CMFmag Holiday 24 Issue 55

12 Cocktails OF

Christmas GAME ON!

Games Sure to Entertain for Hours

Escaping Canadian Winters IN PUERTO VALLARTA DEPLOYED DURING the Happiest Season of All Financially Savvy Holiday Tips For CAF Community ISSUE 54

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Commissionaires is a Federation of 15 Divisions and a National Office working together to keep Canadians safe. The organization is Canada’s only national not-for-profit security provider and largest private sector employer of veterans.

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Commissionnaires est une fédération composée de 15 divisions et un Bureau national qui travaillent ensemble pour assurer la sécurité des Canadiens et Canadiennes. L’organisation est le seul fournisseur national de services de sécurité à but non lucratif au Canada et le plus grand employeur de vétérans dans le secteur privé.

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36 Military 411 8 No Life Like It 10 Products You’ll Love 11 Podcasts to Listen to 12 What to Watch 13 Tips to Not Wig Out Over Posting 14 Guest Avid Reader: Speaking Up for Military & Veteran Families Falling Through Systemic Cracks ON THE COVER 16 Avid Reader: Reads to Get Lost In

18 Out and About

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Home Life

20 Your Money: 10 Financially Savvy Holiday Tips for CAF Community Members ON THE COVER 22 Critters & Creatures: 20 Fun & Fab Gifts for Your Fur Babies Under $20 34 Game On! Games Sure to Entertain for Hours ON THE COVER 36 Naughty Santa Gift Exchange

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CAF Life 44 32 Deployed During the Happiest Season of All ON THE COVER 50 Veteran & Miltary Spouse Showcase

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Keeping the Balance 37 Keeping the Balance Page 40 The Galley: 12 Cocktails of Christmas ON THE COVER 46 Travel: Escaping Canadian Winters in Puerto

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Vallarta ON THE COVER 52 Wreaths Across Canada 54 Been There Done That: Blue Jean Christmas 57 Spot the Differences 58 Crossword

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Michelle Levesque

Michelle Levesque is a veteran spouse having lived in Germany, Oromocto NB, and sunny Petawawa. With her husband now retired and her three kids all grown up, Michelle spends her free time talking to her dogs, cats and plants, bingeing on British TV and listening to every kind of podcast.

Skylar Nesbitt

Skylar Nesbitt, RHN, is a proud military spouse and Registered Holistic Nutritionist. Currently living in Petawawa, ON. She runs her own practice virtually as well as in-person at VC Athletic Therapy where she supports clients through nutrition, lifestyle, and stress management changes to support their individual needs and goals. She can be reached at skylarnesbittRHN@hotmail.com.

Lindsey Palka Ly

Lindsey is a blogger, editor, military spouse, and writer whose work has appeared on The Toast, The Hairpin, and several other websites. She earned her B.A. Honours in History from Carleton University and her Master’s in History from the University of New Brunswick.

Cristina Florentina Braia

Born in Bucharest, Romania, Cristina has a university degree in Economics and working experience in the Hospitality and Tourism industry. She traveled to more than 30 countries worldwide and met her CAF husband in 2016, in the Caribbean, while she was working on a cruise ship.

Jill Kruse

Jill Kruse is a journalist from Atlantic Canada with a passion for tennis and travel. Following the unfortunate passing of her beloved soldier in 2008, Jill spent the next decade raising their three little girls and rediscovering her love for writing.

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We are Canada’s only military and veteran family lifestyle magazine.

While we work with DND, the CAF and CFMWS, we are privately owned.

All our team members are part of military and veteran families.

Issue 55, Holiday 2024 Box 5004 25 Civic Centre Rd. Petawawa, ON K8H 0B0

Call 1.613.867.2106 cmfmag.ca info@cmfmag.ca

Editor-in-Chief & Publisher Cyndi Mills cyndi@cmfmag.ca CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Deborah Van der Linde Cristina Florentina Braia Jill Kruse Michelle Levesque

Skylar Nesbitt Mishall Rehman Adam Van der Linde

COPY EDITOR Lindsey Palka Ly

Editorial guidelines can be found on website. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisers’ claims, opinion editorials, unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies, or other materials.

