Pre-Cocktail Caribbean Rum Tasting Reception from and Caribbean desserts from over 20 Caribbean noon to 1:30pm, reserved seating, an all-day open bar, islands. Three Celebrity Chefs visiting from St. Lucia, private sampling of the 100 dishes before general St. Thomas, the Virgin Islands and the Dominican admission at 1:30, a gift bag filled with Caribbean Republic will join over 30 local Caribbean chefs and goodies and a chance to win a $2,000 prize restaurants to prepare some mouth-watering dishes compliments of The Nelligan Hotel and Ambiance from the Caribbean Diaspora. The festival will also Limousine. Proceeds will be donated to “Triumph feature an Arts and Crafts Marketplace and through Adversity”, a culinary arts program for Vicky Stewart entertainment by Steelband, JAB JAB Calypso Band, disenfranchised youth. Dance Caribe Performing Company, and Calyp sonians, Info: 514-620-6612 or atasteofthecaribbean.ca “We offer affordable living for Autonomous & Semi-Autonomous Seniors” • Private and semi-private rooms • Medication Supervision • Visiting Physician • Weekly Housekeeping/Laundry • 3 Nutritious Meals Daily • Sunday Chapel, Saturday Mass • Recreation Program With 24 hour supervision and assistance with emergency call bells & intercom system Teaching Centre for McGill Nursing

The Salvation Army Montclair Residence FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL: Vicky Stewart 514-481-5638 4413 Montclair Ave. Montreal (NDG) H4B 2J4 OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE SALVATION ARMY

CALDWELL RESIDENCES Why live ALONE? Caldwell Residences offers subsidized housing within a safe com- EVERYTHING YOU NEED munity environment to independent people who are 60 years and over with a low to moderate income. Our buildings are in Cote St. TO ACHIEVE YOUR WELL-BEING. Luc & the Snowdon area close to Golden Age.

$99 Summer Special • Security No joining fee* • Sprinkler system throughout 3 months for Seniors the building Wide selection of classes • Cleaning Services provided Personalized fitness training programs • Recreational and Educational High-tech equipment Activities 3 guest passes • Exercise Program Sign-up today! • Holiday Celebrations • Oneg Shabbat Notre-Dame-de-Grâce YMCA • Close to Shopping Center, 4335 avenue Hampton (514) 486-7315 Bus, Metro, Pharmacy, Bank and Local CLSC Westmount YMCA 4585 Sherbrooke St. West (514) 931-8046 For more information call Caldwell Residences 5750 Lemieux Ave, Montreal, H3W 3G1 www.centresymca.ca 514-737-7774 *This offer is only valid for people who were not members at a YMCA as of April 1, 2008. The summer membership may not be cancelled, reimbursed or transferred from one YMCA to another. Contact your YMCA to find out when this special offer begins and ends. Taxes not included. Caldwell Residences is a constituent agency of Federation CJA

6 May 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES Bike giveaway at Sun Youth Committee has received over 120 applications from into the hands of underprivileged Montreal families. which it will select the best candidates to be honored at Bicycles of all sizes (children to adult) will be the May 2nd ceremony. These exceptional children will distributed on a first-come first-served basis to families Here at Sun Youth also receive a protective helmet and bicycle lock. pre-registered for the event. Volunteers from Then on May 17, from 10am to 4pm, partners Houle Musiqueplus/Musimax and Radio-Énergie will be Nicolas Carpentier Toyota and Sun Youth will team up with helping out with this effort, and with a barbecue for Musiqueplus/Musimax and Radio-Énergie to everyone to enjoy. It’s all happening at Houle Toyota distribute some 450 refurbished bicycles that were (12305 Sherbrooke East). There may still be spots donated by Montrealers last November and geared-up available for families who wish to receive these free After a winter that seemed to last forever, spring is by Houle Toyota’s mechanics in their spare time bicycles so people are encouraged to contact Sun Youth finally upon us. Here at Sun Youth, this means one throughout last winter. In May of 2007, this activity (514-842-6822) for further information. thing: it’s the beginning of Bicycle Month. was a huge success and every single bicycle collected From everyone here at Sun Youth, happy Bicycle Throughout May, various events will underscore this and refurbished by the Toyota dealership found its way Month and be safe on the roads and bike paths! yearly tradition.Brand new bicycles will be distributed ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, to deserving children on May 2 and on May 17, Salvation Army Camp for 55-plus , , refurbishedbikeswillbehandedouttounderprivileged , DEELUXE BUS TTOUURRS , families as part of the“Recyc-a-Bike”promotion. The Salvation Army invites English speaking men , , For the 25th consecutive year, an anonymous donor and women 55-plus to Camp Lac de l’Achigan near St. , Ottawa, ON , known to the public only as “Bikeman” will allow Sun Hippolyte, June 23 to 27, featuring a natural setting, , Atlantic City, NJ Byward Market , , Hilton Casino Hotel Tulip Festival , Youth the distribution of about 60 new bicycles to healthy meals, and activities including daily devotions, , June 21-24 Sat. May10 $35 , youths whose actions have had a positive impact on craft time and speakers. Registration is $185 including , 3 days 2 nights , their community or to young people who will have shared cottage accommodations and transportation , $20 coin bonus & Burlington, VT , shown extraordinary courage when facing exceptional from Montreal. Space is limited, so book early. To , 1Buffet from$203 Ma y 31, June 21, , circumstances. Since last February, Sun Youth’s Bicycle register call 514-288-2848 x 2235. , July 27, Sept 13, , , Resorts Casino Hotel & Oct 21 $35 , , Atlantic City, NJ , , from , Temple Emanu-El Beth Sholom events July 20-24 $325 Plattsburgh, NY , 4 days 3 nights , Friday, May 9, celebrate Israel Independence Day Coiffure Novo , $30 play money Day trip , , Sat. July 26 $33 , with a Israeli dinner & service. Dinner at 6:15pm. $15. UNISEX $30 food coupon Sunday, May 11 from 9am-11:30am, Vermont histo- , , , Thousand Islands Lake George, NY , rian Jeff Potash will speak on the history of the Jews of Tue-Wed: Seniors 20% off , Charity Casino Sat. July 12 $35 , Burlington. Coffee & pastries, $5 donation. Mon-Tues-Wed: 9am -6pm , Boat Ride extra Giant Garage Sale , Wednesday, May 14 at 8 pm, Dr. Victor Goldbloom Thurs-Fri: 9am -8pm Sat: 9am -5pm , Sat. Aug 17 $35 Sat. Oct 4 $35 , discusses reasonable accommodation and the Jewish , , Our goal is your satisfaction , Other trips to follow. Full travel service. , community (reflections on Catholic-Jewish relations). , Weekly departures to New York. , Temple Emanu-El Beth Sholom, 395 Elm Ave, 4234 Decarie Blvd. Parking Available , Call Claire 514-979-6277 , Westmount. Info: 514-937-3575 514-670-3218 Villa-Maria ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Your health, our priority. A first in Quebec! Réseau Sélection, a network of residences for elderly people autonomous and semi autonomous living is improving its services by investing in the medical eld through a medical clinic in Sainte-Dorothée.

At the new COMPLEXE MÉDICAL SÉLECTION in Sainte-Dorothée, certain time slots have been allocated for our residents giving them a privileged access to medical specialists who participate in the Quebec Health Insurance Plan.

Contact our residences for further information Les Tours Angrignon Le St-Michel Les Jardins d’Italie LaSalle Montréal Saint-Léonard (Montréal) 514 364-5111 514 725-4000 514 253-5650

Les Cours du Moulin Le Jardin des Sources Saint-Eustache Sainte-Thérèse 450 974-9944 450 971-4500 www.reseau-selection.com May 2008 7 THE SENIOR TIMES Réseau Sélection_Complexe médical Sélection_pub Senior Times_n&b Format : 5 po x 7 po_Date de parution : 5 mai 2008 Navigating life with the right map living out our natural bent, nor, in the words of Joseph Campbell “following our bliss.” Instead our lives are Pit still governed by external expectations — by these maps drawn by other people. Stop Think of the tortuous journey of a man who wants to be a writer but instead, living up to his family’s Neil McKenty aspirations, has become a priest. Or a woman who wants to be an artist but finds herself doing a degree in bioethics because that’s what her father, an eminent One day on my radio phone-in show the question doctor, wanted her to do. was,“How do you get on with your mate driving the I think the word “hypocrite” is relevant here, not in a CORNER - STONE car?” Most of the callers, especially the women, moral sense, but from the Greek root meaning “actor”. recalled incidents where their husbands got lost. The It’s a dreadful burden to go through life being an actor, BOOKSHOP reaction was always the same. First the husband following the wrong map. denied he was lost, then he refused to stop the car and So how does a person develop his or her own map A Browser’s Paradise ask for directions and finally, in a fit of pique, he for the journey? My own experience is that a crisis of angrily refused to look at a map. some sort may be required to get us on the road to That radio program got me thinking about maps. Of existential honesty. Some of us must hit what AA calls Hay Moer’s Day! course, if you’re lost it’s stupid not to consult a map an “emotional bottom” wherein we realize that (with Three Floors of Old Books & Records and figure out where you are. But suppose you don’t the wrong map) we are powerless, that our lives have Sat: 10 am - 9 pm • Sundays: 12 - 6 pm have a map. Or even worse, you have the wrong map. become unmanageable and we must reach out for help. Downtown Pla1sburgh, N.Y. For example, you live in Montreal and for the first It is in this “bottom” that I believe we take the first time you are motoring to Boston. You get to Boston decisive step in beginning to draw our own map. 110 Margaret St. (corner of Court & Margaret) alright, then the whole trip begins to unravel.You can’t It is a marvellous paradox that when we become Tel: 518-561-0520 find your hotel. You can’t even find the name of the vulnerable we also become able to grow from the inside. street your hotel is on. You pore over your map. None In that sense, God does indeed write straight with of it makes any sense. crooked lines. Or as the Canadian therapist Marian Finally, you see a policeman. You stop and show him Woodman puts it, “God comes through the wound.” Moving? your map. He looks at you quizzically. He says it’s no There's a type of litmus test to tell whether one lives wonder you’re lost. You’ve been driving frantically by one's own map. First, a friend telephones and ask Decluttering? around Boston using the map of Detroit. you to a party.You say you’ll get back to her. The reason Downsizing? But isn’t that how some people go through life, for your delay is not to consult your agenda. The real following the wrong map? Is it any wonder that so reason is that you don’t want to commit yourself in Do you need to get organized many are anxious, bewildered, angry and ultimately case another more interesting invitation might turn up. but don’t know where to start? lost? Of course, now we're talking about an interior Only those who habitually live outside of their own map, a map that somehow relates to the landscape of maps are mature enough not to continually hedge their Don’t worry, WE DO!!! our own psyche. So where do we get this inaccurate, bets but to move in a straight line. Another friend Contact us today for your FREE consultation. defective map that has led us down so many blind invites you to take on a project. You hesitantly say yes alleys? I think the answer is that we get this map from not because the project interests you but because you 514.783.1869 other people. Perhaps our parents gave us a map that don’t want to offend your friend. You're not living on www.YouAreOrganized.com applies more to their needs than to ours. Or we spend your own map. Only those who do so are comfortable a lot of energy trying to live up to the expectations (the saying no when it is the mature response. How and maps) of other people. why a person says no says a lot. At the core of the problem is an instinctive sense that Drawing your own maps is not a decision nor an act we are not being true to ourselves, that we are not of will. It's a process which requires awareness, demands patience and is truly liberating. Blessings on your journey.

