Boomers and Beyond Nov 2021

Boomers and Beyond Nov 2021

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Celebrating the 55+ Community of Elgin County November 2021 • Issue 26

Back to the House of Commons by Karen Vecchio, MP Elgin-Middlesex-London On October 5th, I returned to Ottawa for our first official Caucus meeting for Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition. My return to Ottawa allowed me time to reflect on my re-election as your Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London. I am truly honoured to represent the great people of this riding in the 44th Parliament and recognize the privilege that I have been given. This past election provided the opportunity for multiple parties to put forward their platforms and for the electorate to voice their opinions onmultiple issues facing Canadians. Key policies included housing, healthcare, affordability, mental health and addictions, the economy, the environment and truth and reconciliation. However, the dominant conversation in this riding focused on vaccines and potential federal and provincial mandates. Since my re-election, I have been addressing these issues both locally and nationally as your representative. I recognize that within our local communities, protocols surrounding COVID-19 and vaccination status can cause great division. It was obvious to me throughout this election that we must work on having productive discussions so we can move towards real solutions. I will continue to host meetings with stakeholders and receive feedback on these issues as I prepare for my return to the House of Commons to debate these important concerns this fall. The election also provided me an opportunity to speak to many people regarding the concerns they have for their families and their future. I am excited to work with our local municipal councils, our MPP Jeff Yurek, and other regional partners

Karen Vecchio

to find innovative solutions that will help overcome these challenges. We have many examples of local partnerships that have produced amazing results, and we must continue to work together to make progress in these areas. On September 30th, Canadians came together to commemorate the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. I along with my constituency staff Cathy, Jena, Jill and Charli, attended local

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ceremonies in Elgin-Middlesex-London. For many Canadians, we are only beginning to learn about the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada and some of the tragedies they suffered. This day offered dedicated time for Indigenous leaders and communities to join local municipalities and leadership to honour the lives lost in Residential Schools and to address the inter-generational trauma that Indigenous people continue to face. I would like to thank the many individuals who worked to commemorate this important day in their communities and acknowledge their work in providing this opportunity for us to come together on this first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. I look forward to growing my relationship with local Indigenous communities. The riding of Elgin-Middlesex-London is composed of the County of Elgin, the City of St. Thomas, the Municipality of Thames Centre and a portion of the city of London. Although the geography is vast and the demographics are different, there are many common concerns facing constituents. Although many people have returned to work, many jobs remain unfilled. We must work together to address the growing disconnect between employers and employees. I am optimistic that our local economy will have strong growth, but that must be launched through a strong economic plan that includes skills development, credential recognition and building a strong workforce. Growing our economy and adopting a responsible approach to federal spending must also be a key priority of this government in the 44th Parliament. Throughout the election, I heard from many constituents about the increased cost of living. Many families, seniors and individuals are struggling to get by as life becomes increasingly unaffordable. We must tackle inflation

and the rising cost of necessities as well as work out a plan to address the ever-growing debt and deficit. Prior to the election, the Federal Government announced support to improve VIA rail service in Southwestern Ontario. Following the announcement, the community was looking for clear timelines andmore details on this service. I will address this issue which is important to our region with the newly appointed Minister of Transport and our local levels of government. Over the past six years, I have had the honour to work with many organizations representing women, young girls, and minors. In this work, I have truly found one of my passions. I look forward to addressing issues such as domestic violence, sexual exploitation and human trafficking, violence against women, and the need to empower youth. As the former chair of Status of Women in the 42nd and 43rd Parliament, I met with representatives who shared their personal stories and provided me a broader perspective on issues impacting our society. These are important issues in our local communities, and I look forward to meeting with experts locally and nationally to discuss these topics. I will continue my outreach to communities throughout this Parliament to ensure that I am representing the voices of this riding accurately. I remain extremely thankful for the trust given to me and look forward to working for the people of Elgin- Middlesex-London. CANADA H A P P Y D A Y Karen VECCHIO MP ELGIN N MIDDLESEX X LONDON KAREN.VECCHIO O PARL.GC.CA KARENVECCHIOMP.CA 519 9 637 7 2255

