Boomers and Beyond Elgin June 2024

EYOND B oomers Celebrating the 55+ Community of Elgin County June 2024 • Issue 51

B and

Letter from the Editor If you are a regular reader of Boo- mers & Beyond , you will know I lost my wife of 18 years almost four years ago. While I have a teenager who tends to keep me busy, I still missed the opportunity to get together with people and socialize. I am sure I am not the only one. Then, a few years ago, I started volunteering my time

new people, but you will also be helping a local cause. Be brave, be bold, be productive! Two events I am on the committee for are geared towards seniors, and I am very excited for both of them. Mark your calendars for July 10th because it’s a day you won’t want to miss! Join us for the Seniors Picnic in the Park, a cherished tradition celebrating its remarkable 25th year. If you’ve never experienced it before, now’s your chance! Get ready for a day brimming with live music, entertainment, and the vibrant atmosphere of community spirit. Just bring your lawn chair, settle in, and prepare to be dazzled by the incredible local talent on display. Indulge in delicious treats from food vendors while enjoying the sights and sounds. And car enthusiasts, rejoice! There’s even a car show to add to the excitement. As if that weren’t enticing enough, don’t forget about the chance to win fantastic door prizes throughout the day! Join us as we commemorate a quarter-century of the Seniors Picnic, starting at 9 am and continuing until 3 pm in the picturesque setting of Pinafore Park, located at 95 Elm St. See you there! I also had my first contestant sign up for our audition in October for St. Thomas Seniors Got Talent 2 . I am still buzzing about last year’s event. It was a fun-filled evening showing some amazingly talented folks in our community who are 55+. This year promises to be even bigger and better. The big show is on November 4th at the St. Thomas Seniors Centre. Based on last year’s sell-out in only three weeks, we will have more seats available this year, though I still suspect we will be sold out!

to a committee that needed volunteers with my certain skill set. I found I really enjoyed it; I enjoyed working with other community members who were all there voluntarily to create an event that the people of our city could enjoy. I enjoyed it so much that I expanded from one event to four events, and I am also a member of the St. Thomas Public Library board. Now, I am not saying all of this to pat myself on the back, far from it. What I am suggesting is that if you could use a little more socializing in your life and have a certain set of skills (even if just being available is a skill), then I would suggest that you go find what you are passionate about and get involved. Volunteering doesn’t have to be hard, and I know for some of you, I am preaching to the choir, as the 55+ community is the backbone of volunteers. But, there are still some out there who sit at home bored and lonely but are too timid to take that first step. The first step is the easiest: find out what you are passionate about and see if they need help. Not only will you yourself benefit from meeting

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Canadian Dental Care Plan by Peri Hayes

Dr. Nehal Al Tarhuni is the Principal Dentist and Owner of Port Stanley Dentistry, as well as Dutton Dentistry and Fastbraces, “My biggest passions,” she reveals, “Are dentistry, community service and philanthropy. As a dental student, I put together dental outreach missions abroad and served in many since.” Nehal has immersed herself in international relief missions, supported communities through local initiatives and organized her free Dental Care Days -- “serving the most underprivileged in my communities,” as she states. As of May 1st, Canadian residents aged 70 years and above are eligible to have their oral health care covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). As well, seniors 65–69 years of age may register online. Coverage includes basic services: cleanings, dentures, exams, extractions, fillings, root canals and X-rays. “The coverage,” Nehal offers, “Does not yet include orthodontic treatment, such as braces and crowns -- but that will start rolling out in the fall, according to the government.” More complex services, such as partial dentures, will require federal pre-authorization of payment -- with available coverage in November of this year. This is subsidized dental care, Nehal emphasizes: “The average exam and cleaning visit to find out what work could be needed is covered at a good rate of around 90%, making the balance the patient has to pay out of pocket minimal so if that is an issue, they can get their teeth cleaned, see what needs to be done and get an estimate before making a decision. If, at that point, cost is prohibitive, they can talk to their dentist about payment plans or doing the work in segments -- if it’s not an emergency. Meanwhile, the Ontario Dental Association is continuing to engage with the government — and so should individual citizens — to advocate for true, full coverage and full subsidy for services.” While discussing her business and the CDCP, Nehal enthuses, “I enjoy helping people; I find true purpose in doing that, freeing people from pain, and giving them

