Boomers November 2020

Boomers November 2020

EYOND B oomers

B and

Celebrating the 55+ Community of Elgin County November 2020 • Issue 17

GONE TOO SOON By Geoff Rae

Those who have been reading Hometown St. Thomas, Boomers & Beyond, REAL Living or now The Port Stanley Villager have enjoyed many stories from Staci Rae. It is with tremendous sadness that I announce that Staci passed away on October 1st of this year after complications with her battle with cancer. Staci wanted two things in life – she wanted to be a writer, and to become a mother. And she was incredibly lucky to have been able to achieve and thrive in both of these roles. Prior to us launching Hometown St. Thomas in 2018, Staci had worked for Canada’s largest publisher, had been an editor for SceneMagazine in London, and had been a freelance writer for many years who had been published in local, national and international publications. She had even ghost written two books! Staci had a passion for words, she was a voracious reader, adored live theatre and loved to play Scrabble . Outside of reading, Staci’s two favourite hobbies were photography and scrapbooking. Those of you who have met Staci have likely done so when she had a pen in her hand and a camera around her neck! Staci also loved her family. Staci’s mom was one of eight, and her dad was one of nine. And while Staci was an only child, her extended family was massive with almost 50 first cousins!! This was quite the shock to me, since my own family was around 12, both sides! Staci always dreamed of being a mother, and one day 13 years ago, we were blessed with the most amazing daughter, and it was the happiest day in either of our lives! She was incredibly close with her family, and frequently used her photos of them in her stories written for the magazines. Born with Spina Bifida, Staci had physical challenges. But she never let this get her down or stand in her way, especially when it came to our daughter. There was no way she was going to miss out, or not give her every opportunity. And even though some days could be tougher than others, she seldom let it ruin her spirit! To help others in a similar situation, she even used her experiences for popular blogs about the ups and downs of being a mother with a disability raising a child. Staci loved the fall … apple picking as a family, pumpkin spice lattes, hockey season (she was a raging Habs fan), football season (she loved her Packers), Halloween, Thanksgiving up at the cottage, fall family photoshoots, or just sitting outside reading while wearing her favourite hoodie. This was her season. While Staci was not from St. Thomas, this had become her adopted hometown! She was so proud to be able to share stories of people and places in our own community. She loved hearing from readers after a story she wrote made them laugh, or cry, or even discover a new local store. Staci was #stthomasproud and will be greatly missed.

Man’s best medicine With COVID we have all been stuck indoors too long. These days, there seems to be a collective need for experiences beyond our four walls, and one of the best ways to build those experiences is to go for a walk. Going for a walk on a nice crisp fall day, or even in the winter, has so many health benefits for people at any age. Walking regularly can: • Improve your heart health: By getting your blood pumping andyour heart rateup, youcanhelpavoidhighbloodpressure, lower your cholesterol, and help avoid heart disease. • Lowering your blood sugar: Some seniors experience a spike in their blood sugar after they eat; even a 15-minute walk after you eat can help regulate your blood sugar. • Strengthening your core: Walking regularly can help build your core muscles (the muscles in your abdominal area) which can help reduce back pain, lead to better balance and stability, and reduce the risk of injury. Walking has also been found to reduce chronic arthritic pain for some people. • Increase weight loss: If you have gained a few extra “corona pounds,” walking can be a great way to shed that extra weight and get you back to feeling healthy. • Promote mental health: Walking helps to improve your mood. As you enjoy your walk your body releases endorphins which can create a sense of well-being, reduce anxiety and boost your mood. Walking can also be a great way to socialize. You can walk with your partner to reconnect and build some amazing memories. Or walk as part of a group; there is lots of room in the great outdoors to keep socially distant and still enjoy each others company. Even if you choose to walk by yourself, there are still plenty of opportunities to be social. You can chat with your neighbours as you go by. Plus, walking can also be relatively inexpensive; your only expense is a good pair of walking shoes or boots. They say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And that first step is often what trips us up. To genuinely enjoy the benefits of walking, you must first start, pick a time a day that works best for you, and pick a

route you are familiar with. Thankfully, St. Thomas and our surrounding communities have many great walking trails, or perhaps walk the Elevated Park which is part of the Trans Canada Trail and take in the fall foliage. Trail maps can be found online at www.railcitytourisim.com. It is suggested that when you start out walking, especially if you have been inactive for some time, you ease into it. Begin with a week of taking 10-minute walks, and then Winter Wreaths Now for Sale

