Boomers June 2022

Boomers June 2022

EYOND B oomers Celebrating the 55+ Community of Elgin County June 2022 • Issue 32

B and

JUNE 25-26

• Tons of aircraft in the air and on the ground • Expanded Kid Zone • Camping • Mustang Car Club • Aircraft Rides • The Ultimutts Dog Show • The Hercules Haul • Exhibits • And So Much More!

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Page 2 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • June 2022

Elgin County’s Western Alumni 80th Annual Dinner

Did you know that Elgin County’s branch of the Western Alumni Association hosts one of Western’s longest-running alumni events? That’s right; our local branch has been holding an annual picnic, going all the way back to 1927, an event which continued even through World War II, the Korean War and were only interrupted by the pandemic! Well, the Elgin County Western Alumni Association is proud to bring back their Picnic on Wednesday, June 15th, 2022, and if you are a graduate of Western University you are invited! “Originally started way back in the 20s as an informal gathering and potluck by a group of doctors from Western,” says Brian Bolt, one of the picnics organizers, “It slowly started growing. We are still not a formal group, and it has never become a formal, registered charity.” The charity Brian refers to is the Elgin County Western Alumni Bursary which is where the funds from the picnic have gone since 2007. The Bursary consists of four awards each year to local Elgin County students attending Western. “Eventually the picnic became an evening event,” Brian continues, “And then it started to become catered so now we still call it a picnic dinner as it is outside.” The event has been hosted at various alumnis’ homes throughout the years, and even in some local event spaces like the CASO Station in St. Thomas. Again, this year it will be hosted in an alumni’s yard. “The event ranges from 75 to 150 guests,” says Mary- Ellen Bolt who is also organizing the picnic. “It is made up of Western Alumni and their spouses. It is always a lot of fun, and a chance to get together with old friends and make new

Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • June 2022 Page 3 2 0 2 2 June 15 to July 9 If you are a Western Alumni living in Elgin County, then Brian and Mary-Ellen would encourage you to come out and have fun and be a part of this long standing Elgin tradition! RSVP to Mary-Ellen by June 9th at 519-633- 6435 or email her at [email protected] . Show Sponsor we chose to have Western grad, Alex Kopacz, who is a co-champion in the two-man bobsled at the 2018 Winter Olympics,” says Mary-Ellen. “He now coaches and trains future Olympians and, as this is an Olympic year, we thought it was a great fit.”

contacts within the community. You already know you have at least one thing in common,” jokes Mary-Ellen. “For some of us, the only chance we get to see each other is at this annual picnic,” adds Brian. Each year the picnic hosts a guest speaker who is also a Western grad or faculty member. “This year

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Letter from the Editor

Join our BOARD of DIRECTORS Make a Difference! Family and Children Services is currently recruiting new Board Members to join our team of dedicated leaders. As a provincially mandated Child Welfare agency, serving children, youth and families is at the heart of everything we do. The Society is committed to supporting and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in our organization and the communities we serve. As such, we are expressly interested in hearing from individuals who identify as African Canadian, Indigenous, racialized, LGBTQ2S+, Low German-speaking Mennonite and persons with disabilities. Building a diverse and inclusive staff and Board is a priority for our organization. If you believe healthy families make healthy communities and want to help guide our future work and make an important difference in your community, you can apply to join our team. Board members must be 18 years of age or older and live in St. Thomas or Elgin County. You must also undergo a Criminal Record Check and Child Welfare Screening. To learn more about the work of the Society visit www.caselgin.on.ca. All interested candidates are encouraged to request a volunteer application by emailing [email protected] or by calling 519-631-1492 ext. 510 . country, the Western Alumni Elgin County Branch Annual Picnic. We discover how the event first started, and why it has stayed an annual tradition for so many in Elgin. There are so many exciting things going on in our community and the surrounding areas during June. The St. Thomas Home Show will be on at the Joe, June 3rd- 5th; the Port Stanley Art Guild will host their annual Art Show & Sale at the Legion,June 10th – 12th. Of course, Father’s Day is June 19th. While you are showing Dad how much you care, make sure to also show some local love by shopping local for him. Speaking of Father’s Day, on Sunday June 19th, the St. Thomas Lions will once again be hosting their Father’s Day Car Show at Pinafore Park. Finally. On the weekend of June 25th and 26th, Air Fest takes off at the St. Thomas Airport. Also, I wanted to take this opportunity once again to remind you that Election Day is Thursday, June 2nd. For your convenience, early voting opportunities are available: check your Voter Information Card or inquire at elections. on.ca. I urge you to take an opportunity to go and cast your vote. This is your opportunity to help shape your province into what you believe it should be. It doesn’t matter if your candidate wins or loses; your vote matters and I hope you will join me in exercising our right to have our voices heard.

