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

V3-N10 November 8, 2004

Manitoba Council on Aging Recognition Award Recipients for 2004

Manitobans recognized for outstanding contributions to seniors

The Manitoba Council on Aging Recognition Awards for 2004 were presented at a ceremony in the Legislative Building by Theresa Oswald, minister responsible for seniors, on Friday, October 29. Assisting Minister Oswald is Norma Drosdowech, the Chair of the Manitoba Council on Aging.

"These recipients are individuals and organizations in Manitoba whose endeavours have exceeded the normal call of duty, which means they give 110 per cent," said Oswald. "I congratulate the winners and those nominated for making Manitoba a better place to live for all seniors."

The Manitoba Council on Aging, established in 1980, is an advisory body to the minister responsible for seniors. It provides public input on government programs related to seniors and increases public knowledge and understanding of the aging process and its implications for all age groups in Manitoba.

In 1996, the council initiated the Manitoba Council on Aging Recognition Awards to recognize extraordinary individuals and organizations for their exemplary efforts toward seniors. In addition to the seven 2004 award winners, honourable mention certificates were presented to ten individuals and organizations.

Award Recipients:

Meals on Wheels Volunteers

Above: Accepting the award for Meals on Wheels is Shirley Murray, (centre), Manager of Volunteer Services, John Walton, Executive Director, and Anne-Marie Dyck, Volunteer Coordinator.

This year, the council recognized the work of the 800 volunteers of Meals on Wheels who are an integral part of the organization. Run by a board of volunteers, the organization delivers meals 365 days a year. The lives of individuals and the Winnipeg community are strengthened and improved through the impact of Meals on Wheels volunteer efforts. Fourteen volunteers have been with the organization for more than 25 years; one has been there 38 years.

Margaret Eyers - Winnipeg, Manitoba Above: (L-R) Norma Drosdowech, Margaret Eyers, Minister Oswald. Among many other things, Margaret was instrumental in forming the Golden Rule Seniors Club in 1978. For many years she has dedicated time and energy to the club and its activities. Her leadership and guidance also helped establish seniors housing in her area.

Donald B. Roy - Rossburn, Manitoba Above: Donald (centre) goes above and beyond the call of duty in advocating for older adults in his community. A retired member of the RCMP local detachment, he is concerned about the safety and well-being of seniors living alone and especially those living in isolated areas. He often tours the many miles of rural roads to check on individuals, ensuring they are safe and able to access appropriate resources.

Calista Franzmann - Carman, Manitoba

Above: (L-R) Denis Rocan (MLA), Norma Drosdowech, Calista Franzmann, Minister Oswald.

Calista contributions to the town and surrounding community include working on behalf of the Carman Active Living Friendship Centre to attract new members and raise funds to help maintain the centre. Her commitment to the community through many volunteer hours at the church, ladies auxiliary and legion is an example to others.

Jaring Timmerman - Winnipeg, Manitoba

Above: (L-R) Stuart Murray, Norma Drosdowech, Jaring Timmerman, Minister Oswald.

Jaring is an active 95-year-old Manitoban who embraces activity and inspires young and old alike. Involved as a volunteer in his local church, the Salvation Army advisory board and as
a friendly visitor, he has also served as the chair of the Grace Hospital board for six years. He is a competitive swimmer and enjoys speaking at schools and to seniors groups about
the benefits of adopting a healthy, active lifestyle. Jaring’s recipe for longevity is G.E.D.S.: Genes, Exercise, Diet and Spirit. Summing it up, he says thinking young is important.

Fred Douglas Society - Winnipeg, Manitoba

Above: (L-R) Norma Drosdowech, Ted Patterson, Theresa Jachnycky, Minister Oswald.

2004 marks 40 years of caring for the Fred Douglas Society, a faith-based non-profit leader in the development of private assisted-living and government-assisted supportive housing. The organization embraces the values of caring, mutual respect, dignity, innovation and good stewardship of resources.

Living Independence for Elders (L.I.F.E.) - Ashern

Above: Accepting the award is Florence Barnes, the Chair of L.I.F.E., with Marliene Lutz and Sophie Selbel.

The L.I.F.E. local board of directors has 12 volunteer members and is an energetic and compassionate group of seniors providing invaluable assistance to other seniors in their communities. They attend monthly meetings and volunteer daily to maintain the many services L.I.F.E. provides to the community such as running errands, lifeline transportation, friendly visiting, filling out forms, meal programs and home maintenance.

Honourable Mention Certificate recipients

Above: (in no particular order)

Olga Burym, Winnipeg Hill Bylholt, Gimli Ida Davis, Winnipeg Marc Mulaire, Winnipeg Golden Rule Seniors Club “Royal Group”, Winnipeg Marie Berry, Winnipeg

Elaine Kroeker, Winnipeg St. James/Assiniboia Seniors Health Promotion Resource Team, Winnipeg Flin Flon Lions Club, Flin Flon St. James/Assiniboia Senior Centre – Health Promotion, Winnipeg

V3-N11 November 22, 2004

May Churches
Winnipeg, Manitoba

“I try to keep busy. If my hands are busy, my mind isn’t and I don’t worry about things I shouldn’t.”

“Treat people as though they are what they ought to be and you help them become what they are capable of being.” ~ Goethe

That is what May Churches hopes for the disabled.

May worked tirelessly for the past thirty years advocating on the behalf of the disabled to bring about change and improvement. She was the driving force behind many of the developments that the disabled of Manitoba enjoy today.