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This holiday season you can send a Christmas or Holiday greetings to your customers and neighbours AND help make the holidays for a local senior. For every Christmas greetings ad sold we will donate 1 or 2 gifts to a local senior through the Smiles for Seniors fundraiser. Let your customers know you appreciate them, while a senior knows someone is thinking of them this Christmas! Email Geoff at [email protected], or call 519-495-7177 for more information or to book your holidays greeting ad. And care to share a smile! Care to share a smile this Christmas?

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2020

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move up to 20, then 30, etc. which will give your body a chance to adjust. If you go too fast too quickly, you will likely experience soreness and stiffness, which will likely prevent you from wanting to go out again. And while you are out there, if you need to take a break, do so. Walking is fantastic, for all the reasons above, and more. But we live in Canada, which means harsh winters. While some snow and colder temperatures should not stop you from your new-found hobby, it does mean you should take some extra precautions! Safety tips for winter walking: • A good pair of winter boots is essential. They should be well-insulated, thick non-slip tread and waterproof. And winter walking is not a fashion show, so avoid the high heels. • Use walking sticks, or a cane to help you balance. Nordic walking sticks can be found at most Home Healthcare stores. And while you are there, make sure you pick up an ice gripper for your cane or walking poles. They are easy to install, cheap and effective. • Be seen. It gets dark earlier at night in the winter so make sure your clothing has bright colours, or have some reflectors attached. • Prevent heat loss by wearing a warm hat, mittens or gloves and dress in layers. • In case of an ice patch carry a small sealable bag of sand, ice melt or even kitty litter. You can spread them on the ice to help make your crossing safer.

So, gather your friends, take your loved one by the arm, and tie up those shoes and take them for a hike. Hope to see you out there.

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2020 Page 5

The many benefits of massage By Mike Vecchio, Registered Massage Therapist My interest in massage therapy began nearly 20 years ago after two motor vehicle accidents. With massage therapy, physiotherapy and other modalities, I was able to return to a healthy me. Since then massage has always been important to me, both physically and mentally. As a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), I look forward to working with my clients in a relaxing, calm and welcoming environment. Our lives today can be overwhelming, and massage gives us that chance to unwind, focus on what our bodies are telling us, and allows us to heal and relax. I graduated with honours from Westervelt College Massage Therapy Program in 2019. I enjoy working with clients of all ages to assist in promoting a healthier life, providing relaxation and treating various issues. As a husband, father of five, and grandfather, I know how busy and stressful life can be. It’s important to look after ourselves, so we can feel our best to take on what life offers with enthusiasm and a smile! Massage therapy offers numerous benefits to the entire body. The massage techniques I generally use for my senior clients include lighter, gentle stroking and kneading as well as application of pressure to specific points on the body, also know as light trigger point therapy. Even the most gentle massage has proven effects on the nervous system and blood circulation, two of the most vulnerable systems of the body that feel the effects of aging. A typical massage for a senior usually involves a short session lasting between 30-60 minutes.

Getting “out and about” contributes to the mental and emotional well-being of people of every age, but this is especially important to those whose age demographic makes them a little more prone to isolation. Combine the healing touch of massage with the social interaction of routine visits for a mental, physical and emotional boost that will be sure to improve quality of life. While there are many benefits to massage therapy, I’d like to focus on some very important reasons why seniors in particular should consider seeing an RMT: • Good circulation can become increasingly difficult as we age, and massage therapy helps the flow of the blood into the limbs which is the most important benefit for seniors.

