• Older Adult Fall Prevention Network Promotes Awareness Among Seniors On How To Create A Safe Environment
  • Visit To Former Home Town (Creighton) During The Holidays Brought Back Fond Memories Of A Simpler Way of Life
  • Margaret Shawana Wins Gingerbread House In Hanmer Denture Clinic Christmas Draw
  • The Fox Family Is Making A Difference For Our Troops In Afghanistan
  • Elizabeth Centre Residents Have A Great Time During Octoberfest Pie Baking Contest
  • 2915 R.C (Army) C.C. Irish Regiment of Canada Sell Poppies To Assist Capreol Legion
  • Canadian Tire & Mark's Work Wearhouse Open Their Doors on October 26, 2006 at 12 Noon
  • John Brown "The Coin Guy" Provides Shoppers With Plenty of Holiday Gift Ideas
  • Centre Court At the Mall Is The Place To Be Every Afternoon To Discuss Politics of The Day
  • Valley East Fire Department Ranks Right Up At The Top of The Heap With Excellent Volunteer Firefighting Crew
    
Older Adult Fall Prevention Network Promotes Awareness Among Seniors On How To Create A Safe Environment
John Richer, Program Director for the Older Adult Centre was in the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre on November 17, 2006, along with  France Spencer of Helpline Sudbury, in the middle of the photo and to the right, and Tina Duguay of Medi Chair Sudbury. The three spent the day operating a display promoting awareness about fall prevention for seniors. This is a program that is directed by the Sudbury & District Health Unit.

Statistics show that one in three adults age 65 and over fall at least once a year. Some of these falls can be a "life-changing" experience, even leading to death in some severe cases.

Most falls actually happen in and around the home, so one's home design, furnishings and lifestyle all affect your risk of falling in your home. Furthermore, falls are responsible for 86% of injury admissions for people aged 65 and older, so by educating seniors on fall prevention measures, it is hoped that these statistics will be greatly reduced.

"Falling is a major concern among seniors, especially ones who live alone and may end up breaking a hip or leg with no way of calling for help," explained France Spencer. "There are some falls that are caused by medication or things like heart attacks, but many falls can be prevented just be 'safe-proofing' your home. Our goal is to help seniors look for problem areas and even help them select walking aids if necessary in order to avoid some of the risks."

TOP 12 TIPS TO PREVENT FALLS

1. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can help you maintain muscle, bone strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of injury.
2.  Eat Balanced Meals
It is important to eat at least three well-balanced meals per day to avoid weakness, dizziness and fatigue.
3. Plan Ahead
Rushing increases your risk of falling. Take your time. Plan ahead so that you do not need to rush.
4.  Visit Your Doctor
Have regular check-ups as changes in vision, hearing, bones and muscle can lead to falls.
5.  Remove Clutter
Clear objects from stairs and traffic areas.
6.  Use Medication Safely
Be aware that some medications can make you sleepy, dizzy or lightheaded. Discuss side effects with your doctor or pharmacist.
7.  Wear Supportive Shoes
Wear supportive footwear with non-skid soles indoors and outdoors.
8.  Take Time For Friends
Research tells us that those who are isolated, lonely and less active have more falls and more serious injuries.
9.  Use Walking Aids Correctly
A cane or walker should be fitted correctly and used as recommended. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for assistance.
10. Secure Rugs
Avoid small rugs or mats that could slide or bunch up and cause someone to trip.
11.  Light Up The Night
Night lights can be used to brighten dark hallways, bathrooms and stairs.
12.  Do A Home Safety Check
Do a safety check of your home. Basic safety features include secure handrails, well-lit stairs, night lights, non-skid bathmats and grab bars.

For more information about the Older Adult Fall Prevention Network, you can call 522-9200, Ext. 520.

Visit To Former Home Town During The Holidays Brought Back Fond Memories Of A Simpler Way of Life
Robert and Valerie Kirwan took some time out of their busy holiday schedule to "walk the streets" of Valerie's home town of Creighton Mine. Walking down the remnants of the once busy streets brought back memories of days when life seemed so much simpler, and yet, in many ways, much more fulfilling.
The Kirwans first met in the spring of 1968, in what was known as the Creighton Club Recreation Centre. He grew up in Lively, a company town located a few miles up the road, and Valerie was born and raised in Creighton. They were married in 1972 and have lived for the past 34 years in Val Therese. 

