EYOND B oomers Celebrating the 55+ Community of Elgin County November 2024 • Issue 55
B and
Letter from the Editor As November approaches, I reflect on the significance of Remembrance Day. It’s a time to pause and honour the sacrifices made by so many who fought for our freedom. For me, this day is about more than wearing a poppy — it’s a moment to remember the bravery and resilience of past generations. The
entertainment. We’ve got 10 fantastic acts lined up, each bringing something unique to the stage. With celebrity judges and a special surprise that I can’t wait for the audience to see, it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable evening. We’ve set a goal to raise over $3,000 for Hospice of Elgin. As of right now ticket sales have been strong and I am sure we will surpass our goal and once again sell out this fun event! As we move through autumn, I can’t help but appreciate the beauty of this season. There’s something truly magical about the crisp air, the changing leaves, and the coziness that fall brings. For me, one of the highlights of this time of year is celebrating American Thanksgiving. As a proud Canadian, I love the fact that I get not only to celebrate Thanksgiving in October but also, to turn around and celebrate it again in November. I love this holiday! It’s a time to gather with friends, fire up the BBQ, and enjoy a day filled with good food, laughter, and of course, football. It’s a tradition I look forward to every year. I hope this season brings you as much joy as it does me. Whether you’re attending St. Thomas Seniors Got Talent 2, or simply enjoying the beauty of autumn, there’s so much to cherish. The crisp air and vibrant colours invite us to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures that surround us. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events and hearing your own stories about what makes this time of year special for you.
lessons they’ve passed down remind us of the importance of unity, respect, and the need to preserve the peace they fought so hard to achieve. To me, Remembrance Day was always about my grandfather, Roy Mintz, who served as an engineer in the Canadian Army. But WWII had a huge impact on all four of my grandparents. While one served, he met my grandmother in England and convinced her to move back with him to ‘the colonies’ as her parents referred to Canada. My other grandfather escaped occupied Latvia, and my grandmother escaped occupied Czechoslovakia. While three out of the four did not fight, they did not escape the horrors of war unscathed. I encourage all of us to take a moment on November 11th to remember and give thanks. I am very excited about St. Thomas Seniors Got Talent 2! Taking place on November 2nd at the St. Thomas Seniors Centre, this event promises to be a night of excitement and
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Aylmer-Malahide Museum Tour of Homes by Peri Hayes
Larry Jeffery, in the position of advertising and sales for the Aylmer-Malahide Museum Tour of Homes, delightedly discusses this upcoming event: “This is the 20th year that the tour has been held.” Each year approaching Christmas, four unique houses are decorated for the season by the Aylmer Tour of Homes’ decorating committee of 12 dedicated members. This team has been diligently working on the event for several months. Following the tour, participants are invited to the fifth house — being the Aylmer Museum — to enjoy door prizes and refreshments. As Larry warmly invites, “One can also purchase tickets on Christmas baskets and view the exhibit, ‘The Roaring Twenties’.”
“Each year we are amazed by the people that attend our event,” Larry expresses with gratitude. He reports that 300 guests attended from the Aylmer area in 2023, with 65 from London, 90 between St. Thomas and Port Stanley and a number of visitors who travelled from Camlachie, Chatham, Edmonton, Kerwood, Kincardine, Listowel, Ottawa, Peterborough, Toronto and more. “It helps put Aylmer on the map,” Larry cheers. This year, Aylmer-Malahide Museum Tour of Homes will be held on Friday, November 15th from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, as well as on Saturday, November 16th from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm and on Sunday, November 17th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Tickets are available for $25.00 with entry for guests under 12 years of age being free of charge. Larry shares that 12 businesses are selling tickets throughout Aylmer, along with Tillsonburg Garden Gate and Lux Salon and Spa, and St. Thomas’ Family Flowers, Mugford’s and Railway City Brewery. Alternatively, tickets are available online through the Aylmer Museum’s website at aylmermuseum.ca/tour- of-homes, or by calling the Museum at 519-773-9723.
As Larry proceeds to earnestly describe: “I am excited about this year’s tour since, like the rest of our customers, I do not get to see the homes until the weekend of. Last year’s tour was spectacular. We had no idea how well the tour would go after the three-year COVID hiatus, but we set records by having about 750 people visit our houses. That was 21% higher than any previous tour.” Moreover, Larry announces that there is an extra component this year: “In addition to the four decorated homes, we have a Christmas lighting display at the Goris’ home on Lyons Line. They have over 50,000 lights, homemade wooden decorations and 550 vintage blow moulds.”