Welcome to June, such a glorious month! In June, we celebrate Men’s Health Month, Turkey Lovers Month, National Camping Month and of course, Seniors’ Month. A whole month dedicated to our greatest gen- eration, and boy what a month to celebrate! Just think -- you and your partner can go out for

a hike and some camping while enjoying some turkey jerky -- which would be good for your overall health -- all while celebrating the amazing gift of being a senior. One of the great benefits of being a senior in this day and age is the ability to have more say over your own retirement. Gone are the days when you put in your 30 years and wait for your cake and your watch; today you can retire at 55 and spend your days in the garden or on the putting green. Or, as some do, choose to keep working. This month, in celebration of seniors, we chatted with four local seniors who are still actively pursuing their chosen professions and find out what keeps them motivated. For graduates of Western University, we also chatted with organizers of one of the oldest alumni events in the

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Page 4 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • June 2022

Volunteer of the Month Sponsored By Royal Oak Senior Living

Some of our past volunteers of the month first got into volunteering when they retired and had more time on their hands. This month’s volunteer, Bob Nemett, has been serving his community now for almost 60 years! Bob has been a member of the Port Stanley Lions Club since he was just 21 years old. “Back in 1963, I had a store in Port Stanley,” says Bob. “The chap next to me was a pharmacist, Jerry Elliott, and he was a charter member the Lions Club from when the club formed in 1960. He asked me to come out. I think I was about 21 at that time, before I had even met my wife. I joined the club and now it’s been coming up on 59 years.” Being part of a service organization like the Lions has been so meaningful to Bob, who not only loves all the good his group does in the community, but he also enjoys working with the different Lions members. “We are having fun going out making money for somebody else,” he enthuses. Bob is currently the club Secretary but has served many roles, including President. While chatting with Bob in his office, I couldn’t help but notice all the awards he has won over the years for his service, including the Helen Keller Award; this past year, he won the International President’s Medal. Outside of the Lions Club, Bob says his proudest achievement in the service of others is spearheading a campaign to make his church accessible to those with mobility issues. “Back in 2013, I went to the church board, and I said, ‘Look; our people are getting up in years. We really need to make this an accessible church. To do that, we have to put in an elevator, and we have to make the washrooms accessible’.” Bob was initially rebuffed, as the task was a big one and would require a lot of funds, but Bob continued with his quest and talked about how long- standing members of the church may one day not be able to attend and that renovating their current location was preferable to building a new church from scratch or not

having one at all. Eventually the board agreed, and the fundraising began. “Within the year, we had it paid for,” says Bob, who jokingly adds: “I told my wife last Sunday, that when I die, I want my ashes to go down the elevator. I want to have one last ride in the elevator.” Chatting with Bob, you can hear his passion for the Lions Club and all the good work they do in the community, and he encourages you to consider joining your local Lions Club. “They’re all guys, the same as you and you’re probably going to know some of them because they’re all from the area. If you don’t, you will by the time you go home. The best way to meet people is in a service club, because you’re out in the community, and you’re dealing with those people on a one-by-one basis, and you go and you have fun. And that’s the whole idea of the service club. It’s -- we’re volunteers.”

