1

INSIDE

Participants in My Favourite Things program at the Eastern Kings Senior Neighbours’ Club in Munns Road display their labours of love. The program is one of several administered by the Seniors’ Federation this winter. See page 3

Published by The Guardian

Good newsFor grandparents raising grandchildren

pagE 4A January sunsetBathed in appreciation

pagE 12Honouring BettyAnd hergraceful skater

pagE 6

Voice For Island SeniorsVoice For Island Seniorsjanuary • 2018

2

The views expressed are those of the authors and are not necessarily endorsed by the P.E.I. Senior Citizens’ Federation or The Guardian. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from the Federation. Although every precaution is taken to monitor the advertising, the claims made by advertisers are not necessarily endorsed by either the Federation or The Guardian.

Voice for Island Seniors is the monthly publication of the P.E.I. Senior Citizens’ Federation Inc. It is published on the first Wednesday of each month in collaboration with The Guardian, and distributed in The Guardian. Deadline for editorial material is the 15th of the month preceding publication. Articles should be sent to one of the Editorial Committee members listed below.

VOICE FOR ISLAND SENIORS

The Voice for Island Seniors can be found at these locations across Prince Edward Island:u Mt. Stewart Mainwayu Souris Co-opu North Rustico Co-opu Cornwall Save Easy, Cornwall Mallu Senior Citizens’ Federation, 40 Enman Crescent

u Seniors Active Living Centre, 550 University Ave., CARI Centreu Summerside Medicine Shoppeu Waugh’s Quik Mart, Summersideu Ceretti’s Irving, Bordenu Kinkora Convenience Storeu Ramsay’s Pharmacy, Kensingtonu Journal Pioneer Office, Summerside

u Wellington Co-opu Tyne Valley Pharmacyu MacNeills Storeu The Medicine Shoppeu Guardian Drug, O’Learyu Alberton Pharmacy, Albertonu Journal Pioneer Office, Albertonu Tignish Health Centre

Send articles to: voiceforislandseniors@gmail.com

or mailed to: Linda Jean Nicholson, managing editorP.E.I. Senior Citizens Federation,40 Enman Cres., Charlottetown, C1E 1E6

EDITORIAL COMMITTEESusan LeducLinda Harding

ADVERTISING SALESAdvertising is handled by The Guardian, P.O. Box 760, Charlottetown, P.E.I. C1A 4R7Contact: Ellen MacPhail (902) 629-6026ellen.macphail@tc.tc

SUBSCRIPTIONSYearly subscriptions available - Price $25 Cdn and $35 US They are available from: P.E.I. Senior Citizens’ Federation, 40 Enman Crescent, Charlottetown, P.E.I., C1E 1E6(902) 368-9008; Fax: (902) 368-9006 • TOLL FREE: 1-877-368-9008

www.peiscf.compeiscf@pei.aibn.com

OuR YEStERDAYSABSTRACTS FROM THE GUARDIAN

COMPILED BY LINDA HARDING

25 years ago . . . January 6th 1993Farmer tells legislators to judge land sale merits. The farmer who helped fuel

the fire of controversy over Prince Edward Island’s Land Protection Act took center stage Tuesday in Charlottetown before the provincial legislature’s Special Committee on the Lands Protection Act.

50 years ago . . . January 3rd 1968Charles MacKenzie of 96 Kent Street in Charlottetown died Monday at the Re-

habilitation Centre. He was 88 years of age. Son of the late Hector and Margaret MacKenzie, he lived in South Granville until 1942, then moved to Winsloe where he lived until 1960. He had been living in Charlottetown since then.

75 years ago . . . January 6th 1943Sea View and Vicinity. A concert and social evening for the young people of the

congregation was held in the Memorial Room of the United Church in Malpeque on Wednesday evening December 30th. Rev. C. J. Croville acted as Chairman.

100 years ago . . . January 2nd 1918At a recent meeting of the Charlottetown Board of Trade they thought the

members of the board would be better pleased with the nominations for mem-bers then those at New Years were.

125 years ago . . . January 4th 1893British Warehouse on Queen Square. W & A. Brown and Company are show-

ing a general assortment of British and foreign day goods and fancy wear at very good prices. The very latest novelties are shown in every department.

Linda Harding is a genealogist with a passion for old newspapers.

n It’S A NEw YEAR

The PEI Writers’ Guild is offering a writers’ workshop “Weaving the Nar-rative” led by New Brunswick fiction writer Chuck Bowie at the Haviland Club, 2 Haviland Street in Charlotte-town on Saturday, January 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This two part, interactive work-shop focuses on creating and man-aging narrative arcs. Discover how many storylines it will take to tell your story and how to manage them so the main arc is the star. Chuck will illustrate each step using examples from existing novels. The second part of the workshop “Editing the Narrative” addresses the work you will need to do after you write ‘The End.’

Chuck is the author of the best-selling suspense-thriller series Donovan: Thief for Hire. The fourth

novel in the series, The Body on the Underwater Road, will be released in the spring of 2018. He is the At-lantic representative for The Writ-ers’ Union of Canada and will speak briefly about the work of TWUC at the workshop.

Originally from Miramichi, Chuck graduated from UNB with a Bach-elor of Science. Growing up an air force brat, he moved nineteen times. His writing draws upon these ex-periences to round out his char-acters and plot lines. Additional information about Chuck and his writing can be found at www.chuck-bowie.ca

Workshop registration for mem-bers is $65 and for nonmembers $75. To register or for more information, contact the P.E.I. Writers’ Guild at peiwritersguild@gmail.com.

Discover (or Rediscover)the Writer in You

2 VOICE FOR ISLAND SENIORS • January 2018 THEGUARDIAN.PE.CA

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Greetings from the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federa-tion. Welcome to January of 2018 and the first full month of the winter sea-son. We have been enjoy-ing an autumn of very nice weather conditions. Only in the final week was there a sample of winter. I guess old man winter wanted to remind us he’s still around.

The Seniors’ Federation held its December Board of Directors meeting with a good attendance. There were some treats, a meal of Chinese food, a little music and everyone seemed in good cheer. During the meeting there was a good discussion about the General Meeting held in November at Slemon Park. It is good to hear the opinions of board members about how the meeting went and their ideas for fu-ture use.

The office was abuzz in December as it will be in January with work being done on the My Favour-ite Things Program, L.E.A.P., an updated 55 Alive Program, Friendly Visitor Program, the Voice For Island Seniors and the Hear, Hear Program.

My Favourite Things Program was offered at the Southern Kings 50+ Club in Cambridge and the Eastern Kings Senior Neighbours’ Club in Munns Road. This program requires expensive frames. Program coordinator Laurie McBride approached several suppliers and because the Seniors’ Federa-tion is a nonprofit charitable organization, Kent Building Supplies was willing to provide a substan-tial discount. This will enable us to provide more sessions for seniors in the new year.

Preparations are being made to offer programs in Montague (two programs in January), Souris (February), Mont Carmel (February), Miscouche (March) and Belfast. To learn more about this pro-gram and see if there is a location in your area, con-tact the office at 902-368-9008.

Most of the L.E.A.P. projects have signed con-tracts and will begin in January and February. There are a just a few left to sign and then we’ll be making an announcement with the names and locations.

The newly revised 55 Alive Driving Refresher Course will be offered in Summerside, Charlotte-town and several other locations in the next few

months. If you are interested in attending, call the office for the exact dates and locations.

Lauren Lawless, our new coordinator for the PEI Friendly Visitor Program has been with us for sev-eral months now. She has completed her orienta-tion and is now beginning to match seniors with friendly visitors.

