At 105, wishes do come true for this Sunnybrook Veteran by Sally Fur

Remembrance Second World War veteran and 3 Day 2013 Sunnybrook resident James Houston recently celebrated his 105th birthday with far more than 4 Raise a Flag ice cream and cake. A hockey fan since he was a Calendar of boy, James submitted a wish to 5 Events the Sunnybrook Veterans Grant a Wish Program for a blue and white Maple Leafs sweater with his Influenza favourite player’s name and number on it. 6 Protection The day before his birthday, Veterans Centre staff held a party and arranged for some former Maple Leafs to deliver a vintage sweater complete with the name Honorary Apps, a big C and the number 10 on it. In the 1940s, Syl Apps was the superstar 7 Graduate captain who led the Leafs to three victories.

Summer Camp As well as being a hockey legend, Apps was also a war veteran, serving his 8 2013 country in the Second World War, as did so many other professional hockey players at the time. Family Advisory On hand to make the special presentation to James was Syl Apps Jr. and 9 alumni Jim McKenny and Bob Nevin. “My dad would have Council been very honoured if he were here today,” said Syl Apps Jr. “This is really a In Praise and magical moment for James, who has been a big Leaf fan from day one.”

10 Gratitude Once a month, the Grant a Wish Program realizes the hopes and dreams of Canada’s war heroes living at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre. The program is Passings a resident-focused initiative that strives to provide an enhanced quality of life 11 for veterans through the realization of heartfelt wishes. It is funded through the generosity of many donors and community sponsors.

Above: (Left to right) Former Maple Leaf Jim McKenny, Syl Apps Jr., Braden Houston and Maple Leaf alumnus Bob Nevin present James Houston with his birthday wish, a vintage Syl Apps jersey. October 2013 1 Sunnybrook Veterans Grant a Wish Program

Have you submitted your wish yet? “What a wonderful surprise.” “It was wonderful for him to “I just can’t believe this S UNN Y B R O O K VETE R A N S have lunch with his family.” is happening.” The Veterans Grant a Wish Program continues to grant the wishes of Grant Veterans living at Sunnybrook. The aWish program uses a resident centered For more information or to approach and strives to grant the make a donation please contact:

At Home is the official newsletterSunnybrook Veterans Grant A Wish individual heartfelt wishes of the Recreation & Creative Arts Therapies of the Sunnybrook Veterans416-480-5490 Centre. Veteran. Each Veteran is eligible for The newsletter is made availableSunnybrook Health Sciences Centre 2075 Bayview Avenue 2 wishes. The of the program is to all Veterans, staff and familyToronto, Canada M4N 3M5 for EVERY Veteran to have at least 1 416-480-6100 “May the Wish that members. At Home is also available The Program is funded through the wish granted. Wishes granted include your heart makes online at www.sunnybrook.cagenerosity o f many donors and “I wish ... to kick a community sponsors. dinners with family, wheelchair capes, touch the sky and football again” under Programs & ServicesYour c oandntributions ethenable V eterans to bring you a star.” realize their hopes and dreams. large print books, CD players etc. The Veterans & Community site.Thank You ~ flavia Illustration by list is endless! Lorrie Clarke Editor: Sally Fur Sunnybrook Layout: Each month,VETERANS the wish granting committee reviews all wishes PR 15037 (2010/09/15) Photography: Dale Roddick, Doug submitted and 10 wishes are selected. The program is funded Nicholson, Ana Seara through the generosity of many donors and community Circulation: 1,700 sponsors. Contributions enable Veterans to realize their hopes and dreams. For more information or to make a donation, For more information, or to make please contact Leanne Hughes at (416) 480-5490. a submission, please contact Sally Fur at 416.480.6100 ext. 5057 or by e-mail to [email protected] The Veterans and Community Resident Council elections were Contributors: held on Wednesday October 16th. A total of 80 ballots were Nancy Bowers-Ivanski cast. The following residents will be assuming their 2 year role Jocelyn Charles effective January 1st, 2014. Dorothy Ferguson President Don Stewart, LTSE Phil Gold 1st Vice President Donald Gorman, K1W Nancy Smokler 2nd Vice President Jim Wilson, K2C (Acclaimed) Treasurer Jim Finnegan, LTSW Material printed in At Home is protected by copyright and may not Honorary Secretary Marion Gordon, K1W (Acclaimed) be reprinted without the permission of the editor. Thank you to members of the Royal Canadian Legion for facilitating the elections and to Nancy Smokler, Judy McNaughton and Flora Sung for their work behind the scenes in the months leading up to the elections.

