EYOND B oomers
B and
November 2025 • Issue 65 Celebrating the 55+ Community of Elgin County
Letter from the Editor It’s always struck me as strange how this time of year can take us on such an emotional rollercoaster. We start with the jubilance of Halloween, costumed kids racing door to door, and more than a few kids at heart’ sneaking into the candy bowl. Then, just days later, we move into the quiet reflection of Remembrance Day. And before you can finish wiping a tear from your eye during ‘The Last Post’, the Christmas lights are twinkling and Mariah Carey has defrosted. It’s funny how we can go from laughter to solemnity to full-blown holiday cheer in just two weeks. But for me, this is one of the best times of the year. It might sound odd to say I love Remembrance Day, but I do. To me, it’s one of the most important days on the calendar, one that I wish stayed in people’s hearts across all 365. Remembrance Day reminds us to pause and honour those who fought for us, died for us, and even more, those who lived on for us. It gives us a chance to reflect on our community — the men and women who served, and those who stayed home and did their part. It’s easy to forget that war wasn’t only fought on the front lines. It was fought around kitchen tables here at home, where families waited anxiously for news. It was fought in factories, on farms, and in schools, where people sacrificed comfort so that soldiers could have what they needed. And beyond our borders, there were millions whose homes and livelihoods became battlefields. Their land, their crops, their families, everything they knew, were swept up in the chaos. Thinking about that really puts things in perspective. We’re fortunate here, but it’s sobering to realize that even a century later, wars still rage around the world. It makes you wonder, have we learned anything? Most soldiers, I imagine, would rather be home with their loved ones than fighting in someone else’s quarrel. War is complex, messy, and full of lessons humanity never seems to fully absorb. That’s why remembering matters.
So, this November 11th, I encourage you to attend a local ceremony, pause for a moment of silence, and think, not only of those who didn’t make it home, but also those who did, and the ones they left waiting. In remembering them, we also remember the cost of forgetting.
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The Aylmer-Malahide Museum’s Christmas Tour of Homes by Peri Hayes Larry Jeffery is the ongoing Advertising and Salesperson for the Aylmer-Malahide Museum’s Christmas Tour of Homes, enthusing, “This is the 21st year that the Tour has been held.” This seasonal event debuted in 2001, and with exception to COVID-19, has been facilitated every year since. As Larry proudly describes, “Each year, four unique houses are decorated for Christmas by our talented 12-person Decorating Committee.” This dedicated team has been preparing for several months, with this year’s Tour featuring three private family homes, one model home and the United Church adorned for the holidays.
Afterward, participants are invited to the Museum — also recognized as the fifth location on the Tour — to enjoy door prizes and refreshments. Tickets for Christmas baskets will be purchasable during this time, as well as an opportunity to view their ‘From Farm to Factory’ exhibit. Alongside their guests, Larry looks forward to seeing the homes for the first time -- an eagerly awaited surprise. He shares, “The Tour has done very well the last two years, with about 700 people taking the Tour each year.” Revealing that hundreds of their attendees travel from out of town — and even out of province — Larry expresses his gratitude for the support, both local and beyond: “It helps put Aylmer on the map.” Aylmer-Malahide Museum’s Christmas Tour of Homes occurs on the third weekend of November. This year, the dates and times are as follows: Friday, November 14th, from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm; Saturday, November 15th, from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm; Sunday, November 16th, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Tickets are available for $25.00, with free entry for guests under 12 years of age. Larry highlights that there are one dozen businesses selling tickets throughout Aylmer, in addition to Family Flowers and Lux Salon and Spa in St. Thomas. For those to the east, Tillsonburg Garden Gate is another carrier. “Of course,” Larry assures, “tickets can be purchased online through the Museum’s website, or by phoning the Museum at 519-773-9723.” Visit aylmermuseum.ca/tour-of-homes for further information about this luminous celebration.