On behalf of the board, I’d like to offer our con-dolences to Executive Director Linda Jean Nichol-son on the passing of her mother, Dr. Norma Peters Cariglia, on December 5th. It will be a difficult time for Linda Jean, as she has been making frequent trips driving to Boston to spend time with her mother, but she will be here on the Island for the holidays this year.

There has been a slight delay in rolling out the new Hear, Hear Program. This will be taking place in January.

New Years is that time when folks make reso-lutions. What is a resolution? There are many definitions in the dictionary. Let’s pick the word “intention,” as there is usually an intent to do better at something that affects their lives. The Christmas and New Year’s holidays can be a time to over-indulge in food and other goodies and exercise time may be reduced. Now it’s time to get back to healthy eating and more exercise for both mind and body.

When speaking about resolutions, it’s that time when resolution forms have been sent to seniors’ clubs across Prince Edward Island so they can sub-mit resolutions to the Board of Directors about issues and concerns that are important to Island seniors. Whenever possible, resolutions should in-clude facts and statistics about the issue as well as a possible solution or resolve. It must be moved, se-conded and approved at a meeting of the club who is submitting. Resolutions must be submitted to the Seniors’ Federation office by February 1st.

Resolutions will be discussed by members of the resolution committee (consisting of the execu-tive). The wording may be changed for clarity. Then, resolutions are presented to the full board, voted on, and, if approved, copies are sent to all member clubs for their discussion and voting. Clubs then select two or three voting delegates (depending upon the club membership) to attend the Annual General Meeting and to vote as instructed by their

club. The resolutions are then presented at the Annual

General Meeting, discussed, voted upon and, if ap-proved, presented by the resolution committee to government.

We thank those clubs who submit and present resolutions. The resolution process insures many seniors have the opportunity to voice their con-cerns.

We trust government will look positively on those resolutions and all issues involving seniors.

In closing, remember its winter and be cautious, as ice patches may be hidden by snow. Dress to suit the weather and have a good month.

Don Sanderson is President of the P.E.I. Senior Citizens’ Federation Board of Directors. He resides in Greenwich.

n president’s report

It’s time to think about resolutions

President’sReport

Don Sanderson

3tHEGuarDIan.PE.Ca January 2018 • voice for island seniors

4

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I would like to extend good wishes for the New Year to you all and hope that this is the year when grandparents who act as carers for their grand-children experience some financial relief and as-sistance from the provincial government.

On November 10, 2017 the Hon. Tina Mundy, Minister of Family and Human Services an-nounced that grandparents, family members and friends caring for children will receive financial help and support from the provincial government under the new Grandparents and Care Provid-ers Program. This was welcome news to many grandparents who have previously shared their stories of financial hardship and difficulties in ob-taining the services needed for their young char-ges.

In an effort to clarify the available financial assist-ance and support, I contacted Child and Family Services within the P.E.I. De-

partment of Family and Human Services. I learned that initially the program will only apply to situa-tions where a child has been previously identi-fied under the Open Child Protection Program as being in need of out-of-home care for safety reasons. These registered grandparents and other carers will be the initial recipients of financial sub-sidies.

The program will then be further developed and extended in 2018 to be all inclusive. All non-included grandparents who currently care for their grandchildren are encouraged to call 1-877-341-3101 at which point Child and Family Services will contact them to assess their individual needs. Guided by these assessments, the second phase of the program will be developed. If grandparents have already contacted the department regarding their specific situation and have not as yet re-ceived a call back, I am assured that someone will be contacting them soon.

Phase 1 of the November initiative gives carers (not just grandparents) an allowance of $700 per month for each child if that child had previously been identified as being in need of care and pro-tection for safety reasons under the Child Protec-tion Act.

It is anticipated this allowance will be spent pri-marily on clothes, food and transportation. Also included in Phase 1 is assistance for obtaining and paying for daycare (without undergoing a means test). It should be noted that children who are under the care of the Director of Child Protection already have access to the Provincial Children’s Oral Health Program and the Provincial Drug Program.

It is to be hoped that the second phase of this initiative will be extended to those grandpar-ents and family members who have secured legal guardianship or supervised custody. It is also as-

sumed that it will include all the allowances and benefits now offered in Phase 1. I’ve been told Phase 2 of the program is due to be completed and ready for launching on April 1st 2018, but if it is to be developed in a manner that benefits all grandparent carers, the Department of Family and Human Services needs to understand the range of specific needs and requirements for each case in order to offer inclusive assistance.

Previous conversations with grandparents parenting for the second time in their lives have highlighted many issues which should be con-sidered by government when finalising this initia-tive. Of particular concern to many seniors who find themselves in this situation is their lack of adequate housing. Many seniors faced with hav-ing to provide extra room for their grandchildren encounter long waiting lists for affordable hous-ing units or are unable to find extra funds for in-creased rent or to build extension to their existing home.

The final government plan should include as a matter of necessity a “front door entry” for carers and a dedicated telephone number and resource contact person who could guide carers to the correct government agencies and depart-ments in order to get the immediate assistance required.

In her November press release, the Minister stated that her department will continue to work on legal, educational and medical assistance for inclusion in the new program. It is hoped this in-cludes financial and process assistance for grand-parents seeking to obtain legal custody of their grandchildren.

It is imperative that ALL grandparent carers currently excluded from Phase 1 of this program register by calling 1-877-341-3101.

I hope to be able to provide readers with some good news soon that Phase 1 of this program is up and running and that progress for the expanded inclusive program is indeed still tracking for an April 2018 start!

Jan King and her husband Roger reside in Hope River.

She is President of Star of the Sea Seniors’ Club in North Rustico.

n grandparents’ corner

Good news for grandparentsJanKing

4 voice for island seniors • January 2018 theguardian.pe.ca

5

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Recipe Corner Hosted by Eastern Kings

Senior Neighbours’ Club

Raisin squaResSubmitted by mildred

robertSon

¾ cup margarine1 cup brown sugar1 egg, beaten1 tsp. vanilla2¼ cups flour1 tsp. baking powderPinch of salt

Cream margarine and sugar together, add egg and vanilla. In separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Combine with cream mixture. Press half into the bottom of a 9” X 13” pan. Set aside.

Filling:2 or more cups small raisins½ cup brown sugar1 cup hot waterPinch of salt1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 Tbsp. vinegar

Combine raisins, brown sugar, water, salt, lemon juice and vinegar in sauce-pan and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes. Cool for several minutes. Mix 2 Tbsp. flour with cold water and add to the raisin filling to thicken the sauce. Spread the filling on top and cover with remaining pastry. Bake at 350ºF for 35 minutes.

Haddock BuBBly BakeSubmitted by margaret Ching

2 lbs. haddock filletsSalt and pepper ½ cup thinly sliced mush-rooms1 small can (284 ml) cream of mushroom soup1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Butter a 9”X 9” casserole dish. Place a layer of fish on

bottom of dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread a layer of sliced mushrooms over fish. Spread a layer of soup. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350ºF at 40 minutes. Serves 6.

Baked Potato sticksSubmitted by minnie

Campbell

4 to 6 potatoes, peeled2 Tbsp. vegetable oil½ tsp. salt¼ tsp. pepper2 Tbsp. parsley2 Tbsp. oregano

Wash new potatoes (peel old potatoes). Cut potatoes into ¼ inch thick sticks. Put potato sticks in plastic bag, add oil and spices and shake until potatoes are coated. Arrange on greased cookie sheet in single layer. Bake at 400ºF for 45 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Maine BlueBeRRy PieSubmitted by mildred

robertSon

1 baked pie crust4 cups blueberries¾ cup water1 cup white sugar3 Tbsp. corn starch¼ tsp. salt

In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of blueberries and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. In small bowl, blend sugar, corn starch and salt together. Add to blueberries in saucepan and stir until sauce thickens. Add remain-ing blueberries and continue cooking. Remove and cool before spreading into pie crust. Serve with topped with ice cream or whipped cream.

tuRkettiSubmitted by margaret Ching

1¼ cup raw spaghetti, broken

into 2” pieces1½ to 2 cups chopped turkey (cooked)¼ cup green pepper, chopped½ cup onion, chopped1 small can (284 ml) cream of mushroom soup½ cup water¼ tsp. salt and ⅛ tsp. pepper½ lb. cheddar cheese, shred-ded

Mix spaghetti, turkey, green pepper, onion, mush-room soup, water, salt and pepper together and add half the cheese. Place in a casserole dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350ºF for 45 minutes.

