October 2013 1

At 105, wishes do come true for this Sunnybrook Veteran

by Sally Fur

Second World War veteran and Sunnybrook resident James Houston recently celebrated his 105th birthday with far more than ice cream and cake.

A hockey fan since he was a boy, James submitted a wish to the Sunnybrook Veterans Grant

a Wish Program for a blue and white Toronto Maple Leafs sweater with his favourite player’s name and number on it.

The day before his birthday, Veterans Centre staff held a party and arranged for some former Maple Leafs to deliver a vintage sweater complete with the name Apps, a big C and the number 10 on it. In the 1940s, Syl Apps was the superstar captain who led the Leafs to three Stanley Cup victories.

As well as being a hockey legend, Apps was also a war veteran, serving his country in the Second World War, as did so many other professional hockey players at the time.

On hand to make the special presentation to James was Syl Apps Jr. and Toronto Maple Leafs alumni Jim McKenny and Bob Nevin. “My dad would have been very honoured if he were here today,” said Syl Apps Jr. “This is really a magical moment for James, who has been a big Leaf fan from day one.”

Once a month, the Grant a Wish Program realizes the hopes and dreams of Canada’s war heroes living at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre. The program is a resident-focused initiative that strives to provide an enhanced quality of life for veterans through the realization of heartfelt wishes. It is funded through the generosity of many donors and community sponsors.

Above: (Left to right) Former Maple Leaf Jim McKenny, Syl Apps Jr., Braden Houston and Maple Leaf alumnus Bob Nevin present James Houston with his birthday wish, a vintage Syl Apps jersey.

3 Remembrance Day 2013

4 Raise a Flag

5 Calendar of Events

6 Influenza Protection

7 Honorary Graduate

8 Summer Camp 2013

9Family Advisory Council

10 In Praise and Gratitude

11 Passings

At Home is the official newsletterof the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre. The newsletter is made available to all Veterans, staff and family members. At Home is also available online at www.sunnybrook.ca under Programs & Services and the Veterans & Community site.

Editor: Sally FurLayout: Photography: Dale Roddick, Doug Nicholson, Ana SearaCirculation: 1,700

For more information, or to make a submission, please contact Sally Fur at 416.480.6100 ext. 5057 or by e-mail to sally.fur@sunnybrook.ca

Contributors:Nancy Bowers-IvanskiJocelyn CharlesDorothy FergusonPhil GoldNancy Smokler

Material printed in At Home is protected by copyright and may not be reprinted without the permission of the editor.

Sunnybrook Veterans Grant a Wish Program

Have you submitted your wish yet? The Veterans Grant a Wish Program continues to grant the wishes of Veterans living at Sunnybrook. The program uses a resident centered approach and strives to grant the individual heartfelt wishes of the Veteran. Each Veteran is eligible for 2 wishes. The goal of the program is for EVERY Veteran to have at least 1 wish granted. Wishes granted include dinners with family, wheelchair capes, large print books, CD players etc. The list is endless!

Each month, the wish granting committee reviews all wishes submitted and 10 wishes are selected. The program is funded through the generosity of many donors and community sponsors. Contributions enable Veterans to realize their hopes and dreams. For more information or to make a donation, please contact Leanne Hughes at (416) 480-5490.

For more information or to make a donation please contact:

Sunnybrook Veterans Grant A WishRecreation & Creative Arts Therapies416-480-5490

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre2075 Bayview AvenueToronto, OntarioCanada M4N 3M5416-480-6100

The Program is funded through the generosity of many donors and community sponsors.

Your contributions enable Veterans to realize their hopes and dreams.

Thank YouIllustration by

Lorrie Clarke

“May the Wish thatyour heart makestouch the sky andbring you a star.”

~ flavia

“I just can’t believe this is happening.”

“What a wonderful surprise.”

aWish

“It was wonderful for him tohave lunch with his family.”

“I wish ... to kick afootball again”

“I wish ... to kick afootball again”

Grant

S U N N Y B R O O K V E T E R A N S

PR 15037 (2010/09/15)

SunnybrookV E T E R A N S

The Veterans and Community Resident Council elections were held on Wednesday October 16th. A total of 80 ballots were cast. The following residents will be assuming their 2 year role effective January 1st, 2014.

President Don Stewart, LTSE1st Vice President Donald Gorman, K1W2nd Vice President Jim Wilson, K2C (Acclaimed)Treasurer Jim Finnegan, LTSWHonorary Secretary Marion Gordon, K1W (Acclaimed)

Thank you to members of the Royal Canadian Legion for facilitating the elections and to Nancy Smokler, Judy McNaughton and Flora Sung for their work behind the scenes in the months leading up to the elections.

