SALT SPRING SENIORS SERVICES SOCIETY SALT SPRING SENIORS CENTRE 379 LOWER GANGES ROAD, SALT SPRING ISLAND, B.C. V8K 2V4
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NEWS ’N VIEWS 1 March 2, 2021
SALT SPRING SENIORS SERVICES SOCIETY
SALT SPRING SENIORS CENTRE
379 LOWER GANGES ROAD,
SALT SPRING ISLAND, B.C. V8K 2V4
250-537-4604 saltspringseniors@shaw.ca
Drivers desk 250-537-4635
www.saltspringseniorscentre.ca
MISSION STATEMENT
TO PROVIDE THE MEANS BY WHICH
SENIORS MAY JOIN TOGETHER TO
ENHANCE THE LIVES OF THOSE LIVING ON
SALT SPRING ISLAND
NEWS ’N VIEWS 1
NEWS ’N VIEWS 2 March 2, 2021
Notes from the recycling desk!
Well, folks — Salt Spring Seniors is still struggling along not unlike the rest of
the population. We have tried to conform to the instructions issuing from Dr.
Henry’s office which means we have shut down our kitchen entirely and all
activities involving groups of unrelated people.
We have tried to maintain some skeletal services and the office is usually
open now for an hour or so each weekday morning.
After communicating the B.C. health office instructions to taxi and uber
drivers to our volunteer drivers, eight or ten of those noble souls indicated
they would continue if precautions were taken by passengers. Over the last
six or eight months time has taken its toll on the willing drivers and we have
been reduced to an even smaller handful.
I hope that when medical services resume at Vancouver Island hospitals and
clinics we will have enough drivers to meet the need. And all our current
drivers will have recovered from their own medical problems.
For those who might inquire we do anticipate that our income tax service
will be fully operational when the time comes!—usually begins around the
end of March.
We are still holding some returns from last year which, if not claimed, we
should destroy before the new ones come in! Pick it up if you want it! You
may need it in order to apply for the $500.00 benefit passed by the federal
government in late 2020. If you need to know eligibility and procedures we
have some information for you. (see article in this newsletter).
Jean Elder, Chair
Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery;
Hundreds Dead
Did I read that right?
NEWS ’N VIEWS 2
NEWS ’N VIEWS 3 March 2, 2021
Sharon Bond, our Secretary and Board member, has spent many hours up-dating our email
and post o ce mailing list. This is always a work in progress as new members join and
members move from email to postal mail and vice versa or change residences. It would
help Sharon if you would let her or the o ce know when you change addresses or want to
receive the email and notices in a di erent way. As a policy we encourage you to use email
for your newsletter for a number of reasons: you will get your newsletter earlier by email,
notices go out by email but are not sent to people who take the newsletter by post,
sending the newsletter by email incurs no cost to the Society, mailing it by post costs $3 to
$4 per item mailed.
Thanks to Sharon for undertaking the huge task of talking to many of you to determine
your preferences
Well my good readers, it is me to pay
your membership dues. Of course, not
much is happening at the Salt Spring
Seniors Centre but we s ll produce your
newsle er and the building costs
con nue in spite of the lock downs to
protect us all from the virus. So please
drop a cheque in the mail with your
$5.00 membership fee for 2021. Or you
can take a chance and drop it at the
o ce if someone is there to open the
door. Please wear a mask if you choose
this op on. O ce address is 379 Lower
Ganges Road, Salt Spring Island, B.C.,
NEWS ’N VIEWS 3
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Salt Spring Community Response Network (a liate of the BC Community Response
Network, bccrn.ca), Salt Spring Community Services Seniors Program
COVID Frauds and Scams: What You Need to Know and How to Protect yourself
Every year in March, National Fraud Prevention Month focuses our attention on the many frauds and scams
that are targeted at Canadians. This year fraud awareness is particularly important. The pandemic has
brought many challenges. Unfortunately, new COVID related scams, are an added concern. Information and
awareness are the best tools to identify and protect ourselves.
Be alert to o ers of expensive vaccination plans, dubious miracle cures and even home testing kits for
COVID--none of which are medically sound. Many of these o erings have a high price tag attached to them.
Often the products do not even materialize, but are just a scheme to pilfer people’s money, or in some cases,
their personal information. Some scams are sent via a friend’s ‘hacked’ email, o ering links to information
about COVID which if opened, freeze the computer with an error message, where a window pops up with
contact information for a suspicious technical support company. Following that link can give the scammer
access to your computer and personal information
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre tells us to beware of Coronavirus-themed and COVID-19 vaccination
themed emails or text messages that
trick you into opening malicious attachments
trick you to reveal sensitive personal and nancial details
Also beware of
Unsolicited calls from a private company, claiming to be health care providers, o ering home vaccination kits
for an up-front fee.
Private companies o ering fast COVID-19 tests for sale (Only health care providers can perform the tests; no
other tests are genuine or guaranteed to provide accurate results)
Private companies selling fraudulent products that claim to treat or prevent the disease. (Unapproved drugs
threaten public health and violate federal laws)
Questionable o ers, such as: miracle cures and remedies, vaccinations, faster testing
Fake and deceptive online ads, including: face masks, hand sanitizers and other items in high demand
According to the Anti Fraud Centre, since March 2020 there have been 13,553 reports frauds associated with
COVID. Canadians buying or selling goods or services online accounted for more than $12.9 million in
reported losses. The actual dollar amount is likely much higher considering many do not report losses.