The Town of Creighton no longer exists, after having been leveled to the ground during the 1980's. As they walked along the streets the Kirwan's commented on how small the space seemed to them now, and yet this small space once contained hundreds of houses, all occupied by employees of INCO. In the photo above, Robert and Valerie stand on "High Rock", a name given to the rock that was used as an all-season playground for Valerie and her friends as they were growing up. In the background you can see one of the head frames at Creighton Mine. Those were the days when you made your own fun. When creativity and ambition was common among all young people. When playing outside for hours on end without "store-bought" toys was simply "what you did" as a kid.

Below, in the space contained within the circle, is where Valerie's home once stood. Some of the rocks that lined the walkway beside her home still remain, but the road now cuts right through the spot that was once the living room. The house was small by today's standards, but it was all that the family needed to enjoy a happy existence among friends.

Just to the left of the circle in the photo above you can see where the "original street" once wound around Valerie's house. Several months before Robert and Valerie ever met, Robert was driving around Creighton with some of his friends when they decided to turn around and backtrack. When he backed the car up, his bumper hit a large rock that was beside the road, making a loud banging sound (but not doing any damage to the car). Valerie remembers her father going to the window to see what was going on and then returning back to his chair with the comment, "Just some teen-age boys." It's strange how life works out. Over 38 years later, one of the teen-age boys in that car is still living with her.

I know that there are many former Creighton residents who receive Valley East Today every week. If any of you have any stories about the days when you lived in Creighton we would love to have you send them to us so that we can share them with our readers. Send along a photo or two of the "old days" so that we can show others just how much community spirit existed in Creighton Mine. 

It certainly was a wonderful life back in the 50's and 60's growing up in the company towns of Creighton and Lively. I regret that our own children couldn't benefit from the same experience.

I would recommend that you visit the following web site that has been created and managed by Audrie (Jamieson) Brooks, a young lady who lived  at 48 Wavell Street (Snob Hill !?!).  I am sure I went to school with her husband, Earl Brooks. Audrie and Earl moved to Thompson Manitoba in 1976 with their two small daughters. It is a fantastic web site with some great photos and memories.

CREIGHTON MINES WEB SITE

If you have any comments you would like to send for us to add to Valley East Today, please send your information to the following email: rkirwan@infocomcanada.com 

We look forward to your stories and hope you enjoy Audrie's web site.

Margaret Shawana Wins Gingerbread House In Hanmer Denture Clinic Christmas Draw
Margaret Shawana was the big winner of the beautiful ginger bread house that was offered as a special Christmas prize by the Hanmer Denture Clinic. Nicole Brunet-Dandeno, D.D., owner and operator of the Hanmer Denture Clinic, formerly known as the Beswick Denture Clinic, made the ginger bread house along with other members of the Dandeno family. The draw was made on December 22, 2006. 
The Fox Family Is Making A Difference For Our Troops In Afghanistan
Sandra Amyot and her son, Kyle, 23, are shown in front of the special bulletin board which has been created by the Valley East Community Action Network to pay tribute to the members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are serving in Afghanistan. Kyle and his bother, Glenn, 28, are both members of the armed forces and both have seen action in this war-torn segment of the globe. 
Sandra and Claudette Lauhti-Ouwen of VECAN are shown selling "Support Our Troops" merchandise to help raise money to support families with loved ones serving in Afghanistan. With the help of VECAN and the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre, Sandra was able to raise a significant amount of money for this worthy cause. 

The bulletin board will remain up during January 2007 as a constant reminder to local citizens of the sacrifice that is being made by the brave recruits of the armed forces.

Elizabeth Centre Residents Have A Great Time During Octoberfest Pie Baking Contest
This year’s Elizabeth Centre Octoberfest Day featured a special pie-eating contest that proved to be very popular with the residents of the facility.

After tasting fifteen different pies, the judges selected Germaine Laurin’s raspberry pie as the winner of the first place prize. Germaine, who is shown seated in front of the group, baked the pie with the help of a family member, Linda Perreault. Others in the photo included: Henri Fortin, seated on the far left, Dan Draper, Administrator of the Centre; Louise Portelance; Vicki Vincent, 2nd place winner with an apple pie; Andre Rivest; Sonya Hearty, 3rd place winner with another applie pie; and Ron Dupuis.