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• Feeling unsteady walking to the fridge? Does taking the stairs make you nervous? Falling is consistently listed as one of the top concerns for seniors, as bones tend to become more infirm as we age. Massage Therapy increases blood flow to the limbs, it helps to improve proprioception, (or the sense of relative position of body parts, thereby improving our balance and reducing our chances of falling). • As we age, we generally become less active and so our muscles harden and get tighter. Massage helps to soften and relax muscles and tissues by increasing blood flow to the areas and ultimately reducing overall muscle tension. • Massage can also naturally help relieve arthritic pain. Focussing on increased blood flow to the joints and warming affected areas has proven benefits in pain relief for those suffering from arthritis. • If your goal is to feel better and get out more often, massage can also help relax tense muscles and joints, and improve flexibility and mobility. • Many people complain about sleep disturbances or difficulty with achieving quality rest. The relaxing environment of massage, along with the simple benefit of a caring and gentle touch, are excellent at promoting better sleep. Without the use of medications or supplements, massage therapy can help your body increase its production of the good sleep hormones. You are never too old to treat your body to a massage as massage treatments can help to soothe sore muscles and can alleviate day-to-day pain and discomfort. If you have questions, speak to an RMT about a treatment plan to get you feeling your best!

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2020

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From Canada to England to Italy and back!

and were discontinued. Among the latter was the policy that all nurs- ing students were to report to hospital in full uniform 5 minutes after an air raid sounded. The impracticalityof this policy became evident withtheheavy bombing of London, where the planes flew over our area. Air raid warnings started around 9 pm and lasted until 6 am.

Almost 5,000 Sister Nurses served Canada during WWII. We wanted to share the experiences of one of these brave women with you, partially in her own words. Lieutenant Nursing Sister Irene Courtney was born on Canada Day, 1920 to May Elizabeth and Thomas Greer Courtney. Irene’s father was a WWI veteran who had been severely wounded in the war. Irene signed up for nursing training in Windsor, Ontario in 1938 when she was just 18 and a year later, she was working in London, England when war broke out. “At first there were few changes on our routine following the declaration of war in September 1939. Then one lovely Sunday afternoon air raid casualties began to arrive. Among them was one of our X-ray nurses and her mother; their house had sustained a direct hit and all that was left standing was the staircase. As I was on duty in the emergency ward, it was my responsibility to help attend to the casualties, and to admit those who needed to be hospitalized. Fortunately, only one stick of bombs had been dropped. They fell on a residential area, so the casualties were small in number. All were dazed and many cut by flying glass. It wasn’t until later that the need to tape windows was established. Over 200 glass particles were removed from one casualty, the particles were small and though painful were not life threatening. From this early beginning through trial and error, and the experiences from WWI veterans, our routines emerged. Some were successful and continued, other proved impractical

So many experiences, not a part of our nursing curriculum. The day our hospital was evacuated to admit patients from a London hospital that had to be evacuated because of the bombing. The night I was temporarily alone in a ward of 44 surgical patients and a huge supply of extra mattresses that were to be used to shield the bed patients during an air raid. We had a severe air raid that night, bombs dropping, dog fights overhead, as the RAF intercepted the enemy planes and shrapnel from the ground artillery weighing in at a hefty 100 lbs. I lifted the mattresses and protected the patients only to have the “all clear” sound as I reached the last one, and my partner returned to duty. My last day at the hospital was unforgettable, I had finished my training, taken my final written, oral, and practical exams. I was having a last lunch with my colleagues; we had just started eating when a fierce air raid started. Grabbing an OR gown to cover my travel dress and wearing high heeled sandals, I worked from 12 noon to just after 7pm. I will never forget my last patient, a young air force airman; he was one of the last dug out of a bombed- out hotel that had been taken over by the RAF. Fortunately, the majority of men were on maneuvers or the loss would have been great. This casualty, quiet and uncomplaining laid still as I tended to his injuries