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Volunteer of the Month, Valerie Clark Sponsored by Royal Oak by Peri Hayes
Valerie Clark is pleased to offer insight on her experience as a volunteer in the local community: “I have been involved with Br. #41 Legion [located at 24 John Street] for over 16 years and have served as Public Relations, Membership Chair, Poppy Chair, 1st and 2nd Vice, and as President for the past six years.” Furthermore, Valerie’s personal connection to the Legion entails both her father and grandfather who served in the military, about which she conveys, “It was natural to be part of an organization that honours and takes care of our Veterans.” Expressing how her volunteer work fulfills her, Valerie describes, “We not only assist our Veterans, we also help the community. It’s rewarding to be able to donate toward the many charities in our area; to help youth to achieve their goals in sports, to assist in school and community lunch programs and in many more organizations across Elgin County. One of the projects that we have donated to over the last few years is the YWCA’s Tiny Hope Project -- which is just down the street from our Legion, and is now placing families in homes they can afford. Our members and volunteers can be proud of the work they have done to help our community partners reach their goal.” While discussing the ways in which Valerie values community service, she voices, “Now more than ever, community service is vital to all of Elgin County. There are so many good causes that need assistance, and I feel that it is important we do what we can to help.” At the Legion, Valerie enthusiastically declares, “Our members are committed to making a difference.” “The Legion is always open to accepting new members, but you don’t have to join to be a part of the Legion,” Valerie warmly invites. “Volunteers are always welcome at our Branch.” As Valerie recommends, “Becoming a volunteer — whether at the Legion, or some other organization — gives you a sense of pride; that in some small way, you
have made a difference. You can do as much, or as little as your time will allow.” To conclude, Valerie thoughtfully shares, “I think the highlight of our year at the Legion is the Poppy Campaign and Remembrance Day. This is a time when we can reflect and honour the sacrifices our Veterans made for our freedom; it’s what the Legion is about. It gives us the opportunity to remember our past Veterans, and to thank those who are presently serving.” Those seeking further information about the Legion Lord Elgin Br. #41 Royal Canadian Legion, including membership and volunteer opportunities, are encouraged to phone 888-556-6222.
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Continual Living, Loving and Learning Elgin Writer’s Guild by Peri Hayes
Nurse Next Door
Elgin Writer’s Guild has been a lively and literary resource in the community since 2019. Joining in 2020, Secretary and moderator of their Non- Fiction Group, Trudy Prins, outlines what Elgin Writer’s Guild represents: “Our goal is to encourage good writing in Elgin County by hosting informational seminars offering writing and publishing tips; giving feedback through critique groups; and creating opportunities to write at writers’ retreats. We also host social events to foster connections among writers.” Moderated by Tara Walker, Elgin Writer’s Guild facilitates a Fiction Critique Group which meets twice monthly at the St. Thomas Public Library. This group has grown in size, with 12 to 14 participants who critique individual author submissions. Meanwhile, Trudy and their Non-Fiction group of three to six participants gather at Lockwood Books on the final Friday of each month. During this time, topics are reviewed in genres of memoir, journaling, self- help writing and beyond. “There are a few people who work together to write poetry,” Trudy highlights. While their Writers in Residence Programs, in colla- boration with the St. Thomas Public Library, have generally been virtual, these critique groups otherwise routinely gather at in-person events scheduled for various times throughout the year. The Poetry Night held at the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre surrounding area poets united to celebrate the power of words. The evening entailed an array of readings, along with a Why Poetry? Panel. Trudy describes with evident delight, “We offer a wide range of entry points and ways to improve skills on different levels. We also organize events for professional input of use to our members. If you are a serious writer, there is a place for you. If you want to write as a pastime, we enjoy sharing life experiences. There’s room for serious critique and for fun.” Trudy proceeds to share, “We have published a group anthology edited by Tara Walker, Railway City Writes. ” This work is now available on Amazon. Their membership fee for the April 1 – March 31 year costs $50.00, which is prorated throughout the first year. Elgin Writer’s Guild is a social and supportive setting for exploring a nostalgic or undiscovered passion. Trudy warmly invites, “For those who love to write, it’s an opportunity to meet your people. Our writers have a wide range of interests and experiences, and enjoy encouraging others in their work.”
