Pride Villager Middlesex, Oxford and Elgin Counties
Issue #6 Spring 2021
Book Review by Jennifer Wenn Songs and Poems (Felice Picano)
a close friendship (the beautiful ‘ In Memoriam: Wystan Hugh Auden, 1973 ’ which the author worked on for some years): “How can you hear an era end/in the whoosh of a push-pad/ supermarket door?/Whistlings in the rubber grooves,/gravely intoning, ‘ Auden’s gone ’?” The later portion ranges emotionally from the exultance of ‘Lifted’ to the sadness and nostalgia of ‘My Mother’s Life.’ The anchor piece is the four-part ‘Window Elegies’, which first appeared as a chapbook in 1987 and won an award from the Poetry Society of America. This is a brilliant, aching portrait of the rise and fall of a relationship, replete with architectural and environmental images (“We stood in a row of matched windows/ each one spangled with the dark,/coordinated as though in a De Chirico/portico through which a draped/and fleeing figure weaves/her moon splintering night.”). This is a very accessible work, although the four interesting ekphrastic pieces in ‘Repaintings’ do benefit from searching out the art works that inspired them. Throughout the whole there is an abiding sense of longing, loss and awareness of mortality in contention with joy in the moment. Definitely recommended.
Songs and Poems is noted American writer, publisher and critic Felice Picano’s latest book of poetry, his first since 1978s The Deformity Lover and Other Poems . In Songs and Poems, Picano, a founder of modern gay literature, has authored an eclectic set of pieces, split into two groups: ‘ Early Songs and Poems ’ and ‘ Later Songs and Poems .’ This slim volume
focusses on acutely-observed portraits, many being of people (some who have passed on) and relationships. As the title implies, in both sections we shift between simpler song lyrics and a variety of poetic forms. A number of the early items predate even Deformity Lover , some of them thought lost until recently. One noteworthy work in the early grouping is a set of selections from ‘On the Morton Street Pier: A Poem Suite’ , six snapshots of one of the main sights of the West Village, the historical hub of gay life in New York City. There are also homages to the celebrated writers Edgar Allen Poe (‘ Is This It, Mr. Poe? ’ which also holds a melancholy mirror up to the author), Emily Dickinson (‘Homage to Emily D.’ ) and, most notably, W. H. Auden, with whom Picano had
Jennifer Wenn, a former Director of the Pride London Festival, is a trans-identified writer and speaker from London, Ontario. Her first poetry chapbook, A Song of Milestones, has been published by Harmonia Press (an imprint of Beliveau Books). She has additionally written From Adversity to Accomplishment, a family and social history; and published poetry in variety of journals and anthologies. She is also the proud parent of two adult children
with a day job as a systems analyst. Visit her website at jenniferwennpoet.wixsite.com/home
LEADS: A Holistic Approach to Employment
There can be many barriers to getting a job. Sometimes it’s outdated skills or being unfamiliar with the latest technology. But other times, it’s a family conflict, mental health issues or a lack of confidence. LEADS Employment Services has helped thousands of people remove whatever obstacles are between them and their work goals. LEADS will source government funding for training, and other services, to build a solid foundation for their clients. Al, a member of the LGBTQ+ community who’s transitioning from female to male, had suffered from depression and when the pandemic delayed the start of his hormone injections, he found himself back in that dark place. Ann, Employment Specialist with LEADS, has been working with Al for the past couple of years. “He hadn’t graduated high school. I got him into the Options program, twelve weeks of training on skills like safe food handling and CPR. He got a bunch of different certifications. There was an issue with housing, to where he almost became homeless, so we had to focus on getting a roof over his head. We were able to work through that. We did more modules, building confidence.” The holistic approach at LEADSmeans support comes in whatever form the individual needs. For Al, everything has turned around. “We worked on his Emotional Intelligence (EQ) as well. The injections started and his mood changed, his confidence changed. His motivation to work has changed. He’s working
for a landscaping company now and starting forklift certification training, so he’ll be ready to lead a crew this summer.” Age is another barrier that sometimes needs dismantling. When Ron, 74, came to LEADS for help, he had plenty of education and a long, successful career in a medical-related field. However, he had never used a cell phone and needed to improve his knowledge of technology. Employment Specialist Jennifer helped Ron get a job he enjoys. “We had to work on his confidence. If you’re not confident, you don’t present yourself well in an interview. I saw the changes in him. He would walk in with his head held high, smiling, saying hello. Now he works at Westmount Gardens as a Resident Support Aide. He’s there five days a week. He says he’s sleeping better, he’s feeling better about himself and his employer loves him.”