Meeting tHe good sHePHeRd

by reg maClellan

A friend of mineIs getting ready To meet the good

shepherd.You know, the good

shepherd,The one who gath-

ers us up in his armsWith love and careThen takes us to his

and our eternal home.

If you, dear friend Are called before

meWe will knowThat the good shep-

herdHas taken you in

his armsAnd has taken you

home.Please rememberThe ones who still

stray -Still looking for the

good shepherd.

n tHe kitcHen Poet

like uson facebook

www.facebook.com/ PEIGuardian

5theguardian.pe.Ca January 2018 • voice foR island senioRs

6

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A long time contributor to the Voice For Island Seniors, Betty Zelda (nee King) How-att passed away on Decem-ber 8th, 2017 at the age of 88 years. Betty was a keen ob-server and lover of nature and the environment and these were both central charac-ters in many of her columns. She also valued the import-ance of family and preserving family stories. � ese, too, were often themes in her articles. Betty said when she wrote her

family stories, it was always with her grandsons and great-grandchildren in mind.

Betty’s columns usually came to us hand written about a month prior to their deadline. She said she liked to send her columns early so we would always have one article “in the cupboard.” And so, at her passing, we did.

� is is Betty’s � nal submis-sion to the Voice and while her chosen title indicates it is about skating, it is really

about the love of her life – her husband Everett. It is � tting that the last column we take out of Betty’s cupboard is about him and how much she cherished their life together. – Ed.

� at I ended up as a fruit farmer in Tryon is due to the fact that Everett Howatt was a very graceful skater!! After 39 months in the Army he came to Cornwall to visit his relatives for a few days.

Everett’s father’s sister Mabel was married to Gor-don MacMillan and they shared a yard with their son Jack, his wife Irene and their daughter Jeannie. Jack and Irene were my landlords dur-ing my � rst year of teaching in a one-room school.

It was during Everett’s visit with his relatives that he in-vited me to join him for a skate on the West River in the winter of 1947.

Mabel and Gordon’s farm ran down to the West River, which in winter was frozen hard. Mabel was noted as a good skater. She had learned to skate on the Tryon River. A story was told of how she visited her mother, Mrs. Jack Howatt, who was a patient

in the P.E.I. Hospital in Char-lottetown. Mabel walked down to the shore, put on her skates and skated down the West River, past York Point and across the har-bour to land just below the hospital. She changed her footwear and went to visit her mother.

After her visit she went back to the shore, put on her skates and skated across the harbour past York Point and up the West River to land-fall below their farm. � ere she took her skates o� and walked up to the house.

Why would I be surprised when she invited me to go skating on the river?

It was several schools and years later before Everett and I were married and settled in to farm beside the Tryon River. We had a daughter and a son. When they were young we would haul them on a sleigh down to play on the ice while Everett and I would take some time to skate.

By this time, we had de-cided to raise seedlings for sale to provide much needed cash. Along with his parents, we were also expanding our growing of strawberries.

Everett built a (minimal) greenhouse covered by two layers of heavy plastic and heated by a wood stove. A friend in Charlottetown with a proper glass house started our � rst seedlings - two � ats

of pansies. Our road was not plowed and we left our car on the east side of the river. So, we left the children with their grandparents, walked across the river, drove to town, picked up our precious plants, drove back to Tryon, picked up our well wrapped � ats, and walked across the river and up to our farm while carrying those awk-ward � ats.

We began to expand the number and varieties we grew. To give us a seed cata-logue was like giving the � rst drink to an alcoholic, but we were able to restrain ourselves. Looking after and selling seedlings ran into strawberry planting and on to full time work. Walking the ice was no longer neces-sary.

In those early years, Ever-ett’s uncle farmed next door. He had a young Dane, Aage Sorensen as a hired man. Aage would walk across the river to visit in Victoria in the evening. One night on his way back he missed the track near the shore and fell into a “spring hole” where water running off shore left thin ice. He was able to get himself out and made his way to Everett’s home where he knew there was a bathtub with hot running water.

See SKATING, page 7

Skating on the RiverBetty

Howatt

6 VOICE FOR ISLAND SENIORS • JANUARY 2018 THEGUARDIAN.PE.CA

7

7124151

FROM PAGE 6

It was the first one in the area and had been installed by Morley Mullins, a local plumber. The hot tub was a real blessing that night.

We ordered geranium cuttings from Ontario. By this time, we left the car at the end of our road, drove to the C.N. station at Albany, got the cuttings, drove back to our road, tied the awkward boxes on our backs and slogged the mile to our farm.

In those early years a man from the next district had an ice boat which he would put in the Tryon River up by the “Bits.” It re-minded me of the “Skye Boat” song I learned as a child:

Speed bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing,Onward, the sailors cry;Carry the lad that’s born to be King

Over the sea to Skye.

The sails on the ice boat would fill up, mak-ing it fly down the river until it got near the straits. With pulling on lines and hauling sails and tacking back and forth, the boat would be back up the river ready for another run, much quieter than Bonnie Prince Char-lie’s trip.

Loud the winds howl, loud the waves roar,Thunder claps rend the air.

We didn’t have conditions like that when crossing the ice.

Our descendants will never know the emo-tions engendered when having such pleasure as I had skating with Everett on the West River in the winter of 1947. He was so kind and considerate. And he was such a graceful skater.

Everett and Betty Howatt (taken by Doug Sobey in 2013).

Skating on the River

7theguardian.pe.ca January 2018 • vOicE FOR islAnd sEniORs

8

n geezer’s corner

So, here we are again, look-ing back on another year. Do you remember anything about 2017 or is it all a blur – a mish-mash of government ineptitude and general con-fusion?

I think if we don’t expect much from our respective governments, we won’t be disappointed. In future, I sug-gest we just ignore all of the screw-ups and try not to act too surprised when govern-ment happens to get some-thing right.

I believe the government’s new plan to get us all high in 2018 (so we will be more ap-preciative of their shortcom-ings) will probably work. I’ve heard it’s been calculated that when we are all high, the gov-ernment’s IQ will seem to go up twenty points and the gen-eral population’s score will seem to go down by the same number. This will make both sides about even and more tolerant of each other. Just think of how happy we will be skipping about taking selfies while the debt and taxes rise. Imagine what a blur 2018 is

going to be. But, happily, we won’t care.

In the last year I made you suffer through my misadven-tures involving my medical problems. I’m sorry, but I figured if I was going to en-dure the general confusion and demoralizing antics of a broken healthcare system, then you weren’t getting off unscathed. The articles I wrote on the subject will suffice. I’m sure you are re-lieved that I let the subject drop.

The biggest story of 2017 has to be our American friends having the courage to make a maverick like Donald Trump their President. Sure, he said he would clean up the swamp and there is no doubt the swamp is littered with slimy creepy crawly critters who need to be extermin-ated, but even “The Donald” will have difficulty in this en-

deavor. The establishment is too well entrenched to be re-moved. It is like the bureau-cracies in many countries including ours: a bottomless pit of self-serving, political hacks with the imagination of grasshoppers. This manmade swamp feeds on itself and keeps on growing. Trump will have to be careful or it will swallow him up, too.

