Welcome to the Club - Winter 2022
A Magazine for 55+ Like No Other! Welcome to The Club features timeless articles and anecdotes including many from the archives of Daytripping Magazine. It's online at www.welcometotheclub.ca and is also distributed free in Sarnia-Lambton, Ontario.
A Magazine for 55+ Like No Other!
Welcome to The Club features timeless articles and anecdotes including many from the archives of Daytripping Magazine. It's online at www.welcometotheclub.ca and is also distributed free in Sarnia-Lambton, Ontario.
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<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE<br />
FREE E & PRICELESS<br />
S<br />
A GUIDE U E<br />
TO BEING E<br />
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G OVER E THE E HILLI<br />
L<br />
...which.w isbeer<br />
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under it!<br />
CLUB<br />
Sarnia-Lamb<strong>to</strong>n<br />
A ‘’New’ ’<br />
Magazine a azine for PEOPLE E<br />
P L<br />
E<br />
who o<br />
aren’t<br />
r<br />
e<br />
t<br />
Is Sarnia-Lamb<strong>to</strong>n<br />
<strong>the</strong> Live, local<br />
music capital<br />
of canada?<br />
See arcle on Pages 20-22<br />
L <strong>to</strong> R: Steve Mullen, e , Paul u Maguire, Chrisne Chrisne S<strong>to</strong>rey<br />
www.facebook.com/CelcHillbillies/<br />
From <strong>the</strong> crea<strong>to</strong>rs of...<br />
welcome<strong>to</strong><strong>the</strong>club.ca<br />
VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 1 WINTER <strong>2022</strong>
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> our <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong> issue!<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
P A G E<br />
2<br />
Our bot<strong>to</strong>m borders contain Sarnia residents’ responses <strong>to</strong> a post on <strong>the</strong>
This FREE magazine is distributed in most of Sarnia-Lamb<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
It’s only Rock & Roll...<br />
By Mark Moran, Publisher<br />
What’s bugged me about every o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
“seniors” magazine I’ve ever seen is that<br />
<strong>the</strong>y try <strong>to</strong> be two things at once — with<br />
articles about challenges as we age on<br />
<strong>the</strong> inside pages, but with a flashy pho<strong>to</strong><br />
of Lady Gaga in a meat dress on <strong>the</strong> front<br />
cover. Yes, she actually wore a meat dress<br />
once... who could make that up?<br />
So here’s your latest issue of <strong>Welcome</strong><br />
<strong>to</strong> The <strong>Club</strong> and our cover s<strong>to</strong>ry is about<br />
<strong>the</strong> local, live music scene. I’m going <strong>to</strong><br />
defend this decision (and it’s a bit <strong>to</strong>o<br />
late <strong>to</strong> change it now anyway) but you<br />
are always welcome <strong>to</strong> let us know how<br />
we’re doing, and what you’d like <strong>to</strong> see<br />
in ‘your’ magazine. I’m very serious...<br />
please feel free <strong>to</strong> call or write anytime.<br />
Playing music locally is something<br />
I know about very well, having done it<br />
almost all my life. There is a newsworthy<br />
momentum building in our local music<br />
industry and my first instinct was <strong>to</strong><br />
send <strong>the</strong> s<strong>to</strong>ry <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sarnia Journal. It’s<br />
a fantastic paper and, while I suppose<br />
we’re all in competition, <strong>the</strong> Journal’s<br />
excellent local coverage is <strong>the</strong> kind of<br />
competition I greatly admire. But <strong>the</strong>n<br />
<strong>the</strong> article kept growing and growing and<br />
I realized that I just happen <strong>to</strong> publish<br />
Advertisement Bloopers<br />
Every newspaper or magazine makes mistakes from time <strong>to</strong> time (except for<br />
Daytripping of course.) But sometimes <strong>the</strong> cus<strong>to</strong>mer does! These are excerpts<br />
from actual classified ads people placed in various papers, showing obvious (and<br />
not so obvious) mistakes made. As you'll notice, many were unintentional.<br />
2 female Bos<strong>to</strong>n<br />
Terrier puppies,<br />
7 wks old, perfect<br />
markings, 555-1234.<br />
Leave mess.<br />
Vacation Special:<br />
have your home<br />
exterminated.<br />
Now is your<br />
chance <strong>to</strong> have<br />
your ears<br />
pierced and get<br />
an extra pair <strong>to</strong><br />
take home, <strong>to</strong>o.<br />
Used Cars:<br />
Why go<br />
elsewhere <strong>to</strong><br />
be cheated?<br />
Come here<br />
first!<br />
Lost: Small apricot<br />
poodle. Reward.<br />
Neutered.<br />
Like one of <strong>the</strong> family.<br />
Wanted:<br />
Unmarried girls <strong>to</strong><br />
pick fresh fruit and<br />
produce at night.<br />
Dog For Sale:<br />
Eats anything<br />
and is fond of<br />
children.<br />
Get rid of aunts: Zap<br />
does <strong>the</strong> job in 24 hours.<br />
For Sale:<br />
an antique desk<br />
suitable for lady<br />
with thick legs<br />
and large<br />
drawers.<br />
a magazine and, while it may not be a<br />
perfect fit, you’ll probably forgive me. I<br />
also reasoned that I’m over 55 and more<br />
and more of my fellow musicians are my<br />
age, older or getting close.<br />
It also occurred <strong>to</strong> me that someone<br />
who turns 80 this year was 16 when<br />
Johnny B Goode went #1 and 24 when<br />
<strong>the</strong> Beatles crossed <strong>the</strong> ocean in 1964.<br />
You had a choice <strong>to</strong> love or hate disco<br />
and may have completely avoided Devo<br />
and Milli Vanilli. You may have lived <strong>the</strong><br />
greatest rock and roll life of anyone! If you<br />
didn’t, well... don’t shoot <strong>the</strong> messenger.<br />
There’s also an excellent article by<br />
Cathy Dobson about <strong>the</strong> stunning<br />
changes and lottery success that has put<br />
Sarnia’s Imperial Theatre a decade ahead<br />
of where supporters hoped it could be.<br />
And of course we also have a number of<br />
timeless articles from <strong>the</strong> archives of our<br />
sister publication, Daytripping.<br />
So please look it over and let us<br />
know what you think. I’m writing this<br />
in December and fear that we will all<br />
have more free time than we’d like in <strong>the</strong><br />
coming weeks, so I hope this magazine,<br />
‘your’ magazine, is a welcome escape.<br />
Thanks for reading!<br />
For Rent:<br />
6 room<br />
hated<br />
apartment<br />
.<br />
For Sale:<br />
Eight puppies<br />
from<br />
a German<br />
Shepperd<br />
and an<br />
Alaskan Hussy.<br />
Man, honest.<br />
Will take anything.<br />
Dinner Special:<br />
Turkey $2.35;<br />
Chicken or Beef $2.25,<br />
Children $2.00.<br />
Great<br />
Dames<br />
for sale.<br />
Tired of<br />
cleaning<br />
yourself?<br />
Let me<br />
do it?<br />
We do not tear your<br />
clothing with<br />
machinery. We do it<br />
carefully by hand.<br />
Mt. Kilimanjaro,<br />
<strong>the</strong> breathtaking<br />
backdrop for <strong>the</strong><br />
Serena Lodge.<br />
Swim in <strong>the</strong><br />
lovely pool<br />
while you drink<br />
it all in.<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> The <strong>Club</strong> is published four times annually by Moran Advertising, Brights Grove, Ontario. The publisher reserves<br />
<strong>the</strong> right <strong>to</strong> reject, discontinue or omit any advertisment without notice or penalty <strong>to</strong> ei<strong>the</strong>r party. No portion of this<br />
publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without <strong>the</strong> permission of Moran Advertising. The content of this<br />
publication does not necessarily represent <strong>the</strong> opinions of <strong>the</strong> publisher. The content of this publication has not been deemed<br />
by <strong>the</strong> publisher <strong>to</strong> be correct and accurate. The advertiser agrees that <strong>the</strong> publisher shall not be liable for damages arising<br />
directly or indirectly from errors occuring in this publication beyond <strong>the</strong> amount paid for <strong>the</strong> space actually occupied by that<br />
portion of <strong>the</strong> advertisment in which <strong>the</strong> error occurred, whe<strong>the</strong>r such error is due <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> negligence of its servants or<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rwise, and <strong>the</strong>re shall be no liablity for non insertion of any advertisment beyond <strong>the</strong> amount paid for such advertisment.<br />
Use of Material: submitted articles, letters, and o<strong>the</strong>r works or materials may be used, published, distributed and s<strong>to</strong>red by<br />
Moran Advertising, <strong>Welcome</strong> To The <strong>Club</strong>, and Daytripping Magazine, in whole or in part, in print or by any o<strong>the</strong>r means.<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
CLUB<br />
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1 • WINTER <strong>2022</strong><br />
Trivia 4<br />
Discount List 6<br />
Word Search 8<br />
Postcards from <strong>the</strong> Past 10<br />
Recipes 19<br />
Crossword 27<br />
Miles<strong>to</strong>nes & Memories 32<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r Stuff 1-40<br />
Cathy Dobson, on<br />
o , Lee Michaels, s<br />
A.C. S<strong>to</strong>ne, Beryl Beckett, k<br />
ett,<br />
t,<br />
Mike<br />
Keenan, enan<br />
, Lamb<strong>to</strong>n b<br />
Archives, A<br />
h<br />
e , John h<br />
Gardiner, n r,<br />
Chris h Treftlin,<br />
n<br />
Mariann M ann Pafford, d Mrs G. Halpin, i , Kelly-Lynn y Musico, i o Estelle<br />
le<br />
Salata, l Glynn y n A. A Leyshon, e<br />
Therese es<br />
e Lecuyer, y r Janet Robinson,<br />
b<br />
i n,<br />
Eileen en<br />
Cade-Edwards, d<br />
e d<br />
s<br />
Agnes g e<br />
Burroughs, roug<br />
ughs<br />
Lyn Tremblay,<br />
Sipkens Nurseries, s,<br />
Megan a<br />
Nichol, i h l Sheila Tiernay, n y Dan Peer,<br />
e r<br />
Doug Nicholson, i on<br />
, Barry B Lox<strong>to</strong>n, on, Mike k<br />
Sex<strong>to</strong>n, n Leo e<br />
Spence p n e and a d<br />
all a l <strong>the</strong> Recipe i<br />
p<br />
and a d<br />
Miles<strong>to</strong>nes i n s & Memories es<br />
submissions.<br />
b<br />
ssio<br />
ions<br />
Mark Moran - Publisher, Ad Sales<br />
Carrie Ann Timm - Associate so<br />
Publisher<br />
Carla MacGregor r - Advertising in<br />
Sales<br />
Rhonda Long - Advertising in<br />
Sales<br />
Angela Lyon - Graphics & Article Formatting<br />
Carla Mejia j - Graphic p Design<br />
g<br />
From <strong>the</strong> publishers<br />
of Daytripping Magazine<br />
The <strong>Club</strong> Features<br />
You’ll find<br />
current and<br />
nostalgic<br />
articles<br />
throughout<br />
The <strong>Club</strong>.<br />
YOUR CONTRIBUTORS<br />
CLUB STAFF<br />
P.O. Box 430 • Brights Grove, ON • N0N 1C0<br />
519-491-1676 • info@welcome<strong>to</strong><strong>the</strong>club.ca@<br />
Articles & Local Pho<strong>to</strong><br />
Submissions Always <strong>Welcome</strong>!<br />
www.welcome<strong>to</strong><strong>the</strong>club.ca<br />
A Magazineg<br />
for 55+<br />
like no o<strong>the</strong>r!<br />
winter <strong>2022</strong> Facebook Group “If You Grew Up in Sarnia” asking “What did life teach you?” P A G E 3
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
TAKE HOME!<br />
Fresh Made Comfort Food<br />
A tradition since 1992!<br />
105 MICHIGAN AVENUE<br />
PT. EDWARD • 519-344-2855<br />
BUTTONS<br />
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Bows<br />
Casual Elegance<br />
at its finest!<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
Ladies Clothing<br />
& Accessories<br />
From size 6t 8!<br />
January ar<br />
through March Hours:<br />
Tues-Fri 10 <strong>to</strong> t<br />
4 • Saturday t<br />
10 <strong>to</strong> 3<br />
www.but<strong>to</strong>ns-and-bows.ca<br />
nd bows.c<br />
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131 Michigan Avenue, Point Edward • 519-491-1412<br />
You must be 55 or over <strong>to</strong> read this magazine (but we won’t rat on you).<br />
Do you live in <strong>the</strong><br />
BOONIES?<br />
The CLUB is<br />
available at all<br />
Lamb<strong>to</strong>n County<br />
libraries<br />
(while <strong>the</strong>y last)!<br />
A Perfectly<br />
Polished Look!<br />
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<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
“Your Feet Will Be In Good Hands”<br />
Contact Julie Today!<br />
Are your feet f sore r<br />
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At Home Spa @ Mara Surgical Clinic<br />
704 Mara St. Point Edward, Unit 106<br />
Owen R. Wyrzykowski<br />
WYRZYKOWSKI & ROBB<br />
Barristers and Solici<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
Serving<br />
Sarnia<br />
Since 2006<br />
Whe<strong>the</strong>r you are buying or selling real estate, or need <strong>to</strong><br />
update your estate planning, we provide personal service<br />
<strong>to</strong> help you through <strong>the</strong> legal process.<br />
Driving<br />
TRIVIA<br />
Selected<br />
After Hours<br />
questions from<br />
Annual Trivia Night<br />
“The Daytripper” has a team entered every year, but we have yet <strong>to</strong> win.<br />
Answers Below<br />
1. Which of <strong>the</strong> following island nations is far<strong>the</strong>st west?<br />
a] Puer<strong>to</strong> Rico b] Curacao<br />
c] Aruba d] St. Maarten<br />
2. Which artist is famous for his statue The Thinker?<br />
3. The first World Cup of Soccer (Football) was held in which country<br />
in 1930?<br />
a] Brazil b] Uruguay c] France d] Germany<br />
4. Which province was <strong>the</strong> last <strong>to</strong> join Canadian confederation?<br />
5. What is <strong>the</strong> average distance (in kilometers) that women and<br />
children walk for water in Africa and Asia?<br />
6. What 1960s singer starred in, and sang <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>me for, <strong>the</strong> spring<br />
break film, “Where <strong>the</strong> Boys Are?”<br />
a] Peggy Lee b] Connie Francis<br />
c] Doris Day d] Patsy Cline<br />
7. Which country has not fought a war since 1814?<br />
8. What is <strong>the</strong> International Air Transport Association airport code for<br />
Heathrow Airport?<br />
a] HRW b] HTR c] LHR d] LHW<br />
9. Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji are <strong>the</strong> names for writing systems<br />
used in which country?<br />
10. Which Apollo mission landed <strong>the</strong> first humans on <strong>the</strong> Moon?<br />
a] Apollo 7 b] Apollo 9<br />
c] Apollo 11 d] Apollo 13<br />
11. What is <strong>the</strong> standard distance of a drag race?<br />
12. How much time did Jonah spend in <strong>the</strong> belly of <strong>the</strong> whale?<br />
13. What is <strong>the</strong> commonly held title of a queen’s husband?<br />
14. The original lyrics <strong>to</strong> Little Richard’s Tutti Frutti were “Tutti Frutti.<br />
good booty.” True or False<br />
15. What did German August Kotter introduce <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> world in 1520?<br />
a] The rifle b] The petri dish c] Lederhosen<br />
Owen R. . Wyrzykowski<br />
y<br />
ki<br />
519-336-6118<br />
6118<br />
orw@wrlawoffice.ca<br />
722 Lite Street, Point Edward<br />
• Real Estate Purchases & Sales<br />
• Mortgages & Credit Lines<br />
• Wills & Powers of Aorney<br />
• Estate Planning & Administraon<br />
30 Years Experience<br />
ANSWERS:<br />
1. Aruba; 2. Auguste Rodin; 3. Uruguay; 4. Newfoundland; 5. 6 kilometers;<br />
6. Connie Francis; 7. Sweden; 8. LHR; 9. Japan; 10. Apollo 11;<br />
11. 1,320 feet, 402 metres or 1/4 mile; 12. Three days and three nights;<br />
13. Prince Consort; 14. True; 15. The rifle.<br />
P A G E<br />
4<br />
Life Taught Me... Love yourself as you are.
We’re all getting older, we may as well laugh about it!<br />
Do more of what you love.<br />
Let us take care of <strong>the</strong> rest!<br />
Be welcomed by a warm community of<br />
like-minded peers. Enjoy <strong>the</strong> peace of mind that<br />
comes with knowing help is available at <strong>the</strong> push<br />
of a buon if you need it. Connue <strong>to</strong> enjoy your<br />
independence in a supporve environment that<br />
gives you <strong>the</strong> freedom <strong>to</strong> pursue your passions<br />
and spend more me with those you love most.<br />
Included in your stay:<br />
• Chef-prepared meals • Fitness classes<br />
• Great recreaonal • Weekly<br />
programs<br />
housekeeping<br />
• 24/7 emergency • Pet Friendly<br />
support<br />
And more!<br />
1218 Michigan Ave. Sarnia, ON<br />
siennaliving.ca<br />
Move-in incenves!*<br />
Find out why people in<br />
Sarnia love living with us.<br />
Please call <strong>to</strong> learn more.<br />
Suites are limited.<br />
519-542-8814<br />
* Terms and condions apply.<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong><br />
What’s New in Business<br />
Manjit Singh and his wife Balwinder<br />
Kaur have spent <strong>the</strong> last two years<br />
expanding <strong>the</strong>ir business and winning<br />
awards.<br />
They’ve done all that despite being<br />
cautioned <strong>to</strong> shut <strong>the</strong>ir restaurant down<br />
entirely <strong>to</strong> wait out <strong>the</strong> pandemic.<br />
“Everyone was scared about what<br />
would happen but I said no, <strong>the</strong>se are<br />
extraordinary times and we’re going <strong>to</strong><br />
work really hard on takeout and delivery<br />
and keep it all going,” said Singh.<br />
Just 10 years ago, he and his wife<br />
S<strong>to</strong>ry and pho<strong>to</strong> by Cathy Dobson, Point Edward<br />
Breakfast specialist Adam Lalonde, left, owner Manjit Singh, Indian cuisine cook Jaspal Singh,<br />
and Georgina Dunn at <strong>the</strong> new Point Edward Sitara location.<br />
opened Sarnia’s first Indian restaurant,<br />
Sitara Indian Cuisine on London Road.<br />
The odds may have been against<br />
<strong>the</strong>m since nei<strong>the</strong>r had any restaurant<br />
experience—both were healthcare<br />
workers—and <strong>the</strong>y didn’t know if<br />
Sarnians would get excited about<br />
Indian food.<br />
But over <strong>the</strong> years, <strong>the</strong>y proved<br />
Sarnians have an insatiable appetite for<br />
Sitara’s Sou<strong>the</strong>rn and Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Indian<br />
food. The original London Road location<br />
was expanded, a second down<strong>to</strong>wn<br />
563 Front St. N., Sarnia<br />
519-337-9998<br />
GlassAndPillarSpa.com<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
Sweet <strong>Winter</strong> Treat!<br />
Chocolate olat<br />
Truffle f<br />
fle Coconut Wrap<br />
a<br />
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+ Our r Signature g<br />
t<br />
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BREAKFAST DAILY 8am a<br />
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(Reg. $223.00)<br />
We have <strong>the</strong> highest safety pro<strong>to</strong>cols in place!<br />
• BUTTER CHICKEN • NAAN BREAD<br />
• CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA • KORMA<br />
A<br />
•<br />
BIRYANI • SAMOSA • SEEKH KABAB<br />
B<br />
• PANEER TIKKA • VINDALOO<br />
• CHICKEN TIKKA SIZZLER<br />
• TANDOORI CHICKEN • LAMB CURRIES<br />
DINE IN • TAKE OUT • DELIVERY<br />
Party Room, On-site Cooking & Catering with Sitara Food Truck<br />
#1 RATED<br />
RESTAURANT<br />
on TRIPADVISOR IS R<br />
for<br />
<strong>the</strong> last 9 YEARS!<br />
Rated among <strong>the</strong><br />
TOP 10% WORLD WIDE<br />
YEAR 2020 & 2021<br />
21<br />
on TRIPADVISOR!<br />
ISOR<br />
721 LITE ST., POINT EDWARD I 519-491-5606 WWW.SITARASARNIA.COM<br />
restaurant opened, as well as a Petrolia<br />
location.<br />
“In 2020, we were probably one of<br />
<strong>the</strong> busiest restaurants in <strong>the</strong> city and<br />
knew we would be okay even with <strong>the</strong><br />
pandemic,” Singh said. Last May he<br />
<strong>to</strong>ok <strong>the</strong> business <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> next level and<br />
bought a building ra<strong>the</strong>r than lease.<br />
The plan was <strong>to</strong> consolidate by<br />
closing <strong>the</strong> London Road and down<strong>to</strong>wn<br />
locations and moving all operations <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> corner of Lite and Front Street in<br />
Point Edward.<br />
Singh and his business partners<br />
purchased <strong>the</strong> former Open Grill<br />
building where <strong>the</strong> kitchen was much<br />
bigger with plenty of room for food<br />
prep and <strong>the</strong> traditional Indian tandoori<br />
ovens.<br />
Sitara also began operating a food<br />
truck last summer <strong>to</strong> serve up samosas<br />
in Wallaceburg.<br />
Twenty-seven work for Singh now, a<br />
big increase since he started with three<br />
employees in 2012.<br />
The new location can seat 200 but<br />
Sitara is keeping capacity at 75% <strong>to</strong><br />
“play it safe and ensure our cus<strong>to</strong>mers<br />
are comfortable,” Singh said.<br />
Down<strong>to</strong>wn’s Sitara closed but <strong>the</strong><br />
original Sitara on London Road remains<br />
open <strong>to</strong> handle <strong>the</strong> demand for takeout.<br />
In Point Edward, Canadian and Indian<br />
breakfast has been added for <strong>the</strong> first<br />
time. When Singh learned how popular<br />
<strong>the</strong> Open Grill’s breakfast was, he hired<br />
two long time Open Grill employees,<br />
Adam Lalonde in <strong>the</strong> kitchen and<br />
Georgina Dunn in <strong>the</strong> dining room.<br />
“I hired <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> do breakfasts<br />
because I knew nothing about Canadian<br />
breakfast, <strong>to</strong> be honest,” he said. “But<br />
it’s funny how things work out. I’d never<br />
tried eggs benedict before and when I<br />
did, I asked how that would taste with<br />
butter chicken sauce.<br />
“Now 80% order eggs benedict with<br />
butter chicken sauce.”<br />
Singh and his wife have retired from<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir healthcare jobs <strong>to</strong> dedicate all <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
time <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir fast-growing business.<br />
Their success is based on a<br />
willingness <strong>to</strong> learn from o<strong>the</strong>rs and a<br />
sincere dedication <strong>to</strong> give back <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
community, he said.<br />
“Business isn’t just <strong>the</strong> money part,<br />
it’s service <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> community. For me,<br />
that’s <strong>the</strong> only way <strong>to</strong> do it.”<br />
That’s why Sitara delivered nearly<br />
2,000 free, individually-packaged<br />
meals <strong>to</strong> local healthcare, grocery and<br />
hospice workers during <strong>the</strong> pandemic.<br />
“I knew workers at Bluewater Health<br />
were under so much stress that I<br />
convinced <strong>the</strong> hospital <strong>to</strong> let us deliver<br />
meals during <strong>the</strong> first, second and third<br />
wave,” he said.<br />
For that, Singh was recognized by <strong>the</strong><br />
Rotary <strong>Club</strong> of Bluewaterland with <strong>the</strong><br />
Paul Harris Fellowship for his volunteer<br />
work. He was also named a Local<br />
Business Person of <strong>the</strong> Year by Alignable,<br />
North America’s largest online referral<br />
network for small business.<br />
That’s quite a distinction considering<br />
<strong>the</strong>re were 25,000 nominees and 33 in<br />
Sarnia alone.<br />
Singh said he was grateful for <strong>the</strong><br />
support of o<strong>the</strong>r businesses that voted<br />
for him in <strong>the</strong> Alignable competition.<br />
“We are <strong>to</strong>tally blessed and receive<br />
amazing support from <strong>the</strong> community,”<br />
he said.<br />
If you have a great idea for a business<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ry, send it <strong>to</strong> cathydobson62@gmail.<br />
com.<br />
winter <strong>2022</strong> Life Taught Me... Life is a bed of roses. Very thorny roses.<br />
P A G E 5
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
Feel free <strong>to</strong> send in pho<strong>to</strong>s showcasing Sarnia-Lamb<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
Get It Done Right The First Time<br />
JOBS BIG OR SMALL:<br />
• Faucet Installation • Leak Repairs<br />
• Clogged Drains • Camera Inspection<br />
• Toilet Replacement & Installation<br />
• Sump Pump • Frozen Pipes<br />
• Sewer & Waterline Replacement<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
The DISCOUNT LIST<br />
Acomprehensive c p h<br />
e s<br />
i list i s of discountsoroffersi<br />
s u<br />
t<br />
s or offers that h<br />
t<br />
benefit efi t<br />
people plep e over a<br />
certain i<br />
age in Sarnia-Lamb<strong>to</strong>n. n a-<br />
b<br />
t n.<br />
Please let us know of any that are e missing!<br />
in<br />
g<br />
TOWN<br />
BUSINESS<br />
SPECIAL OFFER<br />
Ask For Your Seniors Discount<br />
Professional sion<br />
onal<br />
a 24/7 4 7 Emergency Service<br />
345 Ontario Street, et Unit B<br />
SARNIA I • 519-337-1545<br />
37-1<br />
-154<br />
545<br />
Cus<strong>to</strong>mPlumbingSarnia.com<br />
t<br />
P umbi<br />
ia AGE+<br />
CONTACT<br />
BRIGHTS GROVE Shoppers Drug Mart 20% OFF Thursdays 65+ 519-869-4224<br />
CORUNNA Corunna Pharmasave 10% OFF Tuesdays & Fridays 65+ 519-862-2020<br />
Shoppers Drug Mart 20% OFF Thursdays 65+ 519-862-1451<br />
Corunna Foodland 2% OFF Wednesdays 60+ 519-862-5213<br />
FOREST Forest Naturals & Home Health 15% OFF Wednesdays 65+ 226-520-0054<br />
Forest Pharmasave 15% OFF Wednesdays 65+ 519-786-5161<br />
Williamson Farms Country S<strong>to</strong>re Various Wednesdays 55+ 226-520-0144<br />
PETROLIA Bargain Shop 20-30% 1st Wednesday of month 60+ 519-882-0057<br />
Country Yarns 15% OFF See ad in The <strong>Club</strong> all ages 519-882-8740<br />
Gramma’s Candy S<strong>to</strong>re 5% OFF Tuesdays 60+ 519-882-1212<br />
Heidi’s Your Independent Grocer 10% OFF Tuesdays 60+ 519-882-2211<br />
Hogan Pharmacy 20% OFF Wednesdays 60+ 519-882-1840<br />
M&M Meats 10% OFF Tuesdays 60+ 519-882-4316<br />
PT EDWARD Twin Bridge Lighting 15% OFF Mondays 55+ 519-344-3535<br />
SARNIA Bulk Barn 10% OFF Wednesdays 65+ 519-542-6668<br />
Cus<strong>to</strong>m Plumbing 10% OFF Every day 65+ 519-337-1545<br />
Generation Paint Company 15% OFF Every day 65+ 519-330-4424<br />
Giant Tiger 10% OFF Ist Monday of month 65+ 519-336-0831<br />
Goodwill 25% OFF 2nd Monday of month 55+ 519-541-9273<br />
London Road Pharmacy 20% OFF Thursdays 60+ 519-491-6778<br />
M&M Meats 10% OFF Tuesdays 60+ 519-542-8398<br />
Michaels 10% OFF Every day 60+ 519-542-3200<br />
Don’s Home Renovations 10% OFF See ad in The <strong>Club</strong> all ages 226-343-2265<br />
Petsmart 10% OFF Grooming on Tuesdays 65+ 519-542-2822<br />
Peavey Mart 20% OFF Last Tuesday of month 55+ 519-542-4091<br />
Pet Valu 10% OFF Last Thursday of month 65+ 519-541-0468<br />
Russell Street Home Hardware 25% OFF See ad in The <strong>Club</strong> 60+ 519-383-0688<br />
Salvation Army Thrift S<strong>to</strong>re 25% OFF 1st Wednesday of month 60+ 519-344-3781<br />
Sarnia Pharmacy 10% OFF Tuesdays and Fridays 65+ 519-337-3215<br />
Shoppers Drug Mart 20% OFF Thursdays 65+ 519-337-3727<br />
Value Village 30% OFF Tuesdays 60+ 519-541-0153<br />
STRATHROY M&M Meats 10% OFF Tuesdays 60+ 519-245-6355<br />
WYOMING Wyoming Tree Service 10% OFF Every day 65+ 519-845-0847<br />
Call 519-491-1676 or email info@welcome<strong>to</strong><strong>the</strong>club.ca <strong>to</strong> add one!<br />
Please remember: e<br />
r: These discounts are for reference. eren<br />
ence<br />
They may change & may not<br />
apply ply <strong>to</strong> specific c items. S<strong>to</strong>res are not obligated <strong>to</strong> adhere <strong>to</strong> what we’ve printed.<br />
You may also need <strong>to</strong> ask in order <strong>to</strong> get <strong>the</strong> discount. t Thanks for understanding.<br />
ndin<br />
Family l<br />
Owned w<br />
e<br />
& Operated and Proudly<br />
Serving Lamb<strong>to</strong>n County Since 1991<br />
Church Ladies<br />
With Typewriters!<br />
The Fasting & Prayer<br />
Conference includes meals.<br />
Scouts are saving aluminum<br />
cans, bottles, and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
items <strong>to</strong> be recycled.<br />
Proceeds will be used<br />
<strong>to</strong> cripple children.<br />
The sermon this morning:<br />
'Jesus Walks on <strong>the</strong> Water’.<br />
The sermon <strong>to</strong>night:<br />
'Searching for Jesus’.<br />
Ladies, don't forget <strong>the</strong><br />
rummage sale.<br />
It's a chance <strong>to</strong> get rid<br />
of those things not worth<br />
keeping around <strong>the</strong> house.<br />
Bring your husbands.<br />
Don't let worry<br />
kill you off -<br />
let <strong>the</strong> Church help.<br />
Miss Charlene Mason<br />
sang: 'I will not pass<br />
this way again,'<br />
giving obvious pleasure<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> congregation.<br />
For those of you who have<br />
children and don't know it,<br />
we have a nursery<br />
downstairs.<br />
Next Thursday <strong>the</strong>re will<br />
be try-outs for <strong>the</strong> choir.<br />
They need all <strong>the</strong> help<br />
<strong>the</strong>y can get.<br />
Irving Benson and Jessie<br />
Carter were married on<br />
Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 24 in <strong>the</strong> church.<br />
So ends a friendship<br />
that began in <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
school days.<br />
A bean supper will be<br />
held on Tuesday evening<br />
in <strong>the</strong> church hall.<br />
Music will follow.<br />
P A G E<br />
6<br />
Life Taught Me... Everything is not always as it seems.