Find out if LEADS can help you, too.
For more information visit leadsservices.com or call 1-866-95-LEADS .
REGISTERED
PRIDE Villager
Issue 6 • Spring 2021 Page 2
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REGISTERED
Nine Little Words by Saidat Vandenberg It is mind-boggling how words have such an impact on our outlook on life. Hearing words of kindness can lift us to the highest heights. But one sudden expression of hate might send us reeling in despair for many years. I’m sure most of us reading this today have been around long enough to experience both. So, I hope what I write next will improve your mood, elevate your confidence and begin a journey of healing from the toxic words of the past: You are needed! You are valued! You are loved! As a children’s entertainer and a full-time encourager, I have made it my daily goal to lift spirits and surround my space with good energy. Therefore, I have decided that for as long as I have the privilege of living on this beautiful earth, I will fulfill my mission and make it count. Knowing my worth is essential to my mental well-being. As a black queer woman, I realize that there will be times when racism and homophobia will try to cast a shadow on my glow, but I refuse to allow someone else’s fears and insecurities to define me. Because I whole-heartedly believe that these statements are powerful. Someone gifted me these truths, and now I pass these truths onto you as a shield of protection when discouragement tries to set in. You are needed! Being needed is not an excuse for someone to use you, but rather an opportunity for you to shine in your light and authenticity. You are valued! Take time to appreciate what makes you incredibly unique. Never underestimate your worth because you deserve the best life has to offer. You are loved! Whitney Houston worded it best when she sang, “Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.”
We all need encouragement in these challenging times, especially when we least expect it, because not only does it motivate us to keep pushing forward, but it also ignites empathy and compassion for others. A final reminder fromme: Check in with your circle, the group that loves you, lifts you and gives you life. As well, be that person for someone. You are needed! You are valued! You are loved!
“Happiness Infuser” is an award- winning community leader, child- ren’s entertainer, artistic director, and motivational speaker. Her program, The Saidat Show, was born from a desire to make people smile and build confidence in the younger generation. Saidat has now reached over 800,000 students across Canada. Saidat’s message of encouragement, self- worth, and community-minded- ness is also a motivation for a global audience. She presents a powerful message that comes from the heart that one person can make a difference. TOGETHER WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD!
Front Cover art by Jacqueline Demendeev. We are family under the Progress Pride Flag. The flag includes black and brown stripes to represent marginalized LGBTQ+ communities of colour, along with the colours pink, light blue and white, which are used on the Transgender Pride Flag.
Questions?
Concerns?