Piano Letter to the Editor for sale Sanctuary from what? I must disagree with your editorial supporting V Canadian sanctuary for deserters from the war in Iraq. You use the term "illegal war", which is essentially redundant, and often used to heap scorn on any country's military actions, right or wrong. In any 514 conflict, one or both sides did something illegal. The Iraq war is an extremely stupid one. The only 488-9003 benefit has been that Saddam Hussein has become one of the very few murderous tyrants of the last hundred years to have been brought to justice. It wasn't worth the price. But it has happened, and we all must deal Foyer Valiquette with that — wisely, one hopes. Unlike during the Vietnam War, the U.S. military is A friendly homey environment now all voluntary. There is no draft and therefore there For seniors • PROTECT YOUR EYES are no draft dodgers. Any deserters signed up of their 1534 Valiquette IN BRIGHT SUNSHINE own free will and must have understood that they Verdun • IMPROVE YOUR VISION ON DULL DAYS would have to follow orders which may possibly put • 24 hour Supervised Care their life and well-being in danger. A military cannot Wear our sun shields with or without your be subject to its staff deciding that they have changed • Doctor Visits • Well-balanced Meals prescription glasses. Many styles and their mind, whatever the reason. • Social Activities • Private Rooms shades available at varying prices. There is a big difference from the circumstances of • Outdoor Garden Activities Come try, we’re sure you’ll buy! the Vietnam era. I fully support our courts' decisions not to make Canada a repository for these people. If We specialize in products that will help Happy Mother’s Day! they don't like the war, they could quit the military at Dian & Jindra you see and hear better! the first opportunity and try to request alternative 5645 Côte des Neiges service in the meantime. Until then, they should do Tel: 514-768-0739 (Parking at rear) (514) what they voluntarily contracted to do. www.ultravisionmontreal.com344-3988 – Ken Frankel, Montreal 8 May 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES Victoriaville festival celebrates 25th Barbara Moser Carla Kihlstedt, accordion player Zeena Parkins, and drummer Matthias Bossi. Oh, they all sing. Skipping Every year, the town of Victoriaville, once famous for to Sunday, Shanghai-born Xu Fengzia returns for a producing hockey sticks, draws hundreds from 5pm gig with her zither-like guzheng, accompanied by across North America for a five-day festival that cel- German violinist Gunda Gottschalk. ebrates Musique Actuelle. Jazz fans will not want to miss two exciting shows Musicians also flock there, eager to participate in Sunday. Saxophonist/pocket trumpeter Joe McPhee what is considered a premiere showcase for music that leads a quartet of European musicians at 8pm. pushes the conventional envelope beyond accepted Roscoe Mitchell, a founder of Chicago’s ground- norms of harmony, melody and rhythm. breaking Association for the Advancement of Creative No, you will not hear Norah Jones or Paul Anka at Musicians, plays at 10pm with a double quartet that th ONE STORE IN VERDUN this 25 Festival International de Musique Actuelle de includes such exceptional performers as pianist Vijay 501 DE L’ÉGLISE AVE. Victoriaville, which gets underway May 15 in the town, Iyer and trumpeter Corey Wilkes. 514 768-0642 halfway between Drummondville and Quebec City. Electric guitarist René Lussier kicks off Monday's CLARKS SANDALS What you will get is a broad range of music that can triple bill, with turntablists Martin Tetreault and IN 12 COLORS be classed as musique actuelle, a term invented to Otomo Yoshihide, who may also play guitar. ELITE PARTNERS embrace creative music that ranges from free jazz and You may not like it all, but there is a lot of choice. improvised music to electronica, Noise, vocals, For the full lineup, ticket and accommodation $10 OFF alternative rock – even a group or two that could be information, go to fimav.qc.ca. with mention classified as folk. of this ad The variety is astounding, considered without equal [email protected] WESPECIALIZEINBIGSIZES&WIDEFITTINGS MÉTRO DE L’ÉGLISE in its scope and the level of the musicians. • PARKING FOR CLIENTSAT THE REAR • 3 MIN.WALK This year’s lineup was conceived as a retrospective and includes some stellar performers who have given Victo its reputation. The regulars who attend include a Calgary physician, a McGill University mathematician who develops models in the Faculty of Medicine, and a saxophone player from Niagara Falls, NY.Part of the fun is walking from one venue to the next, chatting about the Alzheimer Groupe (A.G.I.) Inc. offers ongoing highlights – and lowlights. SUPPORT GROUPS for spouses and There are plenty of fine concerts to choose from PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL GROUPS among the 23 shows. Visitors can always choose a for adult children, ACTIVITY PROGRAMS, combination that can be included in a package. For $99 ART THERAPY and MUSIC PROGRAM a person, you can see two concerts, plus a night in the for individuals in the early to mid-stages of Hotel Villegia, double occupancy with breakfast the next morning. A range of accommodations includes Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders. camping. TRAINING for professionals and caregivers. The festival opens Thursday, May 15 with pioneering For further details, please call 514-485-7233 Montreal-based saxophonist/composer Jean Derome and a dozen of the city's best-known improv musicians with two pieces, including a tribute to Victo. Fans will welcome the return of saxophonist John Saxophonist Roscoe Mitchell (photo: FIMAV) Granite Lacroix Inc. Zorn, who rose to prominence with his virtuosity and Manufacturing monuments for three generations unique combination of Jewish-sounding themes and Our craftsmen are well-known for the ability and avant-garde harmonics. Zorn leads a sextet at 10pm in care they take to personalize your monument. his “The Dreamers” project, recorded this fall on his Parkinson’s can’t Tzadik label, with guitarist Marc Ribot, drummer Joey Our Services Baron and Kenny Wollesen on vibraphones, and stop the dance percussionist Cyro Baptista. • Delivery across Quebec Zorn plays again Friday at 10pm, blowing that Starting Thursday, May 15 at 2pm, Centre Greene will • Engraving,cleaning,restorations battered horn and leading his hard-edged Moonchild offer Ballroom Dance classes for people living with • Porcelain photos and ornaments project, featuring experimental rock vocalist and Parkinson’s. Instructors are Susan Chiasson, ballroom • Free consultation in your home guitarist Mike Patton. dance teacher, and Ellen Rubin, retired physiotherapist, • Interior and exterior showroom Two other shows earlier Friday should be fascinating: who specialized in the treatment of neurological con- • Member of the Association des Détaillants Montreal guitarist Tim Brady presents three works for ditions and has been a dancer for 12 years. This is a electric guitar, digital processing and tape at 1pm, social dance class for those living with stage 1 or stage de Monuments du Québec accompanied by video, and then a “double quartet” 2 Parkinson’s who can bring an able-bodied partner. 1735 boul. des Laurentides,Vimont, Laval tribute to the great Dmitri Shostakovich. The goal of this class is to learn to dance and have fun. Then at 8pm, improvising electric guitarist Fred Frith Register & Info: Ellen Rubin, 514-484-2016. Centre (450) 669-7467 premiers his Cosa Brava ensemble featuring violinist Greene at 1090 Avenue Greene, Westmount. www.granitelacroix.com

May 2008 9 THE SENIOR TIMES What hath progress wrought? First proposed 27 years ago by Frank Mankiewicz, a development of the synthetic oil “Olestra,” we now onetime aide to American Senator Robert Kennedy, have a “fat-free fat.”So what was previously just called the word “retronym” has finally come of age. It fat is now, retronymically speaking, “fat-fat.” auditioned in the hallowed pages of the Oxford In the old days, your grocery list might read: chips, English Dictionary in September 2006, and by 2007, The Word Nerd milk, peanut butter, beer, and gum. Now we must it was the answer to the following clue in the NewYork specify if the chips are potato, corn or tortilla; if the Times Sunday crossword puzzle:“acoustic guitar” or Howard Richler milk is skim or whole; whether the peanut butter is “push lawn mower.” The Oxford Companion to the crunchy or creamy; the beer, light or full; the gum, English Language characterizes a retronym as a sugarless or regular. “phrase coined because an expression once used alone Retronyms need not be related to commerce or needs contrastive qualification; acoustic guitar into the following retronyms:“rotary phone,”“manual technology. “Jewish ghetto” is a case in point. The because of the electric guitar... mono sound typewriter,” “black & white television” and “silent original“ghetto”was a Jewish quarter in Venice in 1516, equipment because of stereo sound equipment.” movie.” (For readers of the millennial generation, I which had previously been the site of a cannon Technology and science are the most prolific should explain the anachronistic “typewriter.” It is a foundry. Getto is the Italian word for “foundry.”Later, providers of neologisms. Space exploration has single font, mechanical system for applying ink to the word ghetto came to mean the Jewish quarter of necessitated new words such as “moonwalk” and paper that handled only alphanumeric characters.) any city. Near the end of the 19th century, the sense was “earthrise” to describe novel experiences. Remember when people just received mail? Now it extended to refer to any poor neighborhood populated But alas, the complexity that progress has wrought could be certified mail, priority mail, email, voicemail, by a minority racial or cultural group. Similarly, extends even to language. In bygone days, one could or snail mail, not to mention blackmail or greenmail. “Italian Mafia” was once a wholly redundant term. describe things only with nouns. Not only was a rose a Due to the advent of satellite radio, we may soon be Increasingly, however, the term Mafia is used to apply rose, but a book was also just a book and coffee was referring to the old-fashioned variety as “terrestrial to ethnic persuasions other than Italian. merely coffee. Now we must specify whether we are radio.” Likewise, “text messaging” already necessitates What retronyms beckon in our ever-changing world? talking about a hardcover or softcover book (not to distinction from “voice messaging.” “Human chess champion” is a safe bet. With mention electronic or paper) or which coffee of the Any change in society can spawn a retronym. A ever-increasing fears about sexually transmitted seemingly endless varieties. Technological innovations partner used to be somebody with whom you shared a diseases, “physical sex” (as opposed to virtual) is of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries spawned a business venture or some manly activity such as cattle another retronymic possibility. With the online variety plethora of new vocabulary:“telephone” came into the herding. Now that the sense of sharing has been of sex you may still contract a virus, but at least it will language in 1849, “typewriter” in 1868, “television” in extended to the concepts of “life partner” and be your computer and not you that will be crashing. 1907, and “movie” in 1912. Due to technological “same-sex partner,” it has become necessary for Howard Richler’s latest book is Can I Have a Word advances, the above singular inventions have turned entrepreneurs to specify “business partner.” With the With You? He can be reached at [email protected].

