2023 In Review

It’s been another FULL year so I’ll do my best to make this short enough to keep you from nodding off while still capturing the highlights of the past 12 months.

The year kicked off with my 50th birthday and a gathering with our Thunder Bay family. My Chamber team also surprised me with a birthday lunch and thoughtfulness that warmed my heart.

Our niece, Beth and her partner Herman in Nova Scotia welcomed the arrival of baby Weston in late January. Weston was born with some medical issues that required surgery on his lungs so the three of them spent a number of weeks in a Halifax hospital, which was a stressful start to their parenthood journey. We are so thankful that the surgery was successful. Weston is a sweet and healthy little boy whose smiling face brings us so much joy. We were thrilled to have Beth, Herman and Weston visit in September and appreciate the regular photo and text updates that keep us connected.

Barry is doing well and actively involved in community activities. Early in the year, he volunteered to Chair the Ontario Winter Games, which will be held here in February 2024. It is expected that approximately 2,000 athletes and coaches will attend; the organizing committee is working hard to set up all the logistics that are required for an event of this magnitude. Barry also took on the role of Chair for the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission in June, and he continues as a Board Director for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation.

My work at the Chamber of Commerce keeps me on my toes. In April, I was honoured to receive the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Advocacy Campaign Award for our work on the new City zoning by-law. We added some new events and programs to our already full roster, which kept the whole team running at full speed! I’m also serving as a Board Director on both the Thunder Bay Port Authority and the United Way of Thunder Bay and recently obtained my Working Genius Certified Facilitator designation.

Over the summer, we were able to reconnect with my Eastern Ontario family. In June, Uncle George, Aunt Audrey and Heather took the Lake Superior Circle Tour drive to Thunder Bay for dinner at our home followed by a detour to Dryden to spend a few days with my Mom. In August, Mom and I flew East for a Caldwell Clan reunion weekend at Uncle Gary’s in Lynden, Ontario. It was wonderful to visit with aunts, uncles and cousins that I haven’t seen in decades and to meet many of the offspring that I read about in their Christmas letters. I spent hours asking Uncle Gary questions about our family history and came home with a lot of stories and photos for my Ancestry page.

Fall days flew by including a work conference in Calgary, a trip to Ottawa with my girlfriend Cindy, and a family outing to the local pumpkin fest. Last weekend, Mom, Cal, Mary, and Philip came to the city for an early Christmas party and Margaret’s first birthday celebrations. Mom brought the Scrabble board and we enjoyed a few games together.

We look forward to Christmas Eve at the Walker’s (Sheena’s parents) with Jon & Sheena as well as Boxing Day at our house with Jon, Sheena, Sara, Alain and Margaret. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy 2024.

Reflections on 2022

The Christmas lights are shining and our thoughts are with loved ones near and far.  We hope you’ll appreciate a few lines of reflection on our activities this past year.

It was a LONG winter with a lot of snow that lingered until mid-May.  One Friday morning in early February when I was at work and Barry was again using the snow blower to clear the most recent dump of white stuff, he slipped on a patch of ice and ruptured his right quadriceps muscle.  10 days later he finally had surgery to repair the damage, followed by 6 weeks in a full leg straight brace.  We were so thankful for the support of our son & daughter-in-law, Jon & Sheena, who generously assisted with snow removal and grocery pick-ups during that time.  After another 6 weeks in an adjustable brace and a few months of physiotherapy exercises to rebuild his strength, Barry has healed very well and has been able to resume normal activities.

In July, we hosted a small garden party at my Mom’s home to celebrate her 80th birthday. It was a hot, sunny day as we gathered outdoors with friends and family, many of whom had not been able to connect in recent years. Mom and Dad enjoyed it immensely and it was especially heart warming for us to see them visiting together as they have not had that opportunity due to long-term care home health limitations.

Barry is keeping as busy as he wants to be with his involvement at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation and the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission.  My work at the Chamber keeps me hopping with the challenges of high inflation, labour shortages, gnarled supply chains and the ever-changing needs of our Members.  I was pleased to join the United Way of Thunder Bay’s board this fall and also continue to serve on the board of the Thunder Bay Port Authority.