Letters to the editors or articles submitted by individuals are not the views of this magazine but rather the views of the authors themselves. This magazine takes no responsibility for the views expressed.

All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden.

Canadian Military Family Magazine content, intellectual property and distinctive logo are owned by the Canadian Military Family Magazine.

©2024 Canadian Military Family Magazine ISSN 2371-1086

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VISIT CMFMAG.CA FOR FASTER SERVICE *Please email your recipe or recipes, plus three images per recipe that are at least 1MB to info@cmfmag.ca. As a thank you, we will send you an annual subscription to Canadian Military Family Magazine.

We will Remember Them.

At Last Post Fund, we believe in taking care of those who took care of us.

That’s why our mission is that no Veteran be denied a dignified funeral and burial for lack of funds at time of death.

We keep our promise.

Just as they kept theirs.

Talk to a counsellor 1-800-465-7113 info@lastpost.ca

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FROM THE EDITOR NO LIFE LIKE IT

s a m t s i r h C y Merr & HappyHolidays

With my husband, tak

I

t’s back! The most wonderful time of the year.

It has come again, and yet again, I am not ready. With a laundry list of tasks that I believe need to be completed for the Christmas magic to happen, I realize I may need to scale back my expectations. This morning, I discovered that Christmas Eve is on Tuesday, giving me another 24 hours I didn’t know I had when I woke up. Once I made this fantastic little discovery, I truly understood the gift of time. I felt like I had won the lottery.

Not only do I have a day to go shopping, Saturday, and a day to clean my house: Sunday. I now have an extra day, Monday, where, if planned and executed correctly, I will have time to wrap gifts, decorate the tree, put out a few Christmas decorations, and make mulled wine before my family arrives. I might avoid wrapping gifts till 5 a.m. on Christmas Eve, or is that considered Christmas morning?

As I brace for my Christmas shopping day, I am doing it without my husband this year. This is our fourth Christmas we will celebrate the holidays apart. We are currently on two different continents. As always, I am in Canada, and he is over 5,500 miles away. The Pretenders’ Christmas song 2000 Miles always gets me at this time of year, especially when my husband is away. Let’s face it: a lot of the Christmas songs are somewhat sad when you have a loved one deployed over the holiday season.

If you are wondering where in the world Canadian Forces Personnel are deployed this holiday season, and there seems to be a lot, check out Deployed During the Happiest Season of the Year. Plus, if you are looking for a gift for your pets or a funny gift

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ing part in Christmas

festivities last year.

for a gift exchange, Jill Kruse did a deep dive to find ideas. We also have the 12 Cocktails of Christmas. Our family tried them the last time my husband was deployed during the festive season. My favourite was The Snowy Ditch. Also, if you are looking for games, we have our top picks. And so many other fantastic articles.

I will close with one of my favourite quotes. I found it the first Christmas my husband was deployed. I have always found this quote relevant during the holiday season as we reflect on the meaning of the season. And as we enter a new year, it is also appropriate throughout the year.

If, as Herod, we fill our lives with things, and again with things…

If we consider ourselves so unimportant that we must fill every moment of our lives with action, when will we have the time to make the long, slow journey across the desert as did the Magi?

Or sit and watch the stars as did the shepherds?

Or brood over the coming of the child as did Mary?

For each of us, there is a desert to travel. A star to discover.

And a being within ourselves to bring to life.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a peaceful, prosperous, healthy, and blessed 2025. May you find all that you are looking for in the new year.

Until next time,

Who we serve

All veterans, military, RCMP, and their families.

