Growing up in Fernie was a great experience. There was a lot of freedom for kids to roam around freely and we did. We ran up and down the hill where Ridgemont is now, ran to the Cribbin‘to pick buckets of Saskatoon berries and dip our feet in the river, ran along the north end of the tracks banking the golf course to pick pussy willow stems in the spring and wild strawberries in summer and where the recycling depot is and all along that area we played ball and hide and seek and looked for four leaf clovers because back then it was a beautiful field of green.
It was almost idyllic back then perhaps because of the simplicity of life here. Fernie at the time was mostly a resource town, mining and forestry were the main drivers, however there were also many government offices providing services and lots of shops on Main Street.
Still the feeling of the town was different, homes were smaller, families were stronger, hundreds of people attended church on Sundays, not everyone owned a car and many like my father rode his bicycles to work while the rest of us walked everywhere.
And there were family owned shops like MC Cash, Fiorillo’s, Guzzi’s, Minifie’s and of course the barber shop with long time barbers Patsy Caravetta and Doug Turner.
Despite the easiness of life or perhaps because of it, children raised in this small town ended up being high achievers.
Attending a multi-year class reunion a couple of years ago I noticed how successful class mates were. Some are living in exotic places; there are diverse careers such as the entertainment business, law, accounting, education, science, some are pilots, politicians and all were pretty happy to be back in Fernie. It seems that once you have been raised in Fernie although moved away Fernie is still always considered home. I completely understand, I hold a love for this town that will keep me here always.
So for me it’s always a pleasure when I meet someone raised here who still has this community in heart and mind. And recently I met up with Joyce Turner, the daughter of barber Doug Turner and Inga Turner. Born and raised in Fernie, Joyce is the East Kootenay Regional Manager with Golden Life Management. Joyce has a distinguished career both in nursing and long term care management. Having spent some time working in a couple of other provinces she saw the opportunity to move back when this position opened at Golden Life and although based in Cranbrook Rocky Mountain Village is also under her management. It was wonderful to see Joyce again and see how another Fernie kid has achieved.
When Joyce and I spoke we realized that sometimes people who need services have no idea of how to access or look for that information so we thought it would be a good idea to let people know what is available, for instance for people who find themselves as caregivers there is a “Supporting Primary Caregivers Respite Series: Adult Day Services”.
Joyce says “Families often take great pride in caring for their loved one at home. However, the physical, emotional and financial consequences can be overwhelming without some support, such as respite. Caregivers can become preoccupied with the tasks of caregiving and may overlook the benefits that respite and adult day services can provide. Seeking support and maintaining one’s own health are key to avoiding caregiver burnout.
She then addressed the Benefits of Adult Day Services. “Respite is short term assistance provided to individuals who are caring for a loved one at home. There are many benefits to respite care that include having: Leisure time – Take a walk, read a book, listen to music – whatever brings you rest and relaxation. A change of venue – Escaping routine caregiving can help you relax, bring you a new perspective. Socialization – Prevent isolation or feeling alone. Take time to engage with friends, family, and co-workers by sharing meals, conversation, and experiences. Subsidy – Costs associated with adult day services are usually subsidized making the service affordable. Adult day services are one example of respite that is available in our community. Adult day services offer a range of health, personal, social and recreational activities in a safe, caring environment with a goal of providing much needed support to caregivers that will enable the senior to remain at home.
Maintaining a healthy relationship between the caregiver and senior is vital, caregivers may access respite services in order to maintain their ability to be effective in their role. Caregivers can have peace of mind, knowing that their loved one is receiving the care they need while enjoying the socialization and recreation respite stays can provide. Speak with your healthcare provider or doctor for more information.”
