EYOND B oomers
B and
September 2026 • Issue 73 Celebrating the 55+ Community of Elgin County
Letter from the Editor One of the strangest things about modern life is how easy it is to collect “friends,” yet how difficult it can be to build lasting friendships. Social media have made it possible to meet people from around the world with the click of a button. Unfortunately, it has also made
PortStanley FestivalTheatre
PACKED WITH FALL ENTERTAINMENT! SIMON JOYNES PLAYWRIGHTS’ FESTIVAL Join us for three nights of FREE Public Readings as we develop new Canadian stories. Hosted by PSFT Artistic Director Liz Gilroy September 17- 19 th , 2026 at 7:30pm “Now The Bells Ring” A Docu-Concert by Lindsay Kyte, Music by Rita MacNeil “Martha Rules” (working title) by John Spurway “Hen Party!” by Jody Stevens Reserve Free Seats in Advance Donations Welcomed at the Door
it just as easy for people to disappear from our lives. One disagreement, one busy season, one change in direction, and suddenly someone who was part of your daily routine becomes little more than an old profile picture. I keep trying to explain this to my kiddo. Friendships aren’t always easy. Sometimes they take work. Sometimes they require forgiveness, patience, and the willingness to pick up the phone instead of simply hitting “unfollow.” I’ve always believed in having a core group of close friends surrounded by a much larger circle of acquaintances. The larger circle makes life interesting, but it’s the core group who show up when life gets complicated. They’re the ones I’ve known since high school, the ones I can call without hesitation because I know they’ll answer, even if it’s just to remind me that whatever mess I’ve gotten myself into is probably my own fault. Recently, I had lunch with Richard Haddow. Now, if you know Richard, you’ll know he’s involved in just about everything our community has to offer. While we were sitting in the diner, person after person stopped to say hello. It was like watching the mayor, except nobody was asking him to fix potholes. It struck me that while holding onto lifelong friends is incredibly important, so is making room for new ones, especially those from different generations. Older friends share stories that remind us where we’ve come from. Younger friends help us understand where the world is going. Both perspectives are valuable, and both can enrich our lives in ways we never expect. As we get older, there is another reality we all eventually face: we begin losing friends. It’s one of the hardest parts of growing older. The conversations end, the laughs become memories, and suddenly you’re the one telling the stories that keep their spirit alive. That’s a privilege, even if it doesn’t always feel like one. If you’re finding it harder to make new friends these days, this fall might be the perfect time to change that. Join a club, try a new hobby, volunteer, or sign up for a class you’ve always been curious about. You never know who you’ll meet. Your next cup of coffee could turn into a lifelong friendship, and at any age, that’s something worth raising a mug to.
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Page 2 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2026
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I Don’t Think You Need to Be 32 to Do What We Do by Myles Proulx, Manager of Resources and Community Partnerships with Family & Children’s Services of St Thomas and Elgin County Jill didn’t set out to become a foster parent. Growing up outside St. Thomas, she says she was “completely unaware of the need.” That changed in Toronto, where a weekly newspaper feature, Today’s Child, profiled children in care looking for homes. “That profound need kind of woke me up,” she recalls. “I knew at that point I was going to do something.” It took decades to get there. She raised five children largely as a single mother, in jobs that circled back to kids: a nonprofit daycare, mentoring young mothers, children’s ministry at her church. With four kids already grown, a car accident ended that chapter; she moved back to St. Thomas with her youngest daughter. Driving through town, she passed a roadside sign about the need for foster parents. The pull was instant and familiar. “It hit me like a ton of bricks,” she says, with the same jolt from those newspaper profiles: “That’s what I’m supposed to be doing.” In her mid- fifties, with just one child still at home, now she was ready. “The timing was perfect. I jumped on it. It’s probably the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve never regretted it.” Jill is candid that fostering isn’t only about reward. Her first placement, two young brothers, ended when their birth mother was able to have them placed back in her care. “I watched this mom climb mountains to get her kids back, and I supported her in that,” Jill says. “But the day they left, I was devastated.” She feels it with every child who goes home. “I know it’s coming, and I know it’s good, because it means I’ve loved them unconditionally.” She’s learned a harder lesson too: love and patience can’t always undo what a child has lived through. “There are things that are just so deep,” she says. She doesn’t take it personally; it’s part of the work. Has fostering taken more than it’s given her? “Not at all,” she says. “Often, I take home more than they do.” She’s watched several kids she fostered grow into parents. “If nothing else, I gave them some foundation.”
