Where is my Sunday Paper

No Sunday Paper:
This is dedicated to all of us who are seniors, to all of you who know seniors, and to all of you who will become seniors.

"WHERE is my SUNDAY paper?!"
The irate customer calling the newspaper office, loudly demanded to know where her Sunday edition was.
"Madam", said the newspaper employee, "today is Saturday. The Sunday paper is not delivered until tomorrow, on SUNDAY".
There was quite a long pause on the other end of the phone, followed by a ray of recognition as she was heard to mutter, ...
..."Well, shoot, that explains why no one was at church either

Walking Group 14 May

May 14 we walked up the Drive to Trout Lake and went to the farmer's market. http://www.eatlocal.org/
Trout Lake Farmers Market Saturdays, May 14 - October 22, 2011
9am - 2pm each week
North Parking Lot of John Hendry Park at Trout Lake
Between Templeton and Lakewood south of the 13th Avenue Alley
Please note: There is no parking in the North Lot and no parking on 13th Avenue. Please park away from the area & walk in. Or better yet: walk, cycle or take transit if you can
There were 5 os us.  ( Linda, Susan, Julianna, Marilyn, Ken)
Walk lead by Marilyn

P.s. previous week there was no walk due to bad weather.

Runners hit the road for a cause at BMO Vancouver Marathon

Family and friends inspire athletes pounding through the 26-mile course downtown.
Jenny Uechi
Posted: May 1st, 2011
  Vancouver Observer

BMO runner Lee Turner (65), photos by Jenny Uechi
They came with runners on their feet, water bottles in hand and a sense of purpose in their heart.
At 6 a.m. on Sunday, thousands of athletes gathered at Concord Place for the 41st annual BMO Vancouver Marathon. While many were avid runners looking to best their personal time, some were simply here to run for loved ones or to raise awareness for a global cause.
Lee Turner, a trim-looking runner, proudly shows off three badges on her jacket and T-shirt.
"This one is my sister -- she'd been missing to me for the last 45 years, and found me two years ago," she says, pointing to the left badge. "The other is my best friend, who's 77. She's supposed to be here, but she's going blind." The badge in the centre is her grandmother.
"I'm running for these people today," she beams.

The BMO Marathon will be her last race before Turner goes for knee surgery. She wears sturdy braces -- custom made, $1520 each, she says -- which will hopefully allow her to run the race "pain free".

Turner says that after 27 years of avid running, her knees have been worn down to the point that there is almost no cartilege left. Still, thanks to her running coach, Rainy Kent, she says she's been able to work around her limitations and take on the half-marathon today.

Lee Turner finished her marathon!!!

Walking club

April 30, 2011 we took the #20 bus to Harrison Loop and walked down the Fraser river at the foot of Victoria drive. We walked from Victoria Dive to Kerr Road and the we walked up to Marine Drive and walked through the Fraserview golf course ( which is l hour walk around  the golf course). there were 5 ( Marilyn, Mimi, Jean, Susan, Ken)

walk lead by Marilyn

Ponder for the Day

Photography
There will be times when you will be in the field without a camera. And, you will see the most glorious sunset or the most beautiful scene that you have ever witnessed. Don’t be bitter because you can’t record it. Sit down, drink it in, and enjoy it for what it is!

Walking Club

On April 16 we walked down the Drive to Hastings and caught the 135 bus to Willingdon and Hastings.  We walked to Confederation Seniors centre and then walked through the park and the  neighbourhood. http://www.burnaby.ca/cityhall/departments/departments_parks/rcrtn/prksrc_fclts/Seniors/Confederation_Centre.html
There were 6 of us  ( Linda, Mimi, Marilyn, Susan, Julianna, Ken)

Walk lead by Marilyn

"An Italian Family Dinner" with Linda Massaro

Italians have enormous pride in their food. Who does not love and appreciate Italian food for its good quality and great taste? In fact, it was in Italy that the Slow Food Movement was born -- not only as an alternative to "fast food", but also to preserve local food traditions. In this story, Linda Massaro tells us about the very important tradition of eating together as a family.
After you watch this video, you might want to try making the recipe below

http://buenprovechoproject.blogspot.com/2011/03/italian-family-dinner-with-linda.html