Pictured: Jim Finnegan, Jim Wilson and Don Stewart.

Photo by: Art Stanton Remembrance Day 2013 - Information for Family Members

On Monday, November 11, Sunnybrook will honour Following the indoor service, those who wish are those who fought for Canada in the First World invited to take part in the outdoor memorial wreath- War, Second World War, Korean War and in peace- laying service at the cenotaph on Bayview Ave. keeping missions around the world. Prior to the conclusion of the indoor service, all of the wreaths are collected and paraded over to the The Remembrance Day service is held in the cenotaph. Please assemble outside the K-Wing Veterans Centre, in the following locations: Warriors’ doors at approximately 11:20 a.m. (immediately Hall, the K-Wing Annex, Sunny’s cafeteria, the following the indoor service) for the procession to the L-Wing living room and the McLaughlin Auditorium cenotaph. The cenotaph service begins at 11:30 a.m. located just across from K Wing on the ground floor of E-Wing. Overflow seating for staff and fully Family members are invited to enjoy the afternoon ambulatory guests will be available in the McLaughlin entertainment in Warriors’ Hall from 2:00 to Lecture Theatre, located behind the McLaughlin 3:00 p.m. on November 11. The popular York Auditorium on the ground floor of E-Wing. Jazz Ensemble will perform again and special refreshments will be served. With the large numbers of attendees, this sixth viewing location will lessen the congestion within the In our ongoing efforts to keep our residents free Veterans Centre. You may be interested to know that from colds and flu, all family members and visitors McLaughlin Auditorium was the original Warriors’ are reminded not to attend the service if they have Hall when the hospital opened in 1948. a sore throat, runny nose, cough, fever, diarrhea or new rash. Elderly persons, especially those with Due to space limitations, only one family chronic conditions, are at higher risk of infection. member can be seated with their Veteran loved one in all of the viewing areas within Please remember to use the hand sanitizer provided the Veterans Centre. Each unit will have an when you enter our facility. The most effective way assigned designated seating area to which of protecting yourself and your loved ones is to wash you will be directed on the day. For those who your hands frequently and get the seasonal flu shot. wish to sit together in a larger family group, We thank you for helping to keep the Veterans Centre you are welcome to attend, however you will be free from colds, flu and outbreaks this season. asked to view the service from the McLaughlin Auditorium. As in past years, seating in Warriors Hall is on a first come, first seated basis and seats cannot be reserved in advance.

It is necessary to adhere to this seating arrangement in order to ensure the safety of our residents and comply with provincial fire and building occupancy codes. Please be seated no later than 10:00 a.m. Dr. Jocelyn Charles Dorothy Ferguson as the service will begin promptly at 10:15 a.m. Medical Director Operations Director Latecomers cannot be guaranteed seating. Veterans Centre Veterans Centre

October 2013 3 Family & Resident Resource Centre

for families, residents and other visitors, in a welcoming environment.

Explore our selection of educational materials and reliable resources, including brochures, newsletters, books and magazines on many topics. A computer workstation is available for searching current health Looking for more information about living at related websites online. Books may also be sourced the Veterans Centre? through the Toronto Public Library branch located in K-wing. Want to know more about Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia and other medical conditions? Drop in to or contact us with a list of suggested Seeking information for yourself as a topics and resources that you feel would be of caregiver? interest and helpful to you and your family. The Resource Centre is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays The Veterans Centre opened the doors on its from 12:00 to 8:00 pm, Thursdays from 10:30 am to new Family and Resident Resource Centre on 4:00 pm and Sundays from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. Please August 7th. Located on the ground floor of L-wing, email [email protected] or call in LG05a, the goal of this resource centre is to 416-480-6107 to provide us with your input or with provide information and educational materials any questions.

This Remembrance Day, join OPERATION RAISE A FLAG RAISE A FLAG and say “thank you” to Canada’s veterans when you plant FOR CANADA’S a flag on the lawn at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre. Be a hero to our heroes. Join Operation Raise a Flag. hEROES This Remembrance Day, you can be a hero when you join Operation Raise a Flag. In the early morning hours of November 11, we will honour our brave veterans with a sea of Canadian flags on the front lawn of Sunnybrook’s Veterans Centre.

Join thousands of Canadians and show your support by ordering your flag today. Your compassionate donation will help provide our veterans with community outings, continued learning opportunities, and special time with family members. Your message of thanks will encourage the hearts of the veterans and their families.