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The Turkey Bowl: 47 Proud Years by Peri Hayes The annual Turkey Bowl is recognized for 47 dedicated years of recreational football. My Uncle, Bob Hayes, expresses, “We’re very proud of it.” He is one of the founding members, along with Larry Coates, Jamie Hennessey, Gerald Hikele, Pete Lynch, Walt Molinaro, Wade Walker, Brad Ward and Mike Yurek. Bob played as corner linebacker and offensive guard during his high school career, his passion outweighing the severe injury which he suffered in his Grade 13 year. While a number of individuals played together in secondary school, there are others who have seized the opportunity to experience football first-hand through the Turkey Bowl. This relaxed and wholesome game has been held at Pinafore Park and V.A. Barrie Park over the years, with Athletic Park being their present setting. They play in teams of two, recognizing upward of 30 participants in the Turkey Bowl’s prime and all four of the Hayes brothers playing simultaneously. The group emphasizes the ways in which this game is played for pure enjoyment and is suited to physical limitations in a zero-pressure environment. Stephen Hayes, wearing #32 in the slotback position during high school, has been immersing himself in the Turkey Bowl for over 30 years. He is a devoted example of travelling from out of town for this Thanksgiving tradition. There have been several jerseys customized over time, the first being the colour gold to symbolize those who Print Ad Registration Tuesday Nov. 5 to Tuesday Dec. 10 We respectfully request that donations be made by November 29 if at all possible. Visit us at: www.christmascarestthomas.com Memorial Arena, 80 Wilson Ave, 519-637-0710 If you need our services, register at the arena. Bring all ID and register early. 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, 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 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). Watch for us at the Santa Claus Parade! Interested in volunteering? We especially will need drivers this year. 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. Interested in volunteering? We especially will need drivers this year. Contact us if you are willing. Scan me to donate now! SCAN ME TO DONATE NOW
From left to right, players in the 2024 Turkey Bowl include: Mike Coates, Josh Honsinger, Dudley Ward, Gerald Hikele, Stephen Hayes, Brian Batzold, Bob Hayes, Dave Batzold, Larry Coates, Peter Lynch, Joel Hayes and Brad Ward. played for Central Elgin Collegiate Institute -- with their high school football numbers printed on the back -- and another sporting a visible ‘78’ to represent the year that the Turkey Bowl debuted.. In addition to these jerseys, the Turkey Bowl collection includes hats. Moreover, the group shares their plan to create an updated jersey as a means to honour the Turkey Bowl’s upcoming 50th anniversary. Larry’s son, Mike Coates, recently returned from studying abroad and played in his first Turkey Bowl this year. He details what excites him about his involvement: “That they’ve been doing this for so long, and have been so consistent meeting every year at 1:00 pm on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. It’s so cool!” Josh Honsinger is the youngest
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recurring player, having joined one decade ago through his father-in-law, Bob. Formerly, Josh played defensive back, kicker and receiver. With this connection, family continues to hold a special place in this cherished celebration. These men are committed to reuniting every year, to which Larry thoughtfully offers, “It’s gone on for so long, and it’s a lot of fun getting together. We live nearby, but we don’t see each other all the time. It’s simple -- we show up; we just know. That’s probably why it’s successful; it’s foolproof.” Incredibly, the Turkey Bowl has merely once been rained out and they have even carried on in the snow. Dudley Ward wears his brother Brad’s Argentina cleats, which predate the original Turkey Bowl. I admire these quality shoes filled with stories and years of experience. These men — most of whom are aged 60 and above
— have bled, cried, laughed, lost and won together on the football field. Reminiscing on years passed and the memories created, I observe a group of individuals who feel safe, grateful for the beautiful sunshine, the game of football and their meaningful, lifelong friendship.
