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letters to the editorRe: Federal Budget 2012Canadians are not well served bya federal government that shiftsits costs onto the provinces, theenvironment, the unemployed andour most vulnerable seniors.The Conservative government willbalance its budget, but as aconsequence, you won’t balanceyours.edith shiereditor’S MESSAGELarry Kazdan,VancouverWelcome members to the comingwarm days of summer at last! Wehave just completed a wonderfulyear of successful events for ourSeniors. You may read the reviewsin this issue of Senior Line.Our Annual General Meetinghappened on June 21st, 2012;showcasing this year’s seniorshonoured. A delicious dinnerand musical entertainment wereenjoyed by all.I want to thank my friends andfamily for being here with me thisevening and I would especiallylike to thank the Jewish SeniorsAlliance for this honour they havebestowed on me.Volunteering has always given mepleasure and has also given me ameaning and purpose to my life.We are also planning a midsummer comedy event, in August;so watch for news on it to come!Wishing everyone a healthy, happyand enjoyable summer.Your Editor-in-Chief,Edith ShierAGM Thank yousAs a volunteer I have receivedas much as I have given. I amvery touched by this gesture ofrecognition and I thank you all.Goldie Kassen A letter to Jane DysonPresident of the B.C. Coalition of Peoplewith Disabilities (BCCPD) re Taxi SaverProgramDear JaneRe: Taxi Saver ProgramThank you very much for giving methe opportunity to review the verynegative effect that abolishing theTaxi Saver Program will have onthe lives of our senior citizens anddisabled individuals who use thisTransLink system every day.I presented your concerns to arecent meeting of our Board ofDirectors. There was an expressionof support for your efforts torestore this important service.We know that there are someindications that TransLink mayreconsider the decision or makesome changes so that disabled, andseniors will not suffer. If there isany way that we could be of help toyou in your endeavors to reversethis TransLink decision, please letme know.SincerelySerge Haber,President Jewish Seniors AllianceBoard of DirectorsDear FriendsI would like to again say thank youfor honouring me for my volunteerwork in the community and for doingso at a very pleasant evening. I wasvery pleased to meet Marian Cohenand Serge Haber. It was also great toreconnect with several old friends.Along with my personal thanks, Iwould like to thank you on behalf ofNational Council of Jewish Womenof Vancouver – the organizationvery dear to me.Best wishes to the Jewish SeniorsAlliance of Greater Vancouver forevery future success.Esther BrauerDon’t judge each day by theharvest you reap,but by the seeds that you plant.SENIOR LINE Volume 19(2)–2012 page 4

membershipco-chairsLyle Pullan& Binny goldmanKeep in touchHelp us keep our mailing list up to date.Please call us at the JSA office: 604.732.1555or e-mail office@jsalliance.orgwelcome to new membersArnold AbramsonSam & Ruth AllmanHelen AlkoTammi BelferBarbara EisingerBecky FayermanRalph & Ruth JacksonFanny LewisJudy & David MandlemanBella ShermanBarrie & Ellen Yacknesswe need numbersIn order to advocate to our government – WE NEED NUMBERS.In the event that they should heed to our needs with any speed –WE NEED NUMBERS. This alliance to sustain and our credibilityto maintain – WE NEED NUMBERS. So turn to all those you canand recruit friends . women or men – WE NEED NUMBERS.Our wish to all of us in 5772 is that we all strive to do even morethan we do!!reminder: MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL AND/OR APPLICATION FORM.Return to:JSA of Greater Vancouver949 W 49 Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 2T1604 732 1555Please printNameEmailAddressPostal CodeTelephone I wish to become a member @ 18 a year We wish to become spousal members @ 36 a year We wish to make a further donation of For a donation of 180 you will be honoured as a Life MemberCheque enclosed for payable to Jewish Seniors AllianceCredit Card #Expiry DateSignatureA tax receipt will be issued for a 1 year membership of 18 and up.SENIOR LINE Volume 19(2)–2012 page 5/

