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CHELSEA BREEZE
November 2010
Volume 3, Issue 4
CHELSEA TOWER’S “KIDNEY SUITES PROGRAM”
CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY
In January of 2000, New Chelsea Society entered the new millennium by embarking on
an exciting joint venture with The Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC Branch, and the then
Pacific Command of the Royal Canadian Legion (now BC-Yukon Command).
Since 1990 The Kidney Foundation had been working on the issue of safe, affordable
accommodation for kidney patients with financial needs who live outside the lower
mainland and must travel to Vancouver for transplant surgery. The solution materialized in
2000 and over the next 10 years, the New Chelsea Society dedicated a total of three
Tower suites for these kidney patients. On August 12, 2010, the fourth Kidney Suite was
opened and the ceremony is pictured above with Fran Walton, Don and Elaine Crawford,
Pat Buchannon and Lorraine Gerard, Executive Director of the BC Branch of the Kidney
Foundation of Canada
A variety of BC communities have benefited from this wonderful housing resource. Clients
have come from Bella Coola, Campbell River, Chemainus, Hope, Hornby Island, Kamloops,
Langley, Mission, Mount Currie, Nanaimo, North Sananich, Penticton, Powell River, Prince
George, Summerland, Victoria, Vernon, Saltspring Island, Port Alberni, Warfield, Fort Nel-
son, Comox and Winfield.
New Chelsea Society is proud to be a part of this important project – a first for Canada –
and wishes to again thank all those who have been involved in making it such a success.
MANAGER’S
MEANDERINGS
Fall is now upon us and of course with it comes shorter days, falling leaves, windy nights, and dark mornings where more of-
ten than not - it’s raining. I still fondly remember the great weather of late August and early September and the opportunity
that I had to take a vacation trip to the United Kingdom. It’s been ten years since I was last there and at that time I was on a
tour with my Pipe Band. This time I left my kilt and bagpipes at home, and spent a full three weeks touring around Ireland,
the lowlands of Scotland, and the beautiful countryside of the northeast of England where I spent time visiting relatives. We
live in a beautiful part of the world here in Vancouver, but I must say the countryside and seaside of Britain is certainly a close
second. All in all, it was a marvelous trip. The only downside were the much smaller than human seats on the aircraft there
and back that left me stiff and sore for days, and the one and only downpour we experienced, which unfortunately occurred
while we were sitting on the top deck of an open-air double-decker bus on a narrated tour of Dublin! The tour of the Guinness
Brewery immediately afterwards however gave ample opportunity to dry off.
It’s been a busy couple of months at New Chelsea. The Society has struck a Strategic Planning Committee made up of Board
members and staff that will be working over the next 6-8 months, along with consultants, to formulate a 5 year strategic plan
for the Society. It will be an extensive process that will involve reviewing the Society’s entire operations and talking with a
variety of stakeholders including tenants, staff, board members, contractors, service companies, government agencies, and
affiliated veterans’, seniors’, and other non-profit organizations in the community. We hope to have a draft of the Society’s 5-
year Strategic Plan ready for the Society’s next Annual General meeting in July of 2011.
It has been a few months now since New Chelsea Society rolled out our new Tigertel “Hotline” (604-331-6100) that residents
can now call to report a problem or an emergency to their Site Managers. This telephone line is available 24 hours a day, 7
days a week, 365 days a year. It has proven to be very efficient and we believe that both residents and staff like the new sys-
tem. It ensures suite or building repair emergencies are immediately directed to the staff on duty for prompt follow-up, and
non-emergencies are properly recorded so staff can prioritize and attend to them as soon as possible.
The Society has recently taken a step forward in improving our efficiency in dealing with pest control at our 17 properties.
We welcome aboard Mr. Plamen Nikolov who will be reporting directly to our Director of Property Operations, Terry Alleyn
and will be working closely with our Property Portfolio Managers and Site Managers. Plamen is a licensed and experienced
pest control technician, and as an employee of New Chelsea Society, he will be working hard to ensure the Society best inter-
ests are served and helping to keep our buildings pest-free.
In late September, the Society’s Board of Directors participated in a bus tour that took them around to visit and tour six of the
seven new properties that New Chelsea Society acquired this past summer from the West Coast Community Homes Society.
As the Board found out, it has been very challenging, as we endeavour to bring these properties up to New Chelsea Society’s
standards, but we are slowly making progress.
As we approach Veteran’s Week and Remembrance Day on November 11th, it is once again appropriate to take a moment to
remember the brave men and women who gave their lives so we fellow Canadians could live in freedom and peace. Those of
us affiliated with New Chelsea Society should also take a moment to remember and thank those Veterans and local Branches
of The Royal Canadian Legion that had the foresight and commitment in the early 1950’s to set up the New Chelsea Society
and worked tirelessly to establish and provide safe affordable housing for their WW2 Veteran comrades and their spouses.
Today, New Chelsea Society is a growing and flourishing non-profit housing society with 17 properties and over 2,000 resi-
dents including veterans, seniors, families, and persons with disabilities. We are proud that we have been able to carry the
torch forward over the past 55 years, and through the dedication and commitment of our staff and volunteer board of directors,
have been able to greatly expand the Society’s efforts and mandate.