Most articles in here have been written by people like you.<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
Providing ing <strong>the</strong> best quality and style of footwear otwe<br />
for generaons.<br />
er • Orthotic Friendly •<br />
• Styles for Men, Women & Children •<br />
565 Murphy Road, Sarnia • 519-383-0588<br />
A cup of tea was more than just a drink<br />
<strong>to</strong> my immigrant parents. It was an elixir, a<br />
calm place in a s<strong>to</strong>rm, a blessing of nature.<br />
It was almost a religious experience. As<br />
with any process that smacked of ritual,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re were iron clad rules. There were<br />
ways <strong>to</strong> make a good “cuppa” that I, as a<br />
kid, could not understand. First <strong>the</strong> water<br />
had <strong>to</strong> be fresh from <strong>the</strong> faucet and <strong>the</strong><br />
kettle had <strong>to</strong> be emptied – no mixing of<br />
fresh water with stale water. After <strong>the</strong><br />
kettle had reached a boil, <strong>the</strong> tea pot itself<br />
had <strong>to</strong> be rinsed with freshly boiled water<br />
after which spoonfuls of loose tea (tea<br />
bags were an invention of <strong>the</strong> devil) had <strong>to</strong><br />
be put in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> pot - one spoonful for each<br />
person plus ano<strong>the</strong>r for <strong>the</strong> pot. Milk and<br />
sugar were <strong>the</strong>n added <strong>to</strong> one’s cup. During<br />
World War II tea was scarce and sugar was<br />
rationed, so careful consideration had <strong>to</strong><br />
be made of <strong>the</strong> supply of <strong>the</strong>se ingredients.<br />
Sometimes my mo<strong>the</strong>r entrusted me<br />
Tea, and ME<br />
<strong>to</strong> put a kettle on and when I did, if not<br />
watched, I ignored <strong>the</strong> “fresh water”<br />
dictum and no one was <strong>the</strong> wiser, although<br />
I never <strong>to</strong>ld anyone of my short cut. The<br />
tea tasted <strong>the</strong> same! That “boil only fresh<br />
water” and <strong>the</strong> amount of tea <strong>to</strong> be added<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> pot piqued my curiosity. If <strong>the</strong>y<br />
could not tell I had heated water that was<br />
already in <strong>the</strong> kettle, would <strong>the</strong>y be able<br />
<strong>to</strong> detect any difference if I also included<br />
some gently used tea leaves left from <strong>the</strong><br />
last brewing should I<br />
manage <strong>to</strong> be entrusted<br />
with <strong>the</strong> entire process.<br />
I did it and <strong>the</strong>y could not.<br />
As I suspected, no one<br />
was <strong>the</strong> wiser. So much<br />
for <strong>the</strong> quasi-religious<br />
rituals.<br />
Do you want <strong>to</strong> reach<br />
our age 55+ readers?<br />
advertise<br />
in <strong>the</strong> club<br />
Call 519-491-1676<br />
info@welcome<strong>to</strong><strong>the</strong>club.ca<br />
By Glynn A. Leyshon, London<br />
from Daytripping July-Aug 2011<br />
Part of <strong>the</strong> mystique of tea drinking<br />
was <strong>the</strong> barbaric idea of serving tea <strong>to</strong><br />
someone in bed – as though that were a<br />
kindness. My fa<strong>the</strong>r who worked shifts<br />
would arise very early and thoughtfully (?)<br />
deliver a cup of tea <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> bedside of my<br />
mo<strong>the</strong>r, wake her up, <strong>the</strong>n leave for work.<br />
What sadist thought that one up?<br />
Sugar was ano<strong>the</strong>r conundrum during<br />
<strong>the</strong> war. My fa<strong>the</strong>r would drink at minimum<br />
four cups of tea a day and liked <strong>to</strong> have three<br />
teaspoons of sugar in each cup –<br />
a not insubstantial amount<br />
day in day out. My mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />
made copious amounts of<br />
jam each fall using fresh<br />
fruit, which we devoured<br />
completely each year.<br />
BIG BOX PRICES. SMALL STORE SERVICE.<br />
110 S. Mit<strong>to</strong>n • 519-344-7557 • alsvacandsew.ca<br />
Jam, of course, requires a lot of sugar.<br />
Thus came a conflict over <strong>the</strong> rationed and<br />
scarce sugar. My mo<strong>the</strong>r partially solved<br />
this by accident. She was about <strong>to</strong> throw<br />
out a cup with a flaw in it – <strong>the</strong> bot<strong>to</strong>m of<br />
<strong>the</strong> inside of <strong>the</strong> cup was rough – probably<br />
due <strong>to</strong> some incompleteness in finishing.<br />
In any event, it was rough enough that my<br />
fa<strong>the</strong>r, stirring his tea, felt <strong>the</strong> same gritty<br />
response <strong>to</strong> his spoon that undissolved<br />
sugar created. Thus, my mo<strong>the</strong>r would<br />
put one teaspoonful of sugar in<strong>to</strong> his cup<br />
before serving, and he would stir and sip<br />
contentedly just as though <strong>the</strong> tea had<br />
been laced with three spoonfuls. We had<br />
sufficient sugar for plenty of jam making.<br />
Yes, <strong>the</strong>re was a lot of mumbo jumbo<br />
about making a good cup of tea. Today<br />
I drink tea made in <strong>the</strong> microwave oven<br />
and with a, gasp, tea bag. I swear I hear<br />
someone turning over in some distant<br />
place.<br />
WE MAKE<br />
Beautiful Smiles<br />
50<br />
CELEBRATING YEARS<br />
OF MAKING DENTURES!<br />
As a way of giving back <strong>to</strong> our community this year,<br />
we are donating a portion of every denture we make<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> United Way of Sarnia Lamb<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
~ Are you unhappy with <strong>the</strong> way<br />
your Dentures make you look or feel?<br />
~ Are your Dentures loose? ~ Sore spots?<br />
~ Not eating <strong>the</strong> foods you love?<br />
~ Are <strong>the</strong>y over five years old?<br />
WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU!<br />
Digital<br />
(pho<strong>to</strong>graphic)<br />
impressions now<br />
available<br />
Since 1972, our family has made thousands of dentures for our patients.<br />
Ask your dentist <strong>to</strong> refer you <strong>to</strong> us or call yourself for your free consultation.<br />
We are adhering <strong>to</strong> strict Covid guidelines <strong>to</strong> keep you safe.<br />
Call <strong>to</strong> book your free consultation.<br />
519-336-6580<br />
1200 Lamb<strong>to</strong>n Mall Road, Sarnia<br />
www.feigedentureclinics.com<br />
winter <strong>2022</strong> Life Taught Me... Take responsibility for your actions.<br />
P A G E 7
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
“Big or Small, JohnnyRemax<br />
Sells T hem All”<br />
Thank you for continuing <strong>to</strong> shop locally - it’s making a big difference!<br />
Slow Cooking WORD SEARCH<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
John A. McCharles, Broker<br />
Re/Max Sarnia Realty Inc. Brokerage<br />
519-383-4812<br />
johnnyremax@bellnet.ca<br />
Affordable Rates • All Work Guaranteed • 25 Years Experience<br />
GENERATION PAINT COMPANY<br />
Interior & Exterior Painting and Makeovers<br />
All types of<br />
painting,<br />
feature walls,<br />
wallpaper<br />
15% Seniors<br />
DISCOUNT<br />
Find <strong>the</strong>se words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally and backwards.<br />
PLUS HANDYMAN SERVICES:<br />
• Repairs • Waterproofing (caulking)<br />
• Maintenance • Renovations<br />
Call Mark 519-330-4424 or email 1863989ontarioinc@gmail.com<br />
Old age, I decided, is a gift. I am now,<br />
probably for <strong>the</strong> first time in my life, <strong>the</strong><br />
person I have always wanted <strong>to</strong> be. Oh,<br />
not my body! I sometimes despair over<br />
my body... <strong>the</strong> wrinkles, <strong>the</strong> baggy eyes,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> sagging butt. And often I am taken<br />
aback by that old person that lives in my<br />
mirror, but I don’t agonize over those<br />
things for long. I would never trade my<br />
amazing friends, my wonderful life,<br />
my loving family for less gray hair<br />
or a flatter belly. As I’ve aged, I’ve<br />
become more kind <strong>to</strong> myself, and<br />
less critical of myself. I’ve become<br />
my own friend. I don’t chide myself<br />
for eating that extra cookie, or for<br />
not making my bed, or for buying<br />
that silly cement gecko that I didn’t<br />
need, but looks so avant-garde on<br />
my patio. I am entitled <strong>to</strong> over-eat,<br />
<strong>to</strong> be messy, <strong>to</strong> be extravagant. I<br />
have seen <strong>to</strong>o many dear friends<br />
leave this world <strong>to</strong>o soon; before <strong>the</strong>y<br />
unders<strong>to</strong>od <strong>the</strong> great freedom that<br />
comes with aging. Whose business<br />
is it if I choose <strong>to</strong> read or play on<br />
<strong>the</strong> computer until 4 a.m., and sleep<br />
until noon? I will dance with myself <strong>to</strong><br />
those wonderful tunes of <strong>the</strong> 60’s, and<br />
if I, at <strong>the</strong> same time, wish <strong>to</strong> weep over<br />
a lost love... I will. I will walk <strong>the</strong> beach<br />
in a swim suit that is stretched over a<br />
bulging body, and will dive in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> waves<br />
with abandon if I choose <strong>to</strong>, despite <strong>the</strong><br />
E-Mail<br />
The E-Mail<br />
IN-BOX<br />
Send <strong>the</strong> good stuff <strong>to</strong> info@welcome<strong>to</strong><strong>the</strong>club.ca<br />
Old Age<br />
pitying glances from <strong>the</strong> bikini set. They,<br />
<strong>to</strong>o, will get old. I know I am sometimes<br />
forgetful. But <strong>the</strong>re again, some of life<br />
is just as well forgotten and I eventually<br />
remember <strong>the</strong> important things. Sure,<br />
over <strong>the</strong> years, my heart has been broken.<br />
How can your heart not break when you<br />
lose a loved one, or when a child suffers,<br />
or even when a beloved pet gets hit by<br />
a car? But broken hearts are what<br />
give us strength and understanding<br />
and compassion. A heart never broken<br />
is pristine and sterile and will never<br />
know <strong>the</strong> joy of being imperfect. I am<br />
so blessed <strong>to</strong> have lived long enough<br />
<strong>to</strong> have my hair turn gray, and <strong>to</strong><br />
have my youthful laughs be forever<br />
etched in<strong>to</strong> deep grooves on my<br />
face. So many have never laughed,<br />
and so many have died before <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
hair could turn silver. I can say "no,"<br />
and mean it. I can say “yes," and<br />
mean it. As you get older, it is easier <strong>to</strong><br />
be positive. You care less about what<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r people think. I don’t question<br />
myself anymore. I’ve even earned<br />
<strong>the</strong> right <strong>to</strong> be wrong. So, I've decided,<br />
I like being old. It has set me free. I like<br />
<strong>the</strong> person I have become. I am not going<br />
<strong>to</strong> live forever, but while I am still here, I<br />
will not waste time lamenting what could<br />
have been, or worrying about what will<br />
be. And I shall eat dessert every single<br />
day!<br />
P A G E<br />
8<br />
Life Taught Me... Always go with your gut.
Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
Kern<br />
water<br />
1804 London Line, Sarnia<br />
519-542-4211<br />
kernwater.com<br />
Mon–Fri 9 am–6 pm • Sat 8 am–2 pm<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
U-Fill<br />
Water<br />
Delivery<br />
Service<br />
Reverse<br />
Osmosis<br />
and Alkaline<br />
Big Box S<strong>to</strong>res<br />
By Agnes Burroughs, Dorchester • from Daytripping May-June 2008<br />
When I was a little<br />
girl, growing up in a rural<br />
community, <strong>the</strong> general s<strong>to</strong>re<br />
was ‘<strong>the</strong>’ place <strong>to</strong> be. The mixed<br />
scent of kerosene, apples and<br />
wood assaulted your nostrils<br />
as <strong>the</strong> bell above <strong>the</strong> door<br />
announced your presence.<br />
Creaky solid wood floors let<br />
everyone know what part of <strong>the</strong><br />
s<strong>to</strong>re you had ventured in<strong>to</strong>.<br />
You could pick up a pound<br />
of nails for your latest wood<br />
project, a lace hanky with<br />
embroidered flowers for your<br />
swee<strong>the</strong>art’s birthday, or a pair<br />
of shiny shoes for a wedding on<br />
Saturday.<br />
Everyone was a handy man back <strong>the</strong>n,<br />
and could get plumbing parts <strong>to</strong> fix <strong>the</strong><br />
s<strong>to</strong>pped up sink, oil filters for <strong>the</strong> trac<strong>to</strong>r,<br />
shingles for <strong>the</strong> roof and electrical wire<br />
for <strong>the</strong> lamp. There were wheelbarrows,<br />
tires and belts hanging from <strong>the</strong> ceiling in<br />
<strong>the</strong> hardware department, above <strong>the</strong> kegs<br />
of nails of every size. Right next <strong>to</strong> those<br />
could be <strong>the</strong> fabric section with bolts and<br />
bolts of colorful fabric from burlap <strong>to</strong><br />
gingham <strong>to</strong> oilcloth for <strong>the</strong> kitchen table.<br />
Remember that smell.<br />
“Would you be needing a couple<br />
pounds of flour, or a 50 pound bag this<br />
time? We just got a new supply of white<br />
sugar in, and you should see <strong>the</strong> patterns<br />
on those bags, going <strong>to</strong> make real fine tea<br />
<strong>to</strong>wels once you launder <strong>the</strong>m a time or<br />
two. I hear by way of <strong>the</strong> party line that<br />
Miss Gertha is ailing again with <strong>the</strong> gout.<br />
Those are mighty nice eating apples, but<br />
not much for making pies, did you see <strong>the</strong><br />
new car that <strong>the</strong> Nichol’s family just picked<br />
up over <strong>to</strong> Ingersoll? That new minister<br />
sure has some high fallutin ideas don’t you<br />
think? How is <strong>the</strong> new baby doing after<br />
that bout with croup?” All this information<br />
was freely given and appreciated when<br />
you came in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> general s<strong>to</strong>re for your<br />
monthly purchases.<br />
There were shiny mouth organs,<br />
metal <strong>to</strong>y cars, dolls with real glass eyes,<br />
marbles, kazoos, yo yo’s, <strong>to</strong>y guns and a<br />
whole parcel of o<strong>the</strong>r trinkets inside <strong>the</strong><br />
glass case that you had <strong>to</strong> press your face<br />
up <strong>to</strong> for better viewing.<br />
Christmas time was extra special at<br />
<strong>the</strong> general s<strong>to</strong>re, because <strong>the</strong>y would<br />
bring in wonderful items like oranges,<br />
hard rock candy, wagons, walking dolls,<br />
cowboy hats and extra nice gift items for<br />
<strong>the</strong> whole family. One year I had earned<br />
$3.00 babysitting a whole pile of kids for<br />
an evening. I was able <strong>to</strong> buy lace hankies<br />
for my Mom, regular work hankies for<br />
my Dad and candy for all <strong>the</strong> kids for a<br />
Christmas treat.<br />
For a nickel, you could fill a small brown<br />
paper bag with a real tummy ache’s worth<br />
of licorice, gumdrops, jaw breakers, <strong>to</strong>otsie<br />
rolls and lemon drops.<br />
I don’t remember <strong>the</strong>re being a<br />
pharmacy or drug area. Didn’t anyone<br />
get sick, or did we just use <strong>the</strong> good old<br />
recipes like goose grease on your chest for<br />
a cold and lots of fresh air, sunshine and<br />
clean laundry <strong>to</strong> get ourselves better?<br />
The way I see it, all of <strong>the</strong> things at my<br />
General S<strong>to</strong>re were necessities. Everything<br />
had a purpose and would be used, reused<br />
and passed on if it had any life left. Each<br />
visit was an adventure <strong>to</strong> be talked over<br />
and revisited many times over <strong>the</strong> month.<br />
Do you want copies of...<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE<br />
CLUB<br />
For a group,<br />
apartment<br />
building,<br />
or meeting?<br />
They’re FREE<br />
for people 55 + !<br />
Call 519-491-1676<br />
or email...<br />
info@welcome<strong>to</strong><strong>the</strong>club.ca<br />
DELIVERY MONDAY THRU SATURDAY<br />
1018 Murphy Rd, Sarnia • 519-542-7273<br />
winter <strong>2022</strong> Life Taught Me... Cancer doesn’t discriminate.<br />
P A G E 9
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
Don’t let old age get you down - it’s <strong>to</strong>o hard <strong>to</strong> get back up!<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
POSTCARDS<br />
of<br />
SARNIA-<br />
LAMBTON<br />
Sponsored o<br />
o<br />
By:<br />
B<br />
y<br />
F. Filia & Associates Ltd.<br />
Franco Filia<br />
2-565 Murphy Road, Sarnia<br />
519-332-5400 I franco_filia@coopera<strong>to</strong>rs.ca<br />
Advisor/Owner<br />
Queen Elizabeth II Public School, Petrolia<br />
See <strong>the</strong><br />
Dave Burwell<br />
Postcard Collecon<br />
at<br />
sarniahis<strong>to</strong>ricalsociety.com<br />
Polymer Research Lab<br />
Sarnia-Port Huron<br />
Ferries, Sarnia<br />
Graveyards Along Country Roads Offer Solace<br />
As we travel our country roads, we come<br />
across <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong> most unexpected places<br />
- - in <strong>the</strong> middle of a cornfield, surrounded<br />
by picket fences on <strong>the</strong> edge of a small <strong>to</strong>wn<br />
or even near off-ramps on busy highways.<br />
They are <strong>the</strong> burial grounds of those<br />
once loved, but now more often than not,<br />
forgotten by generations who have no<br />
memory of <strong>the</strong>ir lives.<br />
Many times I have pulled over <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> side<br />
of <strong>the</strong> road and taken a little time <strong>to</strong> explore<br />
<strong>the</strong>se sacred places. I find <strong>the</strong>ir solitude<br />
welcoming and for a few moments I can<br />
lose myself in <strong>the</strong> past, wandering among<br />
slanting heads<strong>to</strong>nes that are for many, <strong>the</strong><br />
last remaining evidence <strong>the</strong>y once passed<br />
this way.<br />
I feel compelled <strong>to</strong> read each name, <strong>to</strong><br />
acknowledge that decades and sometimes<br />
more than a century after <strong>the</strong>ir death,<br />
someone wonders about <strong>the</strong>ir life. A life<br />
that is now reduced <strong>to</strong> nothing more than<br />
a little dash that separates a birth date from<br />
<strong>the</strong> year of death.<br />
I have my favourites.<br />
One near my home is graced with a<br />
beautiful old tree, its weeping branches<br />
stretching out as if protecting <strong>the</strong> aging<br />
<strong>to</strong>mbs<strong>to</strong>nes. At ano<strong>the</strong>r, I sometimes s<strong>to</strong>p<br />
<strong>to</strong> close <strong>the</strong> ‘witch’s gate,’ <strong>the</strong> revolving<br />
gate that is said <strong>to</strong> keep out bad spirits. On<br />
a recent visit, <strong>the</strong> stillness was interrupted<br />
by <strong>the</strong> cackle of black-birds. They rose as<br />
one and blackened <strong>the</strong> sky as <strong>the</strong>y <strong>to</strong>ok<br />
wing over <strong>the</strong> nearby fields, leaving only <strong>the</strong><br />
ghostly whisper of <strong>the</strong> wind in <strong>the</strong> branches<br />
of tall pine trees.<br />
On o<strong>the</strong>r roads, I pass pioneer graveyards,<br />
where greying moss-covered heads<strong>to</strong>nes<br />
are neatly arranged in a row, tallest in <strong>the</strong><br />
middle. A stranger happening upon <strong>the</strong>se<br />
consecrated grounds can learn a lot about<br />
<strong>the</strong> community he is passing through. The<br />
carved names bear <strong>the</strong> familiarity of <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
homelands - perhaps Britain, Ireland or<br />
Germany. Evidence of <strong>the</strong>ir hardships are<br />
witnessed by <strong>the</strong> ages written on those that<br />
mark <strong>the</strong> final resting place of children. On<br />
many, <strong>the</strong> winds and rains of time have all<br />
but erased <strong>the</strong>ir tiny angel guardians.<br />
There is one more special graveyard that<br />
often haunts my memory and is perhaps<br />
<strong>the</strong> reason I’m drawn <strong>to</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs. There are<br />
no heads<strong>to</strong>nes and very few people left who<br />
even know it exists. Only two bodies are<br />
buried in what we call, ‘<strong>the</strong> little graveyard<br />
field’. The only marker is a stand of small<br />
Lake Cabin Lodges, Brights Grove<br />
by Lyn Tremblay, Simcoe<br />
From Daytripping March-April 2004<br />
trees that are a little taller than <strong>the</strong> scrub<br />
brush that in recent years has replaced <strong>the</strong><br />
plowed field. She was a baby child and he<br />
was a young man. I only remember <strong>the</strong><br />
s<strong>to</strong>ries, <strong>to</strong>ld by relatives whose memories<br />
were already fading. It is said <strong>the</strong>y died from<br />
a common disease of <strong>the</strong> time.<br />
As children, we ga<strong>the</strong>red apples from<br />
<strong>the</strong> only o<strong>the</strong>r tree in <strong>the</strong> field. Each spring<br />
brown rows of plowed earth neatly circled<br />
<strong>the</strong> apple tree and <strong>the</strong> clump of trees<br />
that marked <strong>the</strong> graves. The field and <strong>the</strong><br />
nearby barn were part of a plot of land<br />
homesteaded by my great-grandparents.<br />
As more seasons and years pass and <strong>the</strong><br />
brush in <strong>the</strong> little field grows thicker, it is<br />
now I who pass on <strong>the</strong> s<strong>to</strong>ries so that those<br />
buried in ‘<strong>the</strong> little graveyard field’ will not<br />
be forgotten.<br />
P A G E<br />
10<br />
Life Taught Me... The majority of people on <strong>the</strong> planet are good people.
