A NEWSLETTERFOR SENIORS AGED 55+

NOVEMBER 2014

Staff Notes - p. 4

Volunteer Hot Spots - p. 6

Programs & Events - p. 9

Rotary Holiday Luncheon -p.17

Drop in for one of our many programs! p. 12

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Barclay Manor1447 Barclay St. Vancouver, BC V6G 1J6

604-669-5051

Monday-Friday, 9:00-5:00

Eric Kowalski. Executive Director,

Email: executivedirector@wesn.ca

Jessica Smith. Programs Manager,

Email: programs@wesn.ca

Mhairi Campbell. Mgr of Volunteer Resources.

Email: volunteers@wesn.ca

Dora Ng. Volunteer Programs Assistant

Email: betterathome@wesn.ca

Clothes & Collectibles604-682-0327. Denman Place Mall

Monday-Saturday, 10:00-6:00Darlene Dranfield. ManagerGordana Smocilac. AssistantBonnie Patterson. Assistant

Kay’s Place604-669-7339. Denman Place Mall

Monday-Friday, 10:00-4:00

Susan Moore. Manager

Email: kaysplace@wesn.ca

Dr. Seyed Ali Mousavi, Director

Angie Natingor, Director

Bonnie Quam, Director

Joshua Rottenberg. Director

Avril Sawyer. Director

Phillip Waddell. Director

Frank McCormick. A/President

Andrea Banks, Director

Sara Johnson. Director

Matthew Lynam, Director

Troy Iwanik. Director

Toni Mehrain. Director

BOARD OFDIRECTORS

CONTACTINFO

Email us: info@wesn.ca

www.wesn.ca

TABLE OF CONTENTS1. Notes from Staff - P. 4 Volunteer Spots - P. 62. Programs & Events - P. 9 3. Rotary Luncheon - P. 174. Spotted at WESN photos - P.185. Announcements - P. 196. Membership Renewal - P.21Cover photo by Jessica Smith

Anne blows out the candlest

Volunteers at the AGM registered over 110 WESN members!

Dropping in for a coff ee and chat at Kay’s Place

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A MESSAGEFROM THE BOARD

The municipal election coming up in a few weeks has focussed on a number of issues: transportation, crime, area development plans, consultation or lack thereof, homelessness and housing aff ordability. A recent poll of Vancouverites found that 40% of them consider aff ordable housing the biggest problem facing the city. That topic was discussed at a candidate forum at UBC Robson Square which I attend-ed on a recent Thursday evening. The event called “Aff ordable Vancouver?” was sponsored by UBC’s School of Community and Regional Planning and the Vancouver Sun. There were council candidates from six parties: Cedar, COPE, Green, NPA, One City and Vision. The audience fi lled the auditorium and a large percentage were young people.

I would like to be able to report that there were many clear-cut and concrete solutions off ered to make our housing more aff ordable! That’s not quite true, but there were discussions about quite a few inter-esting and complex issues. Here are just a few.

The fi rst question from The Vancouver Sun’s Jeff Lee asked candidates to defi ne “aff ordable” housing. Most of them referred to the “30%” idea, which is that aff ordable housing should be no more than 30% of gross income.

Candidates were asked about the Harper government’s impending cuts to subsidies for housing co-ops. The answers were almost uniformly that it was time to bring the provincial and federal govern-ments to the table to solve the problem and encourage co-op housing.

There were discussions about “community amenities contributions,” the fancy name for the money developers pay in order to be able to build higher density. Some wanted that money spent on local amenities like parks, community centres, childcare facilities, etc. Others would like some of it to be spent on social housing. One question was about whether the candidates would like zoning changed in parts of the city to allow more laneway housing and secondary suites. Most said a cautious maybe, that it would depend upon what the local residents wanted.

These issues are very complicated and the possible solutions are contentious. Still, I think it’s important that we keep asking the questions whenever we can. There will be another all-candidates meet-ing in the West End at Gordon Neighbourhood House on Saturday, November 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. (more info on p. 19) When the various party volunteers call and ask for your vote, maybe that’s a good time to ask them a direct question about housing aff ordability. There are no easy answers but at least we can keep the questions front and centre!