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Someone to Remember by Blair Ferguson
rifles and fixed bayonets while Russian heavy cavalry bore down on them. Regrettably, the part often overlooked was the aftermath (Less than half of the Light Brigade crawled back after their misguided charge). And yet, both battles would see streets named after them and one, even a public school. Many other street names in our city commemorate other battles or carry the names of famous warriors, such as Wellington and Nelson. Such was (and still is) the world of young William Burns and others like him. This story begins as two young friends decide to enlist, believing they will be home by Christmas with a chestful of medals. William and his close friend and fellow Holy Angels’ Cadet, James Connoy, enlisted in the city’s newly formed battalion: The 91st Combat Engineers Force (CEF). Coincidentally, their enlistment numbers would be identical except for the last digit. I won’t go into the young men’s training and instead jump directly to France, where the war was raging. William was transferred to the 75th Battalion, where he ran into Holy Angels Cadet, Captain Frederick Groves and then was sent directly to the front, right into action. They were at The Somme. William’s first taste of combat came when the Canadian Corps was given the task of capturing the heavily defended German position known as the Regina Trench. On October 21, 1916, they attacked and captured the ridge along with 1,000 German prisoners. Unfortunately, the east flank of the trench held firm, and the Germans could not be displaced, so the 75th, along with other units
I often write or speak about men who gave their all, who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of our freedom. These men are often remembered for the Medals of Valour they received posthumously, including Ellis Sifton and his Victoria Cross or Fredrick Groves, who were memorialized by his parents’ purchase of a new Altar Crucifix for Holy Angels. But not all were so fortunate. Sixty-three thousand Canadians lost their lives during the First World War. William Patrick Burns was born March 13, 1893, to Michael and Catharine of 45 Manitoba Street in St. Thomas. Michael was a St. Thomas street car conductor, and the happy family attended Holy Angels Church to fulfill their spiritual needs. Young William was an altar boy, and when old enough, became a member of the Holy Angels’ Cadet Corps. The Cadet Corps members were taught a lot about marching in formation, polishing buttons and boots, and even occasionally firing old rifles. The ‘glory’ of war and high esteem for the military and its accomplishments were always at the forefront in the minds of the people of St. Thomas. Children would have read and remembered Alfred Tennyson’s poem, The Charge of the Light Brigade, which immortalized the charge of an over 600-strong cavalry unit into the face of Russian cannons, or about the stand of ‘the thin red line tipped with steel’ when the Highland Brigade stood firm at Alma with their
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of the Canadian Corps, were assigned to occupy and secure that end of the trench. As the Canadians crested the ridge, German artillery opened upon them with all they had, and in the opening salvo, Fred Groves, standing mere feet from William, received a direct hit by an artillery shell. William watched as someone he had known his whole life disappeared, literally turning into mist in front of his eyes. As he stood on the ridge, stunned about what was going on, another German shell landed a few feet from him, and he was instantly buried alive under six feet of dirt. No air in his lungs, he scrambled for his life, frantically clawing and kicking his way clear. He, along with others, was then directed to a rear area clearing station along with other wounded. As the little group proceeded, a shell landed close by and again buried William and the others. This time, William was pulled to safety by two soldiers. Believe it or not, as William resumed his trip to the battalion aid station with German shells continuing to rain down, he was again buried by debris and dirt. He finally made it to the station where, having been buried three times in the span of an hour and having witnessed his friend blown to bits, he was looked over, given a cup of tea and sent back to the front. The next day and the two following, we would find William again at the front of the Battle of the Somme, where he would have experienced constant battle and danger. Finally, after two months at the front, William was done; a broken man, he was admitted to the Norfolk Hospital, having been diagnosed with Neurasthenia, ‘shellshock as it was known then. Today, we better understand and know how to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and that is exactly what shellshock was. At that time, however, shellshock cases were treated with disrespect and ridicule. William was put into a Depot Battalion and went from hospital to hospital, mopping floors and emptying bedpans. Imagine what must have been going through this young man’s mind, being called a coward, being laughed at, all the while wondering where was the glory or the dramatic charges and heroic stands. He’d been tricked: war is none of those things and instead, mostly death and destruction. All Burns had seen was hell on earth. As 1918 rolled around, everyone ‘knew’ the war was ending. Germany was starving, and the Kaiser was bankrupt. Back home in Canada, we had never stopped recruiting new