confident, beautiful and healthy smiles. CDCP is just a first step towards equitable access to oral health care, which is a universal human right and a necessity for every Canadian.” Nehal’s ambitions include continuing to engage with local politicians and government representatives, as she is interested in exploring ways in which this program can be advanced to cover more Canadians. Port Stanley Dentistry is located at 286 Bridge Street, operating Monday to Friday with variable hours. Pa- tients are welcome to book an appointment, as well as to learn more information by calling 226-658-2891, emailing portstanleydentistry@gmail.com, walking-in, or connecting with a representative through their website at portstanleydentistry.org. For further details, explore the CDCP Dental Benefits Guide at canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental- care-plan/guide.html.

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • June 2024 Page 3

Volunteer of the Month: Linda Holland by Peri Haye s

Dedicated volunteer, Linda Holland, celebrates two and a half years — and counting — with Central Community Health Centre in St. Thomas. “I started in 2021,” she reveals, “But was off during COVID-19, then restarted in 2022.” Linda is a retired registered nurse who began her career working in the office, contributing to patient care projects and more. She continues, “An opportunity came up to help in the Outreach Clinic, held weekly with another nurse and a doctor. They run a program to help people with addictions and other medical concerns while supporting them as best we can. I help with injections, dressings, health teaching, information sharing services and wherever there is a need.” Linda was immersed in Critical Care and Emergency for 40 years. Upon retiring in 2019, she retained her registration in hopes of pursuing an organization to support and continue to utilize her nursing skills. She recounts, “I found Central Community Health Centre, and felt it was the place for me. I was welcomed with open arms by a wonderful group of people who were kind, appreciative and very inclusive. I was so fortunate to find exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to be able to offer my services to the community.” “I feel a great self-satisfaction, knowing I am making a difference in others’ lives. So many people struggle today and may need help in some fashion -- sometimes it’s a smile, a hug or a listening ear allowing for a conversation. Everyone should have a voice and be heard.” As she concludes, “Volunteering is for anyone who wants to make a difference in others’ lives. It’s a very rewarding experience which can be humbling and also give you great satisfaction and a feeling of self-worth. I had always hoped to volunteer someday, and I am so thankful I found Central Community Health Centre. I hope others will consider volunteering if they have any extra time.”

In addition to volunteering, Linda indicates what things she is looking forward to this summer, such as enjoying the beach and working on her gardens with her husband. Those interested in discovering Central Community Health Centre’s volunteer opportunities are encouraged to navigate the application process on the centralchc.com website -- with contact details and further information to be explored.

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A Special Commemorative Guide for the Old St. Thomas Church’s 200th Anniversary by Geoff Rae In recognition of the Old St. Thomas Church’s 200th Anniversary, the church’s board and I have collaborated to create a special commemorative guidebook. This exclusive collector’s guidebook, a testament to our shared history, will be available for free at select locations across St. Thomas, including Briwood Farm Market, St. Thomas Seniors Centre, Yurek Pharmacy, City Hall, CASO Station, Horton Market, St. Thomas Cemetery, and the Old St. Thomas Church itself. “This year marks a significant milestone for the Old St. Thomas Church as it commemorates its 200th year of service to the community,” says Heather Jackson, Board Member and Chair of the Bicentennial Committee. “The occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on the rich history embedded within the church and cemetery, honouring the legacies of those who have shaped our community over the years.” Heather shares with us what she is looking forward to most with this upcoming bicentennial celebration. “I am most anticipating the anniversary service on Saturday, June 22, which promises to be a moment of celebration and reflection as we come together to acknowledge two centuries of dedication and devotion. It will be a joyous occasion filled with fellowship and the sharing of cherished stories, reaffirming the enduring spirit of our congregation.” Heather adds, “I would be remiss if I didn’t say that I am also excited to hear my husband, Jeff Butler, perform as part of this year’s Summer Concert series. For many, including myself, Old St. Thomas Church holds a special place in our hearts. Fond memories of attending Christmas Carol sings with loved ones, and paying respects to ancestors laid to rest in the cemetery evoke a sense of nostalgia and belonging.” I was excited to take part in this project because I love history, especially locally, and the Old St. Thomas

Church has been a very important part of our history for the past 200 years. Heather shares my passion for our local history. “Having served on the board for several years, I am proud to have played a role in planning the bicentennial celebrations. I have always been passionate about our community’s rich history, and being able to share a piece of this history is important to preserve our community’s heritage and ensure that Old St. Thomas Church continues to inspire future generations.” Make sure to pick up your copy of the Old St. Thomas Church’s 200th Anniversary Commemorative Guide starting June 3rd while supplies last.