What we do

• Review and address complaints about Veterans Affairs Canada • Provide information and referrals • Advocate for fairness

Where you can go for help Submit a complaint online: ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca Call: 1-877-330-4343

@veteransombudsman @vetsombudsman @veteransombudsmancanada

ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca

À qui s’adressent nos services Tous les vétérans, les militaires, les membres de la GRC et leur famille.

Ce que nous faisons

• Examiner les plaintes concernant Anciens Combattants Canada et les résoudre • Fournir des renseignements/références • Promouvoir l’équité

Pour obtenir de l’aide

Pour présenter une plainte en ligne : ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca Par téléphone : 1-877-330-4343

@ombudsmanveterans @ombudveterans @ombudsmanveteranscanada

ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca

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Favourite Products

MILITARY 411 PRODUCTS WE LOVE

A few products that caught our attention this month.

1. Airplane Foot Hammock A number one bestseller, the Airplane Foot Hammock is perfect for the frequent traveller or those working long office hours. This travel-sized footrest provides much-needed comfort for your feet, legs and lower back no matter where you are.

Available at amazon.ca for $34.95.

2. Waterpik Oral Care Combo This oral care combo will leave your teeth feeling clean and new. Includes the Waterpik ultra Plus water flosser a countertop model featuring a water on/ off control on the handle and storage for extra tips built into the lid. This model also comes with a rechargeable and portable cordless Pearl water flosser that is perfect for on-the-go brushing. Available at costco.ca for $94.99.

3. Ecoco toothbrush Holder If your kids leave a toothpaste mess in your sink, then this toothbrush holder is a must.

Wall mounted and comes with a toothpaste dispenser that electronically dispenses toothpaste. Not only is it great for toothbrush storage and holding toothpaste, but it also contains room for mouthwash cups. Available at amazon.ca for $29.99.

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4. iSpring Water Filter System Give your family the gift of high-quality water for life. This water filter system features an alkaline filter and an extra layer of protection through UV light filtering. The company claims to remove over 1,000 different types of contaminants, including arsenic, asbestos, chlorine, fluoride, lead, mercury, sodium, and more. Available at homedepot.ca for $548.

5. 3M Command RustResistant Bath Shower Caddy If you’re crammed for shelf space in your shower, then a 3M shower caddy is made just for you. Secured with adhesive strips that won’t leave your tiles damaged, this shower caddy

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holds firmly, provides damage-free hanging, and comes with waterresistant adhesives. Available at Canadian Tire and canadiantire.ca for $33.99.

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6. Lego Icons Wreath Lego loves can weave the magic of Legos in their everyday home decor with the Lego Icons Wreath. With a multitude of options available, create a garland with fir tree foliage, coloruful berries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks and pine cones. Choose your own combination and bring your wall or table centrepieces to life. Available at lego.com for $129.99.

MFRC (Military Family Resource Centre) is a community-based organization that provides support services, resources, and programs to Canadian military families. These centres are located on or near Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) bases and wings across the country and overseas.

CSC (Canadian Surface Combatants) are a new fleet of warships being built for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) as part of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy.

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Acronyms

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CPCC (Chief, Professional Conduct and Culture) is a senior leadership position within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), created to address and enhance the culture, conduct, and professional standards within the military.

WW (Women’s Wellness) is a Women and Gender-Diverse Physical Fitness and Wellness Program providing specialized fitness and wellness programs for women in the Canadian Armed Forces and is inclusive of gender-diverse members who may also benefit.

PODCASTS TO LISTEN TO

Over the weekend

PODCASTS

PODCAST WONDERS: A TRIP THROUGH THE AIRWAVES

MICHELLE LEVESQUE

Are you a podcast aficionado always on the hunt for your next audio adventure? Look no further! We’ve curated a selection of must-listen shows that will pique your interest, tickle your funny bone, and engage your mind.

