EYOND B oomers Celebrating the 55+ Community of Elgin County September 2024 • Issue 53
B and
Letter from the Editor In case you hadn’t heard, due to weather back in July, the Seniors Picnic in the Park was postponed. This means -- good news -- you didn’t miss it, as it has been rescheduled for Wednesday, September 18th, from 9 am to 2 pm. If you have never been, don’t miss out -- it is always a great time! Of course, yours truly will
This summer, I travelled with my brother on an ‘American Revolution road trip’, starting in Philadelphia and ending in Boston. We are both history nerds and when we travel together, you better believe there is a museum or two on our itinerary. Both cities were filled to the brim with history and offered some world-class highlights. The longer we were away in the ‘big cities’, the more I longed for what we had here at home. Yes, George Washington never made camp with the Continental Army outside of our city (though Steve Peters would be quick to point out the US Army did make camp near the Old St. Thomas Church during the War of 1812), but we have our own amazing history, our own monuments, and so much less traffic! Seriously, for a city 150,000 people larger than our own London, Boston’s traffic is terrible! Be it ever so humble, there is no place like home. At “Old Ironsides”, The USS Constitution in Boston.
be there, so please swing by and say hello! This month, our writer Peri Hayes shares with us how one person can affect the lives of so many. She shares the story of Pat McCaig, a teacher who inspired a generation of young minds. Peri not only chats with Pat, but also with some of her former students about the influence Mrs. McCaig had on their lives. Have you ever thought of being a Big Brother or Big Sister? September is Big Brother and Big Sister month, and currently, Elgin County has 37 boys who could use a friend and mentor. Sally Struthers once said ‘I just feel energized when I am around young, talented people. There is something amazing about these kids. I learn as much from them as they do from me.’ If you would like to feel a few years younger while helping shape a young person, contact Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Elgin today.
Come join us for the 2024-2025 season
All experience levels are welcome.
New to curling? Try our Learn to Curl League. Every week you will receive instruction on different areas of the game, advancing as the weeks go on. Each lesson is taught by experienced and qualified instructors. Life is about Balance. Come to socialize and exercise.
Registration opens September 1st. Open House is October 1st, 2nd, 3rd. 2:00 and 7:00 pm League play starts October 7th.
Photo by Kelly Taylor
For more information visit our website at stthomascurlingclub.com or email curling@stthomascurlingclub.com
Page 2 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2024
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Seniors Picnic in the Park is Back On The Seniors Picnic in the Park, an annual tradition cherished by the residents of St. Thomas and throughout Elgin County, is now set to mark its 25th anniversary on Wednesday, September 18th, from 9 am to 2 pm at Pinafore Park (95 Elm St, St Thomas). This milestone event, initially scheduled for July 10th but postponed due to extreme weather, promises to be a day filled with camaraderie, entertainment, and the vibrant spirit of our senior community. I know how disappointed the community was when the event was postponed, but the committee, looking at the weather projections for the 10th, was left with little choice. I also know how hard the committee has worked in getting everything changed to this new date and we hope to see everyone come out! While the date has changed from July to September little has changed for the event itself. “The free get-together, which began in 1999, has withstood the test of time, thanks to the tireless work of the 10-person organizing committee and modest grants from the City of St. Thomas and Elgin County,” says Sherri Wilson, VON Supervisor, Community Support Services and Treasurer of the Picnic Committee. Indeed, over the years, the picnic has become a cornerstone of summer for many, attracting approximately 1,500 seniors from across Elgin County to Pinafore Park. Sherri added, “St. Thomas’ senior citizens know how to plan a premier park party!” Tifanie Smith, Volunteer Coordinator for the VON and a fellow committee member, echoed Sherri’s sentiments. “It is such a great show of support for our beautiful community,” she remarked. “Not only have several community-driven organizations come together to plan the picnic, but we also have volunteers, vendors, and support from the City of St. Thomas. This collaborative project has reached thousands of seniors a year for 25 years. That is something to be proud of. It is something I am proud to be a part of.”
Beyond the festivities, the Seniors Picnic in the Park serves as a hub of resources and information for attendees. “The event provides seniors of our community access to arts, culture, environment, heritage, recreation, lifelong learning, and health activities,” Sherri explained. “From food to live performances, draw prizes, and giveaways, this year’s picnic is one for the ages – and aged.”