Non-delivery scams and deceptive marketing of counterfeit goods have all increased over the pandemic
period. The Anti-Fraud Centre warns Canadians to
Be cautious of blowout sales or greatly reduced prices (for example, 80% o )
Beware of rental units that are listed below fair market value
Notice text with spelling errors or references to the product as “the item”
Beware of pets being o ered at below market value
Beware of overseas buyers who want to buy without seeing the product rst
NEWS ’N VIEWS 4
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Protect yourself.
Don’t be afraid to say “no”. Don't be intimidated by high-pressure sales tactics. If a telemarketer tries to
get you to buy something or to send them money right away request the information in writing and/or hang
up. Watch out for urgent pleas that play on your emotions.
Always verify that the organization you're dealing with is legitimate before you take any other action:
Verify Canadian charities with the Canada Revenue Agency
Verify collection agencies with the appropriate provincial agency
Look online for contact information for the company that supposedly called you, and call them to con rm
Verify any calls with your credit card company by calling the phone number on the back of your credit card
If you've received a call or other contact from a family member in trouble, talk to other family members to
con rm the situation.
Watch out for fake or deceptive ads, or spoofed emails. Always verify the company and its services are real
before you contact them.
Don't give out personal information and beware of unsolicited calls where the caller asks you for personal
information, such as: your name, address, birthdate, Social Insurance Number (SIN), your credit card or
banking information
If you didn't initiate the call, you don't know who you're talking to.
Many scams request you to pay fees in advance of receiving goods, services, or a prize. It's illegal for a
company to ask you to pay a fee upfront before they'll give you a loan. And, there are no fees or taxes on
prizes in Canada. If you won it, it's free.
Protect your computer .Watch out for urgent-looking messages that pop up while you're browsing online.
Don't click on them or call the number they provide.
No legitimate company will call and claim your computer is infected with a virus.
Some websites, such as music, game, movie, and adult sites, may try to install viruses or malware without
your knowledge. Watch out for emails with spelling and formatting errors, and be wary of clicking on any
attachments or links. They may contain viruses or spyware.
Make sure you have anti-virus software installed and keep your operating system up to date.
Never give anyone remote access to your computer. If you are having problems with your system, bring it
to a local technician.
Don't reveal personal information over social media
Learn more about securing your accounts by visiting Get Cyber Safe.
Learn more, and get updates on fraud and scams, online at https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/
report-signalez-eng.htm or by phone: toll free: 1-888-495-8501
The BC Community Response Network raises awareness about elder abuse, neglect and self-neglect, and,
also o ers resources about frauds and scams. https://bccrns.ca
The Salt Spring Island Community Response Network (BCCRN a liate) is coordinated through the Salt
Spring Community Services (SSICS) Seniors’ Program. Phone 250-537-9971, email: sszakacs@ssics.ca
If you have been a victim of fraud, you can make a report to the local RCMP non-emergency line
250-537-5555
If you or someone you know is the victim of elder abuse, neglect or self-neglect call Island Health Central
In-take toll free 1 888- 533-2273 and they will assign the designated responders to follow up.
NEWS ’N VIEWS 5
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The Salt Spring Senior Centre will again be o ering a tax
preparation and ling service this year. The income limit
for this service is $35,000 for an individual, and $45,000
for a couple.
Please feel free to bring your documentation into the
Senior Centre beginning April 1 or April 2. There is no
charge, but donations for this service are greatly
appreciated.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A $500. BENEFIT
1. You must apply to receive the bene t. It is not automatic.
2. Applications are open until June 30, 2021.
3. It is available to people who were residents of B.C. on December 18,
2020 and were at least 19 years old on that date. They must have led a 2019
Canadian
personal income tax return and have a valid social insurance number.
4. An individual with a net income of up to $62,500 will receive $500.
There is a reduced bene t amount for eligible individuals with a net income of up
to $87,500.
5. It was announced on Dec. 18 2020 - in other words just before Christmas
last year.
6. You can apply online, over the phone or at a Service BC computer terminal.
Applicants need 2019 net income, SIN, mailing address, driving license (if
they have one), and banking info (for direct deposit, the only method of
payment).
Given the above, most of our clients are eligible and would be entitled to
the maximum amount of $500. But they have to apply for it.
NEWS ’N VIEWS 6
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The joys of online Bridge
I use Bridge Base and play three of four times a week with
friends on the island. Bridge Base is free, has members all over
the world and has serious tournaments where you can achieve
master points if that is your desire. I have tried some of the
lessons and they are well done and challenging.
There are many advantages to playing on line especially when
the alternative is not to play at all due the various lockdowns
and fears of the virus.
I think my game has improved with all the practice and we can
look at the hand again and see if we could have done it
di erently. It depends on the group.
