Senior Spotlight - THREE- Senior Scope

"I give my parents
a great deal of credit
for my health.
I’ve been blessed."

Bess Macintosh of Selkirk, Manitoba is 99 years of age and going strong. She was born in 1903 in Gainsboro, Saskatchewan, and her birthday is in September. It would be an honour to wish Bess a 'Happy Hundredth Birthday.'

Living an independent and healthy life, Bess truly is blessed. Dedicating 49 years to teaching, Bess retired in 1971. Having taught junior students in various communities in Manitoba, Bess settled in Selkirk, Manitoba, where she taught at the Daerwood School, formerly Southward School, for 28 years when she retired.

Never marrying, Bess has committed her life to her church and her community. Prior to retiring, she helped start the Meals on Wheels program in Selkirk. "I enjoyed doing that," says Bess. "It is a worthwhile project." When she couldn't do the deliveries anymore due to surgery for a hip replacement, she became the Treasurer of the program.

In 1952, Bess became a member of the newly-formed Business & Professional Women's Club (BPW). In the early years of the club, there were 70 members, but people would come and go from the community. Last year in 2002, Bess was honoured as a Charter Member of the Club for her 50 years of loyalty. Coincidently, Senior Scope was invited as the guest to a BPW meeting in Selkirk on January 28th, where we were fortunate to meet Bess.

In 1979, Bess began volunteering for the Trinity Television Christian Program, "It’s A New Day," which airs 10-11 am, Monday to Friday on CKND. She helped with the phone call-ins and could occasionally be seen on the screen. In April of 2002, Bess had to give up this commitment due to her bad leg.

She is an active member of her church, the Knox Presbyterian, in Selkirk. There she sings in the choir and serves as an elder. She is also involved with the Knox Guild where they meet each month and work on various projects to raise money.

At Christmas in 2001, members of the Guild adopted a program called the "Samaritan's Purse" started by the son of television evangelist, Billy Graham. It involved filling a shoe box with appropriate gifts and knick-knacks for children who were less-fortunate. This last Christmas they filled 38 boxes, increased from 25 the year before.

When we asked Bess of her secret to longevity, she says, "I grew up on goat's milk." She has been raised to eat proper meals, avoiding lots of sweets. As a child, desserts were served sparingly and consisted of ice cream, rice pudding and other generally healthy, homemade dishes. As an adult, Bess continued her healthy eating habits and didn't smoke or drink alcohol.

Fitness may have also contributed to Bess’s long life. She has curled, played tennis, basketball and other sports. In her early years of teaching, Bess owned two horses, and a Shetland pony which she had from childhood.

Today, being a big Bomber fan, Bess enjoys going to the occasional Bomber Game. Just last year she went with her nephew who has accompanied her to many games since his childhood. She used to like hockey, but feels that there
is too much fighting.

Although Bess had to give up many things since her hip operation, she still manages to get out and volunteer at Betel Home in Selkirk where she visits with residents once a week.

We wish you continued good health in the days to come and we thank you for allowing us to interview you.

Walter Romanchuk
"I get satisfaction in knowing that
an event or trip was a success.
When people comment on it,
it makes me feel proud."

For those with a desire for country living, there is no shortage of activities in Teulon, Manitoba. Just ask Walter Romanchuk, our spotlight this week. Walter is an invaluable source of information for seniors’ events and functions in this community and he diligently informs many rural newspapers and publications on these happenings.

For nearly forty years, Walter has written the Teulon column for papers such as the "Stonewall Argus and Teulon Times," "The Spectator," and the "Lake Centre News." Whenever Walter tired of this duty, the community would petition to get him back into the writer's chair because nobody else felt up to the task. It was Walter's duty to keep. So, without pause, he continued on, but now only writes on behalf of seniors for the "Spectator," the "Argus," and "Seniors' Today."

Walter, along with other volunteers, was also instrumental in starting the monthly bulletin called the "Coffee Chatter" for the Teulon & District Seniors Resource Council and the Teulon Seniors Club. With Walter acting as reporter, this publication serves as a very fun and informative source for the community. It even acknowledges the birthdays of many community members of all ages.

Walter was born and raised in Pleasant Home, 7-1/2 miles northeast of Teulon. There, he and his wife, Olga, now of 45 years, raised one son and two daughters. While they farmed, Walter also managed the Red River Co-op in Teulon for several years and then worked for other local businesses when he retired in 1991.

Prior to retiring, time permitting, Walter was active in the community. He helped make the annual parades the successes they were and he was a member of the Teulon Lions Club.

Shortly after retiring, Walter and Olga moved into town. Worried that they’d be bored, they got involved with the local Teulon Seniors Club.

Soon after joining, Walter was nominated for the position of Treasurer and then took on the responsibility of Secretary Treasurer the following year.

Now Walter arranges entertainment for club functions and organizes trips and tours which are very popular and most successful. Groups such as the Southglen Fiddlers, and the Royal Scottish Country Dancers draw large crowds to Teulon and trips usually have a waiting list. Members of the club and visitors come from as far away as Winnipeg, Stonewall, Gimli, Beausejour, Woodlands and other distant communities.

He credits the success to the large accommodations available in Teulon for the club’s functions. (But, we know that it’s the volunteers that are the true driving force behind these first-rate gatherings.) The fundraising efforts, such as silent auctions, door prizes, and 50/50 draws are also credited for making these outings affordable by enabling admission costs to be minimal.

While Walter was busy arranging this and organizing that with the Teulon Seniors Club he was active with a small seniors' group called, "Teulon New Horizons" which he is no longer a member of.

He also participated in the Interlake Regional Seniors' Council activities and served as Secretary for several years. And in 1994, he served on the Teulon 75th Celebrations Committee.