"Pasta Memories" with Maria Buono

"Pasta Memories" with Maria Buono
Maria Buono has been in Canada for much of her life, after emigrating from Italy. Still, her memories of Italy are strong, particularly of food and its association with family. We get a sense from Maria's story that food has alwarys been a very important part of her life. In this school cooking group, we prepared a simple but much loved recipe of tomato sauce and pasta.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt9yAa1kQt4
this video was put on this food blog
http://buenprovechoproject.blogspot.com/

Walking Group 09 April/11

April 9 2011 walk, we walked down Commerical Drive to Powell St., then walked along Powell to Wall St.  We had an enjoyable walk with lots of little parks to sit and see the harbour.  One park was called Mediation Park. We then walked from Wall St. up Kaslo St. to Trinity St. with a short visit with Tina and George.  Afterwards we then walked along Renfrew St. to Hastings/Renfrew and down Hastings to Lakewood, Adanac and back to the Drive.
On Renfrew near PNE we saw a Bald Eagle flying as there is an Eagle's nest
across from the PNE in the trees on the Northeast corner.
there were 6 of us ( Marilyn, Ken, Jean, Mimi, Odette, Linda)
walk lead by Marilyn

Volunteers needed

HAPPY NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK!*
As we launch into the week where volunteers get recognized for the work they do all over Canada, in small and large communities, in neighbourhoods, schools, in areas hit by natural disasters etc., let's keep in mind that all of us have the capacity to get out there and do something special for people around us! :) Every little bit helps and you folks know this best because you're all volunteers!
Check out our volunteering opportunities for April and May and then stay tuned for our Spring newsletter that will feature one of YOU, share some interesting community news, and facts about volunteering!
                    VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
April 15, Friday 3:30-5:30pm
Bake, bake, bake…then eat!
Yes, come join us as we bake some of our favourite recipes (you can use your own!) to sell at the monthly Beyond the Blue Box Recycling program at Brit's Secondary School every 3rd Saturday. If you're interested, please email me your name and let me know who's coming and if you have a recipe to share! After baking, we wrap up with an afternoon TEA… someone's got to try the cookies, right? :)
APRIL 16, Saturday 8:45am-12:15pm
Bake Sale! Now we've baked them, we gotta sell them! This takes place on the 3rd Sat of every month until the Fall. Volunteers help set up the tent, chairs, table, make coffee and sell our lovely baked goods to the hungry people who come to recycle their items! Volunteers for this position need to register ahead of time with me in order to be able to do this shift. We're looking for outgoing, friendly people, with the can-do attitude! All proceeds go to the Volunteer Program.
May 1, Sunday 8am-1pm or 11am-4pm-- pick a shift
RIMS COMMUNITY DAY
You've likely seen it while walking your dog or playing on the soccer field at the Britannia Oval. It's time to give our skyline mural a new face-lift! If you like being part of something BIG, love registering and organizing food and people (we're expecting 160 people!) and support our local soccer program (micro footie), this is the event for you… and our friends and family! Only 16 coveted spots available and they're starting to fill up quickly. Sign up quick if you want to be part of the action! Refreshments and lunch provided.
May 7, Saturday 9am-2pm or 1:30-6pm
Stone Soup Festival
This is the place to be in May! Even people in Europe have heard about our ever popular community festival featuring musicians, artists, and local vendors and food. Come explore our mini Farmer's market, free workshops on food and button-making, and surround yourself with COMMERCIAL DRIVE and SOUP of course! Refreshments provided throughout the day. Shifts are almost all filled. Sign up quick if you're still interested! Orientation is on May 5, at 4:30pm at the Learning Resource Centre, behind the library.
May 20/21 - Bake and Tea!
Yup, it's the 3rd Friday and Saturday of May, so we bake again on the Friday and sell the next day. Volunteers are always welcome but please sign up early so we know how many will be there! Friday 3:30-5:30 and Saturday 8:45am-12:15pm.
Thanks for volunteering and don't forget to VOTE FOR BRITANNIA's Plant a Seed, Harvest a Community Submission before April 15! This will highlight the work that all of you do here at Britannia! http://bit.ly/gWFGfS (click on "organization")
Warmly,
Charlene Wee, CAVR
Coordinator, Volunteer Program
Britannia Community Services Centre
1661 Napier St. Vancouver BC V5L 4X4
T: 604-718-5860 F: 604-718-5858
E: charlene.wee@vancouver.ca