By organizing the games with friends, playing on line is a way
for us to keep in touch. There is a chat room attached to the
table so each player can ask questions, make comments and
generally cheer for themselves when making a game.
Some people have expressed fear of the complexity of bridge
on line. I want to reassure you it is not hard, and if you play with
friends they will usually forgive you. There is an undo button
that you can press if you played the wrong card or made the
wrong bid. The other players are asked to agree. Some people
are generous and let you make a change, others not so much. I
nd being able to make a correction a learning experience.
They say you learn a lot about people when playing golf. I am
not a golfer but I think the same could be said about playing
bridge on line.
If you are curious go to Bridge Base on line and sign up.
Explore the site. It does not cost you anything and before you
know you will be organizing games with your “before the
pandemic” bridge buddies.
Janet Smith.
NEWS ’N VIEWS 7
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Thanks to Jim and Mary
We were astonished to receive the news from the lawyer that Jim Crawford
had left his entire estate to be divided among the Lady Minto
foundation, the library, Artspring and us. I remember him as that very
nice fellow who occasionally came to lunch usually accompanied by one of
his neighbours.
Originally a Salt Spring boy, which well might have inspired an interest in
rocks, he became a professional geologist. We don’t know much about his
working life although he did tell me that the money he was donating to me
during his association with us was only the di erence in the exchange
rate from his American pension and the Canadian dollar. I did think at
the time if his annual gift was only the di erence in the exchange
rate, he was getting a mighty generous pension —for which we were and will
be always grateful.
The board has now been instructed to consider what we might do to preserve
the memory of Jim. If anyone has any suggestions, please make them
directly to any board member or the o ce.
We have also found ourselves named in Mary Lauzon’s will. In this case,
until the named bene ciaries have been paid we will not know the sum we
might receive.
It is particularly gratifying for the Senior Services Society to be
receiving this kind of recognition as we struggle along attempting to
enhance the lives of seniors. A bequest after all is one of the freest
gifts you might ever make; you won’t be around for any repercussions
whatever they might be. It is truly a gift and given freely! And all the
more welcome for that reason!
Jean Elder, Chair
Me: (sobbing my heart out, eyes were
swollen, nose red)...I can’t see you
anymore. I am not going to let you
hurt me like this again! Trainer: It was
a sit up. You did one sit up.
NEWS ’N VIEWS 8
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An Elementary School Teacher had twenty-six students in her class.
She presented each child in her classroom the 1st half of a well-known proverb
and asked them to come up with the remainder of the proverb.
It's hard to believe these were actually done by rst graders.
Their insight may surprise you. While reading,
keep in mind that these are rst-graders, 6-year-olds, because the last one is a classic!
1.
Don't change horses un l they stop running.
2.
Strike while the bug is close.
3.
It's always darkest before Daylight Saving Time.
4.
Never underes mate the power of termites.
5.
You can lead a horse to water but how?
6.
Don't bite the hand that looks dirty.
7.
No news is impossible.
8.
A miss is as good as a Mr.
9.
You can't teach an old dog new math.
10.
If you lie down with dogs, you’ll s nk in the morning.
11.
Love all, trust me.
12.
The pen is migh er than the pigs.
13.
An idle mind is the best way to relax.
14.
Where there's smoke there’s pollu on.
15.
Happy the bride who gets all the presents.
16.
A penny saved is not much.
17.
Two's company, three’s the Musketeers.
18.
A bird in the hand is going to poop on you
NEWS ’N VIEWS 9
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An invisible man married an
invisible woman. The kids were
nothing to look at either.
I didn't think the chiropractor would
improve my posture. But I stand
corrected.
Studies show cows produce
more milk when the farmer talks
to them. It's a case of in one ear
and out the udder.
A raven has 17 rigid feathers
called pinions, while a crow only
has 16. The di erence between a
raven and a crow is just a matter
of a pinion.
In an o ce:
AFTER TEA BREAK, STAFF SHOULD
EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND
UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING
BOARD.
Man Kills Self Before Shooting Wife
And Daughter
This one I caught in the SGV Tribune the other day and
called the Editorial Room and asked who wrote this It took
two or three readings before the editor realized that what
he was reading was impossible!!! They put in a correction
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If 2020 was a math word-problem: If you’re going
down a river at 2 MPH and your canoe loses a
wheel, how much pancake mix would you need to re-
I see people about my
age mountain climbing; I
feel good getting my leg Chocolate is God’s way
through my underwear of telling us he likes us a
without losing my balance. little bit chubby.
I f you can’t think of a word
say “I forgot the English
word for it.” That way
When I was a kid I wanted people will think you’re
to be older...this is not bilingual instead of an
what I expected.
NEWS ’N VIEWS 11NEWS ’N VIEWS 12 March 2, 2021
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Type to enter text
PRESIDENT JEAN ELDER
VICE PRESIDENT DORE’EN MINSHALL
SECRETARY SHARON BOND
PAST PRESIDENT NEVA HOHN
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Paul Wolf, Lynda Turner. Trish Brooke
EX OFFICIO
Carolyn Evans, Treasurer
Janet Smith, Newsletter Editor
NEWS ’N VIEWS 12You can also read
