Arbourside Court Newsletter
The Arby
The official News of Arbourside Court
December 2016
December 2016
//Christmas Edition
//Bah Humbug! Achoo!
Goodbye 2016...
Christmas during the
Great Depression
The days leading up to December 25 is a dizzying
procession of present-buying, feasting, travelling, drinking. It is hard to imagine that at one
point in history the holidays were spent with
restraint and thrift. However, the approximately
ten Christmases between 1929 and 1939 occurred
when unemployment had reached 25% in North
America and any sort of extravagance was unthinkable.
However, this period of economic difficulty
bred a special holiday cheer. Despite the lack
of material goods circulating the world, people
still managed to find comfort and joy. At a period
when everyone was poor, one really felt the preciousness of being given a single tangerine, an incredible luxury at the time. Many anecdotes from the era are of children who received clothing, nuts and dried fruit, and if lucky,
hand-made toys. Even the Christmas tree would be foregone, as it “likely would have been
used for fuel”. However, they were able to find joy even in these lean times. They likely
saw that their neighbours had even less. To quote one, “We were never rich but we were
never poor. At least we weren’t starving.”
There were also stories of people coming together because of, rather than despite,
their lack of feast and presents. Annie Hiller, a writer for the Deseret News, recounted
the Christmas of 1936 when she was eight years old. It was the first Christmas her family
spent without her father, who had passed away earlier that year. When Christmas morning arrived, her mother and siblings sat to a breakfast of “hot biscuits, fried salt pork, molasses and parched cornmeal tea” which the author could only remember because that was
what the family had every breakfast. There was no ham, or turkey, and when the children
looked under the tree, no presents. Her mother sensed their despondence, and began to
sing and play music for them and organized games. Even though her family had nothing
that one expects on Christmas Day, they felt they had something very special. This day is
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Arbourside Court Newsletter
December 2016
Hiller’s fondest Christmas memory.
However, the economic hardship did translate to real suffering. At the time, millions without work had to wait in lines for soup kitchens that stretched blocks. Christmas was no exception: below is a photograph of the New York Municipal Lodging House
during their Christmas dinner.
Even now, there are those who will struggle to have a celebratory meal or a special
present for their children. There are those who will be waiting in line for a hot meal on
Christmas night at the soup kitchens in our neighbourhoods. Though for many of us this
time of the year is spent gathered with our loved ones eating special treats and giving
and receiving wonderful presents, for others it is a struggle
to make the holidays a time of
celebration. There are many organizations throughout the lower mainland who provide toys,
such as BC Children’s Hospital
Foundation Toy Drive, or food,
such as Greater Vancouver Food
Bank. These organizations are
not only a way for those in need
to receive but a way for those
who have much to give as well.
It is nothing less than what we
should expect on Christmas
Day. Special Days in December
1 World Aids Awareness Day
3 Advent begins
3 National Roof over Your
Head Day
4 Wear Brown Shoes Day
5 Bathtub Party Day
6 St. Nicholas Day
7 International Civil Aviation
Day
7 Letter Writing Day
7 National Cotton Candy Day
7 Pearl Harbor Day
8 National Brownie Day
9 National Pastry Day
10 Human Rights Day
11 International Children’s
Day
12 National Ding-a-Ling Day
13 Violin Day
14 National Bouillabaisse Day
14 Roast Chestnuts Day
15 National Lemon Cupcake
Day
16 National Chocolate Covered Anything Day
18 Bake Cookies Day
18 National Roast Suckling
Pig Day
19 Look for an Evergreen Day
20 Go Caroling Day
21 Crossword Puzzle Day
21 Forefather’s Day
21 Humbug Day
21 National Flashlight Day
21 Winter Solstice - the shortest day of the year
23 Festivus
23 Roots Day
24 Channukah
24 National Egg Nog Day
25 Christmas Day
25 National Pumpkin Pie
26 Boxing Day
27 National Fruitcake Day
28 Card Playing Day
29 Pepper Pot Day
30 Bacon Day
30 National Bicarbonate of
Soda Day
31 Make Up Your Mind Day
31 New Year’s Eve
Arbourside Court Newsletter
Manager’s Musing
December may well be the best month
here at Arbourside. Not, alas, due to the
environment outside (unless you have a
particular affection for rain and wind).
I’m referring more to the environment
inside.
This column is being written in advance
of all the fun and festivity that the approaching Christmas season brings.
Nevertheless,
Neighbourhood
I can close my
eyes and imagNews
ine what it
will look like:
Welcome
colours galore;
Hello! Welcome Jack and
scents and aroLorraine Sandercock and
much happiness in your new mas, imaginative displays.
neighbourhood.
December 2016
train display.
Having daily involvement with seniors is
a reminder to us that we too are building
on our portfolio of Christmas’s past. This
provides us with wonderful memories
that we will ultimately relate to future
generations.
Here’s to a most enjoyable Christmas
2016 and a great year in 2017. Thank you
for allowing us to share it with you.
Paul Janzen
General Manager
Did you know?