Cast your vote as often as possible

Hi there!
In April 2011, Britannia submitted a video for the VoluntHero Contest held by Volunteer Richmond, to raise the profile of volunteers and programs across Metro Vancouver... This video was made BY VOLUNTEERS for our volunteers...
A select panel of judges voted and BRITANNIA made it to the FINAL 3!
We need YOUR VOTE now to secure the winning position! Please support Britannia's Volunteer Program and our services by voting Brit as your first choice! Multiple votes are permissable, so vote away!
Voting will be open to the public from April 9th to 15th and the winners will be announced in the Richmond Review on Saturday April 16th.
First, second and third prize winners will be determined by the number of votes each piece receives so encourage your friends, family and colleagues to vote!
The following link may be posted on your social media sites or emailed to friends to vote.
http://bit.ly/gWFGfS
 (click "organizations")
Whether you've volunteered at Britannia in the past or are a current volunteer, we thank you in advance for your support! All votes are valid, even if you are overseas!
or go to this below as well
http://www.volunteerrichmond.ca/Programs/InfoVolunteerCentre/VoluntHEROContest/ContestOutline/Voting/OrganizationFinalists.aspx

Volunteering

Hello!
This is a posting for a special opportunity to get involved and BUSY for one day in May… well, technically two days since some of you have already signed up for Stone Soup! Woohoo!
On May 1st, Sunday, join 100 people as we give the Britannia Oval a new facelift! Think Extreme Oval Makeover!
From 9am-3pm, 100 people will be on-site to repaint the mural facing the Britannia Oval AND create a new mural for our soccer container right outside the Britannia Secondary Cafeteria! But hang on folks, that's not all! We're also going to be building benches and painting them… woo hoo!
70 volunteers from Risk Insurance Management Society (RIMS) will be there to give back to the community by providing the paint and labour, but they'll need help in getting organized and that's where you come in!
We're looking for 16 active, enthusiastic, outgoing and friendly volunteers with the can-do attitude! You'll be helping with set-up, operations, registration, food service, clean-up and more!
If any of this sounds like, "YEAH! This is so me!", please let me know.
Shifts are 8am-1pm or 11am-4pm. We have limited spots, so sign up quick before we open this up to the larger community!
(Light refreshments and lunch provided. Statements of hours too if requested at the end of your shift!)
To volunteer, please pick your shift and email me directly with your full name, contact number and email address!
See you all soon!
Charlene Wee, CAVR
Coordinator, Volunteer Program
Britannia Community Services Centre
1661 Napier St. Vancouver BC V5L 4X4
T: 604-718-5860 F: 604-718-5858
E: charlene.wee@vancouver.ca
www.britanniacentre.org   (see our website for information and to download an application form)

Text abbreviations for the older crowd

Walking Club 02April

We took the #20 bus to Dunsmuir/Richards and then caught the #250 bus to Ambleside. We then walked from Ambleside along the beach to Dundrave (Ambleside to Dundarave is 3 KLM) . It was a great walk and beautiful day as you see by the pictures.
We saw 3 eagles soaring over the sea walk.
There were 6 of us(Mimi, Linda, Susan, Odette, Marilyn, Ken)
walk lead by Marilyn

Walking Club 26 Mar

We walked down to Powell street from the centre and caught the No. 4 bus to UBC. We had our lunch and walked around the UBC campus.
There were 7 persons,  Linda, Jean, Marilyn, Ken, Elsa , Susan, Odette.
walked lead by Marilyn

