EYOND B oomers Celebrating the 55+ Community of Elgin County October 2024 • Issue 54
B and
Letter from the Editor
A) Smoke Detectors have expiry dates and should be re- placed every ten years. B) Fire damage may be reduced by 50% if you have a working smoke detector in your home. C) You should have a smoke detector on each level of your home, including your basement. D) You should vacuum your smoke detector annually to prevent dust from clogging the system. E) All of the above This issue also marks a very special occasion; it is the Sixth Anniversary of Boomers & Beyond Magazine . When we first had the idea to launch Boomers , it is because we kept getting the same feedback about Hometown St. Thomas -- a great magazine but not a lot of content for seniors. So, we thought, there is an obvious need and desire for content for seniors, so why not create something specifically for you? While we did have to fold a few issues into Hometown St. Thomas during the pandemic, we have still created 54 issues specifically written for you. Over the years, I have loved all your positive and constructive feedback. My thanks to you, our readers, and I hope to have you enjoying Boomers & Beyond for many more years to come! *The answer is E) All of the above. Take this opportunity to test your smoke detectors, change the batteries and vacuum your equipment. It may just save your life or the life of a loved one!
Fall is finally here. The leaves are starting to change, the days are cool, and the nights are crisp. Apples, Halloween, and, of course, the NFL— fall is the most wonderful time of year, always my favourite season! If it had Christmas in it, it would be perfection!
We have another great issue for you; we talk about the St. Thomas Seniors Got Talent show, with auditions coming up on October 3rd and the big show on November 2nd at 6:30; we have included a photo spread of all the fun had at this year’s Seniors Picnic in the Park on September 18th. As always, we have our outstanding columnists and original crossword for you. In addition, for a bit of nostalgia, we have an article on Halloween costumes from the heyday of DYI costumes in the 60s and 70s. Did you know October 6th-12th is Fire Prevention Week? While we should strive for fire prevention every day, this week is dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers of fire. This year’s theme is ‘Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!’ With that in mind -- pop quiz: which of these statements is true? *
ST. THOMAS SENIORS GOT TALENT 2
Presented by Nurse Next Door
TICKETS GO ON SALE OCTOBER 1st. Don’t miss out on an unforgettable night of talent and entertainment! Get your tickets now, with all proceeds supporting Hospice of Elgin. Last year’s show was a sellout, so be sure to grab yours early! Join us for St. Thomas Seniors Got Talent on Saturday, November 2nd, at 6:30 PM at the St. Thomas Seniors Centre. Tickets are $20 and available at the St. Thomas Seniors Centre or by calling 519-495-7177.
Media Sponsors:
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Page 2 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2024
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Songs, Stockings, and Stories! by PSFT Artistic Director, Liz Gilroy
Traditions: all of us have some, whether passed down from generation to generation or from creating new ones. Being a first-generation Canadian, and having Scottish and Irish parents, many of the traditions I was brought up with stemmed from the Celts. Perhaps that is why I am so chuffed to have The Rowdymen back at Port Stanley Festival Theatre (PSFT) on October 25th. Music was big in our house and all my dad’s people played some type of instrument. Maisie, my mom, could sing the first three lines of just about any song, and she never held back. Having the Newfoundlanders back for a night of songs and stories in October reminds me of an evening in Belfast, in the kitchen of course, with all my relatives telling stories and playing some ditties. Everyone had to ‘sing for their supper’, so to speak. It could be a poem, a tall tale, a limerick, or a song, and everyone had their turn. The Rowdymen make us feel like family, no matter where you are from, much like most of the Newfoundlanders I have met on ‘the rock’. Christmas time at my home had many traditions; flaming plum pudding, stockings hung at the fireplace, turkey and ham, shortbread cookies, and underwear sent across the pond from ‘Marks and Sparks’. But the big one was watching the original A Christmas Carol starring Alister Simms, on Christmas Eve; it usually played at midnight, so I had to beg to be allowed to stay up. I loved it from an early age, and still watch it to this day. This year on Saturday, November 23rd, as part of the Dicken’s Day Weekend in Port, PSFT will perform a staged reading of A Christmas Carol , by Charles Dickens. We’ll have a couple of actors in Dickensian costumes, lights, special effects, and music! Scott Maudsley and Gabe Sclafani will be on stage, creating a new Holiday Tradition for the village of Port Stanley. Come hear A Christmas Carol as it was intended to be performed, as a story read aloud by the fire for family and friends. Now that the Summer Season is officially over, I hope you can join us for all the concerts and shows we have at the theatre all year round. There is a bigger lineup than
ever this year, and there is bound to be something for everyone, from Big Bands, Magicians, Crooners, some Stompin’ Tom, and even Puppets! (‘Cause everyone loves puppets.) I hope you’ll stop by the theatre and start a new tradition with the PSFT family: see you soon.