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Page 6 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • June 2022

Getting his Hands Dirty for his Family John Lennon once said ‘ Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans’ . For Bob Ward, owner of The Auto Guys in St. Thomas that is exactly what happened. “It is a funny one, because I had actually graduated from University of Western Ontario, near the end of it, my part time job was working at a gas station” says Bob “At that time, I wanted to be a teacher, like half the population, so I have to go back in my final year and bring my marks up. But I thought, no, I’m not going to do that. So, I started working at the gas station. I have always liked doing things with my hands, so I started doing repairs and stuff on cars. The mechanic at the time said, ‘You know what, you should really sign up for an apprenticeship, and you can apprentice under me’. So, I did, and I thoroughly enjoyed it because he was a great teacher, and I learned a lot from him. Sadly, he passed away, so I went to another shop when I was in my apprenticeship. I lucked out twice in a row as I met this little Russian mechanic who had a PhD in Russia, he was extremely intelligent. He was very structured and very anal about things, but I learned a huge amount from him”. After working for a few independent shops in London as a licensed technician, Bob was helping out and working on the management side of the business and eventually parlayed that into partial ownership of the Midas shop here in St. Thomas. But as good as Bob was, he knew he could be doing better. “I quickly found out even though I was a good tech, I wasn’t as good of a business operator as I thought I would be. I was doing okay; we were making a little bit of money. So, I went with a consulting group that helped me fine tune my business and operationally do things that got me really interested in it, then I became a numbers guy. Slowly, I migrated over to the admin end of it, and got away from turning wrenches. When we made the Auto Guys and built this business, I didn’t hardly turn wrenches at all. I focus on all administrative work. So that’s the work that I enjoy”. But Bob is quick to point out it is important to know all aspects of your business. “You still have to get your hands dirty, you still have to get down into the business and work at it”. Bob has always felt it is important to give back to the community. But even with his volunteering, and his business Bob knows how important his family is to him. “I

have a very understanding wife; Lynda helps me do things in the business. I’m very lucky to have her. The success of the business and success in my personal life are the two things. As long as I can live comfortably and provide for my family, that’s all I ask for. As a business owner, you’re not a nine to five person. It means at sometimes you’re working at home but if you have an understanding family and they realize what you’re doing right is in everybody’s benefit, that’s great. You can never let go your focus. If you let go of your focus on the business, your business will suffer. It takes a lot to establish a business and get it rolling. But it takes an equal amount, if not more to keep it that way, you can’t let your foot off the throttle if you want it to succeed”. The Auto Guys is located at 135 South Edgeware Rd, St. Thomas.

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • June 2022 Page 7

Not Your Average Joe They say that 60 is the new 40, and for anyone who has witnessed how Mayor Joe Preston keeps up with his schedule would believe him to be a man in his 40’s. In his late sixties, Joe balances his businesses, his family and being the top dog of a rapidly growing city! To top it off, he let it be known that he wants 4 more years of this hectic schedule, as he is running for Mayor again in this fall’s election. “I can’t be that slow, right?” says Joe “I have to have something to do. Funny enough, almost all the things I want to do would be counted as work for other people”. As full a schedule as Joe keeps it, he still makes it a priority to share his experience. “I love to mentor, I really love to specifically help young people, but anybody starting in a new business with thoughts on how that works. This is a very special year because I get to mentor people who are thinking of entering politics for the first time”. Mentoring has become such an important part of Joe’s day to day that people have suggested that he charge for his efforts. “I don’t think there’s a cost to that, it is an offer. You have the information; you can share it with other people”. Even as a co-owner of the local St. Thomas Wendy’s, which he happily shares is the fourth busiest location in all of Canada, he takes pride in mentoring his co-owner Marcy who manages the day-to-day operation of the store. Aside from Joe’s mentoring and his businesses there is his other part time job which he is hoping to keep for another four years. “We’ve got so much started and

