BUS

Outings

-

AgeCare Harmony Court Estate

August 2018

Bus Outing:

Picnic Lunch at

Queen Elizabeth

Park

Tuesday August 7th

Bus Outing:

Shopping& Lunch

at Coquitlam Centre

Thursday August 9th

Bus Outing:

Scenic trip to

Burnaby Mountain

Tuesday August

14th

Bus Outing: Shopping & Lunch

at Royal City Centre Thursday August

16th

Bus Outing:

Picnic Lunch at

Vancouver

Aquarium

Thursday August

23rd

Lunch Outing Balkan House

Restaurant Tuesday August 28

th

Sign Up at Reception Please!

Harmony Court Estate Managers Directory

AgeCare:

Cindy Kahlon Administrator 604-527-3319 ext. 3319

Paulette Bonin Accounting Manager 604-527-3325 ext. 3325

Ralph Villar Resident Service Manager 604-527-3336 ext. 3336

Joel Grigg Retirement Living Consultant 604-527-3323 ext. 3323

Evan Klonarakis Maintenance Manager 604-527-3311 ext.3311

SimpeQ:

Aalysia Mulligan HR Manager 778-997-1100

Rex Duremdes Estate Care Coordinator 778-389-9999

Jessica Lemire Recreation Manager 604-527-3328 ex.3328

Mehri Kamali Estate Recreation Coordinator 604-528-8584 ext.8584

Aramark:

Billy Ibarra Support Services Manager 604-527-3329 ext.3329

Curtiss Schaffer Support Services Assistant Manager 604-528-8582 ext.8582 7197 Canada Way

Burnaby, V5E 4A6

An Indian Thanksgiving

Around the world, August heralds the start of annual harvest festivals, when farmers begin to reap the delicious rewards of the summer

growing season. Perhaps there is no place that celebrates the harvest with more joy and enthusiasm than the state of Kerala

on India’s Malabar Coast. For 10 days each August, Kerala celebrates Onam and gives thanks for the return of the god king Mahabali.

Hindu legend states that under Mahabali’s rule, Kerala flourished with great prosperity, and he was beloved

by all. He was so popular that the other gods became jealous and decided to overthrow him. However, when Mahabali showed reverence

to the gods, they granted him one wish, that once a year he could return to his kingdom of Kerala. This is why, during Onam, the people of Kerala prepare for Mahabali’s return and enjoy the prosperity of the

harvest.

The first day of Onam, known as Atham, involves visiting temples and preparing for the arrival of Mahabali. One of the

most significant preparations is the Pookalam, a beautiful and elaborate carpet made

out of multicolored flowers, a sort of Mahabali welcome mat. Each day flowers are added to the Pookalam,

and it grows and grows. On the fourth day, known as Visakam, families begin their preparation of the grand feast that is held on the last day. For

the next five days, locals engage in various merriments. Snake boat races

are held on the river Pampa. Each massive boat is oared by hundreds of paddlers while massive crowds line the river. Men play various

traditional games known as Onakalikal. Competitors vie for archery and wrestling titles, while

others play a game similar to dodgeball, except that players use their feet to move the ball. On

the tenth and final day, King Mahabali arrives for the feast of Onasadya, which requires the preparation of

a nine-course meal including 13 essential dishes. This is the culmination of a 10-day cultural tour-de-force, the ultimate expression of Kerala’s blessed history.

July Bus Trip

The G.P.S guided us on a neighborhood bus tour, in no hurry,

Then away we went to Krause Berry Farm in Surrey.

We Crossed the Port Mann Bridge with the Fraser River below,

Gulls swooped and soared above us, then diced down to say hello.

We arrived, disembark, then our visit starts,

The bakery is first, full of pies cookies and tarts.

The gift shop and store sold all sorts of things,

From berries, jam and honey to cute napkin rings.

We had a waffle with berries and whipped cream for lunch,

Agreement was “It was delicious” as always we did munch.

Purchases consisted of plump juicy berries,

Strawberry, blueberry, blackberry and sweet B.C. cherries.

We headed home with our fruit and again crossed the bridge,

The goodies we bought would soon fill the fridge.

On the way home peals of laughter filled the bus,

There was bantering and teasing which quite amused us.

We arrive home and agree we all had a good time,

I bid adieu as I now end this rhyme.

TERESA FLORKOW

July 2018

03 Ronald F. 04 Dan Mc. 08 Pearl K. 09 Maurice H. 09 Lloy W. 15 Margaret B. 17 Carol C. 24 Ronald B.

12 Robert B.

Hello Everyone

August Birthstone is Peridot; The peridot, the birthstone for the month of August, is a beautiful stone that ranges in color from olive to lime green, although it sometimes has a brownish tint. It is one of the few gemstones that is found in one color. The green color is due to the presence of iron. Stones with a brownish tint have higher levels of iron. The peridot is one of the oldest known gemstones. It has ties to ancient Egypt, where it was often shaped into beads and worn for protection. The ancient Egyptians believed the stone could protect its wearer from evil. It is believed that Cleopatra’s emerald collection was actually a collection of peridot gems and not emeralds. The largest peridot ever found weighs 311.78 carats and belongs to the Smithsonian. The Kremlin owns a 192-carat peridot of fine, clear olive green. The stone is part of the Russian crown jewels. Flower of the Month is Gladiolus; The gladiolus is a flowering plant that belongs to the iris family. It grows most frequently in the Mediterranean region, Asia, and the tropical parts of Africa, where its pink, purple, and white flowers can blossom in the full sunlight. The stems and leaves of the gladiolus stand tall and have pointed tips. It comes as no surprise, then, that the gladiolus flower gets its name from the Latin word for sword (gladius). In ancient times, it also went by the name of xiphium, after the Greek word xiphos, which also means “sword.” In Rome, the gladiolus is still regarded as the flower of the gladiators. The gladiolus can represent many different things. For example, in many cultures it signifies remembrance, but the Victorians used the gladiolus as a symbol of infatuation, implying that the giver’s heart has been “pierced” with passion.