The Rowdymen playing October 25th.
A Christmas Carol Join us during the Dickens’ Day weekend in Port Stanley for a wonderful yuletide experience for the whole fam ily! by Charles Dickens adapted by Liz Gilroy Saturday November 23, 1pm & 7pm
A STAGED READING OF
Christmas Carol ~A~
On Christmas Eve Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three spirits, who take him on a journey into his past , present and future to show him the errors of his ways.
PortStanleyFestival FestivalTheatre Reserve Tickets 519-782-4353 www.psft.ca Adult, children and family group tickets available.
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2024 Page 3
Volunteers of the Month: St. Thomas Little Helpers by Peri Haye s
In early March of this year, Colette Dodds launched St. Thomas Little Helpers -- an engaging volunteer-based organization. Their first food fundraiser took place on March 23rd at Freshco, with all donations directed toward Destination Church. On June 22nd, they held their first BBQ fundraiser and divided their food donations between Destination Church and Inn Out of the Cold St. Thomas- Elgin. “We are a not-for-profit,” Colette introduces, “With the premise of providing non-perishable ingredients for a meal to get you through.” Colette candidly shares about her background: “I was homeless and hungry, a product of abuse, and living in group home after group home. I struggled with addiction. I pulled myself up, and I am alive.” Following this and prior to her extenuating circumstances, Colette was a business owner. She has since resided in St. Thomas for 10 years and counting, all the while dedicating her energy toward uplifting the community through conducting gift card giveaways and much more. Through various aforementioned donating avenues, as well as Colette’s desire to cultivate meaningful connections in her community, the idea of St. Thomas Little Helpers was born. “I needed a purpose. I will give my last dollar for someone to have a meal,” Colette declares. “Everything is out of love.” Believing in her vision, Pauline Fugard has partnered with Colette in this venture. “We need more angels like Colette,” Pauline insists. The pair began their journey in the downtown core, establishing two pantries. Thus far, St. Thomas Little Helpers has received over- whelming support. Pauline exclaims, “The donations coming in are remarkable.” Colette enthusiastically continues, “I could endlessly thank the people in St. Thomas and London, and those who helped us get to where we are today.” The team is pleased to announce that within their initial six months of operation, $4,000.00 have been poured into the community.
St. Thomas Little Helpers, Pauline and Colette.
Joe Dodds, Colette’s beloved husband, is the Manager at Mufflerman. Colette expresses her immense gratitude for Joe’s ongoing contributions to the success of St. Thomas Little Helpers. Moreover, Colette proudly acknowledges the growth facilitated by Pauline since their initiative’s debut, rejoicing, “She is doing amazing!” To celebrate the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Thomas Little Helpers created two giveaways which featured backpacks filled with school stationery, snacks, soap, toilet paper and so forth. They are graciously accepting donations while preparing to support three families this Christmas season, with the means to supply a week’s worth of meals. Most recently, Pauline has been delightedly crocheting hats for individuals at Inn Out of the Cold. Together, Colette and Pauline aim to educate members of the community about available resources in the area. Contact Colette by phone at 519-872-0564, and visit their “St. Thomas Little Helpers 2024” Facebook page for further information about this organization. It is encouraged that those interested in placing a donation state their intent upon joining this Facebook group.