May, now 76 and a widow, has been dependent on a wheelchair for the past 32 years. She was diagnosed with Scoliosis of the spine and started noticing symptoms after her first child. She has endured seven back operations. Her neck and her spine from her waist to her tailbone are fused solid and her tailbone has been removed. Bone tissue from her hip was removed and used to replace bone tissue lost in her vertebrae, leaving a large dent of a scar in her side. Knowing the personal value of living independently, May greatly supports every person’s right to a certain quality of life. She realizes that there are different degrees of living independently, where assistance may be required, but knows that it is far less expensive than booking a suite in an all-inclusive nursing home or personal care home.

May used to be a member of the Manitoba League of the Physically Handicapped and served as Secretary for the membership division for a term. While involved, she, with the other members, questioned what the problems were, recognized which ones could be solved and took action to find solutions. Housing for the disabled was a major issue. After several years of research and countless stumbling blocks, May quit the League.

Later, a friend informed May that there was a way to get a building. The Riverside Lions Club takes on a project each year and housing for seniors was suggested. Nobody had thought of housing for the disabled until May’s friend suggested it. The Manitoba Health Resource Council (MHRC) and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp (CMHC) were invited to a meeting, and so the story goes… May became a founding member of the Riverside Lions Estates—a complex for both the disabled and seniors—on Worthington and St. Anne’s in Winnipeg. She was part of the Advisory Board representing the disabled. She assisted in helping design the building at a grassroots level, to accommodate disabled persons capable of living independently. It was the first building of its kind in Western Canada and was a turning point for the disabled. Suites were designed to accommodate those in wheelchairs. It had wider doorways, lower counters, etc.

Shortly after, May and a few others decided to start a new group and named it “Winnipeg Organization of Responsible Disadvantaged” (WORD). Most meetings were held at Riverside Lions Estates, where May resided. As more members joined, more was accomplished. The group spent a long time making proposals for changes for the disabled. They lobbied the government covering things such as social allowances, medical cards, housing, jobs, transportation, etc.

Four members from the group, including May, sat on the steps of the Winnipeg Legislature, picketing Monday to Friday for over two months in the fall of the mid-nineties. They were treated fairly and had good public support. They were well received by most Members of Parliament.
One day, a while after being told that they couldn’t beat government, they were approached by an MP and congratulated on their ‘win’... another milestone for the disabled!

The ‘WORD’ was out. They finally were heard. They had a tremendous amount of media coverage throughout their protest, except for when they won. Unfortunately, the press wasn’t informed in time.

As a result, social allowances for the disabled were increased, although they were still about $4000 below the poverty line. Medical cards were allowed up to one year upon taking a job, and there were significant changes to Handi Transit booking guidelines.

In 1996, May was presented with the “National Access Awareness Week Award” for her efforts of public awareness resulting in change. She was
the only disabled person to receive such an award.

Job creation for the disabled is important to becoming a meaningful part of society. After working for an IP Telephone Service company, a job creation project for the disabled, May ventured out on her own and started her business without any funding or startup money—only the promise of a backer which later fell through. Being disabled herself, May had a personal understanding of her employees and their capabilities. Besides getting a paycheque, many benefitted, with a little coaxing from May, from self-realization of abilities they never knew they had. Breaking her heart, May had to close shop due to lack of funding. In her fierce battle to keep going, a government official told her, “You are one gutsy lady.”

Today, May isn’t as involved as she used to be. She challenges the disabled community to speak up and fight for their rights. “Form a support group and get the facts straight. Lobbying the government works if it’s done legally, without anything radical,” says May. “Use what you have left. How can our needs be known if we don’t inform the public?” she stresses.

May is enjoying life more, now. Her oldest daughter, who teaches at a women’s college in the United Arab Emirates, a country in the Middle East region of Asia, flew to Winnipeg, recently, and took May to Las Vegas on a holiday for her birthday. Her other four daughters and their husbands helped with the expenses.

May’s family consists of five daughters and sons-in-law, nine grandkids and six great-grandkids. With such a large family, naturally, May still is a very busy lady.

Thank you, May, for showing us the value of hard work, persistence and believing in yourself.

V3-N12 December 6, 2004

Jaring Timmerman

Winnipeg, Manitoba

“Who knows how long I’ll live. Right now, I feel like a million dollars.”

If you want a few pointers on how to live a healthy, active life in your later years, Jaring Timmerman has some advice. Jaring is 95 and very active, so who better to trust than somebody who is putting many half his age to shame with his seemingly inexhaustible energy.

Jaring suggests starting each day with stretching and deep breathing, as he says it ‘gets the blood flowing.’ G.E.D.S. is an acronym Jaring formulated that he follows. G stands for GENES, E stands for EXERCISE, D for DIET and S for SPIRIT—maintaining a good relationship with your Creator.

Understanding that we inherit genes, Jaring believes that they can be improved on. Both of his parents lived to be in their mid-eighties. He already has 10 years on them and with his healthy lifestyle and optimistic outlook, he’s sure to have many more. Disciplined healthy eating habits, avoiding heavy fats, is essential. Each day, Jaring and his wife, Gladys, have breakfast with protein-rich nuts, cereal and a slice of whole wheat toast without butter or margarine. Lots of fruits and vegetables are a major part of their daily diet, as well.

Exercise is a must. Swimming has always been a part of Jaring’s life since early childhood. When competing, Jaring would swim every day, but now only swims three days a week giving his muscles time to rejuvenate.

In 1987, at the age of 78, thirteen years after retiring at the age of 65, Jaring began swimming competitively. He first entered the Arizona Senior Olympics in Phoenix, more for fun and curiosity, and was surprised when he came home with the Gold for the 200 metre race in his age category. This was a qualifying event for the U.S. National Senior Olympics held in St. Louis, Missouri, the same year, where Jaring went on to win a Silver in the 400 metre race along with several other medals.