Some of Trump’s ideas need a bit of work. Now, who can spot the flaw in building a wall between the U.S. and Mexico? Hello? I think some-one’s going to get rich renting ladders south of the Texas border. Now, I know that walls worked thousands of years ago to keep the hordes out of China and even the Romans used that technol-ogy, but nowadays even third world countries have evolved enough to use a ladder.

Donald Trump does have one advantage over lifelong politicians – he says things. He has never acquired the skill of talking for twenty minutes and not really say-ing anything. He has also

never avoided answering a question by meandering into a five minute oration on to-morrow’s weather like nor-mal politicians do. Yes, he says things. Often it’s things that a person would sooner not hear, but by golly he fear-lessly fires it out there for the whole world to digest in any way they see fit.

President Trump has some hair brained schemes, but even a stopped clock is right twice a day. His ideas on lowering taxes and taking the handcuffs off big business have the American economy storming along better than it has in years. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a Trump fan. He is, after all, as diplomatic as a crocodile at a bird feeder, but he is putting Americans back to work again. He goes by his own rules and he doesn’t care who gets tram-pled along the way.

Our very progressive Can-adian group who are ne-gotiating a new free trade agreement with Trump’s gang of sharks are in trouble. Our guys are so nice and they

want the world to be a better place. They want fairness and wonderful working condi-tions, but the American ne-gotiators only want one thing: they want out of the existing agreement. Trump is not a be-liever in free trade, although he says he is. He whines that America has not been treated fairly. Doesn’t that bring a tear to your eye?

America will be the loser if it continues to withdraw from being a leader of the free world and isolates itself be-hind real or imaginary walls. That policy plays into the hands of evil dictators who rush in to fill the void the U.S. has left open for them. Right now, Putin is as happy as a tomcat at a salmon dish.

President Trump under-stands the business world, but he is weak and short sighted on foreign affairs and is as presidential as a bullfrog on a milk carton. There’ll be exciting times in 2018 with Trump at the helm.

Dale Dawson lives in Vankleek Hill, Ontario and spends summers

in Orwell Cove, P.E.I.

Exciting Times AheadDale

Dawson

n Hear, Hear pei

The Hear, Hear PEI pro-gram is accepting donations of hearing aids to assist in its goal of providing hearing aids to Islanders who could not otherwise afford them.

If you have hearing aids that you are not using, bring them to one of our drop-off locations.

This donation will help us to change someone’s

life by providing the gift of hearing.

Drop-off locations include: Your local Murphy’s Phar-

macy in Charlottetown,

Cornwall, East Royalty, Kensington, Morell, North Rustico, Parkdale, Stratford, Heather Moyse Drive in Summerside, Central Street in Summerside, Tyne Val-

ley, Wellington and West Royalty.

P.E.I. Hearing Consult-ants, Poly Clinic Building, 199 Grafton Street, Suite 310, Charlottetown.

Hearing Aid Recycling

8 voice for island seniors • January 2018 theguardian.pe.ca

9

Your Realtor with Heart

THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME Downsizing or perhaps looking for a less stressful lifestyle? Please call Michael Gilbert your registered experienced Senior Specialist Realtor to help you with that important decision and for your Free Market Evaluation

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■ COMMUNITY

Cancer ResourcesBY CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Are you living on Prince Edward Island with cancer and need sup-port? � e P.E.I. Division of the Can-adian Cancer Society o� ers free and con� dential services and support to Islanders who have received a cancer diagnosis.

Fear, anxiety, helplessness and anger are all feelings people can have when faced with a cancer diagno-sis. But, knowledge and support are power.

By contacting the Cancer Infor-mation Service at 1-888-939-3333, you can connect with a knowledge-able cancer information specialist. � is most trusted voice will provide you with information on all types of cancer and will take the time to answer your questions and provide you with referrals to cancer-related services. This service is available in English, French and other lan-guages.

� ere is also an online community o� ering caring and support at www.cancerconnection.ca. � is commun-ity is a place where people facing cancer and their loved ones can share experiences and build peer supportive relationships.

Updated regularly, trusted printed materials/brochures are available for the public at no cost for most cancer types and cancer information. � ese are also available online in pdf for-mat at www.cancer.ca.

Peer Support Programs:Reach to Recovery. � is program

provides face to face visits to breast cancer patients from trained vol-unteers who bring an information

package and the ear of someone who has been down a similar path.

Match Cancer:With this telephone based support

program, you can select the volunteer you would like to be matched with based on your cancer type and your needs. Register today at www.match.cancer.ca.

Wigs for Women:If you are experiencing hair loss

due to treatment, the society will refer you to a volunteer who will � t and style you with a free wig.

Financial Support:� rough the generosity of those

who support the Cancer Society across the Island, financial aid is available to eligible cancer clients.

Smokers’ Helpline:Smokers’ Helpline provides

proven, free, and personalized tools to help you quit smoking success-fully. For information visit Smokers’ Helpline at www.smokershelpline.ca or call 1-877-513-5333.

� e Canadian Cancer Society does not receive con� dential patient in-formation from HealthPEI, therefore they are unable to reach newly diag-nosed cancer patients. � at is why it is important for those who will bene-� t from the society’s services to make the initial connection by calling 902-566-4007 or (toll free) 1-866-566-4007.

like uson facebook

www.facebook.com/PEIGuardian

9THEGUARDIAN.PE.CA JANUARY 2018 • VOICE FOR ISLAND SENIORS

10

The Voice publishes free community notices of interest to seniors. Notices should be under 50 words and include the event name, where and when it will be held, and a contact name and number.

“The Shed” takes place

every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Slemon Park Hotel and Conference Centre, 12 Redwood Avenue, Slemon Park. This free event is open to everyone interested in enjoying live country clas-sics, and musicians of all musical abilities. The event features an average 13 musi-cians.

The Eptek Centre Book Club meets Thursday, Janu-ary 4th at 7 p.m. to discuss “Burden of Desire” by Robert MacNeil at the Eptek Centre, 130 Heather Moyse Drive, Summerside. New members are always welcome. For information call 902-888- 8373.

Eptek Free Lunchtime Films are shown at the Eptek Centre, 130 Heather Moyse Drive, Summerside each Thursday at noon: Jan. 4, Canada: Magnificent Jour-neys: New Frontiers; Jan. 11, Canada: Magnificent Jour-neys: Treasures of the Land; Jan. 18, Canada: Magnificent Journeys: Stories of our Past; Jan. 25, Vienna - Beautiful Cit-ies of the World. Christmas from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin. Coffee, tea, and cook-ies provided. Bring your own sandwich, if desired. There is no charge for the film presentations. Donations ac-cepted for refreshments. For information call 902-888- 8373 or visit www.peimuseum.com.

Bernadette Kernaghan’s exhibition Portraits in Oil: New Friends and Neigh-

bours opens on Sunday, Janu-ary 14th at 2 p.m. and will be on display until February 23rd at the Eptek Art and Culture Centre, 130 Heather Moyse Drive, Summerside. For in-formation call 902-888-8373 or visit us online at www.pei-museum.com. Admission is by donation.

A meeting of the Garden Club of P.E.I. will be held on Wednesday, January 17th at 7 p.m. at Trinity United Church, 220 Richmond Street in Char-lottetown. Guest Speaker Hea-ther Myers of IWMC will talk about compost from green cart to finished product. New members welcome. For infor-mation, email gardenclubpei@gmail.com.