Pictured: Jim Finnegan, Jim Wilson and Don Stewart.

Photo by: Art Stanton

October 2013 3

Remembrance Day 2013 - Information for Family Members

On Monday, November 11, Sunnybrook will honour those who fought for Canada in the First World War, Second World War, Korean War and in peace-keeping missions around the world.

The Remembrance Day service is held in the Veterans Centre, in the following locations: Warriors’ Hall, the K-Wing Annex, Sunny’s cafeteria, the L-Wing living room and the McLaughlin Auditorium located just across from K Wing on the ground floor of E-Wing. Overflow seating for staff and fully ambulatory guests will be available in the McLaughlin Lecture Theatre, located behind the McLaughlin Auditorium on the ground floor of E-Wing.

With the large numbers of attendees, this sixth viewing location will lessen the congestion within the Veterans Centre. You may be interested to know that McLaughlin Auditorium was the original Warriors’ Hall when the hospital opened in 1948.

Due to space limitations, only one family member can be seated with their Veteran loved one in all of the viewing areas within the Veterans Centre. Each unit will have an assigned designated seating area to which you will be directed on the day. For those who wish to sit together in a larger family group, you are welcome to attend, however you will be asked to view the service from the McLaughlin Auditorium. As in past years, seating in Warriors Hall is on a first come, first seated basis and seats cannot be reserved in advance.

It is necessary to adhere to this seating arrangement in order to ensure the safety of our residents and comply with provincial fire and building occupancy codes. Please be seated no later than 10:00 a.m. as the service will begin promptly at 10:15 a.m. Latecomers cannot be guaranteed seating.

Following the indoor service, those who wish are invited to take part in the outdoor memorial wreath-laying service at the cenotaph on Bayview Ave. Prior to the conclusion of the indoor service, all of the wreaths are collected and paraded over to the cenotaph. Please assemble outside the K-Wing doors at approximately 11:20 a.m. (immediately following the indoor service) for the procession to the cenotaph. The cenotaph service begins at 11:30 a.m.

Family members are invited to enjoy the afternoon entertainment in Warriors’ Hall from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on November 11. The popular York Jazz Ensemble will perform again and special refreshments will be served.

In our ongoing efforts to keep our residents free from colds and flu, all family members and visitors are reminded not to attend the service if they have a sore throat, runny nose, cough, fever, diarrhea or new rash. Elderly persons, especially those with chronic conditions, are at higher risk of infection.

Please remember to use the hand sanitizer provided when you enter our facility. The most effective way of protecting yourself and your loved ones is to wash your hands frequently and get the seasonal flu shot. We thank you for helping to keep the Veterans Centre free from colds, flu and outbreaks this season.

Dorothy FergusonOperations DirectorVeterans Centre

Dr. Jocelyn CharlesMedical DirectorVeterans Centre

4 October 2013

Family & Resident Resource Centre

Looking for more information about living at the Veterans Centre?

Want to know more about Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia and other medical conditions?

Seeking information for yourself as a caregiver?

The Veterans Centre opened the doors on its new Family and Resident Resource Centre on August 7th. Located on the ground floor of L-wing, in LG05a, the goal of this resource centre is to provide information and educational materials

for families, residents and other visitors, in a welcoming environment.

Explore our selection of educational materials and reliable resources, including brochures, newsletters, books and magazines on many topics. A computer workstation is available for searching current health related websites online. Books may also be sourced through the Toronto Public Library branch located in K-wing.

Drop in to or contact us with a list of suggested topics and resources that you feel would be of interest and helpful to you and your family. The Resource Centre is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12:00 to 8:00 pm, Thursdays from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm and Sundays from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. Please email veterans.experience@sunnybrook.ca or call 416-480-6107 to provide us with your input or with any questions.

This Remembrance Day, join OPERATION RAISE A FLAG and say “thank you” to Canada’s veterans when you plant a flag on the lawn at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre.

Be a hero to our heroes. Join Operation Raise a Flag.

This Remembrance Day, you can be a hero when you join Operation Raise a Flag. In the early morning hours of November 11, we will honour our brave veterans with a sea of Canadian flags on the front lawn of Sunnybrook’s Veterans Centre.

Join thousands of Canadians and show your support by ordering your flag today. Your compassionate donation will help provide our veterans with community outings, continued learning opportunities, and special time with family members. Your message of thanks will encourage the hearts of the veterans and their families.

Be a hero and honour our heroes today. Join Operation Raise a Flag and help us continue to offer the best quality care to our noble veterans at Sunnybrook.