Karen Vecchio’s constituency office is at 750 Talbot St, St Thomas, ON N5P 1E2

Letter From the Editor Happy November, folks! November 11th is of course, Remembrance Day, a day when every Canadian should take a moment to think about the sacrifices of so many so that we can enjoy the freedom and privileges we do enjoy as a county. While I truly respect Remembrance Day, to me it is not enough; we should not limit ourselves to a minute of silence once a year as we don’t enjoy our freedom only one minute a year. We should remember our veterans every day. November also means the holidays, the most wonderful time of year for so many of us, are just around the corner. However, as you are checking off your Christmas list this year, I ask that you remember a family who may be a little less fortunate this year and pick up a gift or some non-perishable food items that you can donate to great local organizations such as The St. Thomas Elgin Food Bank, Christmas Care, The Grace Café, etc. I hope you enjoy this issue as we shares stories to help your health and your spirit, and highlight some local volunteers who have been helping raise the Christmas spirit for decades. Plus, in grateful remembrance, we highlight some local stories of those who served.

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2021

Page 3

Volunteers of the Month Sponsored By Royal Oak Senior Living

During the past three years, we have been featuring local volunteers who are 55+ within our community. This month, for the first time, we are featuring three people as our volunteers of the month. These are some of the long-standing volunteers of St. Thomas Elgin Christmas Care – Pat Conners, Andreana Collins, and Liz Casey who combined, have been volunteering for Christmas Care for over forty years! Pat Conners immigrated to Canada with his family in 1948 from Malta and settled in St. Thomas. His managerial experience in the packaging industry makes him an ideal volunteer for his role with Christmas Care. “I manage all facets of ordering, receiving, and delivering food hampers to our clients. I try to schedule outside food drives to coordinate with our timelines and assist with the needs of our administration and toy departments.” Andreana Collins moved to St. Thomas back in 1968, as she was looking for a smaller community in which to raise her son. Andreana has been with Christmas Care for almost 15 years and is the coordinator who looks after registration. Liz Casey grew up in St. Thomas and worked for 30 years at the Psychiatric Hospital. Liz has been volunteering with Christmas Care for eighteen years. She is the toy coordinator. St. Thomas Elgin Christmas Care is about providing a better Christmas for those individuals and families who need some extra assistance this time of year. “Not all children have great memories of Christmas and I’m a strong believer that a village raises a child,” says Andreana. “It’s the responsibility of every person to try to improve the world for the next generation. Many people and families face challengeswe do not. Although everyone should receive the same opportunities, not everyone does. Therefore, we all have a responsibility to improve.” “I was out for a walk one day and saw the sign for the Christmas Care location,” says Pat. “Newly retired, I thought I could spend a few hours helping out. Last year there was an opening for a coordinator, and I had some ideas that I thought would help the program.”

Liz keeps coming back, year after year. “Our community has needs due to lack of industries/employment. We have so many people on our streets who require assistance. I enjoy doing it and it’s a great group of people to work with.” For Andreana, it is all about the kids. “Many children don’t wake up Christmas morning to something under the tree and they should. Knowing that I am a small part of a child’s Christmas memory is why I keep coming back, plus working with the greatest volunteers who all have a like-minded goal!” Christmas Care is an entirely volunteer-run operation, and while its peak times are from November to December, there is work being done behind the scenes all year round. If you would like to join Pat, Andreana, Liza and the many other volunteers for Christmas Care, contact Andreana at 519-782-7074. There are many roles to be filled, especially throughout November and December, for as little or as much time as you have to give. Christmas Care Volunteers: Liz Casey, Pat Conners and Andreana Collins

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2020 Page 5

Ways to Help your Prostate It is Movember, the month when folks from around the world raise money and awareness for men’s health including prostate issues. Did you know your prostate continues to grow as you get older? This is why, as we grow older, men tend to lose a little sleep as they have one or two late night visits to the bathroom. By the age of sixty, almost half of men have issues caused by their prostate; by eighty, virtually every man does. Common prostate issues for men are: frequent or urgent need to urinate, increased frequency of urination at night, difficulty starting urination, weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts, dribbling at the end of urination and inability to completely empty the bladder. Some less common signs and symptoms are: urinary tract infection, inability to urinate and blood in the urine. While some of these symptoms can be annoying, often they are just accepted with growing older. While they can be common, they should still be discussed with your doctor, especially if you are experiencing any of the uncommon effects. Age alone is not the only contributing factor to prostate issues. Other factors include family history, diabetes, heart conditions, lifestyle and diet. If you are looking for ways to aid the health of your prostate without a prescription, here are some possibilities:

Exercise Obesity can be a big factor in prostate health. The American Cancer Society has shown that obese men have a far greater chance of dying of prostate cancer then non- obese men. Beyond that, it has been shown that running and general exercise can help keep your prostate healthy.