Jill doesn’t fit the stereotype of a foster parent. “I’m not your stereotypical foster family. I’m a single mom. I’m older. I started in my mid-fifties.” But she believes her age has made her better at this, not worse. In her thirties, raising five kids alone, she simply didn’t have the room. “Now my life is much calmer. I can make tons of room for these kids, where before I couldn’t have.” Her message for anyone on the fence: “I don’t think you need to be 32 to do what we do. Just having some maturity, and the ability to provide a peaceful, loving home, is something a lot more of us can do.” Nearly fifteen years later, she has no plans to stop. “I still have a ton to give. I’m not done.” Family & Children’s Services of St Thomas and Elgin hopes to find more people like her. The agency says the community doesn’t have enough local foster homes to keep every child close to home. Free information sessions are held monthly such as the one on September 8th at the agency’s office. Details at caselgin.on.ca or call 519 619-5952.
Boomers and Beyond Elgin September 2026 cover July 24th, the day the Model Ts came to town. Pictured here is Peter Murphy (of Lotus Thai) and his daughter with his Model T. Photo by Geoff Rae
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2026 Page 3
Volunteer of the Month, Warren Allen Sponsored by Royal Oak by Peri Hayes
Warren Allen has been an incredibly dedicated volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin (BBBS) since 1990. One decade prior, he became a Big Brother and Board Member in his hometown of Kingston, Ontario. Upon moving to the local community, Warren eagerly joined the St. Thomas Board. Warren supports their bingo fundraising, occurring three times each month. During his years of involvement, he has been in a Big Brother position for a boy in Kingston and another in St. Thomas. He has also been a Board Member, Board Vice President, Board President, and is presently part of the ‘Friends of Big Brothers Big Sisters’. Moreover, Warren has experience hosting various BBBS events and even committed to 24 hours atop of scaffolding as a means to raise awareness about their acceptance of volunteers. “Currently, my main support is helping with fundraising through our association with Jackpot Time (bingo) on Edward Street. Jackpot Time helps support us financially, along with over 100 other non-profits and charities.” As Warren reflects, “It was my Kingston radio station manager who told me it was important to give back to the community that supports you and your business.” Warren’s manager specifically recommended BBBS, acknowledging their demand for Board Members and Big Brothers. “So, I did,” Warren beams. “A mentor guiding a young person through their growing years helps the community in a very personal way.” “I always enjoyed the experience of interacting with other friends’ children,” Warren candidly expresses, “but I knew my lifestyle was not suitable for the responsibility of a child full-time. BBBS enabled me to help mentor a young boy as a brother, not a father. My first ‘little brother’, Marty, (then, aged 8), soon turns 50 years old and is living in Alberta. My second ‘little brother’, Adam, is now 42 years old and we have remained close friends to this very day.” BBBS welcomes volunteers for various levels of involvement. Warren encourages, “If you know someone able to spend a
few hours a month with a young person who is between 6 and 18 years of age, check out the BBBS of St. Thomas- Elgin website and connect with Executive Director, Carolyn Johnson, on how to become a Big Brother or Big Sister.” Otherwise, perhaps there are aspiring volunteers keen on meeting once a month with community-minded people as a member of their Board of Directors. “There are also volunteers needed as an extra pair of hands to help a few times a year with fundraising events,” Warren warmly notes. To conclude, Warren thoughtfully offers, “I would like to recognize the people who have helped BBBS of St .Tho- mas-Elgin contribute to the well-being of the community: past Executive Director, Barb Matthews; current Executive Director, Carolyn Johnson; the coordinators who offer guidance to volunteers with our community-based and school-based programs; plus, those supporting special events, marketing, and community engagement. The organization in St. Thomas has been here for over 50 years because of people who want to give back to their community.” Located at 146 Centre Street, kindly phone 519-633-3830 to contact a representative and explore the volunteer opportunities celebrated at Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin.
