Living

I sat across the table from my friend Gil at Yohachi Sushi on Esplanade Avenue and surveyed the beautifully crafted platter of sashimi that had been set down before us.

Founding members Agnes Jefferson and Fran Ruegg of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) B.C. 4154, North Vancouver, celebrate the 25th anniversary of the local chapter of the international support organization.

Fitness instructor Gail Roxburgh leads Gerry Vowels, Joy Gouws, Pat Weightman and Joan Parry through a workout. Community members are invited to Core, Strength and Balance, a total body workout designed for those 50 and older.

Mary Bell-Irving gives a dessert toast as she enjoys a buffet of goodies at A Taste of Amica, an open house held recently at the West Vancouver retirement living community.

Capilano University business students Saba Hashempour, Anna Nassinovskaia, Dylan Hughes and Matt Konar are among the members of SportGro, a fund and awareness-raising initiative focused on helping provide underprivileged children with access to sport

As part of the HOpe Centre Community Open House held Oct. 4, more than 200 people participated in a giant hug, joining hands around the entirety of the building in a show of unity for those affected by mental illness.

Award-winning brew North Vancouver's Bridge Brewing won the Brewer's Challenge Award for best purl cask at the fifth annual B.C. Beer Awards and Festival on Oct. 25.

This week, without fanfare, I'm trotting out a clutch of seriously good-value wines, all under $20 but worth separating from the pack. Kono Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Kono is the second label of well-known Maori-owned winery Tohu.

I told my kids I was going to attend a seminar on planning for the wellbeing of aging parents. My kids are 22 and 21. They looked at each other and then my son said, "Shouldn't we be the ones going to that?" They thought that was hilarious.

Would you rather receive $100 now or wait a month for $110? Obviously the amount of the future versus the present "reward" and the length of the wait will affect the decision.