Boomers May 2025

EYOND B oomers

B and

May 2025 • Issue 60 Celebrating the 55+ Community of Elgin County

Letter from the Editor “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” The Dalai Lama It never ceases to amaze me how generous our community is. Truly — every time someone brings forward a bold idea to benefit St.

Our community has wrapped its collective arms around the idea and made it real. Hospice of Elgin, thanks to a dream team of staff and volunteers, is becoming a reality. The building is nearly complete. They’ve hired their first Medical Director. You can practically smell the fresh paint and feel the warmth that will soon fill ‘The Cottage’, which is what the hospice will be known as. I recently spoke with Laura Sherwood, Director of Hospice Partnerships, and Larissa Caruana, Community Engagement Lead, and I can tell you — this is far more than a building. This is a place where every inch has been thoughtfully designed to provide comfort, dignity, and compassion. It’s not just about Take a look at the names behind this project — the Board of Directors, the Building Committee, the Campaign Cabinet — you’ll find doctors, business leaders, and everyday citizens, all working toward one common goal. And then there are the donors: corporations big and small, service clubs, fundraising events, and generous families who gave what they could. This hospice is the definition of a community effort. Because when something matters to all of us, all of us need to make it happen. WALNUT medicine; it’s about community. And what a community we have.

WALNUT

Thomas and Elgin County, no matter how big the price tag or how complex the dream, the community rallies to make it happen. It’s like we were all born with a built-in ‘get-it-done’ gene and thankfully, it seems to be dominant. Take Hospice of Elgin, for example. For years, the absence of a local hospice has been a glaring hole in our healthcare landscape. If you’ve ever had a loved one in need of palliative care, you know that even getting through the day is hard enough. Asking people to drive hours to be with someone in their final days? Unfathomable. Bringing a hospice to Elgin County wasn’t a small feat. It was a massive, potentially intimidating undertaking, the kind of thing that might cause some folks to quietly back out of a Zoom meeting. And yet, here we are.

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One of the oldest neighbourhoods in St. Thomas, the Courthouse Neigh- bourhood is beautiful all times of year, but especially in Spring when the magnolia trees that dot the

trees, a new on-site park, walkways and steps to amenities on Talbot street. The building will only be 3 floors to blend into the area offering 1 and 2 bedroom layouts with balconies overlooking nature. MOVE-INS FOR SPRING 2025

Refined Rentals. neighbourhood are in bloom. Walnut park will offer its residents the ability to rent in an established area with tall

One of the oldest neighbourhoods in St. Thomas, the Courthouse Neighbourhood is beautiful all

HISTORY

NATURE

AMENITIES

Page 2 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • May 2025 times of year, but especially in Spring when the magnolia trees

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All Aboard for the St. Thomas Model Train Show The St. Thomas Model Train Show is pulling into the Elgin County Railway Museum (225 Wellington St., St. Thomas) once again on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Running from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, the event promises a full day of fun for train enthusiasts, collectors, and families alike. Tony Goddyn, the show’s owner and promoter, comments: “When I was looking for an additional venue to hold a model train show, the Elgin County Railway Museum in St. Thomas seemed like the ideal location. St. Thomas is also known as the Railway City and a lot of history has been preserved there.”

Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a curious beginner, or just looking for a unique family outing, the show has something for everyone. “The St. Thomas Model Train Show is a great place for those who are interested not only in model railroading but also for those interested in railroad history. There is something for everyone and it is suitable for all ages and levels of experience!” Visitors can expect a wide array of model trains, accessories, and displays, along with a chance to explore the museum’s impressive historical exhibits. For Tony, that combination of history and hobby is what makes this event so special. “I am excited to promote this show as there is always something new and interesting to see at these events!” Mark your calendars — May 25 is your ticket to a day of trains, history, and hands-on fun in the heart of the Railway City.

That local railway heritage is a big part of what makes the event stand out. While Tony promotes other model train shows across Ontario in places like Kitchener, Woodstock, and Ancaster, he says the St. Thomas show has something unique. “Attendees came to see not only the model train show but to also see all the displays the Elgin County Railway Museum has to offer. The museum displays are what makes this show unique from the other model train shows.” Last year marked the debut of the event at the museum, and it received a warm welcome from vendors and visitors alike. Tony noted that the success of the first year made the decision to return an easy one. As interest continues to grow, he expects this year’s show to be even more exciting.