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Page 4 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2026
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September at PSFT: New Plays, Big Stories & ’70s Rock! by Artistic Director Liz Gilroy . Just because it’s September doesn’t mean Port Stanley Festival Theatre (PSFT) isn’t still buzzing with all kinds of unbeatable entertainment. Our Norm Foster World Premiere Ship To Shore is still running, and our Simon Joynes Playwrights’ Festival is coming up on September 17 to 19, and we are presenting three new works: Thursday, September 17 at 7:30: Now The Bells Ring! A docu- concert by Lindsay Kyte, music by Rita MacNeil. This will be a night of music, songs, and some great stories. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience. Rita’s music live with some great singers and story tellers. Friday, September 18 at 7:30: Martha Rules , a brand-new comedy by John Spurway. Annie writes boring articles for business publications, or does she? Nikki, Annie’s twin sister, has discovered Annie’s secret and is threatening to spill the beans to their seemingly prudish Aunt Martha, unless Annie pays up. Will Annie hand over the cash? Will Nikki keep her secret? Or will they become partners? Saturday, September 19 at 7:30: Hen Party, a hilarious new comedy by Jody Stevens. Lifelong friends throw an outrageous bachelorette party for their 50-year-old buddy who is finally getting married. The Simon Joynes Playwrights’ Festival is one of the jewels in our programming crown. We’ve been supporting and
funding new Canadian works since 2010, and we are known as trail blazers across the country for producing new Canadian Plays. PSFT has premiered 14 new Canadian plays over the past 16 years and with the ongoing support of The OAC Recommenders Grant Program we hope to continue championing Canadian Stories. The festival is free, but we do encourage donations as all proceeds fund the Playwrights Festival for the up- coming season. Each night includes a talkback with the actors, Liz Gilroy the Artistic Director, and the playwrights, where the audience gets to ask questions and comment on what they thought of the play. Sometimes comments and suggestions from our patrons are included in the next draft of the script. Our audience gets to be involved, at the grass roots level, in the creation of a brand-new piece of Canadian theatre, Just a couple of weeks after the Simon Joynes Playwrights’ Festival, playing for the first time at PSFT on October 3rd is That 70’s Rock Show . This amazing band is playing to sold out houses across North America, crushing all your favourite hits from that awesome decade of music: the 70s! Iconic bands like: Led Zepplin, Aerosmith, The Who, Journey, and The Eagles, to name just a few. It’s going to be a night to remember, and you will leave playing air guitar all the way home.
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2026 Page 5
“I Got Trains in My Veins” by Peri Hayes Born and raised in Wales, Stephen Moore continues to honour his lifelong love of trains in the Railway City. “I was amongst steam engines while growing up in school. The train sets came out, and I fell in love.” Stephen also spent time learning about trains from his skillful father, as he proudly shares countless projects later, “I am a train buff, inspired by all kinds of models. I still have my very first one!” When Stephen moved to Canada years ago, he realized the absence of steam engines. This consequently instilled a deep sense of appreciation while visiting his hometown. “Watching these trains go by, they bring back many memories.” Stephen recounts plenty of hours spent aboard a train during his time as an engineer and machinist. Asked what excites him about this creative endeavour, Stephen proclaims with a smile, “I got trains in my veins.” “At my age of 75, I need to be motivated. I have all of the tools and the space to create -- this is a lot of fun for me.” Stephen has sold several of his trains, including internationally and to a museum. While diving deeper into his background, Stephen details, “I moved here five years ago from Burlington, where I lived for 35 years. I belong to a railway train club based in Hamilton, and they are my reason for continuing to build more.” Stephen’s portfolio entails various sketches, with a total of six locomotives having been built and presently another three in the process of construction. Featured in this accompanying image is ‘Catherine’, a Royal Hudson named
after and developed during the time Catherine, Princess of Wales, married into the Royal Family.
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Stephen shares having moved to this community for a couple of reasons: to be closer to his beloved grandchildren, and to experience life in the Railway City. “I made a Canadian National Steam Engine in 2017, unaware that the real one was located in St. Thomas. Once I knew, I was excited to see it as soon as possible -- that was when I discovered the Railway City, and I am so happy to be living here.” Stephen moved to this community for a couple of reasons: to be closer to his grandchildren, and to experience living in the Railway City. “I made a Canadian National Steam Engine in 2017, not knowing that the real one was located in St. Thomas. I was excited to see it as soon as possible. That was when I discovered the Railway City, and I am so happy to be living here. Today, I am a little disappointed that the Railway Museum is now closed -- for good reason; I hear the roof is in a dangerous condition. Hopefully in the near future it will be fixed and open to the public once again.” “In the meanwhile,” Stephen candidly concludes, “I am going to continue making my own trains. Trains I make are 7¼ gauge, and are capable of pulling real passengers. I am involved in running my trains on open public days at the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology on Woodward Ave. People love being with their families for a free day of fun.”
