Boomers October 2020

Boomers October 2020

EYOND B oomers

B and

Celebrating the 55+ Community of Elgin County October 2020 • Issue 16

Letter from the editor

of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we look at a local survivor who took her hard-earned knowledge and turned it into a business to help future survivors! 2020 has been a challenging year so far. It seems even with all of our technology, more and more people are feeling isolated and disconnected. So, we encourage you … if you have any comments, or ideas for future stories, you are always free to reach out to us at geoff@ villagerpublications.com. Eachmonthwemake thismagazine for you, our readers, and your input is important to us. We look forward to continuing to bring you exciting stories from around the county and bringing back a little sense of connection for you. HAPPY OCTOBER!

Welcome back readers! As you have noticed, Boomers & Beyond has been on an extended hiatus due to COVID-19. Because we are distributed via pick-up locations across the county, back in April almost all our pick-up locations were closed. So unfortunately, we had to

make the difficult decision to put production on hold. But with things opening back up, we are very excited to offer to you once again Boomers & Beyond. And even more exciting, October 2020 represents our 2nd anniversary of the magazine!! Our goal at Boomers & Beyond has always been to share relevant, original, and local stories highlighting health, technology, travel, leisure, and people 55+ making a difference here in our community. We are extremely excited about this issue, and we hope you enjoy reading it. We are introducing a brand- new business here in St. Thomas, a nostalgic look at Halloween’s past, the benefits of online banking, a new way to support OUR Hospital, and Terry Carroll once again offers his unique take on things. Also, in honor

Boomers and Beyond – Elgin October Cover: Antique Truck, taken at Heritage Farm Show 2020 at Backus-Page House Museum, taken September 6th. Photo by Geoff Rae

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Page 2 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • March 2020

Designed to make you smile! Dimitra Lerikos has a love of healthcare and the visual arts. And with Dentures by Design, she has found a way to combine both loves! “Ever since I was little, I was always a painter and maker,” says Dimitra who decided on her profession after shadowing a family friend who owned a denture clinic in London. “After that experience, I knew that this is what I wanted to do.” And she knew she wanted to open her business here in St. Thomas, because she has been coming here most of her life. “I grew up around a family business (her father, Andy, is the owner of Legends Tavern). I think St. Thomas is such a great community, I know it has a real family vibe.” Dimitra has a passion for learning and teaching as much about the field as possible. First, she studied at George Brown College as a denturist, and then became a teacher’s assistant and then a research assistant. “I took a trip to Jamaica, where I did denture cases for hundreds of people who don’t have access to dental care. What I saw was the downstream effects of people who don’t have proper dental care and proper dental health education. It is a core principal for me for opening my business,” adds Dimitra. When Dimitra decided to open her open clinic, she wanted to use her three guiding principals: compassion, integrity and creativity. “I wanted to make everything I do patient- centered. One of the reasons I started my own clinic is to offer patient education,” says Dimitra. “I also wanted to offer the newest technology on the market to help people get the best fit possible for my clients’ dentures!” The art and science of making denture has not changed much in the last 100 years, but within the last few years, a lot of new technology has come into the field that really helps the patients. Dentures by Design has a tool that allows them to scan your mouth to create an impression (rather than the old way) which reduces the amount of appointment times while producing a more accurate fit of the prototype that is tested. This scan also means that if your dentures ever went missing or were broken, they can recreate them quicker as your impression would already be saved. A common complaint about dentures is that they are uncomfortable, to which Dimitra replies, “Dentures should

Dentures by Design is located at 100 Wilson Ave be comfortable. We are working with tissues that move around the mouth and we are trying to create something stable. I take the time to make sure I do the best work possible for my clients. A lot of patients don’t know that your bones go through significant changes throughout your life. So those dentures you had that fit a year ago may not be the accurate fit you should have today. This is where sores can come in, or chewing issues. Seeing a denturist regularly helps to find those problems and helps to adjust any of those inaccuracies. We recommend at least a yearly check up.” Dimitra Lerikos, owner of Dentures by Design