The 25th Annual Seniors Picnic in the Park is not just a celebration of longevity; it’s a testament to the power of community,
collaboration, and the enduring spirit of our seniors. So, mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and join us for a day of laughter, memories, and the warmth of community at Pinafore Park on September 18th.
Thursday September 19 7:30pm “Festival Season” by Shannon Patte Friday September 20 7:30pm “Rye an’ Gospel” by Lee MacDougall Saturday September 21 7:30pm “Gold Fish” by Steve Ross PLAYWRIGHTS’ FESTIVAL SIMON JOYNES
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2024 Page 3
Welcome to Moto Kave… The future for all mobility services – ATVs, Motorcycles, Ebikes, Go Karts, E Kick Scooters and So Much More! The Future is GREEN! by Gloria Rae OMG! My head is spinning with all the options out there for people with mobility problems, like me. There are these cute little mobility cars like the one pictured above that you drive in the bicycle lane, that’s all closed in just like a car, so you are protected from the rain, winter cold weather conditions and summer sun. Plus, they’re just so C-O-O-L and they don’t require you to buy license plates or auto insurance! Just slap a mobility sticker on the back and you’re all set to go. They are more economical than a regular car as these run on batteries, so you don’t have to pay the outrageous price of gas to get around town. What could be better than that? Then Vince, the owner, showed me the most amazing lightweight, totally compactable mobility scooter that I could actually LIFT and place into the trunk of my car for when I need to go shopping etc. The seat adjusts to any height and it just all folds down in seconds. % Why is that small number SO BIG? Really popular for the younger crowd are the E-Kick Scooters that can go up 80+ KM off-road, that Moto Kave carries. Man, these suckers can go! They also have the largest selection of bicycles in the area, with three models
of Caofen F80s for off-roading which are 72 volts not the standard 60 volts offered elsewhere. Do I sound a little excited, well I’m not, I’m amazed. Never did I imagine that I could actually put my canes away and have so many opportunities to still have fun, be mobile and oh so cool!
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Page 4 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2024
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Honestly you really need to see this place, it’s Aladdin’s Cave for mobility or powersport vehicles. I’ve put the yellow mobility car (or my fun car as I call it which is pictured) on my Christmas List for Santa already! Now I just have to be a good girl!! Coming soon is their NEW location, only 100 feet away at 2284 Wharncliffe – a new bigger showroom opening
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2024 Page 5
Pat McCaig, a Shining Light in St. Thomas by Peri Hayes
Pat McCaig is an incredibly special person, whom I had the pleasure of learning from in my memorable introduction to the education system. Pat is commendable for her heart, and for her evident dedication to her craft. The spark for what would become the most fulfilling career for this teacher ignited when she was in Grade 5. During this time, Pat would assist in her school’s kindergarten classroom alongside her best friend. She vividly recalls the nutritious spaceship snack they prepared for the children. Proceeding the passing of Pat’s father during her Grade 8 year, she attended Central Elgin Collegiate Institute and St. Thomas Collegiate Institute, as well as St. Joseph’s Catholic High School. Pat would later transition from working in the office at Canadian Timken to building her family, which is when she began learning how to cook and sew -- as she quick-wittedly remarks, “All the things that I don’t do now!” Upon discovering her desire for change, Pat attended Fanshawe College to study Early Childhood Education (ECE). She enjoyed her time spent working at the ECE Centre, voicing, “I was tired of the domestic, and it was perfect timing. I remember feeling inspired by Elfriede when I thought to myself that I can try.” She attended the University of Western Ontario, graduating with her Degree
in Teaching in 1993. Performing as a Prep Teacher was her first full-time job in this field, which she regards as a valuable experience. In 2001, Pat began her first permanent teaching role at Myrtle Street Public School. “I was so excited to have my
Page 6 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2024
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own room,” she recounts. In 2010, Pat transitioned to the debuting John Wise Public School where she taught until her retirement six years ago. Pat describes her style of teaching as organized, kind and gentle. She appreciates routine, while simultaneously embracing new ideas. Pat earnestly encourages, “When you say something, mean it. I also believe that there are no bad children.” We fondly reminisce about the following chant which would echo through her classroom: “I think I can; I know I can; I will try again; I did it!” What excites Pat about her career? “Kindergarten was my passion,” she asserts. “It was not a job. It was exciting to see the change, as some students were really shy and grew over time to be confident. I would have pursued this for nothing, and I am glad that I did it. I am proud of the fact that I made it.” Pat expresses gratitude toward her husband, Don, for his support of her ambitions. Together, the pair raised three children and presently celebrate their five grandchildren. Following Pat’s retirement, she began volunteering once a week for a teacher at John Wise Public School. COVID-19 consequently facilitated the unique opportunity for Pat to read stories in a virtual format, during which she would provide educational and entertaining videos -- having designed her space with an easel and more to resemble a classroom. Pat continues to volunteer — now twice a week — instructing math and continuing to read with students.
