Grey-Bruce Boomers Fall 2023

A FREE magazine for adults 50+ 

FALL 2023 — Volume 10, Issue 3 

TRAVEL 

Mardi Gras! 

Earlier is better when 

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HEALTH 

Hearing health 

Know the early signs 

of hearing loss 

BUCKET LIST 

No limits 

Astrophotographer sees deep into the galaxy 

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FROM THE PUBLISHER 

Pumpkin Spice is my season. No doubt about it, there’s no time I love 

more than fall. Warm September (and hopefully October!) days, cool 

mornings and crisp nights – everything smells fresh but also nostalgic at the 

same time. Kids are back in school (yeah!), sweaters and leggings come out 

and warm comfort meals take over for barbecues. If every day could be the 

ideal fall sunny September day, I would be a happy person! 

This marks our ninth fall issue of Grey-Bruce Boomers! It’s hard to believe 

that when we published our first fall issue, my youngest daughter was four 

and is now going into Grade 8, while our oldest was in Grade 2 and now is 

behind the wheel! Every once in a while, I like to re-introduce our family to 

our readers (picture at right), as Grey-Bruce Boomers is a true, small, familybased 

company, not a big corporation. Our family works together – from 

writing, editing, selling advertising, and distribution to having the kids do 

some heavy lifting by loading magazines into my SUV and running the 

house at deadline time. 

CONTENTS 

The Bucket List • 4 

Hearing health • 10 

Finding purpose • 16 

Mardi Gras! • 20 

Alcohol and aging • 26 

Recipe • 30 

In this issue, the Grey Bruce Public Health shares the updated guidelines 

for drinking alcohol and how the way we process alcohol changes as we 

age, while ActivEars Hearing Centres provides insight into hearing health 

for the entire family. Doug Archer writes about a fascinating hobby of a 

Saugeen Shores resident – astrophotography. Jill Ellis-Worthington takes 

us on a trip to New Orleans, with some affordable as well as luxury options 

to experience Mardi Gras, and Jo Davis helps us find purpose after age 60. 

Thank you to our readers, writers, advertisers 

and distributors – I hope you enjoy Pumpkin 

Spice season this year as much I do! 

Layne, Amy, Jace and 

Dwight Irwin. 

Amy Irwin, Publisher 

Grey-Bruce Boomers 

FALL 2023 

Publisher 

Amy Irwin 

amy@greybruceboomers.com 

Magazine Design 

Becky Grebenjak 

Grey-Bruce Boomers welcomes 

your feedback. 

EMAIL 

amy@greybruceboomers.com 

PHONE 519-524-0101 

MAIL 

P.O. Box 287, Ripley, ON N0G 2R0 

Grey-Bruce Boomers is distributed for free in Grey and Bruce 

counties, and is published each March, June, September, and 

December. Distribution of this publication does not constitute 

endorsement of information, products or services by Grey-Bruce 

Boomers, its writers or advertisers. Viewpoints of contributors and 

advertisers are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Grey-Bruce 

Boomers reserves the right to edit, reject or comment on all material 

and advertising contributed. No portion of Grey-Bruce Boomers may 

be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher.

THE BUCKET LIST 

The sky’s 

the limit 

KEITH MOMBOURQUETTE SPECIALIZES IN ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY 

BY DOUG ARCHER 

4 • GREYBRUCEBOOMERS.COM

y Doug Archer 

Keith Mombourquette has an actual observatory 

in his front yard, complete with retractable roof, 

a high-powered telescope, star tracking computers, 

and cameras that he uses to capture pictures of the 

night sky. 


Keith Mombourquette 

in his homemade 

observatory. 

These night-sky images are not just of the Big Dipper 

or the full moon, either. The Saugeen Shores resident 

has photographed quasars, nebulas, and even the 

Andromeda Galaxy, located some 2.5 million light 

years from Earth! 

Keith specializes in astrophotography, which 

uses cameras and telescopes – and even your own 

observatory – to capture pictures of astronomical 

objects or celestial events in space. It is a highly 

technical, highly complex form of photography and 

Keith came to it quite by accident. 

He’s always loved photography. Buying his first 

camera over 50 years ago, he has been capturing 

images ever since. It wasn’t until a night in April 

2022 that he turned the camera toward deep space. 

“I was down at the Saugeen River, anticipating that 

there might be a chance of seeing the Northern 

Lights,” Keith explained. “Turned out, I was wrong. 

But I did catch a glimpse of what is called the Orion 

Nebula, the middle star in the sword of Orion the 

Hunter. It was bright and visible that night so I set 

up my camera and took some shots, not expecting 

much.” 

When he got home, however, he was astounded at 

how wonderful the images looked. 

“The colours of the nebula against the blackness of 

the night sky were spectacular – something I’d never 

expected to be able to capture in a photograph,” he 

said. 

The next night he was back at the Saugeen River on 

a mission. He spent hours shooting pictures of the 

Orion Nebula and, by daybreak, Keith was hooked 

on astrophotography. 

“I have always been intrigued by the physics of space, 

of how things are formed in our galaxy and beyond, 

so I think that finally getting into photographing 

objects in deep space was a natural progression for 

me.” 

Of course, taking pictures of deep space is no easy 

task. 