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Executive Director Eric Kowalski

The temperature outside has taken a sudden dip, the heavy rains have arrived, and it is fi nally time for me to admit that our ‘endless’ summer has come to an end! We have a great lineup of programs and events for the winter, so please be sure to ward off any winter blues by joining us for cards, knitting, a movie or simply good old fashioned chitchat by the fi re.

As you know, WESN accepts new memberships throughout the year – all memberships (other than ‘lifetime’ memberships) expire each year at our Annual General Meeting (AGM). By the time we reach our AGM each September, we have on average 800-900 members. At the time I am writing this (the last week of October, about 6 weeks after our 2014 AGM) almost 400 of you have already renewed your membership or joined us for the fi rst time! More than 100 of you are aged 80 or older, 18 of you being 90 or older! You can see that WESN’s members represent literally centuries of life experience and wisdom…not to mention the odd decade or ten of rabble-rousing, carousing and general joi de vivre!

In last month’s issue I talked about why we had added the ‘optional’ questions to this year’s membership form. I’d like to thank the 40% of new and returning members who chose to answer those questions – you’re helping us get a little clearer picture of who our members are. To date: 20% of you live on annual incomes below $15,500…13% identify as gay or lesbian…you identify with more than 30 ethnocultural backgrounds including, among others, Russian, Vietnamese, British and Chinese. All of this information not only helps us to design better programs and services – it also helps us know how and for whom to advocate in our community.

And, of course, I can’t help mentioning that the municipal elections take place on Saturday November 15th. Please be sure to get out and cast your vote for the candidates you feel best refl ect your vision for the future of our city, our parks and our public education system. If you have access to a computer (and remember – we have fi ve computers available to WESN members in the lab at Barclay Manor!) you can visit http://vancouver.ca/your-government/2014-municipal-election.aspx to fi nd out more, including the nomination documents and candidate profi les for the Vancouver candidates and the location of your closest polling station.

NOTES FROM STAFF1

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Manager of Volunteer Resources Mhairi Campbell

Happy belated Thanksgiving to our members, clients and volunteers here at West End Seniors’ Network. Please have a peek at the November Volunteer Hot Spots for where WESN is currently looking for volunteers.

I also want to take this time to recognize the passing of a huge supporter and asset to our IGA Shopping program, Michael. Michael was an IGA employee who took such good care of our cli-ents always ensuring any issue was dealt with in a timely and organized fashion. He made life so much easier for our clients, volunteers and defi nitely made my job easier! I am sorry I didn’t stress my appreciation for his work more, he will be greatly missed. This month I will be doing the spotlight on our Shopping Program. We have volunteers who shop at IGA on Wednesdays and Safeway on Thursdays for seniors who are unable to do their own shopping.

I spoke with Jennifer, a long time Safeway shopper about her experiences volunteering with us. Jennifer has been volunteering with us for 3 years using her “frugal shopping skills” on behalf of others. More recently she became a shopper-caller, calling seniors the evening before and per-sonally writing down their shopping lists. This has added a new dimension to her volunteering experience, and she says it’s one of the high points in her week.

How did you originally get involved with WESN, specifi cally the shopping program? One day while shopping at Safeway on Robson St. I noticed the grocery shopping volunteer table and I stopped to enquire about the program. It was an AHA! moment – I had found the perfect volunteer position, a combination of something I very much enjoy doing that is a badly needed service in the West End. And pushing a shopping cart around the store 4 or 5 times in a morning is good exercise.

How do you think this program helps seniors living in the West End? I have had the chance to visit some of the people that I regularly shop for and I have seen some of the things they struggle with: serious health issues, fi nancial need, isolation, less than ideal accommodation. It gives me a lift when we add casual or personal conversation to the shopping order phone calls I make every Wednesday, and I can tell that this brief, but regular, interaction is as important to them as the groceries that are cheerfully delivered to their kitchen counters by the delivery drivers at Safeway.

1 NOTES FROM STAFF

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NOVEMBER VOLUNTEER HOT SPOTS

Clothes and Collectibles- if you like fi nding unique treasures and can dedicate a 4 hour shift a week

Special Event Food Prep/Set up – volunteers to help prepare food or set up/clean-up for our special events. Must have a fl exible schedule.

Medical Transportation Drivers – we need volunteers with a Class 5 license who can help seniors by driving them to necessary medical appointments (own vehicle not required)

Mah Jong Instructor - Do you love to play Mah Jong? Want to help us start a group here at Barclay Manor and teach beginners? We are looking to start a weekly Mah Jong group, so if

this sounds like you, get in touch!