In addition to her ongoing volunteer work, Pat has immersed herself in water colour painting and playing the piano: “I’m getting better at it.” Learning French is next on her agenda. Pat has also been relaxing at their family cottage, admirably sharing, “I have learned more about birds just by watching them.” To conclude, I inquired about a particular message which Pat aimed to convey to her students and this was her thoughtful response: “That they can do it. Don’t give up the first time. I learned a lot from them, and I’ve got thousands of stories. Looking back, I
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2024 Page 7
am most proud that I got to where I wanted to go in the first place.” Several of my former kindergarten classmates offer the following sentiments to the deeply adored Mrs. McCaig: Blake Brown was taught by Mrs. McCaig, as was her younger brother. She expresses, “Mrs. McCaig was always very, very kind to others, and her love for her students was evident.” Blake is now a Personal Support Worker, as she enjoys working with people in a personable environment while supporting those who are in need of care. For years, Blake has been interested in pursuing this field, as she reflects on her past and the ways in which Mrs. McCaig had been an early influential figure who effortlessly demonstrated the beauty of human connection. Paige Collins blissfully shares, “I have a very fond memory of Mrs. McCaig setting up water, sponges and paint brushes for us to ‘paint’ the front doors of the kindergarten yard. I truly remember believing that the water was paint!” “I am currently an ECE here in St. Thomas,” Paige merrily continues. “I always refer back to my most heartfelt years in school, which to me, was kindergarten. Mrs. McCaig is still my favourite teacher to this day. She was a joy to have as my very first teacher in life. I feel so lucky to have had her guidance in my younger years. Thank you, Mrs. McCaig, for helping me love life and enjoy school so much that it felt like a field day every day.” Liam Price considerately describes, “I can’t pick a specific favourite memory with Mrs. McCaig. Every memory I have
Peri Hayes and Mrs. McCaig
during my time in her class is a fun, happy memory. Her classroom was always such a positive environment, no matter the day.” “I remember Mrs. McCaig told us that if we read a certain amount of books, we get a little prize,” Liam proceeds. “The prize was a book called The Little Engine That Could . I was never big on reading, but Mrs. McCaig always told me that she knew I could do it if I set my mind to it. That lesson definitely stuck with me later in life and left a positive impact on me, because it taught us that we could do anything that we set our minds to and that has helped me so much in navigating my adult years.”
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Currently, Liam is completing his Electrical Apprenticeship and thoroughly enjoying his career. He voices his appreciation for Mrs. McCaig’s meaningful guidance during such a significant time in his life, concluding with this message: “Thank you for providing us with such a fun and healthy learning environment. Thank you for making every day fun and exciting, and for giving us the tools we needed to grow. Your enthusiasm and passion for teaching and guiding us to our future will be something I always remember.” Janaiya Toogood was the first of three siblings to be taught by Mrs. McCaig. She fondly reminisces on Water Play days, remembering her kindergarten teacher’s bubbly personality and contagious passion: “She definitely cared.” Janaiya, presently pursuing her career as an Educational Assistant, rejoices in her initial school years: “I always enjoyed my time in her classroom.” Janaiya notices the ways in which she strives to embody the inclusive teaching style, which was once demonstrated to her by a woman with a genuinely noble heart. Several years after my delightful time in kindergarten, Mrs. McCaig had my brother as a student. Throughout both of our educational careers, she continued to be one of our most cherished teachers and it has been an honour to reconnect with her in my adulthood. When the two of us sat down together, she was excited to show me the photographs and mementos from her career. She picked up a decorated card and handed the folded paper to me. It
was a “Thank You” note, addressed to “Mrs. McCaig” and signed “Peri”. There was an endearing stick figure drawing of the two of us beaming in the sunshine. This card was held on to by Mrs. McCaig for all of these years, which is a testament to her tender and thoughtful nature.I wish to sincerely express how treasured you are, Mrs. McCaig -- for consistently being compassionate and encouraging, for being safe and welcoming, and for simply uplifting your students by believing in us.
