Thank You 2014

The year is ending on a very positive note here at Terraces on 7th.

All year everyone has been involved in many charities and surpassing the goals of each one.

Terraces on 7th have taken the lead in ground breaking events during 2014 such as Farm to Table program.
We had the opportunity to be one of the key players for a series of concerts from Concerts in Care presented by Health Arts Society for the top Canadian Artists to bring their music to where Senior live. Concerts in Care will return again in 2015.

"Warmed Souls" a Poem by Molly McDonald

Thank you!

click to enlarge the poem.

Sock Number Reveal Party Dec 17, 2014

Our Sock-o-Meter exploded!

We surpassed our goal of 1000 pairs of socks!

My many thanks to everyone who gave so generously from the heart which includes all the staff and residents of Terrace's on 7th.
My thanks to people in the community who are just awesome by donating hundreds of pairs of socks.

I am collecting socks until the end of January 2015.
You can drop socks off for the Sock Granny at these locations:
Granville Island Starbucks, for Barb
Starbucks 1855 Burrard St, for Amanda
Terraces on 7th-Front Desk, for Sock Granny

Sock Granny is on Facebook

Sock Granny News - 912 Pairs of Socks

Take a look at our new total... Thank you!

There are so many in need of socks we are collecting to the end of January. Molly told me today "they never have enough socks during the winter months!" Let's blow the top off the Sock-o-Meter and keep the socks coming. Colleges are holding sock drives! Thanks so much!

Birds at Lake Chapala, Mexico for armchair Birdwatchers

Lake Chapala is a favourite bird migration destination so don't be surprised when you see common northern birds also on the Lake Chapala bird lists during the fall and winter months.
Paul Hart showcases 70 species of birds from the Lake Chapala area. Each bird is identified so it is armchair birdwatching at its best.
http://youtu.be/fnyQych3z5A

List of birds seen at Lake Chapala during the month of October, 2014

Ani, groove billed
http://youtu.be/wEFh_QHy1DA

Blackbird, Brewer's
http://youtu.be/2mTJlJK9gkk

Blackbird, yellow-headed
http://youtu.be/6-Pk-VMtZM0

Bunting, indigo
http://youtu.be/JJTaV95E9Qg

Bunting, painted
http://youtu.be/vtl4YHP95Z0

Bushtits
http://youtu.be/yXsN2Ly59JM

......plus 111 more birds identified for the month of October, 2014

Five species of Doves at Lake Chapala

How to identify a Fox Sparrow
Birding in Vancouver

A 48 minute video of World Exotic Birds

Breakfast for Diabetes 9:30AM

Fundraiser Event for Diabetes was held right in our Bistro on Friday, November 14, 2014.

Breakfast was an example of a balanced breakfast everyone should have daily.
Hot oatmeal cereal with milk.
Fresh fruit and wholewheat toast.
Coffee or tea.
I had breakfast with Muriel.

Muriel's comment was, "I wish they would serve this breakfast in the Bistro everyday!".
I agreed,"even once a week would be a treat!".

Remembering Doolee McDonnell

Doolee will always be remembered by everyone who knew her and each person will treasure a special memory of her. Doolee passed away on Nov. 2,2014.

The first big impact that Doolee made on my life is when my Daughter-inlaw, Debra, was diagnosed with breast cancer and we had a Pink Day fundraiser in support of Debra in 2009.
Doolee dressed in a formal pink gown so that she was pink from head to toe for the event. Debra was so impressed and touched by her support.

Doolee was well known for her painting and overall love for all forms of art. One day she invited me to her suite to take a few photographs of her paintings and that I could use one (gift) for my photo-a-day marathon during 2010 to show my support for Debra's ongoing fight with cancer. Doolee was always supportive of any charity project I was working on.

Pixie is the sweetest, cutest gift we had because Doolee was happy to share her with us. We all loved her company.
We will miss them both here at Terraces on 7th.

Seniors Never Stop Caring for Others

I have been living with Seniors for over 7 years and I am convinced I have found the secret fountain of youth here at Terraces on 7th. The secret to living a long and happy life is never stop caring about others.
We had a launch party for the Sock Granny 1000 pairs of Socks Campaign October 20, 2014. Everyone was told that with one pair of new or used socks anyone can make a positive difference in someones life.
The following Newsletter explains the incredible results.

WE WANT YOUR SOCKS!

Molly and the Sock Granny

The Sock Granny 1000 campaign has been launched at Terraces on 7th. Its aim? To collect 1000 pairs of socks for those who need them most.

On Monday, October 20th we collected 400 pairs of socks in one afternoon. The socks just kept flowing in like a river of warm comfort. Our donation basket simply overflowed! Were residents inspired by the promise of an ice cream sundae? Not at all. Even our maintenance man was willing to take off his shoes and donate the socks off his feet to bring the count from 399 to 400!

We are doing this in support of our neighbours, the MPA Society (mpa-society.org). From there they are distributed by hand to those who need them most.