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Continual Living, Loving and Learning: St. Thomas Public Library’s Maker Lab Brought to you by Nurse Next Door by Peri Hayes
Nurse Next Door
Aaron DeVries, Manager, Digital and Support Services at the St. Thomas Public Library, delightedly discusses their Maker Lab alongside Alan Thomson, Maker Lab Coordinator. With 3-D printers and vinyl cutters available by appointment for nearly a decade, the Library continues to evolve their creative development. The Maker Lab is a resource for building confidence with their equipment and software, as well as connecting artists and supporting the community’s growing innovation in an intentionally collaborative and explorative environment. Launched in March of 2022, Aaron and Alan offer, “The Maker Lab is a public creative space that has a wide variety of equipment, materials and resources that will help you design and complete a lot of different projects.” As Aaron and Alan describe, “We are most excited about our latest addition to the space -- a laser cutter. Thanks to a generous donation from a local family, we were able to purchase a 50W CO2 laser that can etch and cut through many different project materials. We’ve been running introductory courses on how to use the laser, and it has been absolutely incredible watching everyone’s ideas come to life!” Furthermore, various supplies can be cut and engraved on the laser cutter: acrylic plastic, cork, rubber stamp mats, water bottles, or wood. Aaron and Alan continue, “A professional vinyl printer and cutter can be used to design coloured stickers, large printed posters, or heat transfer vinyl for T-shirt designs. Creative design software, such as Inkscape, Adobe Creative Suite programs, Cricut Design Space, or Tinkercad can be used to bring the ideas in your head to a workable file that can then be brought to life.” Entrepreneur, Terrance Tew, shares, “The moment I stepped in the Maker Lab, I met Alan who asked what I was looking to do. The next thing you know, we were on the computer and started printing 300 stickers.” Terrance expresses his gratitude for this opportunity as he enthusiastically proceeds, “I can’t wait to get back and work on some of my prototype merchandise.” In addition to their regular #MakerWednesday feature, the Maker Lab is open to all members of the Library. Becoming a member is an easy and free process which entails speaking with a representative in person, or registering through their stthomaspubliclibrary.ca website. The Maker Lab is located on the lower level at the St. Thomas Public Library, 153 Curtis Street. Their hours
Terrance Tew of Tipsy Pig Spice Co. uses the Maker Lab for his spice labels.
of operation are Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 8:30 pm, and on Saturday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm.
1-519-859-5070 nursenextdoor.com
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2024 Page 5
Bringing Back the Talent Last November, we hosted the inaugural St. Thomas Seniors Got Talent. It is an incredible evening showcasing local seniors’ talents across various genres, from dance and singing to musical performances and even a silent clown act. Our performers gave it their all for a sold-out audience. The night was such a resounding success that we immediately knew we had to bring it back. And now, here we are, getting ready for St. Thomas Seniors Got Talent 2. The event will be held on November 2nd at 6:30 pm at the St. Thomas Seniors Centre (225 Chestnut St, St. Thomas), and it’s expected to sell out once again. Angela Ostojic, Manager of the Seniors Centre, shared that the audience’s enthusiasm was clear: they insisted
the show must return. “It was a great success last year. It supports a wonderful cause, and it was something we hadn’t done before. Both the audience and participants loved it. It was a great experience for them to showcase their talents.” This year’s show again supports Hospice of Elgin, with all ticket proceeds being donated to this vital cause. Last year, the event raised $1,500 for Hospice, and we aim to double that amount this year. Angela also noted that the fun wasn’t limited to the audience: “The Green Room was the funniest place in the whole event. The performers had their own separate party in there.”