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Diet Like almost every other health issue, diet is a concern. It is recommended to help your prostate that you cut down on salt, sugar, red meats (including pork, lamb and beef), and limit how much processed meats like hot dogs you eat. It is also suggested that you switch to whole grain products like bread and pasta. Finally, like your mom always said, eat your fruits and veggies! Drink lots Staying hydrated can help keep everything flowing properly. Drink lots of water and try and avoid sugary drinks like pop and juice. Green tea has also been known to have antioxidants called catechins which have been known to help slow the progression of prostate cancer. While this may seem counter-

presents itself with many symptoms but offers a very high survival rate if caught early. Prostate Cancer is a very slow developer, doubling in size every two to three years instead of the average four to six months with other cancers. There are also several herbal supplements and teas that have been shown to help your prostate, which can be found at your local drug store or health supplement store, though I would always suggest consulting your pharmacist, as even herbal medical can interact poorly with any other medications you are on. As men, we generally don’t like to go to the doctors, especially for any issues below the belt. But we encourage our wives to get checked because we love them and couldn’t bear to be without them. The same is true for us. For yourself, and for your loved ones, get checked and do what you can to keep your prostate as healthy as possible.

productive at times, causing many trips to the washroom, it helps your kidneys and urinary tract. However it is suggested you not drink too much within two hours before going to bed so your bladder is not full while you sleep. Check ups Opinion varies as to when you should first get your prostate exam, some saying as early as forty while others say fifty. It is important to get it checked, and if all is healthy, keep getting it checked every two years. Prostate Cancer rarely

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Sink the Bismarck! You might be familiar with Johnny Horton song, Sink the Bismarck! While not entirely historically accurate, it did portray the battle cry of the British people after the loss of the HMS Hood. But did you know that one of St. Thomas’ very own was involved in this legendary battle? Stuart Edmund Paddon was born in St. Thomas in 1917. While attending what was then UWO for Physics, Paddon and his classmates were approached by their professor to see if they would be open to changing the classes to include more instruction on electronics, which at Western was not normally offered as an undergraduate program. Since the Royal Navy (RN) was in desperate need for capable talent with a focus on electronics, because the Royal Air Force (RAF) had taken much of that specialized talent pool, they approached the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) for help and the RCN reached out to the universities for assistance. By all accounts, Paddon was a gifted student, excelling in his new studies when he was approached by Lieutenant Commander Finch-Noyes who explained to Paddon that he would soon be plucked for training for a special top-secret assignment within the RN. In May, 1940, Stuart E. Paddon, now an acting sub lieutenant, had crossed the Atlantic and was stationed where no Canadians had been before. “As far as I know, we were the first group of Canadians to hit the Portsmouth Royal Naval Barracks,” writes Paddon in Canadian Military History, Volume 6, Number 2 . After more training on the latest radar technology, Paddon was assigned to HMS (His Majesty’s Ship) Princes of Wales which was to set sail in January.

“The Prince of Wales was the first ship to get multiple suites of radar. Up until this time ships carried one radar,” writes Paddon. He received a crew of 30 for the radar system, only one of whom had ever been to sea before, and only Paddon was a trained technician. “Needless to say, I found myself with my head inside a radar set almost continuously, with maybe 40% of the sets not functioning at any one moment.” The big day came and on January 15th, 1941. HMS Prince of Wales, a King George V class battleship, set to sea. During her first few months at sea, the Prince of Wales was running tests, as she was a brand-new ship with some brand-new technology, and the crew were trying to work out the kinks. However, on May 22nd, 1941, they met up with the battle cruiser, HMS Hood, to intercept the German battleship Bismarck and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen, who together were at sea to raid vital allied shipping. “Our Captain came on the PA system and told the ship’s company that he anticipated intercepting the Bismarck at roughly six a.m. on the 24th of May, some thirty hours away. At exactly six a.m. on the 24th, we encountered the Bismarck at 26,000 yards, roughly thirteen nautical miles,” writes Paddon, who explains that while their new radar technology gave his ship’s gunners the

