Introducing…
Our Spotlights!
They truly are inspirations in their own rights!

V1-N46 June 2, 2003

Betty Havens
"Everybody finds their own way of aging."

It's a pleasure to introduce Betty Havens this week.

Professor Havens is partially responsible for the programs and services available to you as she served as methodologist and principle investigator for the Aging in Manitoba (AIM) Study conducted through the University of Manitoba (U of M) and funded by the provincial and federal governments. The study was originally designed to identify the needs of seniors in Manitoba and to determine if those needs were being met by the resources available. It is the longest, most comprehensive study in Canada lasting more than 30 years whereas a total of 8,950 seniors were interviewed in 1971, 1976 and 1983. Surviving participants were re-interviewed in 1990 and 1996. In 2001, the 30th year of the study, 1012 survivors were interviewed again.

The AIM Study is used internationally by health-system policymakers, and a countless list of professionals and students have referred to the data in the study for their own presentations at a professional, scientific, educational and public level. The AIM Study results have been utilized in a database housed with the World Health Organization in Geneva to compare long-term care for seniors worldwide.

We are fortunate to live in Canada with our healthcare, pensions, and other services that we are privileged to have access to. Betty has travelled extensively—nationally and internationally—since her career began in the gerontology field in the 1950s and her observations since then have been astounding. In some countries, there is no insured healthcare, life expectancy is less than 50 years and pensions are not available… 'you work until you die.'

Research topics in the AIM Study included demographics, financial status, social structure, health status, epidemiology, well-being, functional status, perceptions, and assessed needs. "If we didn't have all those differences, we wouldn't have that much to learn," says Betty.

With the demographics of seniors changing, Betty recognizes that baby boomers have different expectations for their senior years especially with housing. Amenities wanted now are computer rooms and golf courses, and not-so-much the handball courts anymore, according to a Florida survey. She suggests multi-purposes for housing stock. Sokol Manor in Brandon is one example of a dual-purpose building. The senior residents there share the building with a school. This may be an answer for new housing projects, so we aren¯t burdened with an overabundance of housing without sufficient tenancy.

Realizing the adjustments needed as you grow older, Betty has taken her own research to heart. When she had her home built, she designed it to accommodate solar heating for when it is economically viable. Her stairway is prepared for a chair lift if needed, and she had the kind of tub suited for nursing homes installed. Her counters can be adjusted and the garage is not attached for possible use as a "granny suite" anticipating aging parents.

Betty's commitments and contributions include Provincial Gerontologist and Assistant Deputy Minister of Community and Long-Term Care. She served as President of the Canadian Association on Gerontology and was an executive member of the International Association on Gerontology. She was a consultant to Statistics Canada, Health Canada, Canadian Institute for Health Information, and the World Health Organization. Currently, she is a member of the Advisory Board of CIHR's Institute of Aging and the Steering Committee of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

Her work in the field of gerontology is commendable. That is why she received the Queen's Jubilee Award this year through the Canadian Association on Gerontology. And recently, she has been selected as this year's winner of the Health Services Research Advancement Award from the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation.

When Betty isn't heavily involved in her work, she enjoys reading mystery novels, driving, and the occasional television. She admits to being a "computer nut" and has been working on them from the time they were housed in whole rooms and not sitting on desks as they are today.

Betty came to Manitoba in 1953 from the States having been born in Omaha, Nebraska. After several years as an exchange Girl Scout/Guide, she decided to stay.

We are fortunate to have somebody of this calibre choosing Winnipeg as home.

Thanks Betty for your dedication and commitment to the well-being of our seniors and congratulations on your awards.

The AIM Study, at Betty's insistence, is presented in a clear and understandable fashion to the public. It is available online at www.aginginmanitoba.ca or you can call the University of Manitoba, Department of Community Health Sciences - Faculty of Medicine at 789-3831.

V1-N47 June 9, 2003

Joan Gordon
"I want to pass on my reverence for the English language."

It was a true honour to meet Joan Gordon at a Daytimers Toastmasters meeting earlier this year. Since then we learned that she inspires all—fellow speakers, children, her English students of all ages, seniors, and the list goes on. She is so free of judgmental or racial barriers that she melds seamlessly into any setting which is why she works successfully as a child care worker, health care aide, and English Tutor. Through Central Health Services, she cares for seniors and often can be found at Deer Lodge Centre.

Joan enjoys being a member of three local Toastmasters clubs—Broadway Speakers Forum, Trendsetters and Grace Toastmasters—and recently has been awarded an Advanced Bronze Certificate for her public speaking abilities.

As an English Tutor, Joan teaches privately, but has taught at the Foundation Tutoring and Research, and the Manitoba Indian Education Association as well.

Joan proudly related that a long-term student whom she tutored all throughout his high school and university years, presented her, upon graduation, with a bound copy of his thesis which he dedicated to her.

At present she is teaching a male student from Nicaragua.

It will be difficult to live up to Joan's skills as a writer as she had a career as a journalist for the Free Press and the old Tribune writing opinion pieces and conducting countless interviews with fascinating artists and other personalities. It is difficult getting started as it is impossible to tear away from her collection of captivating newspaper articles which she wrote mostly in the 1970s.

Joan expresses herself in the written word with such precision and imagery as she has, in her words, 'the ability to capture a verbal snapshot of a person and their character.' This is evident when reading her articles on such notables as Brian Glow, the now, world-renowned magician. In her article of Mr. Glow, Joan writes, "Magic is the unknown, and the unknown in our scientific era is always exciting, in the estimation of this polished practitioner of the art." Other interviews including a glass artist, Arthur Polson who was the Concertmaster of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, a Spanish dancer, and a pigeon racer, were enthralling experiences for Joan leaving her with everlasting impressions.

