Page 4A The Castlegar Sun Wednesday, June 21, 1995 Six weeks of heaven for six children KAREN KERKHOFF Sun Staff Thanks to the generosity of West Kootenay/Boundary rest dents and businesses six children will have a better chance at life The children, ranging in age from eight to. Ll-years-old, come from Chausey, a community in Belarus suffering effects from the Chernoby fallout The children arrived in Van. couver along with their chaper- one Tatiana Demenchuk, an English teacher at the Minsk lin- guistic University They then travelled to the Kootenays by van and have set tled in with six local host families for a six-week stay Glade residents Paul and Elaine Strelive are two of the res idents who have opened their doors and hearts to 9 1/2 year-old Natasha. The decision to welcome Natasha was easy, said Paul, but it wasn't without misgivings After all, it’s not easy sending a child back to a place that you know is detrimental to their health “They're all bones and ‘eyes,” FLOWER AFFAIRS ANNIVERSARIES/SPECIAL OCCASIONS SEE OUR WEEKLY IN-STORE SPECIALS INE DOZEN ry RNATIONS 12.97 15026 Columbia Plazo, Columbia Ave, Caslegar 365-3056 Fai, « You Are Invited To Our Open House Christina Sands Estates, Hwy #3, Christina Lake, B.C. June 23, 24 & 25-10a.m-3 : Your chance to own your own large recreation Jot on the lake. Priced from $16,500 to $34,900 For detailed information call Gail O'Hara 442-2124 or (Res) 447-9404 ATIO IP. i Border Country Realty 1980 Ltd. REAL ESTATE SERVICE ‘947 Market Ave., Grand Forks, B.C. p.m. said Strelive ——a qa t's hoped that while here the children will have received cnough wholesome food to boost their immune system and recu perate from the devastating effects of the fallout Strelive said it's hard not to “overwhelm” Natasha and the others with gifts meant to ease their physical and emotional suf fering; their sub-standard level of living is readily apparent “Their dress attire is of a dif ferent standard than us. But if we can help them get on their fect that’s good,” said Strelive with conviction Friday members of the Tartys Fire HAfi held\a get togeth- er to thank to sponsors and hosts Present during the ceremonics were the six children who sat qui etly im the corner understanding litthe of what was said except when translated. The Castlegar Sun spoke with Natasha afterwards with the help of Demenchuk who translated. Although Natasha spoke of the many wonders she’s encountered while in Canada, she said the first thing she will always remember is the amount and variety of food available. “Things are so much better here. There is a great variety of food, in Belarus there is very lit- tle choice.” Demenchuk said that residents of Belarus exist on what.they- can grow in their garden. “Usually that’s potatoes, car- rots, onions and cabbage.” Items such as toothbrushes, soap, aspirin, vitamins and antibi- otics are luxuries not many can afford. Natasha is the only child of a *worker” and a truck driver Their income js so sparse that Natasha didn't even own a tooth- brush In fact, money is so alien, that when given money by well- meaning locals, the children didn’t know until told by an Wednesday, June 21, 1995 The Castlegar Sun Page 5A Hospice coordinator steps down SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Editor pair of shoes. But that's okay, because she has already lined up not one, but two people to fill the ones she once wore for Hospice Fomenoff's fiercgdedication to the people wiiom she has served not only“as a volunteer, but as a coordinator for Hos- pice, is one that has earned her the admiration and respect of her fellow volunteers, as well as the families whose lives she has touched. It isn’t just anyone who can sit next to a terminally ill person, perhaps on the verge of death Fomenoff has done.so many times. She has listened with an open heart as they have talked to her about the act of dying. She has comforted them and she has helped them live, until they die She has also been a tremendous help to the ilies of departed The woman said she had just had the strangest dream. Now she was trying to sort through what it all meant. In her dream she was sitting in a theatre-like building, and she remembers feeling tired. She watched people and images fly by, and when it was time to leave the building, she noticed that she was without shoes. Outside with her husband, she fretted over the fact that her shoes were missing Then it seemed natural to her that they would be just fine. In fact, it felt quite nice. “Someone will fill them,” she said to her husband, who was standing next to her. The dream had ended there Awake and pondering, it was sud- lege for me to be there for a dying person's final transition,” said Fomenoff, who will continue to be a volunteer, but is handing over her duties as coordinator to Sherilyn Harasemow and Pat Webb, both of whom were hand- picked by the retiring coordinator. But do they honestly think they can fill the shoes of a woman whose name has become synony- mous with the high standards of Hospice, an organization that deeply touches the lives of the dying and their families? “I don't expect.to fill Anne's shoes. I think we will just have to start making our own tracks,” said Harasemow. “We are lucky that Anne will be there to call on if we need her. But we do have