Boomers and Beyond September 2025

EYOND B oomers

B and

September 2025 • Issue 63 Celebrating the 55+ Community of Elgin County

Letter from the Editor Well, that was one very wet Seniors Picnic in the Park back in July! For those who stayed dry at home, yes, it poured, but I’m happy to report the event was still well-attended and full of laughter. I, on the other hand, was thoroughly waterlogged. My toes

Funny how we change as we age. As a kid, I collected everything -- comics, games, hockey cards, plushies, even rolly-pollies (a.k.a. pill bugs), much to my mother’s horror come laundry day. My room was bursting with treasures I refused to part with. Now? I’m practically a minimalist. I still have my hockey cards in the basement, because I can’t stomach tossing something I spent so much on, but otherwise, I travel light. Every few months, I do a purge: old clothes, forgotten kitchen gadgets, and bits of Staci’s things I’m still gently sorting through. Even my beloved DVDs now live in a massive binder to make room for my growing plant collection. Apparently, mid-life interests fall into four categories: cars, collections, crafts, and birds & plants. I skipped the cars, ditched most collections, and here I am, proud plant dad and bird owner (we now have two, Powder and Jesse). And while I love garage-selling, I hate hosting garage sales. I can’t bear haggling over a $40 item marked down to $1 only to be offered 50 cents. I’d rather donate it and let the thrift store win. Speaking of winning, think you’ve got talent? Auditions for St. Thomas Seniors Got Talent are on October 2. Call me at 519-495-7177 or email geoff@villagerpublications. com. Move over, Rachel McAdams and Joe Thornton. You could be the next local star!

looked like raisins by the time I got home. Still, what a day! Oddly enough, the question I was asked most often at the picnic wasn’t about the weather, or even the event, it was about my Letter from the Editor in July. Specifically: What kind of toys did your mom sell? The answer? Stuffed animals. But not the carnival kind. These were the plush, posh gift shop variety, the kind your grandkids beg you to spend $50 on and love deeply… for a week. Her best-seller was Wrinkles, a wrinkle-faced dog that came in various sizes. I had several, along with my favourite, a Wrinkles elephant. Of course, being a teenager, I wasn’t thrilled when my mother donated my collection to a local shelter. As an adult, I get it; my plenty went to a child who had little. Still, I’d have liked to have kept that elephant. Fortunately, my Care Bear survived the purge and was passed down to my kid.

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Page 2 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2025

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East Elgin Community Complex Expands Senior Programming with $25,000 Provincial Grant The East Elgin Community Complex (EECC) has long been a hub for activity in Aylmer and Malahide, offering everything from shuffleboard and skating to pickleball and community gatherings. Now, thanks to a $25,000 Ontario Seniors Community Grant, the Complex and the Town of Aylmer will be expanding their recreational and wellness programming for older adults. The grant was announced on August 13th during a press conference at Palmer Park, where Aylmer Mayor Jack Couckuyt praised the initiative, saying it would support “healthy, independent, and connected living” for residents aged 55 and older. The funding will launch the Active Living Aylmer program, which includes weekly dance fitness, creative painting sessions, pop-up senior centres, and a workshop series covering topics from caregiving to community development. Mayor Couckuyt credited the leadership of EECC’s Manager of Parks & Recreation, Susie Wray, for securing the grant and developing such a comprehensive program. “We are proud to invest in services that support people of all ages and abilities,” he said. “We’re excited to see Active Living Aylmer come to life this fall.” Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the importance of staying active at any age. “We need to make sure our seniors participate and remain active,” he said. “It’s not just about exercise, it’s about social connection, learning, and having choices.” For Susie, the new funding builds on the EECC’s existing offerings for older adults, which already attract a loyal crowd. “We have shuffleboard Wednesdays at 1 pm year-round, pickleball several times a week, adult skate on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, and public skating,” she said. A newer initiative, the monthly Connection Club, has been particularly well-received. Held on the first Thursday of each month, it offers free board games, cards,