RAISE A FLAG FOR CANADA’S hEROES

Order a flag today at raiseaflag.ca or by calling 416-480-4483.

Donation is available at $25 for a small flag or $50 for a large flag.

October 2013 5

Are you on email?

Please drop us a line to veterans.experience@sunnybrook.ca We’ll keep you informed and up-to-date with updates and news from the Veterans Centre. Please be assured that your email will only be used by the Veterans Centre and no one else.

From the Archive… Happy 65th Defining moments in our history

The official opening of Sunnybrook Hospital was on June 12, 1948 but the first patient transfer from the original Veterans hospital on Christie Street happened two years prior.

Private Raymond F. Scott (right bed) of Etobicoke was one of the first two patients who were admitted to Sunnybrook Hospital on September 26, 1946. Also present, third from the right, is Reverend Sydney E. Lambert, a member of the greater Toronto Veterans Hospital Committee.

Reminiscing with the NHL Old Timers!

Veterans, family members, and hockey fans gathered in Warriors’ Hall for a chance to mix and mingle with some of the great hockey legends at the annual “Hockey Legends” event.

Back again were Dick Duff, Bob Beckett, Gary Collins, Danny Lewicki, Ivan Irwin, Jimmy Morrison, Gerry Junkin, Bob Nevin, Johnny McCormick, Brian McFarlane, Pete Conacher, Phil Samis and the Old Timers coordinator Al Shaw.

Above: Korean War Veteran and Second World War Veteran, Jim Wilson accepts a signed helmet from former New York Ranger and Montreal Canadian defenseman Ivan Irwin. Left to right: Brian McFarlane, Hockey Night in Canada Broadcast Legend with Second World War veteran Art Stanton.

Calendar of Events

Save the Date

Annual Holiday Concert with John McDermott

Monday, December 9th, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Warriors’ Hall

Due to limited space this is a concert for Veteran residents and their family members only.

Veterans Centre Education Forum

Helpful information and practical support for family members and friends.

Caring for a Loved One with Dementia

Tuesday, December 3rd, 6:30 p.m.L-wing Living Room

• The natural progression of Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementias.

• Making care decisions to enhance dignity and comfort.

• Recognizing when the goal of care needs to shift toward a more palliative approach.

• Helpful tips and preparing for holiday gatherings with your loved one.

Key Speaker: Dr. Jocelyn Charles, Medical Director, Sunnybrook Veterans Centre and Chief, Department of Family and Community Medicine.

Please RSVP your attendance. Phone: 416-480-6107 or email: veterans.experience@sunnybrook.caFree Admission and Refreshments

6 October 2013

Make Influenza Protection a Priority

The elderly and those with chronic conditions, are particularly vulnerable and at high risk for developing serious and life threatening complications, if they develop a cold or influenza. Please help us keep our veterans free from colds and flu!

n Get your flu shot!

The flu vaccine is protective and it is effective! You can get the flu shot from your family physician, some pharmacies or at one of Toronto Public Health’s flu clinics. By protecting yourself you are also protecting your loved ones. During a flu outbreak, visitors who have not had their flu vaccination will not be able to visit an outbreak unit. All paid companions hired by the family must have an annual flu shot.

� Don’t visit if you are sick!

Please do not come to visit if you have any of the following symptoms: a cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever, muscle aches, diarrhea or have experienced vomiting. Every single person who enters the Centre can bring an unwanted virus from the community to our residents.

� Practice good hand hygiene!

Please remember to wash your hands upon entering the Veterans Centre, upon entering a resident care unit and again upon entering and exiting a resident’s room. The most effective way of protecting yourself and those around you from getting sick is to wash your hands frequently.

Outbreaks are completely preventable and our number one priority is the health and safety of our residents and staff. If we work together we can prevent outbreaks and the spread of infection.

One Day Flu Shot Clinic

New this year, the Sunnybrook Pharmacy in M1 will be providing the Flu Vaccine for our Family Members who have a loved one living in the Veterans Centre.

Date: Tuesday, November 19thTime: 10:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Location: Sunnybrook Ambulatory Patient Pharmacy – M-wing

Please call Chris to book an appointment: 416-480-4502

October 2013 7

Honorary Staff College Graduateby Sally Fur

Fred Allen, 91, never thought he’d fulfill his dream of graduating from Staff College, but with his sharp intellect, love of the Canadian Forces, and life-long passion for learning his dream did come true! Last summer and much to his surprise, Fred received an Honorary Graduate Certificate from the Canadian Forces College. “It was one of the best days of my life, I am both thrilled and grateful to receive this honour,” says Retired Captain Fredrick (Fred) Allen.