The interview which is most memorable to her is when she learned of the art of eggury which follows the ages-old tradition of the artist "Fabergé".

Joan has such reverence for the English language, she feels compelled to instill it deep in the realms of our souls, and does so successfully with her non-fiction writing and poetry, especially.

Joan's award-winning article in the non- fiction category of the Canadian Authors Association titled, "Children Crying in the Dark", drew upon her experiences at child care agencies throughout Winnipeg and was expressive of her love and concern for children. She writes, "I feel their panic. Written on the face of Julie, waiting anxiously at the end of the day as the others disappeared with their parents was her agonizing question: "Will I be left behind?" I see children run to the window for a last goodbye and many think it is a last goodbye…""

Joan's own words of wisdom leave an image ingrained in your mind, not soon to be forgotten. She writes with passion and sincerity. As a published author, several of her poems are published in a book called, "Poets of Canada" and a journal called "The Canadian Children's Annual".

Regarding seniors, when asked, Joan feels that they are the group that is least honoured and valued in our society and yet they've contributed the richest.

She sees apathy and complacency as twin evils which sets society on a downward slide and it's important for everybody to guard against placing people in narrow constricted categories, racial or otherwise.

Joan has a true concern and compassion for our society and it is reflected in her volunteer work. She is the longest-serving volunteer with the Centre for Disabled Adults, Ten Ten Sinclair, and has become close friends with the person she was partnered with.

In a minute eye of life, with keen observation she finds the richest sources of material for Toastmaster speeches. Joan is an ardent believer in the great value of Toastmasters which gives the gifts of word mastery and articulation, apart from cultivation of organization and listening skills.

This lady of many talents and accolades is a mother of three children, two sons and a daughter. Joan has a great passion for music, especially folk music, and she thoroughly enjoys nature and swimming.

Some people collect antiques or coins, but Joan is a collector of word origins. Every word, she claims, has a history just like people do. The origin of "goodbye" for example, began eons ego with the phrase, "God be with you." Say it quickly and it becomes, "goodbye."

On that note, Goodbye, Joan. Thank you for inspiring us with your verbal splendour.

NOTE: Click here to view Joan's article, "Children Crying in the Dark".

V2-N1 July 8, 2003

Flora Zaharia
" The education system is starting to include cultural and traditional components. It's still not enough, but it's a beginning."

Storytelling is not an element only of enjoyable entertainment, it is an essential tool to educate our youth, Elders and those with a desire to learn about our peoples' culture, traditions, and heritage. Flora Zaharia knows all too well the importance of our youth to have knowledge of the past and to have respectable role models. We met Flora at an Eldertales gathering at Creative Retirement recently and recognized her skills of teaching through storytelling.

Flora's goal is to involve Aboriginal youth and seniors. She currently is involved in Keteyatsak (Elders Group). Flora founded this group which involves workshops taking place in schools where students are taught Aboriginal culture with storytelling supported with artifacts, making bannock, and creating crafts.

Flora's education, awarding her a Bachelor of Education and a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Manitoba, has given her the opportunity to teach Native education at the Universities of Manitoba, Brandon, and British Columbia on a sessional basis. She taught also in Norway House and then in Winnipeg for several years. Flora co-authored the "Tawow Kit," a multi-media kit on Native education for kindergarten to grade 12. She also was Director of a Counselling Certificate Program at the University of Manitoba's Continuing Education. Flora became the first female Provincial Director of the Manitoba Native Education Branch. While some were skeptical at having a woman director, Flora held the position adeptly for nine years until she retired.

After her retirement, she became busier than before sitting on several boards including KeKinaN, an Aboriginal Independent Living Seniors Residence, and Aboriginal Health and Wellness. She is on the Board of Governors for the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba and is involved with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs' Framework Agreement Initiative.

She was Coordinator of the development of the Mokakit First Nations Freedom - A Curriculum of Choice on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention for kindergarten to Grade eight students. The four year project in the form of a kit is utilized in schools nationwide.

Flora interviewed, from 1994 to 1998, 308 Kainaii Elders in southern Alberta, where she grew up, for a book project commissioned by that First Nation. She wrote their stories in English and then her words were translated into their "Blackfoot" language.

Three volumes of the book are complete and the fourth is currently at the publishers. The books, available for purchase, consist of fascinating recollections, histories, and traditions of the Elders' lives.

Aside from Flora's busy schedule, she manages to volunteer with pastoral visits at hospitals including Deer Lodge Hospital with the Blessed John XXIII Catholic Church.

Growing up on a ranch and farm with her family of seven siblings and both her parents was quite enjoyable for Flora. She was the eldest girl and had many responsibilities. When she was seven years old, she attended the St. Mary's Catholic Residential School where her older brothers preceded her. She enjoyed being with her friends despite the difficult adjustments of regimental discipline and learning to speak English for the first time. Flora learned later that they were being taught a watered-down curriculum of "Reading, Writing, & Arithmetic". Religion also was taught.

The school housed the students who were not allowed to go home except for Christmas and summer holidays. Flora helped out on the ranch during her holidays and followed the rodeo circuit with her parents. As a child, she recalls having to be creative to keep entertained. That included making her own toys. First, she'd make a doll by wrapping string or cloth around a wire frame until she achieved the correct thickness for the head, limbs and torso. Then, by hand, she'd sew the clothes.

Flora made Winnipeg her home 45 years ago. Here she met her husband, Stan Zaharia, and they raised two boys, Chris and Don, whom she speaks of with great pride. Sadly, Stan had passed on in 1990, and Chris, a short three years ago at the young age of 36. With eyes swelling with tears but with refrain, Flora presents a CD of a song she co-composed in Chris's loving memory.

This, partly, is why Flora maintains a busy lifestyle… to help quell her sorrow. The other reason is credited to her unstoppable drive and love of teaching and sharing her knowledge of the Aboriginal culture.

