Focus on youth & "Art Shows & Galleries" now seniors this 2have a special box. "Langham Christmas hosts Art Auction & Cabaret" Traditionally December, the Christmas season, is devoted to "Portrait of the Publisher" 3 WHAT'S ON wants to become part children . This year WHAT'S ON decided instead to focus our energy on of yourfamily. Here's an introduction. seniors and youth. Below we look at how seniors are helping one another through peer counselling. On our "Youth Page" (page 6) we asked some Trafalgar High School stu- dents what their visions and hopes "December Calendar of Events". were for the Nelson area and the world 4Arts, sports, Christmas events, in 1989. We asked them to be positive and realistic. To describe changes that classes, and more. Hang it up! "Lending an ear and listening from the heart." See below. they felt would make Nelson and the A "Kid's space" Christmas greet- world better, yet could happen in 1989. 6 ing and some teenagers share On the bottom of this page we in- their visions for 1989. clude some quotes from some of the local youth on what they would like to Kootenay Christmas Faire by Shawn Lamb and staff the WHAT'S ON calendar. The "Great Escapes" guide plun- see available for them in Nelson. The 15th Annual Kootenay "People like the Christmas Faire 7 ges into a floatation tank. The staff of WHAT'S ON wishes everyone a joyful holiday season and Christmas Faire has a long tradition. because it is an event not just a This year the Faire will be held Decem- marketplace," says Pauline Hanbury best wishes in 1989. See you in S"WHAT'S Cooking" the Main Street Diner. drops in to January! ber 8th to 10th at the newly-renovated Nelson Civic Centre. Fordetailscheck who ... CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 Seniors helping seniors evecyweek by Gillian Browning their peers with problem solving. Yearsley. "I am retired and in good The present group of peer counsellors "Extending a hand, lending an ear, Peer counsellor, Molly Beley says, health and feel some of my time needs meet once a week. Depending on and listening from the heart," is the "the main thing is for seniors to have to be spent with people who perhaps funding and demand new groups will motto of the Nelson Senior Peer Coun- someone to listen to them and to know are not as fortunate as I and who need be formed. For further information, or sellors. Sponsored by Nelson and Dis- someone cares. One counsellor an understanding person to talk to." for any older person needing help in trict Home Support Services, the reported back that the woman she is The premise of counselling at this making a decision, solving a problem, Senior Peer Counsellors formed in visiting is just blooming." When asked grass roots level, "is that people aren't dealing with loneliness, coping with February '88, meets weekly, and is a about the ten-week training session, sick. They may have a problem but bureaucracy, adjusting to changes in pilot project in this area. Beley replied, "it has been very helpful, they are not sick," Life Skills Instructor health, or to just talk may reach a Through funding from the New especially the communication skills Leigh Simms says. Simms uses role Senior Peer Counsellor by phoning Liz Horizons Program of Health and Wel- which I could have made use of fifty playing throughout the training Floyd, Nelson Home Support Services fare Canada, volunteers are trained years ago." program. "I encourage them to use at 352-2911. over a ten week period with classes in Ellen Yearsley who was one of the their own problems during Jhe role self-esteem, communication skills, original members of the group who put play." Improving communication skills assertiveness and problem solving. together the grant proposal says, along with being understanding, ac- The emphasis of the project is for the "both from my experience and from tively listening and identifying with peer counsellor to be more of a friend what others are saying the project is what a person is feeling, are some of as opposed to being a "professional very successful." Presently Yearsley is the many aspects of counselling counsellor" but at the same time visiting a woman who resides at Willow covered by Simms. Broader Horizons having the necessary skills to assist Haven and doesn't get out often. "She Worker Evelyn Cartlidge summed it up is delighted when I take her out," says saying, "this is people helping people." ''"' ~J "Street Talk" is a new column where WHAT'S ON interviews people randomly on the street and shares with our readers a short quote and a photo of those polled. If you have ideas for questions you would like to "A fun centre with a few "We usually just go to the "An arcade and that's about see answered in "Street Talk", please computers, a small arcade, a mall. I don't know what it. Maybe a drop-in centre call us at 354-391 o. small pool and a small Nelson needs." with a pool and gym." This month WHAT'S ON asked restaurant." three youth what facilities or events Delaney Robertson Tabius Hanbury they think Nelson needs for teens and young adults. Here are their Jacob Hartline