Hi everyone!
How do you know it's time to welcome Spring?
It's bike time!~

Yup, time to drag those bikes out from behind the clutter, out from the dust and dirt and time to start ridin'! Ok, if you've been riding all season long, excellent! :)
Our 2nd series of workshops "Workshops for Volunteers by Volunteers" starts this April!
You voted and we provided! Our first bicycle maintenance workshop takes place on:
APRIL 10, SUNDAY from 1-3pm at Britannia, Rink Mezzanine Room
Registration Deadline: April 8, 2011 4pm
 or first 10 registrants, whichever comes first! :)

Topics covered will include:
Overall inspection
Safety & security
Wheels and tires
Fit and comfort
Brakes
Steering
Chain and gears
Please bring your own bicycles to work on as this will be a good learning and fixing opportunity for you to get your bicycles in shape and ready for the road!
Minor adjustments and repairs will be conducted. Bicycle replacement parts and supplies can be purchased from our instructor (bicycle guru and mechanic, Erik, from VanCycle Mobile Bicycle Shop) on-site so please bring your money! :)
Please note that because this workshop only has spots open for 10 individuals and 10 bicycles, we will take the first 10 people who respond by email with:
Your full name, contact number and email address.
The workshop is FREE for active BRIT VOLUNTEERS and a minimal fee of $10/person* will be charged for anyone who wants to come (accompanied by a Brit volunteer) who would like to attend the workshop. E.g. Brit volunteer's friend or family member. These workshops can generally run from $50-80 per session, so grab this amazing learning opportunity while you can!
*The fee for guests does not include bicycle parts and supplies.
For more information about this workshop or to suggest others in the future, please email me directly.
Thanks!
Charlene Wee, CAVR
Coordinator, Volunteer Program
Britannia Community Services Centre
1661 Napier St. Vancouver BC V5L 4X4
T: 604-718-5860 F: 604-718-5858
E: charlene.wee@vancouver.ca
www.britanniacentre.org

Crime ALert

VPD Crime Alert
TELEPHONE FRAUD TARGETING SENIOR CITIZENS

The Vancouver Police are reminding local seniors of a phone scam that prompted a public warning early last year after an elderly woman was defrauded of $10,000. While the number of cases have been drastically reduced since then, education about the scam and how it’s perpetrated is critical in reducing the numbers even more.

In all cases, the elderly victim is contacted by telephone. The suspect engages the person in a conversation, pretending to be a relative—often a “favourite grandchild”—needing money to get out of jail or, having been in an accident, needing to pay for damages of some kind. The senior is then emotionally pressured into sending $5,000 - $10,000 through a wire transfer to another location, often another city. The scammer often pleads with the grandparent not to tell anyone else and promises to repay the money as soon as they return home. Scammers may also involve other techniques such as having another scammer pose as a lawyer to add credibility to their stories.

Investigators believe that this scam is being operated by a group in Eastern Canada and the suspects may be obtaining personal information through Internet searches before calling.

This type of fraud is particularly disturbing as many seniors are on fixed incomes and are left financially crippled.

Prevention Tips:

Be cautious when giving out personal information over the phone;
Call a family member who can help you verify information, even if time seems to be of the essence;
If the "grandchild" claims to be in jail, find out which jail it is and verify the information with that jail;
Ask for a phone number to call the person back;
Be wary of a request to send money via money transfer.
Talk to elderly relatives about telephone scams and how they can protect themselves;
Report suspicious circumstances to your local police and PhoneBusters at www.phonebusters.com.
If you believe you, or someone you know, have been victimized by a scam like the one described above, contact your local police department.


Crime Alert Tip

Did you know that you can report some Vancouver crimes via the Internet? Visit https://vancouver.ca/citizenreport_wa/.

About growing older

Walk with me by the water, worth the read...

A BEAUTIFUL MESSAGE ABOUT GROWING OLDER:

Darn it
I forgot the words....