Tonya Wimmer, Direc-tor and Founder of the Mar-ine Animal Response Society (MARS), will speak about ef-forts to protect whales and other marine animals by re-ducing threats from human activities such as fishing, marine traffic, seismic test-ing and oil exploration on Sunday, January 21 from 2 to 4 p.m., Room 242, MacDoug-all Hall, University of Prince Edward Island. Save Our Seas and Shores PEI (SOSS PEI) is hosting this Save the Whales fundraising event. A min-imum donation of $10 ($5 for students) is requested. Storm date is January 28. Charitable receipts for donations will be available. For information visit www.facebook.com/SOS-SPEI or contact Ann Wheatley by email at ann@cooperinsti-tute.ca or by calling 902-894-4573.

A Ceilidh Concert will be held on Sunday, January 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Bon-shaw Hall. Performers include special guests plus local musi-cians. 50/50 draw, delicious lunch, and open stage time.

Admission is by donation with proceeds going to PEI Chapter of the Council of Canadians. Everyone welcome. Access-ible for smaller wheelchairs. For information call 902- 675-4093 or visit us on Face-book.

P.E.I. Sociable Singles is a non-profit, non-denomin-ational, social group, age 40 and over. The group pro-vides the separated, divorced, widowed, and unmarried with an opportunity to get out and participate in group and social activities. For informa-tion call Edith at 902-892- 3970 or visit https://sites.google.com/site/peisociables-ingles.

Bowl for Kids Sake Teams and Volunteers Needed! Big Brothers Big Sisters of PEI is holding a spooky Halloween themed thank you party on March 3rd or 4th. Free bowl-ing, sandwiches, beverages, and great prizes! Everyone who raises $150 will receive a t-shirt and chance to win 2 tickets to any Air Canada destination in North Amer-ica (including Hawaii, Mex-ico, and the Caribbean). Event volunteers are need to assist in Summerside and Charlottetown Bowl for Kids Sake weekend. For informa-tion or to register call 902-569-KIDS or e-mail info@bbbspei.ca.

Weekly square dance classes for beginners and others are held on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Murphy Community Centre, Richmond Street, Charlottetown. There is no charge. The purpose of these classes is to promote olde tyme square dancing and to enjoy its benefits of fellow-ship, exercise and relaxation. For information call 902-629- 1869.

Community NoticeboardBy SuSan Leduc

Following are January activ-ities open to all seniors. (Clubs may hold additional activities for members only.) Unless otherwise specified, club activities are held at the meeting location. Visitors and new members are always welcome. For information con-tact the Federation office at (902) 368-9008.

Belfast. Selkirk Millen-nium Club meets at the Belfast Recreation Centre, 3033 Gar-field Road the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 2 p.m. for meeting, lunch, games/guest speaker.

Borden-Carleton Seniors’ Club meets at Seniors Housing Common Room, 190C Howatt Street the 3rd Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m. for meeting, beverages, guest speaker/dis-cussion. Activities: Mondays, cards (door prize, 50/50, $3) at 7:30 p.m. Borden-Carleton In-dustrial Park Boardroom.

Cambridge. Southern Kings 50+ Club meets at the Cam-bridge Hall, 425 Cambridge Road, Route 17A the 3rd Tues-day of each month at noon for potluck, brief meeting, guest speaker/discussion. Activities: Thursdays, cribbage (beverages, $6) at 7 p.m.

Cardigan. Three Rivers 50+ Club meets at the Cardigan Vil-lage Office, 338 Station road the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. for meeting, guest speaker (CLIA “Getting Your Af-fairs in Order”). Activities: Wed-nesdays, 45’s (50/50, $2) at 1:30 p.m. Visit us on Facebook!

Charlottetown. Club 64 meets at 64 Belvedere Avenue the 1st Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. for meeting. Activities: Tuesdays, Crafts at 7 p.m.; Thursdays, Bingo at 7:30

p.m.Charlottetown. Seniors’

Active Living Centre has daily activities at the Bell Aliant Cen-tre, University of P.E.I., 550 Uni-versity Avenue. For information call 902-628-8388.

Cornwall and Area 50+ Club meets at Cornwall Civic Centre, 11 Cornwall Road for cards (and meeting, as needed). Activities: Tuesdays, Auction/Crib (50/50, refreshments, $2) at 1:30 p.m.; Thursdays, Skip Bo/Bridge (re-freshments, $2) at 1 p.m.

Cornwall Seniors’ Alive meets at Seniors Housing, 51 MacArthur Drive the 3rd Tues-day of each month at 5 p.m. for meeting, potluck, guest speaker and/or entertainment. Activ-ities: Foot clinic every 6 weeks.

DeBlois. Les Club des Coeurs Joyeux meets at Le Centre Acadien de Prince-Ouest, 119 chemin DeBlois the last Tuesday each 2nd month at 11:30 a.m. for brief meeting and refreshments. Activities: Tues-days, cards (refreshments) at 1 p.m.

Dunstaffnage Seniors’ Club meets at the Olde Dunstaffnage School Centre, 13539 St. Peters Road the 2nd Monday of each month at 1 p.m. for meeting and guest speaker.

East Royalty Seniors’ Club meets at Malcolm J. Darrach Community Centre, 1 Avonlea Drive every Thursday for card party (50/50, light lunch, $3) at 1:30 p.m.

Fort Augustus. Shamrock Seniors’ Club meets at 44 Father Brady Lane (off Route 21) the last Monday of each month at 1 p.m. for meeting, re-freshments and guest speaker. Activities: Sundays, men’s cards at 7 p.m. ($2); Mondays, cards (light lunch, $2) at 1 p.m.; Foot clinic every 2nd month.

See CLUB, page 11

Seniors’ Federation Club Activities

10 voice for iSLand SeniorS • January 2018 theguardian.pe.ca

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FROM PAGE 10

Georgetown Seniors’ Group meets at 63 Kent Street, Building B the last Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. for meeting, lunch and Bingo. Activities: Wed-nesdays, prize bingo (free) at 6 p.m. Visit us on Face-book!

Kensington. Happy Group Seniors meets at Sen-iors Housing, 8 Walker Drive the 1st Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. Activities: Saturdays, card party (door prizes, 50/50, $3) at 1 p.m.

Kensington. Senior Surfers’ Club meets at 25A Gar-den Drive (beside Kensington Rink) the 2nd Monday of each month at 2 p.m. for meeting and guest speaker. Activities: Mondays, exercise class ($1) at 1 p.m.

Kinkora. Maple Leaf Seniors’ Club meets at the Kinkora Community Centre, 45 Anderson Road the 1st Monday of each month at 1:30 p.m. Activities: Tues-days, Auction ($3) at 1:30 p.m.; Wednesdays, Fitness for Seniors at 1 p.m.; � ursdays, Primary Care Clinics 8:30 a.m. to noon (call 902-432-2600 for appointment).

Miscouche. Silver Maple Seniors’ Club meets in the Seniors Room, Miscouche Fire Hall, 21 Main Drive East the 1st � ursday of each month at 1:30 p.m. for meeting and Bingo. Activities: Tuesdays, 45s (50/50, cash prizes, $5) at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesdays, Crafts at 1:30 p.m.; Fridays, bowling ($7) Credit Union Place at 1:30 p.m. Hall is available for rental.

Mont-Carmel. Club D-Âge D’Or meets in the Senior Citizens’ Housing Common Room, Route 177. A Christ-mas gathering will be held in January.

Montague 50+ Club meets at the Montague Legion, 15 Douses Road the 1st Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m. for meeting and potluck. Activities: Wednesdays, line dancing at 9 a.m., Crafts group at 10 a.m., Euchre and Crib at 1 p.m. New members welcome!

Morell Legion Seniors’ Club meets at the Morell Fire Hall, 15 Park Street the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. for meeting, lunch and guest speaker (chair yoga).