Jaring competed in Denmark for the World Masters Games in 1989 where he won Gold in the 400 metre freestyle meets and 2 Silvers in the 100 and 200 metre freestyle meets in his age category. He has been to Montreal in 1994 for the World Masters Championships, in Munich, Germany, in 2000 for the VIII FINA World Master Championships, and many others in Canada and the U.S.

The World Masters Games will be held in Edmonton in July of 2005 and Jaring is already planning to be there. But, before that, in April, he will compete in the Manitoba Masters. He would participate in many more but it gets very costly as there is no funding or sponsorship for sport for seniors. His Munich trip alone cost $8,500.00 Cdn, for both Jaring and Gladys, who goes to all of the competitions.

Today, Jaring proudly stands behind 160 medals in the course of 17 years. Online, we came across a CNN transcript of an interview with Jaring and Gladys by CTV Correspondent Jonathan Gravener in Winnipeg after the 2000 World Masters in Germany. He spoke comedically how Jaring had ‘been awake enough to win more medals than he can count.’ Gladys had referred to Jaring, then, as ‘a 91-year-old teenager.’ Jaring was quoted as saying that he was concerned about the young bucks coming in at 90 for the 2005 Games in Edmonton and walking all over him at his senior age of 96.

Jaring recently broke the world record for the men’s 50 metre backstroke in his age category and currently holds the national record for the men’s 100 metre freestyle swim. Let’s hope he can maintain that status in the upcoming competitions.

Much recognition has been given to Jaring for his efforts. The City of Winnipeg presented Jaring with the 1995 Outstanding Achievement Award for his swimming, the province presented the Order of Sport Excellence Achievement Award in 1995 for the 1994 World Masters Championships, and in 1996, he received a Canadian NIKE Masters Swimming Championship plaque, plus various others.

Jaring has received more than just swimming medals. Most recently, he was a recipient of the Manitoba Council on Aging Recognition Awards for 2004 for outstanding contributions to seniors.

He received the Governor General’s 2002 Caring Canadian Award for ‘unpaid, voluntary contributions providing extraordinary help or care in the community.’

He was presented with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal in 2002 for significant contributions to fellow citizens, their communities or to Canada.

Jaring truly is a humanitarian who advocates healthy living to people of all ages. He has been volunteering for 30+ years serving his church, being a Sunday school teacher, a friendly visitor, and sitting on a variety of boards. He served on the Salvation Army advisory board and now is a life member. He sat on the Grace Hospital board for 13 years, two and a half of which he served as chair.

Jaring served for three years in WWII, trained as a navigator for the Lancaster bombers. He had a lengthy career with the Grain Insurance & Guarantee Co. and was President and General Manager of this company when he retired.

Jaring advocates the benefits of sports participation of older adults. He would like our government to realize that many more would participate in major competitions if there was some financial assistance. He learned that the Australian government recognizes that such program subsidies are beneficial in reducing national health care costs with fewer older people occupying beds in nursing homes, hospitals, etc. Jaring states that it is practical and sound economics.

Keeping busy is important to both Jaring and Gladys and they have six grown children, 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren between the two of them to help them do that.

We wish you, Jaring, continued good health and success with your swimming.

V3-N13 December 20, 2004

Re-introducing our all-time
favourite Spotlight…
Myrtle Barnett

Selkirk, Manitoba

We thought it would be great to re-interview some spotlights from past issues of Senior Scope because many continue to lead healthy, active and fun lives. Myrtle Barnett was our inspiration to do this. Everybody seems to know Myrtle far and wide. She has met many people of all ages coast to coast in her travels. And her travels can be credited greatly to her involvement with the Manitoba Society of Seniors (MSOS) 55 Plus Games and the Canada Senior Games.

Senior Scope featured Myrtle over two years ago and it is only fitting to reiterate her story including her new accomplishments. She is such a motivator and inspiration.

We first discovered this extremely sweet and personable lady who was participating in the 2002 MPI/MSOS 55 Plus Games in Morden, Manitoba. She was 91-1/2 years ‘young’ and the oldest participant. Myrtle is a caring, compassionate person to her family, friends and her community. She values her friendships immensely and puts great effort into keeping in touch with them, and new ones she meets.

Myrtle had a life-long career educating Manitoba’s youth that continued even after her retirement on a voluntary basis. Her commitment to her community started at a young age and hasn’t stopped.

Myrtle had been interviewed by, and featured in, many news media including the Winnipeg Free Press, Portage la Prairie’s CFRY radio station, the MSOS Journal, the Whitehorse Journal, and CBC TV - 8 a.m. morning show (Sept. 2/04). She had been interviewed, also, for a Ukrainian Heritage - University of Winnipeg project. She was featured, also, in the Summer 2002 edition of Homemakers magazine in the Healthy Living section for her swimming. Myrtle has become somewhat of a celebrity among all ages throughout Canada.

The MSOS 55 Plus games have welcomed Myrtle as a competitor and attendee for the past four years. She hadn’t heard of the Games prior to 2001, the year they were hosted in Selkirk. That was her first time competing in them and she won gold in swimming. Each year since then, Myrtle has participated, going wherever the Games went. In 2002, they were held in Morden. In 2003, the games were in Arborg, and Myrtle came home with a gold and bronze medal plus a plaque for oldest athlete. And in 2004, they were in Portage la Prairie. Myrtle hopes to attend the 2005 MSOS Games hosted in Neepawa next June.

Myrtle’s swimming wins in Selkirk qualified her to participate in the 2002 Canada Senior Games at Prince Edward Island. Here she received the Gold Cup for oldest athlete and a gold medal for swimming. They
created a new 90 plus category to accommodate Myrtle who was 91. In the 2004 Canada Senior Games in Whitehorse, Yukon, she was awarded for being the oldest athlete, again. The Canada Senior Games are held every other year, and Portage la Prairie will be hosting the 2006 Games. Without a doubt, Myrtle will be there.

