z a “Community a + TheReview a nr Wednesday, March 7, 1990 — A22 i ee 8 ST eee - a Volunteers spread words through Book Circle- by Valorie Lennox The Review Folks who like to read books — and people — are providing a link to the outside world for those confined to their homes. The Book Circle, sponsored’ by the Sidney Friends of the Library, brings library books and conversa- tion to elderly and chronically ill clients. Four volunteers now serve an estimated 35 people. More volun- teers are needed. Harry Potter, a volunteer for the past 10 months, estimates there may be up to 100 people in the areca who could use the Book Circle service. “Anybody can do this service. We think it 1s better to do it through an organization because of the back-up it gives you,” says Potter. Friends of the Library have sponsored the service for the past two years. Potter notes the service was once provided by the now-defunct bookmobile. Volunteers Fenella Gibbs of North Saanich and Jennifer Chan- dler of Sidney have brought books to patients at Resthaven Lodge for the past eight years. “I’m a rookie,” Potter said. He was introduced to the service by the fourth volunteer, Dr. Molly Nash, who visits people in their homes. The service is provided to clients in Sidney, Central Saanich and North Saanich. Potter has spoken to the Brentwood Friends of the Library about the service and expects that group will even- tually sponsor a Book Circle in Central Saanich. Potter, Gibbs and Chandler esti- mate they spend four to six hours a week as Book Circle volunteers. Potter picks up books for patients in Sidney’s Personal Care Home. The biggest challenge is mat- SEEKING STORIES for their Book Circle clients are volunteers Harry Potter, Jennifer Chandler and Fenella Gibbs of the Sidney Friends of the Library. Book Circle volunteers bring books fo those confined to their homes or to institutions. ching the book to the client, espe- cially when the choice is limited to big print books. “It’s a real skall, trying to fit the books to the customers,” said Chandler. “If you hit it mght you feel so pleased.” The average age of clients is 86. Many are offended by steamy modem novels. Potter found the four-letter Services held for avid A Brentwood Bay community leader, long-time resident and nominee for the Order of Canada died in hospital last Wednesday. Memorial services were held yesterday for Hazel Woodward, 87, at Brentwood Anglican Chapel. She died of a heart attack after a short illness. Born in Moose Jaw in 1902, Woodward moved to Brentwood Bay in 1906, where she taught school and began a lengthy dedi- cation to community work. A graduate of Victoria Normal School, she taught in Saanich and Brentwood until her marriage to Ernest G. Woodward. One of her long associations was with the Unitarian Service Committee of Canada. After about 40 years with the organization, she told The Review in October 1989 that she couldn’t waste money on trifles. “If something costs more thazi what I think is a fair price, I think, “How many children will that money feed?’ ” she said. A speech by Dr. Lotta Hitsch- manova, founder of the Unitarian Service, introduced Woodward to the organization in about 1950. pits, Sidney yk : f{~ Of ~ Service =-Cy v Above Pye igs Self Of United Empire Loyalist ancestry, she was active in many other organizations, too, and held executive positions in most. Among them were the Indian Arts Society, the Monarchist League of Canada, B.C. Women’s Conservatives, Court of Canadian Citizenship Council, B.C. Women’s Institute, and the World Conference of Associated Country Women of the World. Predeceased by her husband, among her survivors are a sister- in-law, two brothers-in-law, nicccs, nephews, and other relatives and friends in Canada and England. words in one book scribbled out by an irate reader. “At 86 you don’t want a lot of sex and violence,” Gibbs said. Over time, the volunteers get to know their clients. Potter is espe- cially careful when choosing books for one 95-year-old woman who becomes very involved with the characters in the books. “If a person is divorced or volunteer HAZEL WOODWARD Flemming MAPLES GALLERY presents An exhibition of watercolours, monoprints & serigraphs inspired by the ceramic forms of Wayne Ngan SHOW OPENS SUN. MARCH 11, 1-4pm AND CONTINUES UNTIL MARCH 31 corner of Keating X Rd. Hours: Tues. = Sun. 10am - 6pm Jorgensen & West Saanich 652-2102 killed; she cries, so I have to be very careful. ~ One lady, she must be all of 86, she says as long as ils got a man and a woman in it, she likes it,” Potter added. In addition to delivering and picking up books, the voluntecrs spend some time talking to clients about the books or about current events. “We are one of the contacts with the outside world,” said Potter. Because of the time spent with each client, Potter says each volun- tcer can only serve eight clients. They deliver as many books as possible, but are sometimes lim- ited by the available books in the library. Gibbs estimates only one of eight clients can read normal print and many books, especially non- fiction, are not available in large print. Library staff try to provide books requested by clients, although the books are often not in the library. A special carding sys- tem allows the volunteers to take the books out on extended loan. “The cooperation from the gals in the library is great, just great,” said Gibbs. To enjoy the Book Circle, volun- teers must love both people and books. “I have one dear old lady that only likes travel books — and her day is made when I come through the door,” Gibbs said. : Potter said onc of his clients, a bright-eyed lady bent by osteopor- Osis, reads seven books a weck. In addition to the Book Circle, Potter said there is also a need for people willing to read aloud to fiose Who can no longer read or ~ manipulate a tape recorder for talking books. Anyone willing to volunteer for the Book Circle is invited to call the library at 656-0944 or Potter at 656-5005. “You can’t do this if you don’t love books,” said Chandler “You have to love people and love * books.” We Can “Fit” Your Needs! *49- DOWN Aerobics or Weights $24 = per month” Aerobics/Hydra Gym $25 = per month* Aerobics/Hydra/Weights $95 « $29 per per month* (‘based on 12 months) FULL MEMBERSHIP STAIRMASTER Aerobics Hydra-Gym Weights Personal Instruction 6793 KIRKPaTRICK CR. 652-5444