Centre Piece
T HE
Spring 2017
Burlington Seniors’ Centre Magazine
Volume 11, Issue 2
burlington.ca/adult55
Printed, published and distributed by the City of Burlington Parks and Recreation Department, through the Burlington Seniors’ Centre.
● Residential
● Assisted Living
● Permanent
● Short Term
@
The Centre Piece
Volume 11, Issue 2
Contents Inside this issue
Printed, published and distributed by
the City of Burlington Parks and Recreation
Department, through the Burlington Seniors’
Centre.
Features
2 Spring Forward – Staff Report
Jackie Ellicott
Centre Piece Editor:
Kim DeBon
[email protected]
3 The First step – A short story
Kamal Ahuja
5 BSC Choir Christmas Concert
Judy Basset
Centre Piece Advertising Sales Manager:
Jackie Ellicott
[email protected]
6 Come Home 2 Burlington
Tourism Burlington
7
Lawrence Leung
Staff Contacts
Cold Sores
Burlington Seniors’ Centre
2285 New Street (Central Park)
905-335-7888
www.burlington.ca/adult55
10 Women’s Rights: Part Way Down
a Long Road, Equality is Still Elusive
Penny Heneke
11 Poem: This Old Bag
Sharon De Rose
Mandy Newnham, ext. 6339
Supervisor of Recreation
12 Shingles Vaccine for Older
Adults 65-70 Years of Age
Government of Ontario
Jackie Ellicott, ext. 6248
Recreation Coordinator
13 Robbie Burns Night
Jackie Ellicott
14 Poem: Me and Purple
Sharon De Rose
15 Events and Dates to Remember
City of Burlington
16 Fit for Spring
Jackie Ellicott
Maddy Berki, ext. 6341
Recreation Coordinator
Marcia Huibers, ext. 6343
Recreation Programmer
Customer Service, ext. 6336 or ext. 6337
Tansley Woods Community Centre
905-332-1996
Brant Hills Community Centre
905-335-7720
Publishing of advertisements in The Centre
Piece does not indicate endorsement or
recommendation by the City of Burlington
for any products or services featured in the
magazine.
THE CENTRE PIECE / Spring 2017
17 Brain Teasers
18 Advertise with us
19 Pitfalls to Avoid When Considering a Move Into a Retirement Home
Matt Del Vecchio
On the Cover
Bill (front left), Nancy (back left), Norm (back right) and Ann (front right)
congratulating each other on their game of Pickleball at Tansley Woods
Community Centre.
1
Spring Forward!
By Jackie Ellicott,
Recreation Coordinator
Ah Spring! It is the time that we all start to feel renewed and
energized. We can get out of the house for longer periods of time
and soak up that Vitamin D and breath in the air. I am not sure
of anyone who doesn’t like the spring. It’s time to get out in our
gardens and parks and notice the crocus and the tulips making
their way through the soil. Kids are back outside and driving their
parents crazy just a little less. We see more runners, walkers,
bikers and a whole slew of activity. I just love it.
program that would be great for the amateur gardener. I could
go on and on. If you are interested in any of the programs
mentioned or one of our many others, please see our program
booklet or speak with Customer Service for up to date details.
I can’t wait to see you all at one of our facilities. Please be sure
to stop and say hello. Happy Spring! n
With longer days and warmer weather the excitement is
palpable. We welcome back many of those snow birds that
have had a head start on soaking up the sun. We see new faces
in our facilities with the anticipation of taking a new program
and meeting some new friends. We reacquaint ourselves with
old friends, cherished instructors and we can’t forget your
favourite City employees.
I have been away for a few months working with a charitable
organization and have made some new friends, learned some
new skills and better understand the needs of our community.
It has been a great experience for me and I really appreciate
my life, family, friends and job a little more. I also appreciate all
the warm welcomes that I have experienced upon my return.
It’s nice to feel missed.
For the Spring we have some new and exciting programs
coming up that may be of interest. Qigong in the park is a new
initiative we are so happy to offer. Enjoy Qigong at the Central
Park Bandshell one Saturday per month. This will commence in
April and run right through the summer. Cardio Beat is a brand
new program we are excited to offer. Cardio Beat incorporates
drum sticks and movement along with some great music to
move to. Our outdoor Pickleball courts at Brant Hills will reopen
in May. Scrapbooking is making a huge comeback so we just
had to add a new Scrapbooking class. Many new technology
courses that will help guide you through this age of technology
and instant communication. ETAG will be offering small group
technology coaching on subjects such as using Google and
email, setting up your iPad or diagnose problems with your
computer. The Vegetable gardening program is another new
2
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The First Step
A short story
By Kamal Ahuja
“Are you worried, Mom?” asked Neetu.
is about to explore?”
“Why do you ask?” said her mother.