“To properly capture, say, a distant galaxy requires 

long exposures – you need to focus on it and take 

images over a six- to eight-hour period,” Keith 

explained. “That’s difficult to do, not only because 

the galaxy is so far away, but because it is constantly 

moving out of alignment with the camera due to the 

Earth’s rotation. As one astrophotographer described 

it, it’s a bit like trying to photograph a dime that is 

floating eight kilometres away and moving at a rate 

of 100 km an hour.” 

To do that, Keith said, it takes specialized equipment. 

FALL 2023 • 5


by Doug Archer 

For starters, a special astro camera, which is designed to 

be more sensitive to the wavelengths of light emitted by 

deep-space objects and is mounted on a large telescope. 

This is no ordinary telescope, either – it needs to sit atop 

a motorized tracking stand that moves in both directions 

to counter the rotation of the Earth. 

Star Cluster 

Then there is the sighting camera. This is a second, 

smaller camera that is also mounted on the telescope 

and hooked up, along with everything else, to a 

controlling computer. Working like a spotter, the sighting 

camera relays the position of the celestial object being 

photographed to the motorized tracking stand via the 

computer. It will send 50 to 100 micro-corrections every 

minute to adjust for the movement of our spinning 

planet. The tracking stand, in turn, adjusts the position 

of the telescope-mounted astro camera so that the 

planet or star-cluster or whatever in the heavens Keith is 

photographing that night, remains in sight. 

All of this is without even mentioning the light pollution 

filters, dew shields, camera timers… the list goes on. 

“It’s highly technical,” Keith said, “but being an 

engineer by training and trade, I love that aspect of it.” 

Andromeda Galaxy 

Editing deep space photographs is also highly technical. 

Over the course of the six to eight hours that Keith’s 

telescope-mounted, computer-controlled, mobile 

camera is pointed at a celestial body, it will take in excess 

of 200 photographs. Turning these into an acceptable 

image is where the real work begins. 

Many of the pictures will be discarded, spoiled by flying 

objects like airplanes and satellites that have photobombed 

the image. Using special software, Keith will 

then stack the remaining images on top of one another, 

bringing the faint, far-away star or nebula into sharper 

focus. Finally, he will do what is called a “stretching” of 

the image in order to make it brighter. 

Pinwheel Galaxy 

“The end result, hopefully, is a photo that I am happy 

with and that correctly reflects the structure, detail 


y Doug Archer 


and colour of the object in the sky that I was 

photographing.” 

All of Keith’s space photographs are carefully 

scheduled. As he explained it, the bodies in the night 

sky change constantly, depending on the time of year 

and even the time of night. It takes careful research, 

using software programs that provide details on 

what will appear in the sky and when, to capture the 

images he wants. He then plugs everything into a 

spreadsheet that lays out his timetable of night-sky 

photo shoots for the next 18 months. 

“I even plan what filters I’ll use on my camera and 

how long I’ll shoot for,” he laughed. “When you’re 

trying to capture photos of objects light years away, 

you leave nothing to chance.” 

That attention to details has paid off. Keith’s 

photographs are, well, out of this world. He shares 

them with family and friends on Facebook, but 

recently his church asked if they could incorporate 

his images into a children’s camp they were hosting 

on astronomy and outer space. The pictures were a 

hit, taking the kids to the far reaches of our galaxy 

and beyond without ever having to leave the ground. 

Now Keith is preparing for an astrophotography 

contest. His photos will go up against those of other 

deep space photographers in what is called Starfest, 

Canada’s largest annual amateur astronomy 

conference. 

Keith is not alone in his love of deep-space 

photography. There is a huge community of 

astrophotographers around the world, and right 

here in Grey and Bruce counties. He belongs to the 

Bluewater Astronomical Society, a local group that 

operates the E.S. Fox Observatory located at the 

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by Doug Archer 

Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre near Oliphant. 

“They have helped me tremendously,” Keith said. “It is 

a wonderful group of astronomers and photographers 

who are always willing to provide advice and ideas. And 

the bonus is, we get to use the E.S. Fox Observatory 

and its telescope to capture spectacular deep-space 

pictures.” 

His time spent at the observatory also got Keith thinking 

about building his own. 

Thors Helmet 

Rosette Nebula 

“With astrophotography, your equipment is outside 

most of the night, exposed to damaging dew and rain 

and wind,” Keith said. “Plus, there is always the issue 

of extraneous light from such things as streetlamps and 

houses interfering with the photos. I started erecting 

scaffolding draped with plastic tarps to block out the 

bad light and to protect against the elements, but that 

was only temporary. What I needed was a permanent 

solution.” 

So, this past January, Keith started designing his own 

observatory. It has a roll-off roof, a permanent tracking 

mount for his telescope, a backup power supply and no 

windows, to minimize the extraneous light. He hired a 

contractor to dig the foundation but did everything else 

himself. 

“I had to be a Jack-of-all-trades,” he smiled. “And some 

of it was very tricky. Like how to get that rolling roof 

not only to open but to not become airborne in a Bruce 

County windstorm.” 

With the help of some sophisticated design work, extrastrength 

steel, and the motor out of a treadmill, Keith 

found success. Now, at the touch of a button, the roof 

rolls off the observatory onto a support frame or gantry, 

providing a perfect, protected view of the night sky. 

Orion Nebula 

The positive impact of the observatory has been 

even better than Keith expected. By eliminating light 

pollution, it has significantly improved the quality of his 


y Doug Archer 


deep-space images. It has also allowed him to shoot 

more photos. 