Be a hero and honour our heroes today. Join Operation Raise a Flag and help us continue to offer the best quality care to our noble veterans at Sunnybrook.

Order a flag today atraiseaflag.ca or by calling 416-480-4483. Donation is available at $25 for a small flag or $50 for a large flag.

4 October 2013 Are you on email? Calendar of Events

Please drop us a line to [email protected] We’ll keep you informed and up-to-date with updates and Save the Date news from the Veterans Centre. Please be assured that your email will only be used by the Veterans Centre and no one else. Annual Holiday Concert with John McDermott th From the Archive… Happy 65 Monday, December 9th, Defining moments in our history 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Warriors’ Hall The official opening of Sunnybrook Hospital was on June 12, 1948 but the first patient transfer from the original Veterans Due to limited space this hospital on Christie Street happened two years prior. is a concert for Veteran residents and their family Private Raymond F. Scott (right members only. bed) of Etobicoke was one of the first two patients who were admitted to Sunnybrook Hospital on September 26, 1946. Also present, third from the right, is Veterans Centre Education Forum Reverend Sydney E. Lambert, a member of the greater Toronto Helpful information and practical support Veterans Hospital Committee. for family members and friends. Caring for a Loved One with Dementia Reminiscing with the NHL Tuesday, December 3rd, 6:30 p.m. Old Timers! L-wing Living Room • The natural progression of Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementias. Veterans, family members, and hockey fans gathered in • Making care decisions to enhance Warriors’ Hall for a chance to mix and mingle with some of the dignity and comfort. great hockey legends at the annual “Hockey Legends” event. • Recognizing when the goal of care needs to shift toward a more palliative Back again were Dick Duff, Bob Beckett, Gary Collins, Danny approach. Lewicki, Ivan Irwin, Jimmy Morrison, Gerry Junkin, Bob • Helpful tips and preparing for holiday Nevin, Johnny McCormick, Brian McFarlane, Pete Conacher, gatherings with your loved one. Phil Samis and the Old Timers coordinator Al Shaw. Key Speaker: Dr. Jocelyn Charles, Medical Director, Sunnybrook Veterans Centre and Chief, Department of Family and Community Medicine.

Please RSVP your attendance. Phone: 416-480-6107 or email: [email protected] Free Admission and Refreshments Above: Korean War Veteran and Second World War Veteran, Jim Wilson accepts a signed helmet from former New York Ranger and Montreal Canadian defenseman Ivan Irwin. Left to right: Brian McFarlane, Hockey Night in Canada Broadcast Legend with Second World War veteran Art Stanton. October 2013 5 Make Influenza Protection a Priority

The elderly and those with chronic conditions, are particularly vulnerable and at high risk for developing serious and life threatening complications, if they develop a cold or influenza. Please help us keep our veterans free from colds and flu!

nn Get your flu shot! The flu vaccine is protective and it is effective! You can get the flu shot from your family physician, some pharmacies or at one of Toronto Public Health’s flu clinics. By protecting yourself you are also protecting your loved ones. During a flu outbreak, visitors who have not had their flu vaccination will not be able to visit an outbreak unit. All paid companions hired by the family must have an annual flu shot.

 Don’t visit if you are sick! Please do not come to visit if you have any of the following symptoms: a cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever, muscle aches, diarrhea or have experienced vomiting. Every single person who enters the Centre can bring an unwanted virus from the community to our residents.

ŽŽ Practice good hand hygiene! Please remember to wash your hands upon entering the Veterans Centre, upon entering a resident care unit and again upon entering and exiting a resident’s room. The most effective way of protecting yourself and those around you from getting sick is to wash your hands frequently.

Outbreaks are completely preventable and our number one priority is the health and safety of our One Day Flu Shot Clinic residents and staff. If we work together we can New this year, the Sunnybrook Pharmacy prevent outbreaks and the spread of infection. in M1 will be providing the Flu Vaccine for our Family Members who have a loved one living in the Veterans Centre.

Date: Tuesday, November 19th Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Location: Sunnybrook Ambulatory Patient Pharmacy – M-wing

Please call Chris to book an appointment: 416-480-4502 6 October 2013 Honorary Staff College Graduate

by Sally Fur

especially loves when the young commanders from the College come to the Veterans Centre to visit with the old soldiers, share old stories and enjoy afternoon entertainment together.

Created as the RCAF War Staff College in 1943, and located close to Yonge Street and Highway 401, the College has undergone several stages of reorganization that reflect the evolution of the professional development of military officers.