As Trudy concludes with fulfillment, “It is rewarding to work with writers of various ages, who are writing in different genres as they come together in this group. We get to see actual progress on long-cherished dreams of writing.” Visit the elginwriters.com website, or the Elgin Writer’s Guild Facebook page for further information. Kindly direct any inqui- ries to their elginwritersguild@outlook.com email address.
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Armour for the Infantry: The Elgin’s and the Birth of the Kangaroo Regiment
In the harsh months following D-Day in 1944, as Canadian, British and Allied forces pushed inland through Normandy, the battlefields revealed a grim lesson: advancing infantry across open country, before armour could reach and soften defences, resulted in heavy casualties. It was during this period that Canada developed one of its most inventive responses, an armoured personnel carrier born not of peacetime planning, but of urgent necessity. These were the Kangaroos, and their story is deeply intertwined with the Elgin Regiment of St. Thomas, Ontario. The Kangaroo was essentially a conversion of surplus or obsolete armoured vehicles, most notably the M7 “Priest”, a self-propelled gun with its turret removed, its interior modified, and repurposed to carry infantry into combat under armour. Rather than marching under fire, soldiers could now ride inside tracked, armoured hulls, shutting out bullets and shell fragments, as much as the machinery of war would allow. Lieutenant-General Guy Gruter Simonds, commanding II Canadian Corps, recognized that infantry needed to keep up with tanks, better protected, to make assaults more survivable. Canada’s role in conceiving, organizing, and operating the Kangaroo regiment is a point of national pride. The first Kangaroo squadron was organized on August 28,
1944, under the name 1st Canadian Armoured Personnel Carrier Squadron. It was administratively attached to the 25th Armoured Delivery Regiment, better known as The Elgin Regiment, based right here in St. Thomas. From the Elgin Regiment’s workshops, staff, and armoured troops, men were drawn to form crews, mechanics, drivers, and commanders. The transformation was rapid. Guns were removed, armour modified, interiors reconfigured. Soon, because of their greater availability, Ram tanks (proudly Canadian-built) replaced many of the early ‘Defrocked Priests’ (as disarmed, converted Priests were sometimes called).
The Municipality of Central Elgin proudly honours and remembers the sacrifice of our Veterans and all those who continue to serve our country. Lest We Forget.
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In early September 1944, the Kangaroos saw their first operational use at Le Havre, carrying soldiers of the British 51st Highland Division. The result was remarkable: only one infantry casualty was reported in that lift. That alone was a testament to the effectiveness of the concept. Over subsequent operations, including Boulogne, Calais, and in later assaults through the Netherlands and into Germany, the Kangaroos provided mechanized infantry transport, enabling surprise, speed, and safer advances in situations that previously demanded costly on-foot advances under fire. The formal unit, the 1st Canadian Armoured Carrier Regiment (1 CACR), was constituted in October 1944 using the earlier squadron as its foundation. It was the only Canadian armoured regiment to be both formed and disbanded overseas. Battle honours earned by the Kangaroos include The Roer, The Rhineland, The Reichswald, Cleve and Goch-Calcar Road, among others.
Despite the danger, Kangaroo lifts were often successful, with infantry casualties sharply reduced in many operations. The mobility allowed commanders to better coordinate armour-infantry cooperation in assaults, improving mom- entum and reducing exposure in no-man’s land. For example, during Operation Totalize in August 1944, the Kangaroo concept was already being tested in modified Priests, anticipating what would follow. After October, Ram Kangaroos became increasingly standard.
The regiment’s last major action came in the final months of the European war. They crossed the Rhine on the 26th of March 1945, participating in Operation Plunder, where they aided in clearing the Rhineland, took part in liberation efforts across the Netherlands, and carried soldiers from both Canadian and British infantry regiments on dozens of operational lifts. The 1 CACR was finally disbanded in Holland (June 20th, 1945). Under its brief existence, only about ten months, the Kangaroos preserved lives, helped accelerate Allied gains, and helped establish doctrine for what would become the modern armoured infantry carrier. The connection with The Elgin Regiment remains central to how the Kangaroos are remembered locally. Men and officers from The Elgin’s played key administrative,
Operating these vehicles in battle was more than a mechanical conversion. Crews had to adapt to new hazards. The absence of a turret meant a different vulnerability. Radios were inconsistent (only some vehicles were equipped); logistics of fuel, maintenance, and organizing ‘lifts’ of infantry required constant im- provisation. One recorded loss occurred on February 9, 1945, when Trooper Russell ‘Russ’ Frederick Gerry of Strathroy, Ontario, serving in A Squadron of the 1 CACR, and two members of his crew (Trooper A. DeLisle and Trooper J. W. Park) were killed. He was 20 years old.