Flora's work in Native education has not gone unnoticed. She has received several awards including the Manitoba Order of the Buffalo Hunt and has been inducted into the Manitoba Native Hall of Fame. A painted portrait hangs with all the other inductees' portraits at the Indian & Metis Friendship Centre of Winnipeg.

Flora was honoured the first time she was asked to be an Elder and say prayers. She was surprised but graciously accepted. She didn¯t feel like an Elder at that time. In her opinion, an Elder must be very knowledgeable of the Aboriginal customs and traditions and should not be self-appointed.

Well, Flora, we think you qualify!

On behalf of our youth and seniors, thank you for being a role model.

V2-N2 July 28, 2003

Faye-Parks Micay
" Become aware of oneself in relation to the world and your own well being."

You are never too old or too smart to learn. That's what Senior Scope learned from Faye-Parks Micay. When we first met Faye at the Academy of Learning information session for a new training program for seniors, we recognized that Faye was the only applicant in her age category. At 78, Faye is eager to invest in herself through education despite her accumulated wisdom. Faye is aware that gratification of personal growth while approaching the inevitable in the face of mortality is important. As the Myers Briggs personality test suggests, 'we have to work on ourselves when we enter our aging process or we go backwards'.

Faye is aware that everybody has a personal story and purpose. "I'm still trying to guess my purpose. Maybe that's the reason I'm still alive," says Faye.

Above: Faye stands before a Cornerstone dedicated to the Sharon Home located at 146 Magnus Avenue , then known as The Jewish Old Folks Home of Western Canada 63 years ago. She is one of very few people who are here today who experienced as a teenager, the dedication of the Cornerstone in 1940.

Faye, Winnipeg born, has her own personal story. She, with her husband, Nathan – now passed on, has contributed greatly to Winnipeg's retail economy. Faye was co-founder—Nathan, founder—of the retail sports apparel store, "Athlete's Wear Company Ltd." here in Winnipeg. Faye reveres her late husband as he became most successful after he became fully blind. "He is the epitome of what one can accomplish in spite of," Faye proudly tells us. She admits that she couldn't have done what her husband has accomplished although she assisted him in his everyday living. She was his sight, yet he could see things, sometimes clearer, from a different perspective. Most of us will recognize that her husband's success is greatly the result of Faye's support and assistance. It was clearly a team effort. Together, they raised a family of three sons as well.

Faye insists, "Everyone has invisible handicaps. Some of the greater ones can be non-obvious. I'd like to find that perfect human being."

For fun, Faye enjoys the startled reactions she gets when she says she's 'almost perfect' when asked how she is doing, knowing full well that 'nobody is perfect.'

Faye invited Senior Scope to Sharon House at 146 Magnus Avenue in Winnipeg. It is a Jewish Nursing Home where she regularly visits her 101-year-old aunt. This home has sentimental value to Faye as her grandparents on her mother's side were among the first residents of the home. Years later, her own mother became a resident until her passing and now her aunt resides there. After her mother's passing, Faye volunteered extensively at Sharon Home, acting as the volunteer coordinator. She organized such events as a fashion show where high school students were involved and backgrounds of the senior participants were highlighted more than the fashions themselves. She created a bridge and interaction between generations—something that we don't see enough of today.

Faye wanted us to witness the phenomena of aging—a natural process—at Sharon Home. It is difficult to believe and accept that these people had full and active lives. It is clear that the phenomena of aging is a very individual process, affecting everyone so differently. Lifestyle, knowledge and attitude are important factors to consider at an early age.

Faye discusses estate planning that gives peace of mind by following her acronym, "LIFTS".

L - Legalities & Liabilities

I - Instruction & Information

F - Financial Planning

T - Tzedaka (Hebrew), Tithes for Charitable Bequest

S - Spirituality

Other issues Faye recognizes as prevalent among the senior population and would like to see addressed are depression and loneliness. Often, people aren't aware that they are depressed because they don't recognize the symptoms.

There are many causes of depression including upset stomach, stress, headache, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disorders, or allergies. A lack of serotonin, a chemical that helps relieve depression can be a contributing factor as well. Get medical advice if you have a concern.

Symptoms of depression include chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia or sleeping often and excessively, loss of or a ravenous appetite, headaches, backaches, colon disorders, and feelings of low self-esteem. As an example, there have been incidents of a stigma being attached to seniors in the workforce where they weren't thought of as being employable after a certain age contributing to a feeling of poor self-image. However, that stigma is slowly lifting as it is being recognized, now, that the life experiences and wisdom of seniors often outweigh the naivete and arrogance of some youth which can add to the vulnerability of the aging process.

Faye was full of knowledge and business ideas and had many excellent suggestions for Senior Scope.

It was a pleasure speaking with you, Faye. We hope we can address some of your concerns of the phenomena of aging.

V2-N3 August 11, 2003

Gord Hillocks
" I like to win, but I fight only on the side of angels."

A man's home is his castle and that's the first impression you get upon entering Gord Hillock's home. A decor fit for a king. Jeweled crowns and other royal ornaments adorn the furniture and walls and most anywhere you look. Even the bathroom door displays a "Royal Flush" made up of real poker cards. Themed displays are set up all over his home including a hand-made decorated set of Knights entering battle with each other before a castle, but mounted on his wall—representing good against evil in our society. He calls this "Heavenly Knights". Gord's wife, Connie, had a strong influence in the home decor, as well, as her favourite colour, red, is prevalent adding a vibrant, rich appeal.