With that not being enough to evade boredom, Walter assisted in organizing various events including regional tournaments and the MSOS summer game play-offs. And you can be sure Walter will be involved with the 2003 MSOS summer games that will be held in Arborg this June.

The only rewards Walter receives for his generosity to his community are the smiles on the faces of those as a result of his volunteer efforts. “It makes it all worthwhile,” says Walter.

He also receives recognition for his community involvement. In 1988, the town of Teulon presented Walter with a plaque to show appreciation for dedicating 25 years of service to the community. And on October 30, 2002, he received a Certificate of Recognition for years of service to seniors in his community at the 2002 Manitoba Council on Aging Awards held at the Legislature in Winnipeg. (This is where Senior Scope first learned of Walter’s extensive volunteer background.)

These awards honour individuals and organizations whose exceptional efforts, dedication, skills and knowledge have improved the lives of seniors in Manitoba.

If Walter doesn't have enough to keep him busy, he has four grandsons to fill the void.

Thank you, Walter, for your inspiration. It is evident that your volunteer efforts are appreciated and much needed in your community.

Gordon Thompson
"I survive very well.
I’m 76.
You can expect things to happen
at this age."

Gordon Thompson of Winnipeg is a man who wears many hats and has many agendas.

At 76 years of age, Gordon can often be observed at 940 Erin Street renovating the upper level making more office space for start-up businesses such as Senior Scope. As that was impressive enough for us to ask him to be in our spotlight, it was just the tip of the iceberg. There was much to be discovered.

Upon meeting with Gordon, we learned that he retired at the age of 60 in 1987 as a Canadian National Railroad (CNR) Conductor after 43 years. He was hired at age 17 right out of highschool, during the war in 1944—the steam engine days. Gordon’s father, who died during the Depression, when Gordon was just eight years old, was a Conductor as well, and his step-father was a Locomotive Engineer.

During his years with the CNR, Gordon owned and managed four revenue houses all on his street plus a revenue office building on Erin Street in Winnipeg.

He owns a self-sustaining hobby farm near Starbuck where he grows Timothy grass producing seed rated number one. He is a member of the Canadian Seed Growers Association that oversees the progress of the crops with strict guidelines. He prides the 80-acre farm property as being in his wife's family for two generations prior to their acquiring it.

In 1986, during one of Winnipeg's biggest winter storms, Gordon discovered he was experiencing shortness of breath while trudging through elbow-deep snow while on the job at Symington Yard in Winnipeg. Although he felt it was stress-related, due to lack of sleep and food, he decided to see a doctor when he returned home after taking an engine ride from the yards and a 1-1/2 mile walk. It was time to take an early retirement. In 1987, Gordon retired and ten years later, underwent heart surgery which involved a double bypass and an aortic valve replacement. After a long recovery, Gordon had to follow a healthy, low-fat diet and exercise regime which he adheres to, even now, with virtual discipline. His cholesterol is at a safe, low level thanks to his healthy lifestyle and medications.

Having heart problems and seeing a need for others like himself to talk and share ideas, Gordon helped start a Heart Support Group which meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Fort Garry United Church at 800 Point Road. He states that it is an ecumenical group which includes a Muslim member originally from Egypt. At meetings, discussions include heart health—exercise, meditation, reading material, plus other related topics. If you are interested in joining this group, call Gordon at 475-5828.

If Gordon didn't have enough to deal with, just a couple of years ago he had to undergo 35 radiation treatments for Prostate cancer.

Despite his setbacks, Gordon keeps looking ahead and continues on with his busy schedule.

Another group Gordon belongs to and will soon be on the board of is the Funeral Planning and Memorial Society of Manitoba. The main focus of this organization is learning how to cut the high costs of funerals. This group is also looking for members, so call Gordon if this interests you.

It was a pleasure speaking with Gordon and meeting his wife, Doreen of 50 years as of June, 2002—Congratulations on your 50th wedding anniversary!

Thank you, Gordon. We'll have to talk more about the Depression days and the hardships involved for our younger readers.

Reverend Amy Genest
"I don't feel like I'm old.
I have the Spirit of Youth.
I’m not young, but I do feel
a lot of energy."

Amy Genest is truly a gift from heaven.

At Senior Scope, we never were able to catch up with her personally. If she’s not flying up north to unite couples in holy matrimony, or delivering a funeral service or wake in such communities as Cross Lake in northern Manitoba, she may be flying across the provinces to places like Toronto or Ottawa to speak at a conference about Aboriginal people in Manitoba and her concern for them. Amy is very popular with the Baptist Union of Churches across Canada and travels on their behalf when she is needed.

Amy is an Aboriginal Minister at the Bethlehem Aboriginal Fellowship at 294 Burrows Avenue in Winnipeg. She is also a well known Evangelist to the Aboriginal people in the northern reserves. In the summer she ministers to them.

"We have revivals where God offers hope. God is love," says Amy. "There is so much joy and laughter in my Aboriginal people up north because God has set them free, thank you Jesus," she adds.

When she isn't travelling, she is attending Carey Theological Ministerial College where she already became an Ordained Minister and received her Marriage Commissioner Certificate. Her energy level is bountiful and she adheres to an extremely busy schedule which entails doing her Bible studies, or visiting those in need to console them whether it’s in a hospital or a nursing home. She visits the Central Park Nursing Home often, on her own time. Other times, she may be at the First Nations - Inner City Women's Aglow Fellowship which she founded and has served as President for the last seven years.

One day in 1996, Amy entered a building off Logan Avenue called Anishinabe Fellowship where she found an Aboriginal woman crying and hurting badly. When asked, the woman stated that her husband left her for another woman. Amy felt her pain and cried with her. They prayed together and it was then that Amy decided to help all her Aboriginal women in Winnipeg.