What sort of additional issues/problems do you see the seniors you volunteer with fac-ing? Some of our seniors have very limited or even no refrigerator space for the extra items that they crave when living in an institutional setting. Most have mobility issues and feel cut off from their community, especially if their building is undergoing an elevator refi t. Some have family mem-bers to check on them, but some have no one to turn to in a diffi cult time.

What is your favourite aspect of volunteering with this program? That’s easy: fi nishing up my shopping duties with a complimentary coff ee from Starbucks and a good conversation in the café with the other volunteers, who have become my friends.

1519 Robson Street

MOBILITY WALKER CLINICNOVEMBER 19TH, 9AM-12PMAre you thinking about purchasing a walker?Do you have any questions? Talk to Aaron, a mobility specialist. Book your appointment today. Call us at 604-558-2006.

Clothes & Collectibles Thrift Store Darlene Dranfi eld

I can hardly believe we are into another November. This is a month that brings refl ections and remembrances; emotions and feelings can sometimes become tender. Most people have been touched by some war, either long ago, or still happening. It might be happy memories of sharing and camaraderie, or memories of losses. It doesn’t matter, it is a nostalgia that settles over the month. The weather is changing, we are experiencing more dark gray rainy days, having a huge infl uence on our moods. Going for a walk in a downpour is not very appealing. Depression grabs hold, and it can be hard to shake off . I too suff er from depression, it is part of my life, but it is at its peak during the summer, when all I want to do is stay in my home and shut myself away from the world. I tell you this because I want you to know that if you are having some hard days, we are all here for you. We are all here for each other. Come into the store for a chat, a smile, a warm hug. Go to Kay’s Place for a cup of tea or coff ee, smile and talk to one of the other visitors, maybe they are feeling the same as you. Barclay Manor has a warm fi re on, and there are people coming and going, activities that you can partake in or just watch, and there is even a weekly movie. Let any of the staff or volunteers know that you are having a bad day, and I guarantee you will be nurtured, and tended to with utmost respect and caring. And if you are doing just fi ne, share that as well. The ripple eff ect is powerful, and a smile can change another person’s day.

Don’t forget Daylight Savings happens on November 2nd. Turn your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night. Happy Birthday to my dear Mom (Hilda) and Brother (PJB).

On Saturday, November 29th, 2014, WESN’s Clothes & Collectibles store and our Kay’s Placeoffi ce will be participating in the national “Shop the Neighbourhood” day.

Canadians nationwide will be encouraged to make a local purchase and take advantage of exclusiveevent day deals off ered by the businesses in their neighbourhood.

The day is being organized by the West End Business Improvement Association and local merchants.

Be sure to drop by Clothes & Collectibles to take advantage of some special deals and by Kay’s Place to browse the collectibles and other items that will be on off er in support of our Seniorsin Need fund. It’ll be a great day to start (or fi nish!) your Christmas shopping or just to treat yourself to

a quality gift!

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1 NOTES FROM STAFF

CLOTHES & COLLECTIBLES

Mon-Sat 10:00am-6:00pm

Donation drop-off : Wednesdays & SaturdaysOr by appointment

Kay’s Place Susan Moore

November is going to be a busy month at Kay’s Place with registrations for the fl u clinic at the West End Community Centre, registrations for the Rotary Holiday Luncheon and registrations for the legal clinic. We have an amazing group of volunteers who are ready, able and willing to make the registration process as easy as possible.

Speaking of volunteers, I have the great pleasure of working with an incredibly dedicated group of volunteers. Our volunteers are here because they want to help seniors in their community. The help they provide can include something as simple as pouring a cup of coff ee or as complex as securing a space in an emergency shelter while completing a projected income statement to rein-state GIS. Regardless of the type of support provided, it impacts people’s lives.

We’ve recently completed our statistics outlining how many clients we see in a year. In the past year, we connected with approximately 10,000 people in Kay’s Place. Of that number between 1500 and 2000 were unique visitors meaning they had not accessed support through Kay’s Place previously and were not regular visitors to Kay’s Place. This means our volunteers are connecting with 38 people each day, 5 to 8 being new clients.