THE SPY WHO: INTRIGUE & ESPIONAGE UNVEILED

Step into the shadowy world of espionage with “The Spy Who.” Hosted by the dynamic duo Indira Varma and Raza Jaffrey, this podcast takes listeners on a thrilling journey through the covert missions of secret operatives. With its immersive sound production and dramatized reconstructions, each episode feels like a mini-movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Now in its ninth season, “The Spy Who” continues to deliver jaw-dropping stories that will satisfy your craving for mystery and adventure.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP: COMEDY MEETS COMPASSION Need a good laugh while tackling life’s quirky dilemmas? Tune into “We’re Here to Help,” hosted by comedic geniuses Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds. This lively podcast features a live-call format where listeners present their problems, and the hosts provide hilariously genuine advice. Their chemistry and wit turn each episode into a heartwarming and entertaining experience. Whether you’re grappling with a minor mishap or a major conundrum, Jake and Gareth have your back—and they’ll make sure you laugh along the way.

GROUNDED BY LOUIS THEROUX: DEEP DIVES WITH A DIFFERENCE Renowned documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux brings his signature curiosity and empathy to the podcasting world with “Grounded.” In this series, Theroux explores the fascinating and often unconventional aspects of modern life. Each episode offers a glimpse into unique stories and perspectives, making you see the world through a different lens. With his engaging storytelling and insightful interviews, Theroux’s podcast is a thought-provoking treat that will leave you reflecting on the intricacies of human experience.

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MILITARY 411 WHAT TO WATCH With the holiday season in the rearview mirror and the thick of winter upon us, it’s the perfect time to cheer yourself up at the movies. With plenty of actionpacked and drama-filled movies to choose from, escaping winter in front of the silver screen never felt more exciting. So, grab a friend and some popcorn and check out one of these upcoming flicks that will melt all your winter blues.

Dog Man | Releases Jan. 31, 2025 Featuring the voices of Pete Davidson, Isla Fisher, Peter Hastings, Lil Red Howery, Ricky Gervais.

New York Times bestselling children’s graphic novel is brought to life on ten big screen. The story follows a police officer and his faithful dog who, after receiving injuries in the line of work, are fused together to create Dog Man. In his new body, Dog Man must relearn how to fight crime while also taking down a new enemy.

Wolf Man | Releases Jan. 17, 2025 Starring Julia Garner, Christopher Abbott, Sam Jaegar, Matilda Firth.

Attacked at night while on the road by an unseen horrifying creature, a family is forced to seek shelter in a nearby farmhouse. But as the hours creep by, the family is forced to face an unsettling question: what do you do when someone you love becomes something else?

Flight Risk | Releases Jan. 24, 2025 Starring Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, Topher Grace.

A U.S. marshal is tasked with transferring a government witness to New York—the witness is set to testify against a notorious crime family. Aboard a small plane and crossing the Alaskan wilderness, things take a nose dive as the marshal discovers not everyone aboard is who they say.

Captain America: Brave New World

Releases Feb. 14, 2025 Starring Harrison Ford, Anthony Mackie, Seth Rollins.

The latest addition to the Marvel superhero franchise lands in theatres this February. This fourth instalment in the Captain America series finds Sam in the middle of an incident involving the new president of the United States of America that has lasting ramifications. He must uncover the plot behind the nefarious actions before the world is engulfed in chaos.

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Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boys

Releases Feb. 12, 2025 Starring Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Leo Woodwall.

The fourth installment in the Bridget Jones series catches up with Bridget as she is forced to navigate life as a mother and widow. Amidst the chaos of her life, she looks for love once again and finds herself caught between a younger man and potentially her son’s science teacher.

MILLENNIAL MEETS MILITARY PATRICIA LABOEUF

to Not Wig Out T i ps Over a Posting

T

he last time my partner got a posting message, I started going bald. After running my fingersthrough my hair, I discovered a dollar-size patch of smooth scalp while eating dinner. I made everybody stop eating to examine it and confirm that I wasn’t having a tactile hallucination. To my horror, that patch grew to he size of my palm, while another grew to cover the entire back of my head.