“Explore” - the word struck Sheila like lightning and shook
something inside her. She closed her eyes, and memory took
Sheila back to her own times when she was Neetu’s age, thirty-five years ago. She was a very bright, curious girl, with many
dreams. As a child, Sheila loved to watch the sky. She always
wanted to know how many stars there were, and why the moon
was sometimes shaped crescent-shaped, and sometimes like a
shiny silver plate. When she was in her teens, she had a dream to
be an astronaut.
From your touch – your hug and kiss – I can guess what you are
thinking,” Neetu replied.
“You must be kidding!” said her mother.
“No, I’m not,” Neetu chuckled as she went towards her room
upstairs. These days Neetu’s excitement carried her up the ten
steps leading to her room in one breath. She was happy; she was
excited.
Her 9’ X 12’ room was full of packed boxes and everything was
scattered on the floor leaving no space in the room to walk.
Neetu was getting ready to leave home. The idea of going to
university, facing new challenges, meeting new people, and
making new friends exhilarated her. She was tired of attending
the same school for four years, seeing the same people, smelling
the same hallways filled with the same perfumes, hairsprays,
and colognes. Now she was leaving all of this behind. She was
going to find her own freedom – no more rules to follow, no more
lecturing from her father, and no more nagging from her mother.
“Neetu, why can’t you keep your room tidy?” “Why do you keep
your dirty socks behind the door?” “Why can’t you put your books
on your desk instead of throwing them on the bed?” “Why can’t
you study without music?” “Why do you talk on the phone for
hours and hours?”
What freedom from “Why!” No more explanations to give, and
no more permissions to take, thought Neetu. She would be on
her own, responsible for her own actions.
Neetu’s mother, Sheila, was not herself lately. She couldn’t
concentrate on her daily chores. “These days I think a lot. I think
when I’m cleaning. I think when I’m cooking. This thinking is
not just thinking; it makes me uneasy, and now it frightens me,”
thought Sheila.
Sheila was aware of the emptiness she felt when her two sons
went away to school four years ago. She couldn’t go to their
rooms for a few days. She was scared, but not the way she was
in 1992. “Why do I have these scary feelings creeping inside
me?” Sheila asked herself. “Am I afraid of the loneliness I’ll feel
because my last child is leaving home, or do I doubt that my
daughter will be able to handle the big, chaotic world which she
THE CENTRE PIECE / Spring 2017
Being the oldest among five children, her mother expected her
to be more responsible in helping with the cooking and cleaning. One day, Sheila had just finished doing the dishes, and was
sitting beside her mother who was quietly peeling the potatoes.
Watching the rhythmic movement of her mother’s hand, Sheila
broke the silence by asking, “Mother, do you know what my
dream is?”
Still running the knife over the large potato, her mother said,
“What dream?”
“Mother, I want to be an astronaut. I want to explore a different
world.”
“Explore a different world” - Hearing this, her mother let the
potato suddenly fall from her hand and Sheila could see her
mother’s eyes widen with fear.
A week later, Sheila’s father made her enrol in a secretarial
course. Reluctantly, she did. She felt confined but her timid self
couldn’t extend the boundaries.
Continues on page 4
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3
Continued from page 3
Three years later, she saw herself standing in a chapel hearing
wedding bells, and her life was set.
Blessed with three children and a nice husband, Sheila’s new
life began. Unfulfilled dreams faded and were forgotten in time.
Sheila and her husband enjoyed watching their children grow.
Once in a while, the carelessness of the teenagers annoyed
them, but otherwise their children were a sheer joy for them.
Neetu’s eighteen years in the family helped her grow into a
beautiful person. Love gave her stability; appreciation made her
confident.
“Now, why are my eyes wide with fear?” Sheila asked herself. “I
have always wanted my daughter to have more than I have had
in my life. I should be happy that she is entertaining a large world
full of opportunities waiting to unfold. I should feel proud that
she is going to fulfill her goals, dreams, and desires. Then why
do I have this turbulence inside me? Is my protective attitude not
allowing me to see her strengths, and making me look at her as
an extension of my timid self? Are my unknown fears blocking
my vision to see my daughter as a separate individual who has
the ability to map out her own life?” Torn between confusion and
unanswered questions, Sheila was exhausted and with her tired
mind, she attempted to go to sleep.
Two days were left before Neetu was to leave for school. Her
packing was done. The painting done when she was four years
old, the posters, and the photographs were all transferred from
the walls to those packed boxes. The bare walls and packed
boxes gave her room a different look, which saddened Neetu.
She sighed nostalgically, but Neetu was a person who never let
her feelings stay inside her. She always expressed her feelings
on paper.
Sitting on her bed, her favourite place to write, the reel of many
years of memories started rolling in front of Neetu’s eyes. She
remembered the love and care of her parents, her fights with her
brothers, her childhood friends, the slumber parties, and the fun
she had at school dances. Neetu thought about her teachers,
who helped in preparing her to face this challenging world. All
of these thoughts filled many pages of Neetu’s diary, and on a
separate piece of paper, Neetu wrote a special note and placed it
on the desk beside her bed. After having written for a couple of
hours, she felt good. It was already past midnight, and Neetu fell
asleep, as did Sheila.