Jewish Seniors Alliance of Greater Vancouver Annual Spring ForumLaughter Yoga Movement, telling usshe didn’t know whether his sockswere as mismatched as his shoes,which were enchantingly orangeand green.By Binny GoldmanEdited by Jennie Virtue“ We don’t stop playing becausewe have grown old; we grow oldbecause we stop playing.” –George Bernard ShawThat was the theme made obviousif you were one of the morethan 185 people who attendedBrainsmart, the JSA annualSpring Forum, on April 22 at BethIsrael synagogue.Forum Chair Jennie Virtue,enthusiastically welcomed thecrowd, mentioning the many andvaried accomplishments of JSAand extolled the qualities of itspresident, Serge Haber.She then introduced our firstspeaker, Dr. Jean-François Kozak,co-director of the Primary Careof the Elderly Research Group atProvidence Health Centre and aresearch faculty member at theUniversity of British Columbia.Dr. Kozak guided us through someof the preventative measuresthat can be employed to wardoff debilitating signs that mayaccompany our senior years.There are sobering facts that areprevalent:1 person out of 14 million willwin Lotto 649BUT1 in 0.615 will develop adevastating and life-alteringdisease, HOWEVER according tothe COCHRANE REVIEW, usingmental stimulation, even when wealready have mild dementia, andby incorporating challenging andmulti-modal exercises using ourcognitive and physical abilities wecan improve our mental health.These methods can be gearedfor us personally as long as weinclude a daily variety. We nowknow that social interaction playsa key role in warding off dementiaand even is the ingredient tolengthening the years we live. Heencouraged us all to tune intoan easy-to-follow video by MikeEvans, 23 1/2 hours, which willfurther ensure our good health infuture years.Allan had us all spinning, twirling,singing, breathing, and doinglaughter yoga, sharing thoughtsand holding hands with ourneighbours. Peals of laughterrang out through the auditoriumproving that feeling silly was FUN!In the reading material thatAllan O’Meara left on each table,he stated that the purpose oflaughter is to make us feel good,both in mind and body! Researchhas proven that laughter hasa positive impact on varioussystems of our body and helpsto remove the negative effects ofSTRESS, which has the powerto bring on more than 70% ofillnesses, such as high bloodpressure, asthma, depression,headaches, ulcers, etc. Headvocated boosting our immunesystem through laughter andadded that laughing is internaljogging, helping us to maintaininternal good health.He left us with: “Running a redlight doesn’t count you still haveto exercise.”Jennie Virtue introduced our nextspeaker, Allan O’Meara, a laughtercoach and pioneer in the WorldwideSENIOR LINE Volume 19(2)–2012 page 6

So, if we were to follow our firsttwo speakers’ regimes, we couldbe laughing our way through ourdays happily and pretty much incontrol of our world.fruit, and cookies prepared by theBagel Club.Our last speaker, Franca TemoloJones, the Executive Director ofElder Therapy Design, concurredwith Dr. Kozak that it is ofutmost importance to keep ourminds sharp with challenginggames, done competitively withfriends, or alone, as in watching‘Jeopardy’ or ‘Wheel of Fortune’.Serge Haber thanked Jennie,nostalgically reminding us thatshe was there at the birth of JSAand had returned to chair theForum.We left laughing, feeling satedphysically and emotionally anddetermined to incorporate morelaughter into our daily lives.Her game of questions had usall loudly shouting our answersto questions about long ago:jingles; song titles; couples in theentertainment industry; famouslines attributed to actresses. Wewere eager to prove that our longterm memory was intact!! Someparticipants received a mini Rubik’scube for the correct answers.Satisfied smiles appeared on ourfaces as our self esteem soared. Itseems that Franca was correct thatseniors were the smartest peoplein the world because they havelived long and experienced much.Jennie thanked all the hardworking team of volunteers whohad brought this extremelysuccessful forum to fruition,including the Mitzvah Makersand the BI staff. We were alltreated to a delicious and healthyassortment of veggies and dip,SENIOR LINE Volume 19(2)–2012 page 7