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eventually damaged further by British torpedo planes and finished off by the battleships, HMS King George V and HMS Rodney and she sank to the bottom of the Atlantic. For St. Thomas native Stuart E. Paddon, this was just one of his many adventures as part of the navy. After the war ended, Paddon continued with the navy and eventually retired in 1972 with the rank of Rear Admiral. Sadly, Admiral Paddon passed away November 27th, 1989 in Ottawa. His story shows how Canadians from all across the county and all walks of life made an impact on the war effort.

opportunity to take more accurate shots, the training was not there.WhilePaddon sent signals to his command to pass onto the gunners, his signals went unnoticed and so the gunners fired in their traditional manner. Also, the fact that there was a 3rd German ship, a supply ship, also went unnoticed. The Bismarck took aim at HMS Hood and fired five rounds at the battlecruiser. “The first was roughly a hundred yards beyond the Hood; the second was a straddle of Hood.” With the third, he saw a fire occur on Hood. The fourth he did not detect and on the fifth, the Hood blew up. “Just exploded, bits of her fell on our deck,” writes Paddon. With the Hood gone just 10 minutes into the battle, with only 3 survivors, HMS Prince of Wales continued to fire on the Bismarck but was encountering technical difficulties throughout the battle and eventually withdrew. While the victory was to the Germans, damage had been done to the Bismarck’s fuel storage and forced Bismarck to make a run for drydock and repairs as leaking fuel provided a very wide trail for the British to follow. While HMS Prince of Wales re-engaged with the German ships, the Germans eventually made their escape. However, On May 26th, the Bismarck was

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2021 Page 9

The Age of Remembrance by Bill Denning When I was young, I seldom recognized significant moments as they were happening. Only years later as I looked back could I feel the impact of a story shared. Case in point: Last year, I buried the last active-duty World War II veteran in my little town. As I stood at his graveside, I recalled the stories he told me about his years serving in the navy and about how grateful his parents were to see him come home alive. It has made me realize how fortunate I am to have known so many incredible veterans and to have become friends with these service men and women who were two and three generations older than I. With the sufficient passage of time, I realized how important the stories I heard were and why they need to be shared. At the tail end of the last century, I started my career as a funeral director. I was nineteen at the time and it didn’t seem significant to be in the presence of twenty or even thirty World War II veterans standing together in uniform, preparing to honour the remains of a fallen comrade. Many times, I would chat with these old boys and girls about topics that ranged from baseball to false teeth to relationships. When enough idle chit chat had transpired and trust was established, a tale would be told. I heard old Charlie tell me about watching good friends being picked off by snipers at Monte Casino, Italy; John, fighting ‘Navis’ with his fellow ‘Desert Rats’ of the British

7th Armored Division in Egypt; Harry’s return home from three torturous years in a Japanese concentration camp; Dot, bravely cauterizing wounds and intubating soldiers in a field tent while bombs exploded in the near distance; Larry who spent years under the Atlantic in a cold war submarine, and my friend Robert’s time fighting off foes and fears in the jungle during the VietnamWar. I drank beer with my next-door neighbour, Cliff, a Korean War vet who left his small town for the first time seventy years ago to sail across the world to serve his country. Then there was my beloved grandfather, Les. As he lay in a hospital bed at the end of his life, even the Parkinson’s couldn’t stop him from telling me the story he spent his entire life trying to forget. I can still hear him talking about his first steps onto Juno Beach while watching his best friend take his last. I treasure these stories and hope that by spending the rest of my life sharing them, that I will have done my part to help my fellow Canadians always remember why they fought and pray that it will never have to happen again.