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Of course, an event like this wouldn’t be possible without the help of many volunteers and generous sponsors. The presenting sponsor for St. Thomas Seniors Got Talent is Nurse Next Door, locally owned and operated by Tammy Bale, who is thrilled to see what the second year
66 West Ave. (By the Memorial Arena)
Page 6 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2024
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Proudly supporting our community since 1991. 519-633-9691 1030 Talbot St., St. Thomas METCALF The Next Best Place to Home
will bring. “Last year’s event was an outstanding success! Although I couldn’t personally attend the main event, I had the privilege of being one of the preliminary judges. It was an absolute honour to witness so many talented seniors from our community, each showcasing their unique abilities. There’s a real excitement and buzz in our community around this event, and I’m so thankful to be part of it again this year.” Tammy also explained why she was eager to return as the title sponsor: “This event aligns perfectly with our philosophy of care at Nurse Next Door. We believe in ‘Happier Aging,’ where we encourage others to get back to doing what they love. We celebrate people for their uniqueness and help them achieve their dreams, whatever they may be. This platform gives seniors in our community a chance to do just that!” Auditions for this year’s event will be held on October 3rd. If you’d like to audition, please call 519-495-7177 by 8 pm on October 2nd to be added to the schedule. This year’s performers promise to be a diverse group with incredible talent. Again, the live show is on Saturday, November 2nd, at 6:30 pm at the St. Thomas Seniors Centre. Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased starting October 1st at the St. Thomas Seniors Centre or by calling 519-495-7177. Last year’s event sold out in just over two weeks, so be sure to grab your tickets early so you don’t miss out! Living at Royal Oak Senior Living Rocks! See for yourself by booking a tour and complimentary lunch!
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2024 Page 7
Eat Well, Live Well by Patricia Beaver, VON Client Co-ordinator VON Middlesex-Elgin believes a healthy diet is essential to feeling well and enjoying life to the fullest. Health-promoting nutrients from a variety of healthy foods are essential to get the nutrients you need to promote and protect health, provide energy, prevent muscle and bone loss and lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart conditions or diabetes. Dieticians and physicians promote healthy eating habits and obtaining essential nutrients from fruits and vegetables which may include fresh spinach, sweet potatoes, or a vegetable stir fry maintain strength and overall health. A key part of aging, independent living and enjoying a quality of life is knowing the impact of cooking and getting enough of the different nutrients from proteins and calcium-rich foods to keep bones and muscles healthy, for example, adding fortified milk alternatives such as unsweetened almond milk instead of water to prepare cream soups, hot cereals, mixes or stew. It is important to eat whole grain products such as oatmeal, buckwheat, bulgur, barley or quinoa for energy, vitamins, minerals and fibre. Try brown rice, bran muffins, whole wheat pasta, or wild rice in your menu options. Proteins are made up of chemical building blocks called amino acids and are an essential part of a healthy diet. As we age, one of the major threats to independent living is the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. Proteins
from eggs, nuts, seeds, fish, beans, peas, lentils and soy products build and repair muscles and bones, make hormones and enzymes as well as generate energy. As a person ages, challenges and changes in the body impact appetite, digestion, and lifestyle which may make it more difficult to get to a grocery store, prepare meals, or cook prepared foods. Changes in lifestyle may also mean less income, isolation, caregiving for a loved one, or variations in health that require medication, impacting taste and appetite. It is a good idea to stock your pantry with a variety of non-perishable food items, such as peanut butter, skim milk powder, canned fruits, vegetables, pasta sauce, fish, beans, or whole grain rice, pasta, and oatmeal. VON Middlesex-Elgin offers another option for adults 55+ or adults with a disability – Meals on Wheels. This is a healthy