Clouds of smelly smoke, funny and strange voices disturbed me.
I knew those were not the voices of animals: they were human
voices. Who those human beings were and where the voices
4
were coming from, I wanted to know. But the smoke blurred my
vision, and I was unaware of the wilderness I was in. I couldn’t
see a path going in any direction, and I was restless. Suddenly, I
heard screams, and found myself standing in front of a huge, old
wall. The wall intimidated. I wanted to see what was happening
on the other side, but it was too high for me to climb. I peeped
through its tiny holes and crevices. Fear froze me when I saw
the silhouette of girls standing in a row while a big hairy hand
was twisting their feet backwards one by one. I could hear them
screaming. I wanted to break the wall, but my perspiring body
had no strength. Helpless and panicked, I was startled when I
saw a shadow moving toward me. As it came closer and closer,
it wasn’t a shadow anymore – it was Neetu standing before me.
She looked at me and lovingly took my hand. I was speechless.
Silence engulfed us for a moment, and then in her confident voice,
she said, “Why are you afraid when I’m not?” Saying this, Neetu
flew higher and higher and I kept looking at her. I was anxious to
see her feet, and they were not twisted backwards. I was relieved.
When Sheila woke up, she found herself in her own bed. Everything in the room was in its own place. There was no wall in front
of her, no screams, no funny voices. Only daylight was reflecting
on the bedroom window. Sitting on the balcony outside her
bedroom, enjoying the softness of the morning breeze and the
serenity of the time, Sheila remembered the entire dream.
Sheila was surprised to notice that the night had lifted something heavy off her mind. She immediately wanted to see Neetu.
Although it was very early in the morning, Sheila went upstairs to
see her.
Neetu was sleeping peacefully. Sheila kept watching her, her
eyes gradually moving from her daughter to the empty walls, to
the packed boxes. Finally, Sheila saw a note:
Dear Mom and Dad. Thanks for everything. Without you, I
wouldn’t have come this far. You always believed in me. You
taught me to respect myself, and I always will. I’ll try my best at
everything I will do, but I’m sure your pride, understanding, and
love for me will never be less, no matter what I become. I love you
both very much. Neetu.
Sheila put the note back on the desk and turned toward Neetu,
who was still sleeping. She gently approached her and kissed her
on the forehead, as a voice within her kept saying: “Neetu, I love
you very much.”
Sheila quietly came out of Neetu’s room. As she took the first
step, she heard a sweet voice coming from the room. “Mom,
thanks for having faith in me.”
Sheila could not stop smiling. n
THE CENTRE PIECE / Spring 2017
BSC Choir
Christmas Concert
Judy Basset,
Vice President and Director Publicity-BSC Choir
The BSC Choir began another season with its annual Christmas
concert. On Nov. 25Th, we performed for the folks of various
area Retirement Homes. Thank you to everyone who assisted
in getting our guests from the Handi vans to their respective
tables. A big thank you to all the staff from the various
residences, who care for these folks and arrange to get them to
the centre. We couldn’t do this without you. Thanks also, to the
Bistro for providing tea and coffee for our guests.
a splash of red. Burlington mayor, Rick Goldring, brought
greetings from the City. Our guest soloist, mezzo soprano
Margaret Bardos, awed us with several numbers, including Jesu
Bambino, Night of Silence, and The Christmas Song. Adrienne
Pringle, from Carpenter Hospice, was in attendance and we
dedicated our performance of Emmanuel Soon Will Appear, to
the Carpenter Hospice. At the conclusion of the concert, the
audience honoured us with a standing ovation.
Joining us were Chris Glenn, Director of Parks and Recreation,
bringing greetings from the City, and Don Smith, from Smiths
Funeral Home, who generously supports our choir.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Don Crossley
for the great job he has done over the past two years as our
Director of Publicity. I hope I can measure up to the bar he
has set.
On Nov. 27th, we performed at Wellington Square United
Church. The theme of this concert was “Sing Joy”. This was
our first appearance in our all black outfits, accessorized with
We would like to wish all of you a happy and healthy 2017. n
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5
Come Home 2 Burlington
Tourism Burlington
905 634.5594 | [email protected]
To commemorate Canada’s 150th, Tourism Burlington
has launched a marketing campaign called Come Home
2 Burlington. This initiative invites former Burlingtonians
to return to our city and rediscover fabulous events,
restaurants, shops and attractions. It also asks residents to be
#HometownProud ambassadors by inviting family and friends
to visit during 2017.
Former residents who haven’t been to Burlington recently
will find that 2017 is the year to come home. There are many
renewed and expanded parks, culture and sports facilities,
new eateries, unique shops and Canada 150 themed events.