Contact YOUR Member of Parliament 519.663.9777 Peter Fragiskatos.ca
PRIDE Villager
Issue 6 • Spring 2021 Page 3 To advertise here, please contact Barb@VillagerPublications.com
RecommendedReading by Elgin County Library Adult Titles Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
weight of her parent’s expectations, a struggling job market and feelings of burnout, Grace flees her home in Portland for a summer in New York with the wife she barely knows. Genre: Romantic comedy Character: Culturally diverse; LGBTQIA diverse; Relatable Storyline: Own voices Writing Style: Well-crafted dialogue Gay Like Me: A Father Writes to His Son by Richie Jackson
A trans woman, her detransitioned ex and his cisgender lover build an unconventional family together in the wake of heartbreak and an unplanned pregnancy. This provocative debut is about what happens at the emotional, messy, vulnerable corners of womanhood that platitudes and good intentions can’t
‘Gay Like Me’ by Richie Jackson is both a celebration of gay identity and a sorrowful warning. Discrimination is now outlawed in most states, gay men and women can marry, and there are drugs available to protect against AIDS. However, he also argues that nothing can be taken for granted. Bigotry and hatred still exist. The gay identity can be worn with pride, but
reach. Torrey Peters brilliantly and fearlessly navigates the most dangerous taboos around gender, sex, and relationships, gifting us a thrillingly original, witty, and deeply moving novel. Genre: Relationship fiction Character: Authentic; Complex; LGBTQIA diverse; Sympathetic Storyline: Character-driven; Own voices Tone: Amusing; Heartwarming Writing Style: Witty
gay citizens needs always to be aware that their gains are fragile. Available formats: eAudiobook & eBook (Hoopla), Book and Book on CD Young Adult Titles A Complicated Love Story Set in Space by Shaun David Hutchinson
Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers With her newly completed PhD in astronomy in hand, twenty-eight-year-old GracePorter goes ona girls’ trip toVegas to celebrate. She’s a straight A, work-through- the-summer certified high achiever. She is not the kind of person who goes to Vegas and gets drunkenly married to a woman whose name she doesn’t know, until she does exactly that. Staggering under the
When Noa closes his eyes on Earth and wakes up on a spaceship called Qriosity just as it’s about to explode, he’s pretty sure things can’t get much weirder. Boy is he wrong. Trapped aboard are also DJ and Jenny and together, the three face all the dangers of space, along with murder,
aliens, a school dance, and one really, really bad day. But none of this can prepare Noa for the biggest challenge—falling in love. As Noa’s feelings for DJ deepen, he has to contend not just with the challenges of the present, but also with his memories of the past. Genre: First person narratives; Science fiction Character: LGBTQIA diverse; Sympathetic Storyline: Action-packed; Intricately plotted; Own voices Pace: Fast-paced Writing Style: Engaging Identity: A Story of Transitioning by Corey Maison
This young adult, graphic novel shines a light on how gender dysmorphia affects thousands of people worldwide, but has been ignored or ridiculed in our culture. ‘Identity’ tells the complex and moving tale of a young person who knows that their true gender is not the one they were assigned at birth. With unconditional love and support from
her mother, Corey Maison successfully starts the transition process with hopes of being comfortable in her own skin, being accepted by others, and raising awareness of young people who wish to transition.
PRIDE Villager
Page 4 Issue 6 • Spring 2021
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A Daily Smile Amidst the Pandemic – The Ken Dolls During these difficult times, we’re all looking for a reason to smile. “Thekencouple” Instagram account does just that, and delivers daily! Started two months into the pandemic, the account chronicle the life of Aidan Prince and his husband with a tongue in cheek “art imitating life” style, by using Ken dolls which resemble the real life couple. The series began with single photos of the dolls, often focused on the realities of living in pandemic lockdown. Added to the photos are comic book style captions and speech bubbles which bring the characters and situations to life. As the pandemic restrictions lifted and we were all able to return to our new normal, the focus of the posts followed suit. The “couple” documented their ability to venture out, day-to-day routines and the dynamics of their relationship. Aidan admits that the personalities of the dolls often mirror that of him and his husband. Friends who follow the posts have remarked that they hear his and his husband’s voices as they read the speech bubbles. The stories, however, are relatable and entertaining to people who don’t know the couple. The fact that the account has over 6347 followers from across the globe is a testament to that! The series has evolved from the typical single photo posts to be much like a comic strip, showcasing some light humour. One of the posts shares the origin of “thekencouple”
which dates back to 2014. A co-worker bought two Ken dolls for Aidan after a Christmas toy drive by their team. Over the holidays, Aidan posted photos on his Facebook of the dolls doing silly things and friend loved them! He continued the posts for a while, with an attempt to garner attention from Ellen. With that not working and running out of photo ideas, Aidan stopped the posts; much to the dismay of his friends. He was surprised last May to receive two new dolls from a friend who said she couldn’t resist because they looked more like the real couple. Prompted by this cue and having more time on his hands because of the pandemic, he started the new series as a hobby and creative outlet. While still posting on his Facebook account for friends, he also began to post on Instagram, curious to see what kind of following he could get. The huge response has been a pleasant surprise and continued motivator for Aidan. Given the regular enthusiastic comments followers post on the photos, it’s clear that “thekencouple” are definitely bringing daily smiles to lots of people.