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Page 8 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • June 2022

First Class Window Doors & Sidin Making Window Buying a PANELESS Experience! Joe still makes time to try and keep up with those who reach out to him on social media, and whenever possible he will take the time to direct those with questions or concerns to the proper city channels to get them resolved. He feels it is an important part of his work. “I am gathering information, what is the biggest stress point for the 45,000 population in St. Thomas? Then we could make the city plans and the city strategic plans based on what are the stress points out there for them. We are here to serve, and we have to remind ourselves of that. So, until someone tells us there’s a problem in their life, we don’t necessarily know it and don’t plan to make it better”. From his years of experience in the restaurant business, as an MP, and now as Mayor of St. Thomas Joe is fully aware that you can’t please everyone. But he also fills his day trying his best to reach this impossible feat. While Joe does concede there may be a day in the future where he might slow things down a little, for now he is happiest when he is busy, and boy is he busy! Boomers & Beyond – Elgin Community Support Service for Elgin County promotes independent living through prevention, early intervention, self- management, health & well-being. Left: Mayor Joe Preston making a proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Month on Tuesday May 3rd. there’s enough to finish. There is still lots that we want to do, St. Thomas is growing in a magnificent way and I’d like to continue to guide that. It will be up to the people whether I get to do that or not”. Joe’s first four year have been rather unique with the pandemic hitting only a year and a half into his term. Some might think the stress of the past four years might have soured him on the experience. Not so, he says “For me the pandemic was a part of the challenge, a big part for sure, but we got through it. We also got through business relocations and the building of a new water treatment plant. All of those things are big things for a city. Somebody has to make sure that from 40,000 feet we’re planning all this properly and doing it right. St. Thomas grew 10.1% in the last census. Does that mean we will continue to grow? I absolutely tell you it will, that’s predicting the future of where we are in the next decade. Okay, that’s just a number, but how do you plan for that? Where do we put the next 10,000, the roads for the next 10,000, the parks for the next 10,000, the jobs for those next 10,000? So, you’re right, there’s a bit of a stress”.

June 2022 Cover Karen Keeling and her dog Kelsey enjoying a morning walk at the Berm in Port Stanley. . Photo by Geoff Rae

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sales.” Now, along with the chickens, Wade and Vera also raise Berkshire and Tamworth heritage pigs -- “Both known for flavour and quality of meat,” says Vera. This year they also added a third variety, the European Mangalitsa. “The Mangalista has hair like a lamb and is the ‘Kobe‘ of pork,” says Vera. They also raise ducks and lambs during market season and turkeys for holidays. To both Wade and Vera it is important that all the animals be raised outside. “It is more natural,” says Vera, who says they also feed them with GMO-free feed. While you can buy products from their website, www. quakerspringsfarm.ca, Wade and Vera love the opportunity to interact with their customers when they come down to the St. Thomas Horton Market on Saturdays, from 8am – noon. “We have been at the Horton Market for 8 years now,” says Wade. “It is great seeing all of our customers and the many friends we have made over the years.” In addition to the meat and eggs, Quaker Springs Farms also offers many products made from their animals, including Vera’s famous sausage rolls, hot dogs, a large variety of sausages, bacon, smoked pork chops (a personal favourite), ham, quiche, etc. “It is a seven days-a-week job, that offers us little spare time,” says Vera, “But we have enjoyed working our small farm. We have always believed in doing the best you can at whatever you do.” Vera also wanted to thank her three kids who have all been known to help out around the farm or the market as needed. When asked if they could see themselves retiring in the future, Vera responded, “We will never retire, just work at doing what we enjoy.”