“It used to take me almost an hour to set up the 

equipment each night for a photo shoot, and another 

hour to take it down. Now the equipment is always 

set up in the observatory, ready to go.” 

Not only that, but he can operate the equipment 

remotely. Keith can retract the observatory roof and 

point the astro camera skyward from anywhere in 

the world, using only his phone. The only downside 

to the observatory has been the light-hearted teasing 

Keith gets from his wife Maureen, who refers to it as 

his Starship Enterprise. 

Still, having his own observatory is only the beginning. 

Keith said he is looking into contacting observatories 

around the world – in places like Greenwich and 

Chile and Antarctica – that will rent time on their 

high-powered telescopes to photographers looking 

to take images of ‘deepest’ space. 

“I am a man of deep faith and do not believe we are 

here by accident,” Keith said. “Astrophotography 

is letting me truly see and share the majesty of the 

created universe.” 

Anyone interested in taking up astrophotography 

can contact Keith for advice at mombourk@ 

gmail.com. 

Doug Archer is a local writer and speaker who enjoys celebrating 

the multi-faceted lives of the 50-plus generation. He is also 

the author of three locally set mystery-adventure novels. Learn 

more at www.coldcasekids.com or email archer@bmts.com. 

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS 

A SOUND 

investment 

HEAR YOUR WAY TO A VIBRANT FUTURE 

BY CHRISTINE FEIGE

y Christine Feige 

Physical and mental health often take centre stage, 

however it’s equally important not to neglect your 

own hearing health. Your hearing connects you to 

the world, and preserving good hearing throughout 

your life is essential. 

How hearing occurs in the brain 

Hearing is a complex process that happens in the 

brain. Sound waves travel through the ear, and 

the brain processes them for comprehension. It’s 

important to note that hearing loss, whether caused 

by injury, illness, excessive sound exposure, or aging, 

can impact brain health, leading to an increased risk 

of cognitive decline. Additionally, it affects physical 

health by increasing the risk of falls and mental 

health by increasing the risk of depression and social 

isolation. Understanding the causes of hearing loss is 

essential to address the issue effectively. 

Clearing the pathway to the brain 

Cerumen impaction, or the build-up of earwax, can 

have significant effects on optimal hearing health. 

When earwax accumulates and blocks the ear canal, 

it can lead to symptoms such as decreased hearing 

sensitivity, muffled sounds, or even temporary hearing 

loss. This impaction not only hinders our ability to 

hear clearly but also increases the risk of developing 

other complications, such as ear infections or tinnitus. 

To ensure optimal hearing health, it’s crucial to 

address cerumen impaction promptly. Regular 

cleaning and maintenance of the ears by a hearing 

health care professional can help to maintain a clear 

pathway for sound to reach the inner ear. By taking 

proactive steps to manage cerumen impaction, you 

can safeguard your hearing abilities and promote 

overall optimal hearing health. 

Identify hearing loss 

Hearing loss can impact individuals of all ages, from 


infants to older adults. It’s important to recognize the 

signs of hearing loss to ensure timely intervention 

and support. Detecting hearing loss in children can 

be challenging, as they may struggle to communicate 

their difficulties. However, there are signs to watch 

for, including: 

• Delayed language development. 

• Difficulty following directions. 

• Poor academic performance. 

• Inattentiveness or lack of response to sounds. 

• High volume when watching TV or listening 

to music. 

The signs and symptoms of hearing loss can vary 

among young adults and adults. Common indicators 

include: 

• Difficulty hearing conversations, especially in 

noisy environments. 

• Increasing volume on the TV or radio. 

• Frequent requests for repetition. 

• Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus). 

• Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds. 

• Avoidance of social situations or withdrawal 

from conversations. 

Impact on daily life 

Hearing loss can significantly impact individuals 

of all ages. Untreated hearing loss in children 

can lead to difficulty understanding instructions, 

communicating with peers, and feelings of isolation. 

In teens and young adults, hearing loss can affect 

academic and social lives. For adults and older adults, 

it can affect communication with family and friends, 

job performance, and overall quality of life. 

Regardless of age, hearing loss may lead to social 

isolation, depression, and cognitive decline. 

Prevent hearing loss 

Preventing hearing loss is a collective effort that 

involves all family members. By being proactive and 



by Christine Feige 

taking preventative measures, individuals within the 

family can significantly minimize the risk of hearing 

loss and preserve their hearing abilities throughout 

their lives. Below are key strategies to help prevent 

hearing loss at different stages of life. 

Children 

• Limit exposure to loud noises, such as music 

players or fireworks, and provide hearing 

protection in noisy environments. 

• Encourage safe listening habits, like keeping 

the volume at a moderate level when using 

headphones or earbuds. Ask about custom 

hearing protection plugs. 

• Teach children about the importance of taking 

breaks from noisy activities to give their ears a 

rest. 

• Stay vigilant about the noise levels in their 

environment, ensuring they are exposed to safe 

and comfortable sound levels. 

Teens and young adults 

• Educate them about the potential risks of 

prolonged exposure to loud music at concerts, 

clubs, or through personal audio devices. 

• Encourage the use of hearing protection, such 

as earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, in 

noisy environments. Custom hearing protection 

plugs can be made by a hearing health care 

provider. 

• Encourage regular hearing check-ups and 

screenings to monitor hearing health or address 

any potential hearing issues. 