Aylmer City Councillor Kathryn Desrosiers, Mayor Jack Couckuyt, Minister Rob Flack, Susie Wray, and CAO Andy Grozelle. refreshments, and a welcoming space for conversation. “It’s about promoting social inclusion and preventing isolation,” said Susie. “We want people to feel connected and comfortable here.” The grant will allow the Town of Aylmer to introduce pop-up senior centres starting in September. These will run Mondays from 9 am to noon at Old Town Hall and Wednesdays at the EECC’s Blue Line Room. The pop-ups will feature a mix of unstructured social time, crafts, card and board games, guest speakers, and occasional fitness or creative activities. “What’s nice is there’s no membership, no sign-up, just drop in,” Susie explained. “Everything is free, and people can come to both locations if they want. It’s really about giving residents options.” A workshop series running from September through March will tackle topics relevant to older adults, including bone health, elder abuse prevention, and caregiver support. The schedule also includes a “Treasure Your Bones” health series and lunch-and-learn sessions. Physical activity is a key part of the expanded programming. Free dance fitness classes will be offered Wednesday mornings at 11 am, and a creative paint series will give

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2025 Page 3

residents the chance to explore art, no experience required. “We want to reach people with all kinds of interests,” said Susie. “Some like to be active, others enjoy creative or social activities, so we’re designing something for everyone.” The EECC is also partnering with the East Elgin Family Health Team to enhance its community walking program. In pleasant weather, participants walk outdoors; during colder months, they use the indoor track at the Complex. New urban poles purchased through the grant will be available for stability and fitness training. While the funding covers the initial costs, Susie is focused on ensuring the programs last beyond the grant period. “Our goal is sustainability,” she said. “We’ve seen success with initiatives like the Connection Club, which started with grant funding last year and continues to thrive.”

The EECC’s accessibility and versatility make it an ideal gathering place. “It’s a premier facility, inclusive, accessible, and welcoming,” said Susie. “People come here for hockey games, weddings, blood donor clinics, or just to walk on the track. We want them to see it as a place where they can connect, learn, and stay active.”

Boomers and Beyond Elgin September 2025 cover Weekly breakfast meeting with friends. Left to right:

With the launch of Active Living Aylmer, older residents can look forward to a busy fall and winter filled with opportunities to move, create, and connect. As Minister Flack put it, “Keep moving, keep learning, and keep enjoying life, that’s the key.” Come join us for the 2025-2026 season Richard Haddow, Mark Brown, Dan Doyle and Jerry Goodhue enjoying breakfast at Stacked Pancake House.

Photo by Geoff Rae.

All experience levels are welcome.

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Page 4 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2025

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Volunteer of the Month, Lorri Donaldson Sponsored by Royal Oak by Peri Hayes

For approximately 30 years, Lorri Donaldson has been volunteering in various capacities: “I’ve been a volunteer board member with a daycare, participated in community fundraisers, was part of the Walking School Bus and I coordinated a volunteer program for Children’s Aid for over 10 years. Volunteering has always been a part of my life.” Lorri has been active with Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin since 2019. Her involvement entails two facets: being an in-school mentor and a facilitator of the Go Girls Group. “I love my work; it resonates with me and I think it’s really important that kids have these opportunities.” As an in-school mentor, Lorri is paired with children in the elementary school setting wherein she offers one-on-one support and encouragement. “Perhaps these children are at risk of educational achievement due to personal roadblocks inhibiting their academic success,” Lorri suggests. In visiting the school on a weekly basis, Lorri has flexibly carved time for reading, enjoying a game or a craft, and conversing with her student.. “This is a resource to bring people together, and to have this dedicated time with these children who might not have these opportunities in other settings,” Lorri voices. Meanwhile, the Go Girls Group is an eight-week in-school support program for young females. Focused on healthy living, self-care, positive self-image and relationship building, this group gathers once a week over their lunch break in a safe space to reflect on any challenges being faced and to celebrate strengths. These students are provided activity sheets to utilize as a curriculum. Lorri delightedly details, “This group is open and supportive. We have discussion time, play games and eat yummy snacks. This is time for the girls to connect with peers and be their creative selves, enriching their sense of community. There are usually about seven to eight students who participate, with two volunteers leading the group.”