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Hospice of Elgin’s Medical Director, Dr. Kyra Harris-Schulz by Peri Hayes Dr. Kyra Harris-Schulz, Hospice of Elgin’s Medical Director, introduces: “I completed a degree in Medicine from McGill University in Montréal, Québec. I then went on to complete a residency in Family Medicine, followed by a fellowship in Palliative Care at Western University.” Kyra proceeds to share, “Despite varied interests, what ultimately drew me to medicine was the beautiful marriage of science and the care for human beings that the profession affords. After starting Medical School, I wasn’t sure I had made the right decision. Hours spent in the anatomy lab and studying slides under a microscope made the patient-centred aspect of medicine that drew me to the field feel so far away, but things changed for me when our class was invited to tour a Palliative Care Unit. I vividly remember the experience of meeting with a patient who was generous enough to spend time sharing their personal experience with palliative care. The patient spoke of the way that the palliative care team expertly relieved their symptoms, improved their quality of life and helped them to live out their final days with connection, dignity, respect and support. That day, I came to learn of palliative care as a healing art that centres the person and their family as unique human beings deserving of care and comfort, often in the most vulnerable moments of their lives. From then on, I knew where my place in Medicine AD SAVE DIRECT RESPONSE MEDIA GROUP 240 Wyecroft Road, Oakville, ON L6K 2G7 1 866 993-0600 drmg.com

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was and started my journey toward becoming a Palliative Medicine Specialist.” As the Medical Director of Hospice of Elgin, Kyra’s role is to collaborate with their leadership team, guiding clinical care and overseeing the esteemed physicians who will provide “exceptional care” to residents: “My desire to join the Hospice team was really inspired by the opportunity to co-create a brand new place for exemplary palliative and end-of-life care in Elgin. When I read about the design for Hospice, the ways that nature has been incorporated and all the work that has been done to make it feel less like a medical facility and more like a home, I got excited thinking about how I could use my skills to help complement that work as a Medical Director and member of our physician team!” The devoted Kyra expresses how privileged she feels to be a member on the Hospice team, as she describes her excitement, “Hospice is just one new part of the palliative care landscape in Elgin. There are already so many passionate nurse practitioners, physicians, nurses and interdisciplinary healthcare providers -- who do an incredible job supporting people with serious illness to both live and die well. I have been welcomed with such warmth and open arms by the healthcare community here, and the community as a whole. I want to express my gratitude for all their contributions and support for Hospice of Elgin.” Seizing the opportunity to highlight Hospice of Elgin’s Executive Director, Kyra voices, “Brenda is such an incredible leader. Her passion and drive to give back to her own community as the Executive Director is inspiring.”

To conclude, Kyra presents this thoughtful message: “There is so much fear and misconception surrounding palliative care. Many times after hearing that I work in palliative care, people say, ‘That must be so sad,’ and some days my work is sad, but sometimes it’s happy -- or funny, or joyful. Some days, it’s all of those things at once. Regardless, caring for people with serious illness is always meaningful and that is what is important. My work is to relieve people of suffering, whenever possible, and to support people through suffering when relief is not possible. It is about non-abandonment. Are people, regardless of their diagnosis, prognosis or who they are, worthy of being cared for and supported up until their final breath? Without a doubt. That to me is not sad, that to me is hope-giving.” Those with inquiries about the developing Elgin of Hospice are encouraged to phone their office at 519-631-7495, and connect with a member of this dedicated team.