Adults and older adults 

• Protect ears from excessive noise by using 

earplugs or earmuffs in loud environments, such 

as concerts or construction sites. Custom hearing 

protection plugs can be made by a hearing health 

care provider. 

• Be aware of medication side effects that may 




impact hearing and consult with health care 

professionals about potential risks. 

• Stay updated with regular hearing assessments to 

monitor any changes and take necessary steps to 

address hearing loss promptly. 

Safeguarding your family’s hearing 

Collaboratively, a family unit can play a crucial 

role in preventing hearing loss. First and foremost, 

creating an environment with reduced background 

noise during conversations and family activities is 

essential to ensure that everyone can communicate 

effectively without straining their ears. This creates 

a more conducive environment for maintaining 

healthy hearing. 

Encouraging healthy lifestyle choices is another 

important aspect of hearing loss prevention. A 

balanced diet rich in nutrients, regular exercise, 

and managing chronic conditions that may impact 

hearing, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, can 

contribute to overall hearing health. By prioritizing 

these healthy habits as a family, individuals can 

reduce the risk factors associated with hearing loss 

and support optimal hearing abilities. 

Open communication about hearing health 

and the importance of preventative measures is 

crucial within the family. By fostering a dialogue 

about hearing health, family members can raise 

awareness, share knowledge, and encourage each 

other to take proactive steps towards prevention. 

Understanding the impact of hearing loss and the 

value of prevention, families can support each other 

in maintaining healthy hearing habits. 

By working together as a family unit, everyone can 

contribute to creating a hearing-friendly environment 

to ensure long-lasting hearing health for each family 

member. 

Importance of hearing evaluations 

If you or a family member experiences any signs or 

symptoms of hearing loss, it’s crucial to seek a hearing 

evaluation promptly. During the appointment, a 

hearing health care professional will conduct tests 

to determine the degree and type of hearing loss 

and recommend appropriate treatment options. 

Early identification of hearing loss enhances the 

effectiveness of treatment. 

Understanding the causes 

Hearing loss can result from various scenarios, 

including natural aging and exposure to loud noises. 

The most common causes include aging, noise 

exposure, head trauma, viruses or diseases, genetics, 

and ototoxicity (damage from certain medications). 

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by Christine Feige 

Supporting family members 

Supporting loved ones with hearing loss requires 

patience and understanding, as communication can 

be challenging. Remember these tips: 

• Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. 

• Face the person directly to allow lip-reading. 

• Show patience and understanding. 

• Minimize background noise by turning off the 

TV or radio. 

Additionally, there are assistive devices available, 

such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, amplified 

telephones, and closed captioning on TVs and movies. 

Encourage your loved ones to seek a hearing health 

care professional and get an assessment to explore 

these options to find what works best for them. 

Empowering youth 

When discussing hearing loss with children and 

young adults, frame the conversation positively 

and proactively. Emphasize the importance of 

taking care of hearing health and encourage 

regular hearing screenings as part of a normal 

routine. Discuss the risks and consequences of 

untreated hearing loss and highlight the benefits of 

maintaining good hearing health. 

Hearing health professionals 

There are several types of hearing health care 

professionals who play important roles in addressing 

hearing-related concerns. 

Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist (ENT): 

Otolaryngologists are medical doctors who specialize 

in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the 

ears, nose, and throat. They handle a wide range of 

ear-related disorders, including complex hearing issues, 

and may perform surgical procedures if necessary. 

Audiologist: Audiologists are highly trained 

professionals who specialize in evaluating and treating 

hearing and balance disorders. They are trained to 

conduct thorough evaluations, provide diagnostic 

services, recommend appropriate treatment options, 

and offer rehabilitative services such as hearing aid 

fittings and auditory therapy. 

Hearing Instrument Specialist: These are 

trained professionals who specialize in assessing and 

evaluating your hearing levels. They also listen to 

your lifestyle needs to help provide the best selection, 

fitting, and care for your hearing aids. They play 

a crucial role in helping individuals improve their 

hearing and quality of life by offering personalized 

solutions tailored to their unique hearing 

requirements. Hearing Instrument Specialists work 

closely with your family doctor or nurse practitioner 

to assist you with your hearing health. 

Each of these professionals plays a crucial role 

in addressing hearing health and contribute to 

improving individuals’ hearing abilities and overall 

quality of life. 

Affected by hearing loss? 

Hearing health is a crucial aspect of overall wellbeing. 

By staying informed and taking proactive 

steps to support your own hearing journey and that 

of your loved ones, you can ensure a brighter and 

more fulfilling future. 

If you have any concerns about hearing health, we 

encourage you to book a hearing evaluation with 

a hearing health care professional so you can rediscover 

the joy of hearing! 

Eye-opening stats on hearing loss 

Source: World Health Organization 

• One-in-six adults 18 and older experiences 

hearing loss. 

• More than 1.5 billion people worldwide – nearly 

20 per cent of the global population – live with 

hearing loss. 

• By 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people are projected 




to have some degree of hearing loss and at least 700 million 

– or one-in-10 people – will have disabling hearing loss 

and will require hearing rehabilitation. 

• One-in-three individuals over age 65 – 165 million people 

worldwide – live with hearing loss. 

• Over one billion young adults are at risk of permanent, 

avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening 

practices. 

Christine Feige is a Hearing Instrument Specialist and Founder 

and President of ActivEars Hearing Centres. Since entering the 

hearing industry in 1993, Christine has had the privilege of providing 

comprehensive hearing health care to patients throughout Ontario. 

