Victoria’s Read

- 240  people in NORTH BAY are hospitalized because of stroke/heart attack each year.
- 20% of  NORTH BAY  residents have high blood pressure.
- Because of your support, 38 AEDs have been allocated to the North Bay/Nipissing Districts.
- 58% of area residents are overweight or obese.
-We’ve invested more than 1.2 a billion dollars into research that’s given us new drug therapies, treatments and procedures that are saving countless North Bay area patients’ lives.

This February, our community goal is to raise $38,000.00 during Heart Month!

We fund 450 researchers and teams in Ontario who are currently pursuing more than 300 new discoveries.

- Dr. Jill Camerson is being funded to research how to educate the family caregivers of stroke survivors.
- Dr. Sherry Grace is investigating how to improve women’s access and commitment to cardiac rehab programs to counteract the fact that more women have poor recovery rates after heart attack compared to men because of barriers.
- Dr. Robert Hegele is examining gene mapping to learn more about the pathways and enzymes of high blood pressure in order to predict, treat and manage this major risk factor-an important initiative for more then 20% of North Bay area residents over 12 years of age who have high blood pressure.

Join us for some of our EXCITING Heart Month Events this February!

P2P – Door to Door Canvass. During the month of February, we have over 500 volunteers going door to door throughout the North Bay area, including Calendar, Sturgeon Falls, Bonfield, Astorville, Sundridge, Mattawa and South River.

Saturday, February 4: Awareness Night at the West Nipissing Arena during the Sturgeon Falls Lumber Jack game against the Mattawa Voyageurs.

Friday, February 24: Soups ON at the Clarion Resort Pinewood Park from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Tickets are $10.00 per person. This entitles you to sample over 50 soups including veggies & dip, fruit & dip, buns, coffee, tea and water. New this year is a High School competition. You will be able to vote on your favourite soups the same as in past years but there will also be a second vote for the high schools. A Silent Auction and Health Fair will also be included in this day of events.

My turn at hosting the Christmas dinner was a great success. The turkey, gravy and stuffing were perfect, the potatoes were mashed with just the right amount of milk and butter and the turnip was soft and tasty. My son brought the cheese platter, my daughter brought the pickle tray, mom brought yummy baked beans and Julie came with buns. The homestead was alive and there was plenty of delicious food for my party of ten.

Ten of the most cherished people in my life all together to share the meaning of Christmas with me. My heart was so full of love that I wouldn’t even know where to start….. but of course, I do.

It all started when my husband presented me with a pretty little box to open. It was a beautiful nurses watch to help me with my new career. My parents and brother arrived shortly after with a van filled to the brim with presents. (Santa does exist! He’s handsome, drives a white Dodge Caravan and his wife is pretty sweet too!)

My son arrived with a large gift for me! (Yes, little boxes are great but big ones are pretty nice too!) My daughter and her man finished off the guest list a little later on in the day. I received many thoughtful gifts from my wonderfully supportive family and was deeply touched by how much consideration went into them. It’s as if they know me!!!

There were numerous other splendid Christmas memories made that day that I will cherish for the rest of my days but the most impacting one for me was when Brad and Julie arrived.

I hadn’t seen my sister-in-law since her gastric bypass surgery 6 months ago and she looked amazing! I simply could not stop staring at her. Now, I know what everyone else must have been feeling when they saw me after my surgery. “You look amazing!” I found myself repeating.

That night she and I stayed up until 2am talking and eating Brads delicious homemade chocolates. “I don’t regret a minute of it.” Julie answered. “I should have done it sooner.” Julie went on to say that her blood sugar levels are normal now and her overall health is so much better. Julie has dropped four sizes so far.

Victoria says…Everyone should experience the joy of hosting Christmas.

“It’s time!” she says to me on the phone, with the sound of enthusiasm you would expect to hear from a young child. “Okay? For what?” I ask my grown daughter. “To decorate your home for Christmas, of course.” She answered, trying to hide her impatience. She has always struggled with patience, right from day one. She never could grasp the idea of waiting and Christmas time was no exception. I never could figure out who she got that trait from!