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • May 2025 Page 5

Volunteer of the Month: Keith Orchard by Peri Haye s

Sponsored By Royal Oak Senior Living Keith Orchard is an active volunteer in the Shedden community, having founded the Rosy Rhubarb Festival Committee. In 1992, as Keith offers, there was a meeting held with the Council about the prospect of building a new community centre -- improving the structure of the property and facilitating a space for gathering. Thereafter, the Rosy Rhubarb Festival Committee officially launched in 1993. As another member on this committee since inception, he highlights Jean Palmer, who previously owned the local grocery store in Shedden alongside her husband. Passionate about serving his community and supporting local, Keith details, “This is originally where we used to get our supplies.” Asked what inspired Keith’s initial involvement through the formation of this Committee, he graciously shares, “Gary and Eileen Carr {pioneers of this festival} were friends of ours, and they had called for help. My wife, Sandy Orchard, and I were already working on other vendor projects, and they considered us a strong team to gather vendor participants for this event. While not on the Committee, Sandy has been with me since Day One.” Moreover, Keith and Sandy’s son-in-law, as well as their grandchildren will contribute to the set-up of this celebration along with taking care of garbage collection throughout the event. Keith and his fellow volunteers are committed to leaving the space better than they found it by the weekend’s end. He offers what personally excites him about his continued participation, enthusing, “Getting things done, and creating a community that people want to live in.” Expressing his appreciation for the efforts of Vendor Coordinator, Tanya, and Event Coordinator, Sandy, Keith voices, “They are both real go-getters, and we are lucky to have them on board.” The Rosy Rhubarb Committee is a close-knit family, always accepting volunteers and grateful

for their continued growth. “This year,” Keith cheerfully announces, “we are hosting more vendors than ever before.” Email Sandy at sandy.rosyrhubarb@gmail.com with volun- teer interest and general inquiries about Rosy Rhubarb Festival. Further information about this cherished event is available through their rosyrhubarbfestival.com/home website. Over the years, Keith has also coached sports, pre- dominantly hockey and a girl’s ball team -- about which he proudly reflects, “We didn’t win in the first two years and by the third season, we couldn’t be beat.” To conclude, Keith is delighted to reveal that he is one of two recipients in Southwold to receive the King Charles III Coronation Medal this January at a local ceremony atten- ded by dignitaries and community members. Keith was surrounded by support, with his loved ones in attendance: “How I feel is that I like to see people happy. I will brag about Rosy Rhubarb, but I don’t brag about myself. I am so honoured to be one of the 30,000 in Canada to receive this recognition.”

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Dust Off, Donate, and Declutter! There’s something about spring that naturally inspires us to open the windows, shake off the winter blues, and breathe fresh life into our surroundings. For seniors, spring cleaning is more than just tidying up—it’s a chance to reclaim space, reduce stress, and reflect on what truly matters. Whether you’re thinking about downsizing in the future or simply want a more peaceful home, decluttering can offer surprising benefits. As the years pass, it’s easy for items to accumulate. Closets fill with clothes we no longer wear, kitchen cupboards hide duplicates of gadgets we rarely use, and storage rooms become home to boxes of things we’ve long forgotten. Tackling the clutter can feel overwhelming at first, but many people find that once they begin, the process becomes incredibly freeing. Letting go of items that no longer serve a purpose makes room — physically and emotionally — for what brings you joy today. Decluttering also provides an opportunity to pass along useful items to others. Donating gently used household goods, clothing, or furniture to local charities helps support those in need while ensuring these items continue to be used and appreciated. Many communities offer donation pick-up services, making it even easier to give back. If you come across items of value that you no longer need, such as antiques, collectables, or rarely used electronics, selling them online can put a little extra cash in your pocket — and who doesn’t love that?

Spring cleaning isn’t just about purging. It’s also about rediscovering the things you truly love. You might uncover a box of old photos that deserve a spot on the wall or a forgotten hobby that brings back happy memories. With less clutter, your home becomes easier to navigate and maintain, which is especially important if you’re thinking about staying in your home for years to come. For some, the act of decluttering can even bring peace of mind to family members. Organizing now means loved ones won’t have to sort through a lifetime of belongings down the road. It’s a thoughtful and generous step toward simplifying your life and creating a home that reflects who you are today—not who you were twenty years ago. So as the days grow longer and the birds start singing again, consider setting aside some time to clear out the clutter. You may be surprised by how much lighter and brighter you feel.

NOTICE to Members / Plot Holders of The Saint Thomas Cemetery Company

The Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) of the Saint Thomas Cemetery Company will be held at 5:00pm on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the St. Thomas Legion, 24 John Street. All Members / Plot Holders of the Saint Thomas Cemetery Company are entitled to attend and to vote on matters put before the AGM. Please visit www.stthomascemetery.com for details.