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technical, and leadership roles in forming the Kangaroos. Mechanical and workshop support for converting tanks, delivering replacement vehicles to front lines, and organizing the logistics of the armoured delivery detachments drew heavily from the Elgin Regiment’s resources. The Kangaroos were not perfect. There were limitations: the interior space was cramped, and the moderate armour thickness was sufficient for small arms and shrapnel, but not for direct hits from heavy anti-tank weapons. Visibility from inside was restricted, and the adaptations sometimes made maintenance difficult under battlefield conditions. But when the alternative was crossing battlefields on foot under constant fire, even a flawed solution was vastly better. The legacy of the Kangaroos is woven into how we think about mechanized infantry warfare today. The Kangaroos, born of late war necessity, showed the way. For St. Thomas and Elgin County, the story is not just of distant battlefields, but of local workshops, veterans, and communities dealing with loss and innovation. Even as the years pass and veterans grow fewer, the Kangaroos remain a powerful symbol of creativity under fire, of local contribution to global struggle, of machinery reshaped to protect rather than to destroy, and of the courage of ordinary people in extraordinary times.
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Remembering Canada’s First Overseas Soldiers
Each November, Canadians pause to honour those who have served and sacrificed in times of war. While Remembrance Day most often brings to mind the World Wars, the roots of Canada’s military tradition stretch further back, to a conflict fought half a world away. The South African, or Boer War (1899–1902), marked the first time Canadian troops were officially sent overseas to fight under the British flag. That war began when tensions between Britain and the Boer Republics of South Africa erupted into open conflict. When Britain called upon its colonies for aid, Canada, then a young dominion, answered. Though the decision was controversial at home, Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier authorized the formation of a volunteer force. More than 7,000 Canadians would eventually serve, including infantry, mounted troops, and nurses. The first contingent, the Royal Canadian Regiment, sailed from Halifax in 1899 and in February 1900, soon saw heavy action at the Battle of Paardeberg. There, Canadian troops played a decisive role in forcing the surrender of Boer forces, a victory that earned them respect from British commanders and stirred pride across Canada. Later units, including the Royal Canadian Dragoons and Canadian Mounted Rifles, adapted to the guerrilla fighting that came to define the war’s later stages. By the war’s end in 1902, 267 Canadians had lost their lives, many to disease. Among them was John James Egerton Farley of St. Thomas. John had been a promising 22-year-old student- at-law and member of the Royal Canadian Regiment. Farley died of enteric fever in South Africa on February 4, 1900. His death, far from home, reflected the reality faced by many young Canadians who volunteered to serve in an unfamiliar land, bound by duty and loyalty to both Britain and an emerging Canadian identity. For the volunteers who left their farms, schools, and small towns, the Boer War was a test of courage and endurance. It marked Canada’s first step onto the world stage as a nation willing to uphold shared ideals of service and sacrifice. While this fight was not one of freedom, but rather of support for our Queen and the British Empire, it remains a significant chapter in our history. We may not agree today with why the Boer War was fought, yet we continue to honour those Canadians who were brave enough to serve this young dominion with courage and conviction. Today, as wreaths are laid, we remember not only those who served in the great wars that followed, but also the Canadians like John Farley—ordinary citizens who became soldiers in Canada’s first overseas fight.