Over the past several years the Royal Botanical Gardens has
been transformed, the downtown waterfront has a new pier,
the state of the art Burlington Performing Arts Centre opened
its doors plus our city was named Municipality of the Year by
Festivals & Events Ontario.
6
For local residents, there will be no better place to
commemorate Canada’s 150thanniversary than at home. With
so many exciting things planned to celebrate, residents will
want to join in the festivities and enjoy a “staycation”. Not only
can they rediscover their hometown, they can also reconnect
with family and friends by hosting events and reunions. The
city has developed resources to help with planning community
events on their Love My Hood webpage. Tourism Burlington
has included Epostcards on their website in order to send
messages to friends and family.
For more details about the Come Home 2 Burlington campaign
or things to see and do while visiting Burlington in 2017
contact Tourism Burlington at 905 634.5594 or marketing@
tourismburlington.com. Also refer to the city events calendar
under the sub-category Canada 150. n
THE CENTRE PIECE / Spring 2017
Cold Sores
By Lawrence Leung
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are caused by a virus.
They usually appear around the mouth and on the lips. They
are highly contagious, but not dangerous. About 60% of the
population have suffered cold sores at some point in their lives.
On average, people who get cold sores have 2 or 3 episodes a
year, but it can vary significantly from person to person.
The virus that most commonly causes cold sores is herpes
simplex 1, a cousin of herpes simplex 2. However, in a minority
of cases, herpes simplex 2 can also cause cold sores. About
80% of the people in North America have dormant (inactive)
herpes 1 virus living permanently within the body’s nerve
cells. The body’s immune system is normally able to keep the
virus in its inactive state. When an infected person is exposed
to a “trigger,” or if the immune system is weakened, then
the virus quickly multiplies and spreads down the nerve cell
and out onto the skin, usually on the lips. This produces the
characteristic tingling sensation and subsequent clusters of
blisters.
have stopped oozing or have crusted over, the person is no
longer contagious.
People who get cold sores may feel some unusual sensations
(a prodrome, or warning sign) around the lips in the 24 hours
before the blisters appear, including tingling, burning, pain,
or numbness. The skin turns red and blisters form. They ooze
a clear liquid for a few days that dries to a yellow crust over a
period of about 3 to 5 days. There is usually some pain in the
first few days after the cold sores break out, but this often
disappears as the cold sore crusts over. Complete healing takes
from 10 to 14 days.
Cores sores typically occur around the lips, but can also be
inside of the mouth, around the nostrils, or even the surface
Continues on page 8
Specific triggers include:
• cold weather
• fatigue
• fever, such as from stomach flu or other infections
• menstrual periods
• mental or physical stress
• physical irritation of the lips
(e.g., following a visit to the dentist)
• sunlight or sunburn
The virus can spread through direct contact with the cold
sore blisters or the fluid inside them, which contains a high
number of the viruses. This can easily happen through touching
the hands of someone who has touched their blisters. It can
also occur through sharing toothbrushes, cups, cutlery, face
cloths, towels, lipstick, or other personal items that have been
contaminated with fluid from the blisters. Once the blisters
THE CENTRE PIECE / Spring 2017
7
Continued from page 7
of the eyes. It is possible to spread the virus to other parts of
your body if you touch the blisters and then touch yourself
elsewhere. Cold sores inside the mouth can be problematic,
interfering with talking and eating. If the virus infects the eye,
it can damage the surface, leading to vision loss. Very rarely, it
can get into the brain, causing viral meningitis or encephalitis.
The virus that causes cold sores, herpes simplex 1, can also
be spread to the genitals during oral sex, leading to genital
herpes.
The virus never goes away completely, so cold sores can return
later on if they are triggered again. Most cold sores don’t
leave scars; however, if an open blister becomes infected with
bacteria or the lesions tend to return at the same site, scarring
may result. People with weakened immune systems tend to
get more cold sores and heal slower. Cold sores usually don’t
require medical attention. However, you should see a doctor
about any redness and pain in the eye, any fever over 38°C
(100°F), or if there is thick yellow-white fluid coming from the
blisters. This may be a sign of bacteria in the wound. A doctor
should also be seen if lesions are present for more than 14
days, if the lesions occur more than 6 times a year, or if you
have a cold sore in addition to a condition that weakens your
immune system.
There is no known cure for cold sores and they usually go away
on their own. However, some medications may be helpful for
preventing the progression of cold sores or for treating cold
sore pain.
Medications for treating cold sores:
• Acyclovir, an antiviral medication, can be applied to the cold
sore 4 to 5 times daily.
• Your doctor may prescribe a combination of topical acyclovir
and hydrocortisone cream. This medication may stop
the progression (ulceration) of the disease if used at the
prodrome stage (at the first sign of symptoms, before the
actual sores have appeared). It can reduce the ulceration of
lesions, speed up healing by 1.4 days, and reduce the duration
of pain by 1 day.
sunlight). In these cases, these medications can shorten the
amount of time it takes for a cold sore to heal by 1 to 2 days.