Walking Group 19 Mar

On March 19 we took the #20 bus to Richards/Dunsmuir and walked up to Granville/Georgia to see the Celtic Festival which was on Granville from Georgia to Smithe.  March 19 & 20 were the dates for the Celtic Village and Street Market, centrally relocated back on Granville Street, downtown. There’s Celtic concerts, dance, storytelling, Celtic swordplay, Gaelic Football, Celtic Market & more
 http://www.celticfestvancouver.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VJ9XMKIsw2o#at=11
There was 7 persons ( Linda, Susan, Julianna , Elsa, Jean, Marilyn, Ken)

walked lead by Marilyn

Hi Britannia Volunteers

Hi Britannia Volunteers!*


You are a valued member at Britannia and we want to know what you think!

As we launch our 2nd workshop of our "Workshops for Volunteers" series, we hope you'll take the time to let us know what types of workshops would be of interest to you!

We aim to make these workshops either FREE or discounted for active Brit Volunteers!

Some of you might remember our recent Taiko Drumming workshop offered in February by local musicians, Leslie Komori and Eileen Kage!

Volunteers that attended said it was "fun and engaging…".

Your feedback is important as it assists with our planning so we can bring workshops that make a difference to you!
You volunteer throughout the year at Britannia and our program continues to grow with your help!

Please take a minute (yes, that's all it takes!) to give us opinion by taking the very short survey located at this link:

http://app.fluidsurveys.com/s/britbicycleworkshops/  

Thanks!
Have a wonderful March weekend!

Charlene Wee, CAVR
Coordinator, Volunteer Program
Britannia Community Services Centre
1661 Napier St. Vancouver BC V5L 4X4
T: 604-718-5860 F: 604-718-5858
E: charlene.wee@vancouver.ca
http://www.britanniacentre.org/  (see our website for information and to download an application form)
  .
The 2011 Green Zebra coupon book for sustainable living choices is now available for sale. $20 each -50% of sale proceeds go to the Grandview Woodland Food Connection

St Patrick Luncheon CANCELLED

Where: Al Mattison

Time: 12:30

 $7.50
Reservation required

joined the 55+ & celebrate

In Memory of Tyron

Mr Tyron Dziurznski  01 Dec 1930 - 08 Mar 2011  (79)
Lion's Den has lost one of their residents this week.  He will be missed by all.  He was a resident for the last 10 years or so.
Tyron took some getting used to until you got to know him.  He was loud, abrasive but that was his way, self defensive.  He had a heart of gold & was an old softie once you got to know him.  He was an intelligent man in lot of things.
One lady told me at her on birthday he was generous. 
He was into numerology and would do you a reading.
When he able to he loved to play carpet bowling on Tuesday morning and harass his friends.
So please take the time raise your glass to Tyron not Tyrone, he made sure you said his name properly, lol.
Now I found out he was registered as Ted Dziurznski in the Lion's books.
So Tyron make sure St Peter gets it right at the gate when you arrive ;o)

Walking Group 05 March

On Mar 5 we took the #20 bus to Richards/Hastings and walked down to Canada Place to see this below. Just one of many. It was incredible and for a good cause.
http://canstructionvancouver.com/

Canstruction is a creative recycling project that really does have a purpose. Not only does the charity create astonishing works of art, but also, more importantly, it is a global anti-hunger initiative. The concept is simple: Build a structure of your choice from cans of food, wait for a winner to be chosen from all the entries, exhibit the structures to the public for a week, then donate the food to local food banks. Simple? Yes, and very successful as well.

We had a free coffee at McDonald's in the Waterfront food fair and then walked to sea bus and went to Lonsdale Quay.

We walked to park near the Quay and walked a North shore historical trail (Kayacth) It was very peaceful and enjoyable walk.

there were 7 ( Linda, Ken, Susan, Julianna, Marisa, Jean, Marilyn)

walk lead by Marilyn

Get your volunteering shoes ready because READY, SET, GO! We’re on our way!