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The Cura Clinic Brings Cutting-Edge Therapy to St. Thomas At 496 Talbot Street in St. Thomas, The Cura Clinic has quietly been making a name for itself as a destination for innovative health care. While the clinic has been at its current location for about a year and a half, its owner, Osteopath Robyn Granger, has been practicing in the city for more than eight years. Over that time, she’s built a reputation for blending science, compassion, and holistic care. Recently, the clinic introduced a new piece of technology that’s getting a lot of attention -- the B-Pulse Chair, which uses Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy. The device is designed to improve pelvic floor strength, circulation, and chronic pain relief, benefits that could be life-changing for many people. “We’ve had osteopaths here from the beginning, and now we also have nurse practitioners and social workers,” explains Office Manager, Shelly Medina. “The chair is the newest service we’ve added, and it really complements everything else we do.” For those unfamiliar, PEMF therapy is the same tech- nology used in MRI machines, but in this case, it’s pulsed to create contractions in the muscles. “That’s what builds strength back in the pelvic floor,” Shelly explains. “At the same time, it increases circulation, which brings fresh blood to the organs and tissues that need it.” The list of benefits is wide-ranging. B-Pulse Specialist, Mary Yates, who works closely with patients using the When Seconds Matter ... Your Gift Counts.
Print Ad Visit us at: www.christmascarestthomas.com Registration Tuesday November 4 to Tuesday December 9 We respectfully request that donations be made by November 28 if at all possible. Memorial Arena, 80 Wilson Ave, 519-637-0710 If you need our services, register at the arena. Bring all ID and register early. We are especially in need of: peanut butter / jam, cereal (no sugar please), fruit / pudding cups, canned meat/fish, hearty soups / stews, canned vegetables, pasta / sauce, jello, dried soups, stuffing mix, kraft dinner, Lego, science kits, craft kits, baby toys and novels. Donations of food and new, unused toys can be dropped off at the auditorium or at drop boxes around town including Elgin Centre. Please consider donations of club packs or cases of food as this requires less sorting than individual packages. Please also consider monetary donations as with bulk Visit us at: www.christmascarestthomas.com. Registration Nov. 9 to Dec. 10 Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Elgin Centre Mall 519-637-0710 We are especially in need of: Peanut butter/jam cereal (no sugar please) Fruit/pudding cups Hearty soups/stews canned meat/fish canned vegetables Pasta/sauce jello Soups purchasing we can stretch our grocery dollars (buying a skid of dressing is cheaper than individuals donating a box each). stuffing mix KD If you need our services, you can register at the mall. Bring all ID and register early. Donations of non-perishable food, new toys and money will be accepted at the Elgin Centre Mall or at drop boxes around town. Also watch for our food drives happening this month. See us at the Santa Claus parade where donations will be gratefully accepted. Watch for us at the Santa Claus Parade! Interested in volunteering? Contact us at info@christmascarestthomas.com if you are willing. Scan me to donate now! SCAN ME TO DONATE NOW chair, has seen its effects firsthand. “Urinary leakage is a very common one, in both men and women,” she notes. “It also helps with lower back pain, postpartum recovery, post-surgery healing and hip pain; there’s a lot of benefit. Because it increases blood circulation, even people with diabetes may see improvement.” While PEMF therapy may sound high-tech, Robyn is quick to point out that it’s not a fad. “This isn’t a spa device or something cosmetic,” she emphasizes. “It’s a medical device, approved by Health Canada, with clinical trials behind it. That’s what made me confident in bringing it here. The technology has been around for a long time and is scientifically proven to work.” Another advantage of The Cura Clinic’s chair is its strength. “Ours is the newest of the new and the strongest by far,”
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Mary explains. “That means fewer sessions to reach maximum benefit. With some competitors, you might need six to ten sessions; with us, four or five is usually enough.” A typical session lasts 30 minutes, and while patients do feel the muscle contractions, they aren’t painful. “It’s non-invasive and an odd feeling, but not uncomfortable,” Shelly stresses. “It’s kind of like a TENS machine, but far more powerful,” adds Mary. “If you’re familiar with a TENS machine, multiply that by a hundred thousand, and you’ll get an idea of what it’s like. The important thing is, there’s no pain involved.” TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation -- think Dr. Ho and some of his products. Patients sit on the chair while Mary customizes their position to target specific concerns. “You don’t just plop yourself down,” Shelly notes. “Mary is going to direct the pressure, ask you where you need support, and fit the chair to you. It’s very customized.” The results speak for themselves. Robyn recalls one patient who had been struggling with chronic back pain for years. “We made it better with osteopathic treatments, but it never fully went away. I put them on the chair for a free 10-minute trial, and they walked out with no pain. When I saw them one or two weeks later, they still had no pain. That’s what excites me most -- it’s healing the area in a way we couldn’t reach before.” The chair also has broader applications. Beyond pelvic floor therapy, it can be used for ‘glute’ strengthening. “On the glute setting, you can do 30,000 Kegels in 30 minutes, something that’s humanly impossible otherwise,” says