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Buchannon “At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them”
Patrick Buchannon
Executive Director
CHEQUE PRESENTATION
Sukhi Dhaliwal, President of Burnaby Metro- Bill Spencer presented a cheque to Winch
town Rotary Club ,presents a cheque fin the House for $1,867.36 from a fundraiser held at
amount of $1,000 to Winch House. South Vancouver Legion Branch #16.
New Chelsea Executive Director, Pat
Buchannon, recently completed a well-
deserved holiday to Europe. On his 3
week journey he visited the English
midlands, Scotland and Ireland.
As a youth, Pat spent 8 months back-
packing, on $10 a day, all over the
Continent from Italy to the far reaches
of northern Scotland. His last stop be-
fore heading home, nearly broke, was
Dublin and he couldn’t afford the
crowning touch of his trip, a pint of
Irish nectar, Guinness! Some 30 years
later he ensured that he had a couple
of Euros in his pocket for his revisit.
1. What fruit has its 2. Three words in standard
English begin with the letters 'dw'
seeds on the outside? and they are all common
words. Name two of them.
Answers on Page 8
INFLUENZA (FLU)
What is Influenza (flu?)
Influenza is a respiratory disease that affects the nose, throat and lungs. It is an acute viral infection that
spreads easily from person to person usually during the winter months in Canada between November and
April. Various strains of influenza circulate worldwide each year and can affect anybody in any age
group, but the highest risk of complications occur among children younger than age two, adults 65 or
older and people of any age with certain medical conditions, such as chronic heart, lung, kidney, liver,
blood or metabolic diseases (such as diabetes) or weakened immune systems. Most healthy people are
able to recover from influenza without major complication; however influenza can cause severe illnesses
and deaths for higher risk populations. Influenza lowers the body’s ability to fight other infections; it can
lead to bacterial infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and even death in the elderly and people with
chronic medical conditions.
How is Influenza spread? Signs and Symptoms
Influenza spreads rapidly among Influenza is characterized by a sudden onset of high fever,
people and can sweep through schools, cough (usually dry), headache, muscle and joint pain,
senior buildings or businesses very severe malaise (feeling unwell), sore throat and runny
rapidly. When an infected person nose. Most people recover from fever and other symptoms
coughs, infected droplets get into the within a week without requiring medical attention. But influ-
air and another person can breathe enza can cause severe illness or death in people at high risk.
them in and be exposed. The virus can The time from infection to illness, known as the incubation
also be spread by infected hands. period is about two to three days.
How can influenza be prevented?
The most effective way to prevent influenza or severe outcomes from the illness is vaccination. Safe and
effective vaccines have been available and used for more than 60 years. Among healthy adults,
influenza vaccine can prevent 70% to 90% of influenza-specific illness. Among the elderly, the vaccine
reduces severe illnesses and complications by up to 60% and deaths by 80%. Vaccination is especially
important for people at higher risk of serious influenza complications, and for people who live with or
care for high risk individuals. Influenza is spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs around other
people. Particles are passed through the air where they will infect those with whom they come in contact.
If an infected person uses a telephone, the infection can also be passed on to the next person to use the
phone. Since the infected person may not know he or she has influenza, he or she can touch many items
without realizing they have passed the virus along to others.
The best thing one can do if one is suffering from influenza is stay home; drink plenty of fluids and rest. If
a doctor's visit is required, a prescription for an anti-viral may be issued. Alcohol and cigarettes or other
tobacco products will lower one’s immunity. An infected person would be well advised to stay away from
these products at least until after recovery.
Contributed by Rudy Small, New Chelsea Society Health & Wellness Consultant
STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS UNDERWAY
New Chelsea Society is currently engaged in a strategic planning process to develop future goals
and strategies for our organization. In the current planning process, we are attempting to forecast
future changes and trends which may affect the Society and the people we serve. Part of this ef-
fort will involve a series of interviews and surveys with key stakeholders that include Member
Legion Branches of the Society, board members, the senior management team, staff groups and
individual staff members, tenant groups and committees, service providers and contractors, and
affiliates such as government and private agencies, other housing societies, and partners in our
various joint initiatives.
This major review will include independent research conducted by Rudy Small Consulting, as
well as an engagement component that will include individual meetings
or focus groups with stakeholder representatives, sector experts, and
other relevant leaders.
Someone from Rudy Small Consulting will be contacting our various
stakeholders over the next few weeks in order to hold interviews and/or
group meetings. When the gathering of this feedback and information is
completed, we will be happy to share a summary with all participants.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in this important effort.
Submitted by,
Patrick Buchannon
Executive Director
New Chelsea Hires Pest Service Technician
As a progressive organization determined to ensure the health and safety
of it’s residents, New Chelsea is pleased to introduce Plamen Nikolov as
our fulltime pest services technician. As a fully licensed expert, Plamen
will inspect and service all society properties on a monthly basis. In
addition he will conduct service calls for bed bugs, rodents and animals
such as skunks and racoons.