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battalions. A few of these were headed by young, gung- ho generals who knew the war would soon end. They did not want to miss their chance at the ‘big show’ and were eager to get to the front to prove their worth. These men still had Tennyson’s poems fresh in their minds and were daily reading distorted newspaper headlines and stories that always left out the realities of war so as not to distress or demoralize readers at the home front. Sadly, one of these generals had the idea of rounding up men from the hospital and depot battalions to form up his own battalion to have a chance at winning medals. He sat men down with shellshock or minor wounds, and began to spin his tale: ‘You don’t want to go home to your parents and have them think you’re a nut job, do you? What will your girl back home think of you returning without honours? Don’t you see I’m offering you the opportunity to clear your name, your one last chance to become a hero? The Germans are broke and in retreat; we’re just going in to mop up; there’s no real danger’. William was deemed physically fit for active duty and with his old battalion, the 75th and others, returned to the front, to the Battle of Arras. The war was actually far from over, and the Germans were not in retreat but, on the contrary, preparing, just like we were, one last big push to end the war. For seventy-eight days, William survived life at the front while suffering through an absolute hell that I pray none of us will ever know. Arras and ‘the last hundred days’ were just as brutal and horrible as the war years before. If anything, the Germans were more determined to fight and win. On June 4, 1918, William was in a trench on front-line duty. At some point, he simply stood up and went ‘over the top,’ armed only with his bolt-action, single-shot Lee-Enfield MKIII rifle, to charge a German machine-gun position. He took multiple bullet wounds to his chest and, upon being retrieved from the field, was taken to clearing aid station No. 3, where he succumbed to his wounds. He now rests in the Bagneux British Cemetery in France. There is no Medal of Valour for William and no memorial Crucifix to commemorate him. Please take a few minutes at the 11th hour of the 11th day of this 11th month to remember young William Patrick
Burns and the thousands of other ‘un-sung’ heroes and give these brave men the recognition and honour they so deeply deserve. I’ll leave you with a request: Pray for everlasting peace so we never again send our young men and women to the horror that is war.
Grave Marker for Private William Patrick Burns in the Bagneux British Cemetery, located in the town of Picardy in northern France. Photo by Marg Liessens, courtesy of the Canadian Virtual War Memorial.
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War Art and Poetry War has inspired many artistic expressions, and in Canada, war art and poetry play a significant role in how we remember those who served. On Remembrance Day, these works provide a powerful way to reflect on the realities of war and to honour the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers. From the First World War to more recent conflicts, Canadian war art and poetry capture the emotions, experiences, and aftermath of war, leaving a lasting legacy in our collective memory. One of the most famous examples of Canadian war poetry is I n Flanders Fields , written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian physician and soldier, after witnessing a friend’s death of during the Second Battle of Ypres in 1915. The image of red poppies growing among soldiers’ graves inspired his words, which have since become an enduring symbol of remembrance. In Flanders Fields is recited every Remembrance Day, and the poppy has become a powerful emblem of sacrifice. Other Canadian poets also conveyed the trauma of war. Soldiers like Frank Prewett and Robert Service expressed their experiences in the trenches through verse, writing about the horrors of combat, the camaraderie among troops, and the emotional toll of warfare. These works helped give voice to a generation enduring the un- precedented conflicts of the 20th century. In addition to poetry, visual art has played a crucial role in shaping Canada’s remembrance of war. During both world wars, the Canadian government established war artist programs to document conflict through the eyes of We remember and honour our veterans
artists. These programs produced a remarkable collection of works that depict the realities of war, from the battlefields to life on the Homefront. During World War I, artists like A.Y. Jackson, a founding member of the Group of Seven, were commissioned to capture scenes of the battlefields. Jackson, who served as a soldier before becoming a war artist, created haunting depictions of the Western Front, with its devastated landscapes and aftermaths of battle. His works, along with those of Frederick Varley and David Milne, provide a powerful reminder of the destruction caused by the Great War. In World War II, Canadian artists continued to contribute. Molly Lamb Bobak, the first female Canadian war artist, depicted the everyday lives of soldiers, focusing on their humanity — writing letters, relaxing, or preparing for battle. Her works, along with those of Alex Colville, who served as a war artist in Europe, captured the emotional intensity of war and its human cost. These artistic contributions have become essential to Canadian Remembrance Day. Through the lens of war art
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Volunteers of the Month: St. Thomas Little Helpers by Peri Haye s