Port Stanley Villager September 2024 cover Metcalfe Gardens brought over a 1935 truck for their residence to have their
picture taken with. Photo by Geoff Rae
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2024 Page 9
Continual Living, Loving and Learning: SMART Falls
Prevention and Exercise Class by Peri Hayes
Nurse Next Door
Hanein Mostafa, the SMART Coordinator for Middlesex- Elgin, discusses their Falls Prevention and Exercise Class: “SMART stands for ‘Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together’. It is a free movement program run through the Community Support Service branch of the VON. Our aim is to help seniors and adults with disabilities stay as active and independent for as long as possible. We run three different level classes based on mobility level. We really try to get the most out of our time with our participants by offering a combination of aerobic exercise, balance, strength and flexibility training in each class. We wrap up class with an engaging falls prevention reading, and encourage participants to take home these tips and implement them for a safer lifestyle.” What personally excites Hanein about the SMART Falls Prevention and Exercise Class? She replies, “One of my favourite parts of my job is hearing firsthand about how the program has enriched our participants’ lives. The physical improvements participants are seeing in their day-to- day lives are enabling them to do more and live more. It’s fulfilling to see the VON slogan ‘Live Every Day’ truly come to life.” While discussing the valuable benefits of engaging in this learning opportunity, Hanein highlights the following: “The SMART Exercise Program is a great way to maintain your health, while having fun and making new social connections. Many participants have made friends from SMART classes and who plan outings, or go for coffee after classes. Knowing our program was the reason these individuals came together is really heartwarming and inspires us to continue to do our best for participants.” Those interested in the SMART Falls Prevention and Exercise Class are encouraged to connect with Hanein,
or other SMART kinesiologists for over-the-phone regi- stration. Inquiries may be directed to a representative by calling 519-659-2273 – Ext. 2, or by sending an email to mevonsmart@von.ca. As Hanein concludes, “We’re always excited to welcome more people on board!”
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Page 10 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2024
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Cliff Rier: Celebrated Volunteer of the Month by Peri Hayes
Cliff Rier graciously welcomes me onto Car 14 at the Elgin County Railway Museum to discuss his ongoing volunteer work at this esteemed establishment. This particular passenger car was once part of the London and Port Stanley Railway (L&PS), to which Cliff asserts, “We have tried to restore it to be as aesthetically correct as we can.” Car 14 was built in 1917, last operating in 1956. Cliff regards this train with reversible seats as ahead of its time, notably having the ability to drive forward and backward. Alongside approximately a dozen volunteers, Cliff himself has been working on the detailed restoration of this car for the previous six years. “There was a lot of support,” he expresses with gratitude. Residing in St. Thomas for eight years and counting, Cliff reveals what inspired his involvement: “My hobby is woodworking, and this was a logical fit.” Asked what fulfills him in this pursuit, Cliff replies, “The camaraderie; working and joking with the other volunteers is what brings us back.” The restoration of this train, which Cliff has proudly spent abundant hours on, is his personal highlight: “It is nice to see Car 14 come to completion.” The train was deteriorating when this project was undertaken approximately 20 years, with many individuals contributing during this time. Cliff names a few significant involvements: Dennis Biggs completed the trim work; Ray Clarke is responsible for restoring the existing interior stained glass; Ray Evans sandblasted and painted the seat frames; and the late George McNally rebuilt the exterior stained glass windows. As well, a family generously placed a donation toward this process. Excitedly, Cliff shares that the first wedding is scheduled to be celebrated on the captivating Car 14. To conclude, Cliff describes what he believes to be the benefits of volunteering: “It is rewarding in that you accomplish something that you enjoy, and you get to work with and meet a lot of other nice people.” He intends to participate in further projects moving forward. Cliff also emphasizes the ways in which there are various volunteer opportunities at the Elgin
County Railway Museum. Visit the following link to submit an application: ecrm.ca/volunteer. Additionally, those with inquiries are welcome to call 519- 637-6284. Cliff recognizes the extraordinary efforts of Rose, Will and the Board of Directors in maintaining the Elgin County Railway Museum, as he warmly encourages, “Come out and see our museum and Car 14, one of the many cars to see!” Trust the professionals for all your moving needs! REEMAN THE MOVER LTD.