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • June 2022 Page 11

Aging in Place by Brenda Scott, Owner and operator of Tidy My Space

With June being Senior’s month, I would like to talk about a new option for WHERE our seniors can live. We usually assume that as a person ages or has mobility issues, they move into a care facility but there’s another choice. It’s very popular in the United States and Europe but we’ve just started hearing about it here in Canada – ‘Aging in Place’ and ‘Living in Place’. So, what do they mean? The term, ‘Aging in Place’ implies that as we age, we want to stay in our family homes for as long as possible. ‘Living in Place’ includes those who live with permanent or temporary limitations, regardless of age. In 2017, a survey conducted by CARP (Canadian Assoc. of Retired People) and HomeStars shed light on why Canadians want to age in place. Common reasons included: • home is conveniently located (72%) • “I love my home” (66%) Journey back to your childhood By Staci Rae Stepping through the door of Dark Matter Toys and Collectibles is like stepping back in time. Whether you grew up in the 70s, 80s, or 90s, you are sure to wax nostalgic upon entering this unique store. I defy you to walk into the store and not say, “I remember those!” or “I had that as a child!” I don’t think it can be done. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of toys, collectibles, vinyl, video games and more from the past. The collection features • familiarity with neighbourhood (60%) • feeling independent at home (59%) • feeling safe at home (56%) A March of Dimes Canada 2021 survey, “National Home Modifications Survey”, states that there’s a gap between Canadians wanting to stay at home and those who will be able to. This study looks at Canadian seniors and people

living with disabilities who want to remain in their homes but may need home modifications to do so and this is where the gap happens. If doorways need to be widened, bathrooms modified, lifts installed, ramps constructed, modifications can be expensive, but there are others that may be reasonably priced, such as changing door knobs to levers, upgrading light fixtures, removing or securing rugs, reorganizing cabinets to have items within reach, editing personal possessions to reduce trips and falls, labelling items in large fonts for easier locating, repurposing a main floor room into a bedroom to eliminate stairs, installing grab bars, a taller toilet (or attachment), hiring a care giver, cleaner, gardener/maintenance person or dog walker. The average retirement home in Ontario costs $3,038 per month. If you’ve already paid off your mortgage or have a low payment and have low monthly maintenance costs, you can see how living in your home would make more sense financially! Modifying homes is definitely more cost-effective than living in a retirement home. If people want to remain in their homes, let’s find a way to make this happen. So the question comes down to, ‘Can you live at home independently and safely, instead of moving to a facility?’ To answer this question, you should have your home assessed by a contractor specializing in mobility home modifications and consult an occupational therapist and your caregivers. It’s your choice -- decide how and where you want to live. pieces mostly from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, with some pieces from the 60s and the 2000s as well. Whether you were into WWF wrestling, Strawberry Shortcake, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Batman, Star Wars, or GI Joe, Dark Matter has something to help you scratch that nostalgic itch. “It’s a place of joy and happiness and awesomeness!” says owner Craig Lawrence enthusiastically. Craig is a big kid at heart, and his passion for bringing childhood memories back for his customers shows in everything he does. “I love bringing joy to my customers,” he says. “Helping them to relieve experiences, hearing their stories – that’s why I do this.” Craig is also a big believer in giving back to his community, and he strives to be engaged in the community in as many ways as possible, whether it’s through participation in Free Comic Book Day or by creating an eye-catching float for the Santa Claus Parade each year. For Craig, it’s not the monetary value of a piece that is the most important thing. “I’m happy to see odd things come in,” he says. “Something doesn’t have to be valuable to be awesome!” Craig is always looking for items to buy for the store as well, so if you have some vintage toys or collectibles collecting dust in your basement, bring them in. “Everyone’s welcome,” says Craig. “I love this town and I hope they support me like I support them.” Dark Matter Toys and Collectibles is located at 127 Ross Street. Dark Matter Toys and Collectibles celebrates their 3rd anniversary July 27th!

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SUNDAY JULY 3, 2022 3pm 55 Walnut Street Please join Mayor Joe Preston, the city council, Elgin County Municipal Mayors and councils, The Elgin Regiment, members of the Court, the Police Department and Fire and Rescue as we reflect on our past, and anticipate our future. Please join our Mayor and city and County Council members, religious leaders of all faiths, Police and Fire departments as we reflect on our past, and ponder our future. Covid Protocols may be in effect.