The bed bug treatment is very evasive, aggressive and includes flipping
of mattresses and having availability to treat entire rooms.
Diligent preparation is necessary and may involve the moving of furniture and personal belongings
including clutter. New Chelsea is investing a sizeable commitment to eradicate bed bugs and your
co-operation will ensure that our properties are safe and healthy for everyone.
3. Which is the
Pests have really invaded some of
one sport in
New Chelsea’s properties and be-
which neither
come a nuisance. Not only do they
cause damage to the buildings, you
the spectators
run a risk of being “sprayed” by one nor the
of these critters. Pictured is a skunk participants know the score
that was trapped humanely at Vanco- or the leader until the
everden Court, one of 17! They are contest ends?
released safely on the North Shore. Answer on Page 8
Moratorium on Dogs
Due to the overabundance of dogs at New Chelsea
properties that permit pets, effective immediately,
approval will not be granted for any dogs at this
time. Applications will still be considered for cats,
birds and other approved small animals. All current
registered dogs will be “grandfathered”.
Director of Property Operations,
Terry Alleyn, utilized his cooking
skills at a recent barbeque at
Chelsea Park. Over 50 residents
and guests enjoyed burgers,
home-cooked beans, salads and
desserts. Chelsea Park has a
unique population of supportive
and independent residents who
have created a true spirit of
community living.
The 2010 Board of Directors
went on a road trip in September
to view the newly acquired West
Coast Community Homes
properties so that they could
familiarize themselves with the
various locations.
4. What is the only vegetable
Here they are at Chelsea Green on
that is never sold frozen,
Kamloops in Vancouver with Property
cooked, canned or
Portfolio Manager, Tom Peat, giving
processed in anyway?
them the tour.
Answer on Page 8
THE VETERAN ON OUR TEN DOLLAR BILL
If you look at the back right-hand side of a Canadian $10 bill, you will see an old veteran
standing at attention near the Ottawa war memorial. His name is Robert Metcalfe and he
died last month at the age of 90.
That he managed to live to that age is rather remarkable, given what happened in the
Second World War. Born in England , he was one of the 400,000 members of the British
Expeditionary Force sent to the mainland where they found themselves facing the new
German warfare technique - the Blitzkrieg. He was treating a wounded comrade when
he was hit in the legs by shrapnel. En route to hospital, his ambulance came under fire
from a German tank, which then miraculously ceased fire. Evacuated from Dunkirk on
HMS Grenade, two of the sister ships accompanying them were sunk. Recovered, he was
sent to allied campaigns in North Africa and Italy . En route his ship was chased by the
German battleship Bismarck. In North Africa he served under General Montgomery
against the Desert Fox, Rommel. Sent into the Italian campaign, he met his future wife,
a lieutenant and physiotherapist, in a Canadian hospital. They were married in the morn-
ing by the mayor of the Italian town, and again in the afternoon by a British padre. After
the war they settled in Ontario where he went into politics and became the warden
(chairman) of the county and on his retirement he and his wife moved to Ottawa. At the
age of 80 he wrote a book about his experiences. One day out of the blue he received a
call from a government official asking him to go downtown for a photo op. He wasn't
told what the photo was for or why they chose him. 'He had no idea he would be on the
bill,' his daughter said. And now you know the story of the old veteran on the $10 bill.
THE COWBOY A cowboy appeared before St. Peter at the Pearly
Gates.
'Have you ever done anything of particular merit?'
St. Peter asked.
'Well, I can think of one thing,' the cowboy offered.
'On a trip to the Black Hills out in South Dakota , I
came upon a gang of bikers, who were threatening a
young woman. I directed them to leave her alone,
but they wouldn't listen. So, I approached the larg-
est and most heavily tattooed biker and smacked
him in his face, kicked his bike over, ripped out his
nose ring, and threw it on the ground.”
I yelled, 'Now, back off or I'll kick the stuffing out of
all of you!'
St. Peter was impressed, 'When did this happen?'
'Just a couple of minutes ago….....'
Quiz Answers:
1. Strawberry
2. Dwarf, dwell and dwindle
3. Boxing
4. Lettuce
The staff at Chelsea Terrace in Burnaby, Chelsea Breeze is published for the residents,
directors, staff, and friends of New Chelsea Society.
Barbara McKay, John McKay and Gary
McCormick, welcome the new site staff to NEW CHELSEA SOCIETY
#101 – 3640 Victoria Drive,
the team, Barry and Diane Vernon. Vancouver, BC V5N 5P1
Chelsea Terrace is the largest New Chelsea Phone: 604.874.6255 Fax: 604.874.6250
Email: admin@newchelsea.ca
property and consists of 208 units, almost Websites: www.newchelsea.ca
20% of the entire portfolio. The Terrace has www.chelseaparkbc.ca
a very active tenants committee and boasts Editors: Terry Alleyn & Cheyenne Venne
a drop-in morning café, movies, bingo and
a myriad of dinner events.