Just after participating in the 2003 MSOS games in Arborg, Myrtle signed on to volunteer for the Western Canada Games which Selkirk hosted in part. She met people of all ages there, and a young lad from Whitehorse who competed in soccer recognized Myrtle instantly when she crossed paths with him again in Whitehorse during the 2004 Canada Senior Games... a pleasant surprise.

2004 was a year full of activities for Myrtle. In February, Age & Opportunity kept her busy with speaking engagements at several seniors’ residences.

In March, she helped Selkirk seniors host a Floor Curling tournament. She billeted two ladies from Winkler and subbed in five games for a Gimli team. She was honoured at the 2004 MSOS Games held in Portage for being the oldest female (oldest overall) athlete at 93. Here, she was bagpiped in at the dinner ceremony along with Ian MacKenzie - mayor of Portage, Ed Schmidt - oldest male athlete, and others to the head table. Myrtle won her usual fair share of ribbons at the Selkirk Fair for her baking, photo and flower entries. She just returned in September from Whitehorse, Yukon, where she attended the Canada Senior Games. In October, she received a plaque from the Interlake Regional Health Authority in recognition of her volunteer commitment to Interlake Health Care. Myrtle was honoured to be asked to be Parade Marshall for Selkirk’s Santa Claus Parade in November. She wore yet another hat of many that she’s worn over the years... this time, a Santa’s hat! And she wore it well. Myrtle’s friend, Myrna Proctor, of St. Andrews took the picture on the front page.

Myrtle continues to help fundraise for MSOS with the annual “Walk a Mall with Myrtle” ‘celebrity’ walk. She still is an active member of the Business & Professional Women’s club in Selkirk. She had attended monthly meetings for forty years. And, Myrtle is the only surviving charter member of the Selkirk St. John’s Ambulance - Anna Parks Nursing Division.

If you ever want to meet great friends and partake in some camaraderie and fun, Myrtle recommends joining an organization that helps
promote fitness for seniors, such as the MSOS.

Thank you Myrtle, for always being so motivating.

V3-N14 January 24, 2005

Anna Kibsey

Winnipeg, Manitoba

“I’m just a simple woman who takes care of myself.”

This is no simple woman by any means.

Anna Kibsey sees herself as a simple woman, but
others surely see her as a simply wonderful woman.

Always ready to help others, Anna definitely is a friend in need. She wouldn’t think twice about hopping on a bus in sub-zero temperatures to travel to her church to help make perogies for fundraising. Before Christmas, Anna and several others spent up to nine hours a day, three times a week, on a hard cement floor making perogies to fill volume orders from companies and organizations. The rest of the year, they make perogies less often, but still twice-weekly at the St. Ivan Suchavsky Church on Main Street in Winnipeg.

Now, you may think, ‘Big Deal!’ But, Anna is 88 years old and had undergone surgery for two knee replacements—one five, and one six years ago. So, as you see, it’s not such an easy task.

But, Anna makes it look easy. Since her surgery, she walks more than ever. Her legs are stronger, now, making her pace hard to keep up with. Her doctor once told her that there was no point in putting new tires on the car if she wasn’t going to drive it. Before the surgery, Anna often concocted a home remedy of a garlic and whiskey mixture that she put on her knees wrapped in plastic to help ease the pain. Those days are long gone.

One downfall of having knee replacements is if Anna falls, it is difficult getting up without using her knees as she doesn’t want to damage them. So she has to be extremely careful wherever she is. Still, that doesn’t slow her down. She was even dancing the Butterfly at a family wedding in December, last month.

Anna is fortunate to be able to do the things she does. She is enjoying her life and friends immensely. She goes out often and participates in bingo, cards, dinners or other functions at senior centres or churches close by. Centres she attends regularly are the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre and the Age & Opportunity Norwin 55+ Centre, both on Main Street near her home in Winnipeg. Anna has her routine of outings for almost every day of the week. If she doesn’t want to venture far, she can go next door to the St. Joseph Church and play bingo. Last year she won twice in one evening taking home a total of $1,318.00. Anna shared it generously with her grandchildren.

Before moving to Winnipeg in 1964, Anna lived in Chatfield with her husband, Nick, where they had farmed dairy for 22 years. They raised one daughter, Marie, and two sons, Gregory and John.

Life was so different then. Luxuries were few and far between. All clothing was hand-sewn or knitted. Even the wool was hand-spun for clothing or carted for quilting.

The farmwork was done by hand. There were no milking machines like there are today. Horses were used for making hay and planting crops. Children had to walk two to four miles to school in all kinds of weather. There were no snow plows, or even roads. Looking back now, they were difficult times for Anna. But, she survived like others, and you have to wonder if it was all that hard work that made Anna the healthy, strong, resilient woman she is today.

Like most, Anna has had her share of hardships and heartaches. Her husband passed away 19 years ago, the day before their son’s wedding while picking up the wedding cake. The wedding was to take place in their home. It was devastating for Anna and her family.

Anna is extremely independent and that could be credited partly to her knack for creative thinking. After her knee surgery, she took care of herself in her home without the help of a nurse’s aid. Thinking ahead, she had meals prepared and frozen.

Like everyone else, Anna has her aches and pains, but she insists that by keeping active and moving around, she doesn’t notice them as much. With her creative mind, she sewed her own tension bandage for her sore wrist for when she needs to use her hands for a length of time, as when she’s making perogies. It is complete with snap buttons and velcro fasteners. She used to have cataracts but underwent eye laser surgery to correct them and now she sees more clearly. And, last year she had her badly abscessed gallbladder removed. She was in hospital for 19 days and doesn’t even remember several of them.