Lila Pelkey is a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #41. She has been their Secretary for two years and counting, as well as Treasurer for three. Lila is responsible for managing the Legion’s deposits, as well as sending letters regarding their wreath sales and more. Upon moving to St. Thomas six years ago, Lila was en- thusiastic about forming meaningful connections within the community. Being that her father was in the military, Lila considered the Legion to be a sentimental space for offering her volunteer service. “When you get here and see what they do, it is amazing,” Lila expresses. She characterizes the ways in which dedicated volunteers offer their time to the Legion, demonstrating their labour of love: “We’re a great team!” The Legion conducts monthly meetings, with an Executive Meeting and a General Meeting held every third Tuesday. During these collaborative discussions, the team deliberates about new business, old business, creating ideas, reflecting on previous projects and the ways in which the Legion can continue raising funds for the community: “We have a lot of hard-working people, and everybody is here to do good.” An important component is, as Lila offers, “Donations always have to be agreed to.” Volunteers diligently prepare their Meat Draw on a weekly basis, pouring the money raised from this event into various charities. Meanwhile, the revenue from their organized Euchre, Stag and Doe celebrations, events, functions and their most recent Halloween festivities — during which Lila volunteers as a bartender — is directed toward the Legion. “All that money keeps us going,” she graciously shares. Asked what excites Lila about her involvement, she replies, “Giving out money -- with a food security focus. We give to the Food Bank, the VON Lunch Program, sports teams, schools who have a lunch program, and we’ve given to a robotics program in a school.” For example, the Legion supplied $500.00 to a local athlete who was representing
Team Canada: “Whatever the community needs, if it meets our requirements we will bring it to the Board.” Lila is delighted to announce that the Legion is immersed in preparing their Newsletter. Offered at the Legion are three levels of membership, all of which are available for the same price and benefits while being specified by recognition: Veterans are classified as Ordinary, Veteran dependents qualify for Associate — whether it be the individual’s parent or grandparent who has served — and Affiliate is discerned as a member who is not connected to the aforementioned categories. Moreover, their annual membership fee is $50.00 and will increase to $55.00 in the new year. Located in the basement of 24 John Street, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #41 is welcoming and open to the public. Explore their St. Thomas Legion Lord Elgin Br#41 Royal Canadian Legion Facebook page for further information. Those interested in becoming a member of the St. Thomas Legion are invited to either visit this virtual platform, or their physical location.
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Continual Living, Loving and Learning: Tech-Know Program: Navigating the Modern World Brought to you by Nurse Next Door
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by Peri Hayes John Fyfe-Millar, Coordinator of the Tech-Know Program on behalf of Fanshawe Corporate Training Solutions (CTS), introduces with pleasure, “From development which started back in the spring of 2023, we worked to create 16 micro-courses to better assist seniors to become more comfortable using technology.” Fanshawe CTS explores a team-based approach for problem- solving while collaborating with a variety of organizations. The tools presented in this program are geared toward improving lifestyle through reducing isolation, as well as strengthening digital access and confidence. As John describes, “Going back to the fall of 2020, in the height of the pandemic, it was recognized that many seniors were being forced into an online world whether they were ready or not.” This program received funding in March of 2023 and will operate through March of 2025. John continues, “Courses began to roll out this past summer in the London and St. Thomas-Elgin area to better service our senior community. We’ve received positive feedback on our delivery of an asynchronous course being taught in a group surrounding.”
Tech-Know offers a comprehensive entry-level curriculum, exhibiting modules which concentrate on remaining connected, current, secure and social. Come January, these modules will also be provided in French. This program is accessible from the comfort of one’s home, as well as guided by an instructor in a collaborative setting. John is both excited and proud about this resource: “We lose sight of the challenges that seniors have today, adapting to an electronic world. By far, this generation has been required to adapt to significant changes in how they perform the most common tasks. Booking appointments, mobile banking and communicating have all changed significantly. We try to take the stress out of making those changes.” Furthermore, John earnestly shares, “As an example, my mother-in-law did the course this summer. She has never gotten into texting people. This fall, she flew out west to visit her brother. My wife came to me later in the day and said, ‘Hey, my mom texted me to tell me she got there’. Small steps mean big things -- not just for seniors, but for their families as well.” Tech-Know program welcomes seniors aged 55 and onward. Connect with Kassidy at cts@fanshawec.ca, or at 519-532-6462 to secure your seat. As spaces are limited, early registration is encouraged. John concludes, “We are currently working with locations in St. Thomas- Elgin, including the Library, Seniors’ Centre and other locations to serve the community. If you would like to put this on for a group of people, please reach out and we will try to accommodate.” For more information about the robust Tech-Know Program — or to schedule a meeting — contact John Fyfe-Millar at jfyfe-millar@fanshawec.ca, or at 519-852-1984.