ActivEars Hearing Centres are located in Sarnia, Owen Sound, 

Hanover, and Durham. Visit www.activears.com. If you or your 

loved ones have any questions, please ask any of the knowledgeable 

staff at an ActivEars Hearing Centre. 

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OPINION 

Returning 

to yourself 

Finding purpose and meaning 

after age 60 BY JO DAVIS

y Jo Davis 

Who knew we’d be talking about finding purpose 

and meaning after age 60? Hasn’t the time 

for that passed? Our younger lives were filled with 

busy-ness – careers, caring for children and elders 

and community service – so much purposeful living! 

Wasn’t this supposed to be the time to slow down 

from all that? It might be… but what if it’s not? 

What if we are feeling a little lost or stuck? This can 

be a normal response to this era of not being in our 

well-worn roles. While it might be time to take things 

a bit slower, there is no reason why this time is not 

equally as precious for living a life of meaning and 

purpose – and even transformation – to something 

we never imagined. 

One thing I am finding beautiful and meaningful 

about this time is spaciousness. If we are fortunate 

and privileged, we have space and time to slowly 

marinate in what this era can offer. I have often 

referred to this time as a “Second Spring,” a time of 

reinvention, growth and rebirth, and also a returning. 

The following quote from writer Emily McDowell 

always strikes me as a profound way of imagining 

possibility. “Finding yourself ’” is not really how it 

works,” McDowell said. “You aren’t a $10 bill in last 

winter’s coat pocket. You are also not lost. Your true 

self is right there, buried under cultural conditioning, 

other people’s opinions and inaccurate conclusions 

you drew as a kid that became your beliefs about 

who you are. ‘Finding yourself ’ is actually returning 

to yourself. An unlearning, an excavation, a 

remembering of who you were before the world got 

its hands on you.” 

OPINION 

So, if in fact you want to engage in some 

“marination,” some excavation, and returning to a 

self before the world got its hand on you, there are 

some great places to start. Most importantly, start a 

process to make your values concrete. 

Values are our inner compass. They help us 

determine our path according to what is important 

to us, help us make decisions and live our best life. 

We are not often asked to consider our values. They 

are generally held unconsciously and arrive through 

osmosis from our family of origin or through 

experiences. If we are unhappy or feeling stuck often 

our values are being squashed. Or simply, perhaps, 

we are unaware of the possibilities available to us if 

using our “true north.” Values are present in every 

part of our lives including work, relationships, leisure 

activities, community and learning. 

I suggest writing down your Top 5 values and 

identifying how much you are living them out on a 

scale of one to 10. Make sure each value statement 

is action-oriented (how you want to be or act) and a 

full sentence, not just one or two words. For example, 

“I value being a leader in my community (9/10).” 

Values can also be aspirational. You could say 

something like, “I want to spend time on activities 

that support my mental health such as being in 

nature (4/10).” 

Not living out a deeply held value (like your 4/10) 

might be a reason for your stuckness or purposeless 

feelings. 

Once you have established your values, spend some 

time with them. Journal, have conversations with

OPINION 

by Jo Davis 

partners or friends, and consider the following 

reflective questions: 

• How did these values find their way into my life? 

• Have they changed over time? 

• Why are some values being squashed or not lived 

out? 

• Where am I living my fullest life? 

• What is important about this exercise? 

• What is at stake? 

After reflecting and feeling comfortable (and honest) 

about what you have written, it is important to take 

stock and determine some action steps to make 

needed changes in your life. 

For example, using the statement above, “I want 

to spend time on activities that support my mental 

health such as being in nature (4/10),” might 

indicate some action is needed. Brainstorm ideas 

of how to get yourself into nature more often. No 

wrong answers! 

This could be: 

• Ask my partner to walk outside after dinner once 

per week. 

• Go to the trail outside of town on Saturday. 

• Explore a new city park. 

• Sit under a tree for 30 minutes. 

The possibilities are endless. Rinse and repeat this 

process of reflection and action for any of your value 

statements that are feeling a little “less lived” than 

you want. 


y Jo Davis 

OPINION 

Values are only one step towards living a life of more meaning 

and purpose. Other areas to consider include developing a 

life purpose statement. Learn to rest without guilt or needing 

to earn it. Find joy in small moments. Tame your inner critic. 

Find your inner wise-elder. Develop mindfulness. Practice 

acceptance and return to yourself. The possibilities are 

endless. 

This is a new era in your life. Take action on what’s important 

to you! 

Jo Davis is the founder of Jo Davis Coaching and Facilitation, a personal 

development coaching practice that serves women who are leaders both in 

their lives and careers. Jo lives in downtown Kitchener with her husband 

Paul. They have two sons, and they dream of one day spending large 

amounts of time gazing at the beautiful waters of Lake Huron. 

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TRAVEL 

Mardi Gras! 

NEW ORLEANS SURE KNOWS HOW TO THROW A PARTY 

BY JILL ELLIS-WORTHINGTON 


y Jill Ellis-Worthington 

Go early, go often is an advertising catchphrase I 

remember from my childhood, and I definitely 

have applied it to trips to New Orleans. 