Gord's creativity was his survival as a child. Orphaned at 3-1/2 years of age along with his brother and sister, Gord had to endure the hardships and cruel and unnecessary treatment in an orphanage he and his brother were forced to live at. Gord sustained the same punishment from peers outside the orphanage, as well, until he was welcomed into a foster home at the age of 12. During his stay at the orphanage, Gord developed a flair for castles. He would place coloured stones on street car tracks that would get pulverized into coloured powders. The powders then would be creatively formed into his castles.

Gord had not only built castles, he built empires, so-to-speak, throughout his career as a financial planner for Investor's Group. He has been credited to producing millions of dollars of investments for ordinary citizens, in many cases with as low as $30/month plans. Gord surpassed his quota by over $1 million in his first year achieving his own goal earning him 'top rookie' status nationally. He exceeded $1 million for 31 years of his 33 year career as a financial planner ranking either 1st or 2nd nationally nine times in one investment category or another—a feat not achieved often. Many have benefitted from Gord's sound advice and knowledge of financial planning. Some of his clients were three generation clients. One client was a 70-year-old lady who signed up after Gord helped dig her car out of a snow bank. She maintained her relationship with him well past her 100th birthday.

Gord, now 73, has retired from Investors Group but has remained active as a consultant to his chosen successor who now handles his former clients' portfolios. When asked why he retired, he says he wanted to see if everything he told other people about saving for retirement works. And he's happy to report that it does. At the age of 26 he decided he didn't want to be old and poor together so he planned carefully for his future.

Gord would love to make the younger generation realize that they have the greatest assets of all—youth and time. Youth often think that they have nothing to invest, but he stresses money spent on cigarettes alone could prevent them from becoming millionaires in about 30 years. Goal-setting is key. "It's not what you have to invest now, it's what you want to have when you retire," says Gord. "My advice is to plant money trees," he continues, "so when you stop earning, your money doesn't."

Gord's creativity doesn't end with castles and financial planning. He is a writer and a cartoonist, as well. A plaque on his wall proudly announces, "2nd Place" for a United Nations Association cartoon contest that Gord had entered in 1988. He has written several short stories, one winning first in a newspaper true story contest. He has a tremendous amount of experience writing letters to the editors of various newspapers, voicing his concerns on behalf of fellow citizens.

One example is in 1992 when Pharmacare announced a submission deadline for claims and strictly rejected any late filing. Gord strongly felt this was harsh and unusual punishment and confronted local government officials as well as the media including Peter Warren. Gord petitioned and got the support from approximately 270,000 Manitobans (according to the Wpg. Free Press) —members of unions, legions, health & medical organizations, churches, etc. Gord felt that the punishment was harsh for simple human error. The sick and elderly were among those greatly affected to the tune of around 2,000 Manitobans. A penalty for filing late was more appropriate than a complete confiscation order. Gord's local MLA has promised to request the provincial government to revisit the issue of money lost due to late claims.

Like a knight, Gord has fought many battles and puts every effort forward to fight for his rights and the rights of others. He sees himself as an 'idea merchant' and a 'good samaritan'. He likes to form solutions for problems such as the organ shortage. He suggests a retribution order for criminals giving them the option of a shortened sentence for donating non-life-threatening organs, or tax credits for anybody willing to donate. He feels if the stigma attached to a criminal's donated organs could be overlooked, many lives could be saved.

Thank you for your strong voice and commitment to your causes and the causes of others, Gord. You are a Knight in shining armour for many.

V2-N4 August 25, 2003

Helve Dawson
" I'm going to do everything I can to stay healthy."

Leading by example is Helve Dawson's way of motivating others of all ages. At 78, Helve was the oldest, and most impressive paddler of all participating in the 2003 Canadian Cancer Society Manitoba Dragon Boat Festival. Not only did Helve paddle with team members one-fourth her age, she did so with two knee replacements, climbing up and down the banks of the Red River throughout the day. That's enough to motivate and inspire the fittest athletes.

Helve used to paddle on a team that the Kinsmen Reh-Fit Centre on Taylor Avenue in Winnipeg used to sponsor. When the team needed a new sponsor, the Manitoba Transplant Program got involved and recruited a few of their own paddlers, some of whom are organ and tissue transplant recipients. Helve, with her spare parts (so-to-speak)—knee replacements—fit right in with the new team ensemble. She truly defines the "Gifted" in "The Gifted Dragon Ladies," the new team name.

Dragon Boat racing was a real goal for Helve. She says she had to prove it to herself that she could do it. And she has done so for four years in a row, now, and hopes to paddle for two more years on the team.

Helve was prepared for the hard work required to paddle the 500 metre race as she exercises three times a week at the Reh-Fit Centre. She started working out there several years ago to strengthen and prepare her knees for the necessary knee replacement surgery. Sustaining knee injuries in her twenties from down-hill skiing, it was during the last three years, only, that she started experiencing much pain and needed a cane to walk.

Within the past one and a half years, Helve underwent the surgery for each knee just six months apart. With physiotherapy sessions at the Victoria Hospital, Helve recovered and resumed her busy schedule.

Today, Helve volunteers at the Victoria Hospital physiotherapy department paying back her debt to show her appreciation for the treatment she received. She enjoys giving moral support to those experiencing what she has already gone through. She reasons that if she can recover at her age, anybody can… leading by example. She gives them hope and brightens their day with her sense of humour.

The only health challenge, other than her knee replacements, Helve was faced with was thyroid cancer over 30 years ago. After surgery, she made a full recovery.

Helve is determined to remain healthy. Her husband is not well and she feels she has to be able to take care of him.

Besides keeping fit, Helve enjoys painting lessons and doing crafts. As for trying anything new, Helve jokes that she's not going to be doing any skydiving or anything of the sort.

When asked, Helve claims her father was her biggest inspiration growing up. He was determined, strong and calm. He escaped Nazi Germany with his family after being in a concentration camp. Helve as a young teenager, her sister and both parents fled to relatives in Holland and on to Canada in 1939. The war started when they were on the ocean heading to Canada.