It is the only facility of its’ kind in Canada and only Above: Graduation Day at the Canadian Forces College. the best of the best are accepted. Each fall the College trains 100 new Canadian officers and 35 Fred Allen, 91, never thought he’d fulfill his dream exchange students to become future military leaders. of graduating from Staff College, but with his sharp Seven different programs, including a Masters of intellect, love of the Canadian Forces, and life-long Defense Studies are offered and students live in passion for learning his dream did come true! Last residence while completing their studies. summer and much to his surprise, Fred received an Honorary Graduate Certificate from the Canadian For eighteen years, Sunnybrook veterans have Forces College. “It was one of the best days of my enjoyed a strong relationship with the College. life, I am both thrilled and grateful to receive this Several times a year a group of veterans go on a honour,” says Retired Captain Fredrick (Fred) Allen. short bus ride to the prestigious College to enjoy interesting conversation and a delicious luncheon at A retired, career artillery soldier, Fred served for the Officers’ Mess, the old manor on the expansive 31 years with the Canadian Armed Forces. As a grounds. Recently, this relationship has evolved and second career, he taught mathematics in a Sault to Fred’s delight, the officers from the College are Ste Marie high school for fifteen years. At 22, now visiting the Veterans Centre for a tour and to he spent six years overseas and faced constant meet with the veterans in Warriors’ Hall. danger. His infantry platoon, saw a great deal of gunfire, firing across the canals in Belgium and Holland. Chosen by the attending students of the College, the selection of an Honorary Graduate is based upon an individual who has had a profound and lasting impact on the members’ learning experience at the College.

Always an avid learner with a flair for writing, Fred is the author of four books and is currently working on his fifth. At Sunnybrook Fred loves to mingle with the other veterans. Happiness is being Above: Major Travis Chapman, Staff College Graduate and in Warriors’ Hall together with his comrades and Les Fontaine together in Warriors’ Hall. seeing all of the veterans gathered together. Fred October 2013 7 Veteran’s Summer Camp 2013

by Sally Fur

The veterans were accompanied by an interprofessional team that included nursing, recreational therapy, music and art therapy. Highlights of this year’s camp included a 60’s flower power party, pontoon boat rides, art therapy sessions, an Irish pub night, shuffleboard, card games, paddle boating, bocce ball, and music therapy by the lake.

Camp is calming, therapeutic, and rejuvenating all at the same Muskoka sunsets, sing-a-longs by a roaring time. There is no question that summer camp is campfire, toasting marshmallows and fishing off the beneficial for youth and similarly for the veteran dock, were just a few of the experiences that thirty- residents, where the average age of those attending one Sunnybrook veterans enjoyed on the annual trip camp is 90. north to summer camp in June. Fresh air, birds chirping in the treetops, a stroll by the Since 1995, Sunnybrook veterans have enjoyed this water and experiencing the wonders of nature is a four day, three night exciting adventure, which takes dream, come true for these seniors! them to back to their youth while at the CNIB Lake Joseph Centre in beautiful cottage country. The camp trip is generously sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion’s Tri-District Hospital Committees The freeing nature of camp, unstructured routine ABC, DEF and the Legion’s Fort York Branch #165. and opportunity for choice allows for true relaxation Without their continued support, this initiative would and restoration. Partnering with Sunnybrook were not be possible. fifteen veterans from Parkwood Hospital in London. Since 2005, veterans of the two facilities have joined together for this extraordinary camp vacation on Lake Joe.

8 October 2013 Office of the Resident & Family Experience Family Advisory Council

A new brochure has been developed to help residents and their family members when they have a concern The mandate of the Family Advisory or require more information. Entitled, “How to Address Council (FAC) is to provide a forum for Your Concerns in the Veterans Centre” the brochure family members of Veterans to discuss outlines the various ways that residents and their shared concerns and issues across the families can contact the Office (in person, by phone Veterans Centre Program. or in writing). Formerly known as Patient Relations (room LG 05h) the new office is now located in room All interested family members of LG 05n. The office also welcomes compliments, residents living in the Veterans Centre positive feedback and praise letters. are invited to attend our meetings. Agendas, minutes and other FAC information are posted on our web page at http://Sunnybrook.ca/veterans.

Words of Appreciation… Our meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 1:30 p.m. in From a family member on K2W Room KGE35. Our next three meeting dates are: • November 19th • December 17th • January 21st Thanks so much for meeting with us. It was so wonderful to hear all the feedback and to This meeting room has teleconference meet everyone involved with Dad’s care. We are capabilities, so if you are interested overwhelmed with the care and commitment of all in participating in the meeting via the staff. It has been a difficult transition for Dad teleconference, or would like more information on the FAC, please email (and us), and we appreciate all your support. [email protected] or contact 416-480-4280. I don’t know when he’s ever received so much attention to everything - physical and mental health. I wanted to thank everyone individually for their wonderful work with Dad. Please convey my thanks and all our thanks and appreciation.