Furthermore, Lorri describes what inspires her work: “Being in these mentoring roles, I recognize that resilience plays such a role in children’s lives. When they feel supported, it empowers them to be the best that they can be. To be someone who believes in them and can make a positive impact is what drew me to the mentoring position at Big Brothers Big Sisters. Seeing these children blossom is very rewarding.” Passionate about the importance of volunteer service, Lorri highlights: “Volunteering builds strong communities and connects people. There are so many organizations doing amazing work, with volunteers helping to carry out their mission. If I can play a part in making my community a better place to be, I want to.” “I encourage anyone who has thought of volunteering to make that call or send that email to the organization that interests you,” Lorri warmly concludes, “Having an impact on others’ lives feels good, to know that you’re helping someone. This is 100% worth the time and the effort, and you get back way more. Kindness is something that I value, and my volunteer work allows me to connect in genuine and sometimes life-changing ways. What is better than that?” With inquiries about volunteer service positions, phone Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin at 519-633-3830.

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2025 Page 5

A Local Collaboration: Ontario Home Health / Yurek Mobility by Peri Hayes CEO, Yas Ali, describes what Ontario Home Health represents. The company opened their doors in Stratford during 1992, flourishing and expanding into one of the major suppliers of home oxygen and home health care products across Ontario. Yas joined the company in 2022, which led to his ongoing position, as he shares that the St. Thomas location was established in 2024. “We are a home medical equipment solutions company; what this means is that we provide medical equipment which helps people to make their home more accessible and more comfortable if they are facing any physical challenge.” The company operates on three overarching ways of work: Mobility, Accessibility and Respiratory. The Mobility component entails assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds and so forth, while Accessibility involves ensuring that public or private spaces are more accessible through lifts, ramps and more. Respiratory includes CPAP machines and home oxygen, for example, to alleviate challenges regarding breathing and sleeping. Ontario Home Health’s extensive history of working collaboratively in the community with health care agencies and professionals — including nurses, physicians and more — effectively facilitates further insight and knowledge. In Yas’ role, he is responsible for supporting the team around him and empowering their dedicated associates

across the business. He manages their marketing, collaborates with their Mobility Consultant and works alongside clients for certain cases. While in pursuit of their vision, Yas expresses his gratitude: “I have a really great leadership team around me, and very hard working associates. I look to them for guidance as much as they look to me.” Yas thoughtfully describes the connection between Ontario Health Home and Yurek Pharmacy Home Health- care, St. Thomas: “Yurek Mobility is a part of Yurek Pharmacy, existing to serve the Elgin County, Middlesex

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Page 6 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2025

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the best client experience for anyone working with the company. This is a match that was meant to be for years. Honouring similar values, business model and reason to exist, we are a naturally great partner for them to work and continue the legacy of their mobility business with.” Asked what excites Yas about his work, he passionately responds, “Short answer, the concept of helping people to live just a little bit better than they were before working with us -- for individuals to be able to travel to the park and visit with their grandchildren; to sleep more comfortably; to feel empowered to perform their best the next day. Our mission statement at Ontario Home Health is helping people live life on their terms. What excites our associates? We believe in Ontario Home Health / Yurek Mobility focusing on protecting autonomy, comfort and independence. Using equipment solutions, we want to support and defend regardless of any physical condition.” Visit the Ontario Home Health website at ontariohomehealth.ca, and phone 1-800-661-1912 or email sales@ontariohomehealth.ca to learn more about pro- duct information and resources. Those with inquiries are also invited to visit their St. Thomas location at 31 Laing Blvd., with no appointment necessary. Yas cheerfully reveals, “We usually have candy at the front desk!”