Helve is the mother of one son and she enjoyed, also, a 26-year career with the Canadian National Railway company. Although she enjoyed her years there, had things been different, she would have chosen working in the health field knowing now the satisfaction and enjoyment she receives volunteering at the Victoria Hospital.

Helve always looks on the bright side. She feels that material things are not necessary to be happy. Laughter is important. "If you can laugh at yourself…," says Helve. She appreciates the small things in life.

We asked what concerns Helve has with the elderly and she replied, "Seniors in homes aren't getting enough exercise. They need to move around. It's important and it bothers me. At my age, I feel very good."

Thank you for sharing your motivating abilities and attitude. Stay healthy, Helve, and we'll see you at "the races" next August!

V2-N5 September 8, 2003

Millie Wornyck
" I like the youth of today. If you are nice to them, they are nice to you."

Meet Millie Wornyck. If you stroll down Corydon Avenue in Winnipeg, you just might.

Opening up new horizons, and meeting more people, life has introduced Senior Scope to an extraordinary little lady. Her name is "Millie" and we all love her dearly as anyone who has the pleasure to meet her does. She is Corydon's very own 'Senior Streetbeat'. She walks, averaging four times daily, along Corydon Avenue to keep active and to talk occasionally to friends she made on her journeys. While we enjoy our coffee, we are occasionally blessed with a visit from Millie.

As we delved into her life, we have found an honest jewel, content with her life, preferring peace and quiet. Born in the North End 84 years ago, from Ukrainian decent, this lovely lady refers to herself as, "The Uke without a Ukulele." She is an avid church follower who attends the Calvary Temple. She would like to extend her appreciation on behalf of herself and the other ladies who are picked up on the Calvary Temple service shuttle every Sunday. The transportation to and from church is welcome, acknowledged and greatly appreciated.

Millie grew up in the 1920's on Broadway and Hargrave, and spent her working years with Swifts and Gainers.

When Millie isn't walking, especially in the winter, she enjoys crossword puzzles, fill-it-in puzzles and game shows.

Though Millie claims to be modest, we see a lady with integrity and of high moral standards.

When Sassparilla thanked Millie, once again, for returning her purse which was left by mistake at a Corydon Avenue coffee shop, she did not blink an eye. Her comment being, "If I lost my purse, I would hope someone would return mine."

In every essence, Millie is a true, good samaritan.

Thank you for giving Corydon Avenue a sense of comfort and safety and making it a nicer place for those to visit.

V2-N6 September 22, 2003

Catherine Thexton
"I loved being outside. You never had to worry about anybody. Just skunks. Nothing in the wild harmed me."

If you enjoy nature, you may have crossed Catherine Thexton's path at one time in your life. If not, you may be familiar with one of her albums, cassettes, or CDs… recordings of birds and other sounds of nature.

Catherine was born and raised in Balmoral, Manitoba, north of Winnipeg, west off No. 7 highway and now resides in Stonewall, Manitoba.

During WWII, Catherine married her husband, George. They settled in the Balmoral area in 1949 and farmed there for 45-1/2 years. Catherine resumed her career of teaching in 1961. When she taught, she often had to live away during the week, returning home to her sanctuary on the farm on weekends.

Catherine is very aware of and concerned about the environment and she does her share of recycling. She has been always interested in nature. Her parents were a big influence as they instilled a sense of humanity when it came to wild creatures. What made their way inside their home, but belonged outdoors, were returned outdoors, unharmed.

Catherine enjoyed nature immensely and therefore earned a science degree, spending three years at the U of M studying botany, geology and zoology.

Catherine developed a curiousity for the wildlife that inhabited their farm and wanted to record their sounds. On her own, she spent countless hours, days and years, even, learning the songs of birds by going on group nature tours and by purchasing over 150 albums, cassettes and CDs to learn from. Within the last 30 years, prior to retiring, Catherine purchased the recording equipment necessary and spent several years learning and practicing before attempting her first album recording in 1981. Since then, Catherine has recorded 8 albums/cassettes/CDs.

Catherine had extreme dedication as she had to be up before or at dawn to get the most uninterrupted sounds of nature, when the wildlife was wakening and traffic was low. The recording equipment is so powerful and sensitive that, Catherine says, "You'd be surprised at what sounds are in the environment." Some sounds are not obvious until the recordings are listened to. The microphone amplifies sounds 75X and can pick up noise 2-1/2 miles away.

Catherine has developed an expert ear for the songs of birds, mainly in her area. If you listen to any of her recordings, you wonder how each bird sound is identified. When you look at the song list on her most recent CD or cassette, "Bird Song with Ambient Sound," you'll notice several varieties of one species such as the sparrow where there are 14 recordings, all with different songs.

Catherine has come to know many of the birds' habits as well. For example, the Bluejay will mimic sounds of other birds. Catherine witnessed a Bluejay imitating the sound a Merlin to scare a neighbouring Robin. The Merlin is a predator of the Robin so the Robin flew away. She saw a Bluejay imitate even a duck. Catherine says that Bluejays often help her determine what other birds are in the area by the imitations they make.

Catherine invested 30 years, and probably $100,000, all told, in learning and recording her sounds of nature. It has become a labour of passion. Some albums have sold better than others, such as her second, "Meadowlark Music and Other Nature Sounds." It has proved to be a favourite as the Meadowlark used to be a part of every farm in western Canada and, also, is a state bird in Nebraska and other mid-western states in the U.S.

Catherine's recordings have made their way into the homes of avid nature lovers across North America and other parts of the world including Australia and Britain. Australian tourists interested in the Screech Owl came to Catherine's and George's farm in hopes of hearing one sing, or 'screech', which they did.