Shelly with a laugh. “It builds strength, supports the core and yes, even gives some cosmetic benefits.” For many patients, the chair provides help with issues they didn’t expect. “Sometimes people come in for urinary leakage,” Mary says, “But when we ask more questions, we learn they also have hip pain, or back pain, or intimacy issues. Nine times out of ten, the chair helps with more than what they came in for. It’s bigger than what we originally thought.” For Robyn, adding the B-Pulse Chair to The Cura Clinic wasn’t just about offering something new; it was about making sure the best possible care is available close to home. “I wanted the strongest and most effective option on the market, because people here deserve access to the best. It takes what we already do with osteopathy to the next level. It reaches things we simply can’t with our hands.” With science, compassion and now, cutting-edge technology, The Cura Clinic is proving that health care in St. Thomas is evolving, and that patients don’t need to travel far to find innovative solutions that can change their lives.
Boomers and Beyond Elgin November 2025 cover Standing guard at the 2024 Remembrance Day Ceremony at the St. Thomas Veterans Memorial Gardens. Photo by Geoff Rae.
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From Over the Hill: by Peter Bloch-Hansen To Falling Leaves
The leaves are leaving us now, Our summer-long green friends.
Some let go, go soaring out on a breeze, Others go slow, drifting down on still air. Their due watches in sunshine and sky now over, Decorations bright, They go in their branched battalions and companies To Final rest, in new soil. There are no railway platforms to stand on To wave or kiss them good bye; In back yards, people will burn them; In parks, their use over, Men from the city will come with rakes To sweep them away; On sidewalks they will seem like intruders And tramp nuisances. But we will step carefully, We, who in sun, and in rain, wind, and darkness Have felt the so, so slow seasons go speeding by; We who remember more deeply Are thankful.
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Remembrance Day
5 Marching event honouring veterans 6 Agreement to stop fighting 9 Gesture of respect to a superior or flag 10 Group of soldiers 11 Observed at 11 am 12 Musician who plays The Last Post 14 Success in battle 18 Nations united in wartime 21 Weapon carried by infantry soldiers
17 Quality shown in battle 19 Structure built to honour the fallen 20 Duty performed for oneís country 22 What soldiers fought to protect Down 1 Symbol of remembrance worn in November 2 Former member of the military 3 Great bravery, especially in war
Across 4 Soldiers who fight on foot 5 The goal after war 7 Deep respect for someone’s service 8 Formal event of remembrance 10 Dugout used by soldiers in World War I 13 Circular floral tribute laid at memorials 15 Monument honouring those buried elsewhere 16 Veterans organization
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In the Long Run, We’re All Dead by Terry Carroll During Downtown Octoberfest in September (only in St. Thomas, my friends), my lovely wife Nancy and I bumped into Patti and Dave, a couple we don’t see often enough. With Patti,
for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking and, Help! How to Become Slightly Happier and Get a Bit More Done. The introduction to Four Thousand Weeks is titled, In the Long Run, We’re All Dead. And the opening line from the book is, ‘The average human life is absurdly, terrifyingly, insultingly short.’. Assuming we live (if we’re lucky) to age 80, we each have about 4,000 weeks on this mortal coil. What are we going to do with these weeks? Which brings us to Time Management for Mortals. Burkeman’s premise — the big revelation of his life after years of trying and failing to be a supremely productive efficiency guru — is that most of the self-help advice is flat- out wrong. Forget time management. Time can be lived. It cannot be managed. This has been true all our lives but as we age, it becomes self-evident. It’s Thursday -- garbage and recycling day. Turn around and it’s Thursday -- garbage and recycling day. Another of our 4,000 weeks, gone. Poof! A grandkid enters high school, a time that seems to the kid to take forever. But to grandpa and grandma, that kid goes from Grade Nine to Grade Twelve in a few shakes of a lamb’s tail. And so on. There’s no point in whining about this. There is a point to accepting it. Stop feeling bad about never getting enough done. Quit believing you’ll ever manage time. Nobody can. By Burkeman’s calculator, I’ve lived some 3,750 weeks, with about 250 weeks left, if I’m lucky. You and I, dear reader, need to choose three areas that are important to us, and focus. There isn’t time for more. I hope you enjoyed Downtown Octoberfest in September. If you didn’t, don’t worry. The next one’s just around the corner. Terry can be reached at terry@carrollgroup.ca. He might reply, if he has time.