food delivery service by volunteers to promote a pathway to wellness. Nourishing hot and frozen meals bridge the gap between unexpected hospitalizations and long-term sustainable independence. Fresh meal service is prepared by accredited organizations like Metcalfe Gardens St. Thomas, and delivered by a team of dedicated volunteers. The price of hot meals includes an entrée, soup or salad, and dessert. Each meal is suited to dietary situations -- diabetic, gluten-free, lactose- free, vegetarian, sodium-restricted, minced, or regular, unrestricted diets. All meal deliveries are also an opportunity for a reassurance check. For more information, please contact VON Middlesex-Elgin @ 519-637-6408. 2024 Fall Leaf and
Yard Waste Collection October 22 – November 29, 2024 Residents will have an opportunity to place organic material out in paper bags or bundles every week on their waste collection day during this period. Only material set out in paper bags will be collected. Material placed out in plastic bags will not be collected and will remain the responsibility of the property owner. Residents are still encouraged to utilize their green cart to their fullest ability. Acceptable Material Includes: Grass, leaves, weeds, plants and brush (no longer than 3 feet and no thicker than 2 inches in diameter) Acceptable Set outs incude: • Material set out in paper yard waste bags weighing no more than 45 lbs. • Bundles of brush weighing no more than 45 lbs. The Community Recycling Centre at 330 South Edgeware Road accepts leaf and yard waste from St. Thomas residents free of charge (5 Bag Maximum) for those who do not wish to utilize the curbside program.
COZY UP
TO A HEALTHY FALL
Stay safe and healthy as you settle back into routine. It’s time to embrace the coziness of fall while keeping health and safety top of mind. Visit www.swpublichealth.ca for tips on food safety, infectious disease prevention, and school health preparedness to ensure your autumn is safe and enjoyable.
For more information call 519-631-1680 ext. 4258 or go to www.stthomas.ca Please have all material out by 7am on your collection day.
swpublichealth.ca 1-800-922-0096
Page 8 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2024
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25th Anniversary Seniors Picnic in the Park, September 18th, 2024
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2024 Page 9
Halloween Costumes Through the 60s and 70s Halloween costumes in the 1960s and 1970s were a mix of pop culture influences, traditional spooky themes, and creative DIY approaches. These decades saw a shift in Halloween celebrations, with more focus on costumes inspired by television, movies, and popular culture. Here’s a look at my top Halloween costumes that defined those eras. 1960s – The Golden Age of TV and Pop Culture: In the 1960s, television shows and comic book characters became hugely influential in shaping Halloween cos- tume trends. Superheroes: With the rise of comic books and the popularity of shows like Batman, starring Adam West, superheroes became a Halloween staple. Children and adults alike dressed up as Batman, Superman, and Spider- Man. The iconic capes, masks, and logos made these costumes easily recognizable and highly sought after. Space Age Influence: The Space Race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union captured the public’s imagination. Astronaut costumes, often featuring silver spacesuits and helmets, were popular during this time. Shows like Star Trek also contributed to the popularity of space-themed costumes, with many opting to dress as characters like Captain Kirk or Spock. Monsters and Classic Horror: While TV and comic book characters gained popularity, traditional horror figures % Why is that small number SO BIG?
like Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Mummy remained Halloween favourites. The classic Universal monsters and newer horror icons, such as the Creature from the Black Lagoon, inspired both children and adults to embrace the spooky side of the holiday. Pop Culture Icons: Celebrities and music icons also influenced Halloween costumes. The Beatles were particularly popular, with many donning wigs and matching suits to imitate the Fab Four. Additionally, movie characters like James Bond and Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s were popular costume choices. 1970s – A Decade of Nostalgia and Innovation: The 1970s continued the trend of pop culture-inspired costumes, emphasizing television, film, and music.