Living together? Make it legal! License your pet. All cats and dogs must be licensed by law. Licensing helps save animals’ lives. • Lost pets are returned home • Helps to fund animal services programs • Homeless pets get adopted
London Animal Care Centre • 121 Pine Valley Blvd, London • www.accpets.ca 519-685-1330 • Facebook.com/LondonAnimalCare Please do you part! Contact us to license your pet Lo don Animal Ca Centre • 121 Pine Valley Blvd, London www.accpets.ca 529-685-1330 • Facebook.com/LondonAnimalCare
PRIDE Villager
Page 5 Issue 6 • Spring 2021 To advertise here, please contact Barb@VillagerPublications.com
The Two Spirit Identity By Sal Hill Being two-spirit in a colonial society is a unique and fulfilling identity to embody. The beauty, spiritual connectivity, and power felt through de-colonizing one’s gender and sexual expression are experiences that I would not dare trade for anything. It is often asked what does it mean to be Two-Spirited exactly? What are the emotions and hardships felt by two-spirit folk? What purpose does such a label play when there are already so may pre-existing terms? First, lets start with brief definitions and historical context. The label itself is a contemporary one, first established in the 1990’s by primarily LGBTQ+ Indigenous folk. The identifier was used to replace other terms that were often considered derogatory or reductive, and by using this term was an act of active de-colonization. The labels that were created by colonisers could not quite grasp the unique spiritual and cultural nuances regarding gender and sexual expression that is experienced by Indigenous folk. Two-Spirit is a Pan-Indian term that means someone who views the world in both a masculine and feminine light, and by being able to access those spiritual connections to various gender expressions one can fulfill important cultural rolls. This is an incredibly sacred cultural practice in many First Nations communities. Pre-contact with colonizers, those who would have been considered Two-Spirit were considered sacred for their profound connection to love and gender expression and thus were given leadership rolls within the communities. The purpose for creating the language was so it could be used as an umbrella term for Indigenous people to use as a sexual, gender as well as spiritual identifier. It was to embody
Supporting London’s LGBTQ2+ Community
Teresa Armstrong MPP London—Fanshawe 519-668-1104 tarmstrong-co@ndp.on.ca
Terence Kernaghan MPP London North Centre 519-432-7339 tkernaghan-co@ndp.on.ca
Peggy Sattler MPP London West 519-657-3120 psattler-co@ndp.on.ca
PRIDE Villager
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the nuances that come when a rich cultural history intersects with gender and sexuality in a colonial society. Another big reason for its creation was that while a lot of Two-Spirit people are proudly apart of or could be considered to fit into the greater LGBTQ+ community, that is not universally the case. Many feel that they do not need to use words created by a settler society to describe who they are in their bodies and spirit. Some simply just feel within themselves that being Two-Spirited and Two-Spirited alone just fits. Just as on the reverse end of that, there are plenty of Indigenous LGBTQ+ folk who do not feel comfortable with being addressed as Two- Spirit. Be it that they are not comfortable with the spiritual as well as political responsibilities Two-Spirit individuals often take on for their communities. This may be because they are more at peace with the many words the LGBTQ+ community has to offer. Although the sole reasoning for what makes someone Two-Spirit is vast and has many different variables depending on what is experienced on an individual basis, whether you are an indigenous person wanting to connect closer with your spiritual self, or an outsider observing the community out of a place of wanting to learn. There is no denying the fulfillment in establishing a community, and the Two-Spirit experience is one worth exploring.