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2024 Page 11
From Over the Hill: Song of Autumn by Peter Bloch-Hansen
As Fall lowers itself down over us, there is often a sense of melancholy, recognizing that ‘the lazy, hazy crazy days of summer’ are ending. I’ve never been particularly keen on pretzels and beer, and being Canadian, it’s always pop, never soda. But
Some try to ignore the Fall, acting, even as the leaves swirl underfoot, as if ‘summer will always be here’. I’ve even seen some venturing out in shorts and sandals as late as November! Others welcome the Fall – the bright colours, the crispness of the air, the snuggle of a scarf, the rich harvest, pumpkins and of course, fresh apple pie! Arguably a more sensible and healthier approach, an approach by which our attitude protects and defends our inner selves. Our sciences tell us why Fall comes, but we turn to mythology or religion to tell us what Autumn means. Because just knowing the science doesn’t really help us with that sense of melancholy and loss, a feeling as old mankind to judge by the writings of the ancients. I’ve always loved the Greek myth about how the god of the underworld stole Demeter, daughter of Ceres, who in grief and anger, stopped the green world from growing till Zeus forced a compromise that caused the seasons. Buried under this tale is the sense that the universe has an order higher than the laws of physics, an order whose cause and origin we can sense in our inner lives -- in the melancholy of Autumn as much as in the joyfulness of Spring, an order which we can feel, to which we can respond. Now, I’m not here preaching religion, but suggesting that there is comfort in seeing that we live on a world nestled somewhere in an ordered cosmos which is as much a part of us as we are of it. So, as we savour the apple pie and look forward to carving the pumpkins, we can be thankful that simply by our attitudes, we can live in tune with and bring into ourselves a vastness beyond imaging.
nostalgic songs aside, Autumn is a fascinating time. I draw a distinction between Fall and Autumn. Fall, naturally, is when the leaves turn and come floating or wind-driven down; when the sun moves south (like some Canadians); when the days shorten and the nights cool. Those things happen in Autumn certainly, but Autumn is something that happens purely inside us. This melancholy, provoked in many by Fall, for some, deepens with the fading daylight into depression, eventually even to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Our inner lives pulse in rhythm with the seasons of the planet; there is nothing we can to change that. To protect our bodies, we can put on jackets, coats, scarves, all the rest, or flee from the cold to sunnier climes, but how do we protect our inner selves from this change that overcomes our planet each year?
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Page 12 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2024
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Boomers and Beyond Crossword IT’S FOOTBALL SEASON!
8 He guaranteed victory in Superbowl III 9 These QB brothers each have two Superbowl rings 12 He was known as the Minister of Defense 13 This team played in LA, moved to St. Louis and is now back in LA 15 He has the most Superbowl rings ever 18 He is famous for saying “Just Win Baby” 19 Legendary coach for the Packers, who the Trophy is named after 20 This Dolphin great QB never won a Superbowl 21 Most recent Lombardi Trophy winners
22 These two brothers played TE and WR, but only the TE made the Hall of Fame 23 This family owns the Lions Down 1 He was known as Sweetness 2 Unquestionably the greatest WR of all time 3 CFL Great also played for the Bills, Chargers and Bears 4 This kneeling QB was known for his college days then the NFL 6 This team has the most Superbowl wins 7 The all time leader of TD’s thrown by Peyton
Across 1 He was known as the Fridge 5 #20 for the Lions retired early 9 QB for the KC Chiefs 10 A TE turned coach of the ‘85 Bears 11 #56 for the Giants broke Joe Theismann 13 Steelers legend Harris had the Immaculate this 14 This QB is a perfect 4-0 in Superbowls for San Fran 15 He quit the NFL to star in the Dirty Dozen 16 New Yorks Gang Green 17 The Commissioner 20 The nickname for Joe Greene
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2024 Page 13
Turkey Buzzards Come Calling by Terry Carroll
All four of his remaining siblings flew to Dawson Creek, B.C. for warm, welcoming family gatherings, a funeral service and a burial. In a grave overlooking a ridge with mountains in the distance, Keith was laid to rest in a coffin covered with wildflowers picked by grandkids and great-grandkids that morning on a country road near his pasture farm. For the gathering after the funeral service, he and his wife, Marilyn, had planned music and a menu headlined by his favourite foods like date squares and ice cream in cones, which he lauded for their environmental friendliness. Before he became too weak for emailing, he regularly wrote to his extended family. He liked to sign off ‘Joy be with you all’, a sentiment we hope to carry on now that death has had its dominion. Also, in July, I helped my younger brother, Alan, work West Elgin ground for soybeans. To move the disk and rotary harrows to another field, I drove his John Deere 7810 through a major dip in Carroll Line. On gravel at the bottom lay a small fawn as dead as dead could be. Turkey buzzards swooped in and pecked at its dappled fur. Nothing is much cuter than a fawn, or much uglier than a turkey buzzard. It seemed like an indignity to leave a baby deer on a lonely road where vultures had such easy access or where a vehicle could crush it. I stopped the four-wheel-drive tractor and laid the fawn in the grass, roadside. On my next trip, though, a vulture had moved it back onto the gravel, Mother Nature being her usual mysterious self. Keith loved to share YouTube video recommendations like the music of The Wailin’ Jennys, and Corb Lunn and the Hurtin’ Albertan, a band name old Hank Williams, who died under mysterious circumstances at the age of twenty-nine, would have cottoned onto. Another of Keith’s favourite shares was a Christian- themed tune delivered with generous twanging by Iris Dement: Let The Mystery Be. Not bad advice when Covie, Mr. Cancer or the turkey buzzards come calling, as they will, eventually, for all. Terry can be reached at terry@carrollgroup.ca
By days two and three, when I was mildly delirious from fever, a but- chered Simon & Garfunkel line came to mind. ‘Hello, Covie, my old friend.