Diagnosis? Alopecia areata, most likely brought on by stress from having to upheave my life amid a pandemic. I spent more time shopping for wigs, extensions, and toppers than I did looking for a house or a new job.

It was only when the military cancelled the posting (last-minute, may I add), that the hair started finally started growing back. So it’s safe to say that I find postings stressful. I’m sure I’m not the only one.

A lot of us breathe a sigh of relief once posting season comes and goes. It’s not just the stress of finding a new house, which is frankly unaffordable in 90 percent of locations, or the difficulty of getting a new, decent job, but the fact that your entire life is not your own anymore. True, military members also don’t have much choice when they get posted or deployed. Sure, they can beg and plead and sometimes blackmail their chain of command to give them a better position or to keep them off the roster by citing undue hardships or whatnot. But in the end, they either put up and shut up, or find themselves looking for new work.

Yet, they at least have some power in the direction their career takes. Military family members either follow or get left behind.

Literally. Please, don’t get me wrong. Imposed Restrictions (IR), also known as living apart, is a completely valid option, especially when a particular posting will last only a year or two and your life is particularly amazing in one spot. But IR is painful and lonely, and some people believe there is no point to being with somebody if they aren’t living with you full time. I beg to differ but respect that opinion. So if you are the type who cannot stand the idea of living without your partner, or your partner is threatening divorce if you don’t follow, you will most likely wind up being posted somewhere that, for lack of a better word, sucks. What do you do then? First, don’t panic. Well, panic a little, but not to the point where you go bald. Trust me. Wigs are expensive. Then once you’ve accepted that

it’s happening, take charge of the posting. I’m not saying to do all the work regarding finding a new place to live. Your partner should be right there with you, combing through real estate ads and talking to brokers. But make sure you attend every single meeting and listen in to every phone call.

In many cases, partners are outright invited, so you don’t even need to be sneaky. If you can’t attend because you have a life, ask your partner to take a tape recorder and a list of questions during meetings with their career manager. Just make sure you get all the information directly from the source, as sometimes your partner may, for lack of a better word, suck when it comes to passing on the details. Don’t listen to hearsay about a posting. No matter how low a reputation, the town you are moving to isn’t as bad as people say.

Even the worst of places can have some of the most amazing people living there. Or vice versa. Reach out to people. Military Family Resource Centres (MFRC) are designed to support you. It’s their job! Facebook groups, though unorthodox and not always 100 per cent trustworthy, are also a huge help. Every base, wing, or garrison has one dedicated to the families living there. Join them.

These spouses will teach incredibly important things like the importance of getting the moving-related receipts in triplicate and how to ensure your valuables make it to your new home. Just remember that if you are going to get dragged away from your network of friends and family, you should have some say over where you live.

Make sure you get the veto power if you buy a house. Remember that your opinion matters. Most importantly, make your needs clear and ask questions until your throat is raw. Because taking control of a situation helps decrease the posting-related freakouts, which is a good thing because nobody wants to go bald from stress. Trust me.

You can’t return a used wig.

Patricia Leboeuf is not related to world famous actor Shia Labouf but often likes to tell people he's her cousin. When not trying to trick her way into getting on the set of transformers, she can often be found writing articles as well as terrible novels that she shamefully hides away in her "For my eyes only" folder. Willing cat mommy, stealer of ferrets and reluctant guardian to a reptile, Patricia is a typical military partner for more than a decade, except in the ways that she is not.

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GUEST AVID READER KAREN BUTT

Speaking Up for Military & Veteran Families FALLING THROUGH SYSTEMIC CRACKS

M

ilitary families are unique and face challenges daily that the rest of the population doesn’t always understand. However, when it comes to separated and divorced families of military members, they face a whole different set of challenges.

These unique challenges are often misunderstood not only by the general population, but there also appears to be a lack of awareness regarding this issue within the Department of National Defence and among current serving military members and their families as well. Simply put, former military and veteran spouses and families are undeniably the black sheep of the institution.