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Love Your Feet by Pam, Loving Yourself to the Tips of Your Toes by Peri Hayes In June of 2023, Pam MacDonald debuted Love Your Feet by Pam, independently opening her first physical location in March of 2024 at 378 Talbot Street, Suite #4. “I am looking at what my retirement plan was,” Pam discloses. “I am eligible to retire from my hospital job in about a year, but I started my nursing career later in life. I had to sit down and think about what I wanted to do after retirement. Being in the hospital, you get exposure. I looked into what was involved in foot care. It looked like something that was going to be a bit of a challenge, and something that I was going to enjoy doing.” Pam highlights celebrating immediate results. As a first-time business owner, Pam recounts, “When I first started with the foot care, I was subcontracting my services at a clinic in London.” Over time, Pam’s motivation to become a business owner grew. “I made the decision to open in St. Thomas,” she reveals. “I have a home here, so it just made sense. Foot care providers are very busy, and I think that this is an opportunity to provide people a service that they need.” Love Your Feet by Pam, “is medical foot care,” Pam states: “Diabetic foot care, basic foot care, issues with mobility and strength in your hands, or bending to your feet -- I don’t do pedicures, orthotics, or surgical procedures.” While utilizing non- TRANSFORMING TOMORROW.

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evasive measures, Pam offers corn and callus removals, compression socks, diabetic assessments, nail trimming, treatments for ingrown toenails and more. What excites Pam about her latest venture? “Putting a smile on someone’s face. When I am providing someone relief from a very painful callus, or an in-grown toenail and as the process is going along, I hear the relief in their voice and see how much more comfortable they are -- they’ve walked in with pain and they have walked out feeling a whole lot better.” Regarding upcoming plans, Pam reveals, “My main focus is getting my name out there, to build up my clientele. I may reintroduce an Open House within the next few months.” Love Your Feet by Pam operates on Monday from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm, as well as Tuesday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Pam can be contacted by email and by phone -- “Whatever you are most comfortable with,” Pam says. Those with inquiries are encouraged to visit her loveyourfeetbypam.com website for online booking and further information. While she does not offer in-home care, Pam welcomes her patients with open arms -- concluding with the following invitation: “Come sit in my nice, comfy chair!”

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LinkedIn Learning for Hobbies and Life Skills at the St. Thomas Library The St. Thomas Public Library has recently expanded its digital content offerings with LinkedIn Learning. This new service, available free of charge to library members, is designed to support life-long learning, offering a wealth of resources for personal and professional development. LinkedIn Learning is well-known for its professional development content but it also caters excellently to personal interests and hobbies, making it invaluable for anyone looking to explore new skills. Aaron DeVries, Manager of Digital & Support Services at St. Thomas Public Library, explains: “LinkedIn Learning is a new learning platform subscription which offers over 60,000 courses on topics ranging from soft skills in communication and leadership to more technical skills in specific software and hardware technologies. They even have a wide selection of personal interest courses, such as learning an instrument.” Each course is composed of a series of videos led by experts, allowing learners to progress at their own pace. Users can stop and start whenever they like and keep track of their progress with their library card. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those with other time commitments. One standout hobby course is the comprehensive, immersive drumming course, “On the Beaten Path” , which covers the fundamentals of drumming, featuring

iconic beats and fills from renowned drummers across various music genres. Led by award-winning instructor, Rich Lackowski, the course spans three levels, starting with basic rock beats and advancing to blues, jazz, reggae, country, funk, and Latin rhythms. It covers essential concepts such as time manipulation, tempo, and drumming techniques. Learners can master over 140 beats and fills, empowering themselves to create music and perform confidently in bands. Another notable offering is “Improve Your Drawing and Painting Skills.” This ten-course collection delves into the significance of line, tone, negative space, and scale. It provides guidance in sketching techniques, mastering perspective, and exploring painting fundamentals across different styles. This learning path is ideal for budding