We Will Remember Them

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Page 8 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2020

and irrigated his eyes that were full of dust and dirt so he could see again.” Lieutenant Nursing Sister Irene Courtney. This letter is part of the Letters in a Time of War: Victory 1945 Project. The Blitz was not the only time Irene was in danger during the war. In November 1943, Irene was on the SS St. Helena, a troop ship headed for Naples, Italy when it was attacked by German aircraft and sunk in the Mediterranean. Irene recalls dancing all the way to Naples with doctors and pharmacists in her group before the attack. She was rescued by a US destroyer, and, after regrouping with her unit in North Africa, she was safely transported to Naples. Irene volunteered for a front-line surgical unit during the battle of Ortona, where she became the youngest Canadian nurse to serve overseas. The battle for Ortona was a bloody battle for the Canadian 1st Infantry who were attacking an elite group of German paratroopers. Because of the fierce hand-to-hand combat, it was known as “The Italian Stalingrad” and resulted in 2,300 Canadian casualties including 500 dead in only one month. After the war Irene returned to Canada and pursued further education in nursing. When she was finished, she had a Bachler of Science degree in nursing from UWO, a Masters of Public Health from the University of Michigan, and later became a Professor of Nursing.

Irene passed away on March 9th, 2009 in her 88th year. Her remains were buried with her parents May Elizabeth and Thomas Greer Courtney in the St. Thomas Cemetery. Her younger brother Vincent Courtney, himself a veteran of the Korean War, wrote a book on his sister called The Good Nurse, a Woman’s Heroic Service during World War Two .

November Boomers and Beyond - Elgin cover photo Love birds birds in a park Photo by Geoff Rae Richard and Rose Stewart in Waterworks Park, St. Thomas

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2020 Page 9

A local museum that offers a global perspective

The Elgin Military Museum is an unsung hero, preserving the memory of those who have served, and those we have lost, from right here in Elgin County. Housing a collection of memorabilia showcasing Elgin’s connections to the War of 1812, Boer War, both World Wars (the majority of the collection), Korea, and peacekeeping missions up to Afghanistan, the museum is located at 30 Talbot St. (about 300m pass Jumbo) and has been serving the St. Thomas and Elgin community since 1982. Located in the Hall of Honour is the Veterans Collection. This collection is a series of reference binders where you can find information on over 9,000 veterans from Elgin who served from the end of the 19th century to present. If you have a friend or relative from any of these wars, this collection is an amazing starting point, and the amazing volunteers are happy you get started! “Recently we had an elderly man and his son come in with a little bit of information on their father/grandfather. I was able to locate

WE REMEMBER We honour those who have given their lives to defend our freedom. We salute those who are currently serving so that we may live in peace.

a file that was donated in the 80s that offered them much more information on their family member. The two of them started pouring over the information,” says Robert Gliddon, volunteer at the museum, who enjoys helping families feel more connected to their loved ones. In 2018, in commemoration of the centennial of the armistice that ended WWI, the museum added a 36-foot model of a trench (pictured above), which depicts life for our soldiers during the war. This is just one of the interactive exhibits at the museum; others include a submarine command room, and a chest full of clothes for kids (and kids at heart) to dress in, making this a terrific outing for parents and grandparents! Jon Mansell, another volunteer at the museum, has been adding a new collection to the museum featuring pre-19th century weapons. “I was of the frame of mind to add an expansion to the museum, which would give our guests more to see and that still links to the same theme,” says Jon. The collection includes British long bows, weapons of indigenous Canadians, hand motors etc. While the museum is a treasure of the county, it has had struggles of late, struggles similar to a lot of non-profit organizations: funding and volunteers. After recently reducing its hours, the museum is currently open Fridays and Saturdays from 11am-4pm. “We need some younger blood to help invigorate the museum,” says Robert. We would encourage you to take an afternoon to go and explore Elgin’s rich military history at the Elgin Military Museum. Admittance is by a donation of $5.00 (minimum) for adults, and children are only $1.00.