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2026 Page 7
Nature, Art and a Little Bit of Chemistry: Martha Laing Finds Beauty in Every Leaf For Martha Laing, every leaf tells a story. Whether it comes from an oak, maple or horse chestnut tree, each leaf has its own character, its own chemistry and its own surprise waiting to be revealed. Through the centuries- old art of eco printing, Martha transforms those leaves into one-of-a-kind works of wearable art, creating silk scarves and textiles that capture the beauty of nature in ways no paintbrush ever could. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience that process firsthand when Martha opens her outdoor studio as part of the Elgin County Studio Tour, taking place Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27 from 10 am to 5 pm. The free, self-guided event invites the public to visit 25 local artists in their creative spaces throughout Elgin County, offering a rare opportunity to meet the artists, learn about their techniques and purchase original artwork directly from the creators. For Martha, the tour is about much more than displaying finished pieces. It’s about sharing the fascinating journey that transforms everyday nature into extraordinary works of art. Her creative process combines gardening, natural dyes and a surprising amount of chemistry. “I’ve been more of a textile artist than a wall artist,” she explains. Each scarf begins as white silk before undergoing a lengthy process involving natural dyes, mordants such as alum, copper or iron, and carefully selected leaves and flowers. The fabric
is layered with plant material, tightly bundled and steamed for more than an hour. During that process, the tannins within the leaves react with the mordants, creating intricate botanical prints that can never be duplicated exactly. “It’s a process,” Martha says with a smile. In fact, creating a single scarf involves hours of preparation, dyeing, steaming and finishing. Every variable, from the species of leaf to the acidity of the dye bath, can influence the final result. “It’s a little bit of a surprise every time,” she says. That unpredictability is one of the things she loves most about eco-printing.
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While she studied fine art at university, her journey toward eco-printing began with textiles. She first learned to spin wool, and then became interested in colouring it with natural rather than commercial dyes. That curiosity led her to growing dye plants in her own garden before eventually discovering eco printing four years ago through a workshop. The science fascinates her just as much as the artistic side. “There are a lot of variables,” she says. “I try to take good notes so that when I get a result, I know what I did and can potentially repeat it.” Working outdoors has become an essential part of that process. Martha’s backyard studio is filled with dye pots, steaming equipment and the tools needed to safely create her work. During the Studio Tour, Martha hopes to offer demonstrations so visitors can see exactly how leaves are bundled and transformed into finished pieces. She also enjoys teaching workshops, often encouraging people who don’t consider themselves artistic to give eco printing a try. “They’ll say, ‘I’m not artistic,’ but anybody can do it,” she says. “You collect the leaves, decide where to place them, and at the end you have a beautiful product.” Every finished scarf is completely unique. No two leaves react exactly the same way, and no two bundles produce identical patterns. For Martha, that’s part of their appeal. She believes handmade artwork carries something that mass-produced products simply cannot – the time, knowledge and care invested by the artist. Each scarf represents years of learning, experimentation and a genuine connection to the natural world. Martha also finds herself exploring the deeper relationship people have always shared with trees and plants, believing there is something meaningful about wearing artwork created directly from nature itself. Encouraged to participate by her son, fellow artist, Grayden Laing, this year’s Elgin County Studio Tour will be Martha’s first. She hopes visitors leave not only with a greater appreciation for eco-printing, but also with a new understanding of the remarkable beauty found in the leaves over our heads and beneath our feet. For anyone looking for an inspiring autumn weekend, the Elgin County Studio Tour offers the perfect opportunity to discover exceptional local artists, explore creative spaces rarely open to the public and experience firsthand the passion behind every piece of art. For Martha, it’s a chance to invite visitors into her world, where art, science and nature come together to create something truly unforgettable.