Pendants are available for a low monthly
fee that are capable of issuing an alarm
to our on-duty receptionist in the event of
an emergency. We will investigate immediately to identify the nature of the emergency and, if required, call the appropriate responders (ambulance, police, fire).
Along with the
sensory elements there is
an overwhelming aura of
The pendants are available with a belt
goodwill. Those clip or can be worn as a necklace so that
of us that work they are always easy to find and use.
Farewell
here are priviWe wish good luck to Bea
leged to spend
Pettigrew, Walter and AuThese pendants require batteries that
drey Zupp, and Frank Wilson our days with
have an estimated life of 2-3 years.
people that
in their new homes
Please ensure that the batteries are
transcend the
current. If in doubt
standard defiwe have replacement
nition of clients. Indeed they become part batteries available
of our extended families and are woven
through the Managinto the fabric of our seasonal sentier’s Office. It is also
ments. This will be our sixth year
of having our talented resident Mr.
Don Wolfe capture the child in us all Does this power chair belong to you? Please let the
with his awe inspiring Christmas
General Manager know if
it is. Thank you.
Get Well Soon
Recuperating in the hospital
is Rena Lush, Gladys Martin,
George Warrener, Doris Willox, and Judith Gleusteen.
Arbourside Court Newsletter
December 2016
Arbourside Community Services
Church Services
Just a reminder to our new residents that
every Sunday at 2:30 interdenominational
Church is
held in the Piano Lounge. Catholic mass is
held Sundays at 1:00 in the Piano Lounge,
with the exception of the second Sunday of
the month. It is held on the second Friday of
the month at 10:30 am in the library.
Seamstress Services
Sabina Fashions offers full seamstress services at market price, and has offered a 10%
discount to all Arbourside residents. Sabina
is located at 100A 13753 72nd Avenue. Her
phone number is 604-502-5040.
Hearing Aid Clinic
Christina, a hearing aid specialist will be at
Arbourside on the 23rd this month. An appointment log has been posted on the Bulletin Board. Please sign your name and choose
your preferred time.
Kathy’s Salon – Friendly Service with
Great Rates
Is an in-house service provided by Kathy
(Thursday and Friday) to care for the hairdressing and barber-ing needs of the Arbourside community. See Kathy in her studioon
the second floor – she can usually fit you in
the same or next day and is available 9:30 am
to last appointment. Give her a call at 778986-2500.
MK Flowers
Since 2005, Kay Erickson of MK Flowers has
been bringing joy through floral arrangementsto many Surrey residents and business.
Check out the fresh flowers at reception for
an example! Be sure to give Kay a call at 778688-3863.
LydJo Dental Hygiene
Offers in-house dental hygiene services. Shirin Yassa is a Registered Dental Hygienist.
If you are interested in having her services,
please call her at 604-825-1904 to book an
appointment.
Linie’s Nails
Linie’s hours will be returning to Thursdays
and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To contact
her please call her at 778-241-1953.
Tender Care Support Service
Care & Shopping Services Offered. If you
require these services please call Tina at 778999-3262. She will visit you, get your list and
pick the items up for you.
Message from the Activity Department,
a.k.a. Wendy Scott
ELEVATED ETIQUETTE:
1.
Use the button marked <> to hold the
door open for your neighbour.
2.
If you enter the elevator first, move to
the side and rear so others may board after
you without obstacles.
3.
Allow others to come to the front if they
are getting off first.
4.
This is a great time to introduce yourself
to neighbours – even with just a smile.
5.
Don’t forget to use your “cough pocket”.
There are bottles of handwash located between
the elevator doors on each floor.
Elevators are constantly in use and transport
3 floors of Residents. Practicing “Elevated Etiquette” promotes efficiency and neighbourli-
Arbourside Court Newsletter
December 2016
ness, especially during peak usage times such
as meals or special events.
DECEMBER SPECIAL EVENTS:
The last month of 2016… What a fast year
this has been, and we’re going to finish it
with a bang! Check out the Sign Up Sheets at
Reception to see what tickles your fancy and
sign up. Don’t forget, they must be faxed to
HandyDart 10 days in advance. Following are
highlights of special events this month. But
be sure to check out our regular activities such
as exercise, carpet bowling, walk & roll, video
memories, reno keno, noodle hockey, mental
aerobics, tai chi, games, and more!
Friday the 2nd we are heading to Richmond to
enjoy the food and ambience at Country Meadows Restaurant. The building is elegant, the
view spectacular and the food 5 star without
the price.
Painting with Ellen is Monday the 5th. Ellen leads us through a painting step-by-step,
brilliantly! All supplies are provided free of
charge and you get to keep your masterpiece.
Come early to claim a seat at this popular
activity.
Casino trips this month to Elements in Cloverdale (formerly Fraser Downs) are on Wednesdays the 7th and 21st. We leave at 9:45am
and return at 1pm.
The afternoon of the 7th find us in the Library, enjoying humour in all its forms. Bring
your jokes, and watch some video clips of
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOVEMBER
BABIES!!