Dan Draper, Louise Portelance, Andre Rivest, Ron Dupuis and Henri Fortin were the judges of the contest. They had a taste of each of the fifteen pies and then rated them on a scale of one to five. Following the prize presentations, the residents enjoyed eating the rest of the pies as a fitting conclusion to their barbecue lunch.
  
The Elizabeth Centre is located on
Main Street in Val Caron and is home to 128 low- to total-care residents.

 

Click on the link below to see more photos from the 2006 Elizabeth Centre Octoberfest.

For more photos >>>>>

2915 R.C (Army) C.C. Irish Regiment of Canada Sell Poppies To Assist Capreol Legion
Members of the 2915 R.C (Army) C.C. Irish Regiment of Canada were in the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre on Saturday, October 28, 2006 selling poppies to the general public in honour of Canadians who fought and/or died for our country.

Shown above at one of the entrances are, from the left: Officer Cadet Kim Gardner; Warrant Officer Karie Belisle; and Private Miranda Bourgeois. They were part of a contingent that included eleven cadets and two officers.

Warrant Officer Belisle was just recently promoted from the rank of Company Sergeant Major and remains the ranking cadet in Capreol. A resident of Hanmer, Warrant Officer Belisle has been with the "Capreol Cadets" for the past four years. She is a Grade 12 student at Confederation Secondary School. She feels that being a member of the Cadets has definitely helped her in a great many ways and she thoroughly enjoys getting out in the community and helping organizations like the Capreol Legion.

Captain Norm Duffy oversees the operations of the Capreol Cadets and he feels that, "This definitely is something that every kid should try, but it is not for everyone." He continued to explain, "The goal of the Irish Regiment of Canada is to produce better citizens, promote physical fitness, and give young people insight into the Canadian Armed Forces. It helps boys and girls develop self-confidence, poise, and a sense of respect for their fellow man and for authority. Many people say that you don't belong to Cadets; you are adopted by Cadets.
  

Canadian Tire & Mark's Work Wearhouse Open Their Doors on October 26, 2006 at 12 Noon
Canadian Tire and Mark's Work Wearhouse opened their doors officially for the first time at 12 noon on Thursday, October 26, 2006. There was very little fan-fare and no advance advertising. But by the end of the afternoon the parking lot was full as curious shoppers stopped by to see what they have been waiting many years to come. Traffic was brisk all weekend long.

The Grand Opening of the Centre is scheduled for Thursday, November 16, 2006.

John Brown "The Coin Guy" Provides Shoppers With Plenty of Holiday Gift Ideas
John Brown, "The Connoisseur" is preparing for a very busy Christmas season at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre. "This time of year many people are looking for something different to get for Christmas gifts. I had a lot of people stopping by to look and see what is available this weekend. They are all interested in when I am returning, so I expect to see a lot of them when I return next month."

John will be returning on November 16 and 17 and then again from December 20 to 23.

Centre Court At the Mall Is The Place To Be Every Afternoon To Discuss Politics of The Day
The first Mayor of Valley East, Mr. Raymond Plourde, second from the right, is shown having a conversation with several of his friends during one of the "Afternoon Council Sessions" that are held daily in the Centre Court Sitting Area at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre. The gentlemen enjoy their afternoon conversations with friends and acquaintances as they discuss everything under the sun. The mall has developed a very community-friendly image over the past couple of years, making this a true community centre for young and old alike.
Valley East Fire Department Ranks Right Up At The Top of The Heap With Excellent Volunteer Firefighting Crew
A fire at a local house on Hwy 69North across from the ball park demonstrated the efficiency of the Valley East Fire Protection Crew. Valley East is one of those communities which relies upon "Volunteer Firefighters" to assist the two to four full-timers on duty at the Val Therese Station #16. With over 60 "volunteers" on the list, residents of Valley East can rest assured that they are well protected. When a call goes out to the volunteers it is not uncommon to see 15 or 20 responding within minutes, ready for any emergency.

In the photo above, the volunteers wait until they get the "all clear" from their commander before departing the scene.
  
 

Published by
INFOCOM CANADA BUSINESS CONSULTANTS INC.
Robert Kirwan, President & C.E.O.
4456 Noel Crescent, Val Therese ON P3P 1S8
Phone: (705) 969-7215    
EMAIL   rkirwan@infocomcanada.com