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2026 Page 9
More Than Curling, It’s Community As the long winter months approach, many people begin looking for ways to stay active while escaping the colder weather. For seniors especially, finding an activity that combines light exercise, friendly competition and meaningful social connections can make all the difference. The St. Thomas Curling Club believes it has exactly that. Whether you’ve watched curling on television for years or have never thrown a rock in your life, the club’s Learn to Curl program is designed to help you feel comfortable from your very first visit. “There were a lot of new members who had never been on the ice before,” says Craig Carman, Designer of the Learn to Curl program. “We needed a standardized program where someone could walk in off the street, complete the course, and be integrated onto any team.” The six-week Learn to Curl program teaches participants everything they need to know, from balance and delivering a rock, to sweeping, strategy, scoring and the etiquette of the game. By the end of the course, new curlers have the confidence to join one of the club’s leagues. Best of all, no experience is required. Participants only need clean indoor shoes and comfortable clothing. The club provides the brooms, sliders and other equipment, and for anyone with mobility or balance concerns, stick curling is taught as an alternative to the traditional delivery.
“There really isn’t a fitness requirement,” Ellen Luft, Club President, explains. “If someone can’t slide, we teach them to use a stick so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the game.” While the curling is enjoyable, many members say it’s the friendships that keep them coming back. “The social aspect is equally as important for many of our members,” says Eric Miles, who is taking over leadership of the Learn to Curl program this season. “People enjoy the camaraderie, spending time with teammates after games and getting to know other members.” That welcoming atmosphere has made a difference for many seniors. “We’ve had people join after losing a spouse because they were looking for something to do,” Craig says. “One gentleman started curling for the first time at 83 years old, and now he’s curling three times a week.” If you’ve ever wondered whether curling might be for you, the club’s Open House is the perfect opportunity to find out. It takes place October 6, 7, and 8, from 7 pm to 9 pm, giving visitors the chance to tour the club, meet members, ask questions and even try the ice before registering for the Learn to Curl program. Sometimes the hardest part is taking that first step onto the ice. After that, you may just discover a new hobby, new friends and a community that will keep you coming back year after year. BE THE DIFFERENCE Become a Mentor
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Page 10 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2026
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More Than a Game, It’s a Community on Ice
For more than two decades, the Port Stanley Seniors Men’s Hockey League has been proving that hockey doesn’t have an expiration date. For local men aged 60 and over, the league offers far more than time on the ice. It provides exercise, friendship and a reason to get out of the house three mornings each week. The league began with 45 players spread across nine teams. As interest grew, organizers expanded to 60 players, with a waiting list that at one time continued to grow. While the addition of other senior hockey leagues in the region has reduced that wait list somewhat, there is still a place for men looking to lace up the skates locally and enjoy the game they love. “The beauty of our league,” says retired physician, Dr. John Hofhuis, “is absolutely no body contact.” John explains that the league welcomes every level of player, from former Junior A athletes to men whose only hockey experience was on a frozen pond. Rather than competing for individual glory, the focus is on making sure everyone is involved. “Even the best players on the ice love setting other guys up,” says John. “They don’t try to go end to end and score goals, which is why our league works as well as it does.” Games are played Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at the Port Stanley Arena, making them much more appealing than the late-night schedules many players remember from their younger days. For John, who didn’t even begin skating until his 30s, the league has become an important part of retirement. “It gets you out of the house, gives you some physical exercise and you don’t have to worry about getting injured,” he says. “You have the social outlet and the camaraderie that goes along with that. It’s also good for mental health.” If you’ve been thinking about getting active again, dusting off the hockey bag might be just the excuse you need. Whether you’re an experienced player or simply someone who misses being around the game, the Port Stanley
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2026 Page 11
From Over the Hill: Not-Crime Crims by Peter Bloch-Hansen
Number Seven: Destroying a book to digitize it. I doubt we’d miss a copy or two of the latest popular potboilers, but there are important books of which only a few copies survive. I hear that large companies want to buy up every copy of every book for destruction and digitization so they can control for profit and/or limit access to the world’s recorded thought and knowledge. Impossible to achieve? Probably, but maybe not. Number Six: Breaking a campaign promise. Nuff said. Now the serious stuff: Number Five: Putting candies in packages impossible for human fingers to open, especially while watching a movie. Number Four: Putting a magazine back in the wrong place on the rack, hiding the one you’re looking for. Number Three: Not slowing down when you power through a puddle past a pedestrian. Poopy thing to do, isn’t it? Number Two: The wieners and buns thing. Number One: Selling a bag of potato chips for $5.39. Potato chips? What can it possibly cost to produce them? They’re cheap. Canada grows mountains of them! We export them by the ton! But, hey! If you want to pay through the nose to eat thinly sliced carbs, roasted in unhealthy oil and lathered in salt or possibly a disgusting mixture of tasty chemicals, well, death awaits us all. I invite readers to submit their own suggestions, to blochhansenpeter@gmail.com for democratically compiled, politician-free, further lists. No, seriously. FULL PAGE 10.875”w x 6”h PROOF DATE: Feb 20, 2024 TROSUN-0324-MAR-LNE-IBC-01 JAN FEB MAR OCT NOV DEC MAILING MONTH FULL PAGE 10.875”w x 6”h PROOF DATE: Feb 20, 2024 PROOF #: TROSUN-0324-MAR-LNE-IBC-01 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP Template updated NOVEMBER 2023
Earlier this year, I mislead you, my diligent readers, concerning the history of our nation and its abundant liberties. So, by way of asking forgiveness and moving on, I turn to . . . lesser matters.