Inner City Aglow is blessed as she has seen as many as 110 women at one time attend. Amy credits God for bringing more women who are not just Aboriginal, but white as well. Inner City Aglow is a non-denomination ministry—everyone is welcome. Through this ministry, she has witnessed many women being healed, deliverances and salvations, and saw many become Christians.

Amy answered her calling from the Lord, Jesus, while living in The Pas, Manitoba. "I obediently set out to Winnipeg, Manitoba, just as Abraham did, who was also called to leave his home and family and set out for unknown country," says Amy.

Amy strongly feels she has the gift of healing as she has helped many people. She believes that if your faith is strong enough, you can be healed.

On February 26th, 2003, Amy celebrated her 69th birthday. She was born the 11th child of 16 in Split Lake, Manitoba, on a reserve. Her father, Alfred, was a chief for 26 years.

Amy: "He was a Godly man who taught us to fear God. My mother, Ellen, was a woman of prayer.

For most of my early years, I lived on my dad’s trapline. I loved this precious time of my life—the freedom, fresh air, fishing, setting rabbit snares and sliding down icy hills in the winter.

I was so loved by my parents. They were so free with their hugs and kisses. They did not smoke or drink.

I had my education in a boarding school. It was tough but I am a survivor.

My husband, Louis, died in a tragic, fatal accident in 1978 and I was left alone to bring up my four children who are all living, with good educations and government jobs."

Amy and her family set such good examples of what a family should be. Through hardships, they were able to excel with their strong family bond and their faith in God.

Thank you, Amy. You are such an inspiration, not only to the Aboriginal population, but to all civilization. Your selfless values are commendable. You truly are a leader.

Happy 69th Birthday, Amy, and many more!

Elma Krewiak
"I'm a Manitoban through and through!"

Elma Krewiak, our spotlight this week, is a perfect example of an active senior with a perfect attitude about living. Senior Scope met Elma at a Business & Professional Women's Club (BPW) meeting in Selkirk, Manitoba, on January 28, 2003.

Inspired by her dedication to this club, being a Charter member, we caught up with Elma to make more life-inspiring discoveries of her and we weren't disappointed.

Elma first got involved with the BPW club when a co-worker of hers in a Selkirk downtown lawyer's office helped form the club in Selkirk which now boasts 50+ years of service. On a larger scale, the BPW is part of an international organization and the national organization called "The Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs" was founded in 1930. Born and raised in Selkirk, Elma, with her husband, Mike, raised a family of three children. Additions to her family include five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Elma lived in Toronto for five years with her husband when he worked for the War Amps Key Tag Service. Although she enjoyed living there, she insists she is a 'Manitoban through and through.'

Since retiring after 19 years as a Payroll Supervisor for the Lord Selkirk School Division, Elma remained active. She volunteers as the Secretary of the Board for the Gordon Howard Senior Centre and also serves where she is needed there.

When she isn't volunteering, she's enjoying life. Her advice? "Get with it! There's a lot to do. Why stay at home? There is so much fellowship out there." Elma, herself, takes up line dancing at the Centre and performs in a group at different locations on request. She also enjoys knitting and jigsaw puzzles. Up until last year, Elma and her husband were snowbirds and spent winters in Apache Junction, Arizona, where they met many friends who also migrated there for the winter. Unfortunately, with age and health problems, insurance costs got incredibly expensive and now they just go for a couple of weeks. Strong friendships developed at their winter destination and those who returned there each year organized and hosted reunions in their hometowns during the summer to renew acquaintances.

About five years ago, during the summer, Elma, her husband, and another couple from Winnipeg hosted a reunion. Forty eight guests flocked to Winnipeg to attend. Some drove all the way from Arizona, but could only stay for a few days. That speaks for itself of the close bonds among these snowbirds. It's impressive to note that these visitors all commented on how clean Winnipeg is.

As a senior, Elma feels fortunate to live in Canada as the programs and services available on a provincial and federal level serve the elderly well. "I don't have a complaint," she says. "We're well looked after."

When asked who inspired Elma the most, without hesitation, she tells us her mother did. Her mother was left a widow with ten children, the youngest not born yet. "She brought us up and kept us close," Elma tells us. "Although she came across as a timid woman, she must have had a tremendous amount of inner strength."

Elma's patriotic attitude is contagious. It makes you proud to be a Canadian, a Manitoban at that. A house does not make a home. It's the people occupying it that does… family. The same seems to hold true for a community and that's why Manitoba is Elma's home.

John Dolinski
"I find my expression in writing."

John Dolinski has been interviewed many times by media including radio, newspapers, magazines in Europe, and now Senior Scope.

He is a young-thinking 81 year-old who was born and raised in Libau, Manitoba, where he now is retired from cereal grain farming. He is a third generation Ukrainian. His grandfather was one of the first pioneers to settle in Canada. John married and raised his family in Libau as his family before him did.

John is a man of many words and speaks many languages fluently. Six to be exact: German, Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, Slovakian and, of course, English. He learned the foreign languages just by conversing with those who didn't speak English. "Knowing languages gives you a panoramic view," claims John. Many a tourist from across the ocean who came to his farm would speak to him in their native tongue only to be surprised when John spoke back in their language just as flawless as they. Not bad for a man who has had only enough education to read and write the English language.

John has a knack of assembling words in a rhyming fashion in any of the six languages he knows. He has self-published ten books of traditional poetry, epigrams, aphorisms, and short stories. He still is deciding whether to attempt a novel for his next endeavour. Many of John¯s books are renowned and vastly distributed, including in the United States and Europe. In Manitoba, they can be found in rural book stores in Gimli, Selkirk (and the Gordon Howard Senior Ctr.), Pine Falls and some in Winnipeg.