Recommended

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2020

Page 3

Comfort and dignity in a time of need October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In Canada, it is estimated (in 2019) that almost 27,000* women will be diagnosedwithbreast cancer, with51%of thembeingbetween the ages of 50-69. For some of these women, mastectomies and double mastectomies are part of their treatment. One local survivor has developed a piece of clothing, based on her own experience as a survivor and as a former intensive care nurse. Catharine Janssen has launched BRACAShirts, originally designed for a woman recovering from mastectomies. What makes BRACAShirts unique is that they are designed with pockets inside or outside of the shirts and Velcro straps to hold the drains in place discreetly. “After my surgery, I discovered everything pulls on these drains. They get caught on doorknobs, drawers and I once almost had one of mine pulled out by a woman passing by in the hall of the hospital with her purse, which would have led to a painful and embarrassing situation,” says Catharine. Careful thought went into the design of the original BRACAShirt, wanting the design to be first functional, but also fashionable and discrete. The shirts were designed with the pockets to protect the drainage bags, but also allow easy access to caregivers. “We gave thought to every detail. We wanted a colour that would suit the needs of the shirt, but still not look like a hospital shirt. We went with durable material but added embroidery to add to the look and allow you to compliment a variety of pants,” adds Catharine. “The shirt even has ties so you can roll up your sleeves”. While the shirt was first designed with the needs of breast cancer survivors in mind, Catharine has found many of her customers are using the shirts for some ostomy equipment, insulin pumps and chemotherapy pumps. She has even launched a shirt designed for men! BRACAShirts also has a BRACAGown which functions as a hospital gown but has the pockets added for the drains, extra material in the back for privacy and ties on the side of the gown for easy use. “My whole motivation is to want to do something to help other women who are going through this. The first month Looking for a New Shed this Fall?

is hell, and so I created BRACAShirts to help these women, their caregivers and loved ones bridge the gap from hospital to home and get through their recovery with as much comfort and dignity as possible” Catharine said. Another way BRACAShirts gives back is they donate 25% of the profits back to STEGH. For more information, or to order a BRACAShirt for yourself or someone you love goes to www.bracashirts.com. Catharine Janssen modeling one of her BRACAShirts

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Page 4 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2020

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2020 Page 5

Knitting for a good cause By Geoff Rae

With the colder weather coming, most people will soon be spending more time indoors. And that means, for many people, knitting season has begun! But, the problem for many knitters is that they have run out of people to knit for. Their loved ones have grown up, and are no longer in need of mittens, scarves, or hats. And there are only so many washcloths you need! So, if you still feel the itch to knit one, pearl two, perhaps you can consider knitting something for someone in need. Many organizations would gladly accept donations to keep people warm over these cold months. Locally, perhaps consider donating some hats, mittens, scarves or even a sweater to the Grace Café, Inn out of the cold, your local food bank, or the Salvation Army. Or you can create a giving tree, where you tie a scarf, hat and mitts around a tree or utility pole, for someone who is in need to help themselves to some warmth. When I worked for the London Community News , we had a program where London knitters could drop off knitting to our office, or the sales reps would even pick up the knitting from people’s homes and then delivery to local organizations. Each year, we would receive so much knitting that we would have to deliver early, because we would run out space. If you are in the St. Thomas area, and you would like me to pick up your knitting to drop off at a local charity, email me at geoff@villagerpublications.

com, and I would be happy to pick up your donation from your doorstep. People in need in our community (like every community) can be men, woman and children of all shapes and sizes. So, break out some of your old patterns and knit away. And while your hands are busy, think about the many hands you will be keeping warm this year!

2020 Fall Leaf and Yard Waste Collection October 20 – November 20, 2020 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, for those who do not wish to utilize the curbside program.

PROTECT THE YOU COMMUNITY

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.

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Page 6 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2020

Need to get fitness back into your life? The St. Thomas Seniors Centre is now back open for its current and new members. While the centre’s offerings are somewhat limited, due to the pandemic, everyone is very excited to be back and seeing old friends. “Its wonderful to be back, everyone is so excited to be back. We have been doing Zoom exercise classes, which was great, but it is so nice to be back in person,” says Angela Ostojic who handles customer service as well as teaching some classes at the centre. Currently the St. Thomas Seniors Centre is limited in what they can offer, but they are offering fitness classes, Thai Chi, yoga, and line dancing classes. Classes are offered in two of the rooms at the centre, but both rooms allow for proper social distancing. “Our big gym allows for between 30-40 properly spaced participants,” says Angela. “Everyone felt really comfortable coming back, and our top priority is to keep everyone safe!” Those looking to take part in the classes have to enter through the back door and are pre-screened. While participating in the class, masks must be worn the entire time. “At first we were worried that wouldn’t go over well. But no one had an issue with it, and we’re just happy to be back at the centre,” added Angela. The centre is trying to remain fluid. As opportunities arise that allow them to open up more classes or offer more Zoom classes, they are looking to see what they are allowed to do safely, and what the members are interested in. Now that they are back open, there is availability again for room rentals within the centre. Obviously, groups would be on the smaller side, but they have some openings for anyone who needs to rent space for meetings, etc. It is great to see the St. Thomas Seniors Centre again being able to bring its services back. And as always, the centre is looking for new members. For more information on how to become a member, or to check their current schedule, call 519-633-2850. The St. Thomas Seniors Centre is located at 225 Chestnut St., St. Thomas.