October 2013 9 In Praise and Gratitude

Members of the Markham District Veterans’ Association (MDVA) visited in June to present a generous donation of $6,500 in support of the Veterans Comfort Fund and Grant a Wish Program. The MDVA has been a strong supporter of the Veterans Centre, dating as far back as 1986. Through the generous support of the Markham community, the 2012 MDVA Poppy Drive was a tremendous success and Sunnybrook is most grateful to be a recipient of this annual campaign.

Left to right: Bill Guiler, Poppy Fund Co-Chairman MDVA; Alfred Payton (seated), L-wing resident and MDVA member; Rick Paci, Poppy Fund Co-Chairman MDVA; Don Stewart, President, Sunnybrook Veterans & Community Residents Council; Katie Mosher, Sunnybrook Foundation Advancement Associate; Jack Forsey, President MDVA; Paul Kearns, Past President MDVA.

The Friends of the Veterans Chapel Memorial Plaque

The Friends of the Veterans Chapel Memorial Plaque is located on the back wall of the chapel and feature small tributes to the sacrifice and service of loved ones, who are either living or have passed on. The cost of a citation for the Memorial Plaque is $500.00.

All funds will be used for ongoing improvements and special projects for the Veterans Chapel. A tax deductible receipt will be issued. For further information regarding the Friends of the Veterans Chapel Memorial Plaque program, please contact Colonel Hubel at [email protected] or 416-266-6949.

10 October 2013 Passings In loving memory of our friends and comrades

May 2013 July 2013 September 2013

David Owen Elizabeth Ferguson William Neale Jack Ander Earl Teskey Joseph Irvine Donald Sergent Alexander Albulet John Macdonald Allan Paull Murray Bosley John Stevens Martha Roy Bruce Poole Reginald Tanfield John Otton John Major Alred Mills Louis Bergman Florence Parrott John Abbott John Currie Frank Timmins Havelock Yates Jack Cotton Douglas Bilton William Massey Joseph Clark John Baker Sydney Taylor Charles Linstead Wilfred St. John John Lambert George Burnell Jack Koreen William Rattray Bennie Jacobson Harrington Murray Leonard Jackson Douglas Owen John Walker Harry Spenceley Louis Curran Kenneth Spalding Teddy Godovitz Alexander Wilson August 2013 Robert Hunston Kenneth Soper Maurice Claveau June 2013 Valerio Agnelli Charles Kean James Curtis Zofia Ogonowski William Potts Norman Taylor Harold Donahee Yvon Tremblay Solomon Rapoport Thomas Bushey Kenneth Williams Israel Siderson Kenneth Doerr Emily Beckett Henry Scott Peter Ryan Jack Weinrib Frank Jervis Frederick Gauthier George Herrington Robert Baptist Roy Davidge Alexander Christie William Phillips Thomas Duncan Eugene Fecteau James Cramer

October 2013 11 Show Your Support for the Veterans Centre

Contributions to the Veterans Centre program are gratefully accepted, helping us meet special or urgent needs in a timely fashion. Donations will help fund high priority needs such as capital improvements to the Veterans’ residences. Donations to the Veterans’ Comfort Fund helps us provide our Veteran residents with ‘extras’: equipment, events and entertainment items that enhance their quality of life. Support of the Palliative Care Unit Trust Fund helps to enhance the living environment for patients and families receiving palliative care.

Donations can be made in memory or in honour a loved one, or to acknowledge a special event such as a birthday or anniversary. If you so choose, the Sunnybrook Foundation will send a card to your honouree or their family letting them know that they have been honoured through a donation. A tax receipt will be issued for all donations over $10.

How to donate:

By Mail: Cheques should be made out to the Sunnybrook Foundation.

For a specific designation, please write ‘Veterans Comfort Fund’, ‘Palliative Care Unit Trust Fund’ or ‘Veterans Centre’ on the bottom of your cheque.

Mail your donation to: Sunnybrook Foundation, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Room H332 Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5

By Telephone: Please call 416.480.4483 for the Sunnybrook Foundation.

By Internet: Please visit www.sunnybrook.ca/foundation and follow the simple instructions.

Thank you!

Sunnybrook

12 October 2013