John's writings are getting national notoriety. His poem titled, "The Grey Owl" was read into the Hansard in parliament when the owl was declared the official bird of Manitoba.

When asked from where he gets his inspiration to write, John says, "The wind sends it all down to me. Listen to the wind and he talks." John is very close to nature as he has been outdoors all his life.

John believes that history is distorted. He sees beyond the written word of the past.

Search the unwritten history
It's there that truth lies
Where only the ghosts whisper
And the wind sighs

Although John doesn't farm anymore, he still raises honey bees for honey. Many tourists from around the world visit his farm in Libau to purchase his honey. On one such occasion, John was jotting down poems and phrases in a handy pad of paper as the thoughts formed in his mind. A visitor from Europe, there to buy honey and a fine poet himself, wanted to read what John was writing. Always wanting to be a writer and eager for an opinion, John allowed the poet to read a few of his compositions. After reading them the poet insisted John should carry forward with his dreams. That was fifteen years ago, and with those words of encouragement, John did and is thankful for the boost.

John has come a long way since his early beginnings of adulthood when he struggled to make ends meet. He accomplished more in the last fifteen years than most of us only dream of in a lifetime. Although it was a bumpy road, "Hard knocks of life make you what you are!" says John.

Today, John seems content raising his honey bees, writing books, public speaking and visiting with the odd tourist who happens upon his farm. Never indulging in smoking, alcohol and seldom coffee, John keeps occupied also by playing various instruments by ear favouring the violin over the banjo and mandolin. Being versatile in his talents, he finds singing is also enjoyable as he loves to blend voices.

So far, John's life has proved to be an adventure where the adventure often came to him. He recalls when a hollywood actor visited his farm in Libau and bought ten of his books. He even has had the library in Hull, Quebec, request his books. This makes John feel very proud as this will immortalize his writings and his name—all because of an encouraging word fifteen years ago.

John has some tips for those who want to write books and have them published. If you'd like to contact John regarding his books or for his advice, you can phone 204-482-5379 or send a letter to R.R.1. East Selkirk, Manitoba, R0E 0M0.

Pat McFadzean
"I'm a firm believer,
you have to keep going.
Once you stop, you suffer
physically and mentally."

Pat McFadzean thought she was just doing a good deed for her Elmwood Toastmasters club by inviting Senior Scope to one of their meetings. Little did she know, after our brief conversation, we felt she was a perfect fit for our Spotlight. And little did she know we intended on asking her for the honour when we arrived at the Good Neighbours Senior Centre for their weekly, Friday morning meeting. After a little persuading, Pat agreed to let us interview her and we are grateful.

At the meeting we listened intently while Pat delivered her reading and others, their speeches. Pat was a member of the Elmwood Toastmasters club for about 23 years and it showed in the professionalism which she displayed in her oral rendition of a poem called "Lucille," about a flea. The imagery she created in your mind was vivid and she left you lingering with heartfelt emotion for the flea. It was truly enjoyable.

Pat has been active within the club since its formation upon her retirement and is the oldest member at the age of 88 in District #64 as far as she knows. For twelve years, she served as the liaison for this district which covers Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. Pat would direct those interested to the appropriate Toastmasters Club locations. "It's for all walks of life," says Pat. She tells us it has helped her and others with everyday life—to speak in front of people. Pat has been invited to speak at various functions and has emceed at her church. She, therefore, is grateful for the knowledge and experience she gained from attending the club meetings.

During our interview we saw that Pat is an amazing woman who seems to enjoy every minute of her life and the people she associates with. Besides Toastmasters, she says that her faith keeps her going. She attends church regularly and voluntarily bakes for church meetings as well as for Toastmasters meetings. She served her church for 25 years teaching Sunday School. Her true inspiration in life is her spiritual belief. "It's my mainstay—my moral support," says Pat. She recommends going to church to anybody.

Pat is in good health which could be credited to her extra-curricular activities such as bowling which she has enjoyed doing for the last forty years. Although Pat admits she isn't out to win, that she bowls for the sheer enjoyment of it now, she has been awarded trophies in the past for her skill in the sport. Pat also has an interest in the more-abrasive sports, but just as a spectator. She enjoys watching football and hockey. Her daughter's sons play hockey and lacrosse so it's a real treat watching them play. She also enjoys watching baseball with the Bluejays being her favourite team.

Bridge isn't full of action but it's a game of skill Pat also enjoys partaking in.

Pat has travelled quite extensively. She has been to places such as England, Greece, Spain, Europe twice, and Hawaii. Also, the Scandinavian countries—Sweden, Norway and Denmark—which were especially scenic and breathtaking, as was Switzerland. Cruises were her favourite holidays.

With Pat's busy schedule, she was pegged the "Lady of Many Affairs." Keeping busy works for Pat and her advice for others, especially seniors, is to keep occupied and, generally, to try to be happy. "When you're busy, you don't have time to worry. Don't make mountains out of molehills," advises Pat.

Pat has a friendly, bubbly personality and it rubs off the minute she speaks with you. She has few complaints despite the difficult times she has had to endure. Her husband had passed away after ten years of marriage leaving Pat to raise her two daughters and one son, the youngest, who was just six years old. Pat struggled, worked hard and has never given up. Today, Pat enjoys seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Maintaining her faith, her cheerful demeanor, and her positive attitude, Pat was victorious in the game of life where the rules are not set and the players do not always play fair. Pat, you deserve every good thing that comes your way. Thank you for inviting Senior Scope to your meeting and for sharing your personal life with our readers.

Norah Holmstrom
"I worked at everything I could."