Maybe we should s<strong>to</strong>p it with <strong>the</strong> elderly jokes. They’re getting old.<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
Punchline<br />
“Do you believe in life after<br />
death?” <strong>the</strong> boss asked one of<br />
his employees. “Yes sir, I do”<br />
said <strong>the</strong> new employee.“Well<br />
<strong>the</strong>n, that makes everything<br />
just fine” said <strong>the</strong> boss, “After<br />
you left early yesterday <strong>to</strong> go<br />
<strong>to</strong> your grandmo<strong>the</strong>r’s funeral,<br />
she s<strong>to</strong>pped in <strong>to</strong> see you!”<br />
Join us by <strong>the</strong> Lake!<br />
Reserve for panoramic<br />
views of Lake Huron<br />
from our patio!<br />
~ Take Out Available ~<br />
~ Lakeside parks & benches ~<br />
• Au<strong>the</strong>ntic Hickory Smoked Ribs<br />
• Genuine Broasted Chicken<br />
• Seafood, Sandwiches, Wraps<br />
PRIME RIB WEEKENDS<br />
TUESDAY<br />
WING NIGHT<br />
NIGHTLY<br />
SPECIALS<br />
2713 Old Lakeshore Road<br />
Brights Grove • 519-869-2794<br />
www.skeeterbarlows.com<br />
Senior Support Care<br />
~ PERSONAL CARE - dressing, bathing,<br />
incontinence care, mobility assistance<br />
~ LIGHT HOUSEKEEPING - laundry<br />
~ SOCIALIZING - engaging in activities<br />
~ TRANSPORTATION <strong>to</strong> appointments<br />
This is <strong>the</strong> perfect time <strong>to</strong> surround<br />
yourself in your home with indoor plants<br />
that improve your environment and<br />
bring you peace when you look at <strong>the</strong>m<br />
and enjoyment as you care for <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Houseplants bring vitality and calming<br />
<strong>to</strong> your home in <strong>the</strong> winter with <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
bright foliage and air purifying qualities.<br />
For many, houseplants become pets with<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir keepers, known as ‘plant parents.’<br />
Plus, caring for indoor plants is relaxing,<br />
allowing <strong>the</strong> gardener <strong>to</strong> slow down and<br />
get back <strong>to</strong> basics.<br />
When choosing your indoor house<br />
plants you will need <strong>to</strong> consider <strong>the</strong><br />
positioning in your home for <strong>the</strong><br />
recommended light, <strong>the</strong> watering<br />
frequency and if <strong>the</strong> plant is pet friendly.<br />
While watering indoor plants or dusting<br />
~ MEAL PREP<br />
~ MEDICATION REMINDERS<br />
~ COMPANIONSHIP<br />
~ GROCERY SHOPPING<br />
~ PALLIATIVE & RESPITE CARE<br />
Contact Us: 519-704-1267 or 519-466-4302<br />
A Year Round Garden Centre, e<br />
Gi Shop p & Bouque!<br />
Extraordinary selecon<br />
of Plants and Unique<br />
Decoraons &<br />
Poery for enhancing<br />
your indoor and<br />
outdoor living spaces.<br />
Just s East of Sarnia i<br />
on Cty Rd 22<br />
Take k Exit 15 off Hwy 402<br />
USA<br />
Lake Huron<br />
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Bright’s<br />
Grove<br />
From<br />
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NURSERIES<br />
Re-imagine Your<br />
Living Spaces<br />
ZZ Plant<br />
East of SARNIA<br />
519-542-8353<br />
OPEN Monday <strong>to</strong> Saturday<br />
(Rd. R<br />
d 22)<br />
Proud Member of...<br />
S<strong>to</strong>ry and Pho<strong>to</strong>s<br />
Courtesy of<br />
Sipkens Nurseries<br />
off leaves you will be more aware of <strong>the</strong><br />
small moments of joy and beauty each<br />
plant brings.<br />
Easy plants <strong>to</strong> care for, especially for<br />
new plant parents;<br />
• Satin Pothos; broad range of light<br />
with a lower frequency of watering in<br />
<strong>the</strong> winter<br />
• Bird of Paradise; lush oversized floor<br />
plants with ample light reaching 10-<br />
12ft<br />
• ZZ Plant; looks like stalks of<br />
asparagus until <strong>the</strong> leaves peak out, a<br />
range of light for ZZ plants<br />
• Snake plant; natural beauty, bright<br />
indirect light, let <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>p 2 inches dry<br />
between watering<br />
• Rubber Plant; originally from <strong>the</strong><br />
Himalayas, this plant needs bright<br />
indirect light, has glossy large thick<br />
leaves<br />
Moderate plants <strong>to</strong> care for, perfect<br />
for newer gardeners;<br />
• Hoya Plant, a very pretty blooming<br />
star like flowering plant and pet<br />
friendly.<br />
• Chinese Money Plant; moderate<br />
bright indirect light, pet friendly!<br />
• Swiss Cheese Plant; Moderate <strong>to</strong><br />
bright indirect light is best, a lower<br />
frequency of watering in <strong>the</strong> winter<br />
also known as <strong>the</strong> Monstera<br />
Ideal for Experienced gardeners, a<br />
plant that needs more love;<br />
• Fiddle Leaf Fig; broad leaves and can<br />
grow 8’ range, and <strong>the</strong>y need a lot of<br />
natural light, water thoroughly once<br />
a week.<br />
We want your<br />
pho<strong>to</strong>s, s<strong>to</strong>ries<br />
& anecdotes<br />
showcasing<br />
Sarnia-Lamb<strong>to</strong>n!<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE<br />
CLUB<br />
Send <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong><br />
info@welcome<strong>to</strong><strong>the</strong>club.ca<br />
We also welcome your ideas,<br />
comments or questions.<br />
Enjoy being surrounded by your house<br />
plants this winter, spring will be here<br />
before you know it!<br />
Gardeners <strong>Winter</strong> Checklist:<br />
❏ Plan your indoor house plant<br />
paradise based on your experience,<br />
lighting and your lifestyle<br />
❏ Continue <strong>to</strong> feed <strong>the</strong> birds with seed<br />
and suet throughout <strong>the</strong> winter<br />
❏ Start early <strong>to</strong> grow seeds indoors:<br />
celery, broccoli, parsley, cauliflower<br />
and summer flowers<br />
❏ Dust houseplant leaves, replace soil<br />
or repot those that have outgrown<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir homes<br />
❏ Tidy garden beds in late March: cut<br />
back perennials and grasses, remove<br />
garden debris and cover gardens<br />
with mulch and remove weeds<br />
❏ While relaxing in your cozy home,<br />
think, dream and plan your garden<br />
layout for spring<br />
winter <strong>2022</strong> Life Taught Me... Learn a trade.<br />
P A G E 11<br />
Rubber<br />
Plant
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
BOUTIQUE MEDICAL SPA<br />
1098 London Road, Sarnia • 519-542-0079<br />
www.aboutfacesarnia.com<br />
BOOKS<br />
TIGHT<br />
SCULPTING<br />
25% OFF<br />
Thank you, <strong>to</strong> all <strong>the</strong> advertisers you see throughout <strong>the</strong> magazine.<br />
FOOT ORTHOTICS<br />
SLIPPERS, SHOES, BOOTS, SANDALS<br />
Curl up with a book on a cold winter day,<br />
Forget where you are, let your cares fade away.<br />
Read about <strong>the</strong> Sahara, and <strong>the</strong> Taj Mahal,<br />
Picture <strong>the</strong> Grand Canyon or <strong>the</strong> Great China Wall.<br />
It’s so easy <strong>to</strong> travel with a book in your hands,<br />
Read about <strong>the</strong> people and cus<strong>to</strong>ms in faraway lands.<br />
You can take a cruise on a luxurious boat,<br />
Just reading about it, your mind seems <strong>to</strong> float.<br />
Then you’re brought back <strong>to</strong> earth when <strong>the</strong> doorbell rings,<br />
The bo<strong>the</strong>rsome salesman with his loud voice brings.<br />
The children in wanting <strong>the</strong>ir afternoon snack,<br />
Oh! well, maybe <strong>to</strong>morrow you can go back.<br />
Pick up <strong>the</strong> book that waits on <strong>the</strong> shelf,<br />
Curl up in <strong>the</strong> chair and forget yourself.<br />
Julie Munday, Certified Pedorthist<br />
www.soledecisions.com<br />
30+ YEARS<br />
EXPERIENCE!<br />
For help with comfort,<br />
support, circulation,<br />
ASK ABOUT IN-HOME SERVICE fatigue and balance.<br />
303 Davis St, Sarnia • 888-971-6345 Essential Business - Onsite Lab<br />
By Mrs. G. Halpin, St. Thomas<br />
Puzzle<br />
Solution<br />
For The <strong>Club</strong> <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
CROSSWORD on page 27<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
P A G E<br />
12<br />
Life Taught Me... Life is a beautiful struggle.
It’s <strong>the</strong> advertising that makes this magazine possible, and free!<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
Going Above & Beyond for Our Clients!<br />
STEPHANIE MURRAY<br />
Sales Representave<br />
Cell: 519-383-5185<br />
Office: 519-542-9999<br />
movewithsteph@gmail.com<br />
sarnia realty Inc., Brokerage*<br />
*Indepentently owned and operated<br />
1319 Exmouth Street, Sarnia<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
LAURIE LAURIN<br />
Sales Representave<br />
Cell: 519-328-7251<br />
Office: 519-542-9999<br />
laurie.l@bell.net<br />
#laurieloveslamb<strong>to</strong>n<br />
Birth Names<br />
of Vintage<br />
Film Stars<br />
1. Jack Benny<br />
2. George Burns<br />
3. Eddie Can<strong>to</strong>r<br />
4. Joan Crawford<br />
5. Tony Curtis<br />
6. Dale Evans<br />
7. Judy Garland<br />
8. Cary Grant<br />
9. Rita Hayworth<br />
10. William Holden<br />
11. Al Jolson<br />
12. Boris Karloff<br />
13. Jerry Lewis<br />
14. Dean Martin<br />
15. Marilyn Monroe<br />
16. Roy Rogers<br />
17. Barbara Stanwyck<br />
18. Lana Turner<br />
A. Archibald Leach<br />
B. Asa Yoelson<br />
C. Benjamin Kubelsky<br />
D. Bernard Schwartz<br />
E. Dino Crocetti<br />
F. Edward Israel Iskowitz<br />
G. Frances Gumm<br />
H. Frances Smith<br />
I. Joseph Levitch<br />
J. Julia Jean Turner<br />
K. Leonard Slye<br />
L. Lucille Fay LeSueur<br />
M. Margarita Cansino<br />
N. Nathan Birnbaum<br />
O. Norma Jean Baker<br />
P. Ruby Stevens<br />
Q. William Beedle<br />
R. William Henry Pratt<br />
ANSWERS:<br />
1-C, 2-N,<br />
3-F, 4-L,<br />
5-D, 6-H,<br />
7-G, 8-A,<br />
9-M, 10-Q,<br />
11-B, 12-R,<br />
13-I, 14-E,<br />
15-O, 16-K,<br />
17-P, 18-J<br />
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness month.<br />
Do you know someone living with dementia?<br />
3 out of 5 people living with<br />
dementia will go missing at some<br />
point, a frightening experience, and<br />
a dangerous one. That’s why <strong>the</strong><br />
Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-Lamb<strong>to</strong>n<br />
is partnering with The Sarnia Police<br />
Services and OPP <strong>to</strong> provide an<br />
opportunity for individuals living<br />
with dementia <strong>to</strong> be registered as<br />
someone at risk of going missing.<br />
Critical information shared provides<br />
searchers with quick access <strong>to</strong> key<br />
information <strong>to</strong> assist in locating and<br />
returning <strong>the</strong> individual home safely.<br />
Registration<br />
is easy!<br />
Vulnerable Persons Registry<br />
Let’s all do our part <strong>to</strong> help individuals with<br />
dementia live safely in our community.<br />
Simply call Alzheimer Society Sarnia-Lamb<strong>to</strong>n<br />
at 519 332 4444 <strong>to</strong> learn how.<br />
Established in 2010, Shine at Home serves seniors who wish<br />
<strong>to</strong> live in full independence. Since our earliest beginnings we<br />
have learned that with just a little help, people can remain<br />
in <strong>the</strong>ir homes for many years safe and free in <strong>the</strong><br />
knowledge that a dedicated team is <strong>the</strong>re for <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Seniors’ Home Independence Network<br />
Life is Better When<br />
You’re Home<br />
Seniors live at home -<br />
independently,<br />
comfortably & happily.<br />
It doesn’t matter how old you are, life is always better<br />
when you’re home. There’s a deep comfort that comes<br />
from being in familiar surroundings, sleeping in your own<br />
bed, and living under a roof that belongs <strong>to</strong> you.<br />
Housekeeping<br />
Companionship<br />
and Care<br />
Call <strong>to</strong>day and find out<br />
how Shine at Home<br />
can help you:<br />
519-336-9898<br />
"All <strong>the</strong> staff go out of <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
way <strong>to</strong> make life easier for our<br />
Mom when we aren't able <strong>to</strong><br />
be <strong>the</strong>re everyday! We<br />
definitely recommend Shine at<br />
Home <strong>to</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs looking for<br />
excellent care for <strong>the</strong>ir elderly<br />
parents"<br />
Hea<strong>the</strong>r – Daughter of Client<br />
"The lady who does my<br />
housekeeping is so nice and<br />
efficient and always fits in<br />
special requests"<br />
Ruth Ann - Client<br />
shineathome.com<br />
winter <strong>2022</strong> Life Taught Me... Have patience.<br />
P A G E 13
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
Do you remember being 19? Nei<strong>the</strong>r do we!<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
Family owned and<br />
operated in Sarnia!<br />
We takegreat pride in<br />
our workmanship<br />
and cus<strong>to</strong>mer service!<br />
- SHOWROOM HOURS -<br />
Monday <strong>to</strong> Friday, 10 am <strong>to</strong> 4:30pm<br />
Cats!<br />
As every<br />
cat owner<br />
knows,<br />
nobody<br />
owns a cat.<br />
(Ellen Perry Berkeley)<br />
Thrilled with our new windows!<br />
The workmanship was excellent,<br />
installaon was mely, efficient and <strong>the</strong><br />
windows look great! We would highly<br />
recommend Beehive! ~ Dara<br />
1781 London Line • Sarnia<br />
519.491.8888<br />
beehivewindowsanddoors.com<br />
You can’t buy<br />
Happiness<br />
but you can<br />
BUY<br />
LOCAL!<br />
Life Lessons Learned by Adults<br />
1) Raising teenagers is like nailing JELLO <strong>to</strong> a tree.<br />
2) There is always a lot <strong>to</strong> be thankful for it you take time <strong>to</strong> look for it. For<br />
example, I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.<br />
3) One reason <strong>to</strong> smile is that every seven minutes of every day, someone<br />
in an aerobics class pulls a hamstring.<br />
4) The best way <strong>to</strong> keep kids at home is <strong>to</strong> make <strong>the</strong> home a pleasant<br />
atmosphere and let <strong>the</strong> air out of <strong>the</strong>ir tires.<br />
5) Car sickness is <strong>the</strong> feeling you get when <strong>the</strong> monthly car payment is due.<br />
6) Families are like fudge... mostly sweet with a few nuts.<br />
7) Laughing helps. It's like jogging on <strong>the</strong> inside.<br />
8) Middle age is when you start choosing your cereal for <strong>the</strong> fiber, not <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>y.<br />
9) The mind not only wanders, sometimes it leaves completely.<br />
10) If you can remain calm, you just don't have all <strong>the</strong> facts.<br />
11) You know you're getting old when you s<strong>to</strong>p <strong>to</strong> tie your shoes and wonder<br />
what else you can do while you're down.<br />
P A G E<br />
14<br />
Life Taught Me... You get what you pay for.
Putting <strong>the</strong> “old” back in “Damn, you’re old!”<br />
Curtain Opens on a<br />
New Era for <strong>the</strong><br />
Brian Austin Jr. says he sometimes<br />
feels like he’s in a completely different<br />
building when he looks around at all<br />
<strong>the</strong> recently-completed renovations<br />
and upgrades at The Imperial Theatre<br />
in down<strong>to</strong>wn Sarnia.<br />
All new washrooms, new flooring,<br />
new paint, a new roof, new seating<br />
and a new PA system were installed in<br />
<strong>the</strong> last year.<br />
As general manager, Austin Jr.<br />
readily acknowledges how fortunate<br />
<strong>the</strong> community <strong>the</strong>atre has been<br />
during <strong>the</strong> pandemic.<br />
Public support for monthly 50/50<br />
draws proved a runaway success. And<br />
that money was spent on extensive<br />
renovations that were completed<br />
quickly while COVID-19 shut down <strong>the</strong><br />
building.<br />
“When <strong>the</strong> first lockdown<br />
S<strong>to</strong>ry and pho<strong>to</strong>s by Cathy Dobson, Point Edward<br />
happened, we had just announced a<br />
five-year capital campaign <strong>to</strong> raise<br />
$1.5 million,” Austin Jr. explained.<br />
“And now we’ve been able <strong>to</strong> raise<br />
that money and renovate all our public<br />
spaces in just one year.<br />
“I am just so grateful.”<br />
Initially, <strong>the</strong> pandemic threw all<br />
public venues like The Imperial<br />
Theatre in<strong>to</strong> survival mode.<br />
In March 2020, <strong>the</strong> first lockdown<br />
forced Austin Jr. <strong>to</strong> refund more than<br />
$300,000 in ticket sales. With no<br />
live performances, <strong>the</strong> challenge was<br />
<strong>to</strong> pay <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>atre’s three remaining<br />
staff, cover <strong>the</strong> building’s overhead<br />
and try <strong>to</strong> continue with renovations<br />
that were started.<br />
Early on, <strong>the</strong> obvious steps were<br />
taken.<br />
He turned down <strong>the</strong> heat and<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
cut hydro bills in half. A few small<br />
productions were staged outside<br />
on Christina Street. But nothing<br />
generated <strong>the</strong> cash needed <strong>to</strong> keep <strong>the</strong><br />
organization afloat.<br />
Then inspiration struck.<br />
Austin Jr. was on Facebook and<br />
noticed <strong>the</strong> Toron<strong>to</strong> Blue Jays had<br />
huge success with a 50/50 digital raffle<br />
in <strong>the</strong> pandemic’s early days.<br />
“Our in-person raffles during our<br />
intermissions always made a couple<br />
hundred dollars, so I thought, ‘Why<br />
not?’ and <strong>to</strong>ok it <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> board.”<br />
Once <strong>the</strong> onerous paper work<br />
involved in a third-party raffle was<br />
sorted out, <strong>the</strong> Imperial held its first<br />
monthly 50/50 draw in Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2020.<br />
Initially, it generated a respectable<br />
but not spectacular $10,000 or so a<br />
month.<br />
Then suddenly sales exploded and<br />
<strong>the</strong> take-home prize grew <strong>to</strong> over<br />
$60,000. As Austin Jr. put it, <strong>the</strong> raffle<br />
became big enough <strong>to</strong> actually change<br />
someone’s life.<br />
For seven consecutive months, <strong>the</strong><br />
prize money exceeded $100,000 and<br />
surpassed $300,000 a couple of times.<br />
“I remember saying my personal<br />
goal was <strong>to</strong> see <strong>the</strong> prize reach<br />
$100,000 and we did that in spades,”<br />
he said.<br />
“I am so humbled by <strong>the</strong> support of<br />
our patrons and <strong>the</strong> community.”<br />
By late 2021, The Imperial had paid<br />
out an impressive $1.7 million<br />
in prize money and pocketed<br />
$1.3 million once various fees<br />
and marketing costs were<br />
fac<strong>to</strong>red out.<br />
The monthly 50/50 draw<br />
eclipsed all o<strong>the</strong>r fundraising<br />
activities in <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>atre’s 25-<br />
year his<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />
In fact, <strong>the</strong> Imperial’s<br />
$1.5-million, five-year capital<br />
plan was realized in just one<br />
year primarily because of<br />
<strong>the</strong> 50/50’s success. Just as<br />
as<strong>to</strong>unding, all <strong>the</strong> projects in<br />
that five-year plan were more<br />
quickly completed because <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>atre was empty for such an<br />
extended period.<br />
Austin Jr. says he believes The<br />
Imperial’s 50/50 is so lucrative<br />
for a number of reasons.<br />
“I think we have a bit of an<br />
edge because we’re used <strong>to</strong><br />
selling tickets,” he said. “We<br />
also have a huge data base so<br />
we can email about 38,000<br />
people every day <strong>to</strong> promote <strong>the</strong><br />
draw.”<br />
And a lot of hard work has gone<br />
in<strong>to</strong> promoting it, he added. “We build<br />
a lot of hype around it and do a <strong>to</strong>n of<br />
marketing.”<br />
On <strong>to</strong>p of <strong>the</strong> 50/50 draw, The<br />
Imperial <strong>to</strong>ok on ano<strong>the</strong>r unique<br />
fundraiser last spring and began selling<br />
pairs of <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>atre’s 25-year-old seats<br />
<strong>to</strong> help pay for 618 replacements.<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
That generated $10,000, said<br />
Austin Jr. “We considered it a fantastic<br />
response. A lot more people than<br />
I thought are attached <strong>to</strong> those old<br />
chairs. They said <strong>the</strong>y associate <strong>the</strong>m<br />
with <strong>the</strong>ir first date or a special show.”<br />
The new burgundy seats are “really<br />
cushiony” and come with aisle lights<br />
built in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> arms and cupholders.<br />
“The cupholders really seem <strong>to</strong> be a<br />
big deal,” Austin Jr. laughed.<br />
As pandemic restrictions are<br />
reduced and live shows are being<br />
staged for <strong>the</strong> first time in nearly two<br />
years, Imperial Theatre patrons are<br />
being welcomed back <strong>to</strong> a completely<br />
accessible, more environmentallyfriendly<br />
and more lavish venue.<br />
Austin Jr. describes it as state-of-<strong>the</strong>art<br />
and anticipates more out-of-<strong>to</strong>wn<br />
artists will be attracted <strong>to</strong> performing<br />
<strong>the</strong>re because of <strong>the</strong> PA improvements.<br />
And, should anything shut out<br />
audiences again, a new audio suite<br />
has been added <strong>to</strong> live stream and<br />
record shows.<br />
winter <strong>2022</strong> Life Taught Me... You make your own happiness.<br />
P A G E 15
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
Laughter is <strong>the</strong> best medicine - here’s <strong>to</strong> your health.<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
Music Lessons & Books for All Ages<br />
S<strong>to</strong>re & Studio 115 Mit<strong>to</strong>n St. S. 519-344-2319<br />
SARNIA<br />
519-337-3713<br />
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A meaningful life will<br />
not be found in <strong>the</strong><br />
next job or <strong>the</strong> next car.<br />
The way you get<br />
meaning in your life<br />
is <strong>to</strong> devote yourself<br />
<strong>to</strong> helping o<strong>the</strong>rs and<br />
creating something that<br />
gives you purpose.<br />
Mitch Albom<br />
~<br />
SENIOR’S<br />
DAY<br />
Every Thursday<br />
20% OFF!<br />
Tammy Maure<br />
1249 London Rd<br />
519-491-6778<br />
* Every surface & product is sprayed with disinfectant fog daily for your safety!<br />
IN SARNIA-LAMBTON<br />
OIL SPRINGS<br />
519-834-2833<br />
• AUTO • HOME • FARM<br />
• TENANTS • COMMERCIAL<br />
1-800-265-7506 • www.cam-ron.ca<br />
“I love getting<br />
my Tel-Check calls<br />
and medication<br />
reminders!”<br />
Sometimes I feel lonely<br />
Sometimes I forget <strong>to</strong> take my medication<br />
Sometimes I just like <strong>to</strong> talk about how<br />
I’m feeling or what’s going on in <strong>the</strong> world<br />
You can receive daily or weekly Tel-Check calls <strong>to</strong>:<br />
• Lessen feelings of isolation by having a friendly<br />
chat with our volunteers<br />
• Make medication/nutrition/hydration reminders<br />
• Provide you with safety reminders such as ensuring<br />
doors are locked and appliances are turned off<br />
or<br />
You can call our Distress Line Volunteers (519-336-3000)<br />
if you are struggling and need <strong>to</strong> talk (7am–Midnight)<br />
or<br />
You can call <strong>the</strong> Care Pathways Program if you are<br />
looking for information and referrals about services<br />
for older adults and caregivers<br />
1-888-DISTRES(347-8737)<br />
519-336-3000 (7am-Midnight)<br />
To find out more about <strong>the</strong>se programs<br />
or refer a patient/client/loved one,<br />
please contact our office at 519-336-0120<br />
The Hint is ...<br />
At which type of building might you<br />
find a carving such as this?<br />
If you can guess that part, you just<br />
have <strong>to</strong> pick <strong>the</strong> right <strong>to</strong>wn.<br />
Find d<strong>the</strong> answer in our<br />
Spring <strong>2022</strong> issue<br />
From our Fall 2021 issue:<br />
The Hint was ...<br />
This is a just a portion of a mural<br />
by Todd Charl<strong>to</strong>n. If you’re<br />
looking at this, you just might be<br />
going places.<br />
The Answer is...<br />
You’ll find this mural on a<br />
building on Telfer Road near<br />
Sarnia’s Chris Hadfield Airport.<br />
VOLUNTEER - If you enjoy talking <strong>to</strong> seniors and<br />
are looking for a fulfilling volunteer opportunity,<br />
visit us online at www.familycounsellingctr.com and<br />
complete a volunteer application under <strong>the</strong> heading<br />
‘Get Involved.’ We’ll be in <strong>to</strong>uch!<br />
To learn about all of our programs and services,<br />
visit us online at www.familycounsellingctr.com<br />
P A G E<br />
16<br />
Life Taught Me... Be <strong>the</strong> best you can be.