•Some cold sore remedies are available without a prescription.
These products are usually liquids, ointments, gels, or balms.
They can contain lip moisturizers and protectants to prevent
cracking and excessive drying of the lips, or anesthetics that
help to reduce the pain of cold sores. These products may help
in relieving some symptoms, but will not stop the progression
of the sores nor stop the virus replication.
• Docosanol is an antiviral blocking agent which, if applied
when prodrome symptoms arise, may help prevent the cold
sore virus from spreading into healthy tissue, limiting the
growth of the cold sore. It shortens healing time and the
duration of cold sore symptoms, including pain, burning,
tingling, and itching.
If possible, try to limit exposure to the triggers described
above. For example, if sunlight tends to give you cold sores,
apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your lips and
face 30 minutes before going out into the sun. You should
also avoid tanning beds. Reducing stress by eating properly
and getting enough sleep, exercise, and relaxation may also
help prevent cold sores. If you experience frequent, severe
cold sores or have a weak immune system, medication may be
prescribed by your doctor on a continuous basis to suppress
the virus.
To keep from getting infected with the cold sore virus, it is
important to avoid contact with it. Never touch active lesions in
other people (through kissing or oral sex). When cold sores are
active, wash your hands frequently to avoid passing the virus
on to others. Try to keep away from newborns or people who
have weakened immune systems, since they are more likely to
develop severe cold sores.
If you have additional questions or comments, please
contact Lawrence Leung, Pharmacist/Owner at Brant Plaza
Pharmacy, 561 Brant St, Burlington Tel: 905-333-4088 or email
[email protected]. n
• Acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir can be taken by mouth
to prevent the development of a cold sore. These antiviral
medications can be helpful when you start taking them within
one hour of when your symptoms start, or if you take them
when you are exposed to known cold sore triggers (e.g.,
8
THE CENTRE PIECE / Spring 2017
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THE CENTRE PIECE / Spring 2017
9
Women’s Rights: Part Way Down a
Long Road, Equality is Still Elusive
By Penny Heneke
While great strides have been made, it’s still not a level
playing field for women
what they are wearing isn’t too “revealing or provocative” as
this gives the wrong message.
My 16-year-old granddaughter, Alissa impressed me recently
when she prepared a speech on feminism for a school
assignment. “Looking at a row of skeletons,” she commented:
“You wouldn’t easily be able to tell which ones were male and
which female” making the point that “at the core we are all the
same.” This raises the question: Why is our worth determined
by gender roles, a dress code and stereotypes?
In addition Alissa discovered there is a double standard. She
recalls girls being prohibited from wearing spaghetti straps
at school in grade 7 whereas boys could wear pants with their
crotches almost down to their knees and muscle shirts. She
didn’t think these differentials were fair.
While great strides have been made, it’s still not a level playing
field. My own journey covered several decades.
The first sign that highlighted my gender came in the form
of a gift from an uncle when I was around seven-years-old.
While my brother received two toy guns: gleaming silver pistols
with pearly white handles and leather holsters, I was given an
exquisite miniature china tea set on a tiny tray. The tray fitted
into the palm of my hand. Each teeny piece of the tea set was
hardly the size of the tip of my pinky finger. Somehow I sensed
the tacit expectation that boys romp and have fun while girls
need to aspire to be demure and sedate. My problem with this
scenario was that in our little gang, I was always Roy Rogers,
King of the Cowboys.
Alissa noted that “society divides females and males from
birth, by giving them specific colours: blue for boys and pink
for girls.” When my five-year-old grandson skipped over half
a catalogue, I asked him why? He responded: “I don’t want to
look at all the pink stuff, that’s for girls.”
In particular Alissa berated how music videos “objectify and
sexualize females.” She feels their message is very derogatory
toward females “who are portrayed wearing very little clothing”
and being subservient to men. In society in general she notices
there is a “dress code for women.” They have to make sure that
She is right. I remember wearing a sweater to work that my
grandmother had knitted for me. A couple of the men in the
office made sexual innuendos, which embarrassed me and
eroded my self-esteem. I never wore the lovely blue sweater
again.
Married in 1960 I recollect being hoodwinked into the
conveniently stereotyped role of the perfect little wife, frilly
apron and fully dependent on my husband. While I couldn’t
quite match the dog with the master’s slippers in his mouth,
I actually fell for the lark of attempting to pretty myself up
before my hubby arrived home from work. This depiction was
created to counter the problem of men returning from the
Second World War needing jobs. Women were needed in the
factories and farming industries because so many men were
fighting in the war. After the war, women were encouraged
to stay home. Alissa remarks that: “Once they did enter the
workforce women soon discovered that they were paid less
than men.” She asks: Why do we consider men worth more just
because of their gender?”