Tame your Paper Jungle! May at Atwater Library Wednesday, May 21 7:30-9:30 pm, learn how to Thursday,May8 at 7pm,theAtwater Poetry Project will Literary Fare manage all in-coming mail, create and maintain a filing launch novels The Prison Tangram by Claire Huot and system, and how to stay on top of bill payments, as well The Humbugs Diet by Robert Majzels as well as Mark Abley launches Prodigal Tongue as receipts, warranties, photographs and mementos. collections of poetry Quase Flanders,Quase Extramadura Susan Portnoy at the YM-YWHA Ben Weider JCC, by Andrés Ajens and Charenton by Chus Pato. Tuesday, May 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Paragraphe 5400 Westbury, will help you get rid of the clutter. Wednesday, May 14 at 12:30pm, the Golden Stagers Books and Random House Canada launch The Prodi- gal Tongue: Dispatches from the Future of English by Wednesday, June 4 7:30- 9:30 pm, bring samples of will do a dramatic reading of the play The Collected Mark Abley at Paragraphe Books, 2220 McGill College. your paper piles and newspaper clippings and Susan Stories by Donald Margulies, directed by Ann Weinstein. Info: 514-845-5811 will go through the process step by step, clearly Thursday, May 15 at 7pm, the Atwater Poetry Project demonstrating how to eliminate the build up. $30 per will feature readings by poets John Barton, Wayde Learn the bawdy English language workshop. Register at front desk. Compton and Nathalie Stephens. Info: 514-737-6551 x 240 Thursday, May 22 at 12:30pm, Myriam Cloutier, Friday,June 2 from 1pm to 3pm,join Howard Richler’s Mount Royal Cemetery Director of Heritage Programs, class on The Bawdy English Language at Cummings May at Côte-St-Luc Library will present the history of Mount Royal Cemetery. Jewish Centre for Seniors. The English language did not Wednesday, May 28 at 12:30pm, Captain Montgomery become the world’s global language by being pure. It Thursday, May 15 at 7:30pm, journalist Kelly Di Price of the Canadian Forces will speak on the efforts of literally slept its way to the top by co-mingling with other Domenico will discuss the political climate in Senegal Canada’s provincial reconstruction team in Kandahar. languages to enlarge its vocabulary. 5700 Westbury. and West Africa based on her fieldwork. Thursday, May 29 1-4pm, a beading workshop with Info: 514-342-1234 Sunday, May 18 at 2pm, Elena Willis will discuss her supply kits on sale for $15. Proceeds to the library. photography. Free passes available. Info: Garnitures Dressmaker 514-935-7421 May at Beaconsfield Library Wednesday, May 21 at 2pm, public works director Thursday,May 29 at 7pm, Neil Bissoondath will read David Tordjman discusses how the city manages from his novel The Unyielding Clamour of the Night. Tuesday,May 27 at 9:30 am, Beaconsfield Bookworms flowers and garbage, composting and snow. Atwater Library and Computer Centre, 1200 Atwater at hold a planning meeting, followed by potluck lunch Thursday, May 29 at 7:30 pm, Julian Sher and Tupper (metro Atwater). Wednesday, May 28, 1:30 pm, Susan MacBoyle offers William Marsden will speak as part of the Quebec Info: 514-935-7344 an audio-visual overview of tour packages. Doorprizes! Writers’ Federation Writers Out Loud Series. Free Until May 31, the Beaconsfield Quilters’ Guild passes are available. 5851 Cavendish Blvd. presents prize-winning quilts. Starting June 2, exhibit Info: 514-485-6900 x 4205 Meet the Irish of wood turnings by Rohit Kent. June 3 at 7pm, meet Thursday, May 15 the Irish Studies Department at the artist. Gomery at St. James Literary Society Concordia hosts Professor Wolfgang Zach of the Wednesday, June 4, 10 am, tour Manoir Beaurepaire University of Innsbruck, Austria, discussing “Jonathan followed by picnic, register before May 31 with Nicole Tuesday, May 27 at 6pm, Justice John Gomery is the Swift and the Anglicization of Ireland.” Tremblay, 514-428-4476 guest speaker at the St. James Literary Society’s Annual Info: www.cdnirish.concordia.ca Beaconsfield Library, 303 Beaconsfield Blvd. Dinner at the Atwater Club, 3505 Atwater. Info: 514-428-4460 Info: 514-484-0146

10 May 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES Believing in kids — a special kind of faith Credit: Robert Galbraith Kristine Berey can more easily identify with an artist whose life may have been unconventional The way he talks about them, you’d but whose work is great nevertheless. think they were his children. And in a Rules are clearly written on a poster, as way they are. they would be in any high school art Pops (aka Father Emmett Johns) is cel- room, outlining behaviour that fosters brating his 80th birthday, speaking at a an atmosphere of calm, respect and cre- press conference about some of the street ativity. Only one rule hints that this is kids he has helped through Dans la rue, not a regular school setting: “Rats in the organization he started 20 years ago. cages or ON their owners.” “Her vice principal called her ‘stupid’ Dans la rue also provides regular vet- but the kid finished school here and got erinary care for kids’ pets since for many, 95%. All of you who scored 95% in en- their animals become a surrogate family. riched French raise your hands,”he chal- Sid Stephens, executive director of Sun lenges the invited media. He reminds Youth, remembers the early days of Dans them that it was only in 1991 that he al- la rue.“There was a lot of criticism from lowed the first TV cameraman to climb the community and the police. They aboard the self-financed van he used to didn’t feel you should care for runaway distribute drinks and hot dogs to kids kids — it was unheard of at the time to who literally had nowhere to go. “I feed kids hot dogs from a bus. They wanted to prove to you — and to the would end up in a police station where kids especially — that we were there for they wouldn’t know what to do with the long haul. You were surprised that them, and then end up in social services. the kids were so polite, so bright.” Pops had the kids’ confidence — they Since 1988, when The Van was visited knew he wouldn’t betray them.” by 3,500 kids, the organization has Michael Udy, director of Batshaw Youth grown in scope. It now includes The and Family Centres says Dans la rue is fills Bunker, providing short term emergency an important gap.“[Pops] found a way to services for youths aged 12-19 and the turn something that is seen as a blight — Chez Pops Day Centre that encompasses a hopeless situation — into something an alternative high school, a cafeteria, where there is hope. He’s done a good job work-integration programs, services for of marshaling assistance to kids who are young parents, tutoring, a front-line out- truly at the end of the road.” reach team, and music, art and com- Now a successful professional, Ray lived puter rooms. on the street for two years as a teen. He A glance at the bulletin board in the sees Dans la rue as essential but says its cafeteria reveals some of the kids’ daily existence is indicative of a flaw in society experiences. There’s a notice about a where “dead-end kids” don’t really have cheap place to store knapsacks, work op- an equal chance at a decent life. “[Dans portunities that don’t require education la rue] is a band-aid but a band-aid peels or experience, info on health, sexuality, off as soon as dampness gets to it. It’s the and the YMCA’s job readiness service for wound that must be addressed.” young offenders. On a shelf there are Pops knows almost all the kids he pamphlets raising awareness about sub- works with have experienced failure — stance abuse and sexual exploitation. if a kid says he got thrown out of high Outside the cafeteria, the art room, school, Pops retorts that he himself got filled with plants and sunlight, beckons thrown out of university. Some kids have — designed to pique any passerby’s cu- taken his encouragement to heart and riosity. It is run by animator Maude have gone on to higher education and Thuot and Sandra Murphy, one of 135 employment, rebuilding their lives. volunteers who devote their time to the “I’ve known rejection, I know the organization. A locked glass cabinet harm it does,”Pops said at the press con- houses precious art books that kids who ference. He downplays his accomplish- wander in can peruse while sitting in a ments. “It doesn’t take a genius to do comfortable rocking chair. A wealth of what I do, just the will to do it.” materials is waiting for the kids to try out It costs over $3 million a year to run — the art room feels like home.“Wewant Dans la rue, with the bulk of the fund- to create a link between the kids and the ing coming from private individuals. artists they read about,” says Thuot, ex- plaining that many of the young people To donate, call 514 526-5222 or visit are alienated from their own families and www.danslarue.org. May 2008 11 THE SENIOR TIMES The anatomy of messiness Kristine Berey Oscar may march to a different drum, that they If one person’s junk is another person’s have a different “time- treasure,then perhaps one person’s dis- set”. “There’s a scene aster is another’s foolproof filing sys- where Oscar comes in tem. Conventional wisdom dictates that for their double date an neat is better than messy, and certainly hour late and he’s not no one has ever been ashamed of being even aware of being late. too neat— but not everyone agrees. Al- But Felix has scheduled bert Einstein, whose desk was famous this date up to the for its precariously balanced stacks of minute, with cocktails at papers, once posed the question: “If a 8 o’clock.When the food cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered is burned and dried out, mind, of what, then, is an empty desk?” Felix is furious.” Neat Freaks and the Hopelessly Dis- Beattie cites the great organized have always been divided in painter Tom Thompson different camps, with those on the neat as a real-life example of side stereotyped as needing control people being differently and the messy ones as being somewhat “tuned”. “Thompson’s “out to lunch.” external life was chaotic In The Odd Couple, now playing at The and disorderly but he Leanor and Alvin Segal Theatre, play- had the gift of being wright Neil Simon draws a hilarious able to stop time. At one portrait of two people on the opposite point he tried to paint sides of the tidy/messy spectrum, living the process of spring in under one roof and attempting to en- Algonquin park, but dure each other. couldn’t keep up with it. “What drives ‘Francis’ crazy is not just In his case, ‘outer time’ a matter of Felix’s insistence on neatness, was incompatible with L to R: John Evans and Rod Beattie as Oscar and Felix orderliness and timeliness but also that his ‘inner time’.” with his wife he’s like a teenager.” where we just collect so much stuff.” he’s being a control freak,” says actor Being a slob is not much better, says But there is a darker side to slovenliness, By the time clients reach out to Kuljik, Rod Beattie, who plays the pathetic Felix, actor John Evans, who plays Oscar Evans suggests.“With Oscar, it’s more of they are at the end of their rope, over- thrown out by his long-suffering wife. In Madison, who could be described as a case of ‘all right, you don’t care about whelmed and unable to part with their his personal life, Beattie says he is worlds Martha Stewart’s antithesis.“Blanche left me so I’m not gonna care about myself’.” mountain of possessions. “Sometimes away from Felix. “I have a vision of my him, because he’s such an unmoveable For over 20 years, J.F. Laforte of there is emotional attachment to objects, home environment as being free of de- slob who assumes everything revolves Creative Visual Concepts has helped memories they feel bad about letting go bris — but it never happens.” around him. He thinks he’s loveable, design optimal environments, including of. Also, sometimes people come from He suggests that Felix and his nemesis charming, terrific with the guys, but stage sets, window displays, trade show humble beginnings and are taught to kiosks, wedding halls, daycare classroom hold on to things.” environments and residential spaces. He She reaches her clients through teaching believes that environment can reveal a them systems to gain control of their stuff. lot about the person who lives there. “I can help you organize a filing system “People have particular styles that where you will find anything you’re look- describe who they feel they are at that ing for in 30 seconds or less,”she says. point in time,” Laforte says. Sam Laforte says everyone has a little Oscar Gosling, psychology professor at the or Felix in them, that they are different University of Texas and author of Snoop: sides of the same coin. He says the up- The Secret Language of Stuff, also believes side to mess is that it allows you to relax that bedrooms and offices reveal key and be spontaneous while the upside to aspects of your personality. He finds, neat is that it allows you to live freely, among other things, that a diverse averting that feeling of dread when an collection of books and magazines unexpected visitor shows up. “Comfort reveals openness and well-lit airy spaces level is personal and your home is your indicate emotional stability. sanctuary. But you’re also a social being Marijana Kuljik of Organized! says and need to feel comfortable in your clutter is a byproduct of our consumer home when friends drop by. Oscar and society: “Our houses have become big- Felix, we all have them — we just have ger but our possessions take up much to learn to manage them so that one more space. We’ve become a society doesn’t take over. But we need both.”

12 May 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES May 2008 13 THE SENIOR TIMES grow and it turned into something Responsibility and commitment bigger.“It was really word of mouth at play a large role in the Equestrian Just horsing around the beginning,”said Pascale Khoury, a program as well, along with other volunteer with the foundation. “But skills. Catherine Miller of Epona's Equestrian Program, which now it's more organized, more “The horse is very challenging for started it all. Executive Director Peter formal.” the kids because it brings elements of The distinct smell of horses and Desmier had been taking a few kids to Soon after, the Foundation grew to fear, challenge, and conflict,” Poirier arena dust floats in the air, sunlight St. Lazare to offer them the chance to include a Stay in School program as said. streaming in on a group of kids learn to ride. Growing up around well as the Equestrian Program. In “I want these kids to have imagina- geared up and ready to learn. They horses, he wanted to share the expe- both programs, volunteers help the kids tion. I want them to believe they can are part of Epona, an organization rience and provide kids with the same with schoolwork. do whatever they want to do.” dedicated to keeping kids in school opportunities it offered him. “I did Even though riding horses and doing A non-profit organization relying by boosting their self-esteem everything with the horses,” he said. homework seem unrelated, they have entirely on donations, Epona needs through riding lessons and literacy “The contact with the horses and that a lot in common at Epona. “The kids your assistance to continue helping programs. whole environment changed my life. I learn academic responsibility that can these youth succeed. For more “We're planting the seeds for them to wanted to recreate that environment be applied in other areas of their lives,” information on how to get involved later on make significant changes in for these kids.” Khoury said. “They learn to be and donate you can visit their website: their lives,”says Jackie Poirier, director Quickly, the number of kids began to committed in both programs.” www.eponafoundation.com.