Breakfast Club Thursday August

2nd

Afternoon Social with Glen Williams

Friday, August 3rd

B.C.

Celebrations with Pancho

And Sal Friday August

10th

Pub Night & 50/50 Draw with Ryan Langevin

Tuesday, August 14th

Summer Songs

& Ice cream with Birgit

Thursday, August 16th

Birthday Social

with Lorrain Smith Friday, August

17th

Afternoon Social with Lou Earl Friday, August

24th

Caribbean Day Celebration with

Kendrick Friday, August

31st

All welcome!

Special Days

Watermelon Day August 3

Friendship Day August 5

British Columbia Day August 6

Lefthanders Day August 13

Full Sturgeon Moon August 26

Women’s Equality Day August 26

SPECIAL

EVENTS

Education Seminar:

Alzheimer Society of BC

Tuesday, August 14th

10:30am

Activity Room~ 3rd

Floor

Education Seminar:

Medical Alert Device by Telus

Tuesday August 21st

10:30am

WELCOME

Gunter E.

Harry K.

Adele D.

Maurice H.

Shelagh-Ann H.

Activity Room~ 3rd

Floor

Farewell

Robert B.

In Loving Memory Of Bob M.

He will be missed here at Harmony

Court.

Lament over Vancouver

Not long ago, anybody had the freedom to own a home here.

But now the city is priced beyond our capabilities, and

a dream has disappeared and we are

being deprived of what used to be ours.

Land and houses are now bought and sold as investments.

The first Nations’ People had warned us against that,

“The land belongs to the Creator,” they said.

Ridiculous we thought, believing that we knew enough

to ward off any evil results of our ventures.

Many of us have built elaborate homes as symbols of riches.

A revolution has happened, making it hard to understand

that only the wealthy can now own this metropolis.

We, who are at this time outsiders, have contributed to the city,

by making it liveable through our sky train.

our many bridges, roads and trees,

the sandy shores, the bike-paths, the seawall, the parks.

Many of the stately mansions are being destroyed.

Our history is vanishing.

The most liveable city in the world is gone.

It is now one of the most expensive city in the world!

It is ironic that we realized too late,

how we neglected the original wisdom

of the privilege of living in our homes and land.

True we can still visit this earthly garden,

but for us to own it, we have to pass

the money-angels, brandishing swords.

This Paradise is lost to us!

Catharina Donkersloot

May 2016

Feedback & Comments Please let us know.

Fill out a Feedback Form

located at Reception

or

Email / Leave letter for

Cindy Kahlon,

Administrator (Office located to the right of

the main entrance)

ckahlon@agecare.ca

Take a Birthday Bough

August 1–4: Cypress Those who fell from the cypress tree are very faithful. They love to be around other people and are extremely adaptable to new situations. They are optimistic and take what life has to offer. They tend to be very content. August 5–13: Poplar People who fell from the poplar tree take their friendships and spousal relationships very seriously. They tend to be loyal. They can be relied upon in almost any situation. They are also imaginative and creative. August 14–23: Cedar Those who fell from the cedar tree are not in the least bit shy in fact, they exude self-confidence and outgoingness. It’s no surprise that they make great public speakers. Since patience is not one of their virtues, they are quick to make decisions. August 24–31: Pine People who fell off the pine tree are very active and creative. Even though they can be perfectionists, they make great companions. They are frugal and know how to stretch the buck and yet still live comfortably

Weather or Not

As the summer nears its end and we inch closer to fall,

let’s use some August weather lore to try to predict what

the next winter will be like! Pay attention to the first

week of this month— if it is unusually warm, it means

that the coming winter will be snowy and long. Was this

month cold? If so, it means that the following winter will

be harsh and dry.

August Humor

Optimist: The glass is half full.

Pessimist: The glass is half empty.

Mother: Why didn’t you use a coaster!

*

Teacher: “OK class, who will give me the chemical formula for water?”

Pupil: “HIJKLMNO.”

Teacher: “What on earth are you talking about?”

Pupil: “Well you said yourself yesterday it was H to O!”

*

A 65-year-old millionaire is getting married and throws a big wedding reception.

His friends are quite jealous, and one of them asks him how he landed such a

gorgeous young beauty. “Simple,” grins the millionaire, “I faked my age.” His

friends are amazed and ask him what age he said. “Well,” he replied, “I said I was

95!

*

A neighbor comes to Mr. Myer and says, “Your dog just bit my mother-in-law.” Mr.

Myer is horrified and apologizes profusely, adding sadly, “You’ll probably be

wanting financial compensation, won’t you?” “Absolutely not!” smiles the neighbor.

“I’d like to buy the dog.”

*

Wife: Honey, I have good news and bad news about the car

Husband: Give me the good news first

Wife: The airbags work!

********************************************************************

kk

First Sunday in August: Sister’s Day

Sister's Day celebrates being or having a sister. That means a lot of us will

celebrate this special day.

Sisters are truly special and unique. Sure, we may argue and fight. But,

when it comes right down to it, sisters are the best, the very best.

Celebrate Sister's Day by spending time with your sister. Make it a special

day in some way for you, and for her.