44 - Worth Shore News - Wednesday, February 9, 2006 Tree time PARENTING \. NEWS photo Cindy Gondman NATHALIE Carter and Salome Hanlon bark up the right tree in West Vancouver near the sea walk. 183 Pemberton Ave. 885-7198. TALKING YELLOW PAGES Nee Last year, a new pacemaker implant saved Max's life. Now be can spend more time with his grandfather, Please give to the Heart and Stoxe Foundation. Training Proavam Montessori Teacher Training Program commences each September, it is 3 hours, one evening a week and 9 months long. This program is for people desiring to obtain their Montessori Teaching Diploma. North Burnaby Location is only one minute across the 2nd Narrows Bridge. For further information or a free brochure, contact Dale Gausman 8.Ed., A.V.L, E.C.E. ; T he North American Progressive Kids’ siulf THURSDAYS Playtime Drop-in: Enjoy the company of other adults while your children have fun playing, making crafts and singing. Every Thursday from 9:30-11:15 am. in the upstairs lounge of Lynn Vailey United Church, 3201 Mr. Highway. $5/family. Info: 987-2114. Drop-in Babes Storytime: For 0-24 menths at the North Van City Library. Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Into: 980-4424. — Compiled by Sharon . Cocomile f north vancouver July 31, 2000. city o ee eeenaeeal Fortify yourselves WE’RE prone to think of ourselves as moth- ers, fathers, children, grandparents and ather individual family members, but some- times it’s important to stand back and see the bigger picture of the entire family. Although it is comprised of unique individuals, a fam- ily is, in fact, a functioning, whole, somewhat like a sports team. Often, it is only as strong as its weakest link. For that reason alone, it’s important to step back occa- sionally and evaluate the health of each link in the family. There is, of course, more than one type of health. The most obvious is physical heaith, Is everyone eating right, sleeping right, and getting the check-ups they need? Does everyone get a little exercise? Has everyone given up nasty habits like smok- ing, drinking and drug use? We often take health for granted until we are faced with some crisis. A bread- winner suddenly gets sick and is unable to work; a mother gets ill and is unable to provide the support for children at home; a child gets ill and the family waits, helplessly, for a miracle. When families face such crises they usually either get stronger or fal] to pieces. It is impossible to predict what challenges we may face as families, but it is a good idea to reduce whatever risks we may be taking. A strong family supports each other DISCOUNT UNTIL FEBRUARY 29TH Water and Sewer Utility Statements for 2000 have now been mailed. Any property owner whe has not received a Water and Sewer Statement should immediately contact the City of North Vancouver Tax Office at 983-7316. PENALTIES: A 5% penalty will be applied to outstanding water/sewer charges after April 28, 2006, and a further 5% penalty will be added to charges remaining unpaid after with the fami with good habits, encour- agement to do the right things and support when times get difficult. They do cat well, get their rest, avoid risky behav- iours and attend to their medical needs, not only for theniselves, but as a respon- sibility to the entire family unit. Then, should unknown circumstances arise, they pull together to support each other, doing everything in their power to relieve the challenges and keep the family intact. There is also the issue of mental and emotional health. Life is a challenge, at any age, and a supportive family puts aside the time to listen to each other, to pro- vide advice and encourage- ment and to stabilize the circumstances for those who need it. So often when a member of the family is in crisis, grandparents and/or sib- {ings will come in and pro- vide the security children need. Such support not only helps the children adjust to the challenges, but allows the other family member to focus on getting better, knowing that there are oth- ers there to pick up the falling pieces. One of the downsides of our economic mobility and marital instability has been New Owners should be aware of their responsibility for payment of 2000 water and sewer charges and should ensure that they are paid by themselves or the previous owners. Postdated cheques will be accepted. Terry Christie, Director of Finance ly unit the disintegration of strong. family units. We often move away for employment or simply drift away from for- mer relationships losing the support network that once provided us with grounding. Family reunions happen once every ten years instead of once a month, For some, the economics of employ- ment may be traded for the stability of family. It’s never an easy decision to make and once made, a difficult one to reverse. Still, moderna communi. cation has given us an opportunity to stay connect- ed with our families, by phone, fax or e-mail and it may be a connection thar, despite the lack of rea! con- tact, still maintains a sense - of our roots and security. A weekly call, from a grandparent to grandchil- dren, or from an estranged parent to a child, can make a huge difference in provid: ing a connection and should not be underestimated in its ability co bring a sense of family unity and support. I've been blessed in my life, with a family that has stayed connected, despite thousands of miles between us and I’ve run out of fin- — gers and toes on which to count how many times a simple letter, phone call or e-mail has given me strength. I remain convinced that one of the greatest innocula- tions against the risk of physical and mental iilness is the love and support of a family unit. : — Graham Hookey is the author of Parenting Is A Team Sport. ine brict. Discount until February 29th: A 10% discount is allowed to water and sewer ' rates paid in full before or by 3:30 p.m. February 29, 2000. Mayor Barbara A. Sharp Councillor Bill Bell . Councillor John Braithwaite Councillor Bob Fearnley Councillor Craig Keating Councillor Darrell Mussatta Councillo? Barbara Perraule ° TA ‘,