Statistics show that one in three adults age 65 and over fall at least once a year. Some of these falls can be a "life-changing" experience, even leading to death in some severe cases.

Most falls actually happen in and around the home, so one's home design, furnishings and lifestyle all affect your risk of falling in your home. Furthermore, falls are responsible for 86% of injury admissions for people aged 65 and older, so by educating seniors on fall prevention measures, it is hoped that these statistics will be greatly reduced.

"Falling is a major concern among seniors, especially ones who live alone and may end up breaking a hip or leg with no way of calling for help," explained France Spencer. "There are some falls that are caused by medication or things like heart attacks, but many falls can be prevented just be 'safe-proofing' your home. Our goal is to help seniors look for problem areas and even help them select walking aids if necessary in order to avoid some of the risks."

TOP 12 TIPS TO PREVENT FALLS

The Town of Creighton no longer exists, after having been leveled to the ground during the 1980's. As they walked along the streets the Kirwan's commented on how small the space seemed to them now, and yet this small space once contained hundreds of houses, all occupied by employees of INCO. In the photo above, Robert and Valerie stand on "High Rock", a name given to the rock that was used as an all-season playground for Valerie and her friends as they were growing up. In the background you can see one of the head frames at Creighton Mine. Those were the days when you made your own fun. When creativity and ambition was common among all young people. When playing outside for hours on end without "store-bought" toys was simply "what you did" as a kid.

Below, in the space contained within the circle, is where Valerie's home once stood. Some of the rocks that lined the walkway beside her home still remain, but the road now cuts right through the spot that was once the living room. The house was small by today's standards, but it was all that the family needed to enjoy a happy existence among friends.

I know that there are many former Creighton residents who receive Valley East Today every week. If any of you have any stories about the days when you lived in Creighton we would love to have you send them to us so that we can share them with our readers. Send along a photo or two of the "old days" so that we can show others just how much community spirit existed in Creighton Mine. 

It certainly was a wonderful life back in the 50's and 60's growing up in the company towns of Creighton and Lively. I regret that our own children couldn't benefit from the same experience.

I would recommend that you visit the following web site that has been created and managed by Audrie (Jamieson) Brooks, a young lady who lived  at 48 Wavell Street (Snob Hill !?!).  I am sure I went to school with her husband, Earl Brooks. Audrie and Earl moved to Thompson Manitoba in 1976 with their two small daughters. It is a fantastic web site with some great photos and memories.

CREIGHTON MINES WEB SITE

If you have any comments you would like to send for us to add to Valley East Today, please send your information to the following email: rkirwan@infocomcanada.com 

We look forward to your stories and hope you enjoy Audrie's web site.

The bulletin board will remain up during January 2007 as a constant reminder to local citizens of the sacrifice that is being made by the brave recruits of the armed forces.

After tasting fifteen different pies, the judges selected Germaine Laurin’s raspberry pie as the winner of the first place prize. Germaine, who is shown seated in front of the group, baked the pie with the help of a family member, Linda Perreault. Others in the photo included: Henri Fortin, seated on the far left, Dan Draper, Administrator of the Centre; Louise Portelance; Vicki Vincent, 2^nd place winner with an apple pie; Andre Rivest; Sonya Hearty, 3^rd place winner with another applie pie; and Ron Dupuis.

Dan Draper, Louise Portelance, Andre Rivest, Ron Dupuis and Henri Fortin were the judges of the contest. They had a taste of each of the fifteen pies and then rated them on a scale of one to five. Following the prize presentations, the residents enjoyed eating the rest of the pies as a fitting conclusion to their barbecue lunch.
  
The Elizabeth Centre is located on Main Street in Val Caron and is home to 128 low- to total-care residents.

For more photos >>>>>

Shown above at one of the entrances are, from the left: Officer Cadet Kim Gardner; Warrant Officer Karie Belisle; and Private Miranda Bourgeois. They were part of a contingent that included eleven cadets and two officers.

Warrant Officer Belisle was just recently promoted from the rank of Company Sergeant Major and remains the ranking cadet in Capreol. A resident of Hanmer, Warrant Officer Belisle has been with the "Capreol Cadets" for the past four years. She is a Grade 12 student at Confederation Secondary School. She feels that being a member of the Cadets has definitely helped her in a great many ways and she thoroughly enjoys getting out in the community and helping organizations like the Capreol Legion.

Captain Norm Duffy oversees the operations of the Capreol Cadets and he feels that, "This definitely is something that every kid should try, but it is not for everyone." He continued to explain, "The goal of the Irish Regiment of Canada is to produce better citizens, promote physical fitness, and give young people insight into the Canadian Armed Forces. It helps boys and girls develop self-confidence, poise, and a sense of respect for their fellow man and for authority. Many people say that you don't belong to Cadets; you are adopted by Cadets.
  

The Grand Opening of the Centre is scheduled for Thursday, November 16, 2006.

John will be returning on November 16 and 17 and then again from December 20 to 23.