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • May 2025 Page 7

Next Chapter Fitness by Peri Hayes

Local business owner, Laura Smith, introduces Next Chapter Fitness. Launching her business in March of this year, Laura shares what led her to pursue this venture in the local community: “I live in St. Thomas and the gym that I provide my services out of, Chains Disc Golf and Wellness, is located in the heart of St. Thomas.” “I provide a variety of class sizes, from one-on-one to groups of four aimed at retirees who want to remain strong and active into their golden years,” Laura offers. “I began working with my parents -- helping my dad regain his balance after he tore his Achilles tendon and helping my mom increase her grip strength which would sometimes give out, causing her to drop what was in her hand. After working with my parents for a few weeks with carefully selected exercises, their ailments were remarkably better -- friends and family members were noticing how well they were doing. I want to educate and provide similar services to other people to increase their quality of life and raise their confidence.” Laura thoughtfully expresses her fulfillment on this journey, “Next Chapter Fitness is so exciting, because it provides an opportunity for me to help my community in a meaningful and rewarding way. I want to provide people with simple and effective exercises that can be done safely and with confidence: at the gym and at home; to maintain strength and balance; to prevent falls and to feel best.”

Moreover, for her blossoming business, Laura reveals, “I am looking forward to introducing more seniors to a small and welcoming gym environment that will provide

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a safe, supportive and fun place to get in shape and stay strong.” The entrepreneur is also planning on growing her business to involve working in individual’s homes, as well as in retirement communities. Upon reflection, Laura passionately offers her advice to those interested in seizing the opportunity to join her Next Chapter Fitness community: “It is never too late to improve the quality of your life. Everyone starts at the same place, the beginning. The beginning may look different for everyone, but small and consistent progress is what will get you where you want to be. What does this look like? Carrying your groceries to your car and your home, playing with your grandkids, caring for a loved one, and enjoying physical activities and hobbies are all things that you can, and will, be able to do as you age -- if you take care of your greatest resource, your body.” Chains Disc Golf and Wellness is located at 36 St. Cathar- ine Street. Their gym is 24-hour access and sessions, which Laura assures, can be booked to fit within a wide range of time slots throughout the day. To connect with Laura and inquire about Next Chapter Fitness, she invites, “I am happy to receive phone calls, or text messages at 226-606-5009. I can also be found online at next-chapter-fitness.com. My website easily allows you to reach out to me, so we can start a conversation and get you moving toward where you want to be.”

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • May 2025 Page 9

Milk Bottles, Mixed Tapes, and Modern Times

It’s funny how the world can change so much in just a few decades. Back in the 1970s, milk came in glass bottles, phones had cords, and if you wanted to hear your favourite song, you had to wait for it on the radio — or rewind a cassette tape with a pencil. Life felt slower, maybe even simpler, though not necessarily easier. Today, we’ve got the world at our fingertips. A quick Google search replaces the encyclopedias that used to take up half a bookshelf. We can video chat with family across the country in seconds, stream music instantly, and carry our entire photo album in our pockets. Technology has brought tremendous convenience and connection, especially for those living far from loved ones. In many ways, it’s made it easier to stay in touch and engaged. Health care has come a long way, too. Advances in medicine mean people are living longer, with better treatments for everything from heart disease to arthritis. Fitness has become part of daily life for many — remember when nobody went jogging unless they were being chased? Now, it seems like everyone owns a yoga mat or a fitness tracker. That said, not all changes have been rosy. The cost of living has skyrocketed since the days when you could buy a house for under $30,000 and fill your tank for a few bucks. There’s certain nostalgia for a time when jobs were more secure, neighbours knew each other by name, and kids played outside until the streetlights came on.