Yearly, lists are produced ranking things of interest – the ten best or ten worst this-or-that’s. I believe it’s time for this publication to kick in and produce one of our own. Accordingly, I offer my list of ten things that are not crimes but should be. Number Ten: Not voting. The only way to keep SOME control on the buggers is to scare them with how many of us there are who are paying attention! Number Nine. Not signalling a turn at a traffic roundabout. No, wait: that is a crime -- thoughtless, self-centred and stupid. In my view, traffic circles are dangerous because many don’t signal or take them too fast, but mostly because drivers have to keep track of moving traffic in four directions at once instead of just two: not every driver likes learning new things. Number Eight: Putting big sculptures in the centre of traffic roundabouts that obscure drivers’ vision across the darned things. Besides, who has time to look at the art, while steering an automobile, by itself a dangerous machine, in a tight circle, in traffic, at city seed (or above)? I’m a huge fan of public art and I deeply thank our City Parents for giving us so much of it. But please, on walls and in parks. AD SAVE DIRECT RESPONSE MEDIA GROUP 240 Wyecroft Road, Oakville, ON L6K 2G7 1 866 993-0600 drmg.com
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For only a few dollars a day we can create a space that implores your senses to re-adjust, demands your heart rate to slow and adds a smile to your face. It’s a space perfect for me-time. A space you won’t ever want to live without. Let us build your new favourite room! Call us for a quote London (Lambeth) 2490 Main St., 519-266-3111 Kitchener 1486 Victoria St. N 519-742-3525 or no charge dial 1-800-265-2184 All Season or 3-Season Enclosures Custom designed to fit your home - no standard sizes. Top quality products & Limited Lifetime Warranty
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BRING THE OUTSIDE IN
BRING THE OUTSIDE IN
Page 12 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2026
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Our 2nd NFL Crossword
Across 1 Colts legend with the crew cut 5 Steelers quarterback who was also nominated for a Grammy 7 HOF Running Back with the Raiders and ended with Chiefs 8 “Captain America” of the Cowboys 11 Chargers Hall of Fame quarterback 13 Saints QB with the HOF Sons 15 “The Snake” who led the Raiders 16 “The Big Tuna” NFL coach 18 Broncos Hall of Fame quarterback #7
9 Cincinnati NFL team 10 Former home of the 49ers
20 Toothless Steelers linebacker 21 Vikings quarterback famous for scrambling 22 Cowboys quarterback with three Super Bowl rings 23 Legendary coach and broadcaster 24 Raiders Hall of Fame punter Down 2 “The Kansas Comet” 3 Gunslinging Packers quarterback 4 Iconic Green Bay stadium 6 West Coast Offense and San Fran Mastermind
12 Winningest coach in NFL history 14 Kansas City’s famous stadium 15 Former Lions stadium and host of Wrestlemania III 17 Bruising Oilers running back 18 Bengals and Jets quarterback turned broadcaster 19 This QB got the Montana Monkey off his back in SB 29 20 Cowboys coach with the fedora
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2026 Page 13
Make this a three-way race by Terry Carroll As of early August, 2026, two cand- idates are brave or silly enough to run for mayor, replacing Joe Preston (age 70) in the October 26 municipal election. The “brave or silly enough” part isn’t about the mayor’s job be-
accidentally logged out by touching the screen by mistake. “The screen was too sensitive,” he said, “Just like me” … you get the picture!); – introduced customer service at City Hall (apparently nothing is impossible!). In St. Thomas, we pride ourselves on doing things dif- ferently. Take the mythic story of Steve Peters. In 1988 at age 25, he went from bag boy at the A & P grocery store to alderman. Three years later, he was elected mayor for the first (but not the last) time. In that 1991 three-way race, two more experienced candidates fought it out vigorously, splitting the vote. Steve quietly walked up the middle, making national headlines as the youngest mayor in Canada, at age 28. This year (as of this writing), it’s a two-way race featuring: Aidan Frederick, junior staff accountant at Graham Scott Enns, looking to best Peters’ achievement by coming out of nowhere to be elected mayor at the age of 27; Jeff Kohler, who served as mayor in the early 2000s and has been elected to City Council multiple times. He’s a young 58. Can Frederick beat Kohler? Does a snowball stand a chance in Hades? The answer is “Nein,” but nobody thought anyone could save the federal Liberals last year until Mark Carney, with no political experience, took over as leader. Fellow seniors, following the Peters playbook, we need to make this a three-way race. By the time this column appears, it will be too late to nominate someone. A write- in candidate’s our only option. His last name is spelled L-A-I-N-G. Having studied at the feet of the master, he’s ready. Certain officials will call these spoiled ballots. Should we write Grayden in anyway, to spite these spoilsports? The master’s answer to all questions is, “Yes.” P.S. After deadline for this issue, Corey Janzen filed his nomination papers for mayor, making it a three-way race. (Guess he knew the history here!)