There are times when people come in with complex questions or multiple forms to complete. If our volunteers aren’t able to help in the moment, they do their very best to fi nd options for sup-port. This may mean referring a client to another organization, coordinating a one-on-one meet-ing with an alternate volunteer or making some calls on the client’s behalf.

The impact that our volunteers have on people’s lives is incalculable. They each have special gifts, skills and interests which they bring into Kay’s Place. It is because of their ongoing dedication and support that we are able to off er support services and continue to grow the programs being pro-vided through Kay’s Place and WESN. Everything they accomplish is done in a 3 hour shift com-pleted once a week.

If you have any questions, need help accessing a support service or simply want to have a social chat over a cup of coff ee, our amazing volunteers are here for you.

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1 NOTES FROM STAFF

Friday Movies 1:30pm | Admission by Donation • Includes Popcorn! | Barclay Manor

Friday November 7th - The Face of Love (2013) 1 hr. 32 mins. Annette Bening, Ed Harris, Robin WilliamsThe story of a widow named Nikki (Annette Bening) who, several years after the loss of her husband Garrett, meets a man named Tom (Ed Harris) who looks exactly like her deceased husband. Suddenly, a fl ood of old feelings rush back to her: she’s met the love of her life. Again. The fi lm is a romantic story fi lled with humor, surprise, and refl ections on the mystery of love surrounding us.Friday November 14th – The Fault in Our Stars (2014)2hr 08 mins. Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, Willem DafoeHazel Grace Lancaster is sixteen years old. Hazel has developed a crush on a young man in her support group, Gus Waters, who seems equally smitten with her. As they grow closer, Hazel and Gus share their fears that accompany their health issues, as well as their love of books, including Hazel’s favorite, “An Imperial Affl iction.” She has tried many times to get in touch with the book’s reclusive author Peter Van Houten, to no avail. When Gus manages to reach Van Houten it results, astonishingly, in an invitation to meet the writer in Amsterdam. Gus is determined to take Hazel on a journey that will answer every question she has ever had about the book that has meant so much to her.

Friday November 21st – Million Dollar Arm (2013)2hr 03mins. Jon Hamm, Alan Arkin, Suraj SharmaIn a last ditch eff ort to save his career as a sports agent, JB Bernstein concocts a scheme to fi nd baseball’s next great pitching ace. Hoping to fi nd a young cricket pitcher he can turn into a major league baseball star, JB travels to India to produce a reality show competition called “Million Dollar Arm.” With the help of a cantankerous but eagle-eyed, retired baseball scout, he discovers Dinesh and Rinku, two 18-year-old boys who have no idea about playing baseball, yet have a knack for throwing a fastball. Hoping to sign them to major league contracts and make a quick buck, JB brings the boys home to America to train. While the Americans are defi nitely out of their element in India, the boys - who have never left their rural villages - are equally challenged when they come to the States.Friday November 28th – The Best of Men (2012) 1hr 25mins. Eddie Marsan,Rob Brydon,George MacKayThe inspirational British drama The Best of Men stars Eddie Marsan as Dr. Ludwig Guttmann, the creator of the Paralympic Games. A Jewish man who managed to escape from Hitler’s regime, Guttmann was at the forefront of helping physically rehabilitate British veterans who had suff ered severe spinal injuries during World War II, a process that leads to him encouraging organized sporting endeavors for his patients. 9

Programs & Events2

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PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

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Foreign Film - “Amelie” (France) 122 mins. When impish Amélie fi nds a long hidden trove of toys behind a baseboard in her apartment, she’s inspired to return the items to their original owner, an impulse of generosity that sparks more benevolent acts.Monday, November 3 • 1:30 pm | By Donation | Drop-in The December Foreign Film will be “The Lunchbox “ (India)

Documentary Film - “The Story of the Weeping Camel” (Germany) 87 mins. This unique documentary follows a Mongolian camel that’s rejected her newborn white colt. Now, all hope lies with two young shepherd boys, who must travel across the Gobi desert to fi nd a healing musician. Will the violinist’s ritual do the trick? This Oscar nominated fi lm moves beyond its narrative structure to off er a keenly observed portrait of nomadic herders who are preserving an ancient way of life.Monday, November 10 • 1:30 pm | By Donation | Drop-in The December Documentary Film will be “Happy People: A Year in the Taiga”