and Oxford communities — even into Huron, Perth for a couple of decades — being a trustworthy institution in the community for provision of mobility and accessibility equipment. With a similar family background and both being local, Ontario Home Health and Yurek Pharmacy partnered together for a number of years on initiatives -- so much so that many of the associates from both sides have a personal connection to each other.” As Yas details, he had contacted management at Yurek Pharmacy -- which has continued with their focus on pharmacy, while Ontario Home Health ultimately joined forces with their mobility facet of the business: “To create

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2025 Page 7

AD SAVE Chris holds an honours degree in Fine Art from the University of Guelph and studied at universities in Mani-toba and Calgary. Her artistic journey has taken her across continents, from silk dyeing under a master connected to Japan’s Living Treasures program to exhibiting in Stuttgart’s planetarium. Her current work combines sculpture and painting in highly tactile, mixed-media pieces that incorporate and repurpose hubcaps, 78 RPM records, and even old 45s. “I love working in three dimensions. It’s satisfying. I work with papier-mâché, found objects, whatever speaks to me.” DIRECT RESPONSE MEDIA GROUP 240 Wyecroft Road, Oakville, ON L6K 2G7 1 866 993-0600 drmg.com Aylmer Artist Opens Studio and Heart for Elgin County Studio Tour Chris Dancey’s studio, nestled on the family farm at 51301 Wolleyville Line in Aylmer, is more than a workspace; it’s a reflection of a life lived with creativity, resilience and intention. As the owner of Art, Heart & Health Studio and Gallery, Chris is one of 20 artists participating in this year’s Elgin County Studio Tour, taking place on September 27 and 28. The free, self- guided tour invites the public into artists’ studios across the region, where they can meet the makers and see where the magic happens. For Chris, this year felt like the right time to open her doors. “It was a hard decision,” she shares. “I’m a reclusive person by nature, but this year just feels different. I decided to open both my studio and gardens, and it feels right.” Her gardens, inspired by Hugelkultur techniques and bursting with colour, are an extension of her artistic vision.

FULL PAGE 10.875”w x 6”h Two other artists are on the tour in Aylmer; Judy Mennill and Rosemary Carter, both at 51200 Vienna Line. Together with Chris, they represent the town’s vibrant creative community. Whether you’re a lifelong collector or a curious visitor, the Elgin County Studio Tour is a rare opportunity to step inside the hearts and minds of local artists and perhaps take a piece of that inspiration home. For more information on the tour, you can go to www.elgincountystudiotour.ca. PROOF DATE: Feb 20, 2024 TROSUN-0324-MAR-LNE-IBC-01 JAN FEB MAR OCT NOV DEC MAILING MONTH FULL PAGE 10.875”w x 6”h PROOF DATE: Feb 20, 2024 PROOF #: TROSUN-0324-MAR-LNE-IBC-01 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP Template updated NOVEMBER 2023 Visitors to her studio will also find a passion for education. Although she hasn’t taught recently, her love of learning and sharing knowledge remains strong. “I used to teach everywhere — from the London Regional Art Gallery to my home. If people asked, I’d probably start again.” One of Chris’ favourite exercises involved what she calls the ‘cosmic blob’ technique. She explains: “I’d tell students to trust the cosmic blob. We’d drop black ink onto paper, spray it with water, and then go for lunch. When we came back, they’d look at the shapes until they felt something they wanted to bring out.”

