30 ~ North Shore Mews - Sunday, March 12, 2000 Lasi Post funds bur AN elderly man has just died. He was neither very rich nor very poor. Most of his income came from the various annuities and pensions paid by the provincial and federal gov- ernments. His widow and children are discussing his funeral arrange- ments when someone remem- bers: “Wait a minute. Dad was a veteran. Isn't the family of a veteran or pensioned former services member enttled to some form of financial assis- tance for his funeral?” The family may indeed be entitled to assistance. To find out, they need only contact the nearest Last Post Fund office and make an application. The Last Post Fund works in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is dedicated to pro- viding a dignified funeral and Ente Spring Ruto Care — Contest Win $309 off any of the automotive services burial for veterans who served on active duty in the world wars or in the Korean War. Eligibility is also based on ar assessment of financial resources at the time of death of the deceased, Forces mem- bers and former members receiving a disability pension for peacetime service may also be eligible. This little-known group had its origin in 1909 when its founder, Mr. Hair, intervened to prevent the pauper burial of an old soldier who died with- out means. Shortly afterward, he 3nd a small group of friends set up the Last Post Imperial Naval and Military Contingency Fund. A few years later, this organization became the Last Post Fund. Many tamilies of veterans or former forces members receiv- ing disability pensions for ser- vice in peacetime deprive them- selves of financial assistance for provided by TAVLORMOTIVE | SENIORS = funeral arrangements. {t would be in their interest to find out about the Last Post Fund and contact the nearest branch as soon as the death occurs. Their application will receive immedi- ate attention. The Last Post Fund does not just pay funeral and burial expenses. {t also marks the graves of veterans that have noc had a permanent headstone or foot marker of any kind for five years or more. The Last Post Fund also owns the only military ceme- tery in Canada, the National Field of Honour, located in Pointe-Claire, Quebec. This is a private cemetery that was formerly dedicated to Canadians and Allied veterans, their spouses or a member of the immediate family. Since June 1999, military and former military personnel (and_ their spouses or a member of their immediate family} who have served in Special Duty Areas as peacekeepers, peacemakers or observers, may also be buried in the Field of Honour. The fund also supports the adminis- trators of local cemeteries in other large cities that maintain a military section. ‘The Last Post Fund is large- ly funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, with which it works in close cooperation. The national office is in Montreal, but the fund has branches in every province except Prince Edward Island, which is served by the New Brunswick branch. For more information on the Last Post Fund, cail coll free 1-800-465- 7il3 or visit the Lase Post Fund Web site at . Watch for this special section Wednesday March 15 and read ali about what to do to get your car ready for Spring. The ABCs of Fraud Team of senior volunteer speakers may be booked by groups of seniors. This is an interactive, enjoyable opportunity for seniors to Jearn about scam recognition, prevention tips and = available = community resources. For more informa- tion call 521-1235. Seniors Tennis Association: Social tennis for seniors, 55+, at various locations on the North Shore. Info: 988-2359 or 929-3271. Free Income Tax Clinic for low-income seniors during the month of March at Silver Harbour Centre, 144 E. 22nd St., N.V. By appointment: 980-2474. 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 cr just drop by. Info: 925-7292, Hula for Health: A gentle Hula class focuses on the mind and body together, while learning the dance. Saturdays, April 1-June 17, 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the West Van Seniors’ Centre. $17,/members, $28/non- members. Registration starts March 8: 925-7280. S-ancn 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, encour- agement and information. For info or appointment call 987- 8138. Seniors’ One-Stop Line: Call for information about health, housing, transporta- tion, support groups, meal NEWS photo Cindy Goodman Home and abroad. AMBLESIDE rasident Pamela Scott’s painted images from home and abroad are on view at West Vancouver Memorial Library to March 19. - programs, financial and le; issues. Weekdays 9 ames 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. Call Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 822-1330. Beginners Conversational German: Easy-going and fin SPECIALLY DISCOUNTED DEMONSTRATORS 1989 Mercedes Benz E430 silver/blue leather, 14K St#13506 1999 Mercedes Benz SL50060 silver/black leather, 13K St#16553 ' 1999 Mercedes Benz C230 biack/grey interior, 15K Si#13299 1989 Mercedes Benz ML430 black opal/parchment leather, 7K St#16289 20¢9 Mercedes Benz S500 silver/black leather, 5K St#15996 CALL OUR SALES CONSULTANTS FOR DETAILS ASK US ABOUT LEASING Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. 1375 Marine Dr. North Vancouver 984-9351 www.vancouver.mercedes-benz.ca class. .Sundays, April 2-May ° 21, 2-3:30 p.m. at the West Van Seniors’ Centre. $16/members. Register: 925- 7280. Keep Well at Zajac-Norgate House 16th and Bridgman, N.V. Mondays from 16 a.m.- noon, Send in your event listings. @ Event producers can choase to enter their own informa- tion in the News Web calen- dar at . — Sharon Cocomile Elders’ stories — wanted — From pege 27 than it took for us to go across Canada by train, not too many years ago. . 1 hope that this year we - will meet more of our oldest residents, encourage them to tell their stcrics, and cele- brate their contributions to our community. + Mary Segal is coordinator of Lionsview | Seniors’ Planning Society. Ideas for future columns are welcome. Contact Segal at 985-3852 or drop a line to. Lionsview Sentors? Planning Society, North Building, 600 W. Queens Ra, North Van, B.C., VN 2L3. ; KIDS FOLLOW THE WATER SAFETY RULES DO YOU? OP The Canadian Red Cross Society