v1.1 LEO<br />
v1.2 Forest Kine<strong>to</strong><br />
v1.3 Heritage St.<br />
v1.4 Sarnia Blessi<br />
v2.1 Canatara Log<br />
You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have <strong>to</strong> get old. George Burns<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
Grandma’s Quilt<br />
Suffering from middle-aged insomnia,<br />
<strong>the</strong> ad caught my eye.<br />
“Dragon’s Den Fight Over This<br />
Canadian Sleep Start Up.”<br />
Intrigued, I read on.<br />
“This weighted ‘Hush Blanket’ induces<br />
sleep and is a revolutionary fix for<br />
sleeplessness.”<br />
Revolutionary? Ha! My Grandma<br />
made <strong>the</strong> first “Hush Blanket” 70 years<br />
ago. It was a quilt that had <strong>to</strong> weigh at<br />
least 30 pounds.<br />
My bedroom on <strong>the</strong> prairies was so<br />
cold in <strong>the</strong> winter that I could carve my<br />
initials on <strong>the</strong> frost that had formed on<br />
<strong>the</strong> INSIDE window pane. You didn’t<br />
need curtains because <strong>the</strong> ice was so<br />
thick it blocked out <strong>the</strong> light, <strong>the</strong> first<br />
“frosted window,” so <strong>to</strong> speak.<br />
My Mom used <strong>to</strong> slide one of those<br />
heavy rubber red hot water bottles<br />
wrapped in a <strong>to</strong>wel between <strong>the</strong> sheets<br />
at <strong>the</strong> foot of <strong>the</strong> bed, but it did nothing<br />
<strong>to</strong> warm up <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> mattress.<br />
Hopping around on one foot, trying<br />
<strong>to</strong> put on your flannelette pajamas<br />
or nightgown (usually made from old<br />
sheets) and <strong>the</strong>n crawling in was a frigid<br />
eye opener. But <strong>the</strong>n it was Grandma’s<br />
quilt <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> rescue.<br />
You snuggled in under <strong>the</strong> flannelette<br />
sheet, <strong>to</strong>pped by a wool blanket with<br />
satin trim, <strong>the</strong> bedspread, and <strong>the</strong>n<br />
Grandma’s quilt. It was a patchwork<br />
creation, made from dribs and drabs<br />
of material, some as old as Grandma<br />
herself. Some were backed with denim,<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs with thick cot<strong>to</strong>n or linen. Some<br />
had tufts of wool sticking out of each<br />
patch. Some had been carted over<br />
from <strong>the</strong> “old country.” But <strong>the</strong>y all had<br />
one thing in common: <strong>the</strong>y<br />
weighed a <strong>to</strong>n and once<br />
under <strong>the</strong>m you literally<br />
could not move and<br />
slept in <strong>the</strong> same<br />
position all night.<br />
The quilts were great<br />
for curing a fever. You<br />
could sweat one out<br />
in a single night.<br />
You’d be soaking wet<br />
By Lee Michaels,<br />
Sarnia<br />
but it was so cold outside <strong>the</strong> sheets you<br />
didn’t dare try <strong>to</strong> throw it off, instead<br />
trying <strong>to</strong> inch your way around <strong>to</strong> find a<br />
cooler spot on <strong>the</strong> bed.<br />
But <strong>the</strong> best thing was <strong>the</strong> “tickle<br />
blanket” o<strong>the</strong>rwise known as <strong>the</strong><br />
universal pacifier. That satin edge was<br />
so soothing. As a pre-schooler, I used <strong>to</strong><br />
suck my thumb and rub it along <strong>the</strong> side<br />
of my face as I was going <strong>to</strong> sleep. As<br />
I grew older <strong>the</strong> thumb-sucking s<strong>to</strong>pped<br />
but <strong>the</strong> tickling did not. Over <strong>the</strong> years,<br />
<strong>the</strong> corners became frayed, and at times<br />
a little ratty looking. The tickle blanket<br />
didn’t get washed much because it was<br />
<strong>to</strong>o difficult <strong>to</strong> put through <strong>the</strong> ringer<br />
washing machine. Mom would wash<br />
<strong>the</strong> satin edges and hang it out on <strong>the</strong><br />
clo<strong>the</strong>sline <strong>to</strong> dry, carefully re-sewing <strong>the</strong><br />
corners <strong>to</strong> get <strong>the</strong> perfect crisp “tickle”<br />
edge. Grandma’s quilt had <strong>to</strong> be laid out<br />
on bales of hay or <strong>the</strong> ground <strong>to</strong> air out<br />
in <strong>the</strong> summer because it was so heavy<br />
it likely would have pulled <strong>the</strong> clo<strong>the</strong>sline<br />
pole right out of <strong>the</strong> ground.<br />
I would love <strong>to</strong> have Grandma’s quilt<br />
right now, although it would be murder<br />
for a menopausal woman. I never knew<br />
what happened <strong>to</strong> it or when it simply<br />
disappeared.<br />
I still do have my own “tickle blanket.”<br />
The corners are less grubby, but when<br />
<strong>the</strong> sandman is missing, its corners take<br />
me back <strong>to</strong> simpler times and I’m soon<br />
sawing logs, although I no longer suck<br />
my thumb.<br />
How many of you remember<br />
Grandma’s quilt and <strong>the</strong> tickle blanket?<br />
Edi<strong>to</strong>r’s Note: There are still several<br />
of <strong>the</strong>se patchwork, weighty blankets<br />
in my family, passed down from my<br />
grandmo<strong>the</strong>r and even my great<br />
grandmo<strong>the</strong>r. They may be<br />
tattered in spots and some<br />
patches worn right out, but<br />
are still loved and used<br />
regularly. I particularly<br />
love <strong>the</strong> patches of<br />
Grandpa’s pants and<br />
Grandma’s dresses that I<br />
remember <strong>the</strong>m wearing<br />
when I was young.<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
We donate $25 for each reprinted<br />
Daytripping Magazine article.<br />
$1475 donated since Jan. 2021<br />
This issue’s recipient is<br />
Canatara Log Cabin Res<strong>to</strong>ration<br />
Great Selection of Fashionable<br />
SODA<br />
Everyday Eyewear!<br />
... A Frankly Optical Experience!<br />
Visit Beth and her daughter Amanda for <strong>the</strong> perfect pair<br />
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Walk in<br />
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appointment<br />
time!<br />
Ideas...<br />
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Try not <strong>to</strong> take Victim Services<br />
anything personally. CCMF<br />
No one thinks about Habitat you<br />
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• Fashionable designer frames<br />
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The Difference<br />
An Independent,<br />
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Business<br />
Can Offer!<br />
Humane Society<br />
Inn of <strong>the</strong> Good S<br />
Lawrence House<br />
Kiwanis Animal Fa<br />
Pathways<br />
Noelle’s Gift<br />
Mike Weir Founda<br />
Gallery in <strong>the</strong> Gro<br />
VPP<br />
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various city optio<br />
various trails<br />
147 N. Mion St., Sarnia • 519-337-4060 • TheEyeGuySarnia.com<br />
winter <strong>2022</strong> Life Taught Me... Good times don’t last, but nei<strong>the</strong>r do bad.<br />
P A G E 17
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
missed a lot of morning classes when<br />
I was at university. What does seem <strong>to</strong><br />
The<br />
work well now is <strong>the</strong> smell of freshly<br />
brewed coffee.<br />
Retirement Anyway, in class we concentrate<br />
Coach © on one of <strong>the</strong> sayings of Zen masters<br />
by Mike Keenan<br />
of <strong>the</strong> past. They liked <strong>to</strong> test <strong>the</strong><br />
http://<strong>the</strong>retirementcoach.libsyn.com/ enlightenment of <strong>the</strong>ir students<br />
through statements and dialogue that<br />
was deliberately paradoxical. The first<br />
collection of subjects or koans was<br />
Meditation<br />
made public way back in <strong>the</strong> 11th<br />
and Zen Koans century.<br />
From China, koan practice immigrated<br />
For Seniors <strong>to</strong> Japan in <strong>the</strong> 13th century. A famous<br />
Listen <strong>to</strong> Mike’s podcasts (humour, travel and poetry) at: The Retirement Coach:<br />
koan is: “What is <strong>the</strong> sound of one hand<br />
http://<strong>the</strong>retirementcoach.libsyn.com/ His book, ‘Don’t Ever Quit - a Journal of Coping<br />
with It’s Crisis vital & for Nourishing retired Spirit,’ people is available <strong>to</strong> remain<br />
print & electronic clapping?” format I spent at Amazon: hours trying <strong>to</strong> figure<br />
nimble https://amzn.<strong>to</strong>/2KBdPWQ in both body and mind. that one out. Finally, I remembered<br />
O<strong>the</strong>rwise, we get <strong>to</strong>o set in our ways, once listening <strong>to</strong> a politician speak at<br />
<strong>to</strong>o fixed in our thinking. It’s important a public ga<strong>the</strong>ring. When he finished,<br />
<strong>to</strong> be open <strong>to</strong> new learning. Thus, I’m I tried <strong>to</strong> clap my two hands <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
back in yoga class. The eldest in our but only one hand moved. Aha, I was<br />
group is Joan who is 82. She is <strong>the</strong> star on <strong>to</strong> something. It was only a matter<br />
of <strong>the</strong> class.<br />
of time before <strong>the</strong> eureka would occur<br />
Our teacher is keen on meditation, just like Archimedes in <strong>the</strong> bathtub<br />
so I suggested that we study Zen koans when <strong>the</strong> water overflowed or was<br />
<strong>to</strong> add a new dimension <strong>to</strong> our regular that Pythagoras? No matter. It’s just an<br />
program of asanas, breathing exercises analogy.<br />
and relaxed meditation. A koan is a I will provide you with an example of<br />
puzzling statement or a s<strong>to</strong>ry, used in a brilliant modern-day koan. His<strong>to</strong>rically<br />
Zen <strong>to</strong> aid meditation and promote <strong>the</strong> Dalai Lama holds political and<br />
spiritual awakening. My spouse has religious leadership over Tibet from<br />
often stated that I need awakening of Lhasa, a city in <strong>the</strong> People’s Republic<br />
one kind or ano<strong>the</strong>r. In fact, not even of China. Lhasa literally translates <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> alarm clock in <strong>the</strong> bedroom seems “place of gods” in <strong>the</strong> Tibetan language.<br />
effective in that regard. I confess that I The 5th Dalai Lama ruled in 1642 and<br />
This magazine comes with a free, built-in, old fashioned fly swatter!<br />
religious successors lasted until <strong>the</strong><br />
1950s.<br />
Okay, <strong>the</strong> Dalai Lama walks up <strong>to</strong> a<br />
hotdog vendor at a Toron<strong>to</strong> Blue Jays<br />
baseball game. The vendor admires <strong>the</strong><br />
monk’s yellow robes and asks, “What’ll<br />
ya have?”<br />
The Dalai Lama ponders for a<br />
second and responds, “Make me one<br />
with everything.” Get it? One with<br />
everything! Neat, eh? I suppose it would<br />
work just as well with “a hamburger<br />
with <strong>the</strong> works.” I thought that <strong>the</strong> Dalai<br />
Lama was a vegetarian. I suppose that’s<br />
<strong>the</strong> truly puzzling part of <strong>the</strong> koan.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r good baseball koan is “Who’s<br />
on first?” This koan can get tricky. Before<br />
you know it, you are <strong>to</strong>tally confused. I<br />
watched two guys named Abbott and<br />
Costello try <strong>to</strong> figure it out for over<br />
seven minutes, but “who’s on first” led<br />
<strong>to</strong> “what’s on second,” “I don’t know”<br />
on third, “why” in left field, “<strong>to</strong>morrow<br />
pitching,” “<strong>to</strong>day catching” and “I don’t<br />
give a darn” <strong>the</strong> shorts<strong>to</strong>p. Actually, it<br />
was quite amusing.<br />
Tony, one of my retired pals, came<br />
over <strong>to</strong> see me <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r day, and I<br />
thought that I would try out a Zen koan<br />
on him. I <strong>to</strong>ld him <strong>the</strong> one about <strong>the</strong><br />
sound of one hand clapping, but he<br />
didn’t get it. He was puzzled. “Explain<br />
it <strong>to</strong> me,” he said. “Okay,” I replied but<br />
first I suggested, “Would you like a cup<br />
of tea.”<br />
“Sure,” he replied.<br />
I boiled water, threw a couple of tea<br />
bags in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> pot, poured in <strong>the</strong> hot<br />
water, steeped it, and <strong>the</strong>n started <strong>to</strong><br />
slowly pour <strong>the</strong> tea in<strong>to</strong> Tony’s cup, and<br />
when <strong>the</strong> cup was full, I kept pouring.<br />
Tony shouted, “Hey, it’s full; you’re<br />
spilling tea all over me and <strong>the</strong> floor; no<br />
more can go in.”<br />
“Aha,” I said. “You see, just like this<br />
ordinary cup, Tony, you are simply <strong>to</strong>o<br />
full, over-flowing with yourself. How<br />
can I explain Zen koans <strong>to</strong> you unless<br />
you first empty your cup?”<br />
By this time, Tony had tea stains all<br />
over his pants, and he was not amused,<br />
so he left. Of course, I thought that I<br />
had been brilliant, but obviously, my<br />
wife was correct when she predicted<br />
that some people are never ready for<br />
spiritual awakening.<br />
I was in <strong>the</strong> local public library <strong>the</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>r day when a lady walked in and<br />
asked <strong>the</strong> librarian, “Do you have<br />
children’s books?”<br />
The librarian replied, “Do you have<br />
<strong>the</strong> mind of a child?” Wow, I was<br />
impressed. That was almost as good<br />
as “<strong>the</strong> sound of one hand clapping,”<br />
which I’m still working on.<br />
Listen <strong>to</strong> Mike’s podcasts (humour,<br />
travel and poetry) at: The Retirement<br />
Coach: http://<strong>the</strong>retirementcoach.libsyn.<br />
com/ His book, ‘Don’t Ever Quit - a Journal<br />
of Coping with Crisis & Nourishing Spirit,’<br />
is available in print & electronic format at<br />
Amazon: https://amzn.<strong>to</strong>/2KBdPWQ<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
P A G E<br />
18<br />
Life Taught Me... Fill each day with love and gratitude.
Many of <strong>the</strong> articles are from <strong>the</strong> archives of Daytripping Magazine.<br />
Recipes<br />
Send Us<br />
Your u<br />
Recipes!<br />
e c es<br />
We’ll be bringing you recipes from <strong>Club</strong> contribu<strong>to</strong>rs & from local<br />
fundraising cookbooks we’ve collected over <strong>the</strong> last quarter of a century.<br />
You’re welcome <strong>to</strong> send your own recipes, or on behalf of an organizaon<br />
that has a new cookbook, & we can help promote those cookbooks for free.<br />
Maple Mashed Sweet Pota<strong>to</strong>es<br />
Cauliflower Cheese Soup<br />
1 medium cauliflower<br />
2 cups chicken s<strong>to</strong>ck<br />
1/4 cup buer or margarine<br />
1/4 cup chopped onion<br />
1 cup grated medium cheddar cheese*<br />
Buered bread crumbs for garnish<br />
(from Point Edward<br />
Ex-Servicemen’s<br />
Assoc. Cookbook)<br />
4 lb sweet pota<strong>to</strong>es, peeled, cut in<strong>to</strong> 1 1/2 inch chunks, 5 <strong>to</strong> 6 sweet pota<strong>to</strong>es<br />
6 slices bacon<br />
1/2 cup half and half<br />
3/4 tsp ground cumin<br />
1/3 cup maple syrup<br />
1/4 tsp pepper<br />
1/3 cup buer or margarine, at room temp. 1/3 cup chopped fresh chives<br />
1 1/4 tsp salt<br />
In a pot, combine sweet pota<strong>to</strong>es with enough salted water <strong>to</strong> cover. Over<br />
high heat, bring <strong>to</strong> boil. Cook unl tender, 10 minutes. Drain; return <strong>to</strong> pot.<br />
Meanwhile, in nonsck skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon unl<br />
crisp, 6 <strong>to</strong> 8 minutes; drain on paper <strong>to</strong>wels. Crumble. In microwave-safe<br />
bowl, combine half and half and maple syrup; microwave on High unl<br />
warm, 1 <strong>to</strong> 2 minutes. Mash sweet pota<strong>to</strong>es with buer unl smooth.<br />
Gradually mash in maple mixture. Sr in salt, cumin and pepper. Reserve<br />
1/4 cup bacon and 1 teaspoon chives. Sr remaining bacon and chives in<strong>to</strong><br />
pota<strong>to</strong>es. Transfer <strong>to</strong> dish; <strong>to</strong>p with bacon and chives. Serves 8.<br />
By: Eva Howard (from<br />
Wyoming Lioness <strong>Club</strong> 30th<br />
Anniversary nive<br />
Cookbook)<br />
okbo<br />
ok)<br />
1/4 cup all purpose flour<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/8 tsp pepper<br />
2 cups milk<br />
parsley<br />
Cook cauliflower in chicken s<strong>to</strong>ck unl tender. Do not drain. Cool a bit. Run<br />
through blender <strong>to</strong> desired texture. Set aside. (I don’t put it in <strong>the</strong> blender).<br />
Melt buer in saucepan. Add onion and sauté unl limp. Do not brown. Mix<br />
in flour, salt and pepper. Add milk; heat and sr unl it boils and thickens.<br />
Add cheese and cauliflower mixture. Sr <strong>to</strong> heat and melt cheese. Garnish<br />
with buered bread crumbs. Add parsley as an ingredient or as a garnish.<br />
NOTE: For cream of cauliflower soup, omit cheese. Makes about 5 cups.<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
Kids’ Letters <strong>to</strong> God<br />
Dear God,<br />
If you watch me in<br />
church Sunday, I’ll<br />
show you my new<br />
shoes.<br />
- Mickey<br />
Looking for<br />
PRIVATE IN-HOME<br />
PHYSIOTHERAPY?<br />
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will come <strong>to</strong> you!<br />
Balance Training,<br />
Funconal Strength.<br />
Falls Prevenon, and more!<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
The heart<br />
smiles through<br />
<strong>the</strong> eyes no<br />
mask can cover.<br />
• Sleek, Stylish<br />
Masks in<br />
20 Styles<br />
• Home Decor<br />
• Gis • Plants<br />
• Fresh Flowers<br />
• Jewellery<br />
1362 Lamb<strong>to</strong>n Mall Rd., Sarnia<br />
519-542-3301<br />
Closed Sundays<br />
www.mysecretgarden.ca<br />
Maple Glazed Pork Roast<br />
1/2 cup barbecue sauce<br />
1/4 cup maple syrup<br />
2 tsp slivered orange rind<br />
Apple Crisp<br />
1/2 cup buer, melted slightly<br />
3/4 cup oatmeal<br />
3/4 cup packed brown sugar<br />
By: Jenn MacRae<br />
(from Brigden Fall<br />
Fair Cookbook)<br />
ook)<br />
1 tsp ground ginger<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
3 lb boneless pork loin roast<br />
Preheat oven <strong>to</strong> 325 degrees F.<br />
Sauce: In a small bowl,, combine barbecue sauce, maple syrup and orange<br />
rind, set aside.<br />
In ano<strong>the</strong>r small bowl, combine ginger and salt; rub over meat. Place meat,<br />
fat side up on a rack in roasng pan. Roast uncovered at 325 degrees F for<br />
1 3/4 <strong>to</strong> 2 hours or unl done. Allow 35 <strong>to</strong> 40 minutes per pound. Brush<br />
oen with sauce during <strong>the</strong> last hour. Serves 10 people.<br />
By: Vicky Coulbeck (from Holy Rosary<br />
School, Wyoming 50th Anniv. Cookbook)<br />
1/2 cup flour<br />
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />
6 cups peeled and sliced apples<br />
Mix all ingredients except apples in a bowl. Put sliced apples in <strong>the</strong> boom of<br />
a casserole dish. Sprinkle mixed <strong>to</strong>pping over apples. Bake at 350 degrees F<br />
for 20 minutes. Cover with aluminum and bake 10 <strong>to</strong> 15 minutes more. This<br />
will make <strong>the</strong> apple crisp juicy. Serve with ice cream, whip <strong>to</strong>pping or as it is.<br />
Send Your Recipes <strong>to</strong> info@welcome<strong>to</strong><strong>the</strong>club.ca<br />
ca<br />
MOBILITY WORKS<br />
phy s i o<br />
y oga<br />
MOVE. FEEL. LIVE.<br />
Book IN-HOME<br />
Physio<strong>the</strong>rapy or Private Yoga<br />
at: www.mwphysioyoga.com<br />
Covered under most<br />
Extended Health Benefits.<br />
Kelly-Lynn<br />
Musico<br />
REGISTERED<br />
PHYSIOTHERAPIST<br />
REGISTERED<br />
YOGA TEACHER<br />
Contact Kelly-Lynn at 519.312.6122<br />
or mwphysioyoga@outlook.com<br />
winter <strong>2022</strong> Life Taught Me... Always keep a positive attitude.<br />
P A G E 19
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ... THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
Here’s <strong>to</strong> living life <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> fullest (until about 9 pm).<br />
Publisher’s note: This is a long<br />
article but I hope you’ll enjoy it, even<br />
if it’s a bit off <strong>to</strong>pic for some readers<br />
of a 55+ magazine. As I write this on<br />
Dec. 29th, new restrictions have been<br />
introduced with 50% capacity at clubs<br />
and restaurants and much of what I write<br />
here might not be as relevant when you<br />
read it, but if that’s <strong>the</strong> case I hope it<br />
will ring true sooner than later. It’s safe<br />
<strong>to</strong> say that all of <strong>the</strong> establishments I<br />
mention here will (once again) need our<br />
continued patronage <strong>to</strong> get back on <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
feet. I also want <strong>to</strong> pay respects <strong>to</strong> George<br />
Webber who was a legend in our industry<br />
and recently passed away. Thank you for<br />
supporting local business and live music.<br />
London Ontario was recently<br />
named a UNESCO City of Music by <strong>the</strong><br />
United Nations educational, scientific<br />
and cultural organization, becoming<br />
<strong>the</strong> first city in Canada <strong>to</strong> receive <strong>the</strong><br />
designation. I had no idea that<br />
Jeff Black & Nicole Morley outside Night Life - pho<strong>to</strong> by Megan Nichol<br />
this prestigious title existed but<br />
<strong>the</strong>y’ve earned it. Budweiser<br />
Gardens is pulling in some of Is Sarnia-Lamb<strong>to</strong>n <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> best acts on <strong>the</strong> planet,<br />
Aeolian Hall is an acoustic<br />
Live, Local Music<br />
treasure and <strong>the</strong> Forest City has<br />
earned national praise as hosts<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Canadian Country Music<br />
Awards and even <strong>the</strong> JUNOs.<br />
Kudos <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> city, <strong>to</strong> Tourism<br />
London and in particular<br />
<strong>to</strong> Chris Campbell, who through his<br />
work with Tourism London, Budweiser Capital of Canada?<br />
Gardens and his own company (Music<br />
City & Music Tourism Consultancy) had venues and countless o<strong>the</strong>r musicians. time. The Corunna branch of <strong>the</strong> Royal<br />
this vision and has pushed for years Jeff, by <strong>the</strong> way, is a singer, guitarist, Canadian Legion also has an afternoon<br />
with unrelenting tenacity <strong>to</strong> make it and bassist who plays as a solo act quite jam, usually <strong>the</strong> last Saturday of <strong>the</strong><br />
happen. That said, I’ve stayed countless often but is a part of several bands and month.<br />
nights in London both recently and over also performs in a magnificent duet As he drives a bit fur<strong>the</strong>r in<strong>to</strong> Sarnia<br />
<strong>the</strong> years, am always looking for a band, with Nicole Morley.<br />
he sees lights shining up in <strong>the</strong> sky,<br />
solo or duo act <strong>to</strong> go see, and usually So as Jeff is driving north he may maybe <strong>the</strong> lights of a local Broadway,<br />
have difficulty finding one. I’ve long go through Port Lamb<strong>to</strong>n, Sombra, but no, it’s just <strong>the</strong> petrochemical plants.<br />
believed that larger cities are plagued Courtright and Moore<strong>to</strong>wn and think Go a little fur<strong>the</strong>r Jeff and you’ll find<br />
by bands that will play for free and that <strong>the</strong>re’s no place <strong>to</strong> play or hear a few down<strong>to</strong>wn Sarnia and a whole host of<br />
you get what you pay for. If <strong>the</strong> music live tunes, but lo and behold he reaches places, most of which you’ve played. I’ll<br />
is not good people won’t come, your Corunna where Two Water Brewing mention Up N’ Downs on Front Street<br />
regulars will s<strong>to</strong>p coming, <strong>the</strong> venues Company has regular entertainment first, out of respect for <strong>the</strong> number of<br />
will suffer and <strong>the</strong> industry as a whole including most, if not all, Thursday years and days each week that <strong>the</strong>y’ve<br />
is weakened.<br />
nights. Just one or two musicians supported local, live music, but <strong>the</strong>re<br />
Then I look at Sarnia-Lamb<strong>to</strong>n where usually, but <strong>the</strong>re’s nothing wrong with are many more. Night Life on Christina<br />
I’ve been a professional musician since that. An<strong>to</strong>nio’s Pizza across <strong>the</strong> road Street may be newer <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> scene but<br />
1985, and I think we might have more also has entertainment from time <strong>to</strong> Jeff has been playing <strong>the</strong>re quite a bit<br />