Senior Scope is pleased to introduce our spotlight this week—Norah Holmstrom—to all of our readers. At the age of 91, Norah still participates in many public functions and events.

We first met Norah at the St. James/Assiniboia Senior Centre Christmas gathering in December of 2002. There we were told that Norah has a story to tell, and that she does.

Norah has been a member of this centre for about three years and enjoys attending events there for special occasions. It gives Norah a place to go to be with "family" and friends.

Norah is an original St. James resident as she was born and raised there. Having lived in other places, something always brought Norah back to St. James.

Apart from raising her five children with her husband, who passed away seven years ago at the age of 81, Norah made a career out of teaching. After her children were grown, Norah resumed teaching for ten or more years but only as a substitute.

Norah's ambitious character drove her to work at everything she could including helping out with the Census information gathering and working at the post office.

For Norah, however, it wasn't all work and no play. In fact, she bowled, basically, all her life and bowled well as she has won several trophies. She tells us bowling was her favourite pastime and you can hear the passion in her voice as she reminisces about bowling at the St. James Bowling Alley.

Another passion Norah has developed is painting. This stemmed from a hobby which started at the YWCA in St. James 50 years ago. Today, Norah continues to paint with the Sturgeon Creek Art Club and regularly displays her paintings in the club's exhibits. Recently, in January of this year, a show was held at the Conservatory in Assiniboine Park and we are told there is one coming up in May at the Sturgeon Creek Church. (Read future editions of Senior Scope for details.) There, you will be able to witness for yourself, some of Norah's oil paintings including people, landscapes and flowers with roses being her favourite.

Norah has painted about 100 pictures and ten of them are hanging in her house. The remainder are stored to keep them protected so that her family and art lovers will be able to enjoy them for a very long time.

Other hobbies Norah enjoyed over the years were collecting items such as coins, stamps, and spoons, many of which were obtained during her own travels.

And travel Norah did. Planes, trains and automobiles took Norah nationwide and overseas. Her favourite destination was London, England and Holland where she has family.

When asked if Norah had any noteworthy experiences, she recalls major floods and snowstorms where she and her husband opened up their home for the evacuees for as long as a month at times. When her father's house caught fire, again, they offered their home.

Norah's family here includes five children, thirteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and they are fortunate to have this grand mother of such talent and kindness.

Thank you, Norah, for dedicating some time to Senior Scope. We look forward to viewing some of your paintings.

Senior Scope took a week off from publishing our March 31, 2003 issue to complete our website.
We will be back on schedule for next week - April 7, 2003 issue.

We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused our readers.

V1-N39 April 14, 2003

Les Staats
"Never in the history of human endeavour has there been so many that knew so little about so much and have done even less to find out."
~ A sign Les admired at the Trade School Test Room in England while he was in the Army.

Meet Les Staats. If you have the opportunity to make his acquaintance, you will soon see that he will leave a lasting impression. He will have you thinking beyond the usual scope of everyday living and have you gazing into the sky wondering if our civilization could exist in space one day. He, inadvertently, will make you wonder where our society is heading and how rocky the road will be. His belief that, "Dictatorship is evolution at work," is clearly influenced by the history of past wars and other disquiet behaviours of mankind. He also recognizes that war has a distinct connection to overpopulation. Les's train of thought definitely opens your mind.

Senior Scope first met Les at the Daytimers Toastmasters "Shamrocks and Shenanigans" meeting on March 18, 2003. Les opened the meeting with greetings and he served as the Speech Evaluator.

Les belongs to three Toastmasters clubs: Grace Toastmasters, Trendsetters, and the Winnipeg 250. He is involved with the Daytimers which isn't chartered yet. He holds the highest qualifications that a Toastmaster can, making him a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM).

It's interesting to know how Les became involved with Toastmasters. He visited the Planetarium in Winnipeg so often he almost became a fixture there. He became well-known and one day in 1984—one year before he retired from CNR—the Director invited Les to give a talk on his knowledge of industrialization and colonization in space to 75 retired teachers. (When Les was a child, his interest in space was shared with an uncle and now Les is a member of the Space Studies Institute.) Les feared public speaking so he immediately joined a Toastmasters club and practiced for four hours each day so he could master that first speech, which he did and still does today. Although Les is a natural in the humour category, he has won many trophies, awards and certificates for all his gifted speech-giving skills.

Les was born and raised on his parents' farm near Hodgeville, Saskatchewan, southeast of Swift Current in 1920. When asked where he was born, he jokingly gives the land title description of the farm where he was born.

Les has many entertaining memories, especially in the early automobile days. The Model T Ford car was the topic of a long conversation. He recalls how this car came from the factory in 1919 without lights, a battery, windshield wipers, etc., and came in any colour as long as it was black. He tells us that the brakes would last only for about 500 miles and after that, most people just drove without them, stopping with any means possible including running into haystacks.

Joining the Army when he was a young man, Les was trained as a gun fitter. He served a total of four years and spent three years overseas during World War II returning with five medals. Every year around Remembrance Day, Les speaks to students about his veteran experiences. "I always tell people, if you like your freedom, thank a veteran," says Les.

Although Les's main trade is welding—tool and die, really, he is a Jack-of-all-trades. Being a machinist, metal bench fitter, welder, mechanic, etc., Les was able to put his inventive mind to work. He has created solutions for near-unsolvable problems. An example is the time he fixed a large trailer that is pulled behind a semi. The trailer bowed toward the ground in the middle due to a load that was too heavy. With his knowledge of metals and science, he was able to skillfully cut upward-pointing v-shapes in three spots underneath, apply heat at the point of each "v", and slowly move the heat downward, forcing the metal to expand, bend and lift, closing the gaps in the v-shapes, straightening the bed of the trailer. Metal trusses were used underneath for reinforcement. It took less than 4 hours.