14 May 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES Arts festival brings passions to light ############ Contest ############ The Coming Out of the Closet Festival was created when actor Carlo Alacchi discovered20yearsworthof paintings,scripts,music,andfilmuponopeningacloset at his mother’s house and created a festival Free tickets to Diamond InThe Rough to uncover hidden treasures and talents. Neil Diamond Tribute Show featuring Joey Purpura Until May 13 exhibitions of artists who Saturday, May 17 at 8 pm have never shown their work in public, daily Legion Branch 91, 28 Ste-Anne, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue at Coop St. Laurent, 4665 St-Laurent and 1-4pm at Sala Rossa, 4848 St-Laurent. has tickets forYOU Tuesday, May 13 at 6pm as part of THEName SENIOR THREE of TIMES Neil Diamond’s biggest hits – Portraiture, Cine-Asie’s short film contest, Incubatio starring Ellen David, and at 9pm, The first 8 callers audience-driven theatre with Playback Thursday, May 8 from 10am to noon Theatre at Sala Rossa. $5. get 2 tickets to the show Wednesday, May 14 to Saturday, May 17 and Wednesday,May 21 to Saturday May 24 Call Jacquie at THE SENIOR TIMES: 514-484-5033 at 8:30pm, HESHE, a play by Carlo Alacchi, at La Balustrade/Monument National 1185 #### DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH #### St. Laurent. $20.85. The Info: 514-678-5968 or [email protected] Artist: Carlo Alacchi NEIL DIAMONDTribute Show featuring Joey Purpura Saturday, May 17 Royal Canadian Legion Churchill Branch 91 28 Ste-Anne, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue

Doors 6:30 - Dinner 7:00 - Show 8:00 Advance tickets $20, $25 at the door www.solitaryman.ca Protect what is important to you...

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The West Island ’s Fin est Ind ian Cuisine ! Bar / Restaurant Happy Welcome to Karma Restaurant and Bar, where Indian cuisine is prepared and served fresh by our award winning chef, Mother’s Day directly from India. Experience the finest of Indian culture and cuisine. Come enjoy a fine dinning experience from with an ambiance that will take your 4720 St-Jean Blvd. THE SENIOR TIMES breath away in a modern, elegant set- Pierrefonds ting. See you soon! 514.620.1233 Every need anticipated at La Belle Province Tues-Fri 11:30 - 3:00 Lunch - Table d’hôte [email protected] Dinner open from Tuesday to Sunday www.restaurantkarma.com Adam Desaulniers latest sports updates and surrounded by personal touches, movie posters and A classy establishment always goes sporting collectibles. At his prompting the extra mile for its patrons, and La I tried the Chef’s Special, with two Belle Province on St-Jacques is hard eggs, three meats, French toast, home Jardin Garden to forget in this respect. fries, baked beans, fruit and coffee, and Tr uly AuthenticAsea Asiann Taste Featuring exceptionally attentive staff my guest tried the spinach omelette • Szechuan • Dimsum • Thai • Sushi and friendly, diverse clientele eager to plus, at my insistence, the poutine, extol, unbidden, the virtues of the es- since no review would be complete Happy Mother’s Day! tablishment at astounding length, this without it. The verdict, verbatim: popular institution is swollen to the “Best. Poutine. Ever.” I kid you not. ALL YOU CAN EAT point of bursting on a Saturday after- The special showed up in a flash and Sunday - Thursday $22.95 noon with eager patrons fond of the was done exactly as requested. It’s def- 95 Friday - Saturday $25. Dining Room Only gigantic portions and bottomless cof- initely worth a try. After diving into fees for which it’s known. The table our saucy dishes with heady abandon, FREE DELIVERY service is snappy and responsive, while the coffee came fast and furious, with- Monday - Thursday the atmosphere is relaxed and busy out the service ever feeling rushed nor 11:30 am - 2:30 pm 5 pm - 10 pm enough to have a good belly laugh anything less than exemplary, as we sat, Friday - Saturday without disturbing anyone. chins dribbling with syrupy excess, sa- 11:30 am - 2:30 pm Tommy, a hardworking hands-on tiated and happy. Reservations: 514-487-8868 5 pm - 11 pm kind of boss, when probed as to what Equally worthy of recommending for Sunday 5828 Sherbrooke St. W. (corner Regent) 11:30 am - 2:30 pm inspires such profound loyalty in din- either a family outing or a morning www.aseangarden.ca 5 pm - 10 pm ers who keep coming again year in and bounce after a hard night, La Belle year out, is quick to credit the family- Province is found at 6752 St-Jacques friendly ambience – notably compli- W, just west of Cavendish (bus 90 from mented by a widescreen tuned to the metro Vendôme). Daily: 11 am - 10 pm A BURL INGTON, V ERMO NT LA NDMA RK FO R 18 YEA RS! Daily Luncheon Voted one of New England’s SPECIALS Top 5 diners in from Yankee Magazine $7.00 - $8.00 Happy Mother’s Day FREE Parking A Burlington area favorite Happy Mother’s Day! Enjoy Friendly, Upbeat Service & Mom’s Home Cooking We make all our own Cakes & Pies ( Fresh & Local) FREE Delivery Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner 5875 Monkland 12 noon -10 pm Cash Only Mon. 6 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.- Fri. 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat. 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday Brunch 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Route 7 Winooski-Colchester Town Line 514.369.7887 Exit 16, right off Vermont I-89 (1-802) 655-0343

Tommy and the La Belle Family invite their clients to bring their belles to celebrate Mother’s Day with flowers and excellent individually prepared meals. Come & enjoy our unique daily Specials. THE BEST IN TOWN 6752 ST. JACQUES W. 514-481-8114 START YOUR DAY AT 5:30 WITH A SUMPTUOUS LLa Beelllee PProoviince BREAKFAST

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Happy Mother’s Day! Luncheon Specials 11am–4pm $8.95+ FOR TAKEOUT Nightly Dinner Specials $9.95+ & RESERVATIONS: 5365 des Jockeys Fresh fish daily 514-731-6455 Decarie & Jean Talon Happy Mother’s Day! 25% SENIOR DISCOUNT FOR MONTH OF MAY DISCOUNT Monday to Sunday after 4pm (min $10) Happ Happyy Mother’s Day! Reservations or Take out Reception Hall • Fully Licensed 514-735-1911 Happy RESTAURANT Come Discover Mother’s Day! The Culinary Tuscan Tradition Fireside of Family Dining Lunch Mon. - Fri. 12 to 2 pm After 6 pm Daily 4759 Van Horne (near Victoria) ... 514-737-5576 362 Fairmount W. Montreal TUSCANY GRILL ... Reservations Cucina Italiana • Fully Licenced RESTAURANT 514 270-8437 Family portions of Salads, Pasta & Chicken Happy Mother’s Day! RESTAURANT 5525 Côte-St-Luc Rd 514 484-7525 SOUVLAKI 3800 St-Jean Blvd 514-626-5757 A WARM GREEK EXPERIENCE! OPENING SOON IN THE WEST ISLAND Mon-Sat: noon - 10 pm & Sun: 4 pm - 10 pm Happy Mother’s Day Happy Mother’s Day! 6544 Somerled 514 227-0505 • 514 227-0606

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May 2008 17 THE SENIOR TIMES florist le • Flowers • Plants jardin • Weddings • Balloons Orient yourself to Asian culture de • Fruit Baskets mélissa Happy Mother’s Day! Delivery around the World 514-488-1147 6206 Sherbrooke West www.lejardindemelissa.com Alina Esthetician • Facial • Waxing • Massage PROMOTIONS: Manicure & Pedicure $45 Facial $50 SENIOR SPECIALS

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Until May 24th Festival Accès Asie promises Montreal performances, an interactive multimedia installa- a splendid 13th edition celebration of Asian culture, tion, film projections, a dance show, two dance with a painting exposition, two interdisciplinary workshops and a Bollywood mega party. Fifty local and national artists, originating from nine Asian countries, present their talents in nine venues. Family Dental Care Info: 514-523-1047 or accesasie.com Dr. Avrum L. Brenner B.Sc. DDS Dental Surgeon McGill Certificate in Geriatric Dentistry Music Music Music Concert to benefit Extra Miles Happy Mother’s Day! Senior Visiting Program NEW! 514-487-5332 Wednesday, May 14 at 2:30pm the Montreal West United SPECIAL Kildare Medical/Dental Bldg Church, 88 Balllantyne Ave. North, will present a brass chamber music concert featuring music from Bach to Joplin, HEALTH WEEKEND 7005 Kildare Road, Suite 11 Côte St. Luc from Brahms to Bernstein. Performers are members of the Low Bass section of the OSM. $10 at the door. Wheelchair Fresh Juice Cure accessibility. This concert is a benefit for MWUC’s Extra 3 nights, 2 massages $350 + tx Miles Senior Visiting Program. Extra Miles matches up vol- 2 nights, 1 massage $250 + tx unteers to be friendly visitors with isolated seniors in NDG, Colon Irrigation (optional) $65 + tx Montreal West and Côte St-Luc. Info: 514-482-3210 or www.mwuc.org Centre Val Santé Cummings Centre presents 450-834-8484 GROUPE NEWTON 7676 Pelletier Rd, Rawdon Toxic Audio Live and Off Broadway www.valsante.qc.ca Jennifer Gaudo Tuesday, June 3 at Club Soda, the Cummings Jewish Cen- tre for Seniors Foundation will present Toxic Audio Live and Affiliated Real Estate Agent Off Broadway, featuring award-winning singers who will Over 30 years experience at your service Royal LePage Groupe Newton perform with nothing but their voices. To purchase tickets online in support of CJCS, visit www.cummingscentre.org. BARBIERIG Let me take care of everything! Tel: 514-481-0241 AUDIOPROTHÉSISTES Cell: 514-445-4488 DIGITALHEARINGAID(S) [email protected] NOWPAIDBYMEDICARE Come in and discover what a digital hearing aid can do for you! Esthemedica • Assistive Listening Devices FOR MEN & WOMEN

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Best Wishes for a Happy and a Very Special Mother’s Day!

May 2008 19 THE SENIOR TIMES Curtains Up! Imagination is Short Story Long centre stage Wednesday through Sun- day until May 17 at 8pm, “Staging the Imagination” is the theme for Mainline Theatre presents Geordie Productions’ 28th season lineup. The Short Story Long, written Montreal Mainstage Series includes The Lit- and directed by Joel tle Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupéry, Fishbane, about a writer adapted by Luciana Burcheri; Maita by Es- who leaves his money to ther Beauchemin; and Alice Through the his wife, but the proceeds Looking Glass by Lewis Carrol, adapted by of all his writing to the Harry Standjofski. Schools and Cegeps. For many communities, mysterious A.K. $15/$12 Artistic Director Dean Patrick Fleming the Geordie shows represent their only op- seniors. Fridays 2-for-1, says, “We believe that we have the most portunity to experience live theatre each Sundays pay-what-you-can imaginative audience in the world, therefore year. (2pm). 3997 St-Laurent. Credit: Terry Hughes it is our responsibility to match their cre- Wednesday, May 21 and Thursday, May 22, Info: 514-931-5449 Stefanie Buxton and Stephanie Breton ativity.” Geordie’s casts and creative teams at 7:30 pm, Geordie invites supporters to its feature established Montreal theatre artists, annual benefit production, at D.B. Clarke such as Harry Standjofski, Anna Cappelluto, Theatre, of Bedtime Stories, by Norm Foster, Imago presents Amy Keith and Glenda Braganza. featuring a cast of community leaders, in- From September to April 2009, Geordie cluding distinguished lawyers, judges, e Baroness and the Pig will tour schools across Quebec, Ontario and doctors, and other professionals volunteer- Paris, the end of the 19th century: a wealthy the Maritimes, presenting The Lion, the ing their time and“talent” to raise money for baroness comes across a young woman who has Witch and the Wardrobe for elementary au- Geordie’s season, including the expansion of been raised by pigs in a barnyard and sets about diences, and The Shape of a Girl for High its community outreach programme,“Spirit the perilous task of transforming her from a of the Community”. Each season Geordie wild thing into an accomplished servant. donates tickets to community groups and Imago Theatre presents the Quebec Eng- organizations, including Cangrands Na- lish-language world premiere directed by tional Kinship Support this year, as well as Catherine Bourgeois and starring Nathalie subsidized School Tour performances to Claude and Leni Parker. schools across the province, hospitals and Theatre de la Chapelle, 3700 St. Dominique other organizations with special needs. until May 18. Tues.-Sat. at 8pm. Sun. at 2pm. Montreal mainstage shows are at the D.B. $20/seniors $16. Clarke Theatre, Concordia U Hall Building, Info: 514-843-7738 Credit: Michael Slobodian 1455 de Maisonneuve W. Fundraiser $100 includes elegant reception. A look at a lost world Jungle Book photos: David Babcock Info: 514-345-9810 or www.geordie.ca Joe Balass’ film Baghdad Twist, presenting a visual memoir of one family’s life in Iraq be- fore escaping to a new home in Canada 38 years ago, has attracted recent attention at in- ternational film festivals. Featuring a never-before-seen collection of archival im- ages, home movies and family photographs from Baghdad, the film pulls back the curtain on Iraq’s once thriving Jewish community, its perilous final years and its remarkable ability May 11-13 at the NFB Cinema,1564 St-Denis to find solace in the shadow of fear. (514 496-6887) and May 14-15 at Cinema- The NFB documentary will be screened Space at the Segal Centre (514 739-7944).