I experienced another aside to this issue when I was up for a
recommended promotion at my job in the bank. The manager
told me outright that if I were planning on having a baby,
the promotion would have to be forfeited. After a couple of
miscarriages, I was desperate to have a baby at the time. I
didn’t want to jeopardize the chance of furthering my career
nor did I intend giving up on having another child, so I lied.
Continues on page 11
10
THE CENTRE PIECE / Spring 2017
This Old Bag
A Poem
By Sharon De Rose
Continued from page 10
This face, a purse of sorts -
Years later after I had been home for 11 years minding my four
children, a staggering rise in mortgage rates necessitated my
returning to work to help save our home. When I informed my
daughter, Kim, Alissa’s mother, who was a teenager at the
time, she commented: “You must be a liberated woman.” I
welcomed her remark and knew she would be able to stand up
for her rights one day.
Soft, supple leather, stuffed with fond memories
After she was married, her pilot husband presented her with a
batch of white shirts for ironing. She quickly responded: “Do I
ask you to iron my blouses?” This began a much fairer division
of labour in their household.
Than the sharper lines of Alexander Wang -
Alissa concluded: “Everyone should be a feminist. I am a
feminist because I believe in equality. “Well spoken, Alissa. I’m
proud of you. n
And two or three warts.
Not quite ready for the dust bag yet,
It happily carries no secret regrets.
More like a Dolce and Gabbana
Some sagging in its twilight years.
Loose stitching where the seams entwine.
So many memories etched right here Of happy times and even tears.
Little whiskers and broken threads threatening to unwind And where do they think they’re going, all of those little lines?
A minor tear here and there
Hmmmm,…Perhaps I should send it for repair?
Why do I love it? It’s the clasp I most desire,
A smiling centrepiece that sets this old bag on fire!
My wanting to keep it grows even stronger.
Rather than replace it, I’ll love it a little longer.
n
THE CENTRE PIECE / Spring 2017
11
Shingles Vaccine for
Older Adults 65-70 Years of Age
The following information is from the Government of Ontario Website:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-free-shingles-vaccine
What causes shingles
The varicella zoster virus causes shingles. It’s the same virus
that causes chickenpox.
Shingles is a painful skin rash – with blisters – that can occur
anywhere on the body but usually shows up in a strip on either
side. In some cases, the rash occurs on one side of the face.
A shingles infection can be very serious. It can lead to
complications such as loss of vision and debilitating nerve pain.
Know your shingles risk
You can get shingles at any age if you’ve had chickenpox.
But older adults and those who are immunocompromised (e.g.
HIV+, defects in T-cell function) get it most often. Two-thirds of
shingles cases in Canada happen to people over 50 years old.
The severity of shingles and its complications also increase
with age. Age is the most important risk factor.
Shingles not contagious
You can’t get shingles from someone who has it, or pick it up
from a particular environment.
The varicella virus can be passed from one person to another,
but only when:
• a person has shingles with a rash in the blister phase
• the other person has not had chickenpox
In this case the person exposed to the virus might develop
chickenpox but would not develop shingles.
The vaccine has been licenced by Health Canada, having met
all requirements under the Food and Drugs Act.
How you qualify
To get the free shingles vaccine, you must be 65 to 70 years
old.
If you turn 71 in 2016 – born in 1945 – you can still get the free
shingles vaccine. But you have to get it no later than December
31.
Where you get it
Get free shingles vaccine from your family doctor or other
primary care provider (e.g. nurse practitioner).
If you don’t qualify
If you don’t qualify for the free shingles vaccine, you can still
get vaccinated with a prescription from your family doctor or
other primary care provider. But you have to pay for it yourself.
You would then buy the vaccine at your pharmacy and take it
back to your doctor to get the shot.
Vaccines and immunization
Find out about other free vaccines and immunization you can
get in Ontario – for babies and toddlers, children at school, for
adults and seniors.
Speak to your primary care provider or public health units to
find out more. You can also contact Service Ontario’s INFOline
free of charge at 1-866-532-3161 (TTY: 1-800-387-5559). n
Vaccine effectiveness and safety
The vaccine reduces your chance of getting the virus by more
than 50%, depending on your age. Vaccine effectiveness is
higher among seniors between 65 and 70 years old.
No vaccine is 100% effective. If you get vaccinated, you may
still develop shingles. But the infection would likely be less
severe and you’d be better protected from complications.
12
THE CENTRE PIECE / Spring 2017
Robbie Burns Night
2017
By Jackie Ellicott,
Recreation Coordinator
Another great Robbie Burns event! A good time was had by all
who attended. Dinner was prepared by our own Chef Michael
Gris. Entertainment was the Great Lakes Privateers and staff
and volunteers were on hand to help make it a great event. n
THE CENTRE PIECE / Spring 2017
13
A Day in
St. Jacobs
Join us for this fun filled day in the town of St. Jacobs.