Mount Stewart. Lady’s Slipper 200 Year Club meets at the Community Centre, 87 Main Street the 1st � ursday of each month at 2 p.m. Activities: Tuesdays, exercise class at 9:30 a.m., bowling at 2 p.m.; Wednes-days, darts at 2 p.m.; � ursdays, exercise class at 9:30 a.m.

Munns Road. Eastern Kings Senior Neighbours’ Club meets at the Recreation Centre, 85 Munns Road on Wednesday, Jan 10th at 2 p.m. Activities: Fridays, Crokinole/cards (light lunch, $2) at 7:30 p.m.

Murray Harbour. Friendly Circle Seniors’ Club meets at the Community Centre, 27 Park Street the � rst � ursday of the month at 11:45 a.m. for potluck luncheon (bring a dish, $2).

North Rustico. Star of the Sea Seniors’ Club meets at 11 Sunrise Crescent on Wednesday, Jan. 17th at 1:30 p.m. for their Annual General Meeting. Annual Secret Friends participation will also be held on this date. Ac-

tivities: Mondays, Clogging at 1 p.m.; Tuesdays, Choral Group at 10 a.m., Cribbage at 1 p.m., cards at 7 p.m.; Wednesdays, Stitch Group at 9:30 a.m.; � ursdays, Line Dancing at 10 a.m.

O’Leary. Sunshine Seniors’ Club meets at the O’Leary Community Centre, 11 Community Street on the 1st Saturday of each month at 2 p.m. for meeting, lunch and cards. Activities: Fridays, Rook and cards (lunch, $3) at 7 p.m.

Rustico Bay Seniors’ Club meets at 2104 Church Road the 2nd Monday of every other month at 1:30 p.m. Activities: Mondays, cards ($5) at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday (every 2nd) dance with Country Steel (lunch, $10) at 8 p.m.

St. Peter’s Circle Club meets at 1917 Cardigan Road, Route 2 the 3rd � ursday of each month at noon for meeting, lunch ($2), and guest speaker. Activities: Mondays, cards and games ($2) at 1:30 p.m.; Tuesdays, Crokinole (snack, $2) at 10 a.m.; Wednesdays, Progres-sive 45s (lunch, $7) at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, yoga ($3) at 10 a.m., Ceilidh ($4) at 7:30 p.m. Every 3rd Sat. is games night, February’s will be a Murder Mystery night.

Souris. Silver � reads Seniors’ Club meets at 78 Main Street the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. Activities: Mondays, card party (50/50, jackpot, lunch, $8) at 7:30 p.m.; Tuesdays, Bridge (lunch, $4) at 7 p.m.; Wednesday Jan. 17th, Ceilidh (open mic, lunch, $5) at 8 p.m.; � ursdays, Fun Bingo at 1 p.m.; Fridays, card party (prizes, lunch, $1 per corner) at 7 p.m.

Stratford. Mayflower Seniors’ Club meets at the Robert Cotton Centre, 57 Bunbury Road the 2nd Monday of each month at 1:30 p.m. for meeting, guest speaker, and dessert. Activities: Sundays (2nd), Ceilidh at 7 p.m.; Mondays, Auction 45s (50/50, door prizes, $2) at 7:30 p.m.; Tuesdays, Auction 45s (50/50, door prizes, $2) at 1:30 p.m., (3rd) Ceilidh at 7 p.m.; � urs-days, bridge at 1:30 p.m., cribbage at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, Crokinole at 7:30 p.m.

Summerside. Parkview Seniors’ Club meets at 335 Central Street the 2nd Monday of each month at 1:30 p.m. for meeting, guest speaker, and dessert. Activities: Mondays, Cribbage at 7 p.m.; Tuesdays, Bingo at 1 p.m., Auction 45s (50/50, door prizes, $2) at 7 p.m.; Wednes-

days, Line Dancing ($3) at 1 p.m.; Ceilidh (every 2nd, 50/50 draw, light lunch, $5) at 7:30 p.m.; � ursdays, Canasta (free) at 1 p.m., Auction 45s (50/50, door prize, $2) at 7 p.m.; Fridays, Art Class at 9 a.m., and 1 p.m.

Tracadie. Good Neighbourly 50+ Club meets at the Tracadie Community Centre, 148 Station Road the 4th Monday of each month at 7 p.m. for meeting and speaker. Activities: Mondays, � tness class at 6:30 p.m.; Tuesdays, Yoga ($4) at 9:30 a.m., cards 45s ($7) at 7:30 p.m.; � ursdays, exercise class ($4) at 9:30 a.m.

Wellington. La Coopérative d’Hébergement Le Bel Âge meets at the Common Room, 25 Sunset Drive the 3rd Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Activities: Mondays, Knitting Club at 1 p.m.

West Royalty Seniors’ Club meets at the West Roy-alty Community Centre, 1 Kirkdale Road the 1st Mon-day of each month at 1:30 p.m. for meeting and lunch. Activities: Tuesdays, Knitting at 9:30 a.m.; Fridays, cards ($2) at 1:30 p.m.

Wheatley River. Club 46 meets the last Tuesday of the month at noon. Contact the Seniors’ Federation for information.

Club Activities

Members of the Seniors Surfers Club in Kensington gather to greet a welcome guest last month.

11THEGUARDIAN.PE.CA JANUARY 2018 • VOICE FOR ISLAND SENIORS

HOME VISITFOOT CARE

Charlottetown

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Call for appointmentColeen Swim 892-0456

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By Vera MacLeod

As my friends and I trudged off to school that January morning, our thoughts were more focused on the fun we would have after school than on the lessons we would learn in class. And when the school day finished, Shir-ley, Theresa, and I grabbed our skates and headed off to Alex’s pond to join our friends.

The pond was a low area of a backfield that flooded in the fall and gave us a ready-made rink. An old post, too rotten to hold up the wire fence anymore, served as a seat where we put on our skates. We tossed our mitts aside, quickly pulled off our boots, stuck our feet into our skates and pulled the laces tight. Then we grabbed our mitts and were off across the clear blue ice, our skates hissing as we whirled around the pond.

In a world where we saw

no dangers, we laughed and teased as we raced around the ice. Time and practice had made all of us good skat-ers, but hockey players we were not. The days of Janu-ary are brief. So, as the day-light faded and our hands and feet stung with the cold, we plopped down on the old post, pulled off our skates and jammed our frozen toes into our frozen boots. Cold, tired and hungry we slung our skates over our shoul-ders and headed home for supper.

When we reached the main road, Shirley and Ther-esa waved goodbye and set off toward their homes shouting out, “See you to-morrow.” As their laugh-ter faded, the quiet winter evening settled around me.

The White Sands Road is straight and flat and scat-tered with farm houses and barns. Some are close to the road while others are set fur-

ther back. To the south is the Northumberland Strait and to the north are the flat open farm fields separated by wire fences, grown over with wild cherry trees and blueberry bushes.

As I headed home that evening, the snow crunched beneath my feet. My face burned with the cold. Ahead of me the western sky was ablaze. The sun, sinking below the horizon, was a fiery ball that bathed the snow covered fields in the reds of the dying day. Ahead of me I could see home. The smoke was curling up from the chimney. Inside it would be warm and supper would be waiting on the table. I would stripped off my win-ter clothes, warm my hands over the wood stove and pull a chair close to the oven door where I would sit to take out the final chills.

In all these years, I have never forgotten that sun-set. The crunch of the snow,

my burning face, and the sight of home are all as clear and sharp as if it hap-pened yesterday. Despite the breathtaking sunset and the comforting familiar scene around me, I was left with a feeling of sadness that even today, all these years later, haunts me when I see a blaz-ing sun sinking below the horizon.