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Page 8 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2025

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Freedom on Two (or Four) Wheels Since 2015, Junior’s E-Bikes (located at 28 Princess Ave, St. Thomas) has been helping people get around town affordably and independently. Owned and operated by Joe Haskett, better known simply as Junior, the business specializes in electric bikes and mobility scooters, including the increasingly popular enclosed mobility scooters designed with older adults in mind. “An e-bike is just a battery, a motor, and a throttle con- troller—simple and easy,” says Junior. “It’s cheap trans- portation for getting around.” For those aged 55 and up, Junior sees growing interest in enclosed mobility scooters, small electric vehicles with a shell to protect riders from the elements. “They’re not like the old shop riders,” he explains. “They’ve got three or four wheels, air in the tires, and a full enclosure. You’re out of the rain, out of the cold, and even out of the sun. That’s a huge deal for someone who still wants their freedom but doesn’t want to be soaked or frozen every time they go out.” Some enclosed models offer a travel range of up to 100 km per charge and come equipped with features like ventilation fans, heated seats, and either handlebars or steering wheels. “Some folks just can’t do the handlebars, it’s too much like a bike,” says Junior. “But give them a steering wheel, and they’re off and running.” For many seniors, mobility scooters can make the difference between isolation and independence. “I’ve had customers who told me they felt like giving up after losing

their license. But once they got a scooter, everything changed. They come by just to tell me how much they love it and how it gave them their life back.” Junior emphasizes that safety and suitability are top priorities in his shop. “If I don’t have the right scooter for you, I can order it, or I’ll send you somewhere that does. I’m not here to make a quick sale, I’m here to get people the mobility solution that’s right for them.” He also believes strongly in creating more oversight and structure around e-bike use. “There should be insurance, especially for the bigger scooters. And a safety program in every city. We’ve got to make sure people are using common sense out there.” From repairs to recommendations, Junior’s shop continues to be a hub for those seeking practical, affordable freedom on wheels.

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2025 Page 9

Continual Living, Loving and Learning Chair Strength and Stretch Class at the YMCA by Peri Hayes

Nurse Next Door

Diane Lademer has been involved with the YMCA of St. Thomas-Elgin for approximately 14 years and counting, previously assuming the role of Health and Fitness Manager. Presently, Diane is one of their instructors of the Chair Strength and Stretch Class – in addition to Chogway Su and Diana Pereira. Through Diane’s time dedicated to the YMCA, she recognized that a number of people would attend their wonderful Aqua Fit course while not experiencing their strength training, land classes. To this, Diane encourages, “The Chair Strength and Stretch Class is chair-based programming which, I have noticed, can be settling for individuals to walk into the room and know exactly where their spot is.” These three classes include their Chair Strength Class with students sitting for the duration, utilizing elasticized bands and weights for resistance training. Another option is their Chair Yoga, which is a seated class geared toward the principles of flexibility and mobility. This has evolved through participants opting to use their chair as an assist and support system. Their third class focuses on balance, while feeling the security and safety of the chair provided for each student. “Weight bearing is essential. As fitness equipment is typically a seated activity anyway, it is amazing how you can get your heart rate up while still sitting down. This format broadens people’s horizons -- with the class not exclusively as a lightweight resource, as I have combined cardio into my class.” With an age range of mid-30s to students in their 80s, Diane shares that their musical component includes a mix of contemporary tunes with the 1960s and 70s flavour that brings about nostalgia -- which the group thoroughly enjoys listening to during their workout. Diane emphasizes, “I would recommend this class because people can work to their own degree of ability, and this is a great introduction to fitness. You don’t even have to use the weights, as you can contract the targeted muscle. As well, there can be a sense of isolation – especially upon retirement – and this is a great source of community. When I walk in, there will be 25 to 30 women waiting for me; this social piece is so refreshing. You’re going to get your fitness in, while meeting such wonderful people and engaging in conversation. This connection leads to people looking forward to this class on a regular basis, and holding themselves accountable. The YMCA is such a staple in St. Thomas.” Classes are bound to memberships through a variety of tiers, as a means to ensure that people are committing in a way which best suits their respective schedule.

