I would like to say that I took a holiday from the column last week; I was indeed in Portland visiting our son, his wife, daughter (now six-months-old, can sit up alone and has two razor sharp teeth) and baby's other grandmother (visiting from South Carolina), taking a wonderful trip to the tourist coastal city of Newport (did you know that for a time in Squamish's past, it was called Newport but the name didn't take hold?) and also coincidently being on the spot to help our daughter and son-in-law through the death of their much loved and very elderly cat.
The cat had been born in Hawaii, had traveled with them to San Diego, was for a while with me in Squamish and then for the last many years in Portland. In between all of this, I did write the column on Monday as usual and emailed it to the Chief. Though it left Portland, it was not received by the Chief. When I found out this fact on Thursday it was too late to hand in before the Thursday deadline my hard copy of the column. So, if you see the emailed version swirling around somewhere out there in cyber-space, let me know.
I would like to bring to your attention the very well written and comprehensive editorial in the Saturday (Mar 4) edition of the Vancouver Sun newspaper regarding the state of health care for the elderly in this province. There was also a most interesting letter to the editor alongside detailing some different ways the situation is dealt with in Wales. Our own newspaper, The Chief, ran an article on the same general subject, but from a different perspective entitled "Seniors lobby for more beds".
Because life's experiences have taught me that elected officials benefit from hearing the views of their constituents - especially when they receive a lot of concern about a particular issue, I am cutting out that article, highlighting the parts that say "plans are in the works" and "Care facility expansion a 'couple of years' away", photocopying it and sending copies on a regular basis to Joan McIntyre, local MLA, and Ellen Pekeles, Coastal Health's chief operating officer (both quoted in the article) and to as many local officials as possible to support them in an effort that has already been probably 20 years underway. As mentioned in the article, there are at the present time 20 local residents being cared for, away from family and friends, on the North Shore, because there are not enough beds at Hilltop House to meet the needs of the ever expanding population of the District of Squamish. Would you or one of your family members want to be on the additional waiting list for needed help in living out your last days with care and dignity?
After returning home last week I made a trip to the Adventure Centre to view the displayed works of local artists. I would have gone to view them had they been in a barn and indeed have gone over the years to many an art show in Squamish in less auspicious surroundings. All I could think was WOW, thank you Squamish for finally having a building, and at the entrance to town, that showcases splendidly what Squamish and its people have to offer. While there, I heard also that the approval for road access from the highway into the parking lot just south of the building, has finally been given.
On Tuesday (Mar 14) the Over the Hill Hikers will meet at 10 a.m. at the end of Condor for a walk along Jack's Trail. Contact Ray at 604-898-4316 or Lesley at 604-898-1628.
The line dancers who meet on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. at the Tantalus Seniors Centre are enjoying the inclusion of some Hawaiian line dancing; lots of arm movements for added exercise benefit. Contact Barbara at 604-898-5029.
On Thursday (Mar 16) the Tantalus Walking Club will meet at 10 a.m. at the far end of Westway Avenue in Valleycliffe for a mostly flat Crumpet Woods walk along Doris's Walk. Contact Joyce at 604-898-5594.
While they cannot all be mentioned each week, the usual program of events at the Tantalus Seniors' Centre is always ongoing. Schedules can be picked up from the Centre. They are also listed on the door.
The Seniors Keep Well Program, which has been underway on Wednesdays and Thursdays from Jan. 12 until March 30 at Brennan Park Recreation Centre and was subsidized by the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, was extremely well received. Program Supervisor, Carol Wynne reports that there have been 64 participants overall with some attending both days. All participants I have spoken with warmly say Sylvia Gertsch is an excellent, considerate instructor and hope the program is offered again in the future. The acquisition of new, more suitable chairs for those with limited ability is being looked into.
You have until March 15 to contact Elaine at 604-898-5463 if you want to be included in the Branch 70 sponsored bus trip to the Coquitlam Casino on Wednesday (Mar 22).