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Page 8 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • June 2024

artists looking to refine their craft and develop a deeper understanding of artistic techniques. “The library has always been in the business of lifelong learning,” Aaron points out, “And with today’s rapidly changing tools and software (not to mention staggering advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning), we see a bigger need than ever to connect people with the resources that will allow them to succeed. LinkedIn Learning is at the forefront of professional development and training content and is used by today’s largest organizations and employers.” Aaron is particularly excited about the potential for individuals to explore unique and specific topics of interest. “One of the most difficult things when it comes to life-long learning is being able to attend a class that caters to our specific learning needs. With LinkedIn Learning, the St. Thomas Public Library is able to provide a way for learners to hone in on specific skills that their job or creative journey requires of them.” “Moreover, LinkedIn Learning complements the hands- on learning that occurs in the library’s Maker Lab, which houses creative technologies such as 3D printers, vinyl cutters, and a laser cutter. LinkedIn Learning has become a go-to resource for us and the users of the Maker Lab because it offers courses on the exact same software that we teach in our in-person classes. It’s a great way to keep learning from home!”

To access LinkedIn Learning, users need only their library card. For those without a library card, it is easy to sign up online or visit the library in person. Once you have your card, simply visit www.stthomaspubliclibrary.ca and on the main menu, navigate to the ‘STPL Online’ section to LinkedIn Learning. With LinkedIn Learning, the St. Thomas Public Library offers a powerful tool for anyone looking to learn new hobbies and life skills, ensuring that life-long learning is accessible to all.

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Continual Living, Loving and Learning: Pepper Tree Spice Co’s Pepper Tree Supper Club by Peri Hayes

Nurse Next Door

Olivia Healey has been the proud Resident Chef and Culinary Events Manager at Pepper Tree Spice Co. since May of 2023, “I just celebrated my one year at Pepper Tree Spice Co.!” She exclaims, going on to describe what the Pepper Tree Supper Club is: “Our classes are two hours, and they are either in a demonstration or workshop format. You’ll learn all the tips and tricks as you are guided through by a culinary instructor. One of my personal favourites is workshops; they are so fun and constructive. It’s great watching our guests get their hands dirty and expand their knowledge by being hands-on versus watching a demonstration.” “I love our Pepper Tree Supper Club, as it ignites passion into people’s everyday cooking by learning simple tips and recipes they can take home and do themselves.” Their workshop table comfortably accommodates eight individuals. “We offer private cooking classes, as well Olivia adds. “Sometimes it’s challenging for our customers to get into classes, as they sell out fairly quickly, or because the dates don’t work with them. Therefore, we have created an option for people to still be able to get into our classes!” These culinary classes are exclusive to Pepper Tree Spice Co.’s Port Stanley location, which operates year- long at 223A Colborne Street and is open seven days a week. Experiencing Pepper Tree Supper Club provides mental and physical benefits to one’s well-being through stimulating the senses and seizing the opportunity to nourish a previous passion. Additionally, these particular classes present a connective and social component in an uplifting environment. Former Pepper Tree Supper Club student Sheila Martin enthuses, “My time taking these classes was wonderful. My friends and I enjoyed all of the techniques we learned and the delicious meals we ate. It’s always nice to try something different!”

As Olivia graciously concludes, “To book a private class, all we need is six people minimum —eight maximum — and we can collaborate with the party to serve them exactly what they want.” Call Olivia at 519-782-7800 or email olivia@peppertreespice.com, as she encourages, “We are more than happy to help.”