Healthy living, healthy attitude and having fun all seem to contribute to Anna’s longevity. Angels must also have been a contributing factor as Anna has had so many close calls. At three months of age, her mother thought Anna had actually died. A time later, her mother noticed Anna’s lips moving. It was her strong will to survive that pulled Anna out of her high fever. Many farming mishaps could have easily claimed her life too, but there always seemed to be a force on her side.

Eating healthy is important to Anna. She bakes all her own bread and cookies. They are never store bought. Her bread is made with whole wheat flour plus seven grains including flax seed, and she bakes it long enough to ensure her allergy to yeast isn’t triggered. She enjoys buckwheat recipes because she learned that buckwheat is cholesterol-free and can help reduce the bad cholesterol.

Anna has a vivid and keen mind as you probably already observed. She is up-to-date on current events as she has always followed the news throughout her life. Her clever thinking and observant nature keep her wise to cunning deception, too.

Many might seem intimidated by Anna’s determination. When she sets her mind to something, she forges ahead until mission is accomplished. She didn’t get her driver’s license until she was 65 and she proudly passed the first time.

Anna goes about her business and takes advantage of her ability to be active while she can… like anybody would. She has no expectations of anyone and is just grateful for the friends she still has, as so many have passed on.

Coming from a large family of 14 children, Anna was the second oldest. She has one brother who is 85 and five younger sisters still living.

Anna will undoubtedly continue with her bustling life. When she isn’t out and about, she likes to sew and claims she can knit in the dark. We won’t
dispute that at all.

Thank you, Anna, for showing us all that you don’t have to drop out of society in your later years. You can choose to live and feel young.

V3-N15 February 7, 2005

Stanley A. Fulham

Winnipeg, Manitoba

“I’m very spiritual but not religious.”

Are we alone? Is there life besides us in our galaxy?

Stan Fulham has been searching for answers on extraterrestrial life for decades. His interest stemmed from an incident during World War II. In Poland, as a young adult, Stan’s plane was shot down and he was captured and held in a German prison camp with fellow air force members.

One day they observed a peculiar craft traveling east to west. Being experienced airmen, they had not witnessed anything like this before and they knew by the craft’s extraordinary flight capabilities that this could not have originated on earth. UFO’s were not common knowledge in these days. Speculation soon formulated that the Germans had developed some sort of sophisticated missile. But it was flying in a contradictory direction for that to be true.

Post war, Stan attended university, travelled worldwide, and then returned to the air force. Serving as an officer in the North American Air Defense (NORAD) system, he was exposed to the realities of UFO’s which were never made public under a joint international Canada-U.S. agreement regulating the dissemination of UFO information to the public.

For example, while stationed in Comox, B.C., one day, radar reports showed aircraft in the sky a mile or two away and two large lights could be seen over the bay. Knowing that there were no aircraft in the sky, jets were sent to follow and observe but the craft vanished over the ocean at speeds estimated at 3000 m.p.h.

Military security confiscated cameras and film from some airmen flying from Cold Lake to Vancouver who reported that two UFOs were occupying their airspace.

After numerous reported UFO sightings and encounters worldwide, and with ‘Conspirators of Silence’ keeping the information from filtrating to the public, Stan grew more frustrated.

Stan retired as a Captain in the NORAD system with many curiosities unresolved.

Twenty years ago, Stan started his search for ‘his God in context of a world with beings in our universe who were vastly more advanced than us.’ Realizing that many cultures had their own religion and their own God, he set out to find his God, his purpose in life, and what happens when we die. He also was looking for answers to resolve the UFO phenomenon. “I was at a loss to try to understand what I witnessed,” Stan explained. After endless research, reading countless books on the topic of UFO’s and alien beings, and consulting with many professionals, it was suggested to Stan that he would have to seek a higher dimension to find his answers. He sought the assistance of a channeler who uses his subconscious mind to funnel information from a higher dimension on the astral plane—or heaven as it’s oftened referred to–from a group called the Transenders. Stan explains that the Transenders is comprised of around 43,000 spirits, or souls, working in unity to provide valuable information to those on earth seeking guidance, using the channeler’s voice box to relay the messages.

At the first session, a skeptical Stan asked the Transenders some personal information about himself. He was extremely surprised at what they knew… things that nobody else did.

Stan decided to write about his experiences and new-found knowledge in his second self-published book called “Challenges of Change.” He had documented so much information from the Transenders over the course of several years that he ended up with a 1600-page manuscript. Eventually, he worked it down to a synoptic version of under 200 pages.

In “Challenges of Change,” published just over a year ago, he uncovers hidden truths on various topics such as the location of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, Stonehenge, crop circles, the Philadelphia Experiment, and JFK’s assassination. Being aware of the world oil crisis, he talks about a new energy form to be developed in the future. He explains the pyramids, the end of computers and the escalating realm of terrorism, and so much more. His book will have you questioning our
existence now and our mortality as a civilization. Stan makes no apologies if the content in his book challenges anyone’s fundamental beliefs or whether they accept the information or not. But, it is sure to be the topic of many discussion groups.

Being accepted by all ten American publishing companies that he sent his manuscript to, tells Stan that his book is very marketable… it’s just a matter of time. He turned down some offers because they wanted to change some of the content that they felt might seem offensive to some. He stresses that he has documented what he has been told and wishes all of it to remain intact.

Stan sent “Challenges of Change” to the American Embassy in Ottawa, the Russian Amabassador of Canada and the British High Commission. He received a personal letter from the Russian Ambassador expressing the shock-appeal Stan’s book possessed and that he sent the book to his home government in Moscow. The American Embassy suggested he send his book to the New York Times and the Washington Post which he did.