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
John Barrett December 3
Betty Cornish December 5
Harry Dean
December 11
Shirley Johnson December 15
Greta Andrews December 20
Rudy Brieter December 20
Dave Palmer December 22
Sonja Lewis December 25
December Activities
Dec
Dec 5
Dec7
Dec 8
Dec 12
Dec 14
Dec 15
Dec 16
Dec 19
Dec 20
Dec 23
Country Meadows Restaurants
Painting with Ellen
Casino
Humour in the Library
Reruns
Movie
Cocktail Hour
Friends & Family Christmas
Dinner
Perryl Style with Sinikka
Visit from W.E. Kinvit School
Birthday Party w/ Barry Powell
Newton Elementary Choir
Senior Vaudevillians
Semiahmoo Mall in Whiterock
Christmas Movie
Coffee Klatch
Christmas Lights Tour
Hearing Aid Clinic
C-Lovers
Happy Hour with Carl Ragan
Carol Burnett, Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, Jack
Benny, Rodney Dangerfield and all the best of
the past.
Thursday the 8th is the Friends & Family
Christmas Dinner! But during the day we
will have Reruns in the Library in the morning and a Christmas movie in the afternoon.
Exercise and Carpet Bowling, and Tai Chi
are cancelled so the room can be prepared for
later.
The Arbourside Friends and Family Christmas Dinner is on Thursday the 8th. Dinner
is preceded by a Cash Bar Cocktail Hour
starting at 5pm, with live music provided by
Cypress Creek Duo. Then Dinner is served at
6pm, with a traditional turkey dinner with all
the trimmings. Bon Apetit!
Arbourside Court Newsletter
On Monday the 12th Sinikka from Perryl
Wear will be hosting a pop up shop. Customers will be treated with a gift! I know what
I’m going to get myself for Christmas….
Wednesday the 14th has two special events.
In the morning we are treated to a visit from
W.E. Kinvit School grade 2 &3 students who
will be here to do crafts with us. They will
be tracing our hands, then cutting out the
shapes and making a Christmas tree with
them. We need at least 22 volunteers for this
so each child can “have” a person. What could
be more fun than little kids at Christmas?
Come out and make their day and yours! As
if that wasn’t enough fun, that afternoon we
have our December Birthday Party with Barry Powell cranking up the tunes. Come and
celebrate with your neighbours and nosh some
delicious cake while doing so. Both events
take place in the Bistro.
On Thursday the 15th we are enjoying the
sounds of the Grade 7 Choir from Newton Elementary School. How lucky can we get? Refreshments will be served following this morning concert that begins at 10am in the Piano
Lounge. Exercise and Carpet Bowling are
cancelled in order to host this performance.
But wait – there’s more! On Friday the 16th. The Senior Vaudevillians will be performing in the Piano Lounge at 2pm. A favourite
show by anyone who has had the pleasure of
attending, come and enjoy the antics, song
and dance of this infamous troupe comprised
entirely of seniors – they are amazing. Refreshments will be served in the Bistro following.
Monday the 19th we are heading to Semiahmoo Mall in Whiterock for our last minute
shopping. The mall is a manageable size yet
offers 77 different stores and services. We
leave at 9:45 and lunch there before returning
at 1pm.
This year we are offering 2 Christmas Light
Tours on a private bus. They are the evenings of December 20th and 22nd. Depending
upon the amount of participants there may
be only 1 trip. The cost for this is to be deter-
December 2016
mined. Last year we enjoyed hot chocolate
and stopped at several light displays collecting for charity – a good use for those loonies
and toonies weighing down your pockets and
purses!
On Thursday the 22nd Exercise and Carpet
Bowling are cancelled, and there will be a
Christmas movie in the Library at 2pm. Coffee Klatch occurs following the movie, at 3:30,
in the Bistro.
Christina from Absolute Hearing will be in
the Library the morning of Friday the 23rd.
An appointment sheet is located at the reception desk. Don’t forget that DVA and other
plans cover the services she offers – check
with her to discuss. Appointments go quickly, so if you like to sleep in, you better sign
up soon! At 11am we head to C-Lovers in
Langley for our final “all you can eat” fish and
chips trip of the year. If you haven’t joined
us on this outing before, and you like fish
and chips (and they are incredible), or maybe
shellfish or chowder or salad or chicken strips
or mushy peas or onion rings or deep fried
dill pickles, consider making this trip – you
won’t be disappointed! When we return, Carl
Ragan will be providing the music for Happy
Hour, and Wendy providing the wine, beer,
pop and snacks! Wine and beer are $3/glass,
and pop is $1.50. Snacks are on the house,
and there are always tea and coffee available
at the bistro station.
Sunday, December 25th – Merry Christmas to
all of you and your loved ones!
The final week of December brings a varied
calendar. Monday the 26th there are no activities scheduled. The only other difference for
the rest of the week is Sandbag Toss Wednesday morning of the 28th. And of course, Saturday the 31st – Happy New Year!
Arbourside Court Newsletter
Memories at Arbourside
November Birthday
Party
Ruth on her birthday with
her niece
December 2016
Arbourside Court Newsletter
December 2016
Trip to the Vancouver
Police Museum
Lunch at the Roadhouse
Grille