In October, we took a long-awaited holiday to Palm Springs, California for 9 days in the desert sunshine.  We enjoyed visiting the attractions and spent hours relaxing by the pool and are hoping to make it a winter get-away destination in the future. 

The happiest moment of 2022 was November 19^th as our great niece Margaret René arrived to Sara & Alain.  Little Margaret has already stolen our hearts!   We are also excitedly waiting for the arrival of our great nephew to Beth and Herman in early February.

We are looking forward to numerous family gatherings in Thunder Bay this Christmas and are grateful to have time with our nearby loved ones: Jon, Sheena, Ryan, Sara, Alain & Margaret and extended family The Walkers.  Our hearts are with our friends who have recently lost loved ones and for whom this holiday season will be tinged with sadness.

Wishing you love and laughter in 2023.

2021 Year In Review

Another pandemic year winds to a close, leaving little “news” to report in our annual newsletter.

To break up the monotony, Charla set her sights on a bucket-list fitness item, training through the winter/spring to complete the Firefighters 10 Mile Virtual Road Race in May.

With no travel plans, we played ‘stay at home tourists’ through the summer, visiting local treasures at Kakabeka Falls, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, and Ouimet Canyon. Charla also trekked to Dryden twice to see Mom & Dad.

Barry is keeping as busy as he wants to be with volunteer work. His 10 years on the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital Foundation Board of Directors concluded in September and he continues to serve on the Grants Committee. He was also recently elected as Vice Chair for the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission.

Charla’s work at the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce continues to be both rewarding and challenging as the team helps support small businesses through an environment of lockdowns, myriad funding programs, workplace vaccination policies, rapid testing, supply chain breaks and staff shortages. We’ve had a lot of fun this Fall with our Choose TBay First shop local campaign – it’s been so nice to share heartwarming stories about our business community.

Wishing all our friends and family a happy Holiday Season and a healthy and prosperous 2022.

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2020

We started 2020 with excitement and anticipation for all that a new decade might bring.  The first week of January started with gratitude as Dad moved into a single room at Princess Court Long Term Care Home following 8 months in Dryden Hospital.  At that time, they offered weekly church services and daily activities that allowed socialization between the residents and we look forward to the day when that level of interaction will be permitted again.

For Barry as Chair of the Organizing Committee, February was consumed with final preparations for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games. February 25-29 was truly incredible as over 1,200 athletes, coaches and mission staff from across Canada, alongside more than 800 family members and friends descended on Thunder Bay.   Charla was happy to play a small part as the organizer of the welcoming luncheon for VIPs and sponsors including Olympians Mark Tewksbury, Scott Moir, and Catriona Le May Doan.  There were activities every night including the Opening Ceremonies with the Governor General, the Friends and Family dinner, a VIP dinner, and an athlete’s dance.  The event wrapped up on Sunday, March 1^st with a Volunteer Appreciation event for the 1,000+ volunteers who helped make it happen.  (More photos and highlights can be viewed at www.specialolympics2020.com)

Also in February, the Chamber of Commerce hosted Steve Paikin of TVO’s The Agenda as keynote speaker at an event.  Charla spent the day touring Steve around the city and thoroughly enjoyed their time together.

Charla closed the Chamber office and switched to working at home on March 23^rd as we joined the rest of Canada and the world in the fight against COVID-19.   The first few months were pretty intense with so many government-funding programs to interpret and communicate to business owners, and literally hundreds of Zoom meetings!

Once the weather warmed, the summer was quite pleasant and we enjoyed our time working/relaxing in the backyard.  In mid-July, Mom & Sara came for a 3 day visit that included tours to Kakabeka Falls, Vanderwees Greenhouses and the Terry Fox Lookout…and many, many Scrabble games!  In August, I went to Dryden for a quick visit that included dinner at the Riverview Lodge with Mom & Grace, an outdoor visit with Dad at Princess Court, and a drop-in on my lifelong friend Shannon, who has recently moved back to Dryden.