Pharmasave West End workshop on Cold & Flu PreventionDo you know the difference between a cold or flu? We will be hosting a community presentation by Anissa Penneway, a pharmacist at Pharmasave West End to increase your understanding about influenza and colds. Learn about:-the flu virus and how it is spread-the signs and symptoms of the common cold or flu-how to avoid catching a cold or flu-the flu vaccine and how it works -how to treat the flu- ways to boost your immunity Also visit Pharmasave at 1747 Robson Street, near Denman, to speak to our pharmacist in person about how to stay healthy this season and to get vaccinated. Call 604-669-6927 to book an appointment.Thursday November 20, 2:00pm-3:00pm | Free | By Registration | Barclay Manor

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PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Thursdays, 10:00am-11:30am | Free with membership | Drop-in | Barclay Manor

Workshop on BC Housing and SAFERStaff from BC Housing will be at Barclay Manor to offer a presentation on BC Housing’s subsidized housing and the rental assistance program known as SAFER (Shelter Aid for Elderly Residents). Topics such as eligibility, housing selection, the Housing Registry, non-profit and co-operative housing providers and the application process will be covered. Please bring pen, paper and your questions to this informative talk! Thursday November 13, 1:30pm-3:00pm | Free | By Registration | Barclay Manor

Arnie Greenberg Talk - Paris: Where Artists & Writers DweltArnie Greenberg is a retired professor of Humanities. His interests and lectures deal with the life of Gertrude Stein and her associates like Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso and the ‘Stein Gang’ including dozens of painters, poets and authors. He has written 2 plays, 6 novels and hundreds of travel articles and has lectured in France and Italy. He taught about the great Trials of the Twentieth century.But today he concentrates on the Stein Circle, her life, compatriots and unusual writing. Wednesday November 26, 2:00-3:30pm | Free | By Registration | Barclay Manor

Ted Talks and Discussion November 13, 2014 o How to Live Passionately, no matter your age By Isabel Allende o How not to be ignorant about the world By Hans Rosling

November 20, 2014 o Where to train the world’s doctor’s? Cuba By Gail Reed o What is the next window into our universe By Andrew Connolly

November 27, 2014 o One more reason to get a good night’s sleep By Jeff Iliff o The future of early cancer detection By Jorge Soto

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Register at 604-669-5051

MONDAY

Computer Drop-in9:00 pm - 4:30 pm | Free

French Conversation Circle10:00 - 11:00 amFree | Drop-in

Foreign Film -AmelieNov 3. • 1:30 pm | p.10By Donation | Drop-in

Birthday TeaNov. 17 • 2:00 pm | $2By Invitation Only | P. 14

Documentary Film -The Story of the Weeping Camel Nov 10 • 1:30 pm | p. 10By Donation | Drop-in

Computer Coach Appts. with Katie 2:30 - 4:30 pm | Free1-on-1 sessions | Registration Required

Learn to Make Puppets 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Registration Required |

TUESDAYBeginners’ Bridge Group9:00 - 10:45 am | Free | Registration Required

Computer Drop-in9:00 – 1:00 pm | Free

Crochet and Knitting Social Club10:00 am - 12:00 pmFree | Drop-in

Heritage Harmonies Choir10:30 - 11:30 am Free | Drop-in

Computer Drop-in with Tutor 11:00 am - 1:00 pm | Free

Refl exology, Facials, Reiki & Chair Massage12:00 – 4:30 pmStarts at $22 for 30 minRegistration Required

Spanish Conversation Group - Intermediate1:00 – 2:00 pmFree | Registration Required

Spanish Class Level I 2:00-3:30pm | FreeRegistration Required

Texas Hold’em Poker1:00 – 3:00 pm | Free | Drop-in

Painting Studio1:30 –4:30 pm | Free | Class Currently Full

WEDNESDAY

Men’s Breakfast ClubNov 19 • 9:00 am | Hamburger Mary’s | Drop In | First-timers receive free breakfast

Acting Class 9:00 – 11:00 am | Free Class Currently Full - Waitlist

Computer Drop-in9:00 am - 4:30 pm | Free

ESL for Beginners Tutoring10:30 -11:30am | $1 per class | Registration Required

Nature Show Series11:00 am – 12:00 pmBy Donation | Drop-in

Computer Coach Appts. 1:00 - 3:00 pm | Free1-on-1 sessions | By Registration

Spanish Conversation for Beginners 3:00pm - 4:00pmFree | Registration Required

PROGRAM NOTES - NovemberCLOSED Tuesday November 11th

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Legal Clinic at Kay’s PlaceNov 26 • 2:00 - 4:00pmRegistration Required by calling Kay’s Place

Dinner Club: Central Bistro Nov 19 • 5:30 pm | Drop-in1072 Denman St.