to forge our own way.” Fomenoff is just fine with loved ones. Fomenoff has been the last hand that a dying person might have held, or the shoulder that has supported untold grief and perhaps even despair. “I really believe that death is the most significant event in a person’s life. It has been a privi- denly much clearer to her. That final sentence revealed what she should do Anne Fomenoff, who for the last 10 years has been the capable leader of the Castlegar Hospice Society, is no longer wearing a - this. Hospice after all, needs new recruits, new ideas and new energy for the future needs of Castlegar. She hopes that her two new leaders will accomplish what she was constantly striving to do herself: making the merits of they are needed “Many families believe that they have to wait until the final days of their loved one’s life before Hospice is called. Hospice not only helps people and their families when death is imminent Hospice. volunteers will work with families struggling to cope with a terminal illness immedi- ately after diagnosis if asked to by families,” said Pat Webb, who is looking forward to her new position in the community. Both Webb and Harasemow have backgrounds in social work, and agree that Hospice could offer more to people in times of trial if it was referred to quicker by those in the field of health care. “Health care professionals need to refer patients to Hospice as soon as a terminal diagnosis is given,” said Webb. Fomenoff would like to take the issue one step further, saying it is essential that Hospice's office be established in the Castlegar and District Hospital. Such a situation exists in Grand Forks and is working well for both Hospice and the hospital Although the Castlegar and District Hospital does have a beautifully decorated family room in the hospital that is used by terminally ill people and their families, Hospice volunteers also come into homes, and through respite work offer a much-needed break for families that are caring for a dying member. There are currently 48 volun- teers for Hospice, though only a handful of thesé volunteer to sit with a dying person. Many of the people in, Hospice volunteer their time in other ways, doing admin- istrative tasks or making tele- phone calls. For this reason Fomenoff is hopeful that more volunteers will sign on and undergo the Hospice training that takes place every spring. While no longer a coordinator, it is safe to assume that Fomenoff will remain the dedi- cated volunteer that she has always been, Being involved in Hospice has enriched her life in ways she cannot begin to describe, or even understand. Death, after all, is bigger than val of us. “People say to me, ‘Gee Anne you must be very strong to do the things you do with Hospice. ° Maybe at times it is strength, But I find the work very real. As a Hospice volunteer you're helping people through the most difficult time in their lives. It’s without a doubt a real privilege.” THANK YOU!!! The Kootenay Columbia Child Care Society would like to thank the following people/businesses for helping make our Spring Fair a success. Eileen Scholton & the good sport RCMP Dunk-a-cops, Andy - S.D.#9, City of Castlegar, our Neighbours, The Quirks, Luigi, Safeway, SuperValu, Kevin Bader & Sunshine Radio, Michael & Peaches from Michael's Guided Trail Rides, Greg Morrison, Lorne Culley, Rob - OK Welders, Garage Sale donators, Bev Perepolkin, Castlegar Festival Society, Castlegar Sun, KBS, Trowelex, Ambulance, Sandman Inn, Jason & Mark, Ed & the boys, Alex - Hi Arrow, KCCS Staff & Board and anyone else who pitched in! THANK YOu!!! Tatiana Demenchuk, a Linguistics teacher in Minsk, has-aecompanied six children from Belarus fora Six- week stay in the Kootenays. The children were officially welcomed by sponsors and the Tarrys Fire department last Friday and enjoyed their first ride on a firetruck. UDINE Ne: > You Only Have © DINE OuvT... RED LANTERN RESTAURANT t’s Chinese food, | prepared the way you like it! Ken and Maria Hingwing and Morley and Soo Lan Der are the new owners of the Red Lantern Restaurant located at the Hi Arrow Hotel on the corer of 18th St. and Columbia Ave. Ken and Maria are no strangers to the area though. They are the former owners of the very popular Double Happiness Inn in Trail and it didn’t take long for their customers from Trail and Nelson to find them in Castlegar. “Our customers like the food we have,” said Maria, “and they drive from Trail to eat here.” And with chef Ken’s talents, specialty dishes can be ordered, just for you Kee Specializing in Ai \, jexican Clap) “ior . Enjoy our lig GK outdoor patio: OPEN 5:30 AM TO 6 PM Monday to Saturday & 8 pm on Friday BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER CASTLEROCK CAFE 30 Columbia Ave., Downtown Castlegar 365-2519 = Chinese food fresh from our wok... Lunch Smorg ¢ Tues. - Fnday 12 Saturday & Sunday Smor 130 pm Open Sat., Sun., Mon., Holidays:+ 49 pm Tues . Friday + 11am -9 pm | THE SPINNING WHEEL a Vegetarian Eatery OR 1 medium Chicken Fajita Pizza m= & 1 medium, 2-topping Pizza for the same price. a Russian & Vegetarian Food In the short four months they have been open the Red Lantern has proven to be a popular place for lunch and dinner with Castlegar people to The luncheon smorgasborg is served Monday to Friday from 