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Pilot, POW, Scout, Sheriff, Historian Born in St. Thomas on Canada Day in 1897 was Ian Donald Cameron. Ian, who grew up on St. George St. enlisted in the Canadian Army on April 12, 1916 when he was just eighteen years old and was assigned to the Mechanical Transport Company. The British Army was the most advanced when it came to motor vehicles and their role in WWI, and the Mechanical Transport companies were used to transport supplies to the front lines. However, this was extremely dangerous work, as a supply truck carrying food and/ or ammunition to the front lines became a very attractive target to the enemy. This often resulted in the drivers being required to make their transport runs at night, in the dark. In May 1917, Ian changed his military path and received a commission in the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a pilot. Flight was still fairly new in WWI, with planes first being used in warfare in 1911. Trainingwas not extensive, and the average lifespan of a Canadian pilot in WWI was just ten weeks. With only hours of actual flight training, Ian was posted to the 65th squadron in December of 1917. On December 18th, Ian and his squadron were taking part in his first mission behind enemy lines when he was separated from his team and shot down by the Germans. Captured behind enemy lines, Ian was sent to the notorious POW Camp, Holzminden, just south of Hanover, Germany. Holzminden was a camp for British officers and was run by German Capt. Karl Niemeye who ran the camp with a cruel iron-fist. Niemeye was known to beat, withhold food, and bayonet his prisoners. When Ian arrived at the camp there was already a plan in the works for some of the POWs to escape through a tunnel they had been working on. Due to Ian’s injuries from the crash, he was unable to assist with the creation of the tunnel, but instead used his ability to travel outside of the camp to gather ‘intel’ on the surrounding community, such as train schedules. On July 23, 1918, the night of the break, twenty-nine of the eighty+ prisoners made it through the tunnel, when the thirtieth got stuck, and the tunnel eventually collapsed. Of the twenty- nine who escaped, only ten made it to freedom, while the other nineteen where found and returned to the camp. When the war was over, Ian and his fellow prisoners were returned home. Ian would spend the majority of his life

here in St. Thomas, and would even serve again in WWII. After the wars, Ian served as the Sheriff of Elgin County for three appointments. Ian also became renowned as a local historian and would often be requested to give presentations on local history. Colonel Ian Donald Cameron died in January, 1973 at the age of seventy-four and is buried at Elmdale Cemetery.

JEFF YUREK, MPP Elgin-Middlesex-London Here to help you with any of the following provincial matters Monday through Friday, 10:00 - 4:30: Ontario Disability Support Program OHIP Cards • Driver’s Licences Ontario Works • Birth Certi f icates P: 519-631-0666 • T: 1-800-265-7638 750 Talbot St, Unit 201 St. T h omas, ON N5P 1E2 Email: [email protected] JEFF YUREK, MPP Elgin-Middlesex-London Here to help you with any of the following provincial matters Monday through Friday, 10:00 - 4:30: Ontario Disability Support Program OHIP Cards • Driver’s Licences Ontario Works • Birth Certi f icates P: 519-631-0666 • T: 1-800-265-7638 750 Talbot St, Unit 201 St. T h omas, ON N5P 1E2 Email: [email protected] P: 519-631-0666 • T: 1-800-265-7638 750 Talbot St, Unit 201, St. Thomas ON N5P 1E2 Email: jeff.yur [email protected]

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2021 Page 11

Why 60 is the New 40 If you were born in 1964, you have seen a lot of changes in your lifetime, both good and bad – the first man on the moon, the Vietnam war, disco, the end of the cold war and the fall of the USSR, the internet, 9/11, War in Iraq, I and II, etc. One more major change is that being 60 years old isn’t what it used to be. Chances are, when you were younger, you looked at relatives who were sixty and thought they were ancient. Due to changes in lifestyle and beauty treatments, people are more conscious of the way they look and feel, so now that you’re sixty, you look and feel younger than your counterparts did fourty years ago. However, the feeling goes beyond vanity; it is also about your day-to-day life. Unlike our parents, the goal is not to reach retirement as quickly as you can; many people are choosing to work well past sixty while incorporating a better work/life balance. The kids are out of the house now; you can leave work for a round of golf or a late-night dinner with your spouse and not have to worry about rushing the kids off to practise. Now is also the time to travel, explore the world, go places you have always dreamed of! You won’t be this young forever. While you may feel younger than your age, it is still important to watch those health milestones. Get check ups as recommended by your health professionals, including for your ears and eyes. Like those classic cars,