venues <strong>to</strong> play in per<br />
on Thursdays, and lately on<br />
capita than anywhere<br />
Sundays with drummer and<br />
in Canada, maybe with<br />
singer Brian Cox. Drums and<br />
<strong>the</strong> exception of Saint<br />
guitar are not a common<br />
Johns, Newfoundland.<br />
mix, but <strong>the</strong>y make it work.<br />
That might sound like<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r venues in or near<br />
hyperbole, and maybe it<br />
<strong>the</strong> down<strong>to</strong>wn include Wild<br />
is, so how about we take a<br />
Wings, Collide, The Insignia<br />
stroll and check <strong>the</strong>m out.<br />
Hotel, <strong>the</strong> original Refined<br />
Let’s Go On Tour!<br />
Fool Brewing Co., Tin Fiddler<br />
Jeff Black is a very well<br />
Brewpub, Maud’s Variety, <strong>the</strong><br />
known local musician<br />
Moose Lodge and a whole<br />
who lives in Wallaceburg<br />
host of o<strong>the</strong>r venues that go<br />
but drives north <strong>to</strong> our<br />
live on each First Friday. This<br />
neck of <strong>the</strong> woods quite<br />
list quite often includes <strong>the</strong><br />
often for gigs. One<br />
Sarnia Legion, Blackwater<br />
heckuva nice guy, <strong>to</strong>o. I’d<br />
Coffee, Down<strong>to</strong>wn Market,<br />
like <strong>to</strong> take a <strong>to</strong>ur of our<br />
<strong>the</strong> Lawrence House, Grind<br />
county through his eyes,<br />
Cafe and o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />
since he’s a “real” pro—<br />
Venture a bit north along<br />
one that plays music<br />
Borderlite trio on <strong>the</strong> outdoor stage at Ipperwash Beach <strong>Club</strong><br />
Sarnia Bay and you’ll hear<br />
for a living, knows most (l-r) Ed Roane, Pete Meharg, John Tiernay - pho<strong>to</strong> by Sheila Tiernay live music year round at<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
Paddy Flaherty’s and next door at Big<br />
Family Brewing Co., <strong>the</strong>n also across<br />
<strong>the</strong> road at Alternate Grounds Cafe<br />
& Dockside at <strong>the</strong> Sarnia Bay Marina<br />
in <strong>the</strong> warmer wea<strong>the</strong>r. Yes, we’ll be<br />
including summer venues in this list as<br />
well, hoping that <strong>the</strong>y’ll all be back in<br />
<strong>2022</strong>. Venturing in<strong>to</strong> Point Edward for a<br />
spell you’ll discover Stevie D’s, and Jeff<br />
Black knows this place all <strong>to</strong>o well. He’s<br />
one of many very talented musicians<br />
who go <strong>the</strong>re on Wednesday evenings<br />
<strong>to</strong> jam. I finally had <strong>the</strong> opportunity <strong>to</strong><br />
take part recently and it was a pleasure<br />
<strong>to</strong> play with a number of <strong>to</strong>p-notch<br />
players I’d never met before. Owner<br />
Steve Dumont has turned <strong>the</strong> restaurant<br />
(formerly Bot<strong>to</strong>ms Up) in<strong>to</strong> a prominent<br />
entertainment venue and agrees that<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is an incredible local music scene,<br />
particularly because of <strong>the</strong> large number<br />
of single and duo acts <strong>the</strong>re are. We<br />
discussed if <strong>the</strong> pandemic has perhaps<br />
given people <strong>the</strong> time <strong>to</strong> hone <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
talents and <strong>the</strong> courage <strong>to</strong> step<br />
on<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> stage. A local Facebook<br />
page called The Quarantine<br />
Sessions - Connecting Through<br />
Music has seen countless<br />
musicians, many of whom<br />
had never played in front<br />
of people, broadcast one or<br />
many songs for all <strong>to</strong> see.<br />
Kevin Churchill founded that<br />
group along with James Miller<br />
and says, “I really believe we are in a<br />
renaissance period for live music and<br />
<strong>the</strong> arts. I’ve never seen so many venues<br />
offering live music and bands and solo<br />
acts and duos doing <strong>the</strong>ir thing. Is it a<br />
local thing? I don’t know but I do think<br />
it is pretty special!” Dumont added that<br />
tipping musicians has become more<br />
commonplace and it has made a big<br />
difference in allowing venues <strong>to</strong> bring<br />
in entertainment at an affordable rate.<br />
Stevie D’s has live music on o<strong>the</strong>r days/<br />
nights as well.<br />
Still in Point Edward, Los Pun<strong>to</strong>s<br />
Cantina was hosting small acts last<br />
summer and <strong>the</strong> Match Eatery &<br />
Public House at <strong>the</strong> Starlight Casino<br />
has been known <strong>to</strong> as well. Back in<strong>to</strong><br />
Sarnia proper you’ll be able <strong>to</strong> down<br />
a pint while listening <strong>to</strong> live music at<br />
Two Amigos, Twisted Arm Bar & Grill,<br />
<strong>the</strong> newer Refined Fool Brewing Co. on<br />
London Road and Imperial City Brewing<br />
Co. Out in Brights Grove you’ll find<br />
summer patio entertainment at The<br />
Oaks and also on Wednesdays at <strong>the</strong><br />
Brights Grove Summer Market.<br />
So by <strong>the</strong> time he’s driven around<br />
Sarnia and Point Edward Jeff is just<br />
amazed at <strong>the</strong> number of places he can<br />
play, but he has lots of time, and gas is<br />
cheap <strong>the</strong>se days, so he heads back out<br />
in <strong>the</strong> county <strong>to</strong> see what else he might<br />
find and winds up at Rüstr. What’s a<br />
Rüstr you might ask? This is on London<br />
Line near Mandaumin Road where three<br />
musicians Bil Eldridge, Mike Beggs and<br />
Steve Kiernan have transformed <strong>the</strong><br />
former Bluewater Optimist Hall in<strong>to</strong> a<br />
live music hall, indoors and out. The<br />
indoor venue seats about 100 people<br />
and has hosted many local acts but is<br />
also geared <strong>to</strong> ticketed events featuring<br />
P A G E<br />
20<br />
Life Taught Me... Dogs are kinder than people.
You’re welcome <strong>to</strong> send in articles <strong>to</strong> help build this new magazine.<br />
mid-sized or up and coming recording<br />
acts that are travelling close enough <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> area <strong>to</strong> make Sarnia a s<strong>to</strong>p on <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
<strong>to</strong>ur.<br />
The addition of Rüstr <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> local<br />
music venue has made a significant<br />
difference from what I see. For example,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y have a Sunday brunch with live<br />
entertainment (and great food) from<br />
10am <strong>to</strong> 2pm. I wondered how far in<br />
Canada someone would have <strong>to</strong> travel<br />
<strong>to</strong> find that offered anywhere else, and<br />
<strong>the</strong>n discovered that it’s also offered at<br />
Refined Fool down<strong>to</strong>wn and at Greens<br />
(oops, that one is down<strong>to</strong>wn on Christina<br />
St. and I missed it). One key thing here<br />
is <strong>the</strong> time at which entertainment is<br />
offered. Most bands in London still<br />
start at 10 p.m. and play until 2 a.m. on<br />
weekdays and I’m in bed by <strong>the</strong>n. Since<br />
this article is in a magazine for 55+ I’ll<br />
assume that I’m preaching <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> choir<br />
on this one.<br />
So Why All this Music? Why Now?<br />
For starters it can be attributed <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
pandemic. The number of patios that<br />
can now be licensed has gone through<br />
<strong>the</strong> roof (hopefully <strong>to</strong> stay that way) at<br />
a time when craft breweries and local<br />
wineries are coming of age and farm<br />
markets are more popular than ever. The<br />
“Shop Local” philosophy has married<br />
all three of those things <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r. This<br />
Joan Spalding - pho<strong>to</strong> by Dan Peer Pho<strong>to</strong>graphy<br />
“Golden Age” is taking place in o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
areas of Ontario and Canada, but I’ll<br />
continue <strong>to</strong> argue that Sarnia-Lamb<strong>to</strong>n<br />
is doing it best, but could do it even<br />
better.<br />
The pandemic also brought about <strong>the</strong><br />
aforementioned Quarantine Sessions<br />
and a new pool of talented musicians<br />
that are now brave enough and have<br />
built up <strong>the</strong> reper<strong>to</strong>ire needed <strong>to</strong> take<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir places on stage.<br />
The timing is also making live music<br />
more popular. In Sarnia we’re finding<br />
live music at numerous places starting<br />
at 2 or 4 in <strong>the</strong> afternoon, or from 7 <strong>to</strong> 10<br />
p.m. It’s long overdue! The generations<br />
that grew up on live music still love and<br />
will support live music, and our venues<br />
have realized that this is <strong>the</strong> audience<br />
<strong>the</strong>y need <strong>to</strong> attract. The younger<br />
generations didn’t grow up with The<br />
Campbell St. Stations or <strong>the</strong> Courtright<br />
Hotels or <strong>the</strong> Kenwick-on-<strong>the</strong>-Lakes—<br />
it’s a shame that this new, golden age of<br />
live music may have a shelf life, but we<br />
may be just beginning <strong>to</strong><br />
see <strong>the</strong> best years of it.<br />
The musicians are<br />
older as well, and<br />
this is ano<strong>the</strong>r key<br />
component. There are<br />
certainly many talented<br />
younger musicians–<br />
Chris Molyneaux, Demi<br />
Krall and Rodney James<br />
Medwid <strong>to</strong> name just a<br />
few, but <strong>the</strong>re are far <strong>to</strong>o<br />
many seasoned artists <strong>to</strong><br />
mention that are leading<br />
<strong>the</strong> way and will be for<br />
years <strong>to</strong> come. I’ve often<br />
joked that after 35 years<br />
I’m basically playing<br />
<strong>the</strong> same songs for <strong>the</strong><br />
same people. That’s not<br />
completely accurate but<br />
it isn’t far off.<br />
Whe<strong>the</strong>r or not this is sustainable is a<br />
good question. Will supply and demand<br />
dictate that not all <strong>the</strong>se establishments<br />
can support live music? Will <strong>the</strong>re be<br />
fewer patrons if COVID goes away and<br />
locals can leave for <strong>the</strong> US or<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r destinations? If COVID<br />
gets worse and we’re all locked<br />
down again, will <strong>the</strong> music<br />
industry bounce right back<br />
when <strong>the</strong> time is right? Your<br />
guess is as good as mine.<br />
Speaking of <strong>the</strong> lockdowns,<br />
even <strong>the</strong> darkest days of <strong>the</strong><br />
quarantine couldn’t s<strong>to</strong>p some<br />
of us. Scott Manery started<br />
broadcasting three hour<br />
concerts on Facebook live from<br />
his basement on Saturday<br />
nights (Scott also has a great<br />
radio show called Nine Hours<br />
North of Nashville, Sunday<br />
mornings on CHOK). I followed<br />
Scott’s lead and started a live<br />
show on Tuesday nights and<br />
can’t tell you what a rewarding<br />
experience it’s been. To <strong>to</strong>p<br />
that though, as of December<br />
26th, 2021, local country<br />
music legend Joan Spalding<br />
had been live streaming a<br />
3:00 afternoon show for an absolutely<br />
incredible 634 days straight.<br />
Hey Jeff... What About <strong>the</strong> County?<br />
So... imagine that Jeff hasn’t been <strong>to</strong><br />
Petrolia since <strong>the</strong> Squire Hotel closed<br />
down and has been longing <strong>to</strong> see<br />
what’s up in Canada’s Vic<strong>to</strong>rian Oil<br />
Town.<br />
What <strong>the</strong> heck is with all <strong>the</strong>se craft<br />
breweries, he might exclaim. There’s<br />
one here <strong>to</strong>o. Black Gold Brewery<br />
opened last year and has regular<br />
entertainment inside or on <strong>the</strong> patio.<br />
Helen‘s Hideaway Family Restaurant/<br />
Haywood’s is right next door and has<br />
entertainment most weekends, and<br />
Crabby Joe’s had a fabulous outdoor<br />
stage a couple of summers ago which<br />
we hope comes back. Even <strong>the</strong> Petrolia<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
Farmers Market has entertainment on<br />
Saturday mornings and Tuesday nights<br />
when <strong>the</strong> air is warm enough <strong>to</strong> play.<br />
A bit fur<strong>the</strong>r south in Oil City Jeff finds<br />
that <strong>the</strong>re’s absolutely no place <strong>to</strong> play,<br />
but Alvins<strong>to</strong>n has Armor’s Ale House.<br />
Painkiller Jane warming up for <strong>the</strong> Trews in a parking lot on Front St. in 2013<br />
(l-r) Jamie Dufour, Mark Moran, Hea<strong>the</strong>r Welling<strong>to</strong>n, Pete Michieli<br />
Then he turns tail and heads back north<br />
<strong>to</strong> Wyoming where <strong>the</strong> Legion has had<br />
entertainment on some Saturday nights<br />
for years. Covid put a s<strong>to</strong>p <strong>to</strong> that for a<br />
while but <strong>the</strong>y’re back up and running<br />
<strong>to</strong> some extent. A new restaurant called<br />
LOCA also opened and my good friend<br />
Adam Miller was <strong>the</strong>ir first of hopefully<br />
many entertainers. Wyoming is where I<br />
started my own music career years ago<br />
with bands like Trax, Damn Straight,<br />
Done Deal. I’m currently with Painkiller<br />
Jane and also have a duo with Colleen<br />
Beauregard in addition <strong>to</strong> a solo act I<br />
bring out from time <strong>to</strong> time.<br />
From <strong>the</strong>re Jeff continues north<br />
and finds Al<strong>to</strong>n Farms Estate Winery<br />
on Aberarder Line south of Forest and<br />
it’s on one of <strong>the</strong> sunny afternoons<br />
when <strong>the</strong>y have—you guessed it—live<br />
entertainment on <strong>the</strong> patio. Around a<br />
country corner still just south of Forest<br />
he’s going <strong>to</strong> drive up <strong>the</strong> laneway<br />
<strong>to</strong> S<strong>to</strong>nepicker Brewing Co. which<br />
routinely has acts outside on warm<br />
days and inside year round. The Forest<br />
location of Skeeter Barlows also has live<br />
acts and a bit fur<strong>the</strong>r up <strong>the</strong> road in<br />
Port Franks he might just find his old<br />
pal Mark Blayney playing at Grogs<br />
Restaurant. They’ll spend some<br />
time talking about <strong>the</strong> amazing new<br />
outdoor stages at Widder Station<br />
in Thedford and at <strong>the</strong> Ipperwash<br />
Beach <strong>Club</strong>. There are also a number<br />
of campgrounds in this area that<br />
hire bands during <strong>the</strong> summer, not<br />
<strong>to</strong> mention all <strong>the</strong> fairs and festivals<br />
in every corner of Lamb<strong>to</strong>n County.<br />
Oh, we’re not done yet though. Jeff<br />
ventures up Highway 21 where Brian<br />
Dale might be doing his regular gig<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Pinery Flea Market, which<br />
will be hopefully open again this<br />
summer after a two-year hiatus.<br />
Brian is a staple in <strong>the</strong> Grand<br />
Bend music scene, often seen at<br />
numerous venues including playing<br />
with friends at <strong>the</strong> Lake Hound<br />
Restaurant. As you can imagine, <strong>the</strong><br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
number of venues in The Bend can be<br />
plentiful but often changes. The Rotary<br />
<strong>Club</strong> has also built a fabulous stage on<br />
<strong>the</strong> beach and feature weekly Summer<br />
Sounds concerts, often on Sunday<br />
nights with <strong>the</strong> hopes of keeping people<br />
in <strong>to</strong>wn a bit longer.<br />
Grand Bend sits right<br />
on <strong>the</strong> county line so<br />
we could dip our <strong>to</strong>es<br />
a bit north and try <strong>to</strong><br />
claim <strong>the</strong> Oakwood<br />
Inn or White Squirrel<br />
Golf <strong>Club</strong>. There’s<br />
also Huron Country<br />
Playhouse but we can’t<br />
mention that without<br />
celebrating two more<br />
stellar <strong>the</strong>atres.<br />
They may not often<br />
feature local bands<br />
but you’ll never hear<br />
better music than you<br />
do at Sarnia’s Imperial<br />
Theatre and Vic<strong>to</strong>ria<br />
Playhouse Petrolia.<br />
Brian Austin has done<br />
an incredible job at<br />
<strong>the</strong> Imperial of bringing in an array of<br />
talent, including numerous household<br />
names. My personal favourite is <strong>the</strong><br />
Classic Albums Live series where a<br />
group of selected musicians come in <strong>to</strong><br />
play an album so perfectly that you can<br />
close your eyes and barely be able <strong>to</strong><br />
tell that it’s not <strong>the</strong> recording. Fans of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Beatles, Rolling S<strong>to</strong>nes, Pink Floyd,<br />
Queen, etc would fall in love with this<br />
production, but get your tickets fast<br />
for those shows! And in Petrolia, David<br />
Hogan and David Rogers as artistic<br />
direc<strong>to</strong>rs have established Vic<strong>to</strong>ria Hall<br />
as one of <strong>the</strong> best and most reliable<br />
performance centres in <strong>the</strong> land. Music<br />
Direc<strong>to</strong>r Mark Payne and an all star<br />
cast of superbly talented artists never<br />
disappoint and crowds relish in <strong>the</strong><br />
opportunity <strong>to</strong> see many of <strong>the</strong> cast<br />
members return in different roles.<br />
I think that’s it. I think we’re done,<br />
Jeff. Good thing you don’t drink bro<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
You can drive home safely after your<br />
<strong>to</strong>ur through Sarnia-Lamb<strong>to</strong>n’s awesome<br />
collection of music venues. We came up<br />
with well over 30 places <strong>to</strong> play with<br />
Continued on<br />
next page...<br />
Jim Chevalier with Canada’s Voyageur guitar<br />
- pho<strong>to</strong> by Doug Nicholson (we believe)<br />
winter <strong>2022</strong> Life Taught Me... Don’t eat yellow snow.<br />
P A G E 21
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
Continued from<br />
previous page...<br />
Mark Blayney - pho<strong>to</strong> by Barry Lox<strong>to</strong>n<br />
regularity, not including <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>atres,<br />
one-time events or fairs and festivals<br />
like Ribfest, Bluewater Borderfest, etc.<br />
Oh wait, what’s that, we missed one?<br />
How could we possibly forget about <strong>the</strong><br />
Duc D’Orleans II which cruises up and<br />
down <strong>the</strong> St. Clair River in <strong>the</strong> summer<br />
with live bands a few days or nights<br />
each week, and is also one of <strong>the</strong> most<br />
enjoyable places for musicians <strong>to</strong> play.<br />
It’s always an adventure with Ken and<br />
Sherry and <strong>the</strong>ir fabulous crew.<br />
So How Do We Get Even Better??<br />
If <strong>the</strong>re’s more opportunity for live<br />
music <strong>to</strong> flourish it would be in Sarnia’s<br />
city-owned facilities. We hope <strong>to</strong> see<br />
music come back <strong>to</strong> life at <strong>the</strong> Agora<br />
Stage in Centennial Park, in Canatara<br />
Park and especially at <strong>the</strong> Progressive<br />
Au<strong>to</strong> Sales Arena which has <strong>the</strong> ability<br />
<strong>to</strong> host large shows that would attract<br />
<strong>to</strong>urists, but is barely ever used <strong>to</strong> its<br />
full potential. In <strong>the</strong> last show I saw<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
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<strong>the</strong>re, El<strong>to</strong>n John played for three hours<br />
straight, by himself. There were no<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r musicians, just El<strong>to</strong>n John. I have<br />
no idea how Sarnia got that lucky, but<br />
we did. We also had 14 years of Bayfest<br />
which grew <strong>to</strong> become a world class<br />
concert series and <strong>to</strong>urism bonanza,<br />
but it ended 10 years ago. It would also<br />
be nice <strong>to</strong> see Sarnia and o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>to</strong>wns<br />
block off <strong>the</strong>ir streets on occasion for<br />
more live music festivals.<br />
Tourism is important and I for one<br />
believe that having this many live, local<br />
music venues can attract music lovers.<br />
As I write this in December 2021,<br />
Monday is <strong>the</strong> only day without live<br />
entertainment in our area. On many<br />
days of <strong>the</strong> week you can see two, three<br />
or more performances starting as early<br />
as 10 a.m. and almost all are free (but<br />
Scott Manery & <strong>the</strong> Barnburners at Ribfest<br />
2015 - pho<strong>to</strong> by Mike Sex<strong>to</strong>n<br />
30 YEARS<br />
EXPERIENCE<br />
Call Don at<br />
226-343-2265<br />
I’d write something better here, but I forgot <strong>to</strong>!<br />
please tip musicians). I would love <strong>to</strong><br />
travel <strong>to</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r part of <strong>the</strong> province<br />
and stay one or more nights just <strong>to</strong> enjoy<br />
live, local music but, if <strong>the</strong>re are o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
places with this much entertainment,<br />
none of <strong>the</strong>m are letting us know about<br />
it. But.. are we telling o<strong>the</strong>rs?<br />
That’s my point and <strong>the</strong> goal of this<br />
article. I’ve heard countless people<br />
complain over <strong>the</strong> years that <strong>the</strong>re’s<br />
nothing <strong>to</strong> do in Sarnia-Lamb<strong>to</strong>n and<br />
that we don’t have much of a music<br />
scene. They’re completely wrong and<br />
always were, but our music scene is<br />
better than ever right now and we may<br />
in fact be <strong>the</strong> Live, Local Music Capital<br />
of Canada. We should be promoting<br />
it as a <strong>to</strong>urism product and may have<br />
aces up our sleeve in this department<br />
as well. Tourism Sarnia Lamb<strong>to</strong>n’s<br />
Executive Direc<strong>to</strong>r Mark Perrin has loads<br />
of experience as an event coordina<strong>to</strong>r,<br />
and Digital Marketing Coordina<strong>to</strong>r Adam<br />
Veen plays in two bands, Rumblefish<br />
and Aces High. I believe a key <strong>to</strong> this<br />
is <strong>to</strong> have one place where locals and<br />
visi<strong>to</strong>rs can find a calendar of all events,<br />
large or small, in one place. Music, craft<br />
shows, fairs, beef dinners, everything.<br />
Doing this is extremely difficult in <strong>the</strong>se<br />
uncertain times and organized event<br />
calendars were much more common<br />
before <strong>the</strong> advent of social media.<br />
However, if you have a complete and<br />
up-<strong>to</strong>-date list of attractions, in this case<br />
music, <strong>the</strong>n you can promote it as a<br />
unique <strong>to</strong>urism product and put “heads<br />
in beds” which is <strong>the</strong> primary goal of all<br />
<strong>to</strong>urism marketing. In this case we could<br />
also keep people from leaving our area<br />
since <strong>the</strong>y would know just how much is<br />
happening in <strong>the</strong>ir own backyard. I hope<br />
TSL and <strong>the</strong>ir community partners will<br />
work on this because it’s something that<br />
is not being done in any o<strong>the</strong>r market<br />
that I’ve ever seen, and it would give us<br />
a strategic advantage <strong>to</strong> attract visi<strong>to</strong>rs.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> meantime you can find<br />
valuable information on who’s playing<br />
where at www.sarniarocks.com and <strong>the</strong><br />
Supporting Sarnia Lamb<strong>to</strong>n and Live<br />
Music Sarnia Facebook pages.<br />
Bil Eldridge at Grind - pho<strong>to</strong> by Leo Spence<br />
If you’ve made it this far, thank you<br />
for reading and my apologies if <strong>the</strong>re<br />
are any venues that I’ve somehow<br />
missed. Please support live music<br />
everywhere and remember <strong>to</strong> tip<br />
musicians if you like what you hear. I<br />
pray that no businesses will have <strong>to</strong> shut<br />
down in <strong>2022</strong> but, if that’s <strong>the</strong> case, I’m<br />
confident that <strong>the</strong>y can all rebound if<br />
we do our part <strong>to</strong> help <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Enjoy <strong>the</strong> show!<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ... <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
141 Mit<strong>to</strong>n St. South, Sarnia • info@tywc.ca • www.tywc.ca<br />
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P A G E<br />
22<br />
Life Taught Me... Pick your battles.