April and May are months filled with volunteering opportunities at Britannia. From giving the precious gift of blood to those in need to outdoor events like a community clean-up and painting etc. there’s chances galore to get out there and have fun with lots of amazing people!

Don’t wait, be that special someone and make a difference now!

In May, we will also be having 2 outdoor events with more than 150 volunteers! You don’t want to miss this… Stay tuned for more info on these upcoming exciting opportunities!

1 in 2 Canadians will need blood in their lifetime

Roll up your sleeves to donate blood during

Britannia Community Centre's blood donor clinic!

Thursday April 7th, 2011

11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Britannia Community Centre

Gym D

Please call 1.888.2DONATE (1.888.236.6283)

to make an appointment to donate

Community Clean-Up

Saturday, April 30th - 9:00 am to Noon

Be part of the Keep Vancouver Spectacular 2011 kick-off!

Come join volunteers from the Grandview-Woodland Community Policing Centre and the Britannia Community Services Centre who will conduct a neighbourhood litter clean up on

Saturday April 30th.

There’ll be breakfast, door prizes, entertainment and you’ll get a chance to meet Mayor Gregor Robertson! Help tidy our streets and other public spaces and keep our community spaces clean.

Registration takes place at:

Britannia Community Centre

Canuck Family Room, 1655 William Street

Breakfast 9:00 to 10:00 AM

Community Clean Up: 10:00 to Noon

For more information and to sign up to volunteer, please call Cathy at:

Grandview-Woodland CPC 604 717-2932 or cathycpc@shaw.ca

Pre-registration is encouraged if you intend to be there for breakfast so as to allow for accurate amounts of food to be catered. Thank you.

Please contact the individuals listed below to be involved in these two April events.
Warmly,
Charlene Wee, CAVR
Coordinator, Volunteer Program

Joke for the week

Hospital regulations
require a wheel chair for patients being discharged. However, while working as a student nurse, I found one elderly gentleman already dressed and sitting on the bed with a suitcase at his feet, who insisted he didn't need my help to leave the hospital.
After a chat about rules being rules, he reluctantly let me wheel him to the elevator.
On the way down I asked him if his wife was meeting him.
'I don't know,' he said. 'She's still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her hospital gown.'

Walking Club 19 Feb

Feb 19 we took #20 bus to Richard/Hastings and walk up to Pender St and caught the No 5 downtown to Denman/Robson and we walked along Denman to English Bay where we saw the laughing maze.  We walked along the sea wall to 2nd beach and then  to lost lagoon and  back to Denman /Robson.
3 of us continued to walked the Coal Harbor sea wall, back to the skytrain.
There were 6 ( Marilyn, Ken, Linda, Marisa, Susan, and new member Elsa.
Feb 26 we walked up the Drive from Britannia to skytrain and then we took the
skytrain to Lougheed Mall. There were 4 brave walkers on this cold snowy day
Marilyn, Ken, Susan, Julianna.

walks lead by Marilyn

The group went downtown to English Bay & walked around the lost lagoon.

THIS IS HAPPENING RIGHT HERE IN OUR OWN COUNTRY‏, ;o)

THIS IS HAPPENING RIGHT HERE IN OUR OWN COUNTRY!

We Must Stop This Immediately !  

Have you noticed that stairs are getting steeper. 

Groceries are heavier. 

And, everything is farther away.

Yesterday I walked to the corner and I was dumbfounded to discover how long   our street had become!
And, you know, people are less considerate now, especially the young ones.  They speak in whispers all the time!  If you ask them to speak up they just keep repeating themselves, endlessly mouthing the same silent message until they're red in the face!  What do they think I am, a lip reader?
I also think they are much younger than I was at the same age.  On the other hand, people my own age are so mucholder than I am.  I ran into an old friend the other day and she has aged so much that she didn't even recognize me.
I got to thinking about the poor dear while I was combing my hair this morning, and in doing so, I glanced at my own reflection. Well, REALLY NOW - even mirrors are not made the way they used to be!
Another thing, everyone drives sofast these days!  You're risking life and limb if you happen to pull onto the freeway in front of them.  All I can say is, their brakes must wear out awfully fast, the way I see them screech and swerve in my rear view mirror.
Clothing manufacturers are less civilized these days.  Why else would they suddenly start labeling a size 10 or 12 dress as 18 or 20?  Do they think no one notices? The people who make bathroom scales are pulling the same prank.  Do they think I actually 'believe' the number I see on that dial?  HA!  I would never let myself weigh that much!  Just who do these people think they're fooling?
I'd like to call up someone in authority to report what's going on -- but the telephone company is in on the conspiracy too: they've printed the phone books in such small   type that no one could ever find a number in there!