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

TUESDAY

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FOOTCARE Let’s Keep Fit 8:30-9:30am (KJ)

Let’s Keep Fit 8:30-9:30am KH

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Let’s Keep Fit (KH) 8:30-9:30am

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Wu Tai chi (10:15-11:15) ER

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Beginner Line Dance KH 10:00-11:00am

10:00

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2020

Page 7

A raffle where everyone wins! The St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation (STEGHF) is launching an exciting new initiative this month, an online 50/50 raffle in support of patient care excellence. This type of online fundraising has been tested elsewhere, with a great deal of success for the hospitals while offering substantial prizes to their monthly winners. “We are so excited about this campaign. OUR Hospital, like most hospitals, has more need of support today that ever, which includes but certainly isn’t limited to, an MRI, moving our lab facilities and needs in our pharmacy. We have to think outside the box these days as we move forward in our fundraising efforts. Due to COVID-19, some of our usual fundraising endeavours such as our annual Gala have been postponed so we have to reinvent ourselves. Virtual and online events are the way to go. This online 50/50 raffle is a fabulous way to fundraise, while at the same time involving and supporting our community and having some fun along the way, not to mention the opportunity to win the jackpot!” explains Sue Warden, Manager of Marketing and Communications for the STEGHF. To purchase a ticket (you must be 18 years or older to play), go to ItsOURHospital.ca, and you will be directed to a page that explains the rules of the raffle and indicates when each raffle starts and ends. On that same page, there is a “Buy Now” button which takes you to the ticket-purchasing area. An electronic ticket is emailed to you, with the raffle ticket numbers. There are three purchase levels, $5.00 gives you three chances to win, $10.00 gives you 10 changes to win, and the best value ticket at $20.00 gives you 60 changes to win. HOMETOWN KIDS HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST Funny, Scary, Original, Magical we want them all Submit a picture of your child/children in their halloween costume for their chance to win one of three gift certificates from The Ice Box! Send the photo to [email protected]

What does the STEGHF do with the money raised? “To start, the funds raised will be supporting the Hospital’s greatest needs, with the focus on an MRI, the lab and pharmacy needs. Having said that, we have many needs within STEGH, so we will address those needs as we move along, and certainly, we will be keeping our community up to date and map back to them how the funds are being used,” answers Sue. “We love this concept. The ticket prices allow everyone to participate so it is all inclusive. People are also able to have some fun with this and stay safe which is so important given what everyone has been through in the past several months”. If you would like to help out OUR Hospital, and possibly make a little money doing so, you should go to www.itsourhospital. ca to purchase your 50/50 raffle tickets. Please have fun and remember to play responsibly.

Absolutely everything in the store is 10% - 70% off 33rd Anniversary – S A L E – This includes all of our new Fall and Cruise Season arrivals! Sale begins Tuesday October 27th and ends Saturday October 31st Let the closest thing to you be,,,

by November 2nd to be eligible. Winners and favourites will be shared on our Facebook Page.

1st prize will be a $50 gift card to The Ice Box. 2nd and 3rd prize will be $25 gift cards. Prize has no cash value and must be claimed within 5 days of notification or another contestant will be chosen. Odds of winning are based on number of entries. Must be a resident of Elgin County. Entering the contest gives your consent for your child's photo be included on our social media pages.