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2024 Page 11
From Over the Hill: The First Grasshopper by Peter Bloch-Hansen blochhansenpeter@gmail.com First, an error. Last month, I mentioned two trees cut down at the corner of Mondamin and Scott Sts. This occurred at Kains and St. Catherine Streets, a block east. I deeply apologize.
incredible, huge hind legs. Such fun to chase -- if you could catch them. How could such little things move from a standstill so suddenly, jump so high and leap so incredibly far? And so fast! Now, maybe (probably) this is just a boy’s attitude, but when you could catch them, grasshoppers were great to put (for a little while) into a glass mayonnaise jar with a blade of grass or two, just to look at and watch. You had to punch some air holes in the lid with a nail, but back then, the jar lids were metal, not plastic (sadly), like now. Then, after a while, you would let them go. And go they would! Young children don’t yet have the tools of science to learn about the world, only their eyes and ears and noses and fingers. And … imagination! The imagination of childhood can create whole worlds and magical truths to explain everything and to record wonders. And those childhood worlds do not surrender to adulthood easily. No matter how much knowledge and hard experience we pile on top of them and pack down solid, they remain, and sneak their way up -- sometimes just a feeling, a scent in the air, or a glimpse or a sight of something – may a grasshopper. Anyway, they come on us so quick and suddenly, we can’t escape, transported instantly back to that time when we could make anything we wanted be true. Now, in my view, this is a great gift to us, a precious one, maybe a subtle hint of a truth higher and deeper than any we learned in science class or in the school of hard knocks. No, the childhood world, for all its delicacy, grace and lightness, is exceedingly tough and enduring. If it’s to die, it has to be deliberately killed, its only trace then, a deadness in the eyes. But if still alive, it makes our eyes shine so bright!
So, onward. One afternoon in early October, I saw a grasshopper hopping (naturally) across a sidewalk, the first one this year. It set me thinking and more, remembering – something I suppose we seniors do often. And, I think there’s something about warm weather that prompts memories of early childhood particularly. So, this grasshopper. Nothing special really, and that’s really what got me thinking. When I was seven, we lived in a new subdivision, one recently carved out of working farmland – large lots, lots of grass. Lots of room to run around, lots of room for every sort of outdoor games. It was a wide world of grass and a surprising number of trees too. So, late every summer, after the cicadas were done with their amazing, mysterious songs – where were they coming from, anyway? -- grasshoppers appeared – green ones, brown ones, grey ones, yellow ones, lots of them. Suddenly, one day, just … there they were – like magic! All over the place. Oh, they were wonderful – their see-through wings, their shiny skins, their big, big eyes, their sideways jaws and
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Page 12 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2024
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Anne of Green Gables
17 Anne cracks this over Gilbert’s head 19 She wanted a boy, not a girl 20 Anne’s birth mother’s name 21 Anne’s alternate ego 23 He was Anne’s first teacher 24 Anne accidently dyed her hair this colour Down 1 Anne’s bosom friend 4 Anne’s adopted guardian’s last name 5 The college Anne attends 6 Anne’s love interest
8 This fruit wine that Diane over indulges on 9 Anne’s home province (short form) 10 Anne of Green Gables Author 11 The town Green Gables is located 13 Anne’s nemesis at school 15 Anne’s Last name 16 Anne wins this prize at Queens 18 Their busy body neighbour 22 Anne prayed her red hair would turn this colour 23 Matthew bought Anne a Dress with these kinda sleeves
Across 2 Anne’s friend she sees in the glass 3 Anne’s female teacher who helped her 7 He buys Anne her dress for Christmas 10 Anne’s experience with babies saves this sister of Diana’s 12 Anne received an encore at the White Sands hotel for delivering this 13 Which country (outside of Canada) had an Anne of Green Gables theme park 14 Anne’s favourite subject in school
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2024 Page 13
The other is political: Nothing’s over until it’s over, but for months now, the polls show a Conservative majority as the most likely outcome when a federal election is called sometime within the next year. Clearly, there’s room for Conservatives to roll back the federal government’s approach to prolific spending. Unlike Pierre Poilievre, I wouldn’t use the word ‘wacko’ to describe Justin Trudeau. But it has been irrational to announce billions upon billions in new programming without indicating or seeming to care, how these programs are to be funded. The unspoken understanding in left-liberal circles appears to be that endlessly adding to the national debt is natural and normal. Let future generations pay for our prolificacy. Some of us beg (or scream inside) to differ. That being said, Canada is neither as woke-happy nor as broke-sad as our Prime Minister and our leader of the Official Opposition, respectively, pretend. But righting the ship by getting the financial house in order will never be enough. The Conservative Party of Canada needs positive policies to help restore peace, order and good government to the nation. After nine years representing this riding, can you assist with this challenge in retirement? Is your neutral reputation the perfect position from which to restore the centrist ideals which you, Ken and Joe seemed to embody? Inquiring senior minds want to know. Terry can be reached at terry@carrollgroup.ca.