A retired, career artillery soldier, Fred served for 31 years with the Canadian Armed Forces. As a second career, he taught mathematics in a Sault Ste Marie high school for fifteen years. At 22, he spent six years overseas and faced constant danger. His infantry platoon, saw a great deal of gunfire, firing across the canals in Belgium and Holland. Chosen by the attending students of the College, the selection of an Honorary Graduate is based upon an individual who has had a profound and lasting impact on the members’ learning experience at the College. Always an avid learner with a flair for writing, Fred is the author of four books and is currently working on his fifth. At Sunnybrook Fred loves to mingle with the other veterans. Happiness is being in Warriors’ Hall together with his comrades and seeing all of the veterans gathered together. Fred

especially loves when the young commanders from the College come to the Veterans Centre to visit with the old soldiers, share old stories and enjoy afternoon entertainment together.

Created as the RCAF War Staff College in 1943, and located close to Yonge Street and Highway 401, the College has undergone several stages of reorganization that reflect the evolution of the professional development of military officers.

It is the only facility of its’ kind in Canada and only the best of the best are accepted. Each fall the College trains 100 new Canadian officers and 35 exchange students to become future military leaders. Seven different programs, including a Masters of Defense Studies are offered and students live in residence while completing their studies.

For eighteen years, Sunnybrook veterans have enjoyed a strong relationship with the College. Several times a year a group of veterans go on a short bus ride to the prestigious College to enjoy interesting conversation and a delicious luncheon at the Officers’ Mess, the old manor on the expansive grounds. Recently, this relationship has evolved and to Fred’s delight, the officers from the College are now visiting the Veterans Centre for a tour and to meet with the veterans in Warriors’ Hall.

Above: Major Travis Chapman, Staff College Graduate and Les Fontaine together in Warriors’ Hall.

Above: Graduation Day at the Canadian Forces College.

8 October 2013

Veteran’s Summer Camp 2013by Sally Fur

Muskoka sunsets, sing-a-longs by a roaring campfire, toasting marshmallows and fishing off the dock, were just a few of the experiences that thirty-one Sunnybrook veterans enjoyed on the annual trip north to summer camp in June.

Since 1995, Sunnybrook veterans have enjoyed this four day, three night exciting adventure, which takes them to back to their youth while at the CNIB Lake Joseph Centre in beautiful cottage country.

The freeing nature of camp, unstructured routine and opportunity for choice allows for true relaxation and restoration. Partnering with Sunnybrook were fifteen veterans from Parkwood Hospital in London. Since 2005, veterans of the two facilities have joined together for this extraordinary camp vacation on Lake Joe.

The veterans were accompanied by an interprofessional team that included nursing, recreational therapy, music and art therapy. Highlights of this year’s camp included a 60’s flower power party, pontoon boat rides, art therapy sessions, an Irish pub night, shuffleboard, card games, paddle boating, bocce ball, and music therapy by the lake.

Camp is calming, therapeutic, and rejuvenating all at the same

time. There is no question that summer camp is beneficial for youth and similarly for the veteran residents, where the average age of those attending camp is 90.

Fresh air, birds chirping in the treetops, a stroll by the water and experiencing the wonders of nature is a dream, come true for these seniors!

The camp trip is generously sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion’s Tri-District Hospital Committees ABC, DEF and the Legion’s Fort York Branch #165. Without their continued support, this initiative would not be possible.

October 2013 9

Office of the Resident & Family Experience

A new brochure has been developed to help residents and their family members when they have a concern or require more information. Entitled, “How to Address Your Concerns in the Veterans Centre” the brochure outlines the various ways that residents and their families can contact the Office (in person, by phone or in writing). Formerly known as Patient Relations (room LG 05h) the new office is now located in room LG 05n. The office also welcomes compliments, positive feedback and praise letters.

Words of Appreciation… From a family member on K2W

Thanks so much for meeting with us. It was so wonderful to hear all the feedback and to meet everyone involved with Dad’s care. We are overwhelmed with the care and commitment of all the staff. It has been a difficult transition for Dad (and us), and we appreciate all your support.

I don’t know when he’s ever received so much attention to everything - physical and mental health. I wanted to thank everyone individually for their wonderful work with Dad. Please convey my thanks and all our thanks and appreciation.

Family Advisory Council

The mandate of the Family Advisory Council (FAC) is to provide a forum for family members of Veterans to discuss shared concerns and issues across the Veterans Centre Program.

All interested family members of residents living in the Veterans Centre are invited to attend our meetings. Agendas, minutes and other FAC information are posted on our web page at http://Sunnybrook.ca/veterans.