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Page 12 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • June 2022 Page 16 Hometown St. Thomas • June 2019

Boomers-Elgin Crossword T.V. Dads!

Down 1 He played Charles Ingalls, otherwise known as Pa 2 This adult comic turned into a wholesome dad on Full House 3 Dan’s name is now the title of the show once Rosanne was removed 4 His last name was always shortened to Mr. C in Happy Days 6 Before reality TV there was him and Harriet 7 To Carlton, Hillary and Ash he was Dad to the Fresh Price he was uncle 8 The real life half of Ricky and Lucy Desi _____ 9 The patriarch of the Adams Family 10 The cartoon equivalent to Ralph Kramden

Across 2 He helped us and his family through Growing Pains, Jason _____ 4 Frank’s two greatest contributions to the world were George and Festivus 5 This former hippy raised a Reagan loving Republican in the 80s 9 This Andy played another Andy as Sheriff of Mayberry 11 The father to one family and the head of another “family” Tony__________ 12 This Tim played Tim “The Toolman Taylor” 13 Jim always Knew Best! 15 His kinfolk said he should move to Beverly Hills 16 Mike was busy with 3 boys of his own 17 While his ways may seem outdated this dads chair is in the Smithsonian

11 Co-owner of a junkyard with his son Lamont 14 Don’t be a Homer, he is the dad to this famous cartoon family 15 Always there for his TV sons Wally and the Beav 16 This shoe salesman may not be a parenting role model

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • June 2022 Page 13

Allow Canadians to Keep More of Their

To advertise here contact [email protected] Take a zero off some of the billions flowing to Toronto and Ottawa. And the ordinary people we elect to office will have a better grasp of how to spend wisely. Like Davis, they may achieve extraordinary things. This is sometimes called fiscal conservatism. It’s not the end of the story, but it’s a great start. It’s a conservatism that could have broad appeal. A conservatism I could get excited about. Chelsea Hillier, of all people (an unsuccessful candidate for the People’s Party of Canada in the last federal election) expressed this surprisingly well last September during a debate hosted by the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce. “I just hear all the other parties talking about spending more money, more federal money to support housing. You know, like, let’s allow Canadians to actually keep more of their own money. Let’s allow small business owners to keep more of their own money … so that, you, know, a few years from now we don’t have to talk about an unaffordable housing market.” A little overly simplistic, Chelsea; not the whole solution, but hearing a candidate say that out loud during a campaign was like a shot of dopamine to the brain of a fiscal conservative. February 8, 1985. Only about a month shy of fourteen years! That’s as rare as a Green Party candidate who supports the oilsands. Style was a big part of his success. Be somewhat overweight, so the populace can relate. Have a nice smile. Dress conservatively. Project an air of calm authority. He carried himself as if he had just stepped out of a St. Thomas Rotary Club dinner and into the position. Policy-wise, Davis understood how to govern as equally conservative and progressive. As I write, Doug Ford is seeking re-election as the Premier of Ontario. In projecting himself as an ordinary guy, he’s a little like Davis. The problem is he’s a little of a lot of things. True, he proved to be a better pandemic manager than any of us could have imagined. Also, he was responsible for ending a cap-and-trade system, cutting the size of Toronto’s City Council almost in half, and reducing the small business tax rate. Oh, and signing onto the $10-a-day federal day care dream, introducing free dental care for poor seniors, campaigning on buck-a-beer, and mailing out cheques to owners of personal vehicles in this year’s free-the-sticker/vote-buying program. Plus removing Jeff Yurek as a provincial Cabinet Minister? C’mon Doug! That doesn’t add up to conservatism. That’s a bunch of stuff. What is to be done? A more rational approach, a good conservative template, would be to define the areas where governments belong, and where they don’t. Once those are defined, fund the areas where governments belong, and stop funding areas where governments do not belong. Pay particular attention to areas where the results of government intervention range from questionable to abysmal.