The British Library National Sound Archive - Wildlife Sounds department purchased early records of Catherine and a copy of all her master recordings plus all her albums, cassettes and CDs will be archived there.

Catherine was self-inspired when she started her project. She, solely, did the researching, recording, writing, promoting and distributing of her works. She's grateful for the support of Fort Whyte Centre, Manitoba Museum, and Preferred Perch for carrying her CDs for purchase.

At 82, and still enjoying working with her recordings, Catherine says, "It's something you can continue to work at late in life."

Naturally, we thank you, Catherine.

V2-N7 October 6, 2003

Cliff Richardson
"The worst thing anyone can do is not be active. You should go out and meet with other people. Enjoy life."

When the going gets tough, the tough prevails. Ask Cliff Richardson. At 78, he has a herd of approximately 60 head of cattle and can be seen still driving a tractor to make hay for his farm. Cliff claims to be a work-a-holic and isn't ready quite yet to give up the mainstay of his livelihood, although he is anticipating making his herd a little smaller.

Hard work always has been a part of Cliff's life. He became the "man of the house" at the early age of 16 assuming the large responsibility of caring for his brother, his sister and his mother in Saskatchewan where he was born. At 17, Cliff purchased 4 young work horses and had them trained for use on the farm. He was able to break and clear 30 acres of land with them to plant a crop of oats. In 1942, cliff started a successful dairy operation. He later married his wife, Kay, and they started a family and continued with the dairy. Leaving the dairy in 1953, Cliff worked in the road construction business as a gravel crusher. Wanting to get back into farming, Cliff, Kay, their young daughter and younger son moved in 1962 to a farm west of Teulon in an even smaller community called Erinview. Teulon, incidentally, is north of Winnipeg on highway #7.

Starting over wasn't easy but Cliff and his family persevered. A life rich with faith, optimism, hard work, family values, and a keen sense of humour seemed to be the essence of survival for Cliff's family. They stuck together in good times and bad, being very supportive of each other… a true model family.

Community support proved to be a blessing in times of need as well. If Cliff ever had doubted his faith, he was reassured of it when his trailer burned down leaving him standing in the snow in his socks… cold, but alive. Shortly before Christmas, nearly five years ago, Cliff was in bed with pneumonia. Kay went outside for only a few minutes. She returned to a burning porch where a faulty heater ignited the interior and fire was spreading quickly. She couldn't get in, so a panic-stricken Kay went around to the bedroom where Cliff lay sleeping and she started pounding on the trailer. When Cliff woke, smoke already had filled the air. He tried the porch door but the handle was too hot and the phone lines were dead. He felt his way slowly to the back door that was sealed to keep drafts out. He tore away the plastic and broke the window with his fist escaping certain tragedy. Cliff and Kay walked to a neighbour's house to call the fire department but it was too late to salvage anything.

Once again, they were faced with starting over. "The neighbours were tremendous," said Cliff. Friends and neighbours opened up their homes. Their church, The Teulon Gospel Tabernacle, offered the manse to them until they could return home again, as well. A benefit dance was held to raise funds to assist them and people donated more than enough clothes, dishes, etc. Cliff and Kay still are extremely grateful and overwhelmed by the generosity expressed by their community.

Cliff and Kay now live in a new house which was partly paid for by their son, Marvin, who lives in the United States.

Marvin recently was ranked among the "25 Most Influential Chief Technical Officers" in "InfoWorld" magazine in the U.S. Marlyss, their oldest daughter, teaches nursing in Calgary, Alberta, while Lauralynn—whom Cliff and Kay adopted in 1971 to complete their family—lives in Kenora, Ontario, where she is a secretary for a head lawyer of a firm. She is a piano teacher, also, who works out of her home. All are successful and married with children giving Cliff and Kay six grandchildren to enjoy.

Aside from farming, Cliff finds time still to volunteer and has done so at his church where he has sat on the board for the last 35 years. He is a member of the Teulon and Inwood senior clubs and can be seen occasionally enjoying some activities held by both. He sat on the board of the Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital for ten years in the past, as well.

Now that there is less stress in his life, Cliff hopes he can do more travelling. As for any hobbies, Cliff laughingly says, "I sing, but I'm the only one that calls it singing. I usually sing alone, and most prefer it that way."

Cliff is fortunate to have his health other than suffering from arthritis. He has a permanently dislocated shoulder as a result of his saddle horse stepping in a badger hole when he was a young adult. He fell head and shoulder first to the ground with his foot stuck in a stirrup. Cliff has learned to live with the pain. When surgery didn't improve his situation, he decided he was, "going to finish off this way." His other shoulder was broken in a haying mishap years later. It healed but arthritis since has set in.

It seems Cliff didn't have much luck with horses at times. He recalls another incident as a young boy. He used to ride bareback, and to get on he had to lead his horse up to something high to boost him. The horse was quick to learn that if she'd swing around, Cliff's chances were slim of getting on. One day, he led her up to a stone pile. The one time she didn't swing out, Cliff over-compensated his leap and wound up head first on the ground on the other side of his horse. When Cliff tells this story to anyone, he jokes and says, "Now you know what happened to me."

Halloween is quickly approaching and that has a special meaning for Cliff as he will be celebrating his birthday on October 31st.

When asked if he had any regrets, Cliff feels he worked too much and should have spent more time with his family.

As the old saying goes, "Hard work never hurt anyone." If anything, Cliff, you served as a role model for your family. Happy Birthday!

V2-N8 October 20, 2003

Beatrice Durupt
"Music keeps me young. It's good for me."

Beatrice Durupt is quite the celebrity lately. First, her smiling face appeared in the Stonewall Argus and Teulon Times newspaper last week, and now, here, in Senior Scope. Beatrice is one of the oldest violin players of a non-profit musical group called the "Southglen Fiddlers." The group played for a seniors' function recently in Teulon where a reporter from the newspaper took her photo with violin in hand.