from may 19 to 29, 2008

ten days of piano, ten days of emotion! quarter finals master finals gala may 20, 21 and 22 classes may 26 and 27 concert 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. may 25 7:30 p.m. may 29 | 7:30 p.m. semi-finals 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Théâtre Maisonneuve Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier $30 / $20 / $10 student $40 / $25 / $10 student may 23 | 7 p.m. Pollack Hall may 24 | 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Schulich School of Music Orchestre Métropolitain du Grand Montréal McGill University $10 / session | $5 student Jean-Marie Zeitouni, conductor 555 Sherbrooke West Street

Tickets: 514.987.6919 Admission: 514.790.1245 www.admission.com Free entrance

packages available www.concoursmontreal.ca Tel.: 1.514.845.4108 [email protected]

Diffuseur officiel Reservations 1-800-278-8510 Hawkesbury Golf Club • 1150 Golf Club Rd. Hawkesbury Ont. K6A 2R2 Just 35 minutes from West Island, exit 9 off hwy 417 www.hawkesburygolfandcurling.com 20 May 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES H O U SE O F T R AV E L Courageous cats need you Special prices for SENIORS! Founded in 1994 by Barbara Lisbona, the Animal Carolyn Callender Cruise Specialist on All Major Cruise Companies Rescue Network has become the largest no-kill animal Special accompanied groups on different departures shelter in Quebec. The organization never euthanizes Are you a cat lover interested in finding the perfect an animal unless an extreme level of sickness and Certified specialist from Switzerland. pet companion? Check out Adoption Days organized suffering necessitates it. At any one time there are Go nearly anywhere with Swiss Air by the Animal Rescue Network and its clinics, where approximately 300 cats staying at the main shelter in and stop a few days in the Swiss mountains. volunteers can answer your questions. Based on your Rosemont. The shelter does not have any paid lifestyle and needs, and the needs of the cat, Very special rates employees or receive government subsidies for your travel arrangements! volunteers will recommend cats they think will The Network also has a number of foster Call us first or last and save! be a good match for you. homes. Info: 514-938-6215 Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Sea Choosing adoption over petshops Cats up for adoption Super ship, 135,000 tons. Ask for brochure. Cruises with bus transfer from Montreal to New Adoption is less costly. The $130 Toby, is 8 with a slight weight problem, is York Nov. 9-30 next departure adoption fee includes vaccination and sociable and welcomes visitors with a lot of sterilization (both performed pre- Call Alex anytime (514) 282-1022 Permis purring. He was adopted in 2002 and du Quebec adoption) and 30 days of medical care under returned to the shelter after 6 years with his 2 pet insurance — an affordable alternative to feline friends since the owners had a baby the $250 to $300 required to purchase, who is allergic. He loves to roll around and sterilize and vaccinate a store-bought pet. be caressed. Your adoption fee helps Animal Rescue Rambo, a beautiful grey cat male, 7, Network provide food, shelter and medical became homeless after his owner’s death. care to our growing population of animals. He is calm and charming. He has since Although you’ll only find cats at Adoption recovered from this shock and just wants to Days, dog lovers can contact the Network be loved! and meet dogs for adoption. Blanche, a lovely female cat, 8, has beautiful Adoption Days green eyes and immaculate white fur. Her owner abandoned her in 2001 under the Saturday,May 10, 12pm – 4pm at pretext that she was bad-natured, which we Natural Animal & Pawtisserie, 4932B find hard to believe! She is quiet and calm, Sherbrooke W.Info: 514-488-4729 hardly noticed around the shelter – but she • Family-Oriented Home Saturday, May 17, 10am – 4pm at would dearly love to live in a home where she • Long & Short Term J.E. Mondou, 10315 Lajeunesse. is noticed and appreciated. Info: 514-381-4747 Felix, a cute male cat, 8, lived with a • Convalescence/Respite Saturday,May 17, 10am – 3pm at J.E. woman who had too many cats. Felix loves Mondou, 2032 Victoria Ave., Greenfield other cats and is gentle yet nervous. Park. Info: 450-672-5080 Perhaps this is his secret to retain his tiny 14 Cedar Ave. Pointe Claire Saturday June 7, 10am – 4pm at J.E. waist as he is thin and in good health. (514) 697-8922 Mondou, 90 Jean-Talon E. Info: 514-271-5503 Info: arn-rsa.rescuegroups.org

May 2008 21 THE SENIOR TIMES Artistry benefiting Alzheimer’s Gisele Rucker a heavy lead pencil by inserting it into a carpal tunnel glove sleeve around her hand. With her lower arm se- Art teacher Mona Wizenberg is quick to name all the cured to an armrest of her chair, she could make marks individuals and sponsors* who are supporting the on a poster board taped to a lap tray. Sunday, May 25 Artventure for Alzheimer’s Wizenberg says, “Students who are blind draw too!” fundraiser and auction of drawings by her students, — she helps them use their hands as eyes. She brings in seniors who have never drawn before. her realistic bird sculptures, over which they can run Her success as a teacher lies in the beauty of these their hands before drawing. She provides magnifying drawings, which she lovingly unveils, one by one, with glasses or sheets, aesthetic lamps, and will outline in heartfelt joy, and sometimes sadness, recounting the black the initial shapes her almost blind students draw. physical or mental challenges each senior artist must Whether a still life, a highly individualized version of overcome to draw. “They inspire me,” she says. “They work by the late Gazette cartoonist John Collins, or have given me so much: if they can draw, given all their well-known masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, which ap- physical ailments, then I can handle anything. Making pears 36 times on the Artventure souvenir T-shirt, the art makes them forget all their pain. Art is therapeutic work of all the artists, who live in different residences and they have become addicted.” of the West Island, will be together for the first time in Trained as a Special Care Counsellor, Wizenberg one huge vernissage and auction fundraiser for worked for 16 years teaching anger management, prob- Alzheimer’s, with 70% of the proceeds going to the lem solving and impulse control to students in schools. Alzheimer Society and 30% to the Bloomfield Centre. When she was laid off, her next vocation appeared to CTV weather host Lori Graham will MC the event, fea- her while caring for her Uncle Noah, who has turing performances by harpist Véronique Couturier, Alzheimer’s. She befriended a woman who is paralyzed flautist Mariève Lauzon,and songs led by Linda Morrison, except for her left hand. Over three months, Wizenberg former conductor of theYellow Door Choir.Auctioneer is Photo: Gisele Rucker taught her how to draw floral arrangements. “She en- well-known West Island personality Mike Lawrence.West Mona Wizenberg models the Festival souvenir couraged me to teach seniors how to draw… I fell for Island Mayors, along with Quebec’s Minister responsible T-shirt showing 36 coloured pencil drawings of seniors — they give me hope and inspiration.” for Seniors, Marguerite Blais, will also attend. Door prizes Mona Lisa by seniors. Her strength is encouraging seniors to boldly take up include a Robert Bateman signed limited edition print, a coloured pencils and overcome their fear of not being VIP tour of CTV and supper with Lori Graham, 8 week- *Sponsors include Manoir Kirkland, Le Wellesley, Manoir able to draw. She tells them, “Your signature is unique end getaways, James Taylor concert tickets, health club Pierrefonds,The Bayview,LeVivalis,Le Cambridge,the Sunrise, and it is actually drawing.” memberships, photography studio packages, and the Masterpeice, Bureau en Gros, Les Résidences Vivendi, Horizon Persistent about including every senior in her eight Arthur Murray Dance School has offered gift certificates Home Care,Omer DeSerres and the Holiday Inn Pointe Claire. week course now widely offered (for a fee) in West Is- (valued at $125) for a dance land residences and privately, Wizenberg will adapt lesson package, at the door. tools and techniques to assist those with disabilities. Artventure takes place Sun- Greening our communities into action She describes how she and an occupational therapist day, May 25, 1:30-5:30pm adapted equipment to allow a woman with Hunting- at the Holiday Inn Pointe ton’s Chorea, a neurological disorder causing Claire. Tickets: $20. uncontrollable movement, to steady her hand and hold Info: 514-696-0419

Coop La Maison Verte is selling plants and giving away trees Saturday, May 17. Buyers can choose from a variety of heritage tomato, vegetable and herb seedlings,grown by two important local longtime contributors to the greening of N.D.G,Action Communiterre,and local farmer Stephen Homer of Ferme du Zephyr in Senneville. Les Clubs 4H is donating 400 trees.Free composting and gardening workshops are offered too. Heritage, or heirloom, plants come from seeds that have been preserved for over 50 years, chosen for their flavor and interesting appearance. Growing these plants enables local gardeners to take part in the preservation of rare and unusual varieties, not offered by mainstream producers and at risk of being lost. Founded in 1999,Coop La MaisonVerte, store and café is 6000 members strong and offers more than 1,000 ecological Info: Anna Lee-Popham. 514-489-8000 and fair trade products. Event will take or [email protected] or place 10am-5pm at 5785 Sherbrooke W. www.cooplamaisonverte.com 22 May 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES Will US housing crisis affect Canada? Gillian Pritchett foreclosure starts and while subprime which then reduces the value of other here, and ‘no document’ mortgages are ARMs represent 7% of the loans properties nearby, and a glut of available whereby a self-employed The US housing crisis hit the headlines outstanding, they represented 42% of repossessed houses dampens prices by person can declare their earnings last year when thousands of American foreclosure starts during the fourth adding to the supply of homes for sale. It without documentary proof, Freed homeowners were faced with the harsh quarter of 2007. RealtyTrac, a company is not only borrowers who lose but also considers it unlikely that the same reality of not being able to keep up the that tracks foreclosures, has over 650,000 lenders, with major mortgage lender phenomenon will occur in Canada. high repayments on their homes.Tragic foreclosure properties available for resale. New Century Financial going bust in As to the impact it may have on scenes of people moving out of their The areas worst affected are in the February of this year and HSBC issuing Canadians, anecdotal evidence suggests homes became commonplace. Midwest, where the subprime bust is its first profit warning in its 142-year that rental prices are now much higher The worst affected have been holders of battering an industrial economy already history as a result of losses incurred on in Florida – a favoured haunt for ‘subprime’ mortgages, typically lent to in long-term decline, but even more subprime loans by its American division. snowbirds. But for those seeking to buy, borrowers with shaky credit.According to economically robust states such as Florida According to Jean Freed, MBA, a now is the time to secure that the Mortgage Bankers Association, some and California are feeling the impact. Montreal financial advisor and condominium at a very reasonable price. 5.82% of all mortgages are now The knock-on effects are significant: consultant, there were three principal Freed emphasizes, however, that with delinquent, the highest since 1985. since the process of repossession takes a causes of the crisis. Buyers overborrowed much of Florida located on a flood plain, Adjustable rate mortgage loans (ARMs) year or more, delinquent borrowers have on homes they couldn’t afford. Lenders buying flood insurance is an essential. represent a disproportionate share of the little reason to look after their homes, approved risky borrowers and then As for the broader effect on the divested that risk by selling the mortgages Canadian economy, the housing market on the financial markets. Another factor is starting to slow in Canada, and Simple precautions can prevent falling injuries was predatory lending, where people exporters to the US are likely to see a When seniors fall on or from stairs even light switch at both the top and bottom were seduced into believing that if they decrease in demand. Freed’s view is that a short distance, the consequences for of the stairs. stretched themselves for about three years while there are downsides, the overall their health can be both severe and long For information or a free electronic copy they could make a financial killing and, impact is unlikely to be severe in Canada. lasting. Thankfully, many of those falls of Preventing Falls on Stairs or info on with the resultant profit, buy another Jean Freed, MBA offers financial can be prevented with a little careful maintaining and/or renovating your home, home outright. consulting services for small business planning, and a few simple strategies. visit www.cmhc.ca or call 1-800-668-2642. Could this happen in Canada? While the and wealth management strategies for To help you protect your health, in- mortgage market is equally unregulated investors. For more info visit jfreed.ca. crease your safety and maintain your in- dependence, Canada Mortgage and Free blooms for all Housing Corporation (CMHC) gives a Again this year, residents and groups in number of tips on how seniors and their Côte-des-Neiges and NDG can pick up the art of posture caregivers can help reduce the risk of free flowering plants and compost from falls on or from stairs at home. Eco-quartier offices. For example, visually distracting pat- Groups must register with the borough Get a fresh new look ! terns on the tread (the horizontal part of Accès Montreal by May 9, in person at Learn to acquire a good balanced posture! a step) can make it difficult to distin- 5160 Décarie, or by calling 311. They guish one step from another. If the edges can pick up their flowers at 6960 Dar- Impr ov e y our b re at hing , boost y our ener gy , focus of the stairs can’t be seen clearly, mark lington Friday, May 23. Residents can your a tten tion, not just sitting up st ra ig ht ! them by painting a permanent stripe on pick up plants and compost Saturday, Register now ! the edge in a contrasting colour. Also May 24 from 9am at the Eco-quartier in New classes fr om Ma y 14 to July 17 improve the lighting on steps and stairs, their area. First come, first served. Limit We dnesda ys and Thursda ys 5 :3 0pm to 7 :00pm using lighting that makes the edges of of 24 plants per address. A driver’s li- The Montreal School for the Alexander T echnique 514-259-5665 stairs visible without causing glare or cence, phone bill or hydro bill will be ac- strong shadows, and consider installing cepted as proof of residence. Bring low-intensity night lighting, as well as a sturdy containers.