All I can do is pass along this warning: 

WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!

Unless something drastic happens, pretty soon everyone will have to suffer these awful indignities.
 
PS: I am sending this to you in a larger font size, because something has happened to my computer's fonts - they are smaller than they once were.

Happy Valentine's Day

All!!!

Walking Club

Our walk on Feb 5, we walked from Britannia through Sstrathcona/Chinatown to Tinseltown International Market for the Chinese festival.
There was 5 persons. ( Marilyn, Ken, Virginia, Susan, Julianna)

2011 is the Year of the Rabbit!
Every year Vancouver marks the Chinese New Year with celebrations around Chinatown, culminating in the annual Chinese New Year Parade, a cultural extravaganza that's one of the city's biggest and best annual parades.

Organized by the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver since 1979, the parade has grown into a must-see event in Vancouver, attracting over 50,000 spectators and 3,000 performers, including the largest assembly of lion dance teams in Canada.
With more than 50 lions, diverse multicultural dance troupes, the Vancouver Police Department Motorcycle Drill Team, marching bands and more, the Chinese New Year Parade is a celebration not to be missed.

Characteristics of people born in the year of the Rabbit:

Articulate,Ambitious, Controlled, Affectionate, Cooperative, Friendly & Overly sentimental

Compatible With: Sheep, Boars

Avoid: Roosters

Good Career Choices: •Lawyer •Diplomat & •Actor

Famous Rabbits:

Michelangelo, Albert Einstein, Marie Curie

walk lead by Marilyn

Bus Trip

On Saturday 29 Jan a bus trip was schedule to Mission BC to visit the Abbey.  One of our Seniors has sent in her pics.  All enjoyed the trip in spite of the heavy rain.  This cause no walking around the grounds.
For more info please visit this web site.
http://www.westminsterabbey.ca/

New Activity for Seniors

Table Tennis, Foosball and Billiards
 for 55+ only women & men
Morning social in Teen centre
Wednesday 10:30-Noon
Jan 05-Mar 30
Free

2011 first walk for the Group, join us

Happy New Year.
January15,2011 we took the 20 bus to Kingsway/Victoria and caught the 25 bus to Main street. We walked up Main street to Nat Bailey Stadium to a winter farmer's market which is 10-2 .  It is across from Riley Park Community Centre and next to Hillcrest Pool.
http://www.eatlocal.org/   for more information.
Afterward we walked down Main Street to Broadway and had coffee and social time.

There was 10 persons, Marilyn, Ken, Jean, Odette, Susan, Juliana, Linda, and welcome back Marisa (from Ottawa, Ont.) Viriginia, and a new member Giovanni.


Walk lead by Marilyn

New Years Run for our seniors!!!!! Amazing

Here we are for the “Resolution Run” on New Years Day. As both Ann & I are still injured we ignored the clock * just enjoyed ourselves but oh boy! Ice on the North side of the seawall & slow going. Sun was shining down on us & we had a great time! As usual our faithful “shutter bug” June, out freezing her butt off waiting for us to finish!
We have both decided (Ann & me) the 1/2 marathon May 1 is a go. We registered early. Now the rehab/training begins in earnest! Did you know Ann has done 13 marathons & 1/2? She started at age 70. Me? only a 1/2 - 23 yrs ago! It’s time!! I have actually been injured since Nov 18 & trying now to rehab & heal slowly with NO long distances.
From Lee