Furthermore, students are able to contact the YMCA for support regarding assisted financing, and a membership price will thereafter be sourced. “There is also the option to pay for the class for two weeks at a time. Plus, we always offer a free class -- for which I suggest people arrive 15 minutes before the class to sign our standard waiver.” “The benefits of strength training can begin at any age,” Diane beams. “These classes are a lovely introduction to fitness, while working at your own pace. Because of this safe environment, the intimidation is removed for those who have never tried this kind of training before.” The Chair Strength and Stretch Class at the local YMCA is offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 am for 45 minutes -- Diane leads her class on Wednesday at 9:30 am. With enthusiasm, Diane looks forward to connecting with those interested in experiencing these opportunities. Kindly email Health and Wellness Manager, Diana Pereira, at diana. pereira@swo.ymca.ca with inquiries about membership.

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Page 10 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2025

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Elgin-St. Thomas Adult Day Program by Peri Hayes Elgin-St. Thomas Adult Day Program is owned by the City of St. Thomas and operates in partnership with the County of Elgin. Paula Henderson is in the role of Supervisor, overseeing the daily operations of their client-centred programming across their three locations. Meanwhile, Nicole Bogart is their Client Care Service Coordinator, diligently receiving and reviewing referrals. “Once we have vacancy available,” she details, “we place individuals in the appropriate program.” Paula and Nicole stress the importance of building strong relationships and enriching the lives of their clients and care partners, as well as community care services with which individuals can be connected. Elgin-St. Thomas Adult Day Program aims to provide a supportive environment for seniors living with chronic health conditions, dementia or mobility changes: “Our goal is simple — to help people age in place with dignity, safety and connection.” “This service has been in place for close to 40 years, with deep roots in our community,” Paula shares. “I have such dedicated staff who generously care about the people that they support, creating a warm and encouraging en- vironment for clients to feel seen, heard and empowered. Our goal in the next year is to raise awareness of how this care is accessed, and that we are a vital part of the health journey to keep people out of hospital and in-home for longer.” Moreover, Nicole highlights opportunities for health setbacks to be prevented, progression to be celebrated, and friendships to be developed. Paula passionately voices, “This program is not just supportive — it’s preventative healthcare in action.” “Our program helps guide both the client and the caregiver through what can be an overwhelming health journey,” Paula assures. To this, Nicole proceeds, “This is a vital service that can reduce caregiver stress and keep clients maintaining their independence.” Adult Day Program (ADP) entails and is not limited to the following: cognitive activities, music, nutritious meals, personal care, and a whirlpool bath program at all three

locations with their overnight respite at two. Transportation to all three sites is also available upon request. Their Life After Stroke Program occurs on Mondays at the Aylmer site and differs from their regular ADPs. This resource is offered to Stroke survivors continuing their rehabilitation journey, which includes customized circuit training activities geared toward individual goals. Referrals for this program are received from the Community Stroke Rehabilitation Team and St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital. Paula reveals, “We are working on starting up our therapeutic pool program, which was closed due to COVID-19, and we are excited for that to begin.” The Elgin-St. Thomas Adult Day Program is on southwesthealthline.ca. Referrals for the ADP are through contacting Ontario Health at Home at 519-473-2222 and Central Intake at 1-888-866-7527. Furthermore, phone Paula at 519-631-1030 ext. 310 or Nicole at 519-631-1030 ext. 309 for further details.

Schedule Valleyview Home in St. Thomas: Monday – Friday from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm Programs from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm. Overnights are Tuesday – Thursday. Terrace Lodge in Aylmer: Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Program from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Overnights are Wednesday – Friday. Bobier Villa in Dutton: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Program from 9:30 am – 2:00 pm.