The Big Easy is a great getaway at any time of year, 

with an over-the-top celebration of St. Patrick’s Day 

(Irish immigrants built many of the city’s levies), big 

time fun on New Year’s Eve, and the spring brings its 

world-famous jazz festival. Yet, nothing beats a visit 

to NOLA during Mardi Gras season; and, yes, it is a 

season. Mardi Gras starts the first Saturday after the 

new year with King Day and the first parades. The 

festivities continue through Mardi Gras proper six 

weeks later. 

Planning your visit to the Crescent City (a nickname 

recognizing its location at a bend in the Mississippi 

River) earlier during Mardi Gras season can help 

to maximize your experience while minimizing 

TRAVEL 

expenses. Mardi Gras usually runs mid-February 

to early-March, making the weather variable, so 

being prepared and dressing in layers is helpful. 

Accommodation is less expensive and easier to find, 

restaurant lines are shorter, and crowds at parades 

are a bit better. 

Parades 

To get an overview of the parade schedule, 

Tourism New Orleans has a great website at www. 

mardigrasneworleans.com/parades. There are 

descriptions of each type of parade, as not all are 

what you might expect. There are versions featuring 

pets, kids and tiny floats (built in shoe boxes). Some 

are tilted toward an adults-only crowd with explicit 

content, while others are family friendly. Explanations 

of each parade’s Krewes (organizers), themes and 

histories are available on the website. While some 

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TRAVEL 

by Jill Ellis-Worthington 

‘Painted ladies’ in Algiers, just across the 

Mississippi River from the French Quarter. 

run right through the French Quarter, others transit 

adjacent areas or suburbs. If catching beads is big on 

your Mardi Gras agenda, knowing times and routes 

may help you choose where you want to stay and 

determine your schedule of other sightseeing. 

Accommodations 

The French Quarter (FQ) and its surrounding areas of 

Marginy, Frenchman’s Street and the Garden District 

are where most visitors concentrate their interest, so 

staying in any of these areas can be beneficial. It’s 

great to park the car and walk or take the streetcar, 

but you’ll pay more for this convenience. Picking a 

hotel on the edge of the FQ (like the Holiday Inn 

French Quarter-Chateau Lemoyne) can give you 

the best of both worlds. If money isn’t a concern, 

the stately Monteleone is located at the heart of the 

FQ on Royal Street. It has a heated rooftop pool to 

stretch those weary muscles at the end of a touring 

day, and its famous Carousel Bar is worth a visit, 

even if you’re not staying there. You’ll remember this 

unique watering hole from scenes in several movies, 

including Double Jeopardy, The Last Time and Girls Trip, 

among others. 

Airbnbs in and surrounding the Quarter can be a 

good choice if you like to have breakfast at home 

before exploring. Check the map carefully so you 

choose one close to a streetcar or bus stop to minimize 

taxi and ride share costs. 

On our last trip, we spent just $25 US per night by 

taking our travel trailer and staying at Bayou Segnette 

State Park near Algiers (one the most colourful 

districts of NOLA). The $2 ferry ride across the 

Mississippi River took us to the foot of Canal Street 

and into the Quarter. 

Cheap and free 

The French Quarter – Just walking around this 

vibrant, eclectic, sometimes seedy part of the city 

that seethes with history is worth the trip. Places like 

Napolean House (see food section), Jackson Square, 

the Voodoo Spiritual Temple and the French Market 

will enthrall you. 

The Garden District – Investing a few bucks in 

a walking tour is worth it to learn which was Anne 

Rice’s house when she was penning her vampire 

series, which homes belong to Nick Cage, John 

Goodman or Sandra Bullock, and which was the 

Benjamin Button House. This is one of my favourite 

parts of New Orleans, with its grand historic homes, 

gracious lawns and old-world charm. 

Algiers – Take a ferry across the river and visit the 

15th Ward if you love the ‘painted ladies’ as much 

as I do. Residents have revitalized this area and are 

outdoing each other in making the shotgun homes as 

colourful as possible. (www.neworleans.com/plan/ 

transportation/algiers-ferry) 



TRAVEL 

Sazerac House – This offers great, free tours (but 

you must reserve at https://tickets.sazerachouse. 

com/p/newhome) detailing the history of cocktails. 

You will be able to score some free cocktail samples, 

as well. 

Waterfront walk – A relaxing stroll along the river 

will bring you face-to-face with steamboats, rolling 

greenery and the New Orleans Holocaust Memorial. 

Cemeteries – NOLA is famous for its aboveground 

cemeteries. Unfortunately, some – like St. 

Louis Cemetery Number, where notorious Voodoo 

priestess Marie Laveau is buried – have been closed 

to the public due to vandalism, while others are still 

open and worth a visit. 

Other stuff to do 

Hop-on/hop-off tours are a good idea to see what 

you want to explore and get the lay of the land. If 

you drove or rented a car, there are sites worth seeing 

within easy reach. Houmas House is an antebellum 

sugar plantation with tours of the home by costumed 

interpreters. The size of the live oaks is amazing; 

they’ve had hundreds of years of humanity walk 

beneath their boughs. Go for the day, the restaurant 

provides delicious food and a gracious atmosphere. 

A swamp tour is also a must if you’ve never seen an 

alligator jump out of the water to get a marshmallow 

on a stick – no, really! Floating under the arms of 

mangrove trees, we saw gators and feral pigs, both of 

which seem to love marshmallows. 

A place for foodies 

Being on a delta of the Gulf of Mexico, you know 

seafood will be a star, and you can’t miss sampling 

the Creole and Cajun cuisines. Some of my favourite 

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TRAVEL 

places to eat and drink include: 

• Chicory coffee and beignets at Café Du Monde. 