You’ve come to talk to me again’. Four days earlier, this old friend who’s haunting the world had sneaked in through the side door, disguised as pneumonia when my lovely wife, Nancy, first made his acquaintance. I blame unmasking. We had been diligent scrubbers, maskers, disinfectors and vaccinators, but by March of this year, we had started appearing with naked noses and mouths in public places. It had seemed liberating until -- Covie knocked. For the first few days, all his hosts wanted to do was sleep. He was not about to let that happen. One of his gifts was a sore throat and cough so intense we could never get enough shuteye. With sleep would come healing, and healing isn’t his thing. However, in early July, this clever bad boy did not win in our home. Death would wait for another day. The same cannot be said for Mr. Cancer, who felled my brother, Keith, about two weeks later. He had been doing most things right health-wise, including an annual checkup for prostate cancer. But six months following his yearly examination, he not only had prostate cancer, but it had jumped to his bones. The medical team did their best, yet they could not stop Mr. Cancer from transforming him into the incredible shrinking man. 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 • Septembder 2024
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BADDA BOOM! by Frances Kennedy franceskennedy782@gmail com
The pursuit of pursuing life purpose has been a consistent theme throughout my professional experience in coaching company founders through their exit strategy to their next big chapter. It remains
a principal element to living our best life no matter our age and stage. Further to that, is the value of connection to our family by chance, family by choice, and family by circumstance. A friend, Vivian Blumson, of Jones’N Jackets customizes jackets with sayings. She asked me for something I’d like to say. That’s easy: What Matters Now? A recent reunion with a man who was a family friend thirty years ago reminded me of some hilarious high school hijinks. He spoke of my maternal grandfather and my father as if they were his own, which was quite moving. I was reminded of my last conversation with my former mother-in-law weeks before her death at age 99. What was the most challenging thing about living to 99? Her response was instructive and illuminating: “You are the only person left, besides my children, who knew who I was 50 years ago and they know me differently.” Wowza! In contrast, a mentor, Chris Brogan, emailed a memo extolling the beauty of random connections: “From crazy industries, I have the most far-flung mix of people on this letter. And why? Because we’re here for one thing: to share ideas, to think about things in a different way, to see something in another light. I want to be RICH. Rich with connections. Rich with people who know me, who like to be around me, who want to share what I know, and who are willing to connect and share and be helpful to each other. It’s all I’ve ever chased since having a voice in this world.” What matters now? From two very disparate perspectives, it’s the value of deep connection. Shared history is irreplaceable but equally important is community with people with shared values and pursuits, and both are worthy of our pursuit of pursuing a rich life. What to do about all that? Get connected, and stay connected; it takes effort but it’s worth it. Each of us has a glory story and a story that can break our hearts. According to my social media feed, telling our story has become ‘a thing’, but we already know that. Imparting at least a part of what we’ve learned from our life experience has benefits for the teller and the listener. My experience in recording the stories of company founders has taught me that vulnerability is a must to make our experience valuable to others. Let’s make our lives RICH. The return is a deep connection, well worth the risk and the investment! As Albert Epstein 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 • September 2024 Page 15
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