Own Money by Terry Carroll

Circa 1989, when I was a nobody working at The Paris Star , and Bob Nixon didn’t mind making me feel that way, I had occasion to tramp across a field with him on the way

to a photo opp. At the time, he was Provincial Treasurer and Deputy Premier in the Liberal government of David Peterson. That day in the field, Bob said something along these lines: “Ordinary people get elected to provincial or national office and find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. A river of money flows by the second, the minute, the hour, the day, the week, the month, the year into the coffers of the province or the nation. One day, you’re a tax lawyer or a municipal councilor or a used car salesperson or a frustrated teacher, and you win an election. Nothing about those experiences prepares you for the billions upon billions.” What happens in the minds of ordinary people facing this wellspring of wealth? If they lean left (and federally, that’s most people) they decide: in a country this wealthy, we should be able to afford just about anything during the four, eight or ten years we are in power. If we don’t have the cash, we can borrow. What happens after we’re out of office is somebody else’s problem. This inclination has spread like COVID, well beyond the left. A majority of provincial premiers are conservative of some stripe, yet during the pandemic, even conservative premiers began acting new-democratically. They became borrowers and spenders. It’s tough to pull off the ordinary person/extraordinary wealth balancing act. But there can be rewards. Years ago, Progressive Conservative Bill Davis nailed it, and he lasted as Premier of Ontario from March 1, 1971 to Boomers and Beyond – Elgin County 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. 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 • June 2022

BADDA BOOM! by Frances Kennedy

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The Three Boxes of Life: And How to Get Out of Them , by Richard N. Bolles, was published in 1981 and argued that three stages of life -- education, work, and retirement have become three boxes for learning, achievement and leisure. I was

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fortunate to have been trained by Dr. Bolles in what was newly coined ‘life/work planning’. His influence directed my life’s work up to and including today. What I believed then and now know is that his thinking was disruptive and prophetic. Due to his influence, I became a change agent by profession. Now the world is all about change and provides endless opportunities for me to divine and pursue my ‘next big thing’. That said, here’s why I’m saying so: the three boxes no longer exist. In our current reality, learn/work/play rotates throughout our lives. There’s a need for lifelong learning, for achieving, a need for respites, and a need to retire to re-fire: having cause and purpose throughout makes life worth living. April’s edition of BBE was replete with causes that provide opportunities to put your shoulder to the wheel and make a difference in your world. The challenge is in determining what matters most to you so as to ensure a sense of fulfillment in dedicating your time, energy and knowhow. Today, on the way to completing this column, I encountered a man en route from San Francisco to Nova Scotia in a Tesla (there’s courage and optimism at work!) All to say, after thirty- nine years of service at Oracle, he was searching for the next big thing to renew his life’s purpose, and so we talked. Here’s what I learned … again. Fulfillment results from using our ‘gifts’, our innate strengths, and abilities in combination with our values. The quest for our ‘next big thing’ lies in answering three foundation questions: WHY? WHAT? and HOW? WHY defines our set of core values, that which is non-negotiable and endures, no matter what may come to pass. WHAT describes a vision that makes a difference in our world, according to what matters most to us now. HOW defines a mission … a specific way to make it happen (like choosing to become a volunteer that serves a cause aligned with our values). After speaking to a man who has the third longest employment record at Oracle and seeks to serve a cause that taps a different set of skills, I am reminded of the lessons learned over thirty years ago. Retirement is not meant for simply playing; re-firing keeps us relevant, makes life meaningful and way more fun! To help determine your ‘next big thing’, I would be pleased to provide a process of inquiry called The Personal Manifesto. It exceeds the 500 words allowed in this column and may be useful to anyone trying to identify the cause in which to invest time and energy and make their world better. Contact me at the email listed above. Let’s do this! As Albert Einstein once opined: “when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Badda Bing!

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