I have never been able to explain why that feeling of sadness lingers. Maybe a setting sun simply symbol-ized an ending. An ending to the day and whatever joys it held, with no promise that tomorrow would come or that the world as we knew it would still be the same.

I came across a poem written by Rowan Darcy titled Silent Sunset. The first two lines go like this, “Sunset is a pretty thing, so bathed in mystery. And yet it is the saddest thing, when drenched with mem-ory.”

The following summer my parents sold the farm. We moved shortly after and I lost touch with my friends. Our school was closed and replaced by a larger one, lo-cated miles away from White Sands. Children no longer go to Alex’s pond with their friends to skate. Hockey arenas with heated dressing rooms have replaced out-door ponds.

Poets and song writ-ers have all eulogized sun-sets. Hymns have been written symbolizing the clos-ing of the day with our own death. Maybe a blazing red sky at the closing of the day is simply a reminder for us to live, to love, and to appreciate each day as it is given to us and be thankful that we have seen another sunset.

Vera MacLeod wrote this story during a L.E.A.P. (Learning Elders Arts Program) writing workshop at the Friendly Circle

Seniors’ Club in Murray Harbour.

A January Sunset

Are you interested in mak-ing a difference in the life of a senior?

The PEI Friendly Visitor Program is looking for volun-teers (age 50+) in the Char-lottetown area to visit Island seniors for weekly one-hour

social visits. This program matches senior volunteers with local seniors based on shared interests.

Being a senior isn’t always easy and for some seniors, having a friend to talk to can make all the difference

in the world. As a volunteer with the PEI Friendly Visitor Program, you can be that friend!

We offer free training and support to our Friendly Vis-itor volunteers. Our next volunteer orientation will

be held in Charlottetown in February.

For more information about the program or to ob-tain a volunteer application, contact coordinator Lauren Lawless at 902-368-9008 or email peifvp@gmail.com.

n it’s a new year: Make a difference

Seniors Visiting Seniorsfollow uson Twitter

twitter.com/PEIGuardian

12 Voice for isLand seniors • January 2018 theguardian.pe.ca

13

7392

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By Margaret Moss

The winter days of 1944 in the city of Halifax were heavy with a sense of waiting. That year I was nine years old and my little brother David was three.

Tensions were building towards the end of World War II with much at stake both at home and worldwide. This was reflected in the daily activities of families living in the major eastern military seaport. Certain foods were rationed. Blackout blinds were drawn tight on the windows of residences from dusk to dawn. This was manda-tory, as a preventative measure against air attack. Warships moved in and out of the harbour, often at night and silently. Life for the naval families was a routine of weeks and sometimes months spent with only one parent: the mother. These times were punctuated periodically by the sudden ar-rival of the father, home from a secret mission on the North Atlantic.

Rental accommodation was in scarce supply and therefore most families lived in tight quarters. This was especially true of those who were not na-tive “Haligonians,” and did not own a family home in the city. During the war years, my family lived in an upstairs apartment consisting of three rooms. The bathroom, located in the hall, was shared with another small family. Fortunately, there was a large backyard for outdoor play.

At the age of nine, I had already experienced a fair degree of exposure to the wider commun-ity through school, Sunday school, Junior choir, swimming lessons at the Naval base pool, and best of all, membership at the local library. At ages six and seven, I had been permitted to take out two books each week and at age eight, three books. But now at age nine, four books were allowed. I always took the maximum number of books and read all by the time the seven days were up.

In winter, we enjoyed street skating and sledding (on the side streets) with occasional sessions at the Halifax Forum, a large indoor rink. As for movies, my mother allowed me to attend one a month, on a Saturday afternoon. That was what was afford-

able. Matinees cost fifteen cents at the time.The winter of 1944 was one of continual snow-

falls. Walking or running to school on the sidewalk for six city blocks was an experience akin to en-tering a long white tunnel with snow heaped high on both sides and exists only at street crossings.

Five houses away from mine lived a boy named Soupy Campbell. His real name was Eric and he was eleven and a half, but in my grade. I thought he was not very smart and that his behavior was horrible. He tormented all the girls by making faces and disgusting noises when in our presence, and called us names such as knock-knees, buck-tooth, four-eyes ( for those wearing glasses), and in my case, daddy long legs. He mistakenly said, dandy long legs, and I took note of this (believing my English to be superior to his). I disliked him intensely and always hoped I would not have the misfortune to meet him in the long white tunnel on the way to school. On most days, I was lucky. However, one morning I had just passed his house with a sigh of relief when I heard feet pounding behind me. A quick glance confirmed that it was Soupy. I increased my speed and left him well be-hind, but at the edge of the school yard, I tripped. My coat and skirt flew up, giving Soupy a full view of my fleece-lined bloomers. He laughed heart-ily while yelling out repeatedly, “I saw Margaret’s Bloomers!” All the kids could hear and I was ever so embarrassed. It was then I realized how much I really hated Soupy.

A week or so later on an extremely cold day, the bell rang for the morning recess break. The kids spilled out of the school building onto the school yard. The air was too cold for our little group of girls to do much, so we huddled together in a cor-ner of the school yard and chatted a bit until it was time to go back in. Just then, Soupy Campbell ap-proached us, smiling sneakily.

Now something I should mention about Soupy is that he always had money in his pocket. None of the other kids did. This was because his uncle was the manager of the Halifax Forum and Soupy, who was not even twelve years old yet, had been given a job selling peanuts, popcorn and soft drinks at the league hockey games. He could always buy candy and ice cream when he wanted to, or go to the movies on a Saturday afternoon. It didn’t seem fair.

As Soupy approached our group, he took off one mitt, held out his hand and showed that he had a quarter clutched between his thumb and fore-finger. He then said, “I’ll give this quarter to who-ever will kiss that flagpole over there.”

See A WINTER, page 14

A Winter Dare“As Soupy approached our group, he took off one mitt, held out his hand and showed that he had a quarter clutched between his thumb and forefinger. He then said, “I’ll give this quarter to whoever will kiss that flagpole over there.”

13tHeguArdIAn.pe.cA JAnuAry 2018 • voice for island seniors

14

from page 13

Surprised, we all stared at the metal flagpole in si-lence for a minute or so. The more fastidious ones in the group turned their backs on him. I considered his offer for several seconds. Would a bit of grime on the lips not be worth the gain of a whole quarter? After all, that would pay for a movie plus treats on the coming Saturday. Decid-ing quickly, I stepped boldly forward and said, “I’ll do it.”’

“Go ahead then,” said Soupy.

With that, I strode up to the pole, grasped it with mittened hands and pressed my lips to the metal.

It was a disaster! As I tried to pull away, I found my mouth was firmly fastened to the pole. It was impossible to move. The only sounds I could utter were, “uh, uh, uh.” Tears froze on my cheeks. Soupy laughed and danced around, while tossing his quarter into the air several times.

The other girls were ser-iously alarmed and frozen in place until my quick-think-ing friend, Pauline, ran into the school in search of our teacher. A few minutes later she came running out ac-companied by Miss Longard, who was both coatless and bootless.

Miss Longard tried to calm me. “Just stay very, very still and I’ll be right back. It will be all right.”

I did as I was told and in a few minutes Miss Longard ar-

rived back with a cup of warm water. She poured it slowly over my mouth and I was im-mediately released from the icy flagpole.

Miss Longard wanted to understand what had hap-pened and when it was ex-plained by some of the girls, she took Soupy by the ear and marched him into the school. He still managed to look over his shoulder with a wicked smile and stick out his tongue. Miss Longard ordered him to give me the quarter and to apologize. I thought myself to be quite gracious in accepting his falsely humble declaration of, “I’m sorry, Margaret.” He was also made to stay after school and write fifty times on the blackboard, “I will not do any more mean tricks.”