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Page 8 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2020

Make time for some intergenerational family fun! By Staci Rae For some, family fun nights typically include mom, dad, and kids. But what about grandma and grandpa? Including the older generation in your together time can have some profound benefits on everyone, from grandparents themselves down to your kids. Here are a few ideas for activities that allow everyone to get in on the fun! Exploretechnology together

If your senior family member is tech savvy (as many are these days) why not introduce them to a new game or app you can play together? There are lots of word games, trivia games,

recipe for that one Christmas cookie that happens to be everyone’s favourite. Whatever you’re making, one thing’s for sure: you’ll create some wonderful memories together. The beauty of a simple walk If your elder family member is able, taking a family walk can be a wonderful bonding experience for everyone. Even if he or she uses a wheelchair or scooter to get around, they can still get out and enjoy “walking” with the family, so this is a great option for all kinds of families! Make spending time with all of the generations of your family a priority. Not only is it a great way to help seniors combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, it’s a phenomenal way to help your children bond with their grandparents even more, and a chance for you, as an adult, to forge a relationship with your parents and make some memories while they are still here. Some day, you’ll be glad you did.

Spring in your Step Much like learning about your ancestry from your senior relatives, learning to make traditional family recipes can be a wonderful gift, too, one that grandma or grandpa will very likely be more than willing to share if you and your kids show interest. (But don’t be surprised if they hold back a secret ingredient or two!) Get everyone in the kitchen to roll up their sleeves and create a traditional family meal, whatever that looks like in your family. Maybe it’s grandma’s famous dinner rolls and pea soup, or grandpa’s chili, or the etc. available for playing with multiple people, whether you are in the same room or far apart. With most of us still staying home much of the time, this can be a good option for some fun (and maybe a little healthy family competition!) Trace your roots One of the best gifts you can receive from your senior family members is the many stories they can tell you about your ancestors. Take the time to listen when they tell you about their parents, their childhood, their lives as young newlyweds, etc. You’ll be glad you did someday. You can turn that listening into an active activity with the whole family by tracing your family’s roots together. There are lots of websites (such as ancestry.ca) where you can discover your ancestry together. You’ll be surprised how addicting it can be! Get in the kitchen

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2020 Page 9

Not-so-distant Halloween traditions When you were too young to go trick or treating by yourself (since parents never went with their kids back then), kids dressed up to go to a school or friend’s Halloween party. The decorations were simple, but distinctive. Orange and black streamers hung from every corner, construction paper cut-outs of black cats and witches’ hats (that way you only had to buy one colour of paper), along with Halloween punch, and paper plates for your treats. It simply wouldn’t be a Halloween Party without bobbing for apples, a classic game that went back decades and that would inevitably cause someone to lose a tooth. There would be music (Monster Mash anyone?) and games. A table where the adults would blindfold the kids and make them stick their hands into all kinds of creepy things like worms (cooked spaghetti noodles), eyeballs (peeled grapes), or little children’s hearts (peeled tomatoes).

At the end of the night, children would receive a piece of fortune cake, where little fortune charms (that looked like Monopoly pieces) were baked into the cake. What charm you received told you your future. Of course, smart parents wrapped the charms in waxed paper to help prevent breaking teeth or choking. Naturally, the best part of being a kid at Halloween, is the dressing up. Once a year you can be whatever or whoever you wanted to be. Here are some of the most popular costumes throughout the decades:

1920s: The 20s is when Halloween as we know it became popular, the start of trick or treating and wearing costumes. The most common costumes of the 20s were simpler, with a clown being the most popular. But the decade also saw the rise of the witch, gypsy, and farmer. 1930s: With the availability of

ow Reopened! N

mass-produced, licenced costumes came the rise of Mickey & Minnie Mouse as the top costumes of the 30s, made up of rubber masks and cheap slips. Other popular costumes were scarecrows, witches, and goblins. 1940s: For kiddos, the popular costumes of the 40s still were clowns and skeletons. However, with the rise of pin- up girls, adult costumes began representing changes in

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Page 10 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2020

attitudes. Women began transforming witches and kittens into something a bit sexier. 1950s: With the popularity of Don Ho, and the general love affair of everything tropical, grass skirts, coconut bras, and floral prints were the costume of the decade. Also, a major influence was the new medium of television, which brought with it a fascination with cowboys & indians, and Davey Crocket. 1960s: Again pop culture was the driving force behind the 60s most popular costumes. On TV, we had Batman and Superman, which inspired kids to dress up like their favourite superheroes, or to even create their own. Also, the 60s offered the space race, which had many children dreaming of becoming astronauts and aliens. But, for the hip kids, a mop top wig and a suit let you become one of the Beatles. 1970s: Rubber masks still being cheap and popular allowed kids to portray some of their favourite comic-book characters of the time. Charlie Brown, Lucy and Snoopy were all the rage. But the late 70s also brought with it the rise of Star Wars and everyone wanting to be Luke, Leia or Darth Vader. 1980s: This decade saw a real explosion of kids’ imaginations as far as costume options. With influences in TV, radio and movies, costumes were all over the board. Rock and roll wrestling had costumes like Hulk Hogan and Cyndi Lauper, Star Wars still was very popular, and for the older kids Freddy Krueger.

