= SENIORS — West Vancouver a refuge from Rhodesia From page 15 African Army at Cape Town, and life changed drastically. In June of 1942 in North Africa, he was taken prisoner of war by the Kftika Korp, the German and Italian armies, under Rommel, and taken to Italy. Throughout the war, he was put in six dif- ferent PoW work camps, in southern and northern Italy, Staiag 8B in Germany, and the Fortress of Thorn in Poland. Each camp held between 10,000 and 12,000 PoWs. When Ralph was first taken PoW in North Africa, he destroyed ail of his identi- fication and slightly changed the spelling of his surname, to protect his family members then livi ing in occupied Hotland. However, it was to no avail. Jewish prisoners were put into concentration camps. Ralph’s parents were Holocaust victims in Holland. He also lost his eldest brother. Understandably, it was a heartbreaking time in Ralph’s life then, and now, when he thinks about it. Early in 1943, in a camp in southern Htaly, Ralph was so thin and undernourished that he volunteered fora farm job in order to get some fresh food. He was taken to northern Italy, but instead of form work, he was to wark on a German airfield. He refused to work on the German project, even though he could have been shot for refusing. Luckily for him, he svas sent back to the PoW camp in southern Tialy and remained there until the Ttalians surrendered to the Allies. VLE. Day 1945 found Ralph in London, England. There he stayed for five months until he was repatri- ated to Cape Town. Since he was unmarried, he had to wait for the last convoy. Returning to Cape Town and putting his civiltan life back together, Ralph met beautiful Doreen Stein. ‘They married in 1946 and lived in Cape Town unul 1950 when they moved to Rhodesia (pre- sent-day Zimbabwe). Their five children were born dur- ing their years in Cape Town and Rhodesia. Ralph’s interest in educa- tion started when he and another man decided to do a what's on for seniers ONGOING Aging with Inspiration: This six-part workshop series, at the West Van Senior’s Activity Centre, looks at aging positively. Thursday, Feb. 24, Dealing with Memory Loss; Wednesday, March 1, Adding Years-to Your Life and Life to Your Years; Wednesday, _ March 8, Healthy Eating; Wednesday, March 15, Dealing with Losses; Wednesday, March 22, Facing your own Mortality; and Thursday, March 30 meet with cente- narians from a North Shore - care facility, Workshops from 1:30-3:30 p.m. $12/series or $2 drop-1 in fee. Info: 925- 7280. West Van Community Arts Council at the Silk Purse Arts Centre offers art exhibits, music talks, classical music concerts and book ‘readings. Refreshments: are “served at most functions. Come and volunteer or just drop by.-Info: 925-7292. West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre offers a vari- ey of f programs. Info: 925- 7280 Al-anon Family Groups meet daily offering support- ive, confidential sessions for families and friends of alco- holics. Info: 688-1716. Senior Peer Counsellors: Free confidential support counselling by trained peers offers caring = — support, encouragement and informa- tion. For info or appoint- ment call 987-8138. Seniors’ One-Stop Line: Call for information about health, housing, . tvansporta- tion, support groups, mea! programs, financial end legal “ issues. Weekdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Info: 983-3303. B.C, Seniors Medication Information Line (BC SMILE) offers a free tele- phone info-line staffed by licensed pharmacists to assist seniors, their families and caregivers with information about medications. Cail Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 222-1330. — Compiled by Sharon Cocomile Ada Leung Pharmacist _CAPSULE COMMENTS If you have a hoarse voice for two weeks or more and you aren't sick, check with your doctor. The problem could be caused by smoking, drinking alcohol exces- sively, or abusing your voice by yelling or screarning. But it could be a sign of more serious health problems. Get it checked. Take charge of your own health. Ee informed and talk with your doctor and pharmacist abottt your health: and medicatiun con- cems. Building 4 personal rap- port with our customers is a prime goal of our pharmacy. Free Parking Free Delivery for Pharmacy Prescriptions DAVIES PHARMACY 1401 St. Georges 985-8771 survey of families in the area, Their survey revealed there were trom 250 to 300 chil- dren travelling long distances to school, Sv they presented their findings to the govern: ment, pointing out the neces: sity for a school in their area. Bingo! The following year the government built a school there. Under the British school system, cach school had a council govern: ing the principals. Ralph sat on the school council tor 25 of the 27 vears he lived in Rhodesia. For 15 of those years he was also active with the Chamber of Commerce. Life was good and the family had wonderful times together. It wasn’t casy to make the decision to relocate again, but when the Naturalist government came into power, Ralph and Doreen decided it was time to go. After a long journey in 1977, the Herzsteins arrived Beitone Digital is the answer. in West Vancouver, The clear Decernber dav was perteer and the cooi air retreshing. The water glistened irom the sun, and white, fluffy cluuds lazity drifted across the azure sky. The natural serting was spectacular. Rolph and Dereen agreed: “We will never leave this place.” Their oldest daughter tived in the area, and their yourigest daughte them. Now, 22 years laters the Herzsteins still feel che same about the North Shore. For 16 years Ralph worked as administrator of bar operations at the West Vancouver Legion, Branch 60, before retiring at age 82. Ralph took up skiing in his early 70s and presently hits the slopes at Cypress Bowl three or four mornings a week during the season. In sumuner, he golts and bowls inside and ouc of doors. Having played the piano all of his life, starting at the ten- der age of seven or eight, he Writes bis own songs now, For a short time he did silver- sinith work, but preferred music and sports. Raiph says: “TE adjust quickly and always Jook for- ward — rather than back- ward.” He is an inspiration to others, on and off the ski stopes. “Be happy and grow old _. gracefil, py keeping active,” says Ralph. He points out: “Except for the war vears, I have ahvays enjoyed fife and 1 don’t dwell on the past.” His motto is “Be positive and keep moving, baby!” And Ralph certainly does that. Vikke Finkbeiner isa North Vancouver writer, If vou know of someone who might make an interesting profile, send your idea to Vikki ¢/o North Shore News. 000 ee Te ee eee Cemputer Problems? 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