And let’s not forget how fast everything moves now. Emails, text messages, breaking news alerts — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pace of it all. There was something to be said for waiting to develop a roll of film or for calling someone just to hear their voice instead of sending a thumbs-up emoji. Still, there’s plenty to appreciate about today’s world. We’ve got more choices — whether in food, entertainment, or how we spend our time and many people are finding second careers, new hobbies, and adventures they never would’ve dreamed of back in 1975. The world may have changed, but it’s not all bad. In fact, it’s a bit like a good cup of coffee — different from how it used to be, but still satisfying in its own way. As long as we can laugh about it (and maybe still remember our first rotary phone), we’re doing just fine.

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Page 10 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • May 2025

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Continual Living, Loving and Learning at The Court House by Peri Hayes

Nurse Next Door Brought to you by Nurse Next Door Owners of The Court House Pickleball and Social Facility, Jamee Shaw and Dani Tangredi, discuss their flourishing family-owned business in the St. Thomas community: “At The Court House, we’re all about keeping active, staying social and having fun – no matter your age!” “Pickleball is especially great for seniors,” the pair enthusiastically describe. “It’s easy to learn, and a fantastic way to stay fit while connecting with others in a welcoming environment.” Asked about the benefits to this resource, Jamee and Dani highlight the following: “It’s low-impact, so it’s gentle on your joints while improving balance, flexibility and endurance. Plus, it keeps your mind sharp with quick reactions and strategy.” Jamee and Dani feel proud to offer their beautiful, brand new 14,000 sq. ft. facility -- which is both warmly inviting and climate-controlled: “We’re a pay-as-you-play indoor facility, with discounted daytime drop-in rates during the week. Our private court rentals are also more affordable during weekday daytime hours compared to evenings and weekends. We offer drop-ins, private court rentals, leagues, lessons and tournaments. We’re also a great venue for hosting birthday parties, corporate events, fundraisers, or any sort of group events – we have a lot of space to work with!” Moreover, as the dynamic duo continue, “With six professional-grade indoor courts, top-notch equipment, a friendly team, and a cozy bar and lounge area, there’s plenty of space to play and socialize before, during, or after your game.” All of their offerings require advance registration through The Court House’s website, as their player limit can be quickly reached. Jamee and Dani assure that creating an account is completely free, as they encourage, “Also, once you’re set up, you can view our full schedule and book whatever suits you. If you need a hand with the online part, we’re happy to help – just swing by the facility at 115 Dennis Road, Unit 1, or give us a call and we’ll walk you through it.” While celebrating their various learning avenues, Jamee expresses, “What excites me most about The Court House is how it brings together the vibrant pickleball community. It’s not just about the game – it’s about the friendships that form when people come together to learn, play and stay active. We love seeing our players support each other, share tips and enjoy the experience. Plus, being a premier indoor facility means no waiting or line-ups for reserved courts, and no weather delays.” As these business owners joyfully present, “Payment is only taken when you arrive to play and if you’re new to the sport, don’t worry – we also offer paddle rentals, so you can jump in and give it a try without having to commit to gear right

away.” Eager to facilitate an accessible and social venue, Jamee and Dani voice, “We value being part of this wonderful community! Whether you’re new to pickleball or a seasoned player, there’s always a place for you at The Court House.” The Court House Pickleball and Social Facility operates Monday through Sunday from 9:00 am until 10:00 pm. Inquiries can be directed to 226-546-2516 and info@courthousepickleball.ca.

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • May 2025 Page 11

From Over the Hill: It’s Not Our Fault by Peter Bloch-Hansen

America repealed laws that until 2008, kept their banks from nearly collapsing international finance and trade, costing their government billions in bank bailouts; America wastefully spent trillions in foreign wars, maintaining hundreds of military and ‘intelligence’ bases all over the world; The US federal government, on a population of about 340+ million, ran up, from all causes, a national debt of over 30 trillion dollars, running an annual federal deficit of over 1.7 trillion as of 2023, and paying about 3 billion dollars in interest every day , ‘printing’ vast sums which inflate their currency! Forced to raise the government’s ‘debt ceiling’ more than once, a sign a financial crisis was coming, they did nothing to avert it. Until Trump. And lill ol’ Canada is to blame? Yes, we impose tariffs on US goods (as do many other countries) to protect our smaller industries because we cannot match the economies of scale of larger American producers -- all the while selling the Americans light crude oil which they lack, plus lots of needed electricity, at bargain prices. Tariffs are an internationally accepted practice -- trade negotiations continually occur, seeking more or less fair balances; it’s not an international conspiracy to victimize the USA. But should we be punished? I believe President Trump truly wants what’s best for his country. But the severity of his actions reveals how desperate is the situation he is trying to resolve. And also, one must admire the directness with which he is acting to clear up waste and corruption in his government and civil services, however much we may disagree with particular aspects of it. As I complete my income tax filing, I could even wish for something similar here. So, we need to stay calm, buy Canadian and keep those letters to our own politicians flooding in. Senior Power! Yeah, baby! Peter can be reached at blochhansenpeter@gmail.com.