When you arrive at St. Jacobs, take some time in the
famous Farmers Market. Lunch will be at the Stone
Crock Restaurant, an experience in home-style comfort
foods. After lunch, take part in a Step-on-Guided Tour
of Mennonite country where you will experience the
serenity and beauty of the rolling farmland the Old Order
Mennonites call home. After your tour you will have an hour
and a half of free time in the lovely village of St. Jacobs.
Thursday, April 27, 2017, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.,
(leaving from Burlington Seniors’ Centre)
TTR# 369459
Member fee: $95.00
Non-Member fee: $105.00
Me and Purple
A Poem
By Sharon De Rose
The flower girl at the Celestial marriage of Red and Blue,
I was destined to descend on a beam of purple light.
As a child, I loved the magenta violets in Grandma Ann’s
window.
My little fingertips gently caressed their tiny velvet faces
turned to the northern light.
Was it my destiny to always choose the purple suckers,
or did I simply I love the tangy burst of grape on my tongue?
Registration deadline is Thursday, March 16, 2017.
In times of sadness, I only need to reminisce
about the rustling fields of lavender in Provence,
blowing me zillions of scented violet kisses,
wrapping me in a perfumed pashmina of pure Joy.
I’ll be the one the kids poke fun at The Sage who celebrates my senior years with purple hair Proudly adorned with the regal vibration that has
coloured my life like a passionate crayon
…highlighted with a flourish of wisdom and a touch of grace.
And should I be so blessed to ascend
when my earthy quest is over,
I pray for it to be on a violet escalator.
Me returning to Source
… a brilliant beam of Amethyst light.
n
14
THE CENTRE PIECE / Spring 2017
Events and Dates
to Remember - Spring 2017
Burlington Seniors’ Centre
March 6 Foot Care Clinic
March 11
Breakfast at the Bistro – Touch of Klez
March 16 Day Trip - Rhythm of the Dance
April 3
Spring programs begin
April 8
Breakfast at the Bistro – Escapade Trio
April 10
Foot Care Clinic at Burlington Seniors’ Centre – call for an appointment
April 10
Hearing clinic at the Music Centre – call for an appointment
April 14 Good Friday – no programs
April 17
Easter Monday – no programs
April 23-29
National Volunteer Week
April 27
Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event
April 27
Day Trip – St. Jacobs
May 6 Breakfast at the Bistro – Dixieland Plus
May 22
Victoria Day – no programs
May 23
Day Trip - McMichael Art Gallery
May 29
Foot Care Clinic at Burlington Seniors’ Centre – call for an appointment
June 8 Day Trip – Oh Canada Eh!
June 19-July 7 Burlington Seniors’ Centre Maintenance closure – no programs at this site
July 3
Canada Day – no programs
For more information or to make an appointment for the clinics please call us at 905-335-7888 or email [email protected]
THE CENTRE PIECE / Spring 2017
15
Fit for Spring
By Jackie Ellicott,
Recreation Coordinator
With the warmer weather it’s that time of year where we
start to become more active. At first many of us push a little
too hard and experience DOMS (Delayed Onset of Muscle
Soreness). To avoid this it’s important to start exercising now
and slowly work your way up to the strength and activity levels
we need to avoid or reduce this soreness.
Squats
Here are some exercises that might help you. All of these can
be done while watching the TV.
Leg Extensions
Squats
Stand at the edge of your chair. Lower your buttocks down to
just before you touch the seat and then lift back up.
Repeat 12 times.
Leg Extensions
Holding on to a wall or back of the chair, stand straight and lift
one leg (straight leg) up behind you about 2 inches and lower.
Keep your abdominals tight for support.
Repeat 12 times each leg.
Row
Bending over slightly with your knees bent, with a water bottle
in your hand, lead with your elbow and lift the water bottle like
you would lift luggage. Keep your abdominals tight for support.
Repeat 12 times each arm with a rest between each set of 12.
Chest press
Face the wall about a foot away from the wall. Place hands
against the wall at chest level. Lower your body towards the
wall, keeping your body straight and bending at the elbows.
Once close to the wall, push away from the wall.
Repeat 12 times. n
16
Row
Chest press
THE CENTRE PIECE / Spring 2017
THE CENTRE PIECE / Spring 2017
17
Answer: 9
Answer Number 1:
The Milkman filled the 3 litre jug, and then emptied the
contents into the 5 litre jug. Hen then filled the 3 litre jug
again, and continued to fill the 5 litre jug until it was full. The
milk remaining in the 3 gallon jug is 1 litre.
Answer Number 2:
The man and the chicken cross the river, (the fox and corn
are safe together), he leaves the chicken on the other side
and goes back across. The man then takes the fox across the
river, and since he can’t leave the fox and chicken together, he
brings the chicken back. Again, since the chicken and corn can’t
be left together, he leaves the chicken and he takes the corn
across and leaves it with the fox. He then returns to pick up the
chicken and heads across the river one last time.
Number 3:
Number 2:
A man has to get a fox, a chicken, and a sack of corn across
the river. He has a row boat, and it can only carry him and one
other thing. If the fox and the chicken are left together, the
fox will eat the chicken. If the chicken and the corn are left
together, the chicken will eat the corn. How does the man do it?