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FUNERAL HOME female non-smoker AGE $250,000 $500,000 $1,000,000 A family business since 1958 50 $34.65 $58.05 $111.60 60 $85.95 $155.83 $306.67 70 $231.88 $397.50 $780.83 560 Lakeshore Dr. Dorval 514-631-1511 * all rates are monthly **for those that qualify, preferred rates may be available AT THESE RATES CAN YOU 2125 Notre Dame Julie Cardinal Lachine 514-639-1511 AFFORD NOT TO BE INSURED? For personalized service call 514-336-6211 May 2008 23 THE SENIOR TIMES Ch ronic Pain Therapy Ageism makes bad situation worse beneficial to everyone rammed into the driver’s side of my brand new Honda • Naturotherapy Civic while turning a corner. • Kinesiotherapy • Muscle Therapy The damage to my car was significant, but the state I was in was worse. I had watched in horror as my • DolorClast Shockwave Therapy My Way windshield crunched and crumbled, and it hit me that Cent re Médical Pier refonds Ursula Feist I had just been about five inches away from being 12774 Gouin Blvd. W. #205 severely hurt or killed. My anger and fright showed — 514-472-0880 I reacted furiously. ww w.shockwavetherapy-mont real.com A cheerful young man came running out of the house Flipping through channels one evening to find opposite and, pointing at me, said, “I saw it, I was on something pleasant to look at, I caught a panel my roof, she ran a red light.” discussion on a German channel on the subject of The young woman asked him to be a witness and he smoking. A new law in Germany had been tabled to enthusiastically complied. That settled it. The police forbid smoking in public places, and was causing were called, and upon arrival ignored me and the considerable controversy. horrendous damage to my vehicle. Home & office security systems One panelist mentioned an 88-year-old woman dying When they finally addressed me they were arrogant Medeco-Abloy of heart disease as a result of smoking, prompting and condescending. I was old and in shock, and when Mailboxes, Master key systems, Security grills another to remark, “Well, how long should she have you are old you are guilty! You shouldn’t be driving! Residential, commercial Sales, installation, service li—” before cutting herself off on account of some Nobody asked me whether I needed anything or 10% off Medeco Deadbolts raised eyebrows. whether I was alright until my son arrived. I was incensed and unashamedly wished that she To add insult to injury I was handed a $150 ticket for 6010 Sherbrooke St. W. (bet. Hampton & Belgrave) would find herself in an unwelcome position one running a red light, based on nothing but the word of Cell: (514) 952-8891 • Tel. & Fax: (514) 481-8891 day. She must have been about fifty and her green the witness on the roof and the young woman. I have Dirndl dress certainly did not distract from her never had an accident in my driving life of over 50 years and no one even checked the view from the roof to I was old and in shock, and when confirm what the young man could have actually CYBER SENIORS Caf é Rencontre witnessed. Mon. W ed & Fri: 9:30am-12:30pm Internet and Computer Literacy you are old you are guilty! When the young constable who handed me the ticket Coaching finally looked at the damage that the elegant truck had pp Get plugged In! Learn to Send Emails$,20 wrinkles in spite of heavy make-up. inflicted, he commented, “She must have hit you Manage your computer , Socialize, It brought home to me the reality of being a hard”— a diagnosis confirmed by what it cost to repair. Make new friends over a cup of cof fee. senior once more: the impatience, disrespect and I often think of that moment, and still have that Internet & Computer W orkshops tactlessness too often thrust upon this segment of the uncomfortable feeling in my stomach — of having * On-Site Education Specialist population. Not so long ago, some youngster actually been treated like someone who doesn’t matter. pp Bring a friend and save 25% - Valid until 05/30$/1008 0 asked me whether I had thought about my own death! If you have been treated unfairly because of your This attitude was reflected in a recent accident I age, we would like to know. Please send your story to T.: 514-482-7942 Reserve now! 5580A Sherbrooke W . Montreal (close to V end ôme station) experienced: a young woman in a Cadillac Escalade [email protected].

Mother’s Day Happenings Mother’s Day Brunch at Beth Zion Teapot invites Mothers Sunday, May 11 at 11am, Beth Zion Wednesday, May 14 from 10am to Congregation and Blossom by La Plaza 1pm, the Teapot invites all mothers and host their first Mother’s Day Brunch, guests to a Mother’s Day Portrait Party. offering delicious food in an elegant Continental brunch served, $6. setting. Open to all with activities for Bring a picture of your mother. kids, entertainment and surprises. Info: 514-637-5627 or theteapot.org Tickets are payable in advance before May 8. $36/$32 seniors & mothers/$25 McGill Mother’s Day Concert children to age 15. Reserved seating. Sunday, May 11 at 3:30pm, the McGill 5740 Hudson in Côte Saint-Luc. Conservatory’s Mother’s Day Gala Concert Info: 514-489-8411 x 24 or of three McGill Conservatory choirs at Pol- www.bethzion.com lack Hall, 555 Sherbrooke St. W. $10. Recitals at Pollack, Redpath and Tanna Mother’s Day at Men’s Club Schulick Halls in May and June appear on Sunday, May 11 starting at 8:45am, the www.music.mcgill.ca Shaare Zedek Men’s Club presents a Ensemble Musica Orbium Mother’s Day program with Roslyn Penn Malin featuring “Ah Yes! I Remember it Sunday, May 11 at 7:30pm the ensemble Musica Orbium performs works by John Well – Tips and Techniques for Memory Dankworth, George Shearing and John Rut- Enhancement.” Service at 8:45am, ter with the Carole Therrien Quartet in opus breakfast and lecture at 9:30am. 5305 for soprano and jazz trio. Rosedale Ave. Info: 450-671-3548 or Info: 514-484-1122 www.musicaorbium.org

Hello Bonjour offers free daily call service The City of Côte Saint-Luc encourages unteers call a pre-established list of con- seniors living alone to register for its tacts, such as the building concierge, rel- Hello Bonjour program – a free service atives or friends, who can confirm the that puts volunteers in daily contact senior is okay. with seniors by phone and ensures The children of a senior can also ask their well-being. their parent if he or she wants to partic- Every weekday morning, a city volun- ipate. If the parent approves, the child teer calls the registered senior to ensure can register the parent. he or she is okay. The senior can choose To register for the free Hello Bonjour to call the city volunteer instead. If the service or to volunteer your time to call senior cannot be reached, the city vol- seniors, call 514-485-6819. 24 May 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES CREATION Worrying about the glass of wine AVEC FLAIR Recent headlines warned women that drinking a glass Beauty Salon of red wine daily might raise their risk of breast cancer. for Men & Women Let’s talk Should we worry? I was happier when I read that there may be constituents in wine that protect against Happy Mother’s Day! dementia. More confusion. Are we to choose which about it disease we would most like to prevent? Are these Bonnie Sandler, S.W. studies causing us more anxiety, therefore putting us 514-481-9123 at greater risk for Alzheimer’s? Dr. Nathan Herrmann, 7340 Côte St. Luc Rd. head of geriatric psychiatry at Sunnybrook Health In my assessments of individuals with cognitive Sciences Centre in Toronto, cautions that this is only impairment, I have noticed that many include a “one of a number of studies” that have examined the history of lifelong struggles with excessive worrying, issue and that“the literature is very divided on whether GARAG GARAGEE BEAUMONT anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and/or depression predisposes to dementia or not, and is MECHANIC & BODY SHOP depression. This alone is something to worry about. seriously flawed methodologically, and there are no Children of affected parents are concerned about firm conclusions that can be made.”So he’s not stressed GENERAL MECHANIC their own future as it is, and now we have more to about it, but how do the rest of us know when to • Body Work • Exhaust worry about as we try not to worry, knowing that worry? Short of digging into the entire body of peer- • Repairs • Brakes excessive worrying could be a factor in this disease. reviewed research ourselves, the best antidote to this • Tires • Windshields People who have experienced clinical depression are kind of news might just be a good Merlot. 2.5 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s, according We all need to find ways to relax, but it is especially We buy scrap cars to a study published this April in Neurology, the journal important if we are caregivers living the 36-Hour Day BUY AND SELL USED CARS of the American Academy of Neurology. If depression (like the book of the same name). What works for one New stock of used cars every week occurs before age 60, the likelihood increases nearly 4 person may not be the right stress buster for another. I (514) 277-4400 times. There are several theories as to why this may be, like to relax after a hectic day by having a glass of red 675 Beaumont Ave. and further studies are expected to explore the wine. I rationalize that it’s good for my health. A hot We do insurance claims (514) 271-4003 relationship between depression and Alzheimer’s. bubble bath surrounded by candles also works. But does the glass of wine enhance my risk of breast cancer, or prevent dementia and heart disease? Will I worry now about having this glass of wine? Will the worry For Your Health affect my cognitive functioning as I age? Will I have the opportunity to age if I have the wine? Tonight, after a stressful day, I plan on having a glass Learn to relax of red wine and treating myself to a long hot bubble Thursday, May 15 at 7pm, learn about Bodh and the bath. I won’t allow myself to worry. I will simply enjoy Principles of Yoga for Optimal Health from Bhaskar my personal choice of de-stressing. Goswami. DDO Library, 12001 De Salaberry. Please address questions and comments to Info: 514-684-1496 [email protected]. Eggs Breakfast Friday, May 16 from 5:30-10:30am, the West Island Palliative Care residence holds its 4th annual Eggs Benefit Breakfast Fundraiser at Le Chambertin Restaurant. Donations are welcome. 9 Place Frontenac, Pointe-Claire (corner St-Jean and Brunswick Blvd). Info: 514-693-1718 x 227 Re-taking your driving test for medical reasons? Manage your weight Feel like you need Tuesday, May 27 at 7pm, the West Island Friends for a refresher course? Mental Health presents Weight Management and Robert Jones Mental Health: Cause or Consequence? featuring Motivational Speaker NO PROBLEM! psychiatrist Dr. Fiore Lalla. Buffet at 6:30pm. Centre Addiction Conflict Intervention Update your Driving skills with culturel de Pierrefonds, 13850 Gouin W (corner St- Jean), Pierrefonds. Info: 514-636-6885 or asmfmh.org OMEGA DRIVING SCHOOL “What have you done today to better your life” Special classes for 55 + Seniors’ Portrait 514-806-9307 Call now 514-271-8306 Tuesday, May 27 from 9am-3pm, West Island Citizen www.ecoledeconduiteomega.ca Advocacy convenes a discussion of Seniors’ Portrait, [email protected] www.ecoledeconduiteomega.com results of the public consultations, held in April, and www.recoveryandhealing.info www.handicapdrive.com financed by Centraide, to assess the growing needs and concerns of the more than 33,000 seniors in the West Island. Prepared by Convercité, the study identified seniors' social needs, potential community building among seniors, and the needs of aging newcomers to the West Island. Dollard Civic Centre, 12001 de Dog grooming Salaberry. Lunch included. Info: 514-694-5850 Salon Swing It for Kids The 5th Annual Beth Zion Golf Tournament is just around the corner and they anticipate a great day. So book now for T-off on Monday, July 7. Proceeds from this event will also For us, working with dogs is a way of life. benefit The Montreal Children’s Hospital Hematology and Oncology and Immunology Department. Call Caryl Gold, We provide full grooming services for dogs Event Coordinator, at 514-620-4489 20 years experience Walk-in showers - Clean premises May is Speech and Hearing Awareness Month One-on-one service as each dog The Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists gets their own personal stylist and Audiologists (CASLPA) and its 5,000 members across Groomers: Marie-Jo and Mona Canada work throughout May to raise awareness of speech, language and hearing disorders. Speech-language patholo- gists and audiologists are trained professionals working with 514-620-1221 Canadians of all ages dealing with communication disor- 4817 St. Charles, Pierrefonds ders, from hearing-impaired children to seniors recovering www.salonshampouchie.ca from strokes.Visit caslpa.ca to find out about local activities. May 2008 25 THE SENIOR TIMES Older musicians bring depth to Montreal Chamber Music Festival