Geoffrey Rae Managing Editor / Sales Geoff@villagerpublications.com 519-495-7177 Copy Editor: Peter Bloch-Hansen Publisher: Barb Botten barb@villagerpublications.com Graphic Artist – Cathy Wood Photos, community events and article suggestions welcome. Please email hometown@villagerpublications.com. We look forward to hearing from you. oomers oomers B and B EYOND – fielded softball questions from Grayden Laing on Mayor’s Update, a Rogers TV show selected as a “standout project” in the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario’s Transparency Showcase (a show so chummy, yet industry-recognized!); ing too demanding with too little pay, although the time commitment and the pay would scare off any sensible person. It’s about electing someone better than our “The answer is yes, now what was the question?” mayor. That’s a tall order. Over two terms, Joe has: – herded, supported and flattered city councillors into acting together (There’re eight of them, and they’re so different!); –said “Ja” to Volkswagen and secured potentially billions of dollars in federal and provincial support for EV manu- facturing on former farmland (potentially up to Drei tausend jobs, not that a good politician would exaggerate!); – made great strides toward ending homelessness (the west end of Talbot Street is not what it used to be, thank goodness!); – thrown in humour, often cornball (for example, when he was late to a Mayor’s Update online, Joe said he’d
Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof June not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
Page 14 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2026
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The Life List Sponsored by Nurse Next Door
This month we chatted with Dave Thomson. If you listen to myFM here in St. Thomas, you are probably familiar with Dave, as he’s been with them since day one as an account executive. Dave believes in shopping local and supporting his community! What is one thing still on your Life List that you hope to do? I look forward to retiring soon. What’s a Life List dream you’ve already accomplished, and what was that experience like? I’m most proud of having a great family. Watching my children grow, achieve their goals, and become kind, caring individuals has brought me more joy than any destination or achievement ever could. Those moments and memories are truly the greatest accomplishments of my life. Has your idea of what belongs on a Life List changed over the years? When I was younger, it was all about adventure, excitement, and doing things that pushed the limits. Being single in the 70s and 80s, I had plenty of crazy experiences, great stories, and moments that I’ll never forget. As life changed, so did what mattered most. My focus shifted from personal adventures to building and spending quality time with family. What accomplishment from your Life List makes you the proudest? I’m most proud of being able to give my children the opportunity to chase their sports dreams and celebrate their accomplishments. Watching their hard work, passion, and achievements has created some of my greatest memories and is something I’ll always cherish. What is one thing you would like to pass along to the younger generation? Value the people you meet and the businesses you work with, because every interaction is an opportunity to make a difference. A positive attitude and strong relationships will take you further than you realize.
Nurse Next Door 1-519-859-5070 nursenextdoor.com
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2026 Page 15
Hear better with Amplifon
Get support and advice from our hearing care professionals. Visit us with a loved one or a friend for your free hearing test and free trial. Call to book your appointment: 519.425.1783 Ingersoll 226.212.4582 St. Thomas 519.268.3030 Dorchester 519.642.2200 London 519.245.2332 Strathroy 519.287.5757 Glencoe 519.471.1115 Komoka www.amplifon.com/ca
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