This year, Christmas is here at the homestead so she is particularly even more excited. The old traditions of Christmases past will be once again: Turning off all the lights and lighting all the candles, singing along to Christmas music while we drink our mixed eggnog concoctions.

My husband and I will listen to our children’s guesses as to what’s in the beautifully rapped boxes under the twinkling Christmas tree. “If you guess it, I’ll just have to send them back to Santa!” I warn, as I did many times before in what seems not so very long ago. They laugh and with that we bundle up and head outside for a friendly snowball fight, some fun-filled sliding or just a lovely moonlight walk.

Soon, steaming hot chocolate with a generous serving of mini-marshmallows would be on everybody’s minds. We would be greeted back in with the heat of wood burning in the stove, along with its luring smell. “I brought my Bob and Doug Christmas CD.” My son would announce. Groans from us girls would follow but secretly we kind of find it mildly amusing.

It’s time to dig out the Christmas baking from the bottom of the freezer anyways so us girls would venture into the kitchen to prepare a mouth-watering platter of goodies that we had been baking and hiding from the guys for months.

As we sing and dance around to Bob and Doug’s version of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’, the boys would hover around us in anticipation, eager to sample all of our hard work. There’s nothing like Hot chocolate and Christmas goodies!

With our bellies filled and the candles low, our eye lids grow heavy and it’s time to call it an enjoyable day. All this wonderful family time and it’s only Christmas Eve!

Tomorrow, the rest of my wonderful family will be here and I will be able to make some more life-long memories over a delicious festive meal and around the Christmas tree. I can’t wait!!!!

Victoria Says….Yeap. You guessed it. Like mother, like daughter.

November, the month of my very best friend’s birthday. Strange thing is that I can’t remember when or where we met but I do know that we were inseparable.  Over the years, we had our share of up and downs, tears and laughs and serious laps in judgment but we never forgot how much we cared about each other.

I have to sadly admit that I am the worst best friend you would ever want. I can go months without calling her, even forgetting to call her on the important days in her life. I am not proud of this trait but oddly,  it has never seemed to affect or friendship.

And it was so fitting that I would find myself on the delivery room table about to be a mother for the first time on her birthday. The most important thing that I wanted to accomplish in my life, next to being a wife was to be a mother. My marvelous son, Randy was born on November 20th, my best friend’s birthday!

I can recall a time when we had went a particularly long period of time without connecting. Then, one day, we ran into each other at the corner store and spoke like we had just seen one another the day before, like no time had passed between us at all. It was then that I realized just how much we fit together. Our friendship was so solid that there wasn’t even any need for explanations. Our bond would never be broken.

A short while ago, while sitting through yet another mundane job interview, I was asked this simple single lined question. “Do you feel that you have met your career goals?” For some unknown reason, I was stumped and intrigued at the same time. Although, I didn’t get the job, it triggered something in my heart and head.

Later that week while scanning the employment section in the paper, I came across an advertisement by the Red Cross, offering a course to become a Personal Support Worker. Haphazardly, I called the number, got an interview and was chosen.

I wasn’t really looking to become a PSW, but now here I am, embarking on a new career late in my life, struggling with my decision and the overload of homework. Who should appear, like a guardian angel, my best friend! She works at Red Cross as a PSW and will be my preceptor (teacher) during my on-the-job training!

Victoria says….Happy Birthday, Gail. Thank you for always sticking by me.

….OCTOBER IS
Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The “True Self - Debwewendizwin” Program offers women an opportunity to discover their true strengths and abilities, to work within a safe environment and to develop an individualized plan of growth.

The goal of the project is to support participants from the early stages of self discovery through training, postsecondary education, trades training or employment placement.

By building a collaborative model, “True Self - Debwewendizwin” will offer a smooth transition, with ongoing support for Participants from one level of service to the next.

True Self – Debwewendizwin, delivers a 200hrs training program incorporating an ABC approach to healing your life; Participants learn about themselves, the effects of abuse, stress management techniques, interview and job search strategies, access local job market information, implement Training/Education and Employment action plans, and connect with potential employers, colleges or universities.  It offers women who are survivors of abuse, in abusive situations or are at risk of abuse a holistic approach to employment/training supports moving toward economic independence.