We are really hoping <strong>to</strong> include some great events in future issues!<br />
“Big or Small, JohnnyRemax<br />
Sells T hem All”<br />
John A. McCharles, Broker<br />
Re/Max Sarnia Realty Inc. Brokerage<br />
519-383-4812<br />
johnnyremax@bellnet.ca<br />
Come In<br />
& Eat<br />
With Us!<br />
(I through L)<br />
Ignorance: When you don't 'tknow something and someone finds out.<br />
Ingrate: Bites <strong>the</strong> hand that feeds him, <strong>the</strong>n complains of indigestion.<br />
Irony: Millie Vanilli on a karaoke machine.<br />
I.R.S.: Income Reduction Service.<br />
Junk: Something you need <strong>the</strong> day after you throw it away.<br />
Jury: 12 men & women trying <strong>to</strong> decide which side has <strong>the</strong> best lawyer.<br />
Justice: A decision in your favour.<br />
Kiss: Putting your honey where your mouth is.<br />
Lamb Stew: Much ado about mut<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
Laziness: A remote control <strong>to</strong> locate your o<strong>the</strong>r remote controls.<br />
Left Bank: What <strong>the</strong> bank robbers did when <strong>the</strong>ir money bag was full.<br />
Lefties: The only people in <strong>the</strong>ir right minds.<br />
Love: Two vowels, two consonants, two fools.<br />
Light Year:<br />
Love: The feeling you get <strong>to</strong>wards someone<br />
A regular<br />
who meets your neurotic needs.<br />
year with<br />
less calories.<br />
LSD: Virtual reality without <strong>the</strong> expensive hardware.<br />
For over 20 years,<br />
we have had <strong>the</strong><br />
pleasure of serving you,<br />
our family & friends.<br />
Here at Big Fish,<br />
you are a part of<br />
our family & we can’t<br />
wait <strong>to</strong> share a drink,<br />
our love of food<br />
od<br />
& laughs with you.<br />
See you soon,<br />
on,<br />
Alex, Stacey & Gus<br />
For Lunch, Dinner or a Special Occasion<br />
Make Reservaons at Sarnia’s Finest<br />
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Canada’s Farmerettes<br />
By Beryl Beckett • from Daytripping Nov-Dec 2021<br />
The Land Girls are pretty well known.<br />
The British issued a postage stamp in<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir honour. and <strong>the</strong> BBC made a movie<br />
about <strong>the</strong>m. The Canadian Farmerettes?<br />
Not so well known… even ‘hardly<br />
known.’ It’s about time we change that.<br />
Farmerettes in Canada worked <strong>the</strong><br />
fields left empty of labour at a time<br />
when most males were in <strong>the</strong> Armed<br />
Forces during World War II. How do I<br />
know? I was a Farmerette! Four teenaged<br />
girls from Petrolia, Ontario became<br />
Farmerettes. Maybe some of you knew<br />
us: Lois and Jean Duncan, Mona Dougall<br />
and me, Beryl Anderson. I’d love <strong>to</strong> say<br />
we were patriotic but truth be known<br />
we got out of school early, didn’t have<br />
<strong>to</strong> write final exams AND we got paid! A<br />
whole 25 cents an hour… though we had<br />
<strong>to</strong> pay room and board at <strong>the</strong> camps out<br />
of our pay. We wanted adventure and we<br />
figured it would be like camp. Not quite.<br />
So off we went…Jean and Mona were<br />
sent <strong>to</strong> St. Davids, Vineland while Lois<br />
and I went <strong>to</strong> Goodwins Farm Camp,<br />
all in <strong>the</strong> Niagara region. We cut fields<br />
and fields of asparagus, usually in <strong>the</strong><br />
morning, and worked fields and fields<br />
of strawberries in <strong>the</strong> afternoon. Not<br />
walking and bending but s<strong>to</strong>oping<br />
continually. I’m surprised I’m still not<br />
s<strong>to</strong>oped over.<br />
Anyway, one vegetable I didn’t like was<br />
asparagus. Come dinner time, we were<br />
starving. First off: cream of asparagus<br />
soup—couldn’t even try it. So I waited for<br />
<strong>the</strong> main meal: creamed asparagus on<br />
<strong>to</strong>ast. Believe me, I polished it off. By <strong>the</strong><br />
end of <strong>the</strong> meal I really liked asparagus.<br />
Dessert? You guessed it. Strawberries.<br />
At Goodwins we had a Japanese<br />
family interned <strong>the</strong>re… a lovely family,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Mitsuis. Mr. Mitsui had been Mr.<br />
Goodwin’s sergeant in <strong>the</strong> Canadian<br />
army during World War I. In World War II<br />
he was considered an enemy of Canada.<br />
Different wars, different worlds. I can<br />
only imagine <strong>the</strong> hurt of Mr. Mitsui.<br />
We worked hard but we also had<br />
fun travelling around <strong>the</strong> Niagara area<br />
via thumb. We hitchhiked all over,<br />
even <strong>to</strong> Buffalo, NY (where we almost<br />
got arrested). We’d hitch rides in<strong>to</strong> St.<br />
Ca<strong>the</strong>rines where we’d spend evenings<br />
drinking chocolate cokes (don’t knock it<br />
‘til you try it) at <strong>the</strong> Dianne Sweet Shoppe<br />
and meeting boys. Almost every weekend<br />
we’d hitch rides <strong>to</strong> Niagara Falls.<br />
Then Lois and I got transferred <strong>to</strong><br />
Vineland Camp where we thinned<br />
peaches, picked peaches and packed<br />
peaches for <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> summer. We<br />
began <strong>to</strong> feel we lived on ladders leaning<br />
against peach trees.<br />
So why tell you about Farm Camp and<br />
Farmerettes? A small but dedicated group<br />
of people are trying <strong>to</strong> get <strong>the</strong> Canadian<br />
Postal Service <strong>to</strong> issue a commemorative<br />
stamp honouring <strong>the</strong> Farmerettes, but <strong>to</strong><br />
do this <strong>the</strong>y need <strong>to</strong> know <strong>the</strong>re would<br />
be an interest in <strong>the</strong> his<strong>to</strong>ry of <strong>the</strong><br />
Farmerettes of Canada. They suggest<br />
anyone reading about us on Facebook<br />
click “Like” and make sure you “Share”<br />
with your friends. Also, if you have<br />
contact with anyone in radio, TV, blogs<br />
or any print (newspapers, newsletters,<br />
etc.) please ask <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> spread <strong>the</strong> word<br />
about The Canadian Farmerettes.<br />
Thank you for taking time <strong>to</strong> read this<br />
and thank you in advance for spreading<br />
<strong>the</strong> word.<br />
winter <strong>2022</strong> Life Taught Me... You never know what lays ahead.<br />
P A G E 23
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There Are Many Ways <strong>to</strong> Say “I Love You.”<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
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by Eileen Cade-Edwards, London • from Daytripping May-June 2002<br />
As <strong>the</strong> bus in which I was a passenger<br />
passed our local hospital, <strong>the</strong> little<br />
boy on <strong>the</strong> seat in front of me leaned<br />
against his mo<strong>the</strong>r’s arm. Up <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>n<br />
he had remained very quiet and still.<br />
“Daddy doesn’t love me, does he?”<br />
he said suddenly.<br />
“How can you say such a thing!”<br />
exclaimed his mo<strong>the</strong>r in surprise.<br />
“He doesn’t!” insisted <strong>the</strong> little boy.<br />
“Don’t ever say that again,” scolded<br />
<strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r. “You know he loves you<br />
very much.”<br />
“He never said so when I came out<br />
of hospital like you did.”<br />
“Of course he did,” <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />
answered without hesitation.<br />
“When?” insisted <strong>the</strong> boy. “I<br />
never heard him.”<br />
“Well, don’t you remember when<br />
Daddy spent <strong>the</strong> whole evening<br />
fixing your train? That’s when<br />
he <strong>to</strong>ld you he loved you.”<br />
The little boy wrinkled his<br />
nose and glanced suspiciously<br />
at his mo<strong>the</strong>r. “Is that when Daddy<br />
said it? I didn’t hear him.”<br />
Of course <strong>the</strong> little boy didn’t<br />
understand but I felt sure his mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />
would somehow explain in a way that<br />
would be clear <strong>to</strong> him. Unfortunately,<br />
I had <strong>to</strong> leave <strong>the</strong>m for I had already<br />
arrived at my destination.<br />
I thought about that brief conversation<br />
between <strong>the</strong> boy and his mo<strong>the</strong>r for<br />
quite a long time afterwards.<br />
Not everyone can express <strong>the</strong>ir love<br />
in words. To some people “I love you”<br />
is one of <strong>the</strong> hardest things <strong>to</strong> say.<br />
But <strong>the</strong>re are many ways of “saying”<br />
I love you.<br />
The mo<strong>the</strong>r who sits for long hours<br />
mending her son’s favourite jacket<br />
or alters a dress for her daughter so<br />
that it fits <strong>to</strong> perfection. The young<br />
wife who spends hours making <strong>the</strong><br />
dessert she knows her husband loves,<br />
or <strong>the</strong> husband who brings home little<br />
unexpected gifts of flowers or candies.<br />
Then <strong>the</strong>re is <strong>the</strong> humorous<br />
proclamation.<br />
A friend of mine has a wonderful<br />
husband. On her club nights he<br />
will wash <strong>the</strong> dishes, feed <strong>the</strong><br />
children, put <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> bed and<br />
do anything else that needs <strong>to</strong><br />
be done, without so much as<br />
a sigh. But when it comes<br />
<strong>to</strong> those three little words<br />
she longs <strong>to</strong> hear, all he can<br />
manage is: “I think I’ll trade you<br />
in for a new car.”<br />
“I used <strong>to</strong> be quite upset about<br />
it,” Mary <strong>to</strong>ld me, “but now I<br />
understand. He is telling me he<br />
loves me - but in his own funny way.”<br />
So when we long <strong>to</strong> hear those<br />
three little words - I love you - let us<br />
remember <strong>the</strong>re are o<strong>the</strong>r ways <strong>to</strong><br />
“say” this that are just as significant<br />
and meaningful if we will only train our<br />
hearts and minds as well as our ears <strong>to</strong><br />
recognize <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
The little boy whose fa<strong>the</strong>r spent<br />
<strong>the</strong> evening mending his <strong>to</strong>y train will<br />
one day understand this, even if his<br />
mo<strong>the</strong>r is unsuccessful in explaining<br />
it <strong>to</strong> him now.<br />
P A G E<br />
24<br />
Life Taught Me... Acquire as much knowledge as you can.
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Granny’s<br />
Jewels<br />
By Therese Lecuyer, Essex<br />
from Daytripping May-June 2016<br />
It was made with patience. Every bead<br />
was chosen with care. Was it <strong>the</strong> right<br />
colour? Was it <strong>the</strong> right shape? Did he use<br />
just <strong>the</strong> right amount?<br />
Painstakingly, he strung <strong>the</strong> beads on<br />
<strong>the</strong> pipe cleaner. In my mind’s eye, I can<br />
see his little <strong>to</strong>ngue hanging out of his<br />
mouth as he threaded <strong>the</strong> pipe cleaner<br />
through <strong>the</strong> circle of <strong>the</strong> bead, like he was<br />
threading a needle.<br />
One minute in a child’s time is like<br />
five minutes for an adult. It must have<br />
seemed like forever. One bead, two<br />
beads... twenty beads. Choosing just <strong>the</strong><br />
right beautiful colours and just <strong>the</strong> best<br />
shapes.<br />
Although he is only four years old,<br />
he puts so much thought in<strong>to</strong> his<br />
masterpiece for Granny. He knows her<br />
favourite colour and attempts <strong>to</strong> create<br />
a masterpiece meant especially for his<br />
granny’s eyes.<br />
Getting it just <strong>the</strong> right size <strong>to</strong> fit her<br />
wrist and tying it off so as <strong>to</strong> never lose<br />
any of <strong>the</strong> “precious” s<strong>to</strong>nes <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> floor,<br />
is a feat of future engineering skills. Dad<br />
has taught him well... one day he might<br />
follow in his footsteps.<br />
After sitting back and admiring it, and<br />
making sure it is just right, he packs it<br />
away for his 2000 mile plane trip out east<br />
<strong>to</strong> Granny and Grandpa’s house.<br />
At just <strong>the</strong> right moment, he digs it out<br />
of his suitcase and presents it <strong>to</strong> me—<br />
Granny.<br />
With a look in his eyes of pride and<br />
much love he hands his handiwork <strong>to</strong> me.<br />
At first I question why? It’s not a special<br />
occasion like my birthday or Mo<strong>the</strong>r’s<br />
Day or Christmas. Ben has made this just<br />
because he loves me, which means so<br />
much more!<br />
I admire his handiwork and eye <strong>to</strong><br />
detail. He’s put many of my favourite<br />
coloured beads in <strong>the</strong>re and a cluster of<br />
many shapes and sizes combine <strong>to</strong> make<br />
a work of art. Ben’s work of love for his<br />
granny.<br />
Granny’s eyes fill with tears knowing<br />
<strong>the</strong> time, energy and love that was put<br />
in<strong>to</strong> it.<br />
It goes with everything! I wear it<br />
often...and although we are so far apart I<br />
feel that he is with me. After all, included<br />
in <strong>the</strong> many things like beads, and pipe<br />
cleaners that were assembled <strong>to</strong> make<br />
this treasure...was Ben’s love.<br />
COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR AGES 55+<br />
(From mThe Booklet “A Seniors’ Guide ToSarnia-lamb<strong>to</strong>n”)<br />
a amb<strong>to</strong>n Resource booklet available through Age-Friendly Sarnia-Lamb<strong>to</strong>n<br />
by calling 519-332-0527 or visiting www.agefriendlysarnialamb<strong>to</strong>n.ca<br />
RESOURCE NAME SERVICES OFFERED PHONE WEB/EMAIL<br />
211 Mental Health Support, Food Services, Financial Assistance 211 211oncovid19.ca<br />
Age-Friendly Sarnia Lamb<strong>to</strong>n List of Supports & Services 519-332-0527 agefriendlysarnialamb<strong>to</strong>n.ca<br />
Bayshore Home Care Solutions Assistance with Housekeeping, Errands & Meal Prep 519-383-6979 bayshore.ca<br />
Canadian Red Cross Grocery Pickup & Transportation Services 519-332-6380 redcross.ca<br />
Care-A-Van Door-<strong>to</strong>-Door Public Transportation - lift equipped vehicles 519-336-3789<br />
Habitat for Humanity Low-Cost Home Reno Services 519-339-7957 habitatsarnia.org<br />
Heart <strong>to</strong> Home Meals Pre-Made Frozen Meal Delivery <strong>to</strong> 60+ 877-404-4246 heart<strong>to</strong>homemeals.ca<br />
Instacart Delivery from several local s<strong>to</strong>res 888-246-7822 instacart.ca<br />
Lamb<strong>to</strong>n Elderly Outreach Home & Yard Maintenance, Meals, Various Resources 800-265-0203 lamb<strong>to</strong>nelderlyoutreach.org<br />
Lamb<strong>to</strong>n Public Health Individual, Agency and Cargiver help 226-254-8222 lamb<strong>to</strong>npublichealth.ca<br />
Neighbourlink Household Chores, Transportation, Shopping, Companionship 519-336-5465 neighbourlinksarnia.org<br />
Sarnia Blessings Free Meals for Seniors & Vulnerable People 519-402-9093 sarniablessings@outlook.com<br />
Shine at Home Transportation, 24 hr Housekeeping, Shopping, Meal Prep 519-336-9898 shineathome.com<br />
Strangway Community Centre Recreational, Social & Educational Programs & Activities 519-332-0656 strangway@sarnia.ca<br />
Vic<strong>to</strong>rian Order of Nurses (VON) Dementia Programs, Home Nursing, Respite, Much More 519-542-2310 von.ca/en/site/sarnia<br />
winter <strong>2022</strong> Life Taught Me... Spend as much time with family as you can.<br />
P A G E 25
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
940 MURPHY ROAD<br />
Sarnia • 519-542-1491<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
NORTH END APPLIANCE<br />
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<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
Polypharmacy: What is it and why should I care?<br />
By Chris Treftlin, Shine at Home, Sarnia<br />
Here is a true s<strong>to</strong>ry. We will call her<br />
Frances. Frances is in her mid 80s<br />
and she has three doc<strong>to</strong>rs. A general<br />
practitioner, a heart specialist, and a<br />
doc<strong>to</strong>r looking after her arthritis—a<br />
rheuma<strong>to</strong>logist. She sees <strong>the</strong>m all<br />
regularly. Periodically, as her condition<br />
changes, she gets new prescriptions.<br />
Her GP is moni<strong>to</strong>ring her Type 2<br />
diabetes and <strong>the</strong> doc<strong>to</strong>r has her on two<br />
medications <strong>to</strong> control that condition.<br />
From her heart specialist she has<br />
a medication <strong>to</strong> thin her blood, a<br />
medication <strong>to</strong> help control her blood<br />
pressure, and a medication <strong>to</strong> help<br />
control her cholesterol. From her<br />
rheuma<strong>to</strong>logist she gets a medication<br />
<strong>to</strong> control inflammation and one <strong>to</strong><br />
control joint pain.<br />
That is how it started. Now as<br />
time passed each of <strong>the</strong>se doc<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
changed and added <strong>to</strong> Frances’<br />
list of medications. Frances was<br />
complaining of poor sleep, so her GP<br />
gave her a sleeping pill. The pain in<br />
her joints was getting more intense,<br />
so her rheuma<strong>to</strong>logist increased her<br />
pain medication. Frances herself was<br />
watching an infomercial and decided <strong>to</strong><br />
order an over-<strong>the</strong>-counter med <strong>to</strong> also<br />
help with her sleeping.<br />
These doc<strong>to</strong>rs, all well intentioned<br />
are fixing <strong>the</strong> issue in front of <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
They are unaware of what <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
doc<strong>to</strong>rs are prescribing. The pharmacist<br />
is filling <strong>the</strong> script and not checking<br />
<strong>to</strong> see if <strong>the</strong>re could be bad drug<br />
interactions. Perhaps <strong>the</strong>re are multiple<br />
pharmacies involved.<br />
At this point we count 17 medications.<br />
This is Polypharmacy, and it is a big,<br />
big, challenge for seniors and healthcare<br />
in general. The overprescribing and<br />
overuse of medications in our senior<br />
population is called <strong>the</strong> second<br />
pharmacological epidemic, <strong>the</strong> first<br />
being <strong>the</strong> opioid crisis.<br />
You see doc<strong>to</strong>rs know how <strong>to</strong><br />
diagnose and treat, while pharmacists<br />
understand best medications, and drug<br />
interactions. The chart shown illustrates<br />
<strong>the</strong> differences in <strong>the</strong> training of doc<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
and pharmacists.<br />
Let’s get back <strong>to</strong> Frances. She has been<br />
dealing with a great deal of dizziness and<br />
confusion in recent weeks. So intense<br />
are <strong>the</strong>se bouts of dizziness that she<br />
remains in her armchair for most of <strong>the</strong><br />
day. Frances was attributing <strong>the</strong> brain<br />
fog and dizziness <strong>to</strong> her old age—she<br />
just sucked it up. She should not have.<br />
Constant, persistent dizziness is not<br />
a condition of aging. It is, for Frances<br />
and similar cases, being caused by <strong>the</strong><br />
17 drugs in her system.<br />
Getting up from her armchair one<br />
day <strong>the</strong> dizziness became so intense<br />
she lost her balance and had a bad<br />
fall. Hospitalized for a time, she was<br />
moved a Long-Term-Care (LTC) facility<br />
<strong>to</strong> recuperate. Once <strong>the</strong>re, a multidisciplinary<br />
health team came around<br />
her and coordinated all aspects of her<br />
care including her medications. The<br />
LTC doc<strong>to</strong>r and pharmacist <strong>to</strong>ok over<br />
her medications and reduced <strong>the</strong> 17<br />
<strong>to</strong>…wait for it…five. Yes, five. Frances<br />
recovered from her fall-induced injury,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> chemical cocktail that had<br />
been coursing through her veins.<br />
Paradoxically, her son reported that <strong>the</strong><br />
fall was <strong>the</strong> best thing that could have<br />
happened <strong>to</strong> his mom. “I got my mom<br />
back!” he <strong>to</strong>ld <strong>the</strong> leaders and staff at<br />
<strong>the</strong> LTC community.<br />
This true s<strong>to</strong>ry was shared with me<br />
by Andy Donald, owner and CEO of The<br />
Health Depot, and a Certified Geriatric<br />
Pharmacist. Andy is on a mission <strong>to</strong><br />
improve <strong>the</strong> health care system for<br />
seniors by reducing and eliminating <strong>the</strong><br />
scenario I just described. “We need <strong>to</strong><br />
get rid of healthcare silos. We are not<br />
talking <strong>to</strong> each o<strong>the</strong>r in a way that puts<br />
<strong>the</strong> patient first. No one is <strong>to</strong> blame. It<br />
is just that <strong>the</strong> way we have been doing<br />
things is baked in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> system.”<br />
Andy says <strong>the</strong> solution will come from<br />
two different sources. First, technology<br />
has advanced <strong>to</strong> a degree that doc<strong>to</strong>r’s<br />
prescriptions will be matched up<br />
against all current patient medications<br />
and will flag potential issues. Also<br />
known as eHealth. Pharmacist access<br />
<strong>to</strong> all patient medication records will go<br />
a long way <strong>to</strong> reducing polypharmacy.<br />
Secondly, and perhaps more<br />
importantly, a change in attitude in<br />
healthcare is required <strong>to</strong> ensure true,<br />
patient-centred care: <strong>the</strong> doc<strong>to</strong>r asking<br />
<strong>the</strong> pharmacist, <strong>the</strong> pharmacist putting<br />
<strong>the</strong> patient first, asking, inquiring, and<br />
yes, saying <strong>the</strong>re is a better way.<br />
Check out www.<strong>the</strong>healthdepot.ca,<br />
or contact Andy Donald CGP via email<br />
andy@<strong>the</strong>healthdepot.ca<br />
P A G E<br />
26<br />
Life Taught Me... Get a helmet and enjoy <strong>the</strong> ride.
Our next issue will come out around <strong>the</strong> beginning of April <strong>2022</strong>.<br />
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One particular four-year-old<br />
prayed, “And forgive us our trash<br />
baskets as we forgive those<br />
who put trash in our baskets.”<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
Available with a PC Optimum card at<br />
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<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
Growing old is inevitable, but growing up is optional!<br />
Our Wonderful Language<br />
It all began when I went<br />
<strong>to</strong> Barrie because <strong>the</strong>y were<br />
going <strong>to</strong> bury Barry who had<br />
died from eating a poison<br />
berry, not from beriberi as<br />
first reported. As execu<strong>to</strong>r,<br />
I’d been asked <strong>to</strong> write a<br />
report on <strong>the</strong> funeral rite<br />
and I wanted <strong>to</strong> make sure I<br />
got it right. First I talked <strong>to</strong><br />
his fiancé Mary who, not surprisingly,<br />
was less than merry now that she was<br />
no longer going <strong>to</strong> marry Barry. Also,<br />
so I wouldn’t err, I had <strong>to</strong> resolve<br />
<strong>the</strong> question hanging in <strong>the</strong> air…<br />
who was Barry’s heir? The situation<br />
was confused because Barry’s cousin<br />
Claude, had clawed his way in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
equation, <strong>the</strong> clod. It also looked like<br />
Claude’s mo<strong>the</strong>r Bea would also be a<br />
problem because she seemed <strong>to</strong> have<br />
a bee in her bonnet. If Bea, who was<br />
Barry’s aunty, was anti my report, it<br />
would certainly up <strong>the</strong> ante.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r problem I had <strong>to</strong> check was<br />
a missing cheque Barry was supposed <strong>to</strong><br />
have received from a mysterious Czech.<br />
I also had <strong>to</strong> talk <strong>to</strong> Barry’s bro<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Harry who, ironically, was no longer<br />
hairy now that he had joined <strong>the</strong> Hari<br />
Krishnas.<br />
Mary said, “He’ll be a problem,<br />
<strong>the</strong> heel, because he had an ongoing<br />
argument with Barry that just wouldn’t<br />
heal.<br />
It would be a <strong>to</strong>ugh knot <strong>to</strong> untangle,<br />
but <strong>the</strong>re was naught I could do;<br />
I’m not one <strong>to</strong> give up easily. So, <strong>to</strong><br />
pique <strong>the</strong>ir interest, at <strong>the</strong> peak of my<br />
investigation, I let <strong>the</strong>m have a peek at<br />
By A. C. S<strong>to</strong>ne, Windsor<br />
From Daytripping<br />
March-April 2007<br />
my preliminary report.<br />
To throw <strong>the</strong>m off <strong>the</strong><br />
scent, I sent <strong>the</strong> message<br />
that Barry didn’t have a<br />
cent <strong>to</strong> his name.<br />
When I was a <strong>to</strong>t, I<br />
was taught that, after<br />
you hook a fish you<br />
should keep your line<br />
taut so, <strong>to</strong> get <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> meat<br />
of <strong>the</strong> matter, I asked <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> meet me<br />
in Barry’s office where, I promised, I<br />
would mete out <strong>the</strong> answers. I entered<br />
<strong>the</strong> room with my report wrapped in<br />
plastic as protection against <strong>the</strong> rain,<br />
rapped firmly on <strong>the</strong> table and waited<br />
until I had <strong>the</strong>ir rapt attention. Pushing<br />
back my chair I rose and announced,<br />
“I’m sorry folks, but you’re no richer<br />
than your forebears were in days of<br />
yore. Barry left all of his money <strong>to</strong> his<br />
children from a previous marriage.”<br />
Those children were Gord, who had<br />
been gored by a bull after he threw a<br />
gourd at <strong>the</strong> animal; Hugh, whose eyes<br />
were <strong>the</strong> same hue as Gord’s, and who I<br />
felt would hew <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> party line plus <strong>the</strong><br />
twins Lou and Lew who were so close<br />
<strong>the</strong>y even went <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> loo <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r in<br />
lieu of leaving each o<strong>the</strong>r, even for a<br />
few minutes.<br />
There was a moment of stunned<br />
silence before <strong>the</strong>ir lawyer asked,<br />
“You mean <strong>the</strong>y’re not going <strong>to</strong> inherit<br />
anything?”<br />
I <strong>to</strong>ld <strong>the</strong>m I was sorry and with that<br />
<strong>the</strong>y tried <strong>to</strong> rein in <strong>the</strong>ir emotions and,<br />
as <strong>the</strong>y trudged slowly out in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> rain<br />
<strong>the</strong>y realized that Barry could still reign,<br />
even from <strong>the</strong> grave.<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ... <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
P A G E<br />
28<br />
Life Taught Me... You are stronger than you think.