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Star Wars: Released in 1977, Star Wars revolutionized Halloween costumes. Characters like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Darth Vader, and Stormtroopers became instant favourites. The simplicity and recognizability of these characters, combined with the movie’s massive popularity, made Star Wars costumes a dominant trend. Disco Fever: The disco craze of the late 1970s influenced Halloween costumes. Many people dressed in flashy, glittery outfits inspired by the disco scene, with platform shoes, bell bottoms, and colourful jumpsuits. Characters from Saturday Night Fever became popular, with John Travolta’s white suit being a top choice. TV Show Characters: Popular TV shows continued to influence costume trends. The Brady Bunch, The Addams Family, and Scooby-Doo were among the shows that inspired Halloween costumes. For instance, dressing as the entire Scooby-Doo gang was a popular group costume idea. Horror Revival: The 70s saw a resurgence of horror films, which translated into popular Halloween costumes. Characters from movies like The Exorcist and Halloween became instant classics. Michael Myers’ white mask and jumpsuit from Halloween became an iconic and chilling costume choice. Halloween had a deeply nostalgic and homemade feel. While mass-produced costumes were becoming more widely available, many families still embraced the tradition of creating their own DIY costumes. This was an era before the dominance of big-box stores and online shopping, so crafting a costume often meant rummaging through closets, repurposing old
clothes, and using household items to bring a character to life. Sheets became ghost costumes, cardboard was transformed into shields or masks, and old clothes were creatively altered to suit various characters. Making a costume was often a family affair, with parents and children working together to cut, glue, and stitch their way to the perfect Halloween look.
This DIY approach added a personal touch to costumes and fueled the imagination. Kids didn’t just become Batman or a mummy; they became their unique version of these characters. The homemade aspect of Halloween costumes during this time is fondly remembered by many as a symbol of the holiday’s creative spirit. The joy wasn’t just in the final reveal of the costume but in the process of creating it. The nostalgia for this era is strong because it represents a simpler time when Halloween was less commercialized and emphasized creativity, resourcefulness, and family bonding. Many who grew up during these decades recall with fondness the thrill of transforming everyday items into something magical, making their Halloween experience unique.
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From Over the Hill: My Back Yard by Peter Bloch-Hansen
have long taught their young this, but we moderns, so fond of sneering at ancient lore, are finally catching up. I love trees, these almost miraculous beings, who give us so, so much: first, offering charm and grace to our city: they’re so beautiful, especially when they flower (they all do); they give us cool shade, and the lovely sound of breezes and winds in their leaves; their branches sway rhythmically in those same airs. They bring us songbirds, which consume annoying insects; they shelter animals – some don’t like squirrels, but they are a delight to watch scampering about. Trees help regulate temperature and humidity and shelter many kinds of shade- loving plants. I’m always sad to see a tree cut down, like the two gorgeous maples at Mondamin and Scott Street destroyed to make way for a traffic roundabout nobody needs. Trees make vast, vast quantities of oxygen. And the bonus? One mature tree can sequester between 10 and 20 kg of carbon into the soil each year. For free! What has clearing hectares of woodland to make way for our EV battery plant done to our local carbon footprint? So my backyard is a haven away from it all, except the lawnmower chorus, of course. I share it, as do many, with songbirds, squirrels and, of course, a few raccoons. There’s a skunk around somewhere – apparently – also prowling cats. I even saw deer nibbling on the bushes one dark winter night. So, this written, I’m going outside to sit on my deck with a coffee and enjoy my backyard. If you’re fortunate enough to have your own backyard or even just a balcony where you can set out some flowers or grow a tomato, please take care of it, use it, and appreciate to the fullest what it offers.