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2025 Page 11

From Over the Hill: Peanut Butter by Peter Bloch-Hansen

turning leaves become; how rich and lovely the air, like sweet vintage champagne – all that. Love it! Love it! But September? Time to start scheduling that last trip to the beach, the last barbecue, and backyard parties; desperately making that long list of fun things to make sure I do before sum- mer steals away in the gathering shade and cooling nights. Oh, who am I kidding? I don’t do a lot of that stuff anymore anyway -- wouldn’t if you paid me (well, maybe then). I bet a lot of you don’t either, or maybe … not so much? Well, once we have enough Septembers in us, it doesn’t really matter much what month it is, however named, because we’ve learned to value and appreciate them, to treasure each day’s gifts as they come. We can look out over the space of year and consider how every month offers something different; how we can wake up one morning taken totally by surprise – by the morning sun glittering through long January icicles that formed on our eaves when we weren’t looking – or a majestic flight of our Canada Geese filling the sky with their unique, Canadian calls (please don’t tell them I named their calls Canadian; they think of themselves as internationals). So, I think, in view of that sadness I mentioned, September in Canada should be devoted to telling jokes, no joke, however lame, stale or corny disallowed -- heaven knows we are internationally famous for our comedians (quite a few of them are in politics, but don’t say I said so). And further, I declare this month should be renamed Laffember unless you have a better suggestion.

As no doubt, many of you know, the name ‘September’ comes from the Latin word septem , for ‘seven’, because it was seventh in their calendar – likewise, October, November and December for

eight, nine and ten. Their calendar didn’t work very well, though, so extra months were stuck, August being one, named for Emperor Augustus, who can forget that guy? Funny, how things get named. A popular cleanser was named Comet – why? And hand soap, Ivory Snow – really? And why are ants, ants, and who named the mosquito anyway? Don’t get me started on botanical names or chemistry. Following the French Revolution, the new government renamed all the months, but didn’t even use the French language! If we asked some five-year-olds for new names for the months, I wonder what they’d come up with? Better names than we have, I’d bet. Maybe some teachers could be persuaded to try it? Maybe Geoff would publish the results. Might be fun. Ah, fun. For me, September means that summer fun will soon be ending, which brings a certain sadness (and dread of snow shovelling). Now, I love how beautiful September sunlight is, golden, rich; how gorgeous and fragrant the

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Famous Works of Fiction

8 Author of The Time Machine 9 Precious-obsessed creature 10 Austen’s aloof suitor 12 Bronte’s stormy novel setting 13 Caulfield’s first name 16 Wrote War and Peace 18 Wrote The Old Man and the Sea 19 Scout’s lawyer father 22 Young hero of Great Expectations

21 F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous party host 22 These animals are “More Equal” in Animal Farm Down 1 Shipwreck survivor in a classic novel 2 Cervantes’s idealistic knight 3 Les ____: Hugo’s classic 5 Harry Potter’s school 6 Epic poem and hero’s name 7 Fiction’s greatest detective (first name, and not Batman)

Across 4 Wrote The Canterbury Tales 5 Bilbo Baggins’s species 10 Bram Stoker’s immortal villain 11 Author of 1984

14 Agatha Christie’s moustachioed detective 15 Nabokov’s controversial title character 17 Call me ____ (opening line of Moby-Dick) 19 Author of Pride and Prejudice 20 Fictional land through the wardrobe

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Hooking Up in West Elgin by Terry Carroll During July wheat harvest, my bro- ther gave me detailed instructions be- fore I moved the grain wagons into the McGregor Farm: “Swing to the left on the lane,” said Alan, aka Big Al, “then cut to the right and park the wagons on the green strip.”

I seriously considered calling Big Al. He’s a patient man, accustomed to fixing many problems as he works 16-hour days during harvest. But everybody has their limits. If I were in his boots, I might not shout, ‘You did what?’ But I’d be thinking it. Besides, I already knew what Big Al would do: unhook the front two wagons and park them out of the way; hook the tractor to the (almost) lodged third wagon; back it up until it clears the gate post; rehook wagon number three to wagons number one and two. All that backing and rehooking would have taken Alan one or two tries. It took me ten. Midway, I was sweating in the July sun like a pig. (That’s farm humour; pigs don’t sweat … hence, their love of mud). I came through without any visible damage to equipment or fence post. But between the odd angle at which wagon number three was hooked to the others and the tire marks the tractor made in the trampled wheat, it would be easy for Big Al to read the story. I fessed up over supper. As a farmhand in his senior years, I get to do agricultural labour without the financial headaches of owning a farm. The experience can be like a paid vacation. The big difference between working on a farm and working in town lies in that CAA analogy. When you get into a problem in a fifty-acre field … it’s just you in a fifty-acre field. As people much younger than me like to say, it’s authentic. Occasionally, too authentic. Terry can be reached at terry@carrollgroup.ca.