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Page 10 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • June 2024

Celebrating Canada Day with MPP Rob Flack Canada Day holds a special place in the heart of Rob Flack, not just as a public figure but also as a family man deeply rooted in community traditions. As the Member of Provincial Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London, Rob has a unique lens through which he experiences the day. However, his family’s celebration, a cherished tradition, has always been a significant part of all their lives. Reflecting on past celebrations, Rob shares, “For many years, my wife, Denise, and daughter, Emily, were asked to support Canada Day celebrations with their musical talents.” Since his election, however, the day has taken on a broader significance: “Denise and I have spent our Canada Days visiting the community celebrations across the riding.” These visits are filled with community spirit and local flavours, making it a full day of nourishment in both body and soul. “By the time we get home after an exciting day of festivities, we don’t need to eat anything as we were well nourished at each event!” One of the standout moments for MPP Flack during Canada Day is the flag-raising ceremonies. “Flag-raising ceremonies are the essence of celebrating our home and native land,” he says, expressing his love for the ritual and the patriotic atmosphere surrounding it, including the singing of O Canada .

MPP Flack sees Canada Day as a pivotal moment for introspection and appreciation: “Canada Day offers us a precious opportunity to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the blessings we enjoy as Canadians.” Quoting Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, he articulates his vision of Canadian identity: “I am Canadian, a free Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship God in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, free to choose those who govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold.” As always, Rob Flack keeps his agricultural roots close to heart: “Ontario farm families sustain our lives every day of the year. If you had a meal today, thank a farmer!” As Canada Day approaches, MPP Rob Flack extends his heartfelt wishes to his constituents. “Denise and I sincerely offer each resident of Elgin-Middlesex-London our very best for a fun-filled and safe celebration of our Canadian culture. God Bless Canada!”

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • June 2024 Page 11

From Over the Hill: The Movies by Peter Bloch-Hansen

I have some great childhood movie memories. Here are two: my father (Dad!) took me to The Pride and the Passion and Forbidden Planet . The first was a historical drama, a love triangle set during Napoleon’s occupation of Spain. Frank Sinatra played a Spanish peasant leading an insurrection against murderous French officers, assisted by Cary Grant’s English naval officer, who competed with Frank for the love of Sophia Loren – wow! Together, they pushed and pulled a gigantic cannon across the Spanish countryside, cleverly evading the French and even stealing gunpowder from them, all the way to a huge denouement. Forbidden Planet followed the crew of an interstellar spacecraft, captained by Leslie Nielsen, exploring a strange planet in search of a missing scientific/colonial expedition. It had all the standard SF tropes – spaceship, fantastic technology, ray guns, a powerful robot (Robby), a beautiful starlet (Anne Francis!) and best of all, a terrifying, invincible monster. But both were about important things -- love, loyalty, justice, duty, courage and sacrifice -- not just about special effects, big explosions, hurricanes of machine gun bullets (what terrible shots they all are), and not about the cleverness of directors; they were not the mindless comedies, revenge dramas, vigilante justice stories and adolescent superhero epics we’re offered so often now. I think old movies – even the comedies had some depth then -- were basically written, not for teenagers but for adults, maybe even for seniors! And that’s why I go to the movies less often in these modern ‘improved’ days, though I still do. So, maybe if you see me there, you’ll say hi!

I’ve always loved going to the movies, though less now. Yes, this is one of those ‘good old days’ articles: sorry. Was it better ‘back then’? Yes, I would say, mainly because back then, it didn’t feel so much like you were being funnelled through a money machine. The lobbies didn’t thunder with the racket of coin-slot games. You got an actual paper ticket a uniformed attendant tore in half for you – no computers – do they have to be EVERYWHERE!? Oh, well…. The auditoria were often architectural gems. The lobby displays included enticing photos of scenes from the movie – you can still buy them for huge amounts of money if you know where (I’ll tell you for a fee.). Popcorn came in human-sized portions, and soft drinks did not simply dwarf the size of the standard human bladder! Or cost the moon. There was candy, certainly; I remember Glosettes and – I think it was … O’HENRY bars. There were even ushers to show you to your seat in the dark, and newsreel and cartoons! But no ads – oh, how did we ever live without them?! The whole movie thing was just – an event. Oh, and for a few years, I could sneak in for child prices and, much later, for a seniors’ ticket -- err, flimsy computer printout. People didn’t talk during movies, kick your seat, or flash cell phones, and they certainly didn’t put their feet up on the row in front. So, today, I chose a showing least likely to be crowded, even if I have to wait for a new release to fade. AT KOOLEN ELECTRIC WE CAN DO IT ALL!