It's a coincidence that two publications took an interest in Beatrice within such a short time. It must be her welcoming smile and attitude.

Senior Scope learned of Beatrice through her husband, Joe, who was the August contest winner. When Senior Scope presented the prizes to Joe, he informed us that his wife played the fiddle. Even more impressive is that Beatrice is a youthful 79 years of age and plays her violin regularly for audiences.

Born and raised in Haywood, Manitoba, west of Winnipeg, Beatrice was the youngest of a large family of nine sisters and three brothers. Her mother birthed 14 children in total.

Beatrice's family all were musical. Her dad played the violin, guitar and accordion while her mother played the violin and sang. All the sisters chorded on the piano and some took up the violin including Beatrice. All had played by ear without reading music notes, an amazing gift. Beatrice learned to play the violin by following her sister while she played. Just by listening and watching, Beatrice was able to follow along. Her brothers played violin and chorded on the piano as well. Growing up, their home often was a gathering place for jamboree sessions. Sadly, Beatrice's mother passed away when Beatrice was 18 and the jamborees stopped. It just wasn't the same anymore.

Beatrice and Joe have two children of their own and they greatly support Beatrice in her music activities. They have two grandchildren as well. One, Lisa, played a small part in the movie—driving a car up on a ramp—that was filmed here in Winnipeg, called, "Shall We Dance," starring Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere. Lisa plays hockey as well and is in acting school in Victoria, British Columbia.

Talent runs in Beatrice's family. She is a cousin to the well-known fiddler, Andy Desjarlais and Antoine Gosselin of St. Rose du Lac, Manitoba, an uncle on her mother's side, played fiddle for dances since he was seven years old. Three great grand-nieces are following in the footsteps of their older fiddle family members as well. The legacy will continue.

Beatrice is especially proud of her grand-nephew, Mark Morisseau, who has recorded two CD's. "He's my sweetheart," glows Beatrice. Mark had asked her to play her violin at both of his CD release parties. Mark teaches the violin privately here in Winnipeg and performs at various events as well. Beatrice is proud that Mark learned to play on a fiddle that she gave him when he was young.

Both, Mark and Beatrice, were asked to play their violins at a celebration marking Yvon Dumont's retirement from being Manitoba's 21st Lieutenant Governor. Yvon also had been president of the Manitoba Metis Federation for several years and supported Metis issues throughout his public career. The Morisseau family (Beatrice's maiden name) shares the same Metis status as Yvon Dumont and it was quite an honour to play their violins for the event.

Beatrice enjoys playing her music, and it is obviously responsible for her youthful spirit and most likely her health. Her doctor firmly advises, "Don't quit your music."

Beatrice is starting her third year with the Southglen Fiddlers as a fiddle player and a substitute piano player, and is grateful that she was able to attend the Boni-Vital Singalong where she first saw them.

The group which started in 1992 used to be a Southglen Orchestra but was transformed into an old time fiddle music group to preserve old time music. They have become a popular choice of entertainment for seniors' events, and travel throughout Winnipeg and rural Manitoba to perform.

Beatrice plays in various groups entertaining regularly at some senior complexes in Winnipeg. She played in bands at hotels and seniors complexes when she and Joe lived in St. Anne's. She also belonged to the "Young at Heart Club" in Richer, near St. Anne's, where they played in a band regularly at dances. She kicked up her heals, even, clogging with a group called the "Red River Cloggers" there, as well.

Beatrice has been playing in various bands since early adulthood, but her family came first always when offers came to "travel with the band." She still is turning down offers to play at events such as the Festival du Voyageur.

This summer, the Morisseau Family Reunion took place in Haywood where Beatrice grew up. Being the large family that they are, 365 family members gathered, many who travelled far to attend. A large outdoor tent housed a flatbed trailer for the stage, a dance floor was constructed, and many camped out for four days of musical oblivion. "There was entertainment like you wouldn't believe," says Beatrice.

Beatrice never wanted to get competitive with her music but thinks that someday she may enter some contests. "I'm doing what I enjoy," she says. She quit all her other activities, recently, for her music.

Beatrice, you are a gifted musician. You know how to connect with the audiences you play for… a true entertainer. Keep on playin', Beatrice!

V2-N9 November 3, 2003

John Stoesz
"Use the gifts you've been given to serve others."

We thank Dorothy Wiebe of Niverville for directing us to John Stoesz. Dorothy, during a conversation about distributing Senior Scope to Niverville, highly recommended John as one who was worthy of recognition.

John really didn't feel worthy, but was willing if we thought it could help or encourage someone. We are sure that John will have a positive impact on many, and of all age groups, not only seniors.

At 75, John is an active, inspiring individual who is devoted extremely to, and proud of, his family, his faith, his community, and The Keenager Choir, a 55+ choir he started in 1994 while he was still Minister of the Braeside Evangelical Mennonite Church in Winnipeg. A schoolteacher of 13 years and a Pastoral Minister for 27 years, John, retired since 1993, continues to deliver sermons once each month at the Braeside Church and serves as the interim Paster, or Elder, at St. Adolphe, Manitoba. He continues to conduct The Keenager Choir which was formed from "Keenagers", a seniors ministry which started in 1991 at the Braeside Church. The Keenagers Choir boasts a membership of approximately 50 from ten different churches in Steinbach, Oakbank, Niverville and Winnipeg, the average age being 70.

When asked where the name "Keenagers" came from, John states that he heard of it somewhere and felt it was an appropriate name for those, "Bearing Fruit in Old Age," a phrase from the Bible and the choir's motto. Some confuse the name with "Teenagers" thinking the choir is made up of a group of teens.