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: [email protected]

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2020 Page 11

Supporting Caregivers in our Community

By Pam Buys, VON Coordinator of Client Services Caregivers are more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. As caregivers, we spend a great deal of time and energy invested into the well-being of our loved ones, often placing a heavy burden on our own stress and emotional well-being. To add to the challenges we face as family caregivers daily, we also now need to navigate through a pandemic. It is important to recognize the signs of burnout, so we remain healthy, allowing us to continue to be caregivers. We must be able to recognize our limitations. It is important as the caregiver that you take care of yourself and remain healthy especially during these trying times. While our programs currently have a different look, VON Caregiver Support Services remain dedicated to providing information, care and support to caregivers. Coordinators deliver individual support through telephone or email conversations providing you with answers to meet your caregiving needs as well as the following group programs are available. Connecting Caregivers Support Group is open to all caregivers the first Wednesday of each month at 1pm. This group provides an opportunity for caregivers to connect with others living in similar circumstances who are also caring for their loved ones. Currently our group is connected virtually and caregivers must have access to a form of technology to participate. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month If you or a loved one is having surgery, our shirts make a big difference in recovery! • Secures drains • Promotes safety, no pins

From Stress to Strength are free monthly education sessions offered to caregivers. A variety of topics are discussed to help in your caregiving role. Upcoming topics include Coping with Caregiver Guilt, Improving Your Sleep Patterns, Improve your Nutrition and Exercise Habits and How to Survive and Enjoy the Holiday’s. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a free six week workshop to help caregivers help themselves. Participants will learn to; reduce stress, better communicate feelings, increase their ability to make tough decisions, locate resources and take care of themselves. Caregivers must have access to a form of technology to participate at this time. Caregivers have an opportunity to learn about the available resources and services that can assist them in their roles. For more information or to register, please call the VON office at 519-637-6408. We provide: • Home Oxygen Therapy • CPAP / Sleep Apnea Supplies • Respiratory Equipment and Supplies 519.631.2030 x 2410 • www.stegh.on.ca Respiratory Home Services Respiratory Home Service

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Page 1 2 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2020

Favourite 70s TV

Across 4 Scott Bakula took this kind of leap 7 Don’t be ridiculous! These guys were Perfect _____ 8 Richard Dean Anderson

character that became a verb 10 Where the kisses are hers and hers and his: Three’s _____ 12 Diff’rent Strokes Gary 13 All rise for Night _____ 14 Where everybody knows your name 15 Married wtih _____ 17 Cheesecake loving quartet living in Florida 18 16 year old doctor Down 1 Just some good o’boys from this county 2 He was Francis “Ponch” Poncherello 3 She solved crimes with Lacey 5 They’re movin’ on up 6 Alex P. 9 The A Team’s “Hannibal” 10 WKRP was this city’s local station 11 Butler serving Bob Uecker 16 Larry Hagman played JR on

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2020 Page 13

Break on through to the other side by Terry Carroll InCrinan, theScotchPresbyterian farming community where I was raised, people displayed a variety of talents – singing, piano playing, humourous readings, bagpipeplaying in kilts, poetry recitals and so on – during what we called programs,

city not unlike St. Thomas, but with rodeos and sometimes cowboy hats, boots and big belt buckles on main street on, say, Thursday afternoon. It was an extremely competitive advertising market. A local family owned and operated a free distribution weekly publication called The Camrose Booster, a shopper not unlike the Elgin County Market in its heyday, but with local soft news and photographs, often 80 pages plus, packed with ads. To compete, we launched a free distribution classified paper called The Extra, and published a variety of specialty inserts. My personal and professional objectives were to grow the advertising and subscription bases and to fit into the local community while making my mark. Among other things, I joined the foremost service club in the area. I became a Rotarian, just like the founder of The Camrose Booster.