Our meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 1:30 p.m. in Room KGE35. Our next three meeting dates are:

• November 19th• December 17th• January 21st

This meeting room has teleconference capabilities, so if you are interested in participating in the meeting via teleconference, or would like more information on the FAC, please email veterans.experience@sunnybrook.ca or contact 416-480-4280.

10 October 2013

In Praise and Gratitude

Members of the Markham District Veterans’ Association (MDVA) visited in June to present a generous donation of $6,500 in support of the Veterans Comfort Fund and Grant a Wish Program. The MDVA has been a strong supporter of the Veterans Centre, dating as far back as 1986. Through the generous support of the Markham community, the 2012 MDVA Poppy Drive was a tremendous success and Sunnybrook is most grateful to be a recipient of this annual campaign.

Left to right: Bill Guiler, Poppy Fund Co-Chairman MDVA; Alfred Payton (seated), L-wing resident and MDVA member; Rick Paci, Poppy Fund Co-Chairman MDVA; Don Stewart, President, Sunnybrook Veterans & Community Residents Council; Katie Mosher, Sunnybrook Foundation Advancement Associate; Jack Forsey, President MDVA; Paul Kearns, Past President MDVA.

The Friends of the Veterans Chapel Memorial Plaque

The Friends of the Veterans Chapel Memorial Plaque is located on the back wall of the chapel and feature small tributes to the sacrifice and service of loved ones, who are either living or have passed on. The cost of a citation for the Memorial Plaque is $500.00.

All funds will be used for ongoing improvements and special projects for the Veterans Chapel. A tax deductible receipt will be issued. For further information regarding the Friends of the Veterans Chapel Memorial Plaque program, please contact Colonel Hubel at jim.hubel@sympatico.ca or 416-266-6949.

October 2013 11

PassingsIn loving memory of our friends and comrades

May 2013

David OwenJack Ander Donald Sergent Allan PaullMartha RoyJohn Otton Louis Bergman John Currie Jack Cotton Joseph Clark Charles LinsteadGeorge Burnell Bennie JacobsonDouglas Owen Louis CurranTeddy Godovitz

June 2013

James Curtis Norman TaylorSolomon Rapoport Kenneth WilliamsKenneth DoerrHenry Scott Jack Weinrib Frederick Gauthier Robert Baptist

July 2013

Elizabeth FergusonEarl TeskeyAlexander AlbuletMurray BosleyBruce PooleJohn MajorFlorence ParrottFrank TimminsDouglas BiltonJohn BakerWilfred St. JohnJack KoreenHarrington MurrayJohn Walker

August 2013

Kenneth SoperValerio AgnelliZofia OgonowskiHarold DonaheeThomas BusheyIsrael SidersonEmily BeckettPeter RyanFrank JervisGeorge HerringtonRoy DavidgeAlexander ChristieWilliam PhillipsThomas DuncanEugene FecteauJames Cramer

September 2013

William NealeJoseph IrvineJohn MacdonaldJohn StevensReginald TanfieldAlred MillsJohn AbbottHavelock YatesWilliam MasseySydney TaylorJohn LambertWilliam RattrayLeonard JacksonHarry SpenceleyKenneth SpaldingAlexander WilsonRobert HunstonMaurice ClaveauCharles KeanWilliam PottsYvon Tremblay

Contributions to the Veterans Centre program are gratefully accepted, helping us meet special or urgent needs in a timely fashion. Donations will help fund high priority needs such as capital improvements to the Veterans’ residences. Donations to the Veterans’ Comfort Fund helps us provide our Veteran residents with ‘extras’: equipment, events and entertainment items that enhance their quality of life. Support of the Palliative Care Unit Trust Fund helps to enhance the living environment for patients and families receiving palliative care.

Donations can be made in memory or in honour a loved one, or to acknowledge a special event such as a birthday or anniversary. If you so choose, the Sunnybrook Foundation will send a card to your honouree or their family letting them know that they have been honoured through a donation. A tax receipt will be issued for all donations over $10.

How to donate:

By Mail:Cheques should be made out to the Sunnybrook Foundation.

For a specific designation, please write ‘Veterans Comfort Fund’, ‘Palliative Care Unit Trust Fund’ or ‘Veterans Centre’ on the bottom of your cheque.

Mail your donation to:Sunnybrook Foundation, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Room H332 Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5

By Telephone:Please call 416.480.4483 for the Sunnybrook Foundation.

By Internet:Please visit www.sunnybrook.ca/foundation and follow the simple instructions.

Thank you!

Show Your Support for the Veterans Centre

Sunnybrook

12 October 2013