Eligibility Criteria:

* Must be a woman 16 years of age or older, at risk of or a survivor of domestic violence
* Must have a fixed address or reside in a women’s shelter within the District of Nipissing
* Employed, unemployed, or underemployed
* Financial Subsidies are determined according to need by the “True Self - Debwewendizwin” team, upon completion and review of participant intake, and assessment.

True Self - Debwewendizwin Employment and Training
239 Main Street East
North Bay ON P1B 1B2

Phone: (705) 474 4058
Fax: (705) 474-7436
General Inquiries: info@trueselfwomen.com
Website: www.trueselfwomen.com

As a forty-something woman, I found myself needing to obtain employment. How hard could it be? I’m a mature woman with all types of experience. I’ll find a job in no time. Ha! Was I in for a surprise? Let me start by saying that looking for a job is a job in itself!!

The first problem I encountered was finding a place of business that was actually accepting resumes. “Sorry but we are not accepting resumes at this time. Come back in a few months.” Is what I usually heard. “We may be hiring for the Christmas rush.” Then what? I’m back beating the sidewalks looking for another job! It seems as though everyone is feeling the economical pinch. Starting with the students and all the way up to the bosses.

Speaking of bosses, that brings me to my second obstacle. Bosses are working so many more hours now at their own businesses to save money, they can’t seem to make time to meet with you anyways and if you do wind up catching them, your time is so short that you don’t get a chance to make a good first impression and we all know how important that first impression can be!

It reminds me of the old saying. “It’s who you know” Your best chance of getting a job is through someone that you know who already works there because at least they can talk to the boss on your behalf. Sometimes, all you need is a friend!

My availability is my third issue. I live out of the city and commute with my husband who has an 8am to 5pm job. We can’t afford to run two vehicles (especially now with the price of fuel) so I would only be able to work weekdays and weekends but to find a job within those hours is next to impossible. Most jobs are part-time evenings and weekends with only a guarantee of 5 hours a week. Most bosses don’t even feel comfortable with guaranteeing that!

Part-time employment offers nothing in the way of security that full time employment does and part-timers do not quality for any of the companies benefits that full-timers do. Not to mention that accepting a part-time job means juggling the work schedule with another or even two other part-time jobs. I really don’t know how the students can do it and manage their school work load!

So unless I want to work evenings and weekends on a very part-time basis, I suppose that I won’t get a job.  But, on the bright side. As long as I’m looking for a job, I’ll have a job, looking …unpaid of course!

Julie is my sister-in-law and I love her very much so when she asked me to be her supporter as she took the steps to have a gastric bypass surgery, I joyfully accepted her invitation.

On the 22nd of July, Julie began her new life. I was happy to guide her along the path and feel all those old and wonderful emotions come flooding back.

My experience on the flip side began with a pit-stop at my parents and after spending a few days with Mom and Dad, Mom and I headed down the highway to Julie’s house.

Surgery day started very early. (It didn’t help that we stayed up late chatting). We needed to be at the hospital for 6am. Time flew by and before we even knew it, Julie was called in to change for surgery. Mom and I lovingly teased her about her beautiful ensemble, complete with matching slippers and hat. We were all nervous yet terribly excited at the same time.

The next thing we knew, it was time! Arm in arm, Julie and I followed the attendant to the area where we met up with her surgeon. He explained that the surgery would take about three hours and where I was to wait for him to come and speak to me.  With that said, there was nothing more I could do for now so I kissed Julie and said that the rest of her life starts right now and that I would see her soon.

My mom has a magic power that makes time travel faster than the speed of light so what felt like just one hour or so, the doctor met us and stated that everything went well and that she would be in the recovery room for about three more hours.

Three hours later, a wide awake Julie appeared looking wonderful. She was sore from the surgery but otherwise doing great. Her complexion was rosy and she was ready to start doing whatever she needed to do. The nurse came in and took her tests then stated that she will no longer be needing her diabetic and one of her arthritic meds. She was well on her way to a healthier life. Then, her nutritionist came in. Two weeks of liquids followed by two weeks of pureed foods was the beginning of her new way of eating for her.