I love my little backyard. First, it’s just the right size for me, my garden patch and my little ELECTRIC lawn mower (how virtuous of me!) And it’s beautiful, my own mini-Eden. It’s private. The right side is hed- ged with tall flowering shrubs and a juniper tree, the other side by a yew,
a crepe myrtle, my neighbour’s apple tree, plus a flowering Japanese cane. Across the back runs a six-foot board fence, stained cedar. Lilies and ferns border it and wild raspberries are slowly covering it, with flowering aegopodium slowly advancing. I’ve installed two flagstone paths going charmingly, nowhere in particular and have blueberry bushes edging my handsome deck, presently festooned with flowers. Two magnificent black walnut trees standing on the property line crown my yard. (St. Thomas is a walnut grove with a city inside it.) They are gorgeous in the early morning, the rising sun shining through their leaves. I fancy them the mother and father of my yard flora. Thanks to UBC prof., Dr. Suzanne Simard, we now know (I’ve long believed it) that trees talk to each other through chemical signals in their roots, forming, as it were, a kind of community, almost a single entity. Our native peoples
Boomers and Beyond Elgin October 2024 cover Dancing the day away at the Seniors Picnic in the Park.
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Page 12 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2024
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Monsters from Around the World
8 Woman with snakes for hair from Greek mythology 10 Giant bird from Native American folklore 11 Giant from Greek mythology with a single eye 13 Horned spirit from Alpine folklore, known for punishing naughty children 15 Tree-like creature from J.R.R. Tolkien’s universe 16 He reanimated a corpse who he called Creatures 17 Flesh-eating ghoul from Arabic folklore 19 Female spirit who wails in the night from Irish folklore
20 Japanese radioactive sea monster 21 Release this monster of Greek mythology 22 Egyptian god with a jackal’s head 23 Clown-faced demon from Stephen King’s “It.” 24 Winged lion from Persian mythology Down 1 Fire-breathing, lion-headed monster from Greek mythology 2 Cannibalistic witch from Slavic folklore who lives in a hut on chicken legs 3 Giant ape who fights Godzilla in a 2021 film 4 Shape-shifting wolf from European folklore
Across 5 Large, hairy creature from the Himalayas 6 Half-man, half-bull from Greek mythology 7 Mischievous imp from Cornish folklore 9 Giant ape-like creature from North America 12 Large, winged reptilian creature from Chinese mythology 13 Mischievous goblin from German folklore 14 Three-headed dog guarding the underworld in Greek mythology 17 Giant, stone creature from Jewish folklore 18 Undead creature that sucks blood 19 Snake with a rooster’s head from European folklore
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2024 Page 13
Folks, We Need a Carb Tax by Terry Carroll Grief takes many forms.
explanation, “There’s nothing stupider than a teenage boy.” One also might wonder if there is anyone on Planet Earth who has the intelligence and willpower to stop at, say, 43 chips from a Lay’s B.B.Q. Chips, Family Size bag. If such people exist, I would like to meet them. Given the health risks to grief-stricken seniors who engage in gluttonous potato chip swallowing following funerals, should not our federal government get involved? I have in mind a carb tax, substantial enough to encourage 43 chips, and only 43, at a time — my purchase of Lay’s B.B.Q. Chips, Family Size, set me back about $3 plus HST (as long as I bought 2 for $5.99; please don’t ask). What if a new carb tax raised this to $6 per bag plus HST? Would doubling the price do it? I fear not. However, a carb tax plus the folksy wisdom of Doug Ford could have the desired impact. Responding to summer reports from places like, well, Wasaga Beach, Premier Doug intoned, “Folks, don’t be pooping on the beach.” That is exactly what Port Stanley and the area needed to hear. The carb tax would be one tool to discourage excessive consumption. Hearing the following words from a sweating Doug Ford would clinch it: “Folks, when you’re grieving, don’t be overeating products made up of specially selected potatoes, vegetable oil, seasoning (sugar, salt, dextrose, molasses, onion powder, brown sugar, monosodium glutamate, malted barley flour, torula yeast, spices, corn starch, garlic powder, mustard seed oil, paprika extract, natural flavour).” I believe the monosodium glutamate balances the salt intake, and the torula yeast burns off the fat, as surely as massive amounts of munchies rectify grief. I’m sure the heavenly Donald Philip Archibald Campbell, who counterbalanced excessive cola consumption by purchasing the pop, would understand. *The drive home from the funeral in the Ottawa area takes about 6 hours without stops. Is that an excuse? Terry can be reached, writhing