Iconic, so you just have to go. If the line is long, 

slide over to the takeout window and enjoy your 

treats across the street in Jackson Square. 

• Grilled oysters at either Drago’s or Acme Oyster 

House. 

• Muffalettas at Napolean House. For us, this 

created-in-NOLA sandwich is a must for every 

trip. We love it and the ambiance at Napolean 

House. An historic residence gifted to the French 

Emperor when he was exiled – though he never 

lived there – Napolean House has a hidden oasis 

of a patio, as well as indoor seating saturated 

with history. The muffaletta sandwich starts with 

a special round loaf of the most delicious bread, 

which is spread with olive relish and stacked with 

various Italian cold cuts and cheese. I recommend 

ordering a quarter; it’s a lot of food. 

• Breakfast at Ruby Slipper. This eatery has several 

locations in and around the French Quarter, and 

there will probably be a line-up. Get a breakfast 

cocktail (I recommend the Mardi Gras Mimosa) 

and relax because it will be worth it. Consider 

splitting an order of stuffed French toast or one 

of their famous bennies; they are big servings. 

• Mudbugs at… well, everywhere. Called crawfish 

along most parts of the Gulf Coast, their season 

usually starts at the beginning of February. 

Get a local to show you how to eat these spicy 

freshwater crustaceans. They are so addictive we 

call them crawfish crack. 

• Cocktails at the Bourbon O’ Bar. A Ramos Gin 

Fizz, a Sazerac or a Pimm’s Cup are best enjoyed 

at one of the only quiet spots on Bourbon Street. 

Hurricanes at Pat O’Brien’s (get a souvenir glass) 

are a must for NOLA first timers. 

• Classics that serve local inventions and southern 

cuisine, include Brennans (originated Bananas 

Foster), Antoine’s (the oldest restaurant in NOLA 

originated Oysters Rockefeller), and Court 

of Two Sisters (live jazz brunch in the lovely 

courtyard). 



A wild alligator jumps 

for marshmallows 

offered by the tour guide 

during a swap tour. 

Birthplace of jazz 

Bourbon Street was famous for its jazz clubs, but 

it’s mostly been given over to alcohol-fueled revelry. 

Buskers show off and there’s electricity in its bawdy 

nature, but for a taste of local musicianship visit 

Frenchman’s Street. You can have a drink and plate 

of food while listening to band after band churn 

out all musical genres. There’s also a night market 

worth checking out. 

Safety 

NOLA has a reputation as a rough place, going 

back to its origins as a major port with pirates 

and warships going in and out. The fact that the 

North American version of the mafia originated 

there didn’t enhance its safety rating. But, like most 

places, if you’re smart, practice good situational 

awareness, keep to the main areas and don’t 

participate in illegal activities, you’ll be fine. 

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A writer, public relations professional, traveller and football 

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Alcohol 

and aging 

THE WAY THE BODY PROCESSES ALCOHOL CHANGES 

THE OLDER WE GET BY BAILEY RESSLER

y Bailey Ressler 

Many people enjoy drinking beer, indulging in 

their favourite spirit, or sipping some wine 

while celebrating, socializing, or to relax. 

But, did you know that as we age, the way our 

bodies process alcohol changes? The circumstances 

surrounding our drinking may also be changing and 

we may experience different effects. It’s important to 

consider these changes when making decisions about 

our alcohol use and how we can better our health. 

The facts about alcohol 

Alcohol is the most-used psychoactive among 

Canadians. Also known as ethanol or ethyl alcohol, 

alcohol is a legal substance that is present at varying 

levels in beverages like wine, beer, and spirits. 

In Canada, alcohol is the leading risk factor for 


premature death, disease, and disability. There are 

a variety of short- and long-term effects associated 

with alcohol consumption. Short-term effects can 

include an increased risk of violence, injury, and 

alcohol poisoning, while long-term effects may 

include alcohol dependence, stroke, disease of the 

heart or liver, mental illness, and cancer. 

Alcohol is also a depressant. Depressants can slow 

the functioning of the central nervous system, which 

includes the brain. 

Changes to Canada’s alcohol guidance 

Guidance on alcohol consumption has evolved over 

the years. Early in 2023, the Canadian Centre of 

Substance Use and Addiction released Canada’s 

Guidance on Alcohol and Health, replacing the Low- 

Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines issued in 2011. The 

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by Bailey Ressler 

Guidance provides evidence-based information on 

alcohol to support individuals in making informed 

decisions about their alcohol use and, ultimately, 

their health. 

A key factor to consider when discussing alcohol 

and associated risks involves understanding what 

a “standard” drink is. Standard drinks include the 

following: 

• One beer (341 ml or 12 oz of 5% alcohol). 

• One cooler, cider, or ready-to-drink beverage 

(341 ml or 12 oz of 5% alcohol). 

• Wine (142 ml or 5 oz of 12% alcohol). 

• Spirits, such as whiskey, vodka, or gin (43 ml or 

1.5 oz of 40% alcohol). 

Understanding what a standard drink is and how to 

measure one will help you to understand Canada’s 

Guidance on Alcohol and Health. 

Continuum of risk 

The new guidance highlights a continuum of risk 

for consuming alcohol and shines a light on the link 

between alcohol consumption and an increased risk 

for cancer and other negative health outcomes. This 

continuum is associated with an average weekly 

consumption of standard alcoholic drinks: 

• No risk (zero drinks per week) – Associated with 

better health and better sleep. 