President Trump claims the world is unfair to the USA, in particular, Canada, as if our mostly chilly little land could seriously harm that vast and powerful country.

To give Mr. Trump his due, he is talking frankly about how serious his nation’s troubles are; the US government is on the verge of bankruptcy. But it’s not the world’s fault, and certainly not Canada’s. For example, it’s not our fault that: America off-shored so much manufacturing that it has to import almost everything, leading to huge trade imbalances while also un employing swathes of American workers, reducing the tax basis; Americans so over-subsidize dairy production that they’re desperate to find somewhere to dump their excess products – which is why, last time, Trump bullied us into letting in more American dairy. (But anyway, who wants cheese and butter from American cows pumped full of antibiotics and growth hormones and fed GMO corn? Not us, and certainly not Europeans, who make excellent dairy products.); Americans so over-subsidize corn production for inverse sugar syrup that Americans now face a hugely expensive obesity/health crisis;

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Across 1 The Queen’s coronation location 5 The Victorian era saw the growth of this railway innovation 7 Queen Victoria’s father’s title 8 Queen Victoria’s eldest son 10 Queen Victoria’s first language 12 Famous British Navy leader during Victoria’s era 14 Famous Victorian-era author of Oliver Twist 16 The Queen’s favourite breed of dog

4 British coin introduced during Victoria’s reign 6 Victoria’s age when she became queen 9 Victoria’s grandson, German Emperor 11 Queen Victoria’s birth month 13 The Queen’s official London residence 15 Queen Victoria’s final resting place 17 Queen Victoria’s husband’s title 19 War during Victoria’s reign (1853-1856) 23 Queen Victoria’s famous mourning colours

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • May 2025 Page 13

STOP is now a five-letter word by Terry Carroll Three years ago, eagle-eyed Boo- mers and Beyond editors allowed me 700 words to meander through a piece I called, A Proposed New- comers Guide to St. Thomas . In that bit of nonsense, I fulfilled part

During the 36 months since 2022, much muddy water has flown under the bridges traversing Kettle Creek. Mayor Joe’s 55,000 population projection now feels understated. With the cooperation of three levels of government -- and Volkswagen, we’re building a tonne of housing while saving the environment by transforming 700 acres of prime farmland into an industrial Wunderland. “The EV battery plant is coming; the EV battery plant is coming.” Proof positive? Recently constructed roundabouts and green overhead directional signs in the battery plant area evoke the experience of driving a U.S. freeway into TrumpTower Tariff World. Time changes everything. As brilliant as it seemed to me (and both members of my fan club) at the time, my 2022 advice went unheeded. Newcomers failed to adjust to St. Thomas’ ways of driving. Instead, they forced their split-second, speed-crazed, bumper-riding, middle-finger- waving habits on us as they zoomed through our small city in their Genesis, their Lexus, their Leviticus Lexus. STOP is now a five-letter word spelled YIELD. Yellow and sometimes red mean, ‘Turn left now’. Speed limits translate into, ‘Drive 10K over’. What is to be done? Fear not. Hope springs eternal. In April, as I was penning my 500-word quota, Mayor Preston was in Germany. I suspect Joe was way ahead of us as usual. He was not in Europe on a trade mission or Deutsch lernen *. He was absorbing the driving habits of the Autobahn in the interest of bringing enlightenment to vehicularly challenged locals. S ehen Sie sich bald das Update des Bürgermeister** Terry can per E-Mail erreicht werden unter*** terry@carrollgroup.ca. *learning to speak German.