John insists that The Keenager Choir is more than just a singing group. They are known for their joyous spirit. John tells us that the joy and fellowship the Keenager choir members experience is tremendous, that there are strong mutual bonds and camaraderie among them. The objective of the choir is to sing with joy and enthusiasm and all members do just that. The intention of the choir is to sing three-dimensionally: 1) Upward - praising God; 2) Inward - building your own faith; and 3) Outward - encouraging others.

Dorothy Wiebe, as mentioned earlier, has been the choir's pianist for several years and is praised highly by John.

The Keenager Choir, comprised solely of volunteers, is busy travelling to churches and senior complexes to sing. They have 20-25 programs every year and currently are gearing up for their Christmas program which will be held at four different venues.

The Keenager Choir has released a cassette and CD in May, 2003, and copies are available for purchase. On it you'll find some songs that John translated into English from the German language, one called, "The Cross of the Crossroads."

John has had a strong interest in choir music since his youth and sang in his church's choir for some 20 years. He had served as the substitute conductor as well. Beth Douglas, a noted musician in Winnipeg in the fifties recognized John's raw talent and ability to conduct while he was attending Teachers College in Tuxedo prior to his teaching career. She had asked John to conduct his fellow classmates while she adjudicated. He found that to be very encouraging. John regrets not learning to play an instrument as his father played the violin in his youth giving it up later in adulthood. But the music continued with John in a different form… singing and conducting.

John taught for 13 years in several communities south of Winnipeg, and doubled as principal in Niverville for the last four. "I enjoyed teaching, but I had other aspirations," said John. He had to decide whether to study music or Theology. He eventually chose Theology. John enrolled in the Mennonite Brethren Bible College graduating three years later with a Bachelor of Theology. He began his new career as a Pastoral Minister in Kelowna, B.C. in 1966. He left Kelowna in 1973 and moved to Winkler to continue as a Minister until 1982 when he relocated once more to Winnipeg where he served as Minister at the Braeside Church until his retirement.

John speaks fondly of his wife, Ellen, "She was a wonderful support all the way." Ellen, too, is active in the St. Adolphe Church where she is head of a ladies' group. She sits on the Keenager Committee with John as well. They have two sons, three daughters and 14 grandchildren, totalling 27 in their family including the spouses.

One son served as an Inner-city Missionary in Wichita, Kansas, and Las Angeles, California, where he planted churches in poor areas for the underprivileged. At times, it proved to be challenging and dangerous. Today, he and his wife live in Winnipeg and he uses his 25 years experience to consult with other congregations in Canada on forming churches in low-income neighbourhoods.

John, born 20 miles south of Winnipeg in the Niverville area on a 100 acre farm in 1928, remembers the drought and depression in the "Dirty Thirties". The Great Depression presented unrelenting hardships on many families. John recalls the locust invasion as a child. Looking over his family's house, one day, he witnessed swarms of locusts turning the sky gray and stripping all vegetation in their path including the leaves off the trees, and most devastating… the crops.

John says he lived in the horse and buggy days making it sound so ancient, but in reality, wasn't that long ago. We take for granted, today, running water or electricity. John's humorous side is revealed when he says, "Back then, running water meant taking a pail and running." Horses, some tools, and hard manual labour were all there was to work the farms with then. He recalls listening to "Hockey Night in Canada" on the first radio in their community and remembers electricity finally making its way to their farm in the forties where it was available already 'in the city'.

Today, John sits in his study with a computer on his desk keeping up with technology… with the help of his daughters.

John didn't have much time for hobbies but dabbled in woodworking in his spare time making simple articles of furniture.

Advice John has for seniors is, "Keep doing something. Use the gifts you've been given to serve others. Live for others and you'll find joy. If you aim only for money, you'll never be satisfied." This is excellent advice for anyone!

Thank you, John, for enriching others with your faith, knowledge, and musical gift.

For more information on the The Keenager Choir you can contact John at 668-7507.

V2-N10 November 17, 2003

Wilf Hodgins
Witnessing nearly a century of major changes and developments, Wilf feels that some things should not have changed.

Wilf Hodgins is a Spotlight you will not soon
forget. At 90, Wilf feels his age is catching up with him. If it weren’t for a bout of pneumonia he recovered from earlier this year, he is sure he’d be driving his car out to Cook’s Creek, south-east of Winnipeg to visit a friend, or even riding his motorcycle. Since having pneumonia, he hasn’t been the same, he says. Earlier this year, Wilf drove his car to Creston, B.C. where he used to live.

Wilf was born in Winnipeg in the “Old” Grace Hospital, not where it is now. He had a half-brother and half-sister as siblings.
Wilf grew up near Cooks’ Creek, and went to school in the town. Long-time friends, George Thexton and Catherine, attended as well. George and “Cathy” later married. Catherine Thexton may sound familiar to you as she was a former Spotlight of Senior Scope and who recorded bird songs on their farm in Balmoral, Manitoba. It was Catherine who wrote us about a reunion of an old friend whom they had lost touch with for over 30 years. That friend is Wilf. He recognized Catherine’s name and picture in Senior Scope and was able to contact her and her husband George.

Wilf had married Louise who was from just the other side of the U.S. border. They settled in Wilf’s old family farmhouse while his parents moved into a new home on the same property. Unable to have their own children, Wilf and Louise adopted their son, Cameron, and raised 26 foster children over a number of years. Wilf worked and harvested his one-half section mixed grain farm until 1979 when he and Louise sold the farm and retired to British Columbia settling in Wynndel.

Wilf, retired with his new-found spare time, kept busy. He had his motorcycle and became a member of the Creston Motorcycle Club. Wilf had received seven prizes from the club for being the oldest rider.

Various other projects included building and renovating his home and a garage that he prides himself on innovatively “raising the roof” alone using ropes, pulleys and a tractor.