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Call today for your FREE estimate! 519-204-2657 For a full list of our maintenance and construction services visit us at Partridgelandscaping.com We offer 4 seasons of PRISTINE property maintenance including weekly lawn and garden care, snow removal, spring and fall clean ups and FULL LANDSCAPE DESIGN, BUILD AND INSTALLATION CONDO LIFESTYLE IN YOUR OWN HOME Up to 35% less than condo fees! Locally owned and operated. Proudly serving London and area since 2007.
PRIDE Villager
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Drag Storytimes Rainbow Speakers Panels Creating Safer Spaces Training
Supporting Local Prides Community Resources &Much More!
RainbowOptimistClub.com
Creating a community of empathy, inclusion and understanding Creating a com unity of empathy, inclusion and understanding
Learn more at PrideUnderstanding.ca
PRIDE Villager
Issue 6 • Spring 2021 Page 8
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M.I. Understanding Has your child been struggling with meltdowns and big feelings during the pandemic? If so, you’re not alone. Since COVID-19, almost 60 per cent of parents noted be- havioural changes in their children, ranging from outbursts or extreme irritability to drastic changes in mood, behaviour or personality, altered sleeping patterns, persistent sadness and more. *Children’s Mental Health Ontario M.I.understanding, in partnership with five London organizations (Custom Plush, MLD Solutions Inc. TecAlliance, Western Education, Kids Mental Health Optimist Club), has developed a new online program for families to help children build resiliency. The “MI friends” program provides children with a comfort toy (named Poppy), while connecting families to an online video/ activity program, giving parents strategies, tools, resources, and suggestions on how to support their child as they learn to self-regulate. Poppy’s role is to help families develop strategies, start a conversation, and bridge the gap to care with tools to strengthen educational and medical support.
The program was developed with the experts at The Child and Youth Development Clinic at Western University and will drive future research and development around children’s mental health. Equally important, a portion of every purchase will go back to reinvest in children’s mental health to support research and program development. M.I.understanding facilitates early intervention and increases awareness and understanding, providing more families with tools and resources to raise healthy and resilient children. Videos on a wide range of topics to help families start a conversation can be found at www.miunderstanding.ca. Please help us continue to create a community of support for families by sharing our program, pre-ordering Poppy for a family in need, and/or making a donation: https://igg.me/at/mifriends For more information, contact: Paula Jesty- Paula@miunderstanding.ca FB: M.I.understanding Emergency Community Support Fund, funded by the Government of Canada. This funding went directly to support education and digital events for rural LGBT2Q+ youth who are socially isolated due to the pandemic in Elgin & Middlesex. “We were extremely excited about this funding and the programs we offered and continue to offer for the many youth in our communities that are feeling especially isolated during the pandemic,” says Lorna MacDougall, President of the Rainbow Optimist Club. TheRainbowOptimist Club – SWOworks to provide programming and education for rural LGBT2Q+ communities, with a focus on youth. This funding allowed the organization to hire a contract Project Coordinator to help provide engaging and informative virtual events, social media content and educational materials. Some of these programs included Drag Storytimes, Rainbow Speaker Panels, social media contests and the sharing of new videos and resources from Prideunderstanding.ca For more information about the Rainbow Optimist Club - Southwestern Ontario, please visit: RainbowOptimistClub.com. Twitter: @MIunderstanding Instagram: M.I.understanding
Rainbow Optimist Club Ramps Up Activity
The Rainbow Optimist Club – Southwestern Ontario Inc. has had a busy few months and launched several new initiatives to support LGBT2Q+ rural youth, their families and their communities in Elgin, Middlesex and Oxford Counties. Check out the new RainbowOptimistClub.com The brand newwebsite contains program information, partnerships, information about upcoming initiatives and a new resource section, that will help connect individuals with resources, community organizations and crisis support services in the area. Drag Storytimes go virtual A global pandemic will not keep London’s finest drag performers from entertaining the masses! Check out the brand- new Virtual Drag Storytimes online at: RainbowOptimistClub.com/DragStorytime and find out when they air on Facebook or watch past Drag Storytimes! A new cookbook is coming!