There is a consensus that military families matter and that they are well taken care of. While it is true that military families do matter, they are not always well taken care of. Ask any former military spouse of a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member if they have been treated with the same respect walking away from a military marriage compared to the care they were shown when they first walked in.

As a former CAF spouse and mother to three children of a deceased CAF Veteran, I am taking a stand for this underrepresented portion of the population that has been shafted by a system that tends to sugarcoat the “bad and the ugly” part of becoming a military family.

The system is not perfect. It is far from perfect. Since this is the case, I am sure anyone would agree that there is always room for improvement.

This is where I believe the power of words comes into play. After all, how do we expect to initiate change if we don’t talk about it?

Two weeks after my ex-husband’s death a little over three years ago, I recognized our military/veteran family had gotten lost in not just one crack but many. This is when I started to write Unarmoured: PTSD Affects Us All. This book is my affidavit; it is my voice to advo-

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cate for changes to our system so that other military/ veteran families will not get lost in the cracks like ours did. Military families matter – past, present, and post.

We served. We sacrificed.

So, my question is: Why do we no longer matter to our Canadian Government once we are no longer deemed part of the institution?

As an English Major at Memorial University of Newfoundland, I find answers in the works of Margaret Atwood and her advocacy towards women’s rights.

For example, The Handmaid’s Tale paints a picture of a world where women have absolutely no rights. In this story, women are divided into roles, and some are forced into sexual slavery for the sole purpose of producing babies. Atwood shines a light on how a government taking away reproductive rights is a significant step in stripping women of all freedoms.

Another one of Atwood’s works that inspired me to write Unarmoured is Alias Grace. It tells the story of a young woman accused of murder in the 1800s. Atwood uses this historical setting to explore themes of gender roles, class, and the way women’s experiences are often dismissed. Atwood’s The Blind Assassin is another excellent example of how literature can be used to convey powerful messages of inequality. This book explores how women are often seen as objects rather than people with their own desires and ambitions. There is a clear power imbalance between men and women in this novel, and Atwood highlights this imbalance to show how inequality limits women’s lives.

While Unarmoured recounts my personal experiences as a Canadian military family, its purpose is to shed light on numerous hidden active service and the post-separation issues that are experienced by many other military and Veteran families.

By comparison, American author/activist Arlie Hochschild’s book, The Second Shift, focuses on the extra work women often do at home on top of their paid jobs. While this holds true for all sectors of employment, military spouses face further challenges with chronic under/unemployment, extensive training exercises, deployments, military injuries, and separation from family support systems in other provinces.

I have always been interested in wom-

en’s rights, and I admire authors who successfully capture the challenges that women face and have faced throughout centuries. Virginia Woolf is one of those authors who is at the top of that list. Her book, A Room of One’s Own, is a powerful work in which Woolf argues that women need financial independence and a space of their own to thrive as artists and thinkers.

As a modern-day military spouse and a mother to three small children, for years, I struggled with that daily battle between financial independence and staying home to raise my children. Moreover, the limited options accessible to military spouses who relocate to remote areas where work is not always readily available. In my book Unarmoured, the protagonist, Norah, struggles internally with the worklife balance/imbalance and regaining her financial independence after sacrificing everything to support her husband’s military career. There are many layers to Unarmoured: PTSD Affects Us All. Some of the obvious issues are outlined in the subtitle of the book surrounding the far-reaching effects of PTSD, but the book explores so much more.

Our Canadian military members, Veterans and families need help, but we can’t get that help if our government is not willing to listen.

The best way I can think of doing that is to use literature as a means to communicate where the problems lie so that they can work on a plan to fix them.

While the book is part of my voice for change, I am also actively working alongside other former military spouses to put these obstacles that Veteran/military families face into the spotlight.