St Thomas Police Services

We honour those who have given their lives or are serving our Nation 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] 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]

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Photos from 2019 Remembrance Day ceremonies in Southwold November 10th, 2019 and St. Thomas November 11th, 2019. Lest We Forget

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2020 Page 11

Backus-Page House Museum, experiencing local history

Since March, most of us have been staying home avoiding people and places, as we were asked to do. And while TV and Netflix were great, we have been severely lacking in actual experiences. From now until the end of the year, you can take a step back in time and experience life in rural Elgin at the Backus-Page House Museum every Saturday and Sunday from noon until 4pm.

The Backus-Page House was built in 1850 by Robert Morrie for Andrew and Mary Jane (Hamilton) Backus. The land, which goes all the way back to a land grant from Col. Thomas Talbot, was inherited by Andrew. And themuseum, which is situated within John E. Pearce Provincial Park, south of Wallacetown in the heart of the Talbot Settlement is now operated by the Tyrconnell Heritage Society. We asked Angela Bobier, Cultural Manager at the museum about some of the highlights visitors should see. “We received some wonderful donations to the collection this year, including some Thomas Talbot artifacts from

To advertise here contact [email protected] Respiratory Home S We provide: • Home Oxygen Therapy • CPAP / Sleep Apnea Supplies • Respiratory Equipment and Supplies 519.631.2030 x 2410 • www.stegh.on.ca Steve Peters of St. Thomas. These have been set up in a corner of the master bedroom upstairs in the museum for visitors. This includes two chairs reported to have belonged to Talbot, a brick from his now-demolished house, signed land deeds and more. This year, more then ever, we noticed people enjoying the grounds, trails, and park along with the museum. They felt safe in our rural location with the wide-open space and low numbers of people. The enthusiasm of our staff, board, volunteers and members are a highlight. Even with the pandemic, our Agricultural Centre continued construction, so the building is now up and we are completing an inventory of the farming collection before building exhibits. This project has been funded by two generous donors who Respiratory Home Services Respiratory Home Service

Page 1 2 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2020

Home Modifications for Aging-In-Place If you are looking to experience some of Elgin’s history, head down to the Backus-Page House Museum just south of Wallacetown and explore the home and the large grounds and trails – you can even get your daily walk in! The Backus-Page House Museum is located at 29424 Lakeview Line, Wallacetown. The museum currently is offering a self-guided audio tour. However, there will be staff in the gift shop should you have any questions. Starting in December, the Backus- Page House Museum will be hosting a Very Victorian Christmas, with the museum decorated in a Victorian Christmas theme. Admission to the museum is $5/person and, “We suggest pre-booking and pre-paying through our website www.backuspagehouse.ca. Click the orange ‘Book an Appointment button’,” says Angela.

1/8 Horizontal ((3.85x2.37) Mission Thrift Store’s Christmas Open House Saturday, November 7 9:00 am till 5:00 pm Come and enjoy a…. huge selection of Christmas décor Holiday Linen New and used toys New and gently used gifts Christmas Fashion Enjoy a cup of hot apple cider while listening to some live music Door Prizes See you at Mission Thrift Store! restricted their bequests to this project only. This new building should open May 1, 2021 for visitor tours.” Monday-Friday 11am-4pm • Saturday 10am-3pm Donation hours Tues & Thurs 11am-4:00pm • Sat 10am-2pm Closed Sundays and Holidays 7 First Ave., St. Thomas www.missionthriftstore.com 519-633-7300

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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2020 Page 13

What’s left for old lefties By Terry Carroll Winston Churchill is often quoted as saying, “If a man is not a socialist by the time he is 20, he has no heart. If he is not a conservative by the time he is 40, he has no brain.” It sounds like Churchill, fearless and funny, but apparently he never said it.