Les wrote about this and other improvising solutions for a newspaper called the Grain News. If there wasn't a mechanical part available, he'd create it or use unrelated parts from such things as hot water tanks or fish tanks making it work.

Les Staats works diligently on his chain of square braids. 80-feet of braid sits, ready, in his living room with a Guinness Book of Records close by.

Retiring was never a nagging concern for Les. He knew he'd never run short of things to do. Most of his own family of two children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren live close by. Sadly, his wife passed away nine years ago after they had been married for 53 years.

In case Les gets an inkling to build something, like a gazebo he once created using fitted pipe, he has four different kinds of welders in his garage.

Les has boundless energy, but when he does take the time to slow down a little, he sits in his living room for a short time and works at setting a Guinness World Record. He has meticulously worked on a long string of square braids made from computer paper traction strips used for feeding paper into a printer. So far, his braid is 80 feet long.

During our interview with Les, he dazzled us with his ability to solve the Rubik's Cube. On average, it takes him 3-1/2 minutes… quite impressive, indeed! He already wore out two cubes!

Thank you Les, for your uplifting insight.

V1-N40 April 21, 2003

Jake A. Wiebe
"You can't do great things, but you can do small things with great love."

It has been brought to our attention that Jake Wiebe is very deserving of some recognition. Selma Pauls recommended Jake for our Spotlight. "I have a name to suggest for your Senior Spotlight. It is Mr. Jake A. Wiebe. Jake has been a busy man all his life and is not giving up yet. He puts together blankets for relief and was recently recognized for his 1000th blanket," says Selma. Jake's 1000th blanket hangs on a wall in his sewing room proudly displaying a large, sewed-on "1000" label. Actually, Jake has 1100 blankets completed and has several more on the go. His present goal is to create 2000 blankets. He's well on his way to achieving it as he works at it anywhere from four to six hours a day at times. He likes to dedicate some time to his family so forces himself to take a break.

Jake at his machine working towards a goal making a world of difference.

When Senior Scope met with Jake on short notice we were pleased to discover an extremely kind-hearted man with a concerning drive and desire to make a world of difference helping the less fortunate in much need of assistance.

And we mean "world". Jake's blankets are the products of love that are distributed world-wide. He sews the blankets himself, after learning how to sew from a master close to his heart—his wife, Helen, who is a very talented quilter.

Jake has a three-layer blanket for the colder countries such as the Ukraine, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His double-layer blankets are suitable for the warmer-climate countries such as Africa. He prefers to use a good quality, non-stretch cotton, and flannelette for the backing. Until fairly recently, Jake used out-of-pocket funds to purchase the flannelette and has spent approximately $700-$900 each year since he started about five years ago. (If you would like to donate fabric to help with Jake's quest, call Senior Scope.)

Jake's 1000th blanket hangs on a wall in his sewing room.

Jake has two rooms to carry out his mission. The Bethel Church Council made arrangements for Jake to accommodate the rooms in the basement of their church and he utilizes them fully. One room is for sewing and the other, to store fabric.

Jake retired from the Ministry, at the age of 65. He started his career at the age of 26 teaching Bible School and continued this for 15 years. At 47, Jake started Ministering in Alberta, working his way eastward to Saskatchewan, and then on to Selkirk, Manitoba where he ministered for five years. For nine years, Jake served as a Chaplain in Selkirk for the elderly in nursing homes and senior complexes and he still preaches, today, in the multi-purpose room of the building he lives in.

Jake's wife, Helen, displaying her "Window of Peace" quilt which took her 690 hours to complete.

After retiring, Jake tried filling his new-found spare time with piano lessons for one year. He then built a log cabin on Traverse Bay using resources native to the land there. He cut the logs, himself, from poplar trees. Jake even built the furniture from his harvested lumber. Jake had a woodworking shop and always was crafty with his hands.

After building the cabin, Jake found himself looking to fill a void in his life once again.

Jake and Helen moved from Selkirk to Winnipeg
5-1/2 years ago. One day while at the Mennonite Central Committee on Plaza Drive in Winnipeg, Jake saw a man carrying blankets that he sewed to be shipped overseas and decided, then, that he wanted to do the same.

Jake proudly displays his and Helen's daughter, Naomi's, quilt. It's clear Naomi inherited the quilting talent from her mother.

Senior Scope wasn't the first publication to show an interest in Jake's accomplishments. He had been interviewed by the Selkirk Journal last fall for his dedication to helping others. The Canadian Press interviewed Jake, as well, and being the source for newspapers nationwide, Jake gets calls from people from all over who had come across his story in their local paper.

It was a pleasure meeting and talking with Jake. He surprised us with a couple of jokes and informed us that he likes to play pool occasionally in his building.

Thank you, Jake. We commend you on your dedication and generosity to our society. We hope you let Senior Scope witness your 2000th blanket.

V1-N41 April 28, 2003

Manfred Villing
"Don't interfere in anybody's life and you don't hurt anybody."

At 57, many people are thinking about retiring. Not Manfred Villing. He is winding up for the launch of a new innovative, health conscious, value-added food product he has perfected over the past eight years with help from the Manitoba government. The product, you ask? New Wittman's Original Gourmet Honey Butter Spread. All natural and locally produced ingredients are used. The butter is clarified making it less fattening and honey is a natural sweetener enforcing the claim, "sugar-free". You may wonder why it took this long to develop a seemingly simple spread. Well, it can be compared to oil and water. They separate. It took much research and development to find the right binding agent in the right combination to hold the honey and butter together while maintaining its healthy features.