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Visit us at: www.christmascarestthomas.com. Registration Nov. 9 to Dec. 10 Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Elgin Centre Mall 519-637-0710 Visit us at: www.christmascarestthomas.com Registration Elgin Centre Mall November 8 to December 10 Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 519-637-0710 Donations of non-perishable food, new toys and money will be accepted at the Elgin Centre Mall or at drop boxes around town. Watch for our food drives. Donations gratefully accepted at the Santa Claus parade. We are especially in need of: Sugar-free Cereal, Hot Cereal, Quaker Oats, Brown Sugar, Pancake Mix/Syrup, Cann d Vegetabl s, Peanut Butter & Jam (large size please), Stuffing mix, Energy Bars, Apple Juice Cartons (not bottles, nor cans), Macaroni & Cheese, Canned Tuna & Ham, Jello Powder, Spaghetti & Sauce, Fruit & Pudding Cups, Soups/Stews, Crackers. If you need our services, register at the mall. We are especially in need of: Peanut butter/jam cereal (no sugar please) Fruit/pudding cups Hearty soups/stews canned meat/fish canned vegetables Pasta/sauce jello Soups stuffing mix KD If you need our services, you can register at the mall. Bring all ID and register early. Donations of non-perishable food, new toys and money will be accepted at the Elgin Centre Mall or at drop boxes around town. Also watch for our food drives happening this month. See us at the Santa Claus parade where donations will be gratefully accepted. We especially will need drivers this year. Contact us at 519-637-0710 if you are willing. Scan me to donate now! SCAN ME TO DONATE NOW Bring all ID and register early. Interested in volunteering?

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Page 12 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2021

Painters

Visit the Hometown St. Thomas Facebook Page for the Crossword answers.

A cross 2 Spanish painter famous for his blue period 6 Surrealist with a famous mustache 8 Stary Night Painter 10 Norwegian painter of the Scream 12 Famous Mexian Painter _____ Kahlo 14 Italian man with his own code 17 Canadian Artist from London known for After the Bath 18 3 named Flemish artist famous for his nudes 19 Painted the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling Down 1 American Painter best known for American Gothic

16 Campbells never looks so good 19 French master know for his water lilies

3 “quintessential Jewish artist of the twentieth century” Marc 4 Canadian Painter famous for his landscapes 5 One named Italian painter who painted Madonna (also a Ninja Turtle) 7 Canadian Artist whos studio can be found in Sparta 9 Canadian Painter known for her Aboriginal themes and landscapes 10 French master who loved to paint nudes and fruit 11 American abstract master 13 Dutch Master one name 15 Painter of the Girl with the Pearl Earing

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2021

Page 13

From aWoodenWeapon to a Machete – a Tale of Talbot Street by Terry Carroll On a July afternoon when even lowly insects are seeking shade, my lovely wife, Nancy, enters the Cellular Magician on Talbot Street. I linger in the parking lot becauseit’s too hot to stay in our vehicle, and the coronavirus is still too threatening

Geoffrey Rae Managing Editor / Sales [email protected] • 519-495-7177 Copy Editor: Peter Bloch-Hansen Publisher: Barb Botten [email protected] Graphic Artist – Cathy Wood Photos, community events and article suggestions welcome. Please email [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you. oomers B E YOND B and As some sort of solution for the ROST’s relationship with the 90% of the homeless who are not scary, I’m tempted to quote a recently deceased musician who knew something about music therapy. John Prine wrote eloquently about lonely people waiting for someone to say, “Hello in there. Hello.” But who among us has the courage? From the evidence, apparently not me. As a senior confronted by a man whose energy is amplified by some substance, all I want to do is extricate myself from the situation before he plunges – by accident or drug-fuelled design–what amounts to a weapon into some soft part of my anatomy. Fortunately, he is distracted by something real or imagined, tossesdown thewoodenweaponandmovesaway. Hepaces the plaza sidewalk, back and forth, speaking to himself or someone in his mind. As other people appear, he addresses those who cannot not skirt him before he disappears around the corner of the building into shadier areas. Two months later, I take a call at Elgin – St. Thomas Community Foundation (ESCF) from The Divine Ms. T, who runs a downtown office offering services to small businesses. She’s been researching life among people living rough and is interested in launching music therapy workshops to stimulate emotional expression, self esteem and interpersonal connection for homeless people. Since the issue is one of the priority areas for ESCF’s Great-EST Needs Fund, I tell her we might get involved. I also relay the story of the man with the wedge of wood and the low-riding pants. I add that I’mnot sure a music therapy program would reach some people whom a friend of mine calls drifters, as if this were the Dirty Thirties. T says she thinks she knows the wooden knife-wielder and one other Talbot Street wanderer who are both scary. A month further on, I’m at a committee meeting, and a woman who owns a business in the west end of Talbot Street tells those present about Machete Man, brandishing a razor-sharp tool more commonly used in equatorial areas of the globe. The police were called and, as in my case, nothing bad happened. A lot of this can be left to the charitable sector and to professionals funded by various levels of government. But not all of it. The Rest of St. Thomas (ROST) has some obligations beyond finger-wagging.