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Famous

Canadians

Dark Matter Toys and Collectibles celebrates their 3rd anniversary July 27th!

Across 2 Country Crooner who has a Constant Craving 3 Two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee who is looking for a Heart of Gold 5 She was just nominated for a Tony Award for The Outsiders 8 Lead singer of Rush 9 Groovy Baby. He is an International Man of Mystery 10 Man, she feels like a woman 11 On the ice, he is The Great One For Craig, it’s not the monetary value of a piece that is the most important thing. “I’m happy to see odd things come in,” he says. “Something doesn’t have to be valuable to be awesome!” Craig is always looking for items to buy for the store as well, so if you have some vintage toys or collectibles collecting dust in your basement, bring them in. “Everyone’s welcome,” says Craig. “I love this town and I hope they support me like I support them.” Dark Matter Toys and Collectibles is located at 127 Ross Street. pieces mostly from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, with some pieces from the 60s and the 2000s as well. Whether you were into WWF wrestling, Strawberry Shortcake, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Batman, Star Wars, or GI Joe, Dark Matter has something to help you scratch that nostalgic itch. “It’s a place of joy and happiness and awesomeness!” says owner Craig Lawrence enthusiastically. Craig is a big kid at heart, and his passion for bringing childhood memories back for his customers shows in everything he does. “I love bringing joy to my customers,” he says. “Helping them to relieve experiences, hearing their stories – that’s why I do this.” Craig is also a big believer in giving back to his community, and he strives to be engaged in the community in as many ways as possible, whether it’s through participation in Free Comic Book Day or by creating an eye-catching float for the Santa Claus Parade each year.

es 0s, ue ber

es, es

4 He appears in The Notebook with McAdams 5 Known as the Canadian Songbird 6 He boldly went where no man had gone before 7 Rapper who also starred on Degrassi: The New Generation 9 A Big Yellow Taxi took away her old man 14 Deadpool star 16 I’ll take, ‘He is Canadian for a 1000 please’ 17 If you needed to be beamed up, for your warp drive fixed, he is your man!

12 Known as Ted, or John Wick 13 This Rocket played like a Riot 15 Author of The Handmaid’s Tale 18 Famous for Kids in the Hall and News Radio 19 Gold Medal-winning Ice Dancer partnered with Moir 20 First Canadian to sing in space 21 Singer/Writer/Poet Hallelujah for him Down 1 Premier of Saskatchewan, founder of universal healthcare

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • June 2024 Page 13

Booking a Name for The Book by Terry Carroll We decided to publish a book.

perhaps more for worse than better, we decided that short stories (not poems; don’t try to pigeon-hole a poet!) ‘must have a small-town theme’. That quote is from the unofficial notes from the April 19, 2023 organizational meeting. What we did not have was a name. In the beginning, we used as a working title, The Book . It survived until the annual general meeting of Elgin Writers Guild on April 9, 2024 when The Triad presented short-listed cover-art samples from St. Thomas Elgin Artists’ Guild and announced the book’s title: Railway City Writes followed by the subtitle: Short Stories and Poems from the Elgin Writers Guild. This was not met with a standing ovation. The reaction was closer to the sound of one hand clapping, followed by a couple of vituperative, if not opprobrious, objections. But what did The Triad expect from a group of individualists who spend all their spare time treating stories that are not true with more seriousness than the daily news? Debates ensued. What do we mean by small town? Does St. Thomas qualify? (Apparently, yes, if you travel from Toronto and no, if you wander in from Wardsville.) Next up, the sales and marketing quandary. We’re making The Book available online. Who in the Outer Hebrides or Malawi ever heard of the Railway City? Cowed by these responses, the Triad relented. We agreed to send out a new request for titles from the members publishing in The Book (including the poets). And we gave them a deadline. In its benevolent dictatorial style, the Triad whittled down the submitted entries to two: Railway City Writes and Talk of the Town . By a statistically significant margin of six to three (with one abstention from a rebellious holdout — a poet, of course — who liked neither title), local writers voted for Railway City Writes. We hope the name will last a hundred years, the life span of the name Kleenex, a product we imagine readers needing as they laugh and cry their way through this anthology. Fortunately, Railway City Writes is being published in the 21st century, not the 18th when literary disputes were settled by target pistols at dawn. Terry may be reached at terry@carrollgroup.ca. Coping with Grief? Looking to help those who are? Coping with Grief? Looking to help those who are? VON Middlesex-Elgin offers a Supportive Care Program that provides information, skills, knowledge and coping strategies to help you through your grieving process. Groups & One on One Peer Supports available