Number 1:
A milkman has 2 empty jugs, one is 5 litres and one is 3 litres.
How can he measure out exactly 1 litre without wasting any
milk.
Ready to challenge your brain?
Brain Teasers
Advertise in The Centre Piece
Burlington Seniors’ Centre Magazine
The Centre Piece is published four times a year with
distribution in the Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. It is read by
more than 3,500 Seniors’ Centre members, their families and
others in the community.
Advertising sizes and rates (per issue)
Business Card:
Horizontal 3.5 x 2 inches or Vertical 2 x 3.5 inches
$48.39 ($42.82 + tax)
Quarter Page:
Horizontal 7.625 x 2.5 inches or Vertical 3.75 x 5 inches
$90.74 ($80.30 + tax)
Half Page:
Horizontal 7.625 x 5 inches or Vertical 3.75 x 10 inches
$181.47 ($160.59 + tax)
Full Page:
7.625 x 10 inches
$362.93 ($321.18 + tax)
Full Page Colour:
7.625 x 10 inches
$457.93 ($405.25 + tax)
For more information, or to place an advertisement in The
Centre Piece please contact Jackie Ellicott at jackie.ellicott@
burlington.ca.
Advertising Deadlines:
Summer 2017 - March 24, 2017
Fall 2017 - July 7, 2017
Winter 2018 - September 29, 2017
18
THE CENTRE PIECE / Spring 2017
Pitfalls to Avoid When Considering
a Move into a Retirement Home
By Matt Del Vecchio, President, Lianas Inc.
[email protected]
Whether you are considering a move into a retirement home or
if you are part of the “Sandwich Generation” that is concerned
about the health and well being of your parents, the thought
process of potentially making the big move is very often
emotional, overwhelming and confusing.
Here are some pitfalls to avoid when considering a move:
Waiting Too Long
It is only human nature to want to stay at home as long as
possible. However, you will be in a much better position to
move into a retirement home when you are in control of the
situation. Be proactive instead of reactive. Be aware of warning
signs such as risks of slips and falls, mobility challenges,
cognitive issues, safety and security, nutrition, loneliness and
caregiver stress. They tend to become more prevalent as one
ages which increases the risk of creating a reactive scenario as
opposed to the desired proactive option. A frequent comment
after a move-in is “I should have done this a long time ago”.
Rushing Into a Move
At the other end of the spectrum, you should try not to rush
things if you have the luxury of time. This can be an emotional,
challenging time for families. Try to plant seeds, do your
research, take some tours and keep the lines of communication
open with parents and family members. Nobody likes surprises,
and seniors, specifically, do not like to be rushed and would
prefer to do things on their terms.
THE CENTRE PIECE / Spring 2017
Geographic Convenience for Adult Children
Location is one of the most important features when deciding
on a retirement home. However, avoid the trap of choosing
a residence solely based on geography. The question needs
to be “What is best for mom?” and not “What is best for
me?”. Important features such as proper care levels; staffto-resident’s ratios; 24/7 nursing care; amenities; culinary
options; environment; culture; safety and security all play an
important role in the decision making process.
Finding the Ideal Retirement Home on Your Own
The search process is extremely time consuming. In many
cases, it can easily exceed 100 hours. It can be confusing,
stressful, emotional and overwhelming. Talk to friends and
other family members that have been through the process for
guidance and support. Do research on line. Perhaps the easiest
thing to do is to call a transition specialist like Lianas Services.
Most companies providing retirement home search services do
not charge any fees to their clients as they are supported by
the retirement communities.
In general, the thought of moving into a retirement home
can be daunting. However, with proper planning, guidance
and support, the end result can be fulfilling and rewarding.
Many new residents will initially need some time to adjust but
it is quite common to see significant benefits including an
enhanced social life, improved nutrition levels, higher levels of
care and a secure and safe environment. n
19
Volunteer with us!
special skills, we have several opportunities available in our
adult 55+ and 19+ programs and events.
[email protected] or drop into the Burlington Seniors’
burlington.ca/play
@Burl_ParksRec
20
BurlingtonParks&Rec
@Burl_ParksRec
THE CENTRE PIECE / Spring 2017
Live Balanced – Live Better
at the Queens Avenue Retirement Residence
Experience a retirement community where tradition meets charm! Designed to promote
the perfect life balance featuring:
l Updated spacious suites with full kitchens and meal programs included
l Independent or Assisted Living packages
l Social and activity programs for all interests
l 24-hourstaffinganddailystatuschecks
Come view our new model suite and explore what the Queens Avenue Retirement
communityhastooffer.
Call 905-815-0862 or email [email protected] to book a visit.
Queens Avenue Retirement Residence
1056 Queens Avenue
Oakville, Ontario L6H 6R3
www.queensavenueretirement.com