oomers B and E YOND B Geoffrey Rae Manager/Sales [email protected] • 519-495-7177 Staci Rae Editor – [email protected] 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. In high school in the 1960s, lads with names like Jamieson and McCallum and Carroll took to the stage in the auditorium and performed as the Crinan Cuties in skirts or dresses, makeup, wigs and jewellery. The Crinan Cuties didn’t write skits or sing like The Two Duncs. They locked arms around shoulders and waists and kicked in a chorus line to the music of The Stripper. Why The Stripper? Not sure. Nobody was removing any garments. Perhaps it was the beat. Let the record show that decades before RuPaul’s rise to fame, crossdressing got more than a few laughs in what was then called West Elgin District High School. often in the church basement. A hit at these programs was a recurring series of skits dubbed “The Two Duncs”. One was Dunc Tait who dressed somewhat like a subduedW. C. Fields, but much slimmer and with what I remember as a carrot for a nose. The other was my Uncle Dunc McPherson who was broad of shoulder and big of bicep and wore a dress, makeup, a wig and jewellery. Let the record show that decades before RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, crossdressing was alive among the plough jockeys of the former Aldborough Township. Forward to the mid-1980s. I was transferred to The Camrose Canadian, located in Camrose in central Alberta, a small

We had been in Camrose a little over a year when my sister-in-law came to visit in October, and we hatched the following idea for the Rotary Halloween party: My sister-in-law, my lovely wife Nancy and I and all dressed in exaggerated versions of the female form and strapped sparkly banners across our torsos, like beauty pageant contestants. I was Miss Canadian, Nancy was Miss Boobster and my sister-in-law was Miss Extra. This all seemed extremely clever at the time, a comical way to make my mark while sticking it to the competition just a little. I didn’t think much about what good merchants, team ropers, the occasional farmer and the owner of the competing

paper – Rotarians all – might think about our getups. When we entered the hall, a wall of noise became a wall of silence. You could have heard a bra drop. It’s the only time I can remember killing a party, singlehandedly, or, more properly, triplehandedly. As the night wore on, the sound resumed to flow around us. Nobody kicked us out, but nobody knew what to do with us. How could they when they didn’t have the Crinan Cuties and the Two Duncs for context? One compensation, perhaps? Let the record show that, while we didn’t win “best costume”, decades before RuPaul, we wiggled away with the “most original” crown.

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Page 14 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2020

Benefits of doing your banking online

Since the beginning of the pandemic, one essential part of our day-to-day lives has continued – our need to bank and pay bills. However, while the banks and trusts have remained open, how they operate is drastically different. Often requiring lines that span around the building (due to social distancing), many banks and trust patrons have to wait in line for up to an hour to be seen by a teller. So, this may be the perfect time for you to consider online banking if you haven’t already. There can be many benefits from banking from your computer, tablet or phone, beyond avoiding a long lineup. • Online banking can help you keep better track of your finances. It offers you a real-time look at what is currently in all of your accounts, and what transactions have taken place. If your mortgage is with your bank or trust, you can also see it online, and you can quickly view suggestions on how to pay down your mortgage quicker and pay less interest. • Online banking allows you to pay your bills quickly and easily. You can add almost any bill to your online account and pay it with a click of a button. And online, you can also keep track of your previous payments for quick reference. You can also set up automatic payments for bills that are the same amount each month. • You can transfer money quickly and easily from your different accounts. If your chequing account is a little low, and you want to avoid overdraft, you can transfer money from your line of credit instantly. Or if you would like to transfer money into your savings account, it is as easy as a click of the mouse or tap of the phone. • An electronic fund transfer (EFT). This is the quickest and easiest way to send cash to another person online. With an EFT you can basically email money to a business, friend or relative by entering their email address, selecting an amount you would like to send and setting up a password they have to enter to receive it. In this day and age where we are limited in the number of people we can have direct contact with, the EFT has almost become essential. Be warned, you should check to see if your account offers you unlimited EFTS, or if you have any fees involved. Online banking is safe, easy, and flexible. Once you start, you will wonder how you ever got along without it. While you might miss seeing your favourite teller at your bank or trust, you won’t miss the long lines and running back because you forgot to pay a bill! To start online banking, go to your bank or trust company’s website for details.

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Page 16 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2019