A Letter to Karen from Terry Carroll Dear Ms. Vecchio,
A quick scroll through your Facebook Page shows that your decision to bow out of federal politics has not diminished your enthusiasm for local representation. Your famous smile con-
tinues to light up the many events in this riding. Working across political parties, plus being out among us local folk, has added up to success for you and two previous local Conservative MPs: Ken Monteith and Joe Preston. Ken had a strong commitment to Red Tory principles while working with other parties and being visible locally on weekends and holidays. Joe voiced some political views but ramped up the customer service aspect of an MP’s job. Your focus appears to be even more on serving the people and less on the political side. During nine years, when divisions between political parties hardened and became more entrenched, you stayed largely above the fray. So, two questions arise. One is personal: What’s next for you once the next election is called and you are not stumping? I’m imagining you decompressing for a time, possibly receiving lots of massages from your husband, Farmer Mike, aka Captain Canada, aka Mikey (no chicken in his own right when it comes to public appearances). Geoffrey Rae Managing Editor / Sales Geoff@villagerpublications.com • 519-495-7177 All articles by Geoff Rae unless otherwise noted. Copy Editor: Peter Bloch-Hansen Publisher: Barb Botten barb@villagerpublications.com Graphic Artist – Cathy Wood • Writer – Peri Hayes BOOMERS AND BEYOND – ELGIN
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Page 14 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2024
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BADDA BOOM! by Frances Kennedy franceskennedy782@gmail com
Lest we forget, and let’s not, November is the bittersweet month of Remembrance. When honouring our veterans, many of whom lost life, limb, and youth defending democracy, let’s remember our freedom
is their legacy. We represent the last living generation who knew them by name. Let’s pull out old photo albums and recall their stories for our children and theirs to know and appreciate their sacrifice. On a recent Friday night, I was honoured when four young men, all of whom weren’t quite twenty, texted ‘What’s up?’ on WhatsApp until they assembled onto my deck having scouted out their buddy who worked for me. As the mother of three sons, this group was like famdamily to me. A longtime facilitator, I requested they turn off their phones except if expecting an imminent birth or death in the family. Suddenly, under the stars, around a fire pit (albeit gas-powered) we listened to Lake Erie roar, and we were present to each other. When I wondered aloud about the destination of a plane overhead, we made an exception to my rule to access an app that listed departures and destinations. It was an exhilarating experience, and I couldn’t resist the urge for a deep-dive conversation. I had just two questions: what is your greatest fear? and what is your greatest hope? The level of disclosure was moving; in every instance, the response was deeply personal and about their future. There were no interruptions, no jousting, just listening followed by silence. One of them asked me mine, and I responded about my fear for the fragility of democracy... for them and their generation. I rambled a bit about my ancestral war heroes, and something magical happened; they shared what they knew of theirs. It was late when they dispersed, we all hugged, and I felt a kinship with them. One stayed after the others left to say, “I’ve known these guys since grade one, and I know them better now than I did two hours ago.” Fast forward two weeks and I’m at a cafe with two old girls who, like myself, live alone. One, who recently lost her husband of nearly sixty years asked about Thanksgiving plans. I went full throttle and confided this Thanksgiving is the fifth anniversary of one son’s estrangement. To my astonishment, each had a comparatively heartbreaking story. We concluded by agreeing to celebrate and commemorate together more often. So what’s the thread in all this? What are the lessons to be learned again? As we embark into the holy day and holiday season, let’s remember that family by choice and family by circumstance matter as much as family by chance (blood relations). Secondly, be vulnerable; it’s a risk worth the reward of deep connection. And finally, lest they forget, 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 2024 Page 15
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