“How am I ever going to do this” she asked. “You’ll set a routine that works for you. It will get easier.” I explain with a smile.

“What if it doesn’t work?” she asked. As I shook my feeling of de ja vu, I softly answered “It will.”

In just three days, Julie was healthy enough to go home.           Now, I will get to experience what you all did with me. I’m sure the next time I see Julie, I  will be surprised and may not even recognize her.

Victoria says…This is going to be exciting!

One may wonder what the styles and traditions of certain eras were. Here we touch on the Vintage Wedding Dress

Prairie Bride: The vintage woman most often wore, not a creation of white but, her best dress, for her wedding. This  dress was put into continued use until it wore out and was used as rags for cleaning.

Victorian Bride: It was the wedding of Queen Victoria to her beloved Prince Albert that brought white wedding dresses into vogue. But it was still a dress limited to the well off unless your rented or borrowed.

Edwardian Bride: The Edwardian bride continued with the mode of the white wedding dress but now with a more elaborate touch. Silhouettes were more relaxed and hems rose.

WWI: With the onset of World War 1 fabric was at a premium and the shorter (above the ankles) wedding dress came into vogue.

1920’s: The 20’s, the era of the flapper, saw the wedding dress start to be constructed loosely as many fashions were that day. The hem was also still short and weddings took on a more casual air.

1930’s: World War 2 saw many brides construct wedding dresses from salvaged parachutes due to the lack of available wedding dress material.  It also saw many brides married in their best dress or suit as often the wedding was last minute such as when the groom had leave. The hem of the dress also moved back down to graze the floor.

1940’s: After the war the fantasy of the dream bride was back in full force. White wedding gowns and all the trimmings.

Source:
www.vintage-homemaking.info

It was a great day!

We raised $240.00 for Amelia Rising and the Mattawa Resource Centre. Thank you to all of you who stopped by and donated.

I met some new amazing business woman and got reacquainted with a few others. I was especially happy to realize that there are so many of us. Maybe, women WILL rule the world someday or do we already in our silent and discreet yet highly effective way? I’ll let you ponder that for a bit.
Anyways…

The Clarion Pinewood Park Resort provided me with the most wonderfully tasting and beautiful birthday cake ever. If you stopped by my table and had a piece, you know exactly what I’m talking about. My most sincere thank you, Clarion and your talented chef.

We looked pretty sweet in our matching pink embroidered blouses, sponsored by Promo Sports Depot. Jamie and his knowledgeable staff are always so friendly and generous. Jamie, you are the very best. Thank you.

As said earlier, we raised $240.00 and it was all due to my generous advertisers who donated some magnificent prices. It was quite humbling to know just how charitable you all are. You all make the world a better place.

Congratulations to all the winners of the prices. Your contribution to the fundraiser was greatly appreciated. I’m certain that you all enjoyed your fabulous winnings.

Mom, I know that I don’t have to say it but thank you for everything. You are my rock and I know that I can always count on you no matter what. You know exactly what it takes to be a supportive mother.

Phyllis, if it wasn’t for you giving up your time to assist me, the leaflet would not be as successful as it is. Your time is greatly cherished and I am so fortunate to have my mother-in-law on  my team.

Victoria says…Thank you for all your warmth and generosity. It will never be forgotten.

A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and navel. The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the degree of correction necessary. Through this incision, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and sutured and excess fat, tissue and skin is removed. A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.

Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips close the skin incisions.

Medications are administrated for my comfort during the surgical procedure. Dr. Tumi will decide between intravenous sedation and general anesthesia.

The tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is proportionate to my body type and weight. The final results may be initially obscured by swelling and my inability to stand upright until internal healing is complete. Within a week or two, I should be standing tall and confident about my new slimmer profile.

Following my surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to the incisions and I may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compressed garment to minimize swelling and to support my abdomen as it heals. A small thin tube may be temporarily placed under my skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

Normal activities can usually be resumed within a couple of weeks and many people return to work the third week after surgery.

It can take 6-12 months to see the final result of the surgery.

The tummy tuck is performed on an outpatient basis. I will need to be sure to arrange for someone to drive me to and from the surgery and stay with me for at least the first night following surgery.