we go way back to our newspaper days. Her husband, Dave, is one of many workers laid off when the Ford plant closed 14 years ago. I asked if he still sees people from Ford. “Not often enough.” However, he had just spotted a couple of the guys at Octoberfest, and they had kicked around the topic of losing contact with your fellow workers. “There’s no time,” Dave said. “I’ve never been so busy. That’s one reason I never see people.” Constantly, seniors say a version of, “I don’t know how I found time to do anything when I was working.” Where does time go? Poets and preachers, songwriters and seniors, have been addressing this question since Eve made a little apple fall from a tree. Shortly after Octoberfest in September, my little sister recommended a book called Four Thousand Weeks – Time Management for Mortals , by Oliver Burkeman. I like the titles of his two other books even more: The Antidote: Happiness 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
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Page 14 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2025
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BADDA BOOM! by Frances Kennedy franceskennedy782@gmail com
Autumn, the season of transition, varies greatly for various folks depending on what winter represents. But in the spirit of ‘being present’ this one has been truly glorious; September delivered our ‘secret summer’ and cooled abruptly just before
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Thanksgiving weekend. As I look out my window at October’s flamboyant colours, it’s hard to resist a bit of nostalgia. A poem, Seasoned Stripper, that I wrote for my high school graduation yearbook now speaks to me as much about what I wore out the door in the morning that is often doffed by high noon! So, as we are now launched into the season of feasting on turkey and ham, let’s remember to consider our three families: by chance, by choice and, by virtue of the COVID bubble, by circumstance. I, for one, enjoy the diversity of all three and recommend mixing it up. The ‘famdamily’ behaves better, plus, a bit of unfamiliar potluck can be fun! Following Matt Eicheldinger.com, a teacher and bestselling kids’ lit author, I was impressed with the stories he told about the breakthroughs his grade 6 class achieved by learning from each other. He told a story of young Damien, who could be described as an underachiever. Matt encourages peer-to-peer learning by asking questions like ‘What have you failed at that’s disappointing?’ This young man described a few in succession, concluding each one by pointing his finger and roaring: ‘However!’ and recounting how he could do better. It caught on and became known as ‘The Power of However’. James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, writes that ‘Lessons are unlikely to stick unless they are repeated.’ That suggests that repeating mistakes isn’t such a bad thing. Checking in with each other on how that could go better next time strengthens confidence and ultimately, competence. Lest we forget, and let’s not, November is the bittersweet month of Remembrance. Who could have imagined even a year ago that south of our undefended border, democracy would be under such siege? Understanding a world in turmoil certainly creates uncertainty, and rampant disinformation exacerbates an escalating tenor of anxiety. Young people are becoming aware of the stealthy encroachment on civil liberties, and it is playing havoc with optimism and mental health. The opportunity to discuss the scary stuff is reassuring; let’s lead in those conversations. So what’s the thread in all this? What are the lessons to be learned again? As we embark on the holy day and holiday season, let’s remember that family by choice and family by circumstance matter as much as family by chance. Secondly, be vulnerable; it’s a risk worth the reward of deep connection and learning. Being vulnerable matters to mental health; let’s lead by example. And not least, let’s keep the stories of our veterans alive as long as we are. As Albert Einstein once opined: ‘When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change’. Badda Bing!
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2025 Page 15
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