Petition e-5095 calls on the Justice Minister to work with the Department of National Defense to put better measures in place to enforce court-ordered judgements for child and spousal support.

Currently, these court judgements are not being adequately enforced, and military/Veteran families are suffering as a result. To learn more about this petition, please visit here. For more information, please go to my website, www.unarmoured.

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ReadsLOST to Get IN

AVID READER DEBORAH VAN DER LINDE

Ikigai, by Héctor Garcia & Francesc Mirelles According to the residents of a Japanese village that is home to the world’s longest living people, the secret to a long, happy life is finding your ikigai. Ikigai refers to your reason for living - and everyone has one. Ikigai is why many Japanese never really retire, and why they stay active all their life. The trick is finding your own ikigai and that is the aim of this book. The authors of this book interviewed the residents of this Japanese village, and delved into how they work, eat, and live to achieve such long lives in order to share this with the reader. The authors aim to create tools for the reader to find their own ikigai in order that they can find their own everyday happiness.

Set Boundaries, Find Peace, by Nedra Glover Tawwab Life is difficult, and it can be even harder if we don’t have healthy boundaries. They help us at work and in our home life with family and friends, but making healthy boundaries can be difficult.

This book by a licensed counsellor and influential Instagrammer aims to give the reader guidance on how to create those boundaries in their life.

Based on research, the book provides methods of expressing oneself and one’s needs in a clear manner, and is a great choice for those who want to create some balance and boundaries in their life.

Blood on Their Hands, by Mandy Matney If you are a fan of true crime - or need a gift for one - then you will want to check out this book. The Murdaugh family dominated their area of South Carolina for generations. After a fatal boat crash involving the Murdaugh’s teenage son, reporters Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell decided to investi-

Children & Youth Books

gate - and quickly realized that there was something wrong. You see, that wasn’t the only odd death - the Murdaugh’s housekeeper and a young man had been found killed on a back road years before. While Matney and Farrell were investigating, Maggie and Paul Murdaugh were murdered, and the murder trial that followed made news around the world. Matney also created a #1 hit true crime podcast called Murdaugh Murders Podcast.

The Manuscripts Club, by Christopher de Hammel This book is a fascinating account of the people who created the illuminated manuscripts during the Middle Ages - books that are not only amazing works of literature, but also amazing works of art.

Some of the members of what de Hammel refers to as the Manuscript Club include a monk, a prince, a bookseller, and a rabbi. Interestingly, there is even a Greek forger. This book goes into the history of how these books survived the ages, and the passion of those involved. This is a great gift choice for any history or art lover in your life.

Eat, Poop, Die, by Joe Roman While a bit of a funny name, this book is actually a fascinating account of ecosystems and the role animals play in them, quite literally from eating, pooping and dying. The role this plays in our world also has an impact on climate change that, according to the author, has not been looked at. Roman aims to address that and ends up taking the reader on a trip around the world looking at the ecosystems created and supported by animals, and what potential it plays in helping to heal our planet. This is a great choice for those concerned or curious about climate change, nature lovers, or anyone who enjoys humorous writing on an interesting topic.

Fantastic Bureau of Imagination, by Brad Montague This delightful picture book is all about the FBI - the Fantastic Bureau of Imagination, the department that keeps all the world’s creativity going. Sparky is responsible for delivering all the mail received by the FBI. All is going well until one day the Cave of Untold Stories overflows and endangers the Bureau. More agents are needed to help, and it’s up to Sparky to find new ones. They need to share their stories and dreams with the world. This story is the perfect choice for anyone who loves to tell a good story.

I Am Scary, by Elise Gravel You can’t go wrong with a book from Elise Gravel - she has lovely book for babies and early readers. This one involves a monster who is working hard to scare a child. Unfortunately the child finds the monstor more huggable than scary... This is a great board book for any babies in your life.