This entrepreneur and inventor is streamlining his energy to get his delectable Gourmet Honey Butter Spread—under the Wittman Foods International label—on the shelves of local grocery stores to start with and then in other countries. There already are local food stores and bakeries waiting to stock the product after owners sampled its superior taste and texture.

Manfred's Honey Butter Spread, when stocked in stores, will be shelved in the dairy section. Last year, Western Grocer magazine ranked Manfred's Honey Butter Spread in the top five in a "Product Showcase" side by side with well-known brands such as "Smuckers".

It's proving to be a costly venture as Manfred has already invested tens of thousands of dollars getting patents issued for Canada, the US, Europe and Asia, and Portage Food Centre's research and development costs. There are numerous other expenses as well.

Manfred struggles to keep his health and spirit up with compounding costs interfering with his impending success. But with his driven desire to produce this high quality food product for domestic and export consumption, we know consumers will welcome Manfred's Honey Butter Spread and help with his much deserved success. It's so close, he can taste it!

What impresses Senior Scope, aside from the flavour and texture, is what effect the success of Manfred's Honey Butter blend will have on Manitoba's and Canada's economy by using locally produced honey and butter in large quantities. It sounds like a win-win situation for everybody.

Senior Scope does not intend to make this article sound like a promotional piece. We just are thrilled that we were included in this exciting endeavour. People take a product for granted, sometimes, not realizing that it may have taken years of research and development, endless regulations to meet, and an exorbitant amount of money, so that we can be satisfied consumers. It throws a whole new light on what we pay as consumers for what we sometimes consider as over-inflated prices. Many even don't realize that once a product is developed, you often have to pay to have it on the shelves of stores. It shows it takes money to make money.

Now a little about Manfred.

Manfred had an early start in the food business as his father in Germany owned and operated a bakeshop. Later, he studied window dressing and interior decorating and started his career in Germany carrying it to Canada in 1961. Here, he applied his abilities to residential construction.

Being the inventor he is, Manfred developed and patented an easy-pour spout for milk and juice boxes. He hopes to have it back on the market soon. He's in the process of developing a dry spout for sugar, flour and such. Manfred also is excited about his development of lightweight cement using silica sand with a built-in R-Value and his Hemp cement. Both are still being tested but so far are proving to be more durable than the typical cement we know.

Manfred is a testament to the saying, "It's never too late to start." He educated himself in his late 40's in dairy science so he could further develop his Honey Butter product to meet his own high standards. He plans on going full speed ahead for another ten years before he even thinks about slowing down a little, never mind retiring. You wonder how he keeps up his strength.

Manfred gets relief and ideas from spiritual meditation. "The Spirit tells you what you have to ask to receive guidance and problem-solving ideas. If you don't ask God, you don't receive," says Manfred. He believes that if people meditated everyday for 15 minutes, morning and night, we'd have a better, more honest world.

Thank you for sharing your innovative and inspiring ideas. Sweet Success to you, Manfred!

V1-N42 May 5, 2003

Winnipeg's Centenarians

As you can see, our spotlight in this issue focuses on several seniors who are centenarians. Leah Janzen of the Winnipeg Free Press summed it up nicely in an article and permitted us to reprint it.

PHOTO - (provided by Lions Manor on Sherbrook St. in Winnipeg)

Left to Right Sitting: Ester Jackson, Karl Haglund, Dorothy Dee, Stanley Hore, Les Collischon, and Olive Laycup.

Left to Right Standing: Mrs. Haglund (Karl's wife), Edna Corner, Gladys Currie, and Phoebe Standbrook. Missing: Anna Denney Logan Ayre.

By Leah Janzen, Winnipeg Free Press.

If you want to grow old—really, really, old—you might want to take up residence at one of the Lions Club seniors' buildings in the city. Of 200 Manitobans who are currently 100 years or older, 11 live, or are involved in programs at, the Lions Club residences in Winnipeg.

Yesterday—appropriately, the 100th day of the year—the group held a party for the centenarians, all of whom were alive when Wilbur and Orville Wright took their first airplane flights at Kitty Hawk in 1903. Some, like Esther Jackson, was even alive to see the dawn of the 20th century. "It isn't hard (to live to 104) when you have good friends,'" said Jackson, decked out for the occasion in a soft blue dress, a glittering pin and earrings. "That's the key, to have good people around you. I've been lucky."

The uber-seniors—seven women and four men—were treated to a celebratory lunch followed by a reception attended by MLA Diane McGifford and city councillor Harvey Smith. For his part, Stanley Hore, 102, wasn't sure what all the fuss was about. "No one's ever told me (the secret to growing old),'" he said with a laugh.

"So I'm not sure how I got this far." Hore remembers Toronto streets being made from cedar blocks. He sold hotdogs there for five cents. "I guess the price of things is what's changed the most,'" he said. Hore still reads the newspaper cover to cover every day—without the need of glasses. Once active in hockey and running, Hore "slowed down" in his senior years and took up sailing, completing a three-day cruise around Gull Harbour with his sons when he was 101.

Jackson, a retired schoolteacher, said greed is the biggest, and saddest, change she's seen in her years. "Everyone wants something for nothing now, don't you think?" she said.

"People need to be honest and try and help somebody else (in order to live this long)." The other centenarians honoured yesterday include: Anna Denney, Dorothy Dee, Phoebe Standbrook, Edna Corner, Olive Laycup, Leslie Collischon, Gladys Currie, Logan Ayre and Karl Haglund.

V1-N43 May 12, 2003

Edith Arnold
"Nobody's going to slow me down!"

Edith Arnold may look familiar to you. We recently awarded Edith with two tickets to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra for winning our April Contest Corner.