The ‘we’ in that sentence refers to the members of the Fiction Critique Group within Elgin Writers Guild,

an organization founded, appropriately enough, on April Fool’s Day, 2019. Four years later, a core group of us writing fools had been monthly critiquing each other’s 3,000-word submissions for 48 months without a single member having published any of their writing. ‘Let’s change that,’ we decided in the throes of a collective madness last seen when soccer fans were crushed into fences. ‘Let’s publish a collection of local fiction and poetry.’ On April 19, 2023, we met in a session chaired by James Miller, a fiction-writing machine, primarily in the area of speculative fiction, who may soon be publishing under his own name or adopting a nom de plume. See how important, but confusing, this naming business can be? In that same session, we established a timetable for the publication. This hallowed collection is to appear in October, 2024, pre-Christmas being the best time to launch a book and pray for sales. Shortly after that meeting, we selected Tara Walker — the grammar, punctuation and writing-rule queen of St. Thomas — as our editor. We settled on a publishing method, an editing schedule, a financial model and cooperation from the St. Thomas Elgin Artists’ Guild on cover art. Other practical considerations were relegated to a Triad consisting of James Miller, Tara Walker and me. Oh, yes, 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 EYOND B Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.

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Page 14 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • June 2024

BADDA BOOM! by Frances Kennedy franceskennedy782@gmail com

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Spring has sprung, heralded by the sounds of birdsong, the scent of lilacs, and the sight of leaves unfurling overhead. Yet another ‘once in a lifetime’ celestial event occurred on May 10th when a historic geomagnetic force gave millions a dazzling display; the Northern

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Lights offered us an unexpected spectacle. Speaking specifically about housing, the constancy of seasonal cycles in concert with the effects of the unexpected has its parallels for Boomers approaching our ‘next big chapter.’ Having worked for developers in Michigan three decades ago, my role in forecasting what Boomers expect in retirement was fascinating. Considering the projected longevity of the Boomers and our success in recasting norms throughout our lives, I began with the end in mind: what would Boomer octogenarians want? Unsurprisingly, they wanted alternatives to institutional settings. At the time, The Golden Girls was a big hit, and interestingly, it has made a huge resurgence on YouTube. All in the Family (Archie Bunker’s) was a hilarious model of the hazards and upsides of multi-gen living; it has also resurged on YouTube. Meanwhile, in the real world, external factors have converged to contribute to a rethink about what matters most and makes sense now: statistics indicate two-thirds of Boomers in North America are unprepared or unwilling to fully retire at 65. (It’s not a bad thing since doing so would create a brain drain with negative impacts on the economy and on our health and wealth.) Secondly, current interest rates have postponed first-time buying. To that, 41% of current housing stock is owned by Boomers unwilling to downsize for lack of appealing options. Further, in the past decade, ‘Aging in Place’ has become the next big thing. There are now trained and certified Aging-in-Place specialists (Google CAPS) who specialize in home designs for life and universal design accessibility. This is to say that boomers need, want, and have options; the best answer to the aging well challenge is a very individual one. Bear in mind that planning for the unexpected ensures our best-case future, considering financial sustainability and employment options, staying connected, healthy lifestyle and emotional wellness, autonomy and independence, mobility and transportation, cognitive health, and supportive homes and communities. My experience through COVID as a solo homeowner taught me there is a third kind of family besides family by chance (blood relations), family by choice (kindred spirits), and it’s family by circumstance (the bubble); each one offers mutually beneficial opportunities to create a life lived well as an octogenarian. The good news is that two decades ago, I introduced a group of women in their 80s to the Women’s President Organization (Toronto). Their message was enlightening and encouraging: they were living a wonder-filled life! Let’s plan for it. Let’s reframe the notion of downsizing to embrace the idea of ‘resettlement.’ 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 • June 2024 Page 15

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