If your business offers anything <strong>to</strong> people 55+, you can advertise <strong>to</strong>o!<br />
Punography<br />
• Velcro - what a rip off!<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
Weekly Deliveries<br />
on Sundays<br />
Easy Order by Phone<br />
519-491-5797<br />
• I used <strong>to</strong> be a banker, but <strong>the</strong>n I lost interest.<br />
• Venison for dinner? Oh deer!<br />
• Be kind <strong>to</strong> your dentist. He has fillings, <strong>to</strong>o.<br />
• I got a job at a bakery because I kneaded d dough.<br />
• Haunted French pancakes give me <strong>the</strong> crepes.<br />
• Car<strong>to</strong>onist found dead in home. Details are sketchy.<br />
• Earthquake in Washing<strong>to</strong>n obviously government's fault.<br />
• I used <strong>to</strong> think I was indecisive, but now I'm not so sure.<br />
• England has no kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool.<br />
• I dropped out of communism class because of lousy Marx.<br />
• All <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>ilets in New York's police stations have been s<strong>to</strong>len.<br />
Police have nothing <strong>to</strong> go on.<br />
• Did you hear about <strong>the</strong> cross eyed teacher who lost her job<br />
because she couldn't control her pupils?<br />
Fresh Meals <strong>to</strong> Your Door<br />
All Homemade & Prepared Just For You!<br />
Shepherds Pie • Quiche<br />
Roast Beef with Mashed & Veggies<br />
Beef Stew • Lasagna<br />
Pork Chop with Baked & Veggies<br />
Roast Chicken with Mashed & Veggies<br />
Penne with Meat Sauce<br />
Meatloaf with Mashed & Veggies<br />
Salisbury Steak with Baked & Veggies<br />
Turkey with Mashed, Veggies, Stuffing, Gravy<br />
Full Pound Portions - $9.95<br />
SOUPS: Chicken Rice, Vegetable,<br />
Beef Vegetable & Texas Style Chili<br />
500 ml - $5.55 • 1 litre $7.99<br />
www.phillycheesejakes.com<br />
If you need access <strong>to</strong> additional funds,<br />
using <strong>the</strong> equity in your home<br />
can be a lower cost way <strong>to</strong> borrow<br />
<strong>the</strong> money than taking out a traditional loan.<br />
For example, you can use your home equity <strong>to</strong>:<br />
RENOVATE YOUR HOME,<br />
AN ADDITION, POOL<br />
BUY AN<br />
ADDITIONAL<br />
PROPERTY<br />
INVEST<br />
IN STOCKS<br />
BARRY<br />
PORTER<br />
Mobile Mortgage<br />
Specialist<br />
BUY A CAR<br />
OR BOAT<br />
Cell: 519-466-3833<br />
E-mail:<br />
barry.porter@rbc.com<br />
winter <strong>2022</strong> Life Taught Me... Take care of your financial future.<br />
P A G E 29
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
Don’t put this down! You’ll have <strong>to</strong> bend over <strong>to</strong> pick it back up!<br />
CAROLYN R L N MOSIER<br />
BscP.T. MCPA<br />
Registered<br />
ered<br />
ed<br />
Physio<strong>the</strong>rapist<br />
ist<br />
Forest Physio<strong>the</strong>rapy<br />
and Rehabilitation<br />
10 Watt Street, et<br />
Forest • 519-786-3336<br />
36<br />
Available frozen<br />
as whole, quartered<br />
or by individual cuts.<br />
By appointment please.<br />
• Farm Raised • Free Range • Non-Medicated<br />
7078 Wisbeach Road, Arkona<br />
519-494-1139 • wisbeachchickens@gmail.com<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ... <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
foresttravelservice.com 519-786-2319<br />
We’re here <strong>to</strong> help you<br />
make travelling easier.<br />
18 King Street West, Forest<br />
ESTABLISHED<br />
IN 1977<br />
7143 Forest Road,<br />
Plymp<strong>to</strong>n-Wyoming<br />
(4 km S. of Forest)<br />
Come<br />
<strong>to</strong> our<br />
on farm<br />
Brewery!<br />
s<strong>to</strong>nepickerbrewing.com<br />
Follow us for live band announcements.<br />
Tea With Daddy<br />
One day my mo<strong>the</strong>r was out and my dad was in<br />
charge. I was maybe 1 1/2 years old.<br />
Open <strong>the</strong> door <strong>to</strong> your<br />
financial well-being.<br />
Pat Smits<br />
Financial Advisor<br />
12 Mac Donald Street<br />
Forest, ON N0N 1J0<br />
519-786-4924<br />
www.edwardjones.ca<br />
Someone had given me a little tea set as a gift, and<br />
it was one of my favourite <strong>to</strong>ys. Daddy was in <strong>the</strong> living room engrossed in<br />
<strong>the</strong> evening news and my bro<strong>the</strong>r was playing nearby in <strong>the</strong> living room<br />
when I brought Daddy a little cup of ‘tea’, which was just water, of course.<br />
After several cups of tea and lots of praise for such yummy tea, my Mom<br />
came home. My Dad had her wait in <strong>the</strong> living room <strong>to</strong> watch me bring him<br />
a cup of tea, because it was, “just <strong>the</strong> cutest thing!”<br />
My Mom waited, and sure enough, here I come down <strong>the</strong> hall with a cup<br />
of tea for Daddy! She watches him drink it up, <strong>the</strong>n says, “Did it ever occur<br />
<strong>to</strong> you that <strong>the</strong> only place that baby can reach <strong>to</strong> get water <strong>to</strong> make ‘tea’ is<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>ilet?”<br />
Stay Independent, Prevent Falls<br />
In my work as a registered<br />
physio<strong>the</strong>rapist, I regularly meet clients<br />
who are at risk of falls. It’s quite common<br />
<strong>to</strong> have falls as we age. Falls occur when<br />
we lose our balance and end up ei<strong>the</strong>r<br />
on <strong>the</strong> ground or lower than where we<br />
started. Approximately 30% of people<br />
over <strong>the</strong> age of 65 fall each year. One<br />
in five may require medical attention<br />
which can affect <strong>the</strong>ir ability <strong>to</strong> perform<br />
daily tasks such as getting in<strong>to</strong> a car,<br />
rising from a chair, or carrying groceries.<br />
Preventing falls is important <strong>to</strong> stay<br />
independent!<br />
There are several things that may<br />
contribute <strong>to</strong> falls: poor balance, poor<br />
By Kelly-Lynn Musico, Brights Grove • Registered Physio<strong>the</strong>rapist, Registered Yoga Teacher<br />
vision, and dementia <strong>to</strong> name a few. The<br />
good news? Many falls can be prevented!<br />
That’s were my physio<strong>the</strong>rapy work<br />
comes in<strong>to</strong> play. I get <strong>the</strong> privilege of<br />
educating clients with simple steps <strong>to</strong><br />
help keep <strong>the</strong>m safe of falls.<br />
Here’s what you can do <strong>to</strong> lower your<br />
risk:<br />
EXERCISE:<br />
Taking part in regular exercise reduces<br />
<strong>the</strong> risk of falls. Ensuring your exercise<br />
program include both strength and<br />
balance exercises. Walking, gardening,<br />
swimming are a few great ways <strong>to</strong> stay<br />
active. A registered physio<strong>the</strong>rapist can<br />
assist in setting up your exercise program<br />
that is specific for you.<br />
HOME SAFETY MODIFICATIONS:<br />
Making sure <strong>the</strong> floor is free of clutter<br />
and tripping hazards. Remove<br />
scatter rugs. Arrange furniture<br />
for ease of movement. Keep<br />
commonly used items<br />
within reach, so you are<br />
not bending <strong>to</strong>o low. Ask<br />
someone <strong>to</strong> your home<br />
<strong>to</strong> help make sure it is set<br />
up as safely as possible.<br />
OTHER HEALTH<br />
INTERVENTIONS:<br />
Your vision and<br />
footwear and general health<br />
can all have an impact—check <strong>the</strong>m out!<br />
Review all medications with your doc<strong>to</strong>r<br />
or pharmacist. Even some over-<strong>the</strong>counter<br />
medications can increase your<br />
risk of falling.<br />
Keeping yourself safe from falls can<br />
keep you independent! Stay Active!<br />
An Old Fashioned Country S<strong>to</strong>re with a Modern Twist!<br />
• Collecbles & Giware • Kids secon<br />
• Fudge • Maple Buer Tarts & Baking<br />
• Williamson Farms Beef & Local Pork, Cider,<br />
Cheese & Maple Syrup • Gi Baskets<br />
Wednesday is<br />
SENIORS DAY!<br />
Numerous Savings for 55 & over<br />
Shop Online www.williamsonfarmsmarket.com<br />
Curbside Pickup is always available • Ask us about delivery!<br />
14 King St. W., FOREST • 226-520-0144<br />
January through March - Open Tuesday <strong>to</strong> Friday 10am-6pm • Saturday 10-5<br />
P A G E<br />
30<br />
Life Taught Me... Always get more than one quote.
Please let us know about places we should be dropping off free copies.<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
S<strong>to</strong>p & shop in Forest, Ontario!<br />
Check out our down<strong>to</strong>wn - browse our shops,<br />
enoy a meal at one of our fantastic restaurants or<br />
take in a movie at <strong>the</strong> his<strong>to</strong>ric Kine<strong>to</strong> Theatre!<br />
Make a day of it in Forest!<br />
Keep up <strong>to</strong> date with event & shopping information<br />
on our website, Facebook & Instagram!<br />
Forest Pharmacy<br />
Unique Gifts & Greeting Cards<br />
Herbal Products & Supplements<br />
Compression S<strong>to</strong>ckings • Mobility Aids<br />
Purses, Scarves & Jewellery<br />
*Free Delivery in Lamb<strong>to</strong>n Shores<br />
* Some restrictions apply<br />
Seniors Save *15% Wednesdays<br />
View our flyer and services at<br />
forestpharmacy.ca<br />
Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5, Sun & Holidays 10-2<br />
19 King Street West, Forest, ON<br />
519-786-5161<br />
info@forestpharmasave.ca<br />
SIGNS FROM GOD<br />
These were found on signs outside of churches.<br />
WHOEVER IS PRAYING FOR SNOW<br />
PLEASE STOP<br />
FRENCH<br />
A bad compromise is better<br />
than a good lawsuit.<br />
A bad workman never<br />
finds a good <strong>to</strong>ol.<br />
A big nose never spoiled<br />
a handsome face.<br />
A clear conscience is a good pillow.<br />
A crooked log makes a good fire.<br />
A door must ei<strong>the</strong>r be open or shut.<br />
A drowning man clings <strong>to</strong> a blade of grass.<br />
A fool's speech is a bubble of air.<br />
A good tale is none <strong>the</strong> worse for being twice <strong>to</strong>ld.<br />
A great fortune in <strong>the</strong> hands<br />
of a fool is a great misfortune.<br />
A handsome shoe often pinches <strong>the</strong> feet.<br />
A lame man won't walk with one who is lamer.<br />
A man travels as far in a day as<br />
a snail in a hundred years.<br />
A muffled cat never caught a mouse.<br />
winter <strong>2022</strong> Life Taught Me... Home is where your heart is.<br />
P A G E 31
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
Please submit a pho<strong>to</strong> of your loved one for this feature page! It’s Free!<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
Just u s<br />
send s n<br />
us s a pho<strong>to</strong> h o o of f someone m n e who w o<br />
h has s celebrated ebrated ed any ybirthday y<br />
oranniversary anniversary, r<br />
ary ,<br />
a<br />
rerement, rerement, an award or if <strong>the</strong>y just deserve e recognion. recognion. The main m<br />
person p<br />
must s be 55<br />
5<br />
or over v and <strong>the</strong> pho<strong>to</strong> must be of good quality. Pho<strong>to</strong>s are not guaranteed <strong>to</strong> o run.<br />
.<br />
info@welcome<strong>to</strong><strong>the</strong>club.ca<br />
Box 430, Bright’s Grove, ON N0N 1C0<br />
IT’S FREE TO HAVE PHOTOS PUBLISHED!<br />
Helen Vandevenne<br />
celebrated her 98th birthday with family and<br />
friends on Oct 13th. She lives at Thompson<br />
Gardens in Corunna, previously from Wilkesport.<br />
Helen and her sister Dorothy Pet who is 96 have<br />
hand quilted over 100 quilts since moving in<strong>to</strong> this<br />
Seniors Home. Helen is an inspiraon <strong>to</strong> all.<br />
Leah Cullinan<br />
Happy rerement<br />
<strong>to</strong> my wonderful<br />
wife, Leah!<br />
Love Rob<br />
Ken Henry<br />
Leona Allen<br />
Rered from Tourism Sarnia Lamb<strong>to</strong>n<br />
aer many years of hard work and<br />
dedicaon <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> community. Leona<br />
was a key part of TSL and is<br />
reknowned for knowing everything<br />
that was happening for people<br />
travelling in Sarnia-Lamb<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
Firefighter Ken Henry, and his wife, Nancy, were<br />
recently honoured for 50 years of service by <strong>the</strong><br />
Petrolia/North Enniskillen Fire Department.<br />
During a recent ceremony at <strong>the</strong> Petrolia Legion, Ken<br />
was presented with a plaque from <strong>the</strong> office of <strong>the</strong><br />
Ontario Fire Marshal, both his 45 and 50 year bars<br />
<strong>to</strong> go on his service medal presented by Nelly Green.<br />
He was also gied a wood carving of a PNEFD<br />
Maltese cross and an engraved watch presented by<br />
PNEFD Chief Jay Arns. Greengs were brought by<br />
dignitaries at all levels of government. Speaking in<br />
thanks, Firefighter Henry spoke about some of <strong>the</strong><br />
changes, challenges and champions of his 50 years<br />
of volunteer service.<br />
Ron Vanderburgt<br />
with some of <strong>the</strong> 60 plus birthday<br />
cards he received for his 60th<br />
birthday on Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 8th. Ron’s<br />
four children organized this<br />
unique surprise.<br />
Bob Topliffe<br />
Bob, of Wyoming and a member of<br />
Petrolia Toastmasters, was recently<br />
awarded a MEMBERS MAKING A<br />
DIFFERENCE award from District 86<br />
Toastmasters. This award recognizes<br />
that Bob has volunteered with RAYJON<br />
for more than 20 years and has been a<br />
part of more than 40 eyeglass clinics in<br />
Hai, Mexico, Dominican Republic and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r third world countries.<br />
P A G E<br />
32<br />
Life Taught Me... Never piss off <strong>the</strong> bartender.
Sometimes, no news really is good news.<br />
3G CUSTOM APPAREL & MORE<br />
T-shirt & Sweater Pressing<br />
FUNDRAISERS WELCOME<br />
Pho<strong>to</strong> credit:<br />
Phil Collins<br />
(for real)<br />
4110 Petrolia Line<br />
Petrolia<br />
519-882-1212<br />
~ OPEN 6 Days a Week ~<br />
Tues. <strong>to</strong> Sat. 11am <strong>to</strong> 8pm<br />
Sunday 11am <strong>to</strong> 6pm<br />
My Lefthanded, Backwards,<br />
Upsidedown Life & Assorted Short S<strong>to</strong>ries<br />
Well, back in <strong>the</strong> old days, I was<br />
pretty much terrified of girls. I knew<br />
I liked what <strong>the</strong>y had <strong>to</strong> offer, but was<br />
pretty uninterested in actually seeking<br />
<strong>the</strong>m out. Didn’t like <strong>to</strong> put <strong>the</strong>m in<br />
<strong>the</strong> awkward position of having <strong>to</strong><br />
crush my dreams and didn’t like <strong>to</strong><br />
be put in <strong>the</strong> position of having my<br />
dreams crushed. Problem was that<br />
I’d made new friends in high school,<br />
and <strong>the</strong>se guys were obsessed with<br />
chasing girls – it was pretty much all<br />
<strong>the</strong>y thought about – except possibly<br />
how <strong>to</strong> get hold of some liquor and<br />
get drunk – because that was starting<br />
<strong>to</strong> happen as well – but that’s ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ry. Anyway, if you were intent on<br />
chasing girls, it meant that you were<br />
likely going <strong>to</strong> end up going <strong>to</strong> dances<br />
– and, if you remember, dances were<br />
not my favourite activity.<br />
However, in order <strong>to</strong> be one of<br />
<strong>the</strong> crowd, I knew I’d have <strong>to</strong> attend<br />
dances. So, I bucked it up and went<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> first few dances of <strong>the</strong> school<br />
year. Everything was going okay<br />
because I would sort of hide off <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> side of <strong>the</strong> event and let my<br />
buddies have <strong>the</strong>ir way with <strong>the</strong> girls.<br />
In those days, most dances featured<br />
a live band, so it was always good<br />
<strong>to</strong> watch <strong>the</strong> band – mainly because<br />
things were happening in that area<br />
of my life as well – but that’s ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ry, <strong>to</strong>o. And, so, I ended up in my<br />
Sunday best at <strong>the</strong> annual Valentine’s<br />
Dance. Not really <strong>to</strong>o worried, but<br />
knowing I’d need <strong>to</strong> keep my guard<br />
up none<strong>the</strong>less……<br />
And <strong>the</strong> dance was going okay, and<br />
I was doing my usual hiding, when<br />
something unfortunate happened.<br />
One of my newfound buddies wanted<br />
<strong>to</strong> dance with this certain girl in <strong>the</strong><br />
worst way – but she had a friend she<br />
was with…and none of <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r guys<br />
seemed <strong>to</strong> be around. So, he asked <strong>the</strong><br />
By John Gardiner<br />
The following is an excerpt from “My Lefthanded,<br />
Backwards, Upsidedown Life & Assorted Short S<strong>to</strong>ries”<br />
by Wallaceburg writer John Gardiner, who grew up and<br />
came of age in Hanover, Ontario during <strong>the</strong> 1950’s and<br />
1960’s. In this memoir, Gardiner tells <strong>the</strong> s<strong>to</strong>ry of his<br />
growing-up years with a series of colourful anecdotes<br />
about <strong>the</strong> way life used <strong>to</strong> be. More of <strong>the</strong> writer’s work is<br />
available at www.johngardiners<strong>to</strong>ries.com or by contacting<br />
<strong>the</strong> author at gardiner@kent.net.<br />
I Attend <strong>the</strong> Valentine’s Dance<br />
inevitable question in a circumstance<br />
like this. Would I go with him and ask<br />
<strong>the</strong> friend <strong>to</strong> dance. I said, “No, man,<br />
I don’t actually dance.” He responded<br />
that it was a dance I was attending<br />
and he’d buy me a “ten-<strong>to</strong>-go” bag of<br />
French Fries after if I’d do it. So, off<br />
we headed across <strong>the</strong> dance floor. And<br />
before I knew it, I was dancing. It was<br />
a slow tune and for my generation of<br />
dancers what that meant was that all<br />
you had <strong>to</strong> do was grapple with your<br />
partner – <strong>the</strong>re were no real steps but<br />
it was good if you kept your feet <strong>to</strong><br />
yourself. I made it through <strong>the</strong> song,<br />
whereupon <strong>the</strong> girl I had asked said<br />
her thanks and headed off. I don’t<br />
remember how my friend made out,<br />
but I had done my duty….and I’d<br />
danced with a real live girl and lived<br />
<strong>to</strong> tell about it.<br />
Now <strong>the</strong> thing was that at <strong>the</strong><br />
annual Valentine’s Dance, <strong>the</strong>y had<br />
a tradition at old HDHS and that was<br />
that near <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> night, <strong>the</strong>y<br />
crowned <strong>the</strong> “Queen of Hearts.” And<br />
<strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong>y did this was by putting<br />
all <strong>the</strong> girls’ names in a big empty<br />
thing, <strong>the</strong>n drawing out one of <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
And, of course, <strong>the</strong>y pulled <strong>the</strong> name<br />
of <strong>the</strong> girl I’d danced with. So, she<br />
headed off up <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> stage <strong>to</strong> receive<br />
her honours. And when she got <strong>the</strong>re,<br />
something truly horrible happened.<br />
They asked her who she had last<br />
danced with – and, you guessed it, it<br />
was me. And, suddenly, I was on stage<br />
and I was <strong>the</strong> “King of Hearts”…….<br />
Wow…..They slapped a cardboard<br />
crown on my head and shoved a<br />
sceptre in<strong>to</strong> my hands and I was all<br />
set. Truly one of <strong>the</strong> most traumatic<br />
things that has ever happened <strong>to</strong> me.<br />
I did survive, but it was a close call. It<br />
taught me that I’d need <strong>to</strong> do a better<br />
job of hiding as I journeyed through<br />
life. Hide well, my friends, because<br />
<strong>the</strong>re are bad things in life and <strong>the</strong>y’re<br />
just waiting out <strong>the</strong>re <strong>to</strong> get you.<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
Established in 1978,<br />
Lamb<strong>to</strong>n Pharmacy continues <strong>to</strong><br />
provide caring, professional pharmacy<br />
services <strong>to</strong> residents of <strong>the</strong> beautiful<br />
<strong>to</strong>wn of Petrolia and Lamb<strong>to</strong>n County.<br />
4130 Glenview Rd, Unit 2, Petrolia<br />
519-882-0650<br />
Danielle Edgar, B.Sc., PharmD<br />
Pharmacist<br />
Monday–Friday 9–6<br />
Saturday 9–12<br />
HOGAN<br />
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Beautiful Gift Shop<br />
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THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
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2776 LaSalle Line, PETROLIA • 519-882-8740<br />
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Wed.10-5 • Thurs.10-6 • Fri.10-5 • Sat. 10-3<br />
www.country-yarns.com<br />
395 Fletcher St<br />
Petrolia, Ontario<br />
4177 Petrolia Line, Petrolia • (519) 882-1840<br />
THE WALK<br />
OF DOWNTOWN PETROLIA<br />
Petrolia’s Alternative Fuel<br />
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Petrolia’s<br />
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The Walk is Petrolia’s only luxury<br />
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Petrolia’s trendy down<strong>to</strong>wn lifestyle. 519-882-3157<br />
www.albanyretirementvillage.com/<strong>the</strong>-walk<br />
winter <strong>2022</strong> Life Taught Me... Never assume everyone has <strong>the</strong> same heart as you do. P A G E 33
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
VAST SELECTION OF TEAS<br />
Exquisite Giftware<br />
Home & Garden Decor<br />
Jewellery • Gourmet Foods<br />
4192 Petrolia Line • Petrolia • 519-882-0238<br />
• Fresh Produce<br />
• Fresh Meat<br />
• Party Trays<br />
• Bakery<br />
• Deli<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
FULL SERVICE FLORIST • LOCAL ART<br />
4194 Petrolia Line, Petrolia • 519- 882-1330<br />
My Daily Work Out<br />
Here I am at eighty, I need more exercise,<br />
Doc<strong>to</strong>r says its good for you, keeps you fit and wise.<br />
So I got up this morning and "dragged my heels" a bit,<br />
Now that's a great beginning, should really keep me fit.<br />
Then "jumping <strong>to</strong> conclusions" and "climbing walls" I know,<br />
Will help build up my muscles and help my spirits grow.<br />
I push my luck and get <strong>to</strong> work, "and 'round in circles run,"<br />
While "bending over backwards" that's really not much fun.<br />
Making "mountains out of molehills" & "swallowing my pride,"<br />
I feel I've had my exercise, at least I think I tried.<br />
So now I think I should relax and things are done and said,<br />
I'll "put off until <strong>to</strong>morrow" and go crawl in<strong>to</strong> bed.<br />
Every Tuesday is SENIORS DISCOUNT DAY<br />
10% OFF for age 60 and over (must tell cashier)<br />
Doesn’t apply <strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong>bacco, lottery or gift cards<br />
By Mariann<br />
Pafford,<br />
London<br />
• Bulk Food<br />
• Seasonal<br />
Merchandise<br />
• Flower<br />
Market<br />
60 might be <strong>the</strong> new 40, but 9 pm is <strong>the</strong> new midnight.<br />
www.albanyretirementvillage.com<br />
Retirement<br />
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Call <strong>to</strong> Book a Tour:<br />
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Petrolia, ON<br />
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Enjoy Friends | Enjoy Independence | Enjoy Life<br />
TOP 10<br />
1962<br />
Country Songs<br />
1 Ned Miller From a Jack <strong>to</strong> a King<br />
2 Claude King Wolver<strong>to</strong>n Mountain<br />
3 Marty Robbins Devil Woman<br />
4 Patsy Cline She's Got You<br />
5 Marty Robbins Ruby Ann<br />
6 Patsy Cline Crazy<br />
7 Carl Butler Don't Let Me Cross Over<br />
8 Walter Brennan Old Rivers<br />
9 Jim Reeves Losing Your Love<br />
Source:<br />
10 Jim Reeves Adios Amigo playback.fm<br />
Billboard Hits<br />
1 Pat Boone Speedy Gonzales<br />
2 Ray Charles I Can't S<strong>to</strong>p Loving You<br />
3 The Tornados Telstar<br />
4 Elvis Presley Return <strong>to</strong> Sender<br />
5 Elvis Presley Good Luck Charm<br />
6 Chris Montez Let's Dance<br />
7 Elvis Presley Can't Help Falling in Love<br />
8 Little Eva The Loco-Motion<br />
9 Bobby Vin<strong>to</strong>n Roses Are Red<br />
10 Elvis Presley She's Not You<br />
Source:<br />
playback.fm<br />
Movies<br />
Lawrence of Arabia<br />
(Oscar for Best Picture)<br />
The Longest Day<br />
In Search of Castaways<br />
That Touch of Mink<br />
The Music Man<br />
Mutiny on The Bounty<br />
To Kill A Mockingbird<br />
Hatari!<br />
Gypsy<br />
Lolita<br />
Source: <strong>the</strong>-numbers.com<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
Use our easy<br />
ONLINE<br />
SHOPPING<br />
SERVICE<br />
www.yourindependentgrocer.ca<br />
We’ll bring your groceries <strong>to</strong> your car!<br />
P A G E<br />
34<br />
4136 Petrolia Line,<br />
Petrolia • 519-882-2211<br />
www.yourindependentgrocer.ca<br />
Life Taught Me... Have a sense of humour.