already performed all of Beethoven’s work? It’s about Notes depth of understanding. And music keeps us young... like a fountain, and even if you’ve played the piece before and know it very well, there’s always that of note element of surprise.” Paul Serralheiro Montreal concert halls are active all through the year, providing fine music-making, but there is a significant With spring urging people out onto the streets, the difference between the Montreal Chamber Music festival season begins, and for music lovers, it starts Festival and other festivals or concerts. Brott maintains with The Montreal Chamber Music Festival, which that this festival is “like having an affair. There’s that runs from May 1 to May 24.“In putting the festival blush of newness, since musicians haven’t played together, I find the best comparison is haute cuisine,” together before. Unlike the usual concert where says artistic director Denis Brott. “It’s like putting musicians come for one night, then are gone, it’s not a together a fine meal. A festival isn't just another one-night stand. Our artists come here and get together concert — it has to be an event. There has to be for about 3 to 4 rehearsals to create a very exciting, something unusual about it, something special.” intoxicating mix.”Brott himself, a well-respected cellist, One notable aspect of the festival’s 13th edition is the will be performing in four concerts, and during the artistic depth of the senior musicians on the program, Festival’s run, will also be making side trips to Quebec the most seasoned of whom are pianists Gary City and New York, the second stop with Claude Frank, Graffman, 80, Anton Kuerti, 70, and Oliver Jones, 74. an 82-year-old Artur Schnabel disciple. How does he “People get older, but not their careers,” says Brott. find this double-duty of musician and manager? “I “When Oliver Jones retired, I said to him,‘What are you don’t think of it as difficult. I think of it as exciting.” doing, man?’ — and he’s continued playing and playing Along with the chamber music that forms the core of his best. Music has a renewal quality to it, it has a life the program, jazz has found a place. “For me,” Brott force. Look at the program and you’ll see that several explains, “jazz is chamber music and chamber music artists are past 60, yet listening to them has a has an element of jazz. Jazz is very structured, which rejuvenating quality.” allows you to improvise on a note basis. In chamber music a performer is improvising on an emotional and interpretational level. Although in chamber music the “The brush is broader in jazz, whereas Credit: Christine Bourgier whole is greater than the sum of the parts a performer Festival director Denis Brott in chamber music the brush works has the ability to impact the whole in the realm of more on detail.” timing, colour, and articulation. The brush is broader audiences will continue to grow.” in jazz, whereas in chamber music the brush works The issue of accessibility is also addressed by Brott’s While the program’s choices are eclectic, with music more on detail. Also, when you look at it, the best jazz approach to the way the music is presented to the from classical to contemporary performed by artists at musicians are often classically trained.” audience: “I give live program notes on stage. We have all stages of their careers, Brott points to the quality For its first 10 years, the Festival was presented at the to think of future audiences. It’s our mission. There’s that experience brings: “As we get older, we get more Chalet on Mount Royal. It has been held at the St. James been an increase of 25% in our under-30 crowd due to tolerant, more accepting of our ignorance. We know United Church on St. Catherine Street for the last three cheaper tickets. Young people have come from as far as that we don’t know. There’s also more security in terms years. “Accessibility was a big factor,” Brott explains, New York state, Aylmer, Ontario, and Jonquière to of ego. We’re more willing to share our knowledge and “although the mountain was a great locale and I still attend the festival. This means the festival will be better are more concerned about the search for the truth and hope to go back there. But there aren’t the buses, and it able to serve its purpose.” what represents spirituality... A musician is a servant… was inconvenient if you wanted to go out for dinner For more details and program information, visit like an actor whose duty it is to serve the playwright. A before, etc.” The downtown location is not a festivalmontreal.org. musician is at the service of the composer. We try to compromise on acoustics, get across what the composer wants. And we’re better though — in fact, says able to do this as we get older.” Brott, quite the contrary: The reasons for this ultimately have to do with “All the critics have raved Music Music Music experience. “Who do you think will have the deeper about it. The issue really knowledge, the young musician who’s only played a has been accessibility and few pieces by Beethoven, or the older musician who’s I’m hopeful that our Bowser And Blue for MGH available at the door only: $5 general/free for students with ID. Wednesday, May 14 the Auxiliary of the Montreal General Hospital presents An Indian Classical Dance Evening With Bowser And Blue. Wine, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction at 6:30pm Saturday, May 24 at 7:30 pm, the and show at 8:30pm), Proceeds go to pur- Nrithyalaya Foundation presents chasing ECG machines. $125. Indian Classical Dance. Thyagaraja Info: 514-934-1934 ext. 43009 Samarpanam - A benefit concert for the re- construction of the Thyagaraja temple in Bach to Broadway Thiruvaiyyaru,India.Dance (Bharatanatyam) performed by the Nrithyalaya troupe, with a Tuesday, May 13 at 7 pm, Musicians Of live orchestra. $15-$50. Info: 450-466-5216 The World Symphony Orchestra performs or www.nrithyalaya.com From Bach to Broadway Diversity Concert. Presented by the Applied Human Sciences Suzuki serenade Department, Concordia University and the 12th Canadian Congress on Leisure Research Sunday, May 25 at 2 pm, Dragan Djerkic (CCLR12). Musician testimonials. Info: directs the students of The Suzuki Institute http://cclr12.concordia.ca. Tickets available in a classical repertoire. $5. at the box office and on the Admission net- work: $29 (service charges applicable). Persian percussion Saturday, May 31 at 8 pm, the Sokhan-e Concordia’s Oscar Peterson Hall Azad Foundation presents Persian percus- Friday, May 9 Concordia Department of sion ensemble, Zarbang. $30/$25 for Music presents, Claire Hafner, Soprano at 3 students. Info: 514-678-4030 pm;, Amelia Lakoff, Soprano at 5 pm; and Caroline Louis, piano at 7:30 pm. Tickets at Gala concert for festival finalists the door only: $5 general/free for students Sunday,June 1 at 2 pm, the Quebec Music with ID. Educators Association holds a Gala concert for the Music Festival finalists. Info: 514- Concordia musicians 350-8899 ext. 2412 or [email protected] Friday, May 23 at 3 pm, Concordia Uni- versity Department of Music presents Annie Above musical events at Concordia U’s Hsu on piano, at 5pm Wei Tu on piano, and Loyola campus, 7141 Sherbrooke St.W. at 7:30 pm Chuck Hobson on guitar. Tickets Visit www.oscar.concordia.ca 26 May 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES Music Music Music Cantabile’s Willsher marks 15th A pianophile’s paradise

Kristine Berey

Many renowned musicians first gained international attention through winning an established musical competition. From May 19 to 29, Montrealers will have a chance to hear some of the best and brightest young pianists in the world at this year’s Montreal Inter- national Musical Competition. Organized in 2002 at the initiative of Jeunesses Musicales, each year’s event highlights either voice, piano or violin, the three disciplines presented in a Daria Rabotkina, Russia rotating four-year cycle. Third Grand Prize (Piano) 2004 This year’s competition received by the Competition’s resident orchestra, applications from 130 pianists aged 30 the Orchestre Metropolitain du Grand Kristine Berey concert is also called Journey,” Willsher and under, from 28 different countries. Montreal (OMGM) conducted by Jean says.“It is a journey that Cantabile and I Chosen finalists will perform at the Marie Zeituni. Founded in 1985 and formerly known have travelled – it includes music from quarter-finals and semi-finals at Salle The competition’s stated aim is to as The Knight Singers, the Cantabile Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Pierre-Mercure on May 20-24 and six “discover, reward and assist” young Chorale has performed many of the Austria and Italy. Not least, is my own will play at the finals on May 26-27 at musicians worldwide who distinguish major choral works in the classical personal musical journey of which the Theatre Maisonneuve at Place des themselves through the mastery of their repertoire. Cantabile has been integral for most of Arts. The young artists will prepare a art and to give them a chance to showcase Their next concert will mark the 15th my Canadian life.” different repertoire for each concert. their talent before the international year composer and conductor Peter Highlights from the program include The price of admission to each session artistic community. Willsher has directed the choir and the selections from Brahms’, Faure’s and is kept intentionally low at $10 as the The jury is composed of a panel of choir’s 10th with its own symphony Mozart’s Requiems, Mendelssohn’s MIMC wants to keep these concerts by eminent musicians from several orchestra. Elijah, Bach’s St. Matthew’s Passion and young musicians of great talent as countries and the event is the only “Last year we premiered a work that I Handel’s Messiah. accessible to the public as possible. Canadian international music competi- wrote for the choir and orchestra, a The concert begins at 7:30pm at Ste- The event will culminate with the Gala tion held each year. cantata called The Journey. It is Genevieve Church, 16037 Gouin Blvd. Concert May 29 at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier Info: 514-845-4108 appropriate in many ways that this Info: 514-634-1275 where the finalists will be accompanied Tickets: 514-842-2112