Miss Longard offered me a wise bit of advice as well. She said, “In future Margaret, be wary of trying to gain an easy reward. There is often an ob-stacle involved.”

I understood her com-pletely.

On the next Saturday after-noon I had the pleasure of at-tending a movie, paid for with the quarter I had so painfully earned. My friend Pauline came with me. The feature file starred Margaret O’Brien, our favourite child actress.

All in all, I decided I had come out of that winter dare rather well.

Margaret Moss wrote this story during a L.E.A.P. (Learning Elders Arts Program) writing workshop at the Friendly Circle

Seniors’ Club in Murray Harbour.

A Winter Dare Crokinole SCoreSBy ALMA StEEvES

November 20th 2017, Warren Grove

Ladies: Gloria Mathe-son, Jean MacRae, Heidi Hitzelberger. Men: Wilfred Smith, Richard Hitzelber-ger and Wendell Jewell, Don Steeves. 50/50: Glenna Harper.

November 21st 2017, St. Peter’s Circle Club

Ladies: Maureen Mo-nahan. Men: Lawson Lea. 50/50: Max Norish.

November 23rd 2017, Hunter River

Ladies: Hazel MacKen-zie, Gloria Matheson, Alma Steeves. Men: Lawson Lea, Cyril Harper, Sterling Mac-Rae. 50/50: Glenna Harper.

November 24th 2017, Cot-ton Center

Ladies: Hazel MacKenzie,

Norma Laird, Jean MacRae. Men: Wilfred Smith, Cyril Harper, Don Steeves. 50/50: Heidi Hitzelberger.

November 27th 2017, Warren Grove

L a d i e s : M a r g a r e t MacKinley, Jean MacRae, Velda MacKinnon. Men: Lawson Lea, Cyril Harper, Ewen MacPhail. 50/50: Glenna Harper.

November 28th 2017, St. Peter’s Circle Club

Ladies: Maureen Mc-Garry. Men: Lawson Lea. 50/50: Maureen McGarry.

November 30th 2017, Hunter River

Ladies: Dixie Vickerson, Gloria Matheson, Mar-garet MacKinley. Men: Don Steeves, Wilfred Smith, Doug Neill. 50/50: Brian Moore.

December 1st 2017, Cot-ton Center

Ladies: Margaret MacKin-ley, Dixie Vickerson, Jean MacRae. Men: Wilfred Smith, Grant Laird, Cyril Harper. 50/50: Cyril Harper.

December 5th 2017, St. Peter’s Circle Club

Ladies: Nicole Drake. Men: Clifton Jewell. 50/50: Ingrid.

December 7th 2017, Hunter River

Ladies: Gloria Matheson, Margaret MacKinley, Mary Cousins. Men: Lawson Lea, Blois Weeks, David Hunter. 50/50: Lorne Stevenson.

December 8th 2017, Cot-ton Center

Ladies: Linda Lea, Mar-garet MacKinley, Norma Laird. Men: Lawson Lea, Don Steeves, Gerard Gill. 50/50: Russell Boyle.

The Cornwall Commun-ity Choir is welcoming new members for its winter term beginning January 10. No previous choir experience is necessary. The choir meets on Wednesday afternoons to practice traditional and contemporary music that is fun to sing.

Practices are held Wed-nesdays from 12:30 to 2:15 p.m. at the West River United Church, 9 Cornwall Road, Cornwall under the direction of Lisa Stead. The

winter term will end with a concert on Saturday, March 10.

To ensure binders and music are ready for new members at the first prac-tice, preregistration is re-quested before January 5. A

fee of $45 is due prior to the first practice (11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.) on January 10. Fees are payable by cash or cheque.

For information or to register, contact Valda at 902-367-4756.

n it’S a new year: Sing

New choir members welcome

14 voiCe for iSland SeniorS • January 2018 theguardian.pe.ca

15

The Canada Revenue Agency’s Community Vol-unteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) is looking for volun-teers to help file simple tax returns for people in their community.

The CVITP has been help-

ing individuals with a mod-est income and a simple tax situation prepare their in-come tax and benefit returns, for free, since 1971. Last tax-filing season, more than 16,600 volunteers helped close to 703,000 individuals

in communities across the country. In Prince Edward Island, over 160 volunteers registered with the CVITP and helped more than 6,500 individuals file their tax re-turns.

For more information

about the CVITP, to find out how to become a volunteer, or to find a participating community organization in your area, go to canada.ca/taxes-volunteer, or call 1-855-516-4405

Lending a hand at tax timen it’s a new year: Volunteer!

n strait talk

By Harry Holman

The headline in the May 10th 1924 Charlottetown Guardian was dramatic, “Ho-chelaga aground off Govern-ors Isl.”

On the p r e v i o u s day, a fish-ing boat towed the Hochelaga’s lifeboat into Charlottetown with three of the steamer’s crew and the four passengers aboard. The boat had been found rowing toward Charlottetown after it had been ordered ashore by Hochelaga Captain J.W. Carter of Halifax. The steam-ship was hard aground on the west side of the isolated island in Hillsborough Bay.

Between 1924 and 1940, the Hochelaga was a famil-iar sight in Charlottetown Harbour as it carried on a regular daily service between Charlottetown and Pictou. It had been a private yacht and then a Royal Canadian Navy patrol vessel before being purchased by the Hochelaga Shipping and Towing Com-pany of Halifax.

On this particular voyage it encountered thick fog, a rare occurrence in the Northum-berland Strait, and had to grope its way into the bay. As it was early in the shipping season the buoys marking

the channel had not yet been set out owing to the con-tinued presence of ice in the strait. In contrast with today with global positioning, depth sounders and radios, the Hochelaga was essen-tially running blind. Even when it got into difficulty, it could not communicate with land and hence the surprise when the crew reached shore with their tale of woe.

Governor’s Island runs east and west with long reefs ex-tending a mile or so beyond the actual Island. To the east the reef takes the form of a sandbar, but to the west it is much more dangerous as the sandstone abruptly rises near the surface.

In 1939, the reef was not specifically marked although in later years it would be the site of an offshore oil well which now has a yellow can buoy on location. Instead, safe passage is to the west of Fitzroy Rock in line with the

reef, but further to the west. In order for the Hochelaga to go aground, it must have been more than a mile off course. The steamer hit at or very near high tide and the momentum carried it on to the rocks. With the falling tide, efforts to extract itself by reversing the engines

proved fruitless. Although newspaper reports suggest the Hochelaga was on a bar of gravel it was, in fact, hard rock that held the vessel.

Early the following mor-ning the Dominion Public Works tug Fredericton was dispatched to the scene, but was unable to free the

steamer. Although Captain Carter and eighteen mem-bers of the crew were in no danger, they had spent an uncomfortable night. The Fredericton returned to port on the assumption that a lar-ger tug would be required to free the steamer.

Instead, at 2:20 p.m. when the tide was highest, Cap-tain Carter tried one more time “just for luck” and suc-ceeded in backing the ship away from the rocks and proceeded into the wharf as if nothing had happened except for a 24 hour delay in the schedule.

This is but one incident in the history of a remark-able vessel whose service as a ferry to Prince Edward Is-land was her longest, but by no means most significant chapter.

An archivist, historian and small boat sailor, Harry Holman shares Island sea

stories on his award winning site www.sailstrait.wordpress.com.

Hochelaga on the Rocks

Harry Holman

Hochelaga at dock in Pictou.

15tHeguArdIAn.pe.cA JAnuAry 2018 • Voice for island seniors

16

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16 voice for island seniors • January 2018 theguardian.pe.ca