• Low risk (one to two standard drinks per week) 

– Individuals are likely to avoid alcohol-related 

harms. 

• Moderate risk (three to six standard drinks per 

week) – The risk of developing several types of 

cancer increases. 

• Increasingly high risk (seven or more standard 

drinks per week) – The risk of heart disease and 

stroke increases. 

• For each additional standard drink, your risk of 

alcohol-related consequences notably increases. 

The guidance notes that no matter where you are on 

the continuum, for your health, less alcohol is better. 

It also states that consuming more than two standard 

drinks per occasion is associated with an increased 

risk of harm to self and others, including injuries 

and violence. 

Alcohol and aging 

As we age, the body goes through a variety of changes 

that can influence the way substances may affect you 

and the magnitude of their effects. These changes 

can include: 

• Your body may break down substances more 

slowly, causing them to remain in your body 

longer. 

• You may have more body fat and less muscle. 

• You may have lower water content in your body 

than when you were younger. 

• Due to changes like these, older adults tend to 

have a lower tolerance for substances. This may 

mean that you require less of any substance to 

get the desired effect. It also means you may be 

more likely to encounter negative effects from 

alcohol consumption, such as: 

o Increased risk for injuries because of 

falls due to loss of muscle strength, poor 

balance, and coordination. 

o New or worsening mental health issues, 

including depression, confusion, and 

memory loss. 

o 

Worsening of health issues such as 

diabetes, liver damage, blood pressure or 

stomach ailments. 

• Interactions with medications. Many medications 

don’t have the desired effect when taken with 

alcohol; this includes more, or less, intense 

effects. Some medications should not be taken 

with alcohol at all. 

• In addition to the physical changes we experience 

as we age, many older adults deal with loss in a 

multitude of ways. This can include the loss of a 

loved one, mobility, a job, independence, and health. 

• Due to these life-altering circumstances, some 

older adults increase their alcohol consumption 

to cope. 


y Bailey Ressler 


Signs of an alcohol problem 

Many older adults are able to drink without developing 

any problems, but this isn’t the case for some. Older 

adults who feel like they are unable to stop drinking 

may be alcohol dependent. Individuals who are 

alcohol dependent may experience withdrawal if 

they were to suddenly stop drinking alcohol. 

Signs of alcohol problems can include: 

• Problems sleeping. 

• Poor coordination, falls, and slurred speech. 

• Lack of self care – not bathing, eating, or taking 

care of other health issues. 

• Alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, a 

racing pulse or irritation. 

• Tension between the individual and friends or 

family. 

• Lack of interest in usual activities. 

• Irritability, confusion, or depression. 

• Dishonesty in an effort to hide their drinking. 

alcohol use has benefits for your health and wellness. 

Sources 

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. Canada’s 

Guidance on Alcohol and Health. Jan 2023 

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Alcohol Use in Older 

Adults. N.d. 

Public Health Agency of Canada. Using substances as an 

older adult. Aug 2 2022 

Bailey Ressler is a Health Promoter at Grey Bruce Public 

Health and a member of the organization’s Chronic Disease/ 

Injury Prevention Team. Bailey joined GBPH in March 

2021. In her free time, Bailey enjoys being outdoors, at the 

beach, and spending time with friends and family. Learn more 

at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca. 

How to address your drinking 

While the most effective method of reducing the harm 

associated with your drinking would be to not drink 

at all, this isn’t always feasible or preferable for many 

people. If you do choose to drink, following Canada’s 

Guidance on Alcohol and Health can help you keep your 

drinking at a level that is considered low risk. 

The guidance contains tips to help you stay on target: 

• Drink slowly. 

• Drink lots of water. 

• For every drink of alcohol you have, ensure you 

have a non-alcoholic one. 

• Eat before and while you’re drinking. 

• Set a limit for yourself and stick to it. 

• Enjoy alcohol-free weeks or activities. 

Regardless of how much you drink now, it’s important 

to remember that there are things you can do to 

reduce your risk of alcohol-related harms. Drinking 

less is always better and note that any reduction in your 

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FOOD & DRINK 

Curried apple 

and onion soup 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes 

Cooking Time: 25 minutes 

Serves: 4 to 6 

INGREDIENTS 

3 tbsp butter 

2 onions, chopped 

1½ tbsp curry powder 

4 cups vegetable or chicken broth 

2 apples, diced 

2 tbsp apricot jam 

2 cups 2% milk 

1 cup 35% whipping cream 

1 tbsp honey 

½ tsp salt 

1½ tbsp cornstarch 

¼ cup cold water 

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 

Salt and pepper 

¼ cup chives, chopped 

Apple, thinly sliced 

Instructions 

In large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook, 

stirring occasionally until onions are soft, about six minutes. Add 

curry powder and cook, stirring constantly for one minute. Stir 

in broth, apples and jam. Cover and bring to boil. Reduce heat 

and simmer, uncovered for 10 minutes. 

Transfer soup to blender or food processor, in batches if necessary, 

and purée until smooth. Return soup to pot over medium-low 

heat. Add milk, cream, honey and salt. 

In small bowl, stir cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir 

into soup and bring to simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened. 

Stir in lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve 

garnished with chives and apples. 

*Recipe courtesy of Foodland Ontario 


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