the body’s metabolism to work. To get more oxygenthe respiratory system must be in perfect order.WhyLaughter?Allan O’Mearawww.laughteryoga.ca s say that laughter isgood for body and mind:Over the past two decades, extensive research hasbeen conducted all over the world and it has beenproved that laughter has a positive impact on varioussystems of the body. Laughter helps to remove thenegative effects of STRESS, which is the numberone killer today. More than 70% of illnesses like highblood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, depression,frequent coughs and colds, peptic ulcer, insomnia,allergies, asthma, menstrual difficulties, tensionheadaches, stomach upsets and even cancer havesome relations to stress. Also, it has been provedbeyond a shadow of doubt that laughter helps toboost our immune system, which is the master keyfor maintaining good health. S cientific Rationale of Yoga and LaughterAll organs are made of tissue. To keep the organsin good health they need a constant supply ofnourishment like proteins, carbohydrates, fats,salts, minerals and vitamins. These come from thefood we eat. The supply depends on their quality,the power of the digestion and the absorption ofthe digestive system. The circulatory and digestivesystems must vitamins. These come from the foodwe eat. The supply depends on their quality, thepower of the digestion and the absorption of thedigestive system. The circulatory and digestivesystems must be efficient for the nutrients to reachall parts of the body. Then oxygen is required forThe act of breathing is a natural form of massage/exercise for the major digestive organs. Theabdominal muscles need to be exercised regularlyfor this massage to be effective. The act oflaughing, e.g. belly laughs and the act of raisingones arms up and taking a deep breath, is what thescientists call ‘internal jogging’. Regular laughingnot only strengthens the abdominal muscles andgives a constant massage it holds the abdominalorgans in their proper place to ensure digestionand absorption.Benefits of Laughter: A nti–StressLaughter is the most economical and easyanti–stress measure. It is a muscle relaxant,expands the blood vessels, and reduces the stresshormones in the body such as epinephrine andcortisol. To reduce stress via other methods takesa lot of mental effort to detach oneself from thephysical world. To laugh is a natural process andall the senses naturally and effortlessly combine ina moment of harmony. B est Aerobic ExerciseLaughing drives a sense of well being. 15 minuteslaughing in the morning sets you up for the day.Dr William Fry (Stanford University) reckons 1minute laughing is worth 10 minutes on a rowingmachine. This will help sedentary people most ofall. e.g. those disabled or in a wheelchair. D epression and AnxietyModern living is taking a heavy toll on the mind.Depression, anxiety, nervous breakdowns andsleeping difficulties are said to be on the increase.Laughing has helped reduce reliance on drugs andpeople in India are getting better sleep. H igh Blood Pressure and Heart Disease10 minutes laughing will drop blood pressureby 10–20mm. It is not recommended to replacemodern medication but it helps. Perhaps themedication can be reduced. Laughter helps theblood circulation and oxygen supply to muscles.SENIOR LINE Volume 19(2)–2012 page 8

N atural Pain KillerLaughter increases the levels of endorphins in ourbodies which are natural pain killers.Our Cover Artist Internal JoggingLaughing provides a massage for the internalorgans. It enhances blood supply and increasestheir efficiency. The best effect is to the intestines,it improves blood supply and helps the bowels tomove properly. M akes you look younger – Exercise for the FaceLaughing is excellent for the facial muscles.When you laugh the face becomes red due to theincrease in blood supply nourishing the skin andmakes the face glow. It squeezes the tear glandsand makes the eyes sparkle.Laughter activities and materials are not designedto take you away from whatever healing or healthprogrammes you are on – whether orthodox oralternative. Instead it is meant to enhance andsupport your own chosen process and growth. Inthe field of healing there are no guarantees, andthere are as many routes to healing and healthas there are people. Hopefully, the Laughteractivities and materials will inspire and supportyou in whatever path you choose.THE Weinberg ResidenceAs part of the Dr. Irving and Phyliss SniderCampus, The Weinberg Residence offersAssisted Living and Multi-Level Care forseniors within a Jewish community.ASSISTED LIVINGrather than felt, and poetryis painting that is felt ratherMULTI-LEVEL CARELet us make a difference!The harry and JeaneTTe Weinberg(of balTimore) residenceHer works hang in private homes in Canada, theUS and the UK. Her approach is mostly classical.This painting, a rendering and study of a painting(original artist unknown), attracted her because ofthe magnificent colors, the lush clusters of shrubsand trees, and the reflection of the light in thepond. This gives a sense of peace and harmony,which reflects her love of nature.Painting is poetry that is seenA vibrant place where you can live withindependence and choice in a safe, home-likeenvironment. Kosher meals, personal care,emergency response and interesting leisureactivities will complement your experiencewhile enhancing your quality of life.Sometimes you need extra help. Long Term Stay Convalescent Care Respite Care Out of Town Stay Palliative SupportBella Sherman is a Vancouver artist whofound her voice through painting later in life. Itstarted as a hobby and slowly became a passion.She attended the Arizona Art School, variousworkshops in Scottsdale, Art School classes atEmily Carr and the Vancouver Academy of Art.She is constantly learning and exploring newhorizons and at present is a student under thetutorship of local artist Paul Chizik.COME FOR ATOUR!Open 9 am to5 pm weekdays.Phone VanessaTrester atthan seen.by Leonardo da Vinci604.267.4722.5650 Osler Street, idence.comThe Dr. Irving and Phyliss Snider Campus for Jewish Seniors,site of the Louis Brier Home & Hospital and the Weinberg ResidenceSENIOR LINE Volume 19(2)–2012 page 9