Stan’s writing career originated in St. Paul’s College at the Univeristy of Manitoba in his early adult life. He was editor of the college paper and the yearbook. When he left college, he had gained valuable journalism experience working as a reporter for the British United Press of Canada in Vancouver.

Stan was born and lived in a railway station in St. Lazare, Manitoba, on the Saskatchewan border, where his father was a Station Master. As a child, he observed the horse trade that was supported by the cavalry in WWI and local farmers. Wild horses were captured in Alberta and shipped to Saskatchewan and Alberta by rail. The stockyards were near Stan’s home so he could get a first-hand view of the situation. The horse industry was a booming business up until 1929 when the Wall Street Crash occured. Slowly, however, the horse industry was already declining around the turn of the century due to the invention of automobiles and machinery.

Stan captured the essence of this era in his fictional history based on true facts depicting how the transition of modernization affected the people in his first self-published book called “The Rugged Trail.”

Today, at 82 years of age, Stan says he entertains the idea of playing ‘cowboy’ on his ranch where he and his wife spend their summers. Their four children are grown with careers and families of their own making Stan and his wife great-grandparents.

You can purchase “Challenges of Change” at McNalley Robinson Booksellers in Winnipeg and at Derksen Printers in Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada. (204-326-3421).

Stan has received many requests from groups to speak about the UFO phenomenon. He is willing to speak to groups with a genuine interest on the topic.

Call Senior Scope at 204-467-9000 (Stonewall, Manitoba, Canada) for contact information for Stan Fulham.

V3-N16 February 28, 2005

Nettie Marko

Teulon, Manitoba

“As long as I can keep doing
what I’m doing and look after myself.”

Being independent and lovin’ life isn’t something many 90-year-olds get to experience.

Nettie Marko is an exception. She takes good care of herself and those close to her.

Nettie’s parents immigrated from the ‘old country’—the Ukraine. Her father came first and her mother followed a short time later with their one daughter in 1912. They settled in Cooks Creek, Manitoba, and added three more children to their family. Nettie, the second oldest was born Nettie Kuzina. Later, they moved to Okno, Manitoba, northwest of Arborg, anticipating better farming opportunities. To their disappointment, the land wasn’t all that suitable for farming. Six more children were born but the youngest two didn’t survive.

School was a one-room building that occupied 50-60 students of all ages and only ONE teacher! Nettie and her siblings had to walk 1-1/2 miles, one way, in all kinds of weather for their education. She achieved grade five, as most young women did in those days. From here, Nettie moved to Winnipeg at an early age to work.

While in Winnipeg, Nettie met John Marko who owned and operated a Shoe Repair shop in Teulon, Manitoba. They got married in 1940 and Nettie settled down with her new husband in this small farming community. Their home was behind the Shoe Shop in a double lot just east of the Main Street. In summer, they always grew a large garden.

In the shop, John not only repaired shoes, but he served the local farmers by repairing canvas belts for farming equipment until modern machinery slowly took over. Many times, Nettie found herself serving coffee in her home for many of the customers who have become friends over the years. When John took ill, he had to close shop for good. The shop can now be seen in Teulon’s museum area.

Nettie was a homemaker as it was common that women didn’t work outside of the home in that time. They started their family later in life and raised one daughter, Shirley. They were devoted parents who attended every one of Shirley’s ball games. It wasn’t until after Shirley was born that Nettie wanted to work. Times were difficult. Shirley would spend a short time in the morning with her father in the shop until Nettie returned from the local Creamery within walking distance in town where she was employed. Several years later, she worked at the old Teulon Gordon Hotel, a 21-room, 3-storey structure that still stood on Main Street 40-45 years ago. Nettie would sell her homemade cabbage rolls and perogies, as well.

Nettie was active in her community, as well. Whenever there was a bridal shower, Nettie and three others would volunteer to put it on.

Shirley, now a nurse in Winnipeg, and her husband, Jeff, have one daughter, Jenna, and one son, Joshua. Nettie is very close to her daughter and grandchildren. She is a big part of their lives. Much of her time was spent babysitting while the kids were young. Today, Jenna and Josh are young adults, but Nettie still cooks her Ukrainian specialties—cabbage rolls & perogies—and other dishes for them to take home to enjoy. “If I can do it, I do it for my ‘kids’,” says Nettie. “One day, I won’t be able to do it.”

Last December, Nettie spent Christmas in Winnipeg with her family. Amidst the bustle of preparing her favourite Ukrainian dishes, Nettie had turned 90. Christmas was celebrated first and then Shirley had a special ‘birthday’ gathering for her mom with over 50 guests, most who were relatives of both Nettie’s and John’s, some of whom she hadn’t seen in ages. She enjoyed her day very much.

Nettie has been a widow since Valentine’s Day, 1980. After maintaining her home and yard for over 13 years alone, she decided it was time to move into Gateway Manor beside the hospital. Luckily, she had a buyer years before she was ready to sell.

She’s been here for 12 years and she couldn’t be happier. She is among many other local citizens whom she’s known for years. The hospital, literally, is just steps out the back door and there are many activities in her building to keep her busy.

The first Monday, local musicians come and play and afterwards, all enjoy a lunch that tenants prepare including Nettie.

Bingo is played on Wednesdays, Church is held every 2nd Thursday, and cards are played every evening except for bingo nights. A card game called “Seven” with 2 decks is popular. Dinners are held once each month, as well.

The tenants watch out for one another. Nettie makes a point of visiting her ill neighbours almost every day. In summer, she helps maintain their flower garden in the courtyard.

At home, Nettie enjoys watching the news and her “stories” (soap operas) on television.

Sundays, Nettie enjoys going with a group of her friends by car to church and then having lunch at one of Teulon’s local restaurants afterward.