Short Story Book ClubNov 12 & 19 • 1:30 pm | Free | Registration Required

Financial Wellness Clinic with Tracy Theemes: New Estate Laws and What You Need to UnderstandNov 19 • 2:00 pm | Free | Registration Required

Arnie Greenberg: Paris and the ArtistsNov 26 • 2:00pm-3:30pm | Free | Registration Required

THURSDAYComputer Drop-in9:00am-4:30pm | Free

TED Talks & Discussion10:00 – 11:30 amFree | Drop-in | P.11

Computer Drop-in with Tutor 11:00 am - 1:00 pm | Free

Cellphone Tutorials2:00-3:00pm | Free Registration Required

Active Minds10:00 am – 12:00 pmBy Donation | Drop-in

Workshop by BC Housing on SAFER and Subsidized Housing OptionsNov 13 • 1:30-3:00pmFree | By Registration | P. 11

Pharmasave West End: Cold & Flu WorkshopNov 20 • 2:00pm-3:30pm | Free | Registration Required

Legal Clinic at Kay’s PlaceNov 20 • 10:00 - 11:30amRegistration Required by calling Kay’s Place

Deck the Halls! Nov 27 • 1:00pm-2:30pm | Free | Registration Required at WECC

FRIDAY

Computer Drop-in9:00 am – 4:30 pm | Free

Happy Hookers Craft Group & Sales 10:00 am - 12:00 pmFree | Drop-in | Registration Required

Manicures & PedicuresNow every two weeks Nov 7 & Nov 21 • 10:00am – 4:00 pm | $15/$18 | Add $5 for polish| Registration Required

Painting Studio12:30 - 4:00 pm Bring your own materialsFree | Registration Required

Spanish Class Level II 1:00-3:00pm | FreeRegistration Required

Scrabble Drop-in1:00 – 3:30 pm | Free| Drop-in Movie Club1:30 pm | With Popcorn!By Donation | Drop-in | p. 9

Computer Coach Appts. with Uriel1:00 - 3:00 pm | Free1-on-1 sessions | Registration Required

SATURDAY

Ladies’ Brunch Club: The Park at The Sands Hotel11:45 am | Drop-in

CLOSURESNov 11 - Remembrance Day

All programs are at Barclay Manor unless otherwise indicated.Please note where registration is required.

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Programs & Events 2

Deck the Halls at Barclay Manor! Join the WECC and WESN for an afternoon of decorating at Barclay Manor for the holiday season. Time to put up the ‘mistletoe and tree’ with a cup of tea, shortbread and other holiday treats. Please join us for this annual Yuletime tradition and help us get festive! Thursday November 27 • 1:00 - 2:30pm | Free | Registration with WECC: 604-257-8333

November Birthday Tea Members born in November are invited to a Birthday Tea party to celebrate! Join us for a variety of delicious tea sandwiches, tea service, sweets, birthday cake and songs on the piano by Doug Volz! Members are invited to bring one guest. Please register early to ensure your spot. No drop-ins will be permitted. Monday, Nov. 17 • 2:00 pm | $2 | RSVP required by Nov. 14th | Barclay Manor

Dinner Club: Central BistroThe Central Bistro off ers a nice variety of European and classic American comfort food like their Central Beef Burger or Barbecue Lambwich to Cioppino and Shortribs. Cozy, intimate surroundings make for a warm atmosphere to enjoy good food and friends! Wednesday November 19 • 5:30pm | 1072 Denman St. | Drop-in | Each Guest pays own bill