When Senior Scope delivered the prize, we were greeted by a delightful lady with an aura of benevolence that could not be ignored. Immediately, you sensed that this lady was gifted… not only with a personality of gold but with abilities that most of us could only dream of having. Although Edith is considered handicapped, she displays grace and unselfish human kindness to those in her presence. Edith's best friend and bowling coach, Mary Lynn Harrison, can attest to this.

Most striking of all is Edith's amazing skill in 5-pin bowling. 35 medals and 10 trophies adorn Edith's living room displaying pride and achievement. These were awarded in the Special Olympics competitions in the course of only 13 years. Edith started bowling only in 1989 and proved to be a natural in the sport.

Edith's superior bowling surpasses the limitations of being handicapped. In 1994, she won Gold at the MSOS 55 Plus games in Dauphin where she was competing with Manitoba's best in the 55 plus category.

At 75 years of age, Edith has no plans of slowing down. She was born in Deloraine, SW Manitoba, and grew up in a family of six children and her parents. Her father, in the army, served in WWI. Before he passed on, he took up residence in Deer Lodge on Portage Avenue in Winnipeg where many war veterans spend their later years.

Edith has fond memories of her father. They would sing gospel songs together when she was young.

Today when Edith sings, laughing, she tells us how her pet dog, "Angel" leads her by the hand into the bedroom as if to say, "Enough!" Edith found Angel at the Winnipeg Pet Rescue and was one of several abandoned puppies found in a box by a highway near Portage la Prairie. Once the puppy put its paws around Edith's neck, they immediately bonded. Angel has no tail but Edith accepts her, and any living creature, with unconditional love and sees beyond the imperfections that often plague the minds of people with judicial attitudes.

Although bowling is Edith's favourite pasttime, she enjoys reading, watching soap operas, dancing—juggling between two dance partners, and travelling. She spoke of her trip to Hawaii with her friend, Mary, which turned into an adventure where a sniper—in the penthouse above their hotel room—prevented them from returning to their room and forced them to stay in the restaurant until it was safe.

Edith has an amazing sense of humour and knows how to use it to cheer up those around her. She is known to be the 'life of the party' among her fellow bowlers. She is missed if she can't attend one of the games which is very seldom.

Edith has bowled with a broken leg, a broken elbow, and a broken rib, all at different times. Even when her asthma acts up, she bowls. Also, she puts her high blood pressure and irregular heart beat in the back of her mind and goes bowling. She truly has a love for the sport—and life in general—and her determination to remain active, no matter what, is how she plans to live longer. Edith feels that this is good advice for anyone. Senior Scope agrees with you, Edith!

Wishing you continued bowling success!

V1-N44 May 19, 2003

Nellie McClung
"Women who place a low value on themselves make life hard for all women. "

With the provincial election coming up, we felt it was fitting to spotlight a very prominant, influential woman of our past who was instrumental in convincing government that women were "persons" and should be allowed to vote and be appointed to the Senate.

Nellie McClung was born in 1873 in, Ontario as Helen Letitia (Nellie) Mooney. In 1880, she moved to Manitoba, southwest of Brandon, with her family as homesteaders. After being educated in Winnipeg as a schoolteacher, Nellie taught at Manitou, Manitoba, in 1890, where she boarded with the family of Rev. James and Annie McClung, a suffrage and the president of the Manitou Chapter of the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU). This is where Nellie's interest in women's rights was sparked.

Nellie married Wes McClung, the son of Annie and Rev. James, and they moved to Winnipeg in 1911, and later to Edmonton. She served as a Liberal Member of the Legislative Assembly in Alberta from 1921 to 1926, and wrote a syndicated newspaper column.

As a novelist, Nellie wrote 15 books capturing the attention of many westerners. She also is credited for helping found numerous clubs such as the Political Equality League in Manitoba, and was the first woman to join the CBC board of directors.

In 1929, Nellie became one of the "famous five"—a group of Alberta women who fought in the Supreme Court of Canada and went on to the Privy Council in Britain, to successfully give women the recognition as 'persons' under law. Prior to the 1920's voters were described as, "A male person, including an Indian, excluding a Mongolian or Chinese… No woman, idiot, lunatic or criminal shall vote."

Nellie passed away in 1951 leaving a legacy of hope and truth for women.

In 1992, October was named Women's History month in Canada to coincide with the annual commemoration of Persons' Day on October 18.

A postage stamp was issued by Canada in Nellie McClung's name in 1973 to honour her. A plaque dedicated to the Famous Five is displayed outside the Senate chamber in Ottawa, and in 1999, Calgary erected a set of statues.

V1-N45 May 26, 2003

The Famous Five

Left to right: Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, and Henrietta Edwards

Last issue we spotlighted Nellie McClung for her accomplishments and success in convincing government that women were "persons" and should be allowed to vote and run for office.

We thought we'd highlight the remaining four remarkable women of the Famous Five who also were instrumental in this victory.

Irene Marryat Parlby (1868-1965)

Irene, born in England, came to Canada in 1897 on a visit to a friend in Central Alberta. She married Walter Parlby, an Oxford-educated man from England who came to Canada to farm.

Besides assisting in the women's right to vote battle, Irene advocated on behalf of rural women and children. She was elected to the Alberta Legislature in 1921 and appointed Minister without Portfolio.

Irene supported the United Farmers of Alberta. She helped form the first women's local in 1913 and in 1916 was elected as president of the Women's Auxiliary which transformed to the United Farm Women's Association.

Louise Crummy McKinney (1868-1931)

Louise McKinney was born in Frankville, Ontario. She was a teacher for seven years in Ontario and North Dakota before moving in 1903 with her husband to Claresholm, Northwest Territories (later Alberta).

While in North Dakota, she became involved in the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), an organization which stood for temperance and promoted Christian lifestyle