You’re not getting older, you’re just becoming a classic!<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
BOB BAILEY<br />
MPP – Sarnia-Lamb<strong>to</strong>n<br />
Building A Better Sarnia-Lamb<strong>to</strong>n<br />
Presenting petitions at Queen’s<br />
Park on behalf of seniors living<br />
in Ontario land lease<br />
communities, including<br />
Bluewater Country in Sarnia.<br />
Proudly attending a Righteous<br />
Among <strong>the</strong> Nations ceremony<br />
hosted by Israel in Toron<strong>to</strong>, which<br />
recognized <strong>the</strong> heroism of late<br />
Lamb<strong>to</strong>n County residents Jan and<br />
Elsje Snippe for saving a Jewish<br />
boy in <strong>the</strong> Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands during The<br />
Holocaust.<br />
Recognizing <strong>the</strong> 100th anniversary<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Sarnia Cenotaph and <strong>the</strong><br />
res<strong>to</strong>ration of <strong>the</strong> 100-year-old<br />
“Tommy” statue after it was<br />
damaged.<br />
Visiting local industry with <strong>the</strong><br />
Minister of Energy (centre) and Rob<br />
Thompson, NOVA Chemicals VP<br />
Manufacturing East.<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>2022</strong> – and congratulations <strong>to</strong> The <strong>Club</strong> on a very<br />
successful first year. As <strong>the</strong> sophomore year of this unique<br />
publication kicks off, I know we’re all excited <strong>to</strong> see what<br />
informative, entertaining and humourous features The <strong>Club</strong> team<br />
will deliver in <strong>the</strong> next 12 months <strong>to</strong> its thousands of 55+ readers!<br />
Although 2021 continued <strong>to</strong> provide many challenges, almost<br />
everyone I’ve spoken with in recent months has been more<br />
positive and upbeat as life in Ontario returns <strong>to</strong> normal. Even if<br />
we’re not completely out of <strong>the</strong> pandemic woods yet, I think all of<br />
us are feeling more optimistic about <strong>the</strong> future.<br />
With <strong>the</strong> end of Ontario’s 42nd Parliament coming this spring,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is still plenty of work <strong>to</strong> be done at Queen’s Park, including<br />
a new budget that will set <strong>the</strong> stage for <strong>the</strong> province’s future. As<br />
your Member of Provincial Parliament since 2007, I have always<br />
advocated strongly for everyone in Sarnia-Lamb<strong>to</strong>n, ensuring<br />
that our local issues are front and centre. Additionally, over <strong>the</strong><br />
past several months, I’ve been honoured <strong>to</strong> make numerous<br />
funding announcements in support of programs that are directed<br />
specifically <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> needs of those 55+, many of whom are living<br />
on fixed incomes.<br />
Just a reminder that if you have concerns related <strong>to</strong> any<br />
provincial matters, my Constituency Office staff is always<br />
available <strong>to</strong> help. Please check out my contact information at <strong>the</strong><br />
bot<strong>to</strong>m of this page and feel free <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p by my office, call or<br />
email any time.<br />
I’d like <strong>to</strong> extend my best wishes <strong>to</strong> all The <strong>Club</strong>’s readers for a<br />
healthy and prosperous <strong>2022</strong>. Stay safe and be well!<br />
Talking with workers at <strong>the</strong><br />
former Lamb<strong>to</strong>n Generating<br />
Station prior <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> proposed<br />
demolition in early <strong>2022</strong>.<br />
CONSTITUENCY OFFICE<br />
805 Christina St. North, Suite 102<br />
Point Edward, ON N7V 1X6<br />
Celebrating <strong>the</strong> 150th<br />
anniversary of First Baptist<br />
Church in Petrolia with Pas<strong>to</strong>r<br />
Alex Craig.<br />
Contact Bob Bailey<br />
Tel.: 519-337-0051<br />
Fax: 519-337-3246<br />
Participating in <strong>the</strong> Ontario<br />
Trillium Foundation event in<br />
Petrolia <strong>to</strong> celebrate Lamb<strong>to</strong>n<br />
County Developmental Service’s<br />
$53,000 grant for a new<br />
accessible mini-van.<br />
Discussing local economic issues<br />
with <strong>the</strong> Associate Minister of<br />
Small Business and Red Tape<br />
Reduction (left) and Terri O’Brien,<br />
owner of local business Fea<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Your Nest<br />
E-mail: bob.baileyco@pc.ola.org<br />
Website: bobbaileympp.com<br />
winter <strong>2022</strong> Life Taught Me... Be thankful you live in Canada.<br />
P A G E 35
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
WYOMING<br />
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<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
T he Winsomeness of <strong>Winter</strong><br />
By Janet Robinson, Burling<strong>to</strong>n • from Daytripping Nov-Dec 2021<br />
I have <strong>to</strong> admit, I am not a fan of<br />
winter. I tend <strong>to</strong> hibernate during <strong>the</strong><br />
cold months, awaiting <strong>the</strong> warmth of<br />
spring, and <strong>the</strong> emergence of <strong>the</strong> beauty<br />
of flowers and greenery once again.<br />
I ga<strong>the</strong>r my books <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r for good<br />
reads, peruse new recipes <strong>to</strong> try, and<br />
live <strong>the</strong> indoor life with <strong>the</strong> satisfaction<br />
that I am warm and comfortable.<br />
Yet, winter does have a certain charm<br />
<strong>to</strong> it. Everyone loves <strong>to</strong> see a landscape<br />
with newly fallen snow like fea<strong>the</strong>ry<br />
pillows tenderly placed on each branch<br />
and surrounding foliage. It’s peaceful<br />
and calming <strong>to</strong> view.<br />
I would often look out <strong>the</strong> window<br />
during an evening snowfall and marvel<br />
at <strong>the</strong> diamond-like sparks of colour,<br />
flashing from tiny snowflakes as <strong>the</strong><br />
outdoor lights lit up those flakes,<br />
displaying all <strong>the</strong> colours of <strong>the</strong> rainbow.<br />
Reds, greens, blues, oranges, all shouting<br />
with unheard voices, “Behold!”<br />
And <strong>the</strong>re is such elegance in <strong>the</strong><br />
ice-laden branches of trees and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
structures after an episode of freezing<br />
rain. The following day’s sun glistens<br />
on every part of <strong>the</strong> landscape and it is<br />
a treat <strong>to</strong> drive around for a few hours<br />
before it melts away <strong>to</strong> behold what<br />
nature has given as a fleeting covering<br />
of what appears <strong>to</strong> be crystal and glass<br />
everywhere.<br />
Some folk are very brave and layer<br />
up in warm clothing venturing out for<br />
walks and sometimes escapades in<strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> wooded areas or fields <strong>to</strong> view <strong>the</strong><br />
birds and o<strong>the</strong>r animals. There is an<br />
abundance of life in <strong>the</strong> perceived dead<br />
landscape, with <strong>the</strong> antics of squirrels<br />
scurrying about, nuthatches eagerly<br />
eating up <strong>the</strong> suet a benevolent home<br />
owner has put out, and deer silently<br />
walking through <strong>the</strong> ubiqui<strong>to</strong>us down<br />
which has blanketed <strong>the</strong> fields. Yes,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is life in <strong>the</strong> frozen land.<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> has inspired pho<strong>to</strong>graphers<br />
and painters who give recognition <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
often overlooked tranquility of this silent<br />
world. The pristine white is <strong>the</strong> perfect<br />
backdrop for <strong>the</strong> scarlets of cardinals<br />
and berries, <strong>the</strong> greens of <strong>the</strong> pine and<br />
spruce trees, <strong>the</strong> blues of <strong>the</strong> jays, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> blacks and browns and rust colours<br />
of o<strong>the</strong>r creatures. The artists of <strong>the</strong><br />
world have always appreciated <strong>the</strong> visual<br />
gifts that this frigid season has given us.<br />
Children have consistently embraced<br />
<strong>the</strong> season, building snowmen and<br />
forts, making snow angels, sliding on<br />
<strong>the</strong> ice. This is not a strange world <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>m, but ano<strong>the</strong>r opportunity <strong>to</strong> play<br />
in a different and creative way and<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir rosy cheeks and gleeful smiles<br />
attest <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> joy <strong>the</strong> season has brought<br />
<strong>the</strong>m. Likewise, most dogs are thrilled<br />
<strong>to</strong> have <strong>the</strong> chance <strong>to</strong> plough through<br />
<strong>the</strong> fresh snow and roll in it with great<br />
exuberance, and it lightens <strong>the</strong> heart <strong>to</strong><br />
watch <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
So ra<strong>the</strong>r than sigh with discouragement<br />
and impatience as we await <strong>the</strong> warmer<br />
seasons, we should see winter through<br />
new eyes and a heart of gratitude for <strong>the</strong><br />
beauty which continues through <strong>the</strong> next<br />
few months. It’s <strong>the</strong>re if we look for it.<br />
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Phrase Origins Pull Out All <strong>the</strong> S<strong>to</strong>ps<br />
Refers <strong>to</strong> using every possible effort <strong>to</strong> achieve something.<br />
Pipe organs have many sets of pipes, with knobs called<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ps, <strong>to</strong> control <strong>the</strong> air flow. Usually <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
strategically pulled out <strong>to</strong> achieve a specific sound, but<br />
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P A G E<br />
36<br />
Life Taught Me... Nothing is ever as it seems.
Let’s grow old <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r. You go first.<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
Wyoming’s First and Only<br />
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Contact Us: 519-845-0847<br />
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Confessions of a S<strong>to</strong>ker<br />
I am in love with central heating.<br />
Each time I saunter in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> hall and<br />
turn <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>rmostat up or down, a<br />
smug smile lights my face. For life<br />
wasn’t always so simple.<br />
Soon after our marriage, my husband<br />
and I moved in<strong>to</strong> his parents’ home on<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir one hundred acre farm. We had<br />
our own private living quarters in half<br />
of <strong>the</strong> one-s<strong>to</strong>rey home and my in-laws<br />
shared <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r half. Unfortunately,<br />
we also had our own coal s<strong>to</strong>ve. To a<br />
girl raised in an apartment building<br />
who had never set eyes on a furnace<br />
much less an ancient cook s<strong>to</strong>ve, <strong>the</strong><br />
results proved <strong>to</strong> be a near disaster.<br />
My mo<strong>the</strong>r-in-law was a wellintentioned<br />
woman with 40 years s<strong>to</strong>ve<br />
tending experience behind her. She<br />
was given <strong>to</strong> daily periodic inspections<br />
in<strong>to</strong> our half of <strong>the</strong> house <strong>to</strong> peer<br />
beneath <strong>the</strong> grates. And not without<br />
good reason.<br />
A gingerly lift of <strong>the</strong> lid and<br />
wild, grasping flames would leap<br />
uncontrollably out of <strong>the</strong> innards,<br />
licking savagely at her arms and face.<br />
Then, with <strong>the</strong> patience of Job and nary<br />
By Estelle Salata, Dundas • www.estellesalata.ca • From Daytripping Nov-Dec 2016<br />
an accusation in my direction, she<br />
would bank <strong>the</strong> fire with just <strong>the</strong> right<br />
amount of coal or wood. No more, no<br />
less. I soon began <strong>to</strong> regard her as a<br />
sort of genius whose great talent for<br />
tending fires was being wasted on<br />
incidentals. She would have excelled<br />
as a forest ranger in <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
hinterland.<br />
On one of her daily rounds she<br />
found me huddled in <strong>the</strong> ashes like<br />
Cinderella. She caught me bundled up<br />
<strong>to</strong> my eyeballs in scarves, parka, wool<br />
socks and boots. A near empty box of<br />
burnt matches gave mute testimony <strong>to</strong><br />
my ineffective attempts at becoming<br />
an efficient farm wife.<br />
With a sympa<strong>the</strong>tic cluck of her<br />
<strong>to</strong>ngue, she s<strong>to</strong>ically <strong>to</strong>ok one match<br />
and built a crackling fire in a matter<br />
of minutes. Even after a year, I still<br />
required a week’s supply of newspapers<br />
and a full box of matches.<br />
One cold, blustery mid-winter<br />
afternoon, she popped in and caught<br />
me garbed in beach wear with <strong>the</strong><br />
windows wide open. I dropped <strong>the</strong> fan<br />
I had been waving, and passed it off<br />
663 Broadway Street<br />
Wyoming, ON N0N 1T0<br />
519-845-3212<br />
beth@bethhackettins.ca<br />
623 Broadway St., Wyoming • 519-845-9915 • VillageFireplaceShop.com<br />
with a weak, sickly grin.<br />
It was in <strong>the</strong> chill days of mid winter<br />
that <strong>the</strong> S<strong>to</strong>ve War, as I was prone <strong>to</strong><br />
call it, got completely out of hand. One<br />
evening around midnight my husband<br />
and I awakened suddenly. I had dreamt<br />
of getting lost in <strong>the</strong> Sahara desert. It<br />
felt as if <strong>the</strong> hot sun still blazed down<br />
on us.<br />
“Why is <strong>the</strong> ceiling pink?” I asked<br />
my husband.<br />
A check on <strong>the</strong> s<strong>to</strong>ve showed that<br />
it had scored ano<strong>the</strong>r triumph. The<br />
entire surface area was red hot. The<br />
walls and furniture felt uncomfortably<br />
warm. We threw open <strong>the</strong> windows<br />
and door, praying that stray animals<br />
wouldn’t wander inside. We dragged<br />
<strong>the</strong> furniture closer <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> door just in<br />
case we had <strong>to</strong> make a quick getaway.<br />
We tip-<strong>to</strong>ed quietly through <strong>the</strong> silent<br />
house. I prayed that my mo<strong>the</strong>r-in-law<br />
would continue <strong>to</strong> sleep through <strong>the</strong><br />
entire disgraceful episode.<br />
We were forced <strong>to</strong> wear coats,<br />
go outside and stand on <strong>the</strong> back<br />
s<strong>to</strong>op until <strong>the</strong> heating cooled down.<br />
Some two hours later, when <strong>the</strong> s<strong>to</strong>ve<br />
had finally spent itself,<br />
we crept back in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
house, bleary-eyed with<br />
lack of sleep. Congratulating<br />
ourselves on a job well done,<br />
we heard a slight click of <strong>the</strong><br />
adjoining door. We looked up<br />
<strong>to</strong> see a ghost-like figure clad in<br />
a white, flannelette nightgown<br />
carrying a water bucket.<br />
“Why is all <strong>the</strong> furniture<br />
piled up over by <strong>the</strong> window?”<br />
my mo<strong>the</strong>r-in-law asked in an<br />
innocent voice.<br />
I stammered back <strong>the</strong> first<br />
words that came <strong>to</strong> my head.<br />
“We didn’t want <strong>to</strong> burn<br />
<strong>the</strong> house down?”<br />
Just for a moment, I<br />
thought of moving back<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> city first thing<br />
in <strong>the</strong> morning.<br />
Can anyone blame<br />
me for being in<br />
love with au<strong>to</strong>matic<br />
heating?<br />
Great Local Service<br />
AUTO • HOME • FARM • INSURANCE<br />
winter <strong>2022</strong> Life Taught Me... Always dance in <strong>the</strong> rain.<br />
P A G E 37
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
Putting <strong>the</strong> Grey in Great!<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
• Manicures • Pedicures • Waxing<br />
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a getaway from <strong>the</strong> everyday<br />
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WYOMING<br />
226-307-0772<br />
WHEN YOU REACH<br />
OLD AGE, YOU<br />
CAN GO TO ANTIQUE<br />
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YOUR OLD FURNITURE.<br />
PICK YOUR OWN • Strawberries<br />
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RETAIL STORE on <strong>the</strong> Farm with lots of<br />
fresh produce, baking & local preserves.<br />
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Bandmasters in Lamb<strong>to</strong>n County<br />
Courtesy of Lamb<strong>to</strong>n Archives, County of Lamb<strong>to</strong>n<br />
607 Broadway Street, Wyoming 519-845-3341<br />
Lamb<strong>to</strong>n County has a vibrant musical<br />
his<strong>to</strong>ry. Every community in Lamb<strong>to</strong>n<br />
County has been inspired <strong>to</strong> put some<br />
sort of music group <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r and it was<br />
<strong>the</strong> presence of <strong>the</strong> military in Lamb<strong>to</strong>n<br />
County that helped music flourish. The<br />
military wore handsome<br />
uniforms and <strong>the</strong>y needed<br />
music <strong>to</strong> accompany <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
assemblies, marches and<br />
and growth of our musical his<strong>to</strong>ry in<br />
Lamb<strong>to</strong>n County.<br />
William Brush<br />
A man devoted <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> stirring music<br />
of military and concert bands and<br />
school orchestra’s in Sarnia was William<br />
E. Brush. Bandmaster Brush<br />
was born in Watford in <strong>the</strong><br />
year 1880. He moved <strong>to</strong><br />
Forest where as a young man<br />
special events. With a<br />
he became a cornetist with<br />
variety of instruments,<br />
<strong>the</strong> local band. Interested in<br />
concert bands have<br />
pursuing a career in music,<br />
emerged <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> delight of<br />
community residents and<br />
<strong>the</strong> pride of community<br />
he moved <strong>to</strong> Toron<strong>to</strong> where<br />
he studied under Capt. John<br />
Slatter of <strong>the</strong> Toron<strong>to</strong>’s 48th<br />
leaders.<br />
Highlanders Band. Brush<br />
The bandmaster or<br />
was a featured euphoniumist<br />
conduc<strong>to</strong>r led <strong>the</strong> bands William Brush in that city for several years.<br />
while choosing <strong>the</strong> music, motivating,<br />
and directing <strong>the</strong> musicians. Without<br />
<strong>the</strong> bandmaster, <strong>the</strong> band would often<br />
disintegrate. Here we feature two<br />
striking band masters who had a large<br />
musical impact on <strong>the</strong> development<br />
Mr. Brush moved <strong>to</strong> Sarnia in 1909<br />
and joined <strong>the</strong> 27th Regimental Band<br />
as cornetist and Bandmaster. When <strong>the</strong><br />
27th Regiment was removed from <strong>the</strong><br />
Sarnia Militia List, <strong>the</strong> band became<br />
known as <strong>the</strong> Sarnia Citizens Band.<br />
When <strong>the</strong> Sarnia Board<br />
of Education decided <strong>to</strong><br />
establish an orchestra<br />
at Sarnia Collegiate<br />
Institute, he was brought<br />
in <strong>to</strong> train, teach, and<br />
direct <strong>the</strong> school band.<br />
For a number of years<br />
he was also organist and<br />
choirmaster at Devine<br />
Street Methodist and<br />
later he became <strong>the</strong> first<br />
President of <strong>the</strong> Lamb<strong>to</strong>n<br />
County Music Festival.<br />
A Bandmasters Funeral: William Brush<br />
To many in Sarnia,<br />
William Brush was<br />
known as <strong>the</strong> quietspoken<br />
Bandmaster<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Sarnia Citizens<br />
Band for 46 years. He<br />
never missed a parade,<br />
concert, or practice.<br />
His death in December<br />
of 1954 shocked and<br />
saddened <strong>the</strong> Sarnia<br />
Community. His efforts<br />
with countless musically<br />
Percy Cox leading <strong>the</strong> White Roase Band<br />
minded students in local schools and<br />
able leadership of <strong>the</strong> city band was<br />
unsurpassed. He earned <strong>the</strong> respect<br />
and admiration of bandmasters and<br />
bandsmen across <strong>the</strong><br />
province with his counsel<br />
highly regarded, especially<br />
for his knack of turning<br />
amateur musical groups<br />
in<strong>to</strong> finely tuned musical<br />
organizations.<br />
Percie Cox<br />
Percie Cox began<br />
his musical career at<br />
<strong>the</strong> age of 17 when he<br />
became a member of <strong>the</strong> Percy Cox<br />
Ley<strong>to</strong>ns<strong>to</strong>n Salvation Army Band and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Headquarters singers located on<br />
Fortress Road, London England. It is<br />
with <strong>the</strong> band that he studied <strong>the</strong> cornet<br />
and at sometime early in life <strong>the</strong> piano,<br />
becoming proficient in both.<br />
On March 16th, 1911, Percie set<br />
sale for Canada, leaving <strong>the</strong> harbor in<br />
Liverpool at 4:50pm. By March 27th he<br />
made it <strong>to</strong> Port Arthur where he met his<br />
future wide Eva MacArthur.<br />
To Percie, music was <strong>the</strong> love of his<br />
life which he pursued with vigor and<br />
with much success. He immediately<br />
joined local concert bands while<br />
working, raising a family, and teaching<br />
piano and o<strong>the</strong>r musical<br />
instruments. By 1939 his<br />
music career flourished and<br />
Percie <strong>to</strong>ok a job with <strong>the</strong><br />
Canadian Oil Company in<br />
Petrolia, being offered <strong>the</strong><br />
position of Bandmaster of<br />
its newly acquired Petrolia<br />
Citizens Band, later known<br />
as <strong>the</strong> Petrolia White Rose<br />
Band. Immediately he <strong>to</strong>ok<br />
<strong>to</strong> preparing <strong>the</strong> band for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Canadian National Exhibition in<br />
Toron<strong>to</strong>, and <strong>to</strong> everyone’s delight, led<br />
<strong>the</strong> band <strong>to</strong> take <strong>the</strong> first prize at <strong>the</strong><br />
C.N.E in 1927, 1928, and 1929.<br />
Teaching was an important part of<br />
his life in Petrolia. In his small studio<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Town Hall, he gave instruction <strong>to</strong><br />
hundreds of young men and women in<br />
wind, reed, and tympanic instruments.<br />
He continued his love for music and<br />
<strong>the</strong> band until his peaceful passing in<br />
August 1969.<br />
P A G E<br />
38<br />
Life Taught Me... Have no expectations.
Thanks again - keep this copy or pass it on <strong>to</strong> a friend please.<br />
<strong>Welcome</strong> <strong>to</strong> ...<br />
THE <strong>Club</strong><br />
winter <strong>2022</strong> Life Taught Me... Learn <strong>to</strong> enjoy your own company.<br />
P A G E 39
Check out our Facebook page and<br />
watch how LEO, The Sarnia Sting,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Strangway Centre,<br />
City of Sarnia are connecting<br />
across generations!<br />
Volunteers needed for:<br />
Meals on Wheels<br />
• Deliver <strong>to</strong>: Port Franks, Forest,<br />
Wallaceburg, Corunna & Petrolia<br />
• Monday, Wednesday & Friday<br />
for approximately two hours<br />
• Use personal vehicle (mileage<br />
provided) or agency vehicle<br />
• Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination required<br />
Friendly Visiting<br />
• Weekly face-<strong>to</strong>-face or<br />
over-<strong>the</strong>-phone meetings <strong>to</strong> foster<br />
meaningful connections and help<br />
decrease feelings of isolation!<br />
The Peer Program:<br />
For You, By You!<br />
The Peer Program at Lamb<strong>to</strong>n Elderly<br />
Outreach is a peer-<strong>to</strong>-peer social group<br />
from those who want <strong>to</strong> participate in<br />
various social activities planned for and by<br />
participants! All content is generated by<br />
<strong>the</strong> members who have an interest in a<br />
particular area <strong>the</strong>n we make it happen!<br />
Past events include coffee and chat,<br />
painting in <strong>the</strong> park, and bingo! To be a<br />
part of this group, please call or email <strong>the</strong><br />
Community Engagement Specialist at<br />
519-845-1353 ext 310.<br />
aweiler@lamb<strong>to</strong>nelderlyoutreach.org.<br />
How We Can<br />
Help You Live<br />
at Home<br />
Transportation<br />
Non-Urgent Stretcher Van<br />
Meals on Wheels<br />
Home Maintenance<br />
Personal Care<br />
Home Help<br />
Care Giver Respite Support<br />
Crisis Intervention<br />
Housing Support<br />
The Peer Program<br />
Friendly Visiting<br />
Diners <strong>Club</strong><br />
LEO Scored 98% Exemplary Standing<br />
for providing Quality Services<br />
Funded in part by <strong>the</strong> United Way of Sarnia-Lamb<strong>to</strong>n<br />
and Jackpot City, Sarnia<br />
Lamb<strong>to</strong>n Elderly Outreach • 1-800-265-0203 • www.lamb<strong>to</strong>nelderlyoutreach.orgb ld l h