Financial Wellness Clinic: The New Estate Laws Tracy Theemes of the Sophia Financial Group and her team will be at Barclay Manor to discuss the new Estate Laws and What You Need to Know. The long-awaited Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA) recently brought signifi cant changes to BC’s estate and succession laws. The new legislation came into eff ect March of 2014 and goes a long way to modernizing and streamlining estate law in this province, addressing weaknesses recognized by the legal community. Attend this free and informative workshop to fi nd out more. Following the short presentation, you will have the opportunity for a one-to-one conversation with a fi nancial adviser about anything you need help with. Bring your statements and questions - this is a great opportunity for any of us looking for some fi nancial guidance! Wednesday November 19 • 2:00pm-3:30pm | Free | Registration Required by calling Barclay Manor 604-669-5051

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Programs & Events2

Men’s Breakfast Club Calling all West End men! The Men’s Breakfast Club meets monthly at Hamburger Mary’s for some delicious food and rousing conversation In November, former City of Vancouver Housing Advocate Judy Graves will be dropping by to share breakfast and swap stories with the Men’s Breakfast Club. We hope you can join for what is sure to be a very engaging conversation. First-timers get breakfast paid for by WESN, otherwise each man pays his own way. The convivial camaraderie is on the house, though! Wednesday November 19 • 9:00am | Each diner pays his own cheque | Drop-in | Hamburger Mary’s Diner, corner of Davie and Bute St.

Short Story Book ClubTwice monthly this Club meets to discuss and share their thoughts on the latest short story read by the group. Group facilitator Andrea brings in multi media, chooses the month’s stories and leads the discussion. Tea and refreshments provided. In November, the stories will be: November 12: Virginia Woolf “Kew Gardens” and November 19: O. Henry “The Gift of the Magi”Wednesday November 12 & 19 • 1:30pm-3:00pm | Registration Required | Barclay Manor

Calling all Heritage Harmonies Choir Members! Do you regularly sing with the Heritage Harmonies Choir? Please get in touch with either Frank or Jessica if you’re planning on singing at the Rotary Luncheon on Decem-ber 14. We must get all final numbers confirmed for the event planners.

Acting Class Free PerformanceEver wonder what goes on in the Drama Class at Barclay Manor? Now’s your chance to get an insider’s look at what these crazy thespians get up to each week. Join us for our Year-End Performance where you’ll see a range of everything the group has worked on this year; from improvisation to scene work to monologues to mask work. Expect to laugh and be entertained! Don’t miss out! We look forward to seeing you there! The Drama Class year-end performance, led by Rachel Franco, features the talents and skills of Noreen Campbell, Jacqueline Duke, Elaine Fridkin, Janet Gere, George Karpel, Atley Mor-row, and Marlene Murphy.Wednesday November 26th, 10:00-11:00am | Free | Barclay Manor

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3 Computer Lab Schedule

November Computer Lab Schedule

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

9:00

Drop-in

9:00-4:30

Computer Coach (Katie) Appt. 2:30 –

4:30

Drop-in 9:00-3:00

Drop-in 9:00-4:30

Drop-in 9:00-4:30

Drop-in 9:00-4:30

Computer Coach Uriel

Appts. 1:00-3:00

10:00

11:00

Drop-in with Tutors (Shelley)11:00-1:00

Drop-in with Tutor (Marcel)

11:00-1:00 12:00

1:00

Drop-in

9:00-4:30pm 2:00

3:00 Legal Advice

Appointments – call 878-7400 3:00-5:00 4:00

Computer Coach Marnie

Appts. 1:00-4:00

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4 Announcements

The West End Seniors’ Network and The Rotary Club Vancouver-Sunrise invite you to our Annual

Rotary Holiday Luncheon Sunday, December 14th 2014 11:00 a.m. Eggnog Social 12:00 p.m. Lunch Westin Bayshore Inn, 1601 Bayshore Dr.

This elegant members-only event features a traditional Christmas luncheon, live music, and wonderful raffle prizes to be won!

Free with your WESN Membership. Registration begins on Thursday November 6th either in person at Kay’s Place or Barclay Manor, or by calling 604-669-5051. Please bring membership card if registering in person.

Return transportation between Denman Place Mall and the Westin Bayshore, generously sponsored by the Happy Hookers Craft Group.

Based on feedback from our members, we will be reserving a portion of tickets for a lottery draw for those who miss the registration. The deadline to get your name entered into the lottery is Monday Dec 1st.

This is a highly popular event and we’ve had problems with no-shows in previous years. We are working to discourage this. Please only sign up if you’re certain to attend as space is very limited.