We hope this inspires you to make a difference in somebody else’s life. It’s as easy as one pair of socks.

Submitted by Jennifer Slater (Recreation Manager) and Barbara Vance (the Sock Granny of Terraces).

Seniors Collecting Socks at Terraces on 7th

The Sock Granny is collecting socks again this year at Terraces on 7th.

Our launch party is all set for Oct. 20th at 3pm in the Bistro. An opportunity to sort out your sock drawer and donate socks that you do not wear anymore. Our goal is 1000 pairs of Socks. Leave your socks at the front desk for Sock Granny.
Two Starbuck Stores are supporting our Sock Granny sock collections.
Drop-off locations:
1. Granville Island Starbucks (write Barb on the bag of socks)
2. Starbucks 1855 Burrard St - (write Amanda on the bag of socks)

Who is the Sock Granny and where are the socks being donated to?
The Sock Granny information blog.

My Granddaughter, Amanda, designed this years (2014/2015 season) poster.

Seniors care and want to help. Last year seniors and their families gave over 400 pairs of socks! We thank you!

African Violet transplant demo Slideshow by Grama Barb

The Music of Rossini

Gioachino Antonio Rossini (1792 – 1868)
Born in Pesaro, Italy
Throughout his life he wrote more than 30 operas and probably the most recognized even today is the masterpiece The Barber of Seville.

Please read the biography of Gioachino Rossini online:
http://www.8notes.com/biographies/rossini.asp


We enjoyed the magnificent, lively performance of
Karen Lee-Morlang
Joel Klein
Robyn Driedger-Klassen

Karen Lee-Morlang is in demand as one of Western Canada's top chamber musicians and accompanists, Karen Lee-Morlang has been a fixture on the Canadian musical scene for the past 15 years. Performer, educator and impresario, Karen is well loved for her boisterous and charming personality as well as her brilliant programming. Read more

Baritone Joel Klein has three music degrees, has sung roles for opera companies across Western Canada. Read more

Robyn Driedger-Klassen is well known on opera, recital and concert stages. Operatic appearances include: Sophie in Massenet’s Werther, Naiade in Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos, Marzelline in Beethoven’s Fidelio, Alexandra in the Canadian premiere of Marc Blitzstein’s Regina, Bubikopff in Viktor Ullmann’s Der Kaiser von Atlantis, the Countess in Le Nozze di Figaro, the Governess in Britten’s The Turn of the Screw and the Female Chorus in The Rape of Lucretia. Read more

Their program included:
"Una voce poco fa"from Il barbiere di Sivilgia
"Dunque io son" (duet)from Il barbiere di Sivilgia
"Come un'ape nei' giorni d'aprile"from La Cenerentola
"La pesca" (duet) from Soirées musicales
"Bel raggio lusinghiere" from Semiramide
"L'invito"
"La Promessa"
"La Danza"

A little known fact for those who say "I never listen to Opera!"
Did you know that the theme song of the show The Lone Ranger was Rossini's overture from William Tell?
You can listen to it here:
http://youtu.be/uUpDG680uew

All the residents of Terraces on 7th would like to thank the Health Arts Society for the Concerts in Care program in providing seniors living in health care sites with high quality performances. Learn about Health Arts Society.

Featuring BC's Top Teen Singing Sensation

Finlay Peterson wins first place at the 2014 BC Provincial Classical Voice Competition. Finlay's interview With CKPGTV right after her win and now available on youtube
She talks about her love for singing from a very young age and you will hear a sample of her singing voice. http://youtu.be/vs2tKpLKbK4

Everyone at Terraces on 7th Retirement Home was very excited when we learned that Finlay Peterson would be our guest on August 21, 2014
A large audience of Seniors gathered in anticipation of Finlay's entrance and performance when the big day arrived.
The entire audience became still and very quiet as Finlay started to sing in her award winning soprano voice. No one could believe that this magnificent clear voice was coming from a 14 year old teenager. She held everyone spell bound throughout her concert.

Even a visiting baby stopped to listen to Finlay!

We have a special "Thank you Finlay!" message from everyone at Terraces on 7th with an open invitation from every person in attendance requesting Finlay to come again.

Concert Starring Kenneth Broadway and Mark McGregor

Another smash hit of our "Concert in Care" series was held at Terraces on 7th, July 29, 2014.
Featuring Mark McGregor on the Flute and Kenneth Broadway on the Piano

Here is their repertoire:
J.S. Bach: Sonata in C major, BWV 1033
Franz Schubert: Three Songs (Water Song, Pigeon Mail, Ave Maria)
Philippe Gaubert: Fantaisie
Samuel Barber: Canzone
Georges Bizet/Francois Borne: Carmen Fantasy

Kenneth Broadway and Mark McGregor in concert at Terraces on 7th - listen to my video here
http://youtu.be/RQV6Fgf00iM