Junior Optimist International and the Rainbow Optimist Club are creating a cookbook with recipes from around the world. To order your cookbook, visit: RainbowOptimistClub.com/Cookbook. New Rainbow Speakers Panels for Elgin, Middlesex & Oxford
The Rainbow Optimist Club offers a unique opportunity for rural communities to hear directly from members of LGBT2Q+ communities with a series of Rainbow Speakers Panels. Check out the brand-new panel discussions for Elgin, Middlesex & Oxford online at: RainbowOptimistClub.com/RainbowSpeakers. Funding helps expand Rainbow Optimist Club programs The Rainbow Optimist Club – Southwestern Ontario was proud to receive $31,275 in funding from the United Way Elgin Middlesex
PRIDE Villager
Page 9 Issue 6 • Spring 2021
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Who is the inspiration behind SoLo On Main? By Martin Withenshaw SoLo on Main is the culmination of Port Stanley’s own chef Lauren “Lo” Vandixhoorn’s dedication to hard work and passion for the art of cooking.
On a cold and snowy winter day, Chef Lo and I spent a couple of hours via Zoom chatting while she prepared Mussel Chowder. Chef Lo believes chowders are a good start for someone just learning to cook. They are not complicated and fairly easy to make. While she steamed the mussels, diced and sweated the vegetables and put the chowder together to simmer, we chatted. She believes cooking is all about the feel and instinct of food. Chef Lo was born and raised in the “782”, which is Port Stanley. She learned the basics of restaurant cooking at Mickey’s Boathouse, which inspired her to go Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine College. Equipped with a 2-year working visa on graduation she was off to Barbados. Nine months in, she got a phone call advising that Mickey’s Boathouse was for sale. Did she want it? It was an immediate yes. Cutting her time short in Barbados, she was back to Port Stanley where SoLo Restaurant was born in the former Mickey’s Boathouse.
LightMussel Chowder 1lb large mussels 1 cup white wine 2 cups clam juice 1 cup heavy cream
During her off time during the summer months, Chef Lo will be found in the woods picking mushrooms during the mushroom growing season. She knows a fair amount about mushrooms but still has a lot to learn. The one thing she does know, the ones not to pick.
2 carrots peeled/medium dice 3 celery stocks/medium dice 1 onion/medium dice 1 fennel/medium dice (or Pernod and fresh tarragon) 2 large yellow potatoes peeled/medium dice
2 bay leaves 1 tbsp butter Salt/pepper/sugar to taste.
Hours (subject to change) Th-Fr 5-9 • Sat 11:30-3 and 5-9 Sun 11:30-3 and 5-8 PATIO OPEN SEASONALLY! COLLECTIVE BACKDROP FOR ANY OCCASION TO SHARE GREAT FOOD IN GOOD COMPANY. A MENU WITH ALL HOUSE- MADE INGREDIENTS. IN A WARM AND INVITING SPACE, SOLO ON MAIN IS A NOD TO PORT STANLEY’S BEACH COMMUNITY. AN INTIMATE AND
Page 10 Issue 6 • Spring 2021 PRIDE Villager What an inspiration to her community. Not only did she come back to where she was raised and open a restaurant, she believes in giving back. During the winter months she can be found volunteering at “In Out of the Cold” in St. Thomas. Port Stanley is very lucky to have Chef Lo and SoLo on Main. It is definitely on my list of places to eat, especially on the patio. • In a large pot, steam themussels in white wine until they open. When buying mussels make sure they don’t smell bad and that the shells are not cracked or open. Remove the beard (the clump of hair-like fibers that sprouts from the shell). If the mussels do not open when steamed, throw them out - they’re bad. • Remove from the pot, pluck the mussels from the shell and set the meat aside. • Save the liquid for your broth. • Using the same pot, sweat the vegetables in the butter until the onions are translucent. • Add the liquid left from left steaming the mussels, the clam juice, and bay leaves. • Simmer gently until all the vegetables are tender. (about 15 to 20 minutes) • Add the cooked mussels and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper. • I add a pinch of sugar or honey if necessary, for balance. • Serve with crusty bread! Delicious, sure to impress and does not take all day!