for more than one customer at a time in the store. A man, maybe forty, slim as a surfer, approaches me. He wears jeans slung so low I can see an upper fringe of pubic hair. Runners without laces. No socks. His bare upper body is burnished to a golden brown. His tanned face is red and brown above his beard. With his right fist, he grips a sharp triangle of weathered hardwood that appears to have split off a pallet. “Do you know where to find clothes?” he asks. “You mean free clothes?” “I guess.” “Maybe the Salvation Army.” I pull out my cellphone to call the Salvation Army – Family and Community Services. It rings and rings, goes to voicemail. The slim man raises his wooden knife and chops up and down with it, up and down, telling me he shut down the Salvation Army in London.

Ice and Lounge Rentals Available

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Work holiday party Team Building Business Meeting Family Celebration Contact wecurl@stthomascurlingclub for more information. *Covid safety protocols will be in effect

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Page 14 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2021

BADDA BOOM! by Frances Kennedy

Boomers and Beyond November 2021 Cover St. Thomas’ WWI memorial combined with the Poppy mural.

Do you remember wanting to change the world and believing that you could? I do. Then, as I recall, life got in the way and the world became my world and so small it seemed as to make my life’s purpose simply self-serving. Funny thing about a global

Photos by Geoff Rae, design by Cathy Wood

pandemic being the cause of a pause in life because with time to reflect – I’m seeing blessings in the messiness of chaos, disruption, and uncertainty. Of several, one is recognizing that a stay-at-home mandate has helped me to redefine “the world” as my community and “home” as my community. My newfound awareness of that convergence is worthy of urgency, and it has rightfully re-booted my own life’s purpose. Prolific writers are very often voracious readers, but I’m known better for the latter. Living alone affords me the luxury of littering my abode with splayed books open to reveal something I want to ponder as I putter about. In my pre-pandemic life, I facilitated strategic planning retreats. Now, books, blogs, and briefs inform and converge to identify emerging trends that create new (and sometimes surprising) possibilities. In this, the last quarter of 2021 (the year I deemed to be “The Year of Miracles), here’s what I believe to be true: mental health and personal well-being are foremost concerns in theminds of leaders across sectors; citizens’ engagement is key in developing healthy communities; urbanites now untethered from office towers are migrating to secondary cities and small communities in unprecedented numbers; good corporate citizenship has become a commonly held core value of private enterprise regardless of size; “doing good” supports personal, enterprise and community sustainability. Small is indeed beautiful and because we’re small, our communities are powerful… changing our world changes the world. What if we didn’t wait for miracles but instead made them happen? To that end, there’s this: In a recent conversation with Terry Carroll, one of the founders and ED of The Elgin St. Thomas Community Foundation I learned more than enough to suggest we can all contribute to making miracles happen. With a mission that states, “Everything we do is designed to help build more vibrant and resilient communities across Elgin,” the Foundation is utilizing the Aylmer-Elgin-St. Thomas Community Safety and Well-Being Plan to guide its 2021 granting. You can change the world by changing yours! Let’s remember to own our power and share it with those who need help. Let’s do what we can to serve the greater good -- less dissent online, more reading and listening; less worrying and anxiety, more volunteering; less clicking “Buy Now” on Amazon, and more “Shop Local” on-line, and on the street. Nothing matters if we don’t care. That may sound silly, but actually… it’s pretty profound. If you’ve stopped caring, you need help, and helping others helps. Let’s find simple, meaningful ways to contribute to our communities, our world. 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 • November 2021

Page 15

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