11:30 to 2:00 and always includes soup, salads, chinese and some western foods. Their deluxe dinner buffet on Friday Saturday and Sunday night is fast * 5-8 pm becoming a Castiegar favourite. Feeding one or 100, chinese or western cuisine, the Red Lantern is ready for you! Pros * i 365-5666 @ 2305 Columbia Ave., Castlegar, B.C CHINESE & WESTERN CUISINE Steak ¢ Seafood Specializing in Chinese Cuisine TAKE OUT ORDERS WELCOME RED LANTERN RESTAURANT (Ri Arrow Hotel) 651-18th St., Castlegar, B.C. 365-5020 TRY OUR DELICIOUS SANDWICHES & BURGERS SENIOR & CHILDREN's SPECIALS ’ ¢ All you can eat borscht, all day! * Homemade bread ¢ Fresh juices * International cuisine * Open for lunch & dinner Reservations appreciated ¢ 365-7202 Located across from the airport, beside the Doukhobor Museum ix, The Lion's Head Dining Room | Featuring fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere Prue Sots ADDED MEALS ALL UNDER $10.00 © Try our kids menu * z ff any meal for seniors Open 5 pm Tues.-Sat. ¢ Sun. at 4 pm * Closed Mon Across the new bridge in beautiful Robson 365-0181 Youre Tuuited... onlooker that jt should be kept safely in their pockets until ready to spend. Purses and wallets aren't necessary gear in Belarus. After receiving the bills, each child brought it closely to their face for lengthy examination. The ongoing hunger suffered by the children was evident when during ceremonies they hungrily eyed the refreshment table. Afterwards they quickly headed for the food grabbing fruit, quickly eating it while standing close by and reaching for more until sated. Fruit, said Demenchuk, is unheard of in Belarus. While visiting the Koote- nays the children will be treat- ed to activities such as visiting the aquatic centre, picnics, and rides on fire trucks. Business- es have donated tickets to the aquatic centre, theatres and other such places In total there were 53 chil- dren who travelled to B.C.. The children are staying in Vancou- ver, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, and the Kootenay/Boundary region. When returning home the children will be carrying with them. packages of essentials donated by host families and businesses. It’s planned that there will be a local chapter formed to facilitate the visit of ‘more children next year. While staying in Canada the children will also receive free exams and treatment from local doctors and dentists Over $80,000 was raised through donations from friends, families businesses and organi- zations to bring the 53 children over. Fundraising will begin this fall for the 1995/1996 program. Anyone who's interested in the program is invited to phone Sandra or Craig Soukeroff at 226-7337. [ FIND IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS | BINGO ROBSON RECREATION SOCIETY Summer Bingo ¢ June 22 Early Bird 6:30 pm ¢ Regular 7:00 pm oo BONANZ Castlegar Community Complex BINGO #797033 PACKAGES AVAILABLE SPEAKERS Constable Ness of the local R.C.M.P. He will be speaking on block watch and summer safety for children. BC Tel Mobility "Kootenays Unplugged” it & ie tA = = Long time Hospice Coordinator Anne Fomenoff (centre) will be leaving her admin- istrative tasks to Pat Webb (left) and Sherilyn Harasamow, both of whom are new to the Castlegar Hospice Society. Fomenoff will continue to volunteer for organization. e for Hospice and Dolly Kaardahl. Outgoing members are: Elaine Fomenoff. The Castlegar Hospice Society held its annual general meeting on May 29. Changes to the execu- tive board were: incoming president, Wilma Gaetz, Whitehead, Nellie Gorkoff, Colin Pryce and Anne The Hospice Society welcomes and encourages everyone to take the hospice training for personal past president, Lovette Nichvolodoff, treasurer, Gilda McGregor, secretary, Elaine Bevans; advisor, Gwilym Hughes. Directors are: Dr. Josie Lesper- ance, Pastor Rankin McGougan, Sharon Franklin work. \ can join in ge or the spring of 1996. For more information on training or the on the Society itself please contact the Home Support office at 365-2148, Sherilyn Harasamow at 365-2148 or Patricia Webb at 359-5986. OW SELLING Woodland Drive | Developers Alex Cheveldave (L) and Richard Askew are now selling lots in the new controlled development, Woodland Drive Estates. Call Alex at 365-5663 or Richard at 365-7042 for more information. WE'VE MOVED Crafts & Wedding Supplies Favors our specialty See us in our new location a In the Castle Theatre building Just Ey's CHocoLaTe & Girt Suop Until June 24th... ... to enter to win one of two great prizes at Curriets Insurance new location in Castlegar. Drop by or mail the entry form below. At Curriers Insurance you'll get a great reception. “sare Toarself (no purchase necessary) Name Ri) FIRST PRIZE — 25"' Colour TV from Pete’s SECOND PRIZE — $40 Gift Certificate, Red Lantern Restaurant Phone Address ( Home (CD Travel (2 Boat (J Auto My expiry date is: Curriers Insurance Agencies Ltd. 2301 Columbia Ave., Castlegar, BC V1N 2X3 365-2773 | would like a no obligation quote for: (1 rv OO tite (1) Business r For reserv informat 493-0212 Penticton Airport Penticton ‘Am Independent Budget System Licensee. 1 ' 1 1 1 L Une your Sears Charge SEARS at Sears Car and Rental located oman Bader oT Car & Truck Rental carand . truck rental Not discount or promotion. Cars subject to availablity J