O N M A I N
187 Main St., Port Stanley 226-658-0999 • www.soloportstanley.com
To advertise here, please contact Barb@VillagerPublications.com
Paints & Emotions The art of Vanessa Zita Vanderidder “Life is not so much about what you want to do or be when you grow up… it’s more about understanding how your life needs you.” As of fifteen years ago, I’m sure that Vanessa Zita Vanderidder never would have thought that she would be making her mark in the world using paints and emotions. The turn of the century was a busy and exciting time for Vanessa, as she had recently completed her studies to become a worker for students that need special care because of their medical or behavioural challenges. For a couple of years, Vanessa worked as a supply teacher at a number of elementary schools throughout London. Life was unfolding in a rather straightforward way with many sturdy foundation blocks offering support. Then the unexpected happened… It was lunchtime and Vanessa was heading out on her break. The June air was warm and the vehicle’s windows were down, music was playing on the radio and the traffic light turned red. As she was waiting for the light to turn green, an overloaded gravel dumptruck was travelling through the intersection and large and small chunks of rock and gravel spilled over the top. A twenty pound rock hit the pavement and blew apart, sending smaller bits hurtling through the air… and Vanessa’s open window!
After several emergency operations, one of which saw a hand-sized fibrous plate reconstructing her skull, Vanessa became a two year resident at Parkwood Hospital’s Outpatients and physiotherapy sessions became a part of daily life. “I had to learn everything, all over again,” explained Vanessa, “from learning how to walk and talk to even the simplest of tasks like brushing my hair.” Family and friends continuously encouraged her, but it was Vanessa’s own steely determination that
moved her into a positive future. To help her right hand, Vanessa was brought small canvases and containers of paint. She found that the texture of the paint between her fingers as she blended colours together on the canvas helped with her motor skills as well as tactile recovery. “Working with my fingers is still one of the techniques that I use while I create my art”. The next five years, were filled with more healing and more physical exercise, but Vanessa was no longer living in the hospital, so she began the process of reconstructing her life. It was during this time that she began to experiment with larger canvases as well as different paints and painting tools, but, “after working with paint on my fingers for the first time, I fell in love.” Vanessa and her partner Marti McGrenere (who helps to promote Vanessa’s art as well as manage her website and social media) have enjoyed living in Byron for the last six years an they look forward to a colourful future. “I don’t know if I’ll ever fully recover from that accident,” shares Vanessa, “but as long as I can continue to find comfort and freedom in my art, I know that my healing will continue in a positive way.” To learn more about Vanessa Zita Vanderidder’s art creations, visit: vzitaart.com
PRIDE Villager
Page 11 Issue 6 • Spring 2021
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JEFF YUREK, MPP Elgin-Middlesex-London Here to help you with any of the following provincial matters Monday through Friday, 10:00 - 4:30: Ontario Disability Support Program OHIP Cards • Driver’s Licences Ontario Works • Birth Certi f icates P: 519-631-0666 • T: 1-800-265-7638 750 Talbot St, Unit 201 St. T h omas, ON N5P 1E2 Email: jeff.yurekco@pc.ola.org
Ontario
519.473.5955 kateyoung.ca
Russell Stagg MA MC RP RCC Registered Psychotherapist Currently counselling online
I am proud to be your representative in Ottawa and want to stay informed of the issues that matter most to you. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. My office can also assist you with:
Main areas of practice: couples counselling trauma/PTSD russelltherapy.ca
• Employment Insurance • Citizenship and Immigration • Canada Student Loans • Passport and Travel Information • Veterans Affairs
• Canada Child Benefits • Canada Pension Plan • Old Age Security • Guaranteed Income Supplement • Income Taxes
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Pride Villager Issue #6 Spring 2021 www.villagerpublications.com Publisher: Barb Botten, Villager Publications P.O. Box 134, Lambeth Station Ontario N6P 1P9 Managing Editors: Barb Botten, Martin Withenshaw Graphic Artist: Cathy Wood
200-390CommissionersRd.W. • LondonON N6J 1Y3 • kate.young@parl.gc.ca
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