Mom has become quite a technical wizard with her recently purchased iPad.  Charla so enjoys their weekly Facetime chats and online Scrabble games and really appreciates the ability to say hello to Dad virtually (when the Wi-Fi cooperates).

Sending best wishes for a Merry Christmas and good health to you and yours in the year ahead.

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  Barry, Catriona Le May Doan and Athlete Ambassadors: Nicole, Ian, Joey, Roberta & Duncan

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  Special Olympics Winter Games Opening Ceremonies

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  Barry welcomes the athletes, coaches, families and special guests at the Special Olympics Winter Games Opening Ceremonies

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  Special Olympics torch entrance at opening ceremonies

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  Special Olympics cauldron extinguished – the Games are closed

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  Steve Paikin at the Chamber of Commerce AGM

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  Dinner on the deck with Jon and Sheena (physically distanced of course)

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  A visit to Kakabeka Falls w Mom and Sara

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  Kakabeka Falls

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  Terry Fox Lookout

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  A visit with Dad

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  Birthday celebrations for Jessie and Grace with Philip and Sara

2019 Review

December 2019

My resolution for 2019 was to be intentional with gratitude by focusing on our blessings instead of on our challenges. With that in mind, here’s a little overview of the moments we are grateful for in 2019.

January brought a new semester of school for our “housemates”, Philip (2nd year, Biology at Lakehead University) and Sara (1st year, Social Work at Confederation College). They both worked really hard and ended the year with good marks. They decided to spread their wings in the new school year and together moved into a cute basement apartment at the end of April before summer break. Sara worked two jobs in Dryden over the summer while Philip did a 6-week placement at the University. They come over often for dinner and we always enjoy their visits, sending them home with leftovers and baking.

Charla’s work life has been incredibly busy this year including two office moves, overseeing office renovations and numerous staff adjustments on top of all the usual municipal, provincial, and federal advocacy issues and community involvement that comes with being the President of the local Chamber of Commerce. In May, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce recognized the Thunder Bay Chamber with the “Outstanding Advocacy Campaign Award” for its 2018 municipal election “City of Opportunity” campaign. She also received her Accredited Chamber Executive designation from the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada and was elected Chair of the Governance & Compensation Committee for the Board of the Thunder Bay Port Authority.

Barry’s volunteer schedule hasn’t let up. As Chair of the Special Olympics Winter Games being held in February 2020, things are getting pretty hectic as he leads a team of over 600 volunteers in the preparations for 1,200 athletes and coaches from across the country to descend on our city to compete in 8 sport activities. He also continues to serve on the Board of both the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation and the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission.

A highlight of our year was the wedding of Jon & Sheena in late October. It was a beautiful, sunny (albeit chilly) day as family and friends gathered to witness their marriage vows. We were thrilled to have a number of family members in attendance from Manitoba and thoroughly enjoyed their visit. Jon & Sheena took a short honeymoon in Quebec City and are continuing to live in the mobile home with Ryan this winter with the hopes of purchasing a new home in 2020.

Health was a recurring theme in our world this year as so many loved ones dealt with physical decline. It serves as a good reminder to be grateful for each day of good health and thankful for the amazing healthcare services that are available to address our illnesses.

Dad’s health has notably declined and he was admitted to Dryden Hospital in early May with a nasty infection that led to congestive heart failure. After a few tense weeks, he finally rebounded and is receiving excellent care while he waits for a bed at the Dryden long-term care home. Unfortunately, his mobility and memory has deteriorated to the point that Mom can’t care for him on her own and there aren’t enough caregivers in Dryden to support his needs at home.

Mom has been busy with daily trips to the hospital to see Dad and managing the house and business affairs with the help of Tim, Cal & Dan. The trailer park was put up for sale in the spring and we are so grateful that the sale closed on December 2nd. It’s a big change for Mom as Cal & Mary’s house was also part of the sale – they have moved out to East Thunder Lake and won’t be within walking distance to pop in during the day.