Let’s talk about class. Paul is married to an elementary school teacher, and he’s made a decent second income as an environmentalist, though not as much as his partner (note the reverse gender imbalance). He has never shown much interest in the accumulation of wealth, but he is the closest to middle class of the three. George is the smartest of all of us, but except when he was married to a nurse, he’s never had a steady income. Ringo is more lower class. His working life has included stints in factories, and in his retirement years, he has chosen a life of poverty. They have maleness in common, whatever that means these days. None has any affiliation with an organized religion. There isn’t a snazzy dresser among them. All three had challenges with their fathers. Paul’s dad was a well-paid professional man who drank himself to death in Paul’s twenties. George’s father died when George was twelve. Ringo was abused by both his parents in ways that are beyond unpleasant. They mess you up, your mum and dad, as the poet once said. (Editor’s note: Philip Larkin didn’t say “mess”, but grandchildren might be reading this). Why does any of this matter? Anger, like socialism, is more of a young man’s game. It’s not healthy to carry the weight of it into your senior years. And Canada has challenges we can’t ignore. Whether right, left or centre, everyone needs to recognize that we’re racking up some huge bills, and we need to figure out how to pay them. Frankly, ‘make the rich pay’ will never accomplish this on its own. We need experiments with bipartisanship or bilateralism instead of yelling at each other across the left/right divide. *** Staci Rae was the editor of Boomers & Beyond as well as three other local magazines she and her husband, Geoff Rae, started. In our emails she was Esteemed Editor or Mistress of the Realm of the Red Pen, whereas I was Humble Scribe. Tragically, Esteemed Editor died on us (her family, her writers and her readers) on October 1. Somebody, left, right or centre, needs to invent a cure for cancer. It’s not right that Death should take a person so young who was so much fun. Spring in your Step

oomers B and E YOND B Geoffrey Rae Managing Editor / Sales [email protected] • 519-495-7177 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 lovingmemory of Staci Rae I’ve been wondering lately whether these three friends have something in common that would explain their devotion to the left of the political spectrum, even as they approach their dotage. And it’s not true of everyone. Three of my friends, circling age 70, are as far left now (or even further left) than they were in their twenties. Let’s call them Paul, George and Ringo – don’t ask me why those would come to mind as pseudonyms for Boomers. Paul is a dedicated environmentalist who hates Donald Trump, despises one-percenters and can’t stand what he calls plutocrats. He rages against them in emails to me. George was an anarchist in his twenties, and a little fascinating because you just don’t meet that many anarchists. Now he is a more garden-variety socialist, angry and repetitive. Ringo can be emotional when it comes to politics, but he’s not as angry as Paul or George. He’ll at least consider other points of view before he rejects them. But reject them, he does.

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Page 14 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2020

WorldWar II Movies

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

Across 1 British Fishing boats save soldiers 7 Disney classic with Bedknobs 9 Pelé Escapes to this 11 Medic saves many on this Ridge 12 Over the River Kwai 15 George C Scott Masterpiece 16 The _________ Day Down 2 Enigma code breaking movie ____ Game

3 Donald Sutherland as Tank Commander Oddball 4 Bogarts Standard 5 His list saved many 6 This island was a turning point for the US Navy 8 _________ Private Ryan 10 POWs leave in the Great ______ 12 German U-Boat Das ____ 13 The Dirty ______ 14 Where ______ Dare

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Book a complimentary hearing test today! 226.212.4582 ST. THOMAS 519.245.2332 STRATHROY 519.287.5757 GLENCOE 519.471.1115 KOMOKA 519.268.3030 DORCHESTER 519.642.2200 LONDON 519.425.1783 INGERSOLL

Amplifon is a leader in hearing healthcare, serving more than 5

TIS’ THE SEASON FOR BIG SAVINGS RECHARGEABLE TECHNOLOGY 50 BO GO on the 2nd aid * OFF %

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www.amplifon.com/ca

* Applicable on Premier tier and discount is applicable to binaural purchase, the second aid only. Sivantos, Phonak, and Oticon manufacturers are eligible. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Expires 31/12/2020. © 2020 Miracle-Ear Canada, All Rights Reserved.

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Page 16 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2019