In September, mine assumed the shape of one bag of Lay’s B.B.Q.Chips, Family Size, scarfed down during the drive home* from the funeral of Donald Philip Archibald Campbell, once upon a time an Elgin County farm boy. According to the chip’s packaging, 43 chips (50 g) give me 23% of my total fat requirements for the day and 12% of my sodium requirements. (The bag helpfully lets us know that 5% or less is a little and 15% or more is a lot). One entire family-sized bag offers 202 chips (235 g). I did the math. In my grief, I devoured 108% of my daily fat requirement and 56% of my daily sodium needs. This risk-taking response to death might be explained in part by the challenges Don offered me during his life. For example, some 54 years ago, when I worked for him at Embrun Farms Limited near Ottawa, he offered to buy me a king-sized bottle of cola if I drank it without stopping, which I did, right in the store. That’s a lot of effervescence. One might wonder what my 19-year-old self was thinking in terms of risk versus reward. It wasn’t as if Don offered to buy me another pop later, one I could enjoy at my leisure, a glass at a time. No, he paid for the discomfort afforded by chugging one bottle of cola right there, right then. Sure, I had bragging rights, but it was hardly like winning a poker game or an arm- wrestling competition. Years later, a psychologist, aware he was speaking to the father of teenage daughters, gave me an 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.
on the kitchen floor, at terry@carrollgroup.ca.
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Page 14 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • Septembder 2024
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BADDA BOOM! by Frances Kennedy franceskennedy782@gmail com
Autumn on the shores of Lake Erie is kettling season -- hawks swirling and circling tightly in an air thermal are called ‘kettles’. They look from a distance like something boiling in a cauldron and this
explains the origin of the name of Kettle Creek. By watching these gatherings, the hawks find thermals, then easily cross over Lake Erie at minimum energy. What is described can also be turkey vultures, but regardless, the phenomenon prevails: the ability of birds, despite their ‘party of allegiance’ to communicate and impressively coordinate for the benefit of the common good. Consider how Canada geese honk encouragement from behind, organize and re-organize in V formation to share the effort of the point. I’m always baffled when bumbling idiots are called birdbrains. What’s my point? We can achieve great things when acting collectively with others with whom we share a common cause and, when in doubt, we must just look up. It’s early days but the federal election looms large in our future whether on or before October 27, 2025. It’s about to get vocal at a local level: Karen Vecchio, our Elgin Middlesex London (EML) MP has declined to seek re-election next term. For any ‘dyed- in-the-wool’ party members of no matter what stripe, this is not about partisan politics. If there’s one known we all own in common it’s our right to trust in the sanctity of our democracy. One lesson we all earned among many as a result of COVID is that good governance can’t be left to chance. Public leaders have no right to let their actions be influenced by personal interests; they must consider what is right, not what is advantageous to a party or class. The long shadow cast by the merchants of doubt and conspiracy theorists recommends we ask the right questions, right now. It’s well worth the time to undertake to understand the process, the role of the Electoral District Association and changes to the federal electoral boundaries. All that and more is available online. Electing the best representative for EML is no small matter; it’s imperative, and equally important is that we can trust the integrity of the election results. The extraordinary scope, nature, and duration of the pandemic made evident the truth in the truism ‘Absolute power demoralizes.’ As we watch the unfolding of the presidential election in the Excited States of America, we need to be aware that it’s not simply a baffling battle between Republicans and Democrats; it’s a global, real-time war between autocracy and democracy; the dismantling of the institutions that preserve the democracy for which life, limb and sanity of our very own were sacrificed. The volume of divisiveness that resonates at all three levels of our own government requires our attention, and intention to common purpose; we cannot settle, we must kettle! 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 • October 2024 Page 15
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