HonouringThese inspiring volunteers keep on enriching our community andwere honoured at the JSA Annual General Meeting held June 21.“ Volunteers are the onlyhuman beings on theface of the earth whoreflect this nation’scompassion, unselfishcaring, patience, andjust plain love for oneanother.” Erma BombeckGOLDIE KASSENinterviewed by Joanne WilsonGoldie learned about communityservice early in life. She was bornin rural Saskatchewan to Russianimmigrant parents who fled thepogroms in Russia. They werethe only Jewish family in thecommunity and both parents wereproactive contributors to the ruralcommunity life.Goldie met her future husbandwhile volunteering in the Air ForceReserve during the war and theywere married in 1945 and movedto Saskatoon. It was a close-knitcommunity that worked togetherin all aspects of Jewish life.Goldie was active in Hadassahand served on the boardof directors of the JewishCommunity in the late1970’sbecoming their representative tothe Jewish Immigrant Aid Society(JIAS), welcoming RussianJewish families to Saskatoon andhelping them get settled into thecommunity.After her husband passed away,Goldie moved to Vancouver, in1988 to be near her childrenand grandchildren. She becamean active member of the JSA,as secretary. She enjoys playingBridge at various levels, butnow that managing the gift shopat Louis Brier, and being thebuyer as well as putting hours inbehind the counter, has cut intoher free time somewhat, but stillcontinues the game.Her friends and colleaguesdescribe her as one of the mostgiving people, always ready tolend a hand or a sympathetic ear,continually thinking of others first.ESTHER BRAUERinterviewed by Debby AltowEsther Brauer’s volunteeractivities are so many that onewonders when she finds timeto be with her husband, Fred,children and grandchildren whohave been blessed to have her intheir midst.From her earliest studies inMontreal at Concordia throughher MA in Social Work, obtainedfrom the school of Social StudiesAdministration, University ofChicago, through a dedicatedcareer of continuing educationin Cognitive Learning as wellas in area of team approachesto developmental disabilities,Esther’s commitment to soc ialaction has been unparalleled.We of the JSA are truly honouredto honour you Goldie!SENIOR LINE Volume 19(2)–2012 page 10

our seniorschildren. Ida proudly informedme that he is a programmingEngineer. Ida also has a daughterwho lives in Burnaby with herhusband and son. Her daughterworks at Willingdon Park Hospitalas an office manager.Her entire work historydemonstrates her enormousrange: case work with seniors andadolescents; innovations withfamily day care systems; servingas a psychotherapist/clinician andfield supervisor, Esther modelledthe kind of professional herstudents aspired to become.She was inducted into theChildren’s Advocate Hall of Fame.This continued in Vancouverwhere for the past 10 years, shehas worked with children at innerschools, concentrating recentlyon children needing one to oneassistance.She has also served with a JewishFederation group examiningpoverty and homelessness in theJewish Community of Vancouver.For the National Council of JewishWomen of Canada ‘s Vancouversection, she has served as SocialAction Chair, working to provide acity-wide post partum depressionforum, establishing a processfor agencies and family friendlyinitiatives to apply for youth atrisk and serving on the Board ofDirectors.The JSA is privileged to honouryou, Esther.IDA GITLINAinterviewed by Yuriy Rubin andBinny GoldmanIDA GITLINA, our third honoureeis part of the board of the JSAand I have been privileged tohave become acquainted withher.just a little, as we somehowmanage to sit next to one anotherat our board meetings. Idahas gained my admiration andthat of our board as attendingmeetings which consist of manydiscussions in a language not yourown, certainly cannot be easy .but never the less, Ida strives tobe an active contributing memberof the JSA board.Ida was born in Kiev, Ukraine andwas forced to escape to Uzbekistanwhen she was only aged two, neverto return to her place of birthbecause of World War Two. Shearrived in Canada in 1996.Ida has a son, living in Seattle,who is married and had twoBeing a widow, Ida devotesmuch of her time and energy to“Most-Bridge” Society where shebecame a member in 2006 andwas subsequently elected to theboard in 2008 and appointed asa member of the Editorial Councilof the Society’s Bulletin.Her responsibilities include:Representing Most-BridgeSociety in the JSA andparticipating in the Bulletinproductions. Yuriy states that Idafulfills her duties at the highestlevel possible She effectivelyinteracts with the JSA; she is theauthor and the translator of manyarticles published in the Bulletin,English language newspaperJewish Independent” and theJSA Senior Line.Ida actively participates inpreparation of holiday parties andevents. She is a disciplined andresponsible person, understandingthe importance and meaning ofthe tasks she is accountable for.As you can see, Ida too is well

program. 40% of all seniors are using websites and this number will increase dramatically as new seniors join our ranks. we have received a grant of 25,000 from the federal Government's new horizons for seniors Program, and we have confirmation from the diamond foundation that we will receive an additional 50,000 for the