Flutist Mark McGregor was born and raised in Vancouver. His music tuition includes studies in Montréal, Paris, Sydney (Australia) and at the University of British Columbia.
http://www.healtharts.org/artist/mmcgregor

Pianist Kenneth Broadway’s career has taken him throughout the world as soloist, accompanist, and chamber musician.
http://www.healtharts.org/artist/kbroadway

Read more news about Concerts in Care: Retirement Concepts adopts Concerts in Care/Health Arts Society

Farm to Table at Terraces on 7th

Farm to Table for Healthy Aging Program
On June 26, 2014 at Terraces on 7th we enjoyed a Gala Event celebrating the return to Farm to Table concept by supporting local farmers.
In the afternoon you could enjoy visiting our new vendor displays of where the fresh food for your new menu will be coming from. For example we met David from Barston Island Greens. (photo below)

Our special menu for dinner included the source of all the items being served by Chef Wolfgang and Chef David.

Links to the local farms:
Barnston Island Herbs in Surrey, BC
Windset Farms in Delta and Abbotsford, BC
Blue Goose Farms in BC
Krause Berry Farms in Langley, BC

Our gracious hostess throughout the Gala Farm to Table event was Jerilyn Lee, BCR, General Manager, Terraces on 7th (photo below)
Jerilyn is serving wine from local BC Wineries.

At our Gala event dinner: Barbara, Chef Wolfgang, Carol

Jane Coop is a Pianist with Deep Powerful Feelings

On June 10, 2014, Terraces on 7th was privileged and honoured to have Pianist Jane Coop, one of Canada’s most prominent and distinguished artists to perform in concert for all the senior residents.

She is at one with the piano and plays like you have never heard a piano before. She draws you to deep emotional depths and keeps you there until the last note. Breathless is an understatememt.

You can read Jane Coop's impressive biography here: Biography - Pianst Jane Coop

Repertoire for Jane Coop's concert was:
Domenico Scarlatti: Sonatas in C major, F minor, G major and C minor
Beethoven Sonata: Op. 10, No. 3
Chopin: Scherzo Op. 54, No. 4

Her CD release is called A Century of Piano Classics



This concert was the first of three events to be held this summer of 2014 is called Concerts in Care presented by Health Arts Society
The mandate of the Health Arts Society is to provide professional music and theatre performances to audiences in health care facilities, providing those isolated from our arts community the experience of enjoying performance arts in their own health care setting.

On behalf of all Seniors living in health care facilities, such as Terraces on 7th, we would like to thank the Founder, Executive and Artistic Director, David Lemon, for having insight into the cultural needs of seniors.

Health Arts Society is a registered charity.

Webcam Birding Report from Seniors

We have been busy meeting at our library all glued to our large screen computer twice a week and enjoying every minute of spying on the private lives of nesting birds. Their main activity is eating, poo-ing and sleeping. Outbursts of sibling rivalry occur more often with the Redtailed Hawk chicks. While watching the baby hawks being fed suddenly the chat box beside the online webcam lit up with a class of kindergarten asking if they could ask some questions about the Hawk family. Of course the moderator of the website was more than happy to have the teacher ask questions on behalf of her students. We were so pleased at being able to sit in on this classroom discussion. What a privilege!

Red-tailed Hawk webcam

Our Eagle family experienced a death in the family. One little chick was probably kidnapped and eaten by the crow family. A few days ago we saw the eagle nest being persistantly harassed by a crow. We know there was 3 chicks at that time. When we came back a couple of days later there were only 2 eagle chicks left in the nest.

American Bald Eagle Nest webcam

Webcam Birders Group Inaugural Meeting

April 30,2014
Three Seniors met together for our inaugural meeting of Webcam Birders Group. More will join us later. We will meet daily throughout the bird nesting season to visit our favourite nesting birds live until all the chicks fledge.
Today everyone was excited when Mom Hummingbird flew to her nest to feed her babies while we had the webcam on FULL screen! It was awesome to watch.

Sunset & Twilight on the Porch Card by gramabarb

Thank you Whidbey Island Back Porch

Poem in Your Pocket Day April 24, 2014

Here is my poem for you on Poem in Your Pocket Day April 24, 2014

Rondeau
Jessie Redmon Fauset
(1882-1961)

When April's here and meadows wide
Once more with spring's sweet growths are pied
I close each book, drop each pursuit,
And past the brook, no longer mute,
I joyous roam the countryside.

Look, here the violets shy abide
And there the mating robins hide—
How keen my sense, how acute,
When April's here!

And list! down where the shimmering tide
Hard by that farthest hill doth glide,
Rise faint strains from shepherd's flute,
Pan's pipes and Berecyntian lute.
Each sight, each sound fresh joys provide
When April's here.

Today's poem is in the public domain.
About This Poem
Rondeau was first published in 1912.
More information about Poem in Your Pocket Day
http://www.squidoo.com/poem-in-your-pocket-day

Friendship Cherry Blossom Card by gramabarb
View other Friends Cards at Zazzle.com