“I was lonely aud bored. I did- we need an excuse to go there and I could go there in the afternoon. Before I knew it, I was spending all my time and money gambling.” — Lianne W., age 67 "Never in my life bad I not paid my bills, and I spent a lor of time with my grandkids. Now Pm late with mv rent and rarely see my family.” — Ron H., age 64 “I bad bailed ont Mom nvice already. I couldn’t afford to do st again. I needed to get help for her gambling before it destroved our relationship.” — son of a problem gambler THESE are direct quotes from Canadians who have problems dealing with gambling. On the North Shore and across the province, counsel- lors have been hired by the Ministry of Children and Families to work with teenagers and adults whose lives are being affected by problem gambling. Problem gambling has been defined as all gambling behaviour patterns that dis- rupt or damage a person’s family, work or personal life. Many people buy lotrery tickets, take a chance on a raf- fle for a car, or go to Las Vegas to enjoy the sunshine and entertainment that north shore news ae ‘4 SENIORS @ Gambling won't ‘fill includes gambling. We may think that these are harmless activities, but, for a significant number of seniors, gambling becomes a problem which can seriously affect our lives. Many older people become addicted to gambling because of changes in our onas ee ee oe SUNDAYS Sunday Social: 1:30 p.m. at Silver Harbour Centre, GOLDEN MILE OPENS FEBRUARY 12" ‘Fhere will be a_ great new place to play when Golden Mile Bingo opens its doors for the first time at noon, Friday 12th. , ‘North Shore resi- dents can look for- ward to hours of non-stop entertain- ment with friendly, ‘ helpful staff catering _ to their every need. City transit stops right at the door and there’s free parking available. Golden .Mile will be open every day, from noon on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday; and from 3:00 pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Golden Mile — is - building its reputa- tion on. creating a warm, friendly atmosphere where .even novice players can jump right into the action. In addi- tion to. the reguiar play and HotPots, there will be a $50,000 SuperStar Bingo on Sunday, February: 14th that’s Valentine's lives as we get older. We may become lonely because of the toss of a spouse, family members or special friends. Retirement from work, often with a significant drop in income, or moving toa new community can also make us anxious and looking for ways to fill our days. Here are some facts from Stats Canada about B.C.’s over-65 residents: @ 44% of retired people come to B.C. from outside the province. @ An additional 32% of retirees come from outside Canada. B The average adult over 65 has 7.7 trec hours per day. Sunday, February 14, 1999 up’ free time B Adults age 55-plus are the second biggest. group of spenders in gambling. From this you can see that many of us may be ata risk of addiction to gambling, which is similar to other addictions in that we may use this activi- ty to escape from depression, boredom or lonetiness. We may find that we are unable to stop. A problem gambler may also be addicted to alcohol or drugs. In fact, many people are concerned about the increase in casinos and video lottery terminals that may be associ- ated with liquor outlets. Perhaps the most difficult aspect of this problem is that one can hide the addiction until the gambler’s financial situation reaches a crisis point. Ifyou or a friend or family member feel that you are dealing with a gambling problem, vou may call North Shore counsellor Anita Hutchings at 926-9260. She works at the Seaview Counselling Centre in West Vancouver. Mavy 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 Seniors’ Planning — Society, — North Building, 600 W. Queens Ral, North Van, B.C., V7N 213. 144 East 22nd St., N.V. Everyone welcome. Info: 980-2474. MONDAYS Seniors’ Hub offers coftee and good company every Monday morning at 10 a.m. in the Lions Gate Hospital cafeteria. All welcome. Info: 988-7115. Bingo: 1:15 Volunteers are needed. Silver Harbour Centre, N.V. Info: 980-2474. p.m. Meals on Wheels: Hot INGO Day, so bring your loved one — Hey, you might get lucky! Golden Mile has been busy refurbish- ing the old Jackpot Bingo hall in’ Vancouver East. With a new look and a new attitude, Golden Mile is aim- ing at being the friendliest place to play bingo in the Lower Mainland. Come, see for your- self and join the action! °$50,000 SUPERSTAR SUNDAY SMOKING & NON-SMOKING *OPEN DAILY oFREE PARKING *WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE Go “A Great Place to Play” 877 iden Mile Bingo Hastings, 2nd Floor 215-8828 Vancouver (Next to Gulf & Fraser Credit Union) meals delivered between 22:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for the elderly, dis- abled or chose unable to prepare nutritious meals for themselves. Info: 922- 3414. Hearts in Motion Walking Club: Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 8:45 a.m., Capilano Mall, food court. Info: 983-8492. Music and Motion easy fitness class: 10 a.m. Silver Harbour Centre. Info: 980 2474. . Stamp Club: Second and fourth Monday of each month. 1-3 p.m. Silver SENIORS ity & ce ZAJAC-NORGATE HOUSE & Beautifully ay Harbour Centre. Donations to city library juniors. Info: Faith Sagar, 985-3580. The Osteoporosis Society: North Shore Support Group meets on the third Monday of each month (except in December, July and August), 7 p.m., W.V. Seniors’ Activity Centre. Info: 731-4997. TUESDAYS Bridge, Crib, Whist at Kiwanis Lynn Manor audi- torium, 2555 Whitely Cr., N.V. from 12:30-3 p.m. every Tuesday. Drop in fee of 31. Call Joni at 983- 6543 (local 8233). inted rental suites. Adaptable te your lifestyle. Walk to shops and close to transportation. Pre-renting for spring 1999 983-6629 HORE Health” Region. Sharing a Vision of Health LIONS GATE HOSPITAL'S Caring Community Calendar Prostate Cancer ort Group Tues. Feb. 23 at 7 RM. in Seminar Room A For information call Jack Carlisle at 929-5183 or Burt Anders at 924-0776. Outpatient Speech Language Therapy Assessment and treatment is available for adclescents and adults as well as resi- dents in extended care facilities with voice, fluency or swallowing disorders. Sessions can be individual or group. For more info. call Nicole Armstrong at 988-3131 local 4418. Relaxation Group Thursdays at 10 A.M. in the Medical Day Centre For cancer patients, their families and/or ivers, For information loyce Auld S.W. at 984-3709. Kids Worry Too HELD EVERY Ist & 3rd TUESDAY at 10:30 AM. in Seminar Room A An information and edu- cation session to help deal with children’s unique needs when a parent is Fitzgerald CNS, at 984-5831. | Breast Self Exansination Teaching Clinic in the Medical Day Centre Forappointment call 925-1962 Pre-Natal Tours . - Tueadays at 6PM meet in the Main Lobby A tour of the maternity unit for women expecting to have their baby at Partners welcome also. For information call 984-5864. Bereavement Group . in For info. call Geoff Straw, Coordinator at 984-5873. - ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR - aa — The Seniors’ Foundation of | British Columbia is presenting an Estate Planning Seminar. at the North Shore Winter Club . 1325 E. Keith Ave., North Vancouver on Wednesday, March 3, 1999 from 9:30a.m. to 12:00p.m. A panel of professionals will present important information regarding Wills, taxation and other estate planning issues. There is no charge but please calt 1-800-377-5566 to register. Refreshments will be served.