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- 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
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Older Adult Fall Prevention Network
Promotes Awareness Among Seniors On How To Create A Safe Environment |
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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 |
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Regular exercise can help you maintain muscle, bone
strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of injury. |
2. |
Eat Balanced Meals |
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It is important to eat at least three well-balanced
meals per day to avoid weakness, dizziness and fatigue. |
3. |
Plan Ahead |
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Rushing increases your risk of falling. Take your time.
Plan ahead so that you do not need to rush. |
4. |
Visit Your Doctor |
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Have regular check-ups as changes in vision, hearing,
bones and muscle can lead to falls. |
5. |
Remove Clutter |
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Clear objects from stairs and traffic areas. |
6. |
Use Medication Safely |
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Be aware that some medications can make you sleepy,
dizzy or lightheaded. Discuss side effects with your doctor or
pharmacist. |
7. |
Wear Supportive Shoes |
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Wear supportive footwear with non-skid soles indoors and
outdoors. |
8. |
Take Time For Friends |
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Research tells us that those who are isolated, lonely
and less active have more falls and more serious injuries. |
9. |
Use Walking Aids Correctly |
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A cane or walker should be fitted correctly and used as
recommended. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for assistance. |
10. |
Secure Rugs |
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Avoid small rugs or mats that could slide or bunch up
and cause someone to trip. |
11. |
Light Up The Night |
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Night lights can be used to brighten dark hallways,
bathrooms and stairs. |
12. |
Do A Home Safety Check |
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Do a safety check of your home. Basic safety features
include secure handrails, well-lit stairs, night lights, non-skid
bathmats and grab bars. |
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For more information about the Older Adult Fall
Prevention Network, you can call 522-9200, Ext. 520. |
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Visit To Former
Home Town During The Holidays Brought Back Fond Memories Of A
Simpler Way of Life |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Margaret Shawana
Wins Gingerbread House In Hanmer Denture Clinic Christmas Draw |
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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. |
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The Fox Family Is
Making A Difference For Our Troops In Afghanistan |
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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. |
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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. |
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Elizabeth Centre Residents Have A
Great Time During Octoberfest Pie Baking Contest |
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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.
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Click on the link below to see more photos from the 2006 Elizabeth Centre
Octoberfest.
For more photos
>>>>>
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2915 R.C (Army)
C.C. Irish Regiment of Canada Sell Poppies To Assist Capreol Legion |
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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.
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Canadian Tire & Mark's Work
Wearhouse Open Their Doors on October 26, 2006 at 12 Noon |
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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. |
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John Brown "The Coin Guy" Provides Shoppers With
Plenty of Holiday Gift Ideas |
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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.
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Centre Court At the Mall Is The
Place To Be Every Afternoon To Discuss Politics of The Day |
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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.
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Valley East Fire Department Ranks
Right Up At The Top of The Heap With Excellent Volunteer
Firefighting Crew |
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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.
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In the photo above, the volunteers wait until they get the "all
clear" from their commander before departing the scene.
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