Since developing diabetes, Nettie has become more health-conscious and avoids fat or fried foods. Her once-high cholesterol is at normal levels again. Her diabetes was in control for years when she was able to do lots of walking and gardening. When she had a heart attack about six years ago, she wasn’t able to exercise as much, and now she controls her diabetes with pills. She realizes how important exercise is. Nettie has had several nasty falls and has to be careful she doesn’t rush too much any more with a bad leg she’s put up with for years.

Nettie is content with the way things are. “As long as I can keep doing what I’m doing and look after myself,” says Nettie, adding, “Be satisfied with what I am now, and that’s it.”

Nettie enjoys travelling, too. Last year she flew with her grandchildren to visit relatives in B.C.

Shirley is proud and amazed at how independent and well her mother is doing. Being both physically and mentally sound at 90 is to be admired and truly is a blessing.

Nettie, you are an absolute inspiration.

V3-N17 March 14, 2005

Rudi Busch

Beausejour, Manitoba

We are going to introduce you to a fellow who has been pegged as an ‘Unsung Hero’ by members of his community. We are talking about Rudi Busch and he certainly lives up to this accolade.

Rudi, his wife Ida, and their three young children came to Canada in 1962. They came by ship from Germany and travelled by train from Montreal to Winnipeg, ending up in Beausejour where Ida already had relatives settled.

Life for the first while here was not comfortable by any means. The buildings on their property were old. They were not used to living without indoor plumbing and other comforts, but they managed to make do for a few years here.

Rudi had been trained in masonry in Germany and brought his skills to Canada. Here, he furthered his training and in 1975 he started his own business called Busch Masonry in Beausejour. He specialized in fireplaces and house fronts. In the beginning, Ida helped with the business, including mixing cement. Both worked extremely hard.

A regular day started with loading up his truck, and then heading off to a job which often was an hour away. After a day’s work here, he’d go home for a bite to eat and then off again to quote on a job. After that he’d return home and calculate an estimate. By then, it was time for bed only to start all over again early the next day. There also were regular trips to the supplier in Winnipeg.

Their son helped out eventually freeing Ida to tend to her other obligations. He studied masonry at Red River Community College and apprenticed with his father. Rudi had another long-term helper as well.

Rudi retired from his business in 1990. Today, at 77, he takes time to do more of the things he enjoys. Things he never had the time for while in business. He took up cross country skiing again in 1980, ten years before retiring. When the Chryplywy Nature Park opened up in Beausejour, thanks to the generous donation of property by a local resident, Rudi decided to take advantage of the ski trails there. Depending on the weather, he would ski either 2 or 4 kms. He started out bringing some seeds to scatter all over for the birds.

Later, he built self-standing wood feeders that he could easily fill on his daily ski trips. Fifteen years later, he has bird feeders (squirrels are welcome too) all along the trails and even rabbit feeders that he fills with hay. Rudi’s sense of humour was revealed when he painted, “ALL YOU CAN EAT” on the roof of the rabbit feeder for passersby to have a chuckle.

Local wildlife know and trust Rudi. Chickadees will often perch on his hand taking his offering of seeds. The squirrels in his yard will take nuts from his hand as well.

The most impressive thing about Rudi feeding the wildlife here is that he does it all at his own expense. He goes through about six bags of seeds each season at the cost of about $15 each and purchases hay locally for the rabbit feeders, plus much more. Rudi is not looking for any big publicity for what he does. He’s just showing his gratitude and appreciation for what nature gives to him.

This park has a special place in Rudi's heart. He has contributed so much to it. He even planted trees here from seedlings from his own yard. One in particular is 10 years old and now stands roughly 7-8 ft tall.

Rudi has become quite the naturalist and spends a lot of time outdoors enjoying all that nature has to offer. He enjoys walking in the summer and up until two years ago, Rudi would bike 20 miles every other day which he did for five consecutive years. He likes to stay in motion as much as possible to alleviate stiffness, in his spine especially, because he has fused discs as a result of a form of arthritis. Rudi is unable to raise his right arm, too, but manages to keep active.

Other hobbies occupy Rudi's time since retiring. He built a remote controlled hobby plane—with a wing span of over four feet—that actually flies. He and a local friend mow a runway in a nearby field for takeoff and find suitable places for soft landings. Rudi also built a glider that is smaller.

Woodworking keeps Rudi busy in summer, as well.

He builds bird feeders and one windmill each year that stands 5 feet tall for family only.

Another enjoyable pasttime for Rudi is going out in the community or in nature with his camcorder. He records scenes and finds appropriate music for the background.

Birds are often the topic of his videos but he has filmed other wildlife including local bears, turtles, squirrels and more. It appears he came dangerously close to a skunk in one scene.

Of the birds, he captured images of chickadees, nuthatches, jays, grosbeaks, goldfinches, orioles, hummingbirds, loons, and most impressive, bald eagles which nest each year on his son’s property along the Brokenhead River not far away from Beausejour. On a rare occasion, Rudi captured what he thinks was a Red-capped Woodpecker not common to this area.

Rudi’s creative talent has passed on to his children. One son, Rolf, is a talented artist and many of his paintings adorn the walls of his parents’ home. You may recognize his name as the Art Director for the local ‘Style Manitoba’ magazine several years ago. Rolf and a few others were instrumental in starting this ‘stylish’ glossy magazine. He has since pursued his career in Ontario.

We asked Rudi if there was anything new he’d like to try and he responded by saying that he does enough. With his creative thought, we’re waiting for him to strap a camera onto one of his planes so he can get a real bird’s-eye view of the world.

V3-N18 March 28, 2005

Anne Skuba

Winnipeg, Manitoba

“If we don’t look after our own,
somebody will do it for us.”