May 2008 27 THE SENIOR TIMES Dubrovnik: a shiny gem

““Dubrovnik is all about Hedda and I paid 30 Kuna each (USD$6) to walk around the old town the Stari Grad.” along the top of the wall. Wetook it slow to embrace the beauty of the orange-tiled roofs,copper domes,and bell towers along theAdriatic Sea.” Times and family was helpful and friendly, driving us to and from As we walked through the Vrata od Ploca, one of two the train station and airport and giving us their best tips entrances to the old town, we immediately noticed the Places for the hot spots to hit. The wife even told me as I left shiny stone streets. There is an old water fountain at Dubrovnik that if I was in any trouble or needed help, the entrance, used centuries ago when people were Molly Newborn I shouldn’t hesitate to call her. asked to wash their feet before they entered the city. Is Dubrovnik is all about the Stari Grad (aka the old that why the streets are so clean? No need to worry Sitting on the most southern point of Croatia’s town), where most of the tourist attractions are. It was about cars zooming by because there are no cars here. Dalmatian coast is a gem called Dubrovnik. I built from the 13th century to the 18th century. It’s We did however have to walk carefully in our heels at discovered Dubrovnik when I was trekking through surrounded by a massive wall, the Gradske Zidine, night on the way to the jazz club as to not slip. How Croatia this past fall. This fashionable Croatian which is 80 feet tall by 10 to 20 feet thick. Hedda and I did my mother, with her bad knee, make it through capital will take your breath away as you walk its shiny paid 30 Kuna each (USD$6) to walk around the old these slippery shiny streets? streets and gaze out on the Adriatic from its peaks. town along the top of the wall. We took it slow to The streets are lined with clothing and souvenir shops, Dubrovnik is out of the way if you are traveling embrace the beauty of the orange-tiled roofs, copper restaurants, cafes, a few clubs and bars, and ooOOOoo around Croatia, but you can get there by plane, boat or domes, and bell towers along the Adriatic Sea. It took us the jewelry stores. For food, there is an abundance of bus. I took the bus from Split, Croatia’s second most about an hour, because we were stopping every few reasonably priced seafood, pizza and salads. well known city, meeting up with my friend Hedda minutes for pictures. We visited the Franciscan Monastery, which houses who flew from Oslo. It took 5 hours to travel the 135 miles to Dubrovnik, with a few miles that pass through Bosnia, so don’t be surprised to have to pull out your passport, twice. There is a 15-minute stop in Bosnia. Though it sounds treacherous, I highly recommend this route. Traveling down the Croatian coastline compares with the United States’ most beautiful coast drive, the Pacific Coast Highway. The bus bumps along the cliffs so make sure to get a window seat to enjoy the view. Don’t forget to bring anti-nausea tablets. As with most other Croatian tours, as soon as I stepped off the bus I was bombarded by local women holding up maps and pictures of accommodations. Since Croatia is still a relatively new tourist attraction, hotels are limited and expensive.Your best option, and possibly your only choice, is to rent a room in a private house or apartment. It gives you the added bonus of experiencing their lifestyle and they are always eager to give you tips and point you towards the best restaurant or bakery in town, even if they don’t speak a word of English.You can always bargain with the women at the bus station, but make sure they show you on a map where their home is located because you want to be close to the old city. Otherwise you will be schlepping for miles up and down the hill. Hedda and I booked our room early from www.hostelworld.com. We splurged a bit (for about 150 KLuna or $30/person/night) and stayed at a little place called Villa Elly (www.villa- elly.com), about a mile outside the old city. It was a family-run apartment complex. The room was bright, simple, clean and renovated, and though a bit tight, we had a nice balcony that we shared with two guys staying in the adjacent apartment. They also rent out larger “ There is an old water fountain at the entrance, used centuries ago apartments but those didn’t quite fit our budget. The when people were asked to wash their feet before they entered the city. ” 28 May 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES on the Adriatic

““It’s surrounded by a massive wall, the Gradske Zidine, I took the bus from Split... meeting which is 80 feet tall by 10 to 20 feet thick.” up with my friend Hedda.” a little pharmacy. It was founded in 1318 residents hid in their basements until it and rebuild. The new rooftops are have no cars and are inhabited by about and is the oldest in Europe. Next to the was over, surfacing only to find their clearly distinguishable from the old ones 900 people year round. Hedda and I pharmacy is an art exhibition about the beloved city torn apart, roofs shattered, from the view atop the walls. visited Lopud because we heard about a attack on the city by Montenegro in and bullet holes in the Monasteries. As I travel through Europe, I make a spectacular beach there. The boat trip 1991. It brought unemotional me to Why? Luckily media coverage attracted point of finding the synagogue, if there is took about an hour and stopped along tears. How could anyone bomb such a much attention and money poured in one, in every city I visit. It gives me a little the way at other islands. Lopud has a beautiful historical place? It told how the from around the world to help clean up sense of belonging, knowing my people tiny town along the bay made up of were there and made their mark. The stone houses, a couple of hotels and Dubrovnik synagogue, or “sinagoga,” is souvenirs stores. We took a 20-minute tucked away along the side of a narrow hike to the other side of the Island to street of the old city on the 3rd floor of a reach Sunj beach. It is the most perfect townhouse. It is the oldest Sephardic beach I have ever seen. I was convinced synagogue in the world and the second it was man-made until I was told oldest synagogue in Europe (after otherwise. The sand felt like silk. It was Prague). Dubrovnik once had a thriving perfect — no seaweed or anything Jewish community consisting of about 50 creepy. The water was crystal clear. The Jews,mostly comprised of those who were only thing we had to avoid was the expelled from Spain in 1492 and Italy in portion of the beach that was behind a 1514-15. During that period Dubrovnik pitiful looking wall — the naked beach. was under Turkish rule, with the Sultan I’ve learned to steer clear of the nude protecting their rights. They flourished in beaches. business, dealing with fabrics, silk, wool, My last night in Dubrovnik was leather and spices. The community grew bittersweet. I said goodbye to Hedda at to 218 Jews by the 18th century. the airport not knowing when I’d see my During World War II, Dubrovnik was favorite Norwegian again. I then caught occupied by the Italian army.They did not up with a friend we had met the night allow mass deportation of the Jews. before. He was our waiter at a restaurant Instead they were moved to the nearby where we had dined. He took me up to Island of Lopud and then to Rab Island. the hilltop to show off his miraculous Before the territory was taken over by the city. He was so proud. I noticed the trees Germans, many Jews were transported and shrubs were all burnt and the cable from the islands by partisans to liberated car that led up to the top of the hill was territory on the mainland. Dubrovnik is broken. I asked what had happened. now home to about 40 Jews. Entrance to Apparently two weeks before my arrival the synagogue costs 10 Kuna (USD$2). there was a mysterious fire that came It retains its Baroque Italian style, the over from the other side of the hills, in interior made of dark wooden panels, Bosnia. The fire blazed through the hills featuring a beautiful blue ceiling painted as the firefighters and the residents of with stars, newly rebuilt after it was Dubrovnik (including our 20-year-old heavily damaged during the attack in waiter and his friends) came together to 1991. The second floor holds a little fight the fire and stop it before it hit the Jewish museum, which has artifacts of old city. The Croatians say the Serbs are the Dubrovnik Jewish community to blame, but really no one really knows. throughout the past 500 years.On the first Once again tears came to my eyes as I floor of the townhouse you’ll find a small stood at the top of the hill, surrounded gift shop selling Jewish artwork. by ashes, looking at one of the most How can I talk about Croatia without spectacular little old cities in the world. The Dubrovnik synagogue, or“sinagoga,”is tucked mentioning its islands?! The 13 tiny “ Elafiti Islands are all within a 1-hour Molly Newborn is the daughter of Barbara away along the side of a narrow street of the old city ferry ride from Dubrovnik. The largest Moser. She is 26 and lives in LA. on the 3rd floor of a townhouse.” Islands — Lopud, Kolocep and Sipan — May 2008 29 THE SENIOR TIMES A thirsty monkey, Ave Maria, and shaman shenanigans Photos: Nancy Snipper Instituto artist selling her hand-made aprons Panoramic view of San Miguel Papier maché art work of San Miguel Nancy Snipper painter friend Tim Gaydos and I were inspired by the masterpiece of whimsical spires sculpted in rose remarkable rooftop view of San Miguel. Downstairs led coloured cantera stone towers over the birthplace The entrance was glowing in red light. Stepping in- to another reward: Mexican breakfasts. Bring on the of Ignacio Allende, celebrated as liberator of Mexico. side, I turned right. The red disappeared and enchiladas and eggs! Another narrow church entrance drew me in. For no brightness beamed. Welcome to the Thirsty Monkey reason at all, I began singing ‘Ave Maria’.No one was in — my introduction to San Miguel de Allende’s Mex- Aesthetically exhilarating, this town this tiny church. Something led me into another ican warmth! This hotspot sports a mural of jazzers of 140,000 is a magnet for artists. empty room. and a lovely lacquer piano, which I went over to see. Gourmet conscious and creative, San Miguel boasts Still singing Ave Maria — nothing held me back — I Paco, the manager plunked me down and said“Play!” markets and art shops at every corner. Tim and I found looked up ahead of me, and there greeting me on the so I attempted Ave Maria and a waltz — totally inap- our favourite central spot at El Jardin square. While he front wall in large letters were the words ‘Ave Maria’! propriate for a New Orleans restaurant. No matter, sketched colourful characters strolling by, I enjoyed the San Miguel’s mystical side was giving me a sign. So the margaritas kept coming my way regardless. surrounding entertainment: mariachi bands, café ban- when Tim invited me to participate in a sweat tent cer- Incredibly, I became Thirsty Monkey’s resident pi- ter, flower vendors, hat hawkers and Mexican mamas emony along with his artist daughter Sabrina, I said anist — playing Bach and Beethoven while dining toting toys and kids. Even the policemen in their blue yes. Trudging up the hill, we waited for Quikly, the almost every night on catfish and guacamole with tor- satin jackets and hair braids looked nobly dashing. Every craft known to man assaults tillas. The amazing bread pudding became my daily Their appearance rivaled the energetic dancers mov- treat after a day of walking down San Miguel’s cen- ing down San Miguel’s streets in celebration of the the senses in this tranquil oasis. turies-old narrow streets and high sidewalks. Christian conversion of the Chichimec Indians. One shaman, but he was nowhere. Finally, we found him Gourmet conscious and creative, San Miguel plumed dancer invited me in, but my jeans didn’t quite downhill, relaxing in his home. We were instructed to fit the occasion. hold hands and to “ask permission” to help cut the boasts markets and art shops at every corner. Aesthetically exhilarating, this town of 140,000 is a wood for the sweat ceremony, but I didn’t bring an axe! The Thirsty Monkey on Canal Street was across from magnet for artists. Instituto Allende and Bellas Artes I began sweating bricks when Sabrina announced she Canal House, where San Miguel’s richest 18th century are talent havens, and Academia Hispano Americana was going to faint (we hadn’t even entered the sweat gold-mining family once lived. But it remains locked. features language and culture classes. Too many tent). Quikly wouldn’t let her lie down, saying it was Everyday I passed its magnificently-sculpted wooden schools to list here, but to get an overview of San “mind illusion”. Opting out, I retreated to Sabrina’s doors, which are even taller than the megagantes — Miguel’s creativity, just go to La Aurora, a fabulous art stunning apartment below, in La Huerta, a hacienda the giant puppets San Miguel creates for its fabulous and design centre that features over 50 artists, includ- style mansion built by botanist Roy and his wife Carol. fiestas. Also on Canal was Mansion Virreyes, my hotel ing Montreal painter Brian Care. Every craft known to They gave me a tasty organic dinner straight from their for living ‘la vida vintage’. Meter-thick colonial stone man assaults the senses in this tranquil oasis — 20 garden. As for the others — three hours later, Tim ran walls encase a courtyard full of paintings and plants. minutes from the frenzied festivals and bells of La Par- in announcing nothing had started! It was one of San Climbing Virreyes’ stairs to its upper terrace, my roquia Church at El Jardin. This German Gothic Miguel’s rarely predictable surprises.

Traditionally dressed policeman Puppets of San Miguel Casa Crayola, a casita oasis for guests 30 May 2008 THE SENIOR TIMES For Mr. Fraser, it was more than a harmonica. t ne xt to h is a shes. r, and on e tha t wi ll al ways si easured gift from his fathe It wa s a tr sion. Opting for cremation important and personal deci Choosing one kind of urn over another is an eaning fo r everyone. It is with the most profound respect that is a c hoice that has a different m oughout the enti re planning process. we pled ge to ac company you thr s mom ent at a time. Honouring life, one preciou

35-1361 For more details, c all 1 888 7 . or visit www.cimetierenddn.org

May 2008 31 THE SENIOR TIMES