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• cted a

4 Spotted at WESN

Brunch Club at the Sands HotelAll photos taken by Brenda Wheatley.With thanks to Yvonne Wheatley for sending them in.

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WEST END CANDIDATES’ DEBATE Saturday, November 8, 2 - 4 pm. West End Candidates’ Debate at Gordon Neighbourhood House 1019 Broughton Street. Bring your questions for city, school and parks’ board candi-dates.

Now recruiting participants 65+ years of age to join a free group exercise program Held at the different YMCA sites of Greater Vancouver in 2015 as part of a research study being conducted at the University of British Columbia. Males are especially welcome!For more information, attend our Information Sessions (Tong Louie YMCA, 11/05 and 11/07, 2:00 PM; Robert Lee YMCA, 11/06, 9:00 AM; Langara YMCA, 11/07, 9:00 AM), visit us at http://goal.kin.educ.ubc.ca/ or contact us atgoaltrial@gmail.com and (604) 822 9140.

Gay & Grey: Men’s Social & Discussion Group The group meets twice a week to socialize and discuss topics of interest to older gay men.

· Wednesday evenings from 7:15-9:15pm at the Roundhouse Community Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver)· Saturday afternoons from 1:00-3:00pm. [Locations vary] For more information, please contact Mike Alain at michelalain@telus.net .

Update on the Compass Pass System from Translink The initial launch of Compass will happen in the beginning of 2015 and will only affect university students to begin with. It will occur in three waves between February 1 and August 31, 2015. We will not launch Compass Cards to the general public before the end of the summer 2015. As a reminder, Compass will be rolled out in phases. The purchasing of Fare Saver tickets will continue as usual.

5 Announcements

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Better at Home Volunteer Drivers: Reconnecting Seniors with a Sense of Communityy

The first time we took Susie* to a doctor’s appointment, she burst into tears on the way home. She can’t believe that she’s sitting in a stranger’s car because her husband has always taken her to all her appointments before he passed away. She’s scared because she has many upcoming medical appointments and doesn’t know how she’ll get to them. Luckily, we have a team of dedicated volunteer drivers who take seniors with mobility challenges to their medical appointments. A month later, she has met four drivers, is much chattier and more optimistic about her health, knowing that there are people there for her if she needs help. To request a ride or to join our amazing roster of drivers, call Dora at 604-669-5051 or email betterathome@wesn.ca

WESN Grocery Shuttle: We have a bus! We (will) have a driver! We have helping hands! Where would YOU like to go (grocery shopping)?

Since April, we have been running a grocery shuttle under the Better at Home program to take seniors grocery shopping. The benefits of the program are that it’s a door-to-door service and there are friendly helping hands on board to help you carry groceries. It’s also a wonderful, wonderful place to make friends. As we look for a new driver we would love to hear from you! Where would you like to go grocery shopping if there was a bus that picked you up from home and took you anywhere you wanted to go? Let Dora know by dropping her a note, emailing betterathome@wesn.ca or give her a call at 604-669-5051.

*name has been changed to protect privacy of client

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DonationsYour pledge or legacy helps us to achieve our mission to improve the quality of life of adults aged 55+ by providing social, educational and recreational programs and services that foster connection and inclusion in the broader community.

All donations to WESN of $10 or more are eligible for tax deductions and are most gratefully received. Please visit us at www.wesn.ca to make a secure donation with your credit card or send a cheque payable to:

West End Seniors’ Network 1447 Barclay Street Vancouver, BC V6G 1J6 Charitable Tax #11929-2845RR0001

Membership and Donations6

Membership Application FormMembership valid until September 2015 Annual General Meeting

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Date of Birth: MM DD YY Gender:

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Today’s Date: MM DD YY

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Tax receipts given for donations $10 and over.

Membership Fee: $

West End Seniors’ Network

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Membership form - continued from page 21

DAVID WATTSNOTARY PUBLIC

604-685-7786 | david@davidnotary.com1602 – 675 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1N2

Wills, Power of Attorney & Representation Agreements

Real Estate Transfers & Mortgages

In-Home Visits Available

Clockwise from top: Volunteers help serve pumpkin pie at WESN’s fi rst annual Thanksgiving Lunch; Birthday tea cele-brants took in a gorgeous fall afternoon; Gladys celebrates by blowing out the candles; enjoying a light lunch of fi nger sandwiches and tarts at Barclay Manor.

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