of my journalistic (using the word journalistic very loosely) mission: to amuse, to inform and in the immortal words of former St. Thomas Mayor, Doug Tarry Sr., ‘to leave my campsite a little better than I found it’. My 2022 column reminded avid readers that our current mayor, Joe Preston, forecast the population of The Railway City to explode to 55,000 by 2032. With my tongue firmly lodged in some area of my mouth, I advised newcomers to leave their metropolitan driving habits behind. To enjoy our fair city’s streets and its potholes, they would need to slow down and drive like the locals. The wheels of commerce do grind on, and we must adjust. Over time, my column-writing hole has been reduced by 200 words. Would a Michelangelo be asked to paint the rise and fall of humanity on the pope’s bathroom ceiling? Might a Picasso be reduced to sketching fragmented nudes on napkins? Those are intended as rhetorical questions, but just to be clear (as certain politicians say when not answering a question), my answer is a resounding No. However, having wasted 223 words on preamble, I must press on. Quickly. 83rd Annual Elgin County Alumni Dinner Picnic WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2025 Hosted by Dr. Ian Begg, BA’68 St. Thomas, ON Cost: $45 per person To RSVP and for more information, contact Mary-Ellen Bolt at 519-633-6435 or Email lightningbolt@rogers.com Must RSVP by Thursday, June 12, 2025

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BOOMERS AND BEYOND – ELGIN

Geoffrey Rae Managing Editor / Sales Geoff@villagerpublications.com • 519-495-7177 All articles by Geoff Rae unless otherwise noted. Copy Editor: Peter Bloch-Hansen Publisher: Barb Botten barb@villagerpublications.com Graphic Artist – Cathy Wood • Writer – Peri Hayes

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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.

Page 14 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • May 2025

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BADDA BOOM! by Frances Kennedy franceskennedy782@gmail com

Last season, the Port Stanley Festival Theatre introduced Norm Foster’s play, They’re Found in Trees , which he wrote during the pandemic when birdwatching became something of a passionate

pastime. A hilarious comedy, it was also instructive, which is also the norm for Norm Foster. During the pandemic when our worlds became insular and still, we became absorbed by nature and, in a way, absolved of any responsibility for what was occurring in the world at large at that time. Now, as then, the world is fraught with chaos and uncertainty. What does spring bring now? Mother Nature, the grande dame of transition, reigns supreme with her uncanny ability to create uncertainty. One of the surest signs that winter is fading is the return of migratory birds. In our neck of the woods, the majestic tundra swans swoop overhead mid-March en route to the Arctic. Elgin County boasts 35 official birdwatching stations spanning shoreline, woodlands, and wetlands. All this to say, there are plenty of places to find serenity in the county. Find a perch with a view that fills you with wonder. My friend Joe Rapai shared a FB reel from his favourite perch overlooking the lake. He talked about the need to reflect on his life’s purpose and restore his sense of joy, love, and peace amidst the gloom of global strife and despondency; concluding with his determined optimism! Let’s briefly entertain this thought: uncertainty is also the modus operandi of the leader of our once closest ally, who is motivated by malevolence untouched by intelligence. Fear foments division; optimism inspires solidarity; in the face of looming fascism next door, solidarity is a fortress defending attacks on our sovereignty. What does this mean for us? We don’t live in a bubble, so let’s bear in mind that fierce solidarity is critical at this momentous moment. My great, late father often said, ‘Once you decide, what you do after can make it right’. Whatever our election rhetoric was, as of April 28, 2025, we have elected our leader. We must now unite to defend the democracy for which our forefathers fought and won. It’s time to come to terms with friends and loved ones whose differing views during the election period may have left us exhausted and bereft. It’s time to heal and move forward. All that needed to be said, and now let’s open the windows. Ever notice that alluring smell of spring? The Earth is awakening, and it smells more, well, earthy. With warmer weather and misty mornings, the scent of moist earth fills the air. Birds-of-Elgin-County birdwatching locations can be found at www.elginstewardshipcouncil.com and I recommend the pursuit. Birders are a strange breed of cat, obsessive list-making naturalists and sleuths; but just watching birds is not for the birds, it’s for us. 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 • May 2025 Page 15

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