Senior Texting Codes

Since more and more Seniors are texting and tweeting, there appears to be a need for a STC (Senior Texting Code).
ATD: At The Doctor's
BFF: Best Friend Farted
BTW: Bring The Wheelchair
BYOT: Bring Your Own Teeth
CBM: Covered By Medicare
CUATSC: See You At The Senior Center
DWI: Driving While Incontinent
FWB: Friend With Beta Blockers
FWIW: Forgot Where I Was
FYI: Found Your Insulin
GGPBL: Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low!
GHA: Got Heartburn Again
HGBM: Had Good Bowel Movement
IMHO: Is My Hearing-Aid On?
LMDO: Laughing My Dentures Out
LOL: Living On Lipitor
LWO: Lawrence Welk's On
OMMR: On My Massage Recliner
OMSG: Oh My! Sorry, Gas.
ROFL... CGU: Rolling On The Floor Laughing... And Can't Get Up
SGGP: Sorry, Gotta Go Poop
TTYL: Talk To You Louder
WAITT: Who Am I Talking To?
WTFA: Wet The Furniture Again
WTP: Where's The Prunes?
WWNO: Walker Wheels Need Oil

Al Mattison Potluck Xmas Party





 











Lynn



Volunteers needed

Why wait for that New Year’s Resolution when you can start making a difference now?

One more month to go and then it’s 2011 and don’t you want to say you did some amazing things in 2010? That’s right, come out and volunteer before it’s too late!

WINTER Solstice festival


Positions: Labyrinth Builders Dec 21st 10am-4pm, Festival Builders Dec 21st 12-3pm, Workshop Hosts/Procession Guides Dec 21st 4-8pm, Performance Hosts Dec 21st 4-8pm or 7:30-11:30pm, Hot Chocolate Gurus Dec 21st 4-8pm or 7:30pm-11:30pm, Mystic Labyrinth Guides Dec 21st 4-8pm or 7:30-11:30pm or special *11pm-3am! Hospitality Specialists/Donation Greeters Dec 21st 4-8pm or 7:30-11:30pm

If interested, email charlene.wee@vancouver.ca  or
 call 604-718-5860 with your full name, phone number, and choice of position and shift.
PERKS: Orientation, training, refreshments, statement of hours, fun and festivities!
Orientation is a must for all new Solstice volunteers on Dec 17, 5pm at Britannia.
Recycling assistants
Do you thrive on sustainable living practices? Do you love to inspire recycling and reduction of materials? This is the position for you!
Once a month, our Green Team runs Beyond the Blue Box, a recycling program which allows community folks to recycle many plastics and items not accepted by the city. We could use your help to make this happen!
Assist our program by sorting and separating recyclables, moving bags of recyclables, handling payment, and general operations (including set-up/strike). You must be able to be mobile for 2-3 hours, have some manual dexterity and be comfortable working in the outdoors.
This is a once-a-month commitment on Saturday mornings from 9:30am-12:30pm. Training is provided by an experienced volunteer.
PERKS: you get to recycle up to 2 bags for free! For more information, contact charlene.wee@vancouver.ca  

Walking Group 27 Nov

On November 27, 3 of us ( Odette, Marilyn, Ken) walked Eastside crawl . We walked and saw some of the Local Art . It was 2and Half walk and we enjoyed the Local Art.
http://www.eastsideculturecrawl.com/
The Crawl
November 26 + 27 + 28, 2010
In its 14th year, the Eastside Culture Crawl is an annual FREE 3-day visual arts phenomenon. This event involves more than 10,000 people visiting artists in their studios in the area bounded by Main Street to Victoria Drive and from First Avenue north to the waterfront of Vancouver, Canada.
The Eastside Culture Crawl Society provides opportunities for the public to engage with member artists through the ongoing creation of events and programming that support the growth of east side artists

walked lead by Marilyn

Italian Lunch 15 November

Linda & Maria
"The Chefs"

Patrize



Congo anyone!!