We plan to spend Christmas at home and are looking forward to Christmas Eve dinner at our new “in-laws” Dave & Gisele Walker’s home with Jon, Sheena, Ryan and other Walker family members. We hope that you are surrounded by love and laughter this holiday season and wish you health and happiness for 2020.

 

2018 Review

December 2018

Another trip around the sun is nearly complete. 2018 seemed to rush by in the blink of an eye.

The year started where 2017 ended, with contractors in and out to complete the final stages of our kitchen renovation. On Saturday, December 23rd our sink and stove were finally back in order so we were able to cook Christmas dinner at home. It took until the end of January for all the final pieces to be complete and we are so pleased with the result.

In April, Barry was honoured with the Charles J Carter Lifetime Business Achievement Award by the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes high standards of excellence in business, community service, and volunteer work with the Chamber. It was a great night of celebration as Barry’s son, Jon, and our nephew, Philip, snuck in to watch the surprise presentation. We are all very proud!

April also included the successful completion of Philip’s first year at Lakehead University in the Bachelor of Science, Biology program. He worked hard and achieved great marks. Philip spent the summer in Dryden working as a security guard at the Domtar mill, which was an excellent learning experience and a real help to his bank account.

In July, we were lucky to spend a week in Prince Edward Island with our nieces Beth (20), Sara (18) and Grace (16). We rented a house in Mermaid (outside of Charlottetown) and spent the days exploring. In Cavendish, we visited the Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place and explored the red sand dunes, ending the day with supper of lobster and shrimp at the Fisherman’s Wharf buffet. We also visited Basin Head beach, East Point Lighthouse, Confederation Bridge, and went whale watching and deep-sea fishing. PEI is such a beautiful area and we enjoyed our time there.

In September, we added another new roommate as Philip returned for his second year at LU and Sara began her studies at Confederation College in the Social Work program. Dinner time conversations can get pretty lively and the two of them have lots of fun together.

This Fall, I marked two things off my “bucket list”. The first achievement was two years in the making as the Thunder Bay Chamber hosted the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting for the first time in our history. Everything went off without a hitch and our 350 delegates from across the country raved about their experiences in Thunder Bay. It was a great week!

The second bucket list item was hearing Bill and Hilary Clinton speak in Toronto. I’ve read all of their books and have followed Hilary’s activities closely over the past 10 years. It was quite an experience to hear them share their stories of the many world events in which they have been central players.

Barry’s days are full in his role as Chair of the 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games, with just over one year until the games there is much to do to prepare to welcome 1,200 athletes, coaches and officials and their families in February 2020. He is also continuing his work on the boards of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation and the Community Economic Development Commission.

Jon & Ryan are doing well. Jon is continuing to add to his responsibilities at Intercity Industrial Supply. His girlfriend Sheena recently sold her house and they are now looking for a home together for Spring 2019.

We are grateful for our continued health, as many around us have not been similarly blessed. Dad’s health is continuing to decline and his mobility and memory have deteriorated. Mom is doing well and is so patient in her caring for Dad. Cal has taken over the majority of the load in running the trailer park with Tim acting as support.

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a year ahead filled with love, laughter, health and happiness.

Barry’s Charles J Carter Award acceptance

Barry addresses the crowd upon receiving the Charles J Carter Award

Let’s go whale watching!

The red sand dunes at Cavendish

Trying our hand at deep-sea fishing

Staff stuffing our delegate welcome bags for the Canadian Chamber AGM

Addressing Canadian Chamber delegates on immigration policy

Our new kitchen!

2017 Year In Review

December 2017

I’m rather late getting this year’s Christmas letter together – living in chaos due to our on-going kitchen renovation has meant that some things just aren’t getting done right now. My apologies upfront for this condensed version of our year in review.

This year’s most memorable moments have been with family. We went to Dryden a number of times this year, Dad’s health has been in decline and we’ve wanted to be there a little bit more to see him.   In March, we were both so proud to be in attendance as Mom & Dad were honoured by their church for over 50 years of service. It was an emotional day as friends shared their stories about what my parents have meant to them over the years.

In July, we took our nieces Beth (18), Sara (17) and Grace (15) with us on an adventure to Banff, Alberta. Our travelogue and photos are captured here and I hope they share some small part of the amazing moments and memories that we made together.