There’s what’s said, and there’s what’s heard. I did swing left, then steered the John Deere tractor right. Fortunately, I dismounted from the tractor to make sure the wagons were clearing. The back wagon of three had stopped at an angle, two inches away from taking out a gate post. I was half a wagon short of making it. A little background. I was born and raised on the family farm in West Elgin. Until I was in my late twenties, I fed myself and my then-young family mostly by working on or managing farms. After that, for about 35 years, I became a townie -- a city slicker who did no farming. Ten years ago, I returned to being an occasional farmhand for my brother during planting and harvest. As a townie with soft hands in trouble on the farm, my first instinct was to call somebody like CAA. That would have been entertaining … for them: “I’m in a bind in a wheat field. I’ve got a tractor and three wagons—” “Excuse me, sir. You do realize this is the Canadian AUTOMOBILE Association.” Geoffrey Rae Managing Editor / Sales Geoff@villagerpublications.com 519-495-7177 Copy Editor: Peter Bloch-Hansen Publisher: Barb Botten barb@villagerpublications.com Graphic Artist – Cathy Wood Photos, community events and article suggestions welcome. Please email hometown@villagerpublications.com. We look forward to hearing from you. oomers oomers B and B EYOND

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Page 14 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2025

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From Woodstock to Wi-Fi: Modern Tunes for Classic Rock Fans A few weeks ago, I went to the Singer Songwriters Festival in Port Stanley. Now, I’ll admit something, country music has never been my first choice (not even in my top 5). I’m more of a classic rock, crank-it-up-in-the-car kind of listener. But somewhere between the steel guitar and heartfelt lyrics, I found myself tapping my foot, smiling, and thinking, “Well, maybe I’ve been missing something.” It reminded me that fresh music can surprise you and still scratch that same itch our old favourites do. Music is a time machine. A few notes from The Beatles can take you straight back to high school, and one blast of The Rolling Stones might transport you to a questionable haircut and a pair of bell-bottoms you thought looked amazing. But while we’ll always love the soundtrack of our youth, modern artists are carrying the torch — and they deserve a listen. Here are a few “If you liked this, try that” pairings to help you explore. Now: Vampire Weekend – Harmony Hall offers clever lyrics and sunny guitar work, while The Lemon Twigs – Corner of My Eye captures that irresistible 60s pop warmth. If you loved The Rolling Stones THEN: Jumpin’ Jack Flash NOW: The Black Keys – Gold on the Ceiling drips with bluesy swagger, and The Sheepdogs – I’ve Got a Hole Where My Heart Should Be delivers rock ’n’ roll grit — and they’re Canadian to boot. If you loved The Doors THEN: Light My Fire NOW: The Last Internationale – Soul on Fire burns with smoky intensity, while Greta Van Fleet – Heat Above leans into dramatic, big-stage rock theatrics. If you loved Janis Joplin THEN: Piece of My Heart If you loved The Beatles Then: Here Comes the Sun

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NOW: First Aid Kit – Fireworks wraps you in lush harmonies, while The Milk Carton Kids – Michigan keeps the tender storytelling spirit alive. The truth is, finding new music doesn’t mean letting go of the old. It’s about expanding the playlist — whether that’s a Spotify queue, a stack of CDs, or a dusty milk crate of vinyl. So put on your favourite record, then give a new artist a spin. You never know — the next song you fall in love with might not be from 1969.

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