Anne Skuba thought she was going to take it easy when she retired. Little did she know she would wind up serving on several boards, participate in programs at several local senior-oriented organizations and be active on political issues, as well. Anne is an advocate on healthy, active living and she teaches by example. On top of all she does, she manages still to find time to pursue her personal interests. How? We’re not sure.

Anne was born in Kilkenny, a community near Fisher Branch about 85 miles north of Winnipeg. Her family name was Kolbuck. She met her husband, Walter Skuba, who farmed nearby in Broad Valley. After Anne graduated in 1952 from the Brandon Mental Hospital School of Nursing, they married and settled in Winnipeg. She started her career working in various hospitals.

Anne and Walter started a family as well. They raised three daughters who are now grown. Anne can’t think of nicer memories than watching her children grow and thrive. They are especially proud of their one granddaughter who is attending university, studying sciences.

From 1968 to 1974, Anne taught at the Misericordia School of Nursing. During this time, she obtained a Bachelor of Nursing degree at the University of Manitoba. Then, she spent the next ten years working as a Nurse Consultant for Workplace Safety & Health for the Manitoba Government.

Starting in 1984, Anne worked in Health Promotion for Manitoba Health. She was instrumental in coordinating the program to reduce tobacco use. Studies proved that tobacco smoke and second-hand tobacco smoke were directly linked to lung cancer and other health problems in many patients. How many times have you heard of non-smokers succumbing to diseases associated with the exposure to second hand smoke such as lung cancer, emphysema, bronchitis, heart disease, a variety of cancers, etc.? So, the first goal was to get schools to prohibit smoking indoors. When this was achieved, restaurants were approached, and so on.

Anne retired in 1992, but the mission continued on with growing support and great success, and she is proud to have been a part of the initiation process for a smoke-free environment.

After retiring, word was out that Anne had some time on her hands, many sought her knowledge and experience in the health field and asked if she would sit on a variety of boards and committees. She obliged, generously.

Most were health-oriented organizations. She chaired the Manitoba Public Health Association, which promoted health through various non-profit organizations such as Manitoba Association of Gerontology (MAG), Manitoba Society of Seniors (MSOS), and Manitoba Health. She was appointed to the National Advisory Council on Aging and served here for four years. She now sits on the Community Health Advisory Council (CHAC) for Point Douglas and Winnipeg Centre for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA). She finds serving on this board especially rewarding and fun. The board is very active and successful at developing effective solutions for a variety of issues. They address everything from child injuries and senior issues to environmental concerns.

Anne currently is serving as Interim Chair for the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA) MB, and she chairs the national ALCOA - Older Adult Advisory Committee (OAAC).

Being active is important for everyone of all ages. As a youth, Anne was involved with baseball and other sports. It has been theorized that our younger generation may not live as long as people are living today due to unhealthy living habits including poor diet and lack of physical activity. The Physical Activity Coalition of Manitoba (PACM) is looking for a strategy to get all Manitobans moving. ALCOA’s role is to address seniors’ issues, so again, Anne’s involvement may put her at the helm of a new ‘healthy living’ movement among seniors.

That’s not all. Anne serves, also, as the Interim Chair for the Seniors & Elders Day Planning Committee. Seniors & Elders Day is celebrated on October 1st, and the month of October is celebrated internationally for, and by, seniors. It is their time to shine and be proud of their accomplishments and abilities. Anne would like to see more older adults get involved in the planning process for the annual kick-off event normally held on October 1st in Winnipeg. Their input is essential for a successful event that celebrates the older person. “If we don’t look after our own, somebody will do it for us,” says Anne, meaning that seniors should have a say in what is good for them.

As busy as Anne is, it’s not always all work and no play. There is a balance. When Anne and Walter want to indulge in their own activities, they enjoy taking ballroom and Latin American dance lessons provided by Age & Opportunity. Walter, and sometimes Anne, will dance at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) on a voluntary basis. They assist the seeing impaired, guiding and helping them dance. There are always volunteer opportunities if anybody is interested.

They manage to do some travelling, too, and sometimes are gone for months at a time.

They both like to garden in summer and they used to ride their bikes through the city covering 20 miles at times. Anne still enjoys biking and she likes to go on walks, as well. She enjoys gourmet cooking and says she experiments on her friends. Jokingly, she assures us they all still like her.

Anne and Walter play cards and are learning to play Bridge. If Anne ever frees up some time, she would like to try a craft such as creating stained glass.

Walter has taken up some hobbies of his own. Wine making is his biggest passion.

His family designed custom wine labels with the name “Skuba’s Smok.” It is based on the legend of the fire-breathing dragon, named Smok, who terrorized the local people in and around the town of Kraków in Walter’s home country of Poland. Skuba, a local hero, had killed the dragon with the king’s promise of his daughter’s hand in marriage. Anne jokes that she was a peasant who married into royalty.

Anne and Walter moved from a riverfront home in Winnipeg to an apartment. It took some adjusting, but they wouldn’t go back now. Conveniently, they have indoor access to three malls downtown, the Prairie Theatre Exchange, and now the MTS Centre, plus much more.

Anne, at the age of 75, is the epitome of active living. She will volunteer as long as she is able. Some changes she would like to still see are equal rights and opportunities for Aboriginal people and better awareness of, and access to, resources and information for seniors who don’t know how to work the system. Although, generally, seniors have it good, Anne feels that there is always room for improvement.

Anne’s advice to others is, “Get busy, be active, be involved, be happy, and think positive!”

Thank you, Anne. We wish you many more years of active, healthy living.

V3-N19 April 11, 2005

David Wawryk

Winnipeg, Manitoba

“If you’re going to do something, do it today. Never say ‘should’ve’.”