We were also grateful to spend a week at West Hawk Lake at the end of July. We enjoyed our visits with the “lake cousins” and enticed Jon & Sheena to join us for a short holiday.

In September, we gained a roommate as our nephew Philip (18) came to live with us while attending his first year at Lakehead University.   It’s been an adjustment for everyone, made much more challenging by our 3-month kitchen renovation, which is now nearing conclusion.   Philip will be happy to have his basement “study cave” back to himself in the New Year.

Barry and I are both keeping busy with our various activities. My advocacy work at the Chamber of Commerce has been in high gear due to numerous government policy changes that will have a big negative impact on the business community. Barry has picked up two new projects with his appointments as Chair of the 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games organizing committee and as Board Director on the local Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission.

We will be staying in Thunder Bay for Christmas in the hopes that our new kitchen will be ready so that we can return to a more normal lifestyle that includes a stove and sink (photo below of progress to December 16th).

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas. Best wishes for a healthy and happy 2018.

Love,

Charla & Barry

Banff, baby!

My husband gave me an amazing gift for my birthday this year – a trip to Banff together with three of our nieces, Beth, Sara and Grace.  Oh the memories we made in those 7 days of exploring and adventure!

It all started on Thursday, July 6th with a drive to Dryden to pick up the girls then off to Winnipeg for an overnight before our morning flight.  The car was loaded to the rafters with our suitcases as the speakers blasted some of the girls’ favourite tunes for singing along on the ride.

Friday morning we were up early and off to the airport.  For Sara and Grace this was their first time in an airplane and the nervous excitement was palpable!  With only slight confusion, we navigated our way through baggage drop-off, security and onto the plane and in just a couple of hours we were in Calgary, ready for the real adventure to begin.

First stop for our hungry crew was lunch at Peter’s Drive Thru where delicious burgers, fries, and milkshakes were devoured in the sunshine.  Mmmm – tasty!

 

Next, we piled into the car for the drive to Banff.  As we got nearer to our destination, the awesomeness of the Rocky Mountains came into full view – such a beautiful drive!

 

We arrived at the Fox Hotel & Suites and got everything unpacked, then out for dinner and our first walk down Banff Avenue.  So much to see and so many people from all over the world on the sidewalk around us!

On Friday, the fun began in earnest with a trip to the top of the mountains on the Banff Gondola.  We spent hours exploring the paths, walkways and interpretive centre.

 

After lunch we headed to our next destination, The Cave & Basin Historic Site to see where Banff’s famous hot springs were first discovered in 1883.  The smell of sulfur filled the air – quite a powerful stench!  Then a quick stop at the Banff Parks Museum to end our fun-filled day.

 

The girls wouldn’t let the day end without a trip to the Upper Hot Springs before bed, so off we went at 10pm for a soak with 100+ strangers while the sun went down.

 

Saturday’s itinerary required a bit of travel so we piled in the car and headed down the Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon for a hike to the upper and lower falls.  This activity was definitely the highlight for me, despite the aching legs that followed!

 

After a late lunch, we continued west to Lake Louise.  Sara and Grace decided on a swim in the glacier-fed lake (brr!) while Beth and I lounged in the shade.

 

Sunday morning we were all feeling the effects of our multi-kilometre hike so decided on an adventure that would allow a little less walking.  Off to Minnewanka Lake for a boat cruise tour!

 

And then a few more tourist-y spots to see.

 

On Monday, our journey home began as we loaded the car to drive back to Calgary.  A stop at the Luge Ride and Heritage Park were the perfect way to spend our final day of vacation.

 

Priceless moments that we will all remember for years to come!  Thanks for the memories, Banff!

2016: Year in Review

Another year is almost ready to be wrapped up in a big red bow as indicated by the arrival of our first Christmas card and the turning of the calendar to the month of December.

Once the snow melted, our yard was a flurry of activity with the building of a new shed and pergola, installation of sod, and preparation of our new garden plot.  It was a beautiful summer and we enjoyed many happy hours outdoors.

We headed West to Dryden at the end of June to celebrate our niece Beth’s high school graduation and kiss her goodbye as she spread her wings by moving to Labrador with her boyfriend, Adam.  Thank goodness for text messaging so that we can stay in touch and share recipes as she learns the joy of cooking!

In July, our nieces Sara & Gracie came to hang out with us in Thunder Bay.  We enjoyed a beautiful day at Dog Lake with our friends Kelli, Brad, Connor and Denver, and the girls got to try their hand at kayaking and some high speed tubing behind the jet ski.  Our evenings were spent in the pergola singing along to their favourite songs and a few spirited games of cribbage.  Time flies when you’re having fun and all too soon they were headed home to Dryden.

July also brought the unexpected end of retirement for Barry as he took on the role of Executive Director & General Manager for the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra.

We decided to forego our annual summer visit to West Hawk & Star Lake so that we could instead experience a “bucket list” vacation to Palm Springs, California in October.  We attended the three day Desert Trip festival featuring Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Paul McCartney, The Who, and Roger Waters and had a fantastic time with 80,000 other fans!

Fall has been busy with Symphony concerts and Chamber activities as we juggle our very full schedules.  My job at the Chamber continues to be an enjoyable challenge with new issues and opportunities at every turn.

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and look forward to receiving your emails, letters, and Facebook updates over the coming weeks.

 

Lessons my Mom taught me

My Mom is a pretty amazing lady. She trained as a Registered Nurse and continued to work the night shift part-time following the birth of my brothers and I. When I was very young, she gave up her professional career so that she could focus on raising her four children. We had a hot breakfast each morning before jumping in the truck with Dad at 7:40am, lunch boxes in hand for the school day ahead. Each night, she greeted us all with a cheery smile and a listening ear for the happenings of our day as we devoured, in short order, the supper that she had prepared. After the table was cleared and dishes done, she became our tutor, guiding us through homework and enduring tantrums and tears until we understood the lessons we were meant to learn.

 

She taught me so much more than just schoolwork. Though I didn’t realize it when I was growing up, the things I’ve learned by watching her then now help me each day as I work with my staff and Board of Directors, and manage the business operations of the Chamber of Commerce.

If we use the analogy of a business to represent the operation of a family, Mom served in multiple roles including human resources manager, communications coordinator, procurement director, and office administrator. Simply put, our family could not have operated successfully without the 24/7 efforts of my Mom. Even though we are all adults with our own lives and careers, Mom is still a central figure in keeping us all informed and in touch across the miles that divide us.

Mom is the epitome of patience who always knew the perfect remedy for Dad’s bad days and our heated sibling disputes. Through watching her I learned the power of silence instead of striking back in anger. I still marvel at her ability to bite her tongue and wait for the right moment to discuss a problem calmly instead of jumping in with hurtful words that only cause more damage. That’s a skill that is needed at every level of business from front-line administrators to top CEO’s.

Mom & Dad are entrepreneurs, running a small property rental business out of the family home. Even though Mom has never taken courses in business management, she is integral to the success of their business, handling the administrative duties of bookkeeping, customer service and keeping up with government regulatory filings.

Mom is an amazing multi-tasker and project manager: keeping track of multiple schedules, arranging details for church and family events for up to 150 guests, and maintaining meticulous records on every property purchase or renovation over the past 40 years. From her I’ve learned the importance of detailed lists and how to plan ahead to make sure all the details are thought through and the needed resources are arranged to make things run smoothly.

In these days when mindfulness training is in demand, I look to Mom who has it mastered. I’ve never heard her fret about regrets of the past or worry about the future, instead she takes each day as it comes and simply enjoys the moment.

There is still much that I am learning from my Mom. She knows how to play. Whether down on her knees with the grandkids and their toys, or on the volleyball court at the church picnic, even in her seventies, Mom doesn’t take herself too seriously and can still channel her inner child and have fun.

I’m so thankful for the lifetime of lessons from my Mom. I hope that she will continue to be healthy so that I can keep learning from her for many years to come. I love you Mom!