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Mindful of Murder, by Susan Juby British Columbian author Susan Judy is back with another delightful read. This story is a mystery, and the main character is a newlytrained butler named Helen Thorpe. On her first day of her new job, Thorpe is called back to an old job at a spiritual retreat in the Gulf Islands. Her former boss, Edna, has died, and named Thorpe as the one to settle her affairs. One of Edna’s last requests was for Thorpe to run a retreat for a specific group. The purpose of the retreat? To determine who will inherit the institute. With the help of two former classmates, Thorpe works to follow out Edna’s last wishes. But as she does,, Thorpe begins to wonder if someone murdered Edna.

This engaging and delightful mystery is fantastic for any mystery lover, or anyone who enjoys a humorous tale.

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries, by Heather Fawcett Emily Wilde is a Cambridge professor who is an expert on Faeries, and is researching and writing what will be the first encyclopedia on faerie lore. Her research leads her to the north, to a small village.

Unfortunately, it also draws her main competition and rival, Wendell Bambleby. Wendell is as charming as she is awkward, and has made her research difficult. However, as she follows her research in an attempt to discover more about the most elusive faeries, the Hidden Ones, she may be forced to learn more about herself, her heart, and Wendell Bambleby. A wonderful fantasy for anyone who enjoys, cozy, magical, and heartwarming stories.

The Fraud, by Zadie Smith The Fraud is based on an actual historical event - a trial about an impostor. This historical fiction revolves around a case that enthralled Victorian England in 1873, the Tichborne Trial. The story follows Andrew Bogle, who was called as a witness. The trial focused on a butcher from Australia who claimed that he was the rightful heir to a title and estate in England. But was he really actually Sir Robert Tichborne as he claimed? Bogle quickly realizes that his future depends on how he tells his story - and making sure he gets it right. This is a fascinating story for history and mystery

Maggie Lou, Firefox, by Arnolda Dufour Bowes Maggie Lou lives life to the fullest - and on her own terms. She learns to box while wearing a tutu, discovers new talents while joining her father on a construction site, and has her own ideas on what makes for good camouflage when on her first deer hunt.

She has a lovely large family there to guide and support her, and encourage her even when she’s at her most unconventional. This is a wonderful story of a girl coming into her own on her own terms, and is a great choice for the tweens in your life.

The Great Gatsby: the Graphic Novel, illustrated by K. Woodman – Maynard F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel has been remade as a graphic novel. Woodman-Maynard has brought the story to life with

lovers alike, or anyone who has an interest in who is believed and who is not.

The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty Do you love thrilling tales of adventure and fantasy? Then you had better take a look at this tale, which is all that and more.

Amina al-Sirafi was once one of the most notorious pirates of the Indian Ocean, and lived a life of great adventure, but now has retired to a respectable life. The retirement doesn’t last long when she is asked to track down her former crewman’s daughter - for a handsome price, of course. Who could resist one last adventure - especially when it comes with a fortune that would set up her family’s security forever? However, it soon becomes clear there is far more to this job that she realized, and that there is a danger to wanting more.

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, by Benjamin Stevenson This is a story for the mystery lovers in your life - it’s a fantastic take on the classic whodunit. This mystery, like many that have come before, is about a family reunion at a ski resort, and of course there’s a snowstorm and bad cell reception. Then a body shows up, and another member of the family arrives to the event with a coffin in a truck, and things get complicated. What makes this story different concerns the family itself, and the main character’s, approach to solving the mystery.

amazing watercolours and an interesting interpretation of the story. This type of graphic novel adaptation is a fantastic way to introduce young people to classic stories in an approachable way.

This is a great choice for graphic novel lovers or artists in your life.

The Green Man, by Michael Bedard O, short for Ophelia, is helping her aunt over the summer. Her aunt Emily is recovering from a heart attack, and is very weak, and is very much in need of O’s help. As O works to organize Aunt Emily’s home and shop, an antiquarian bookstore called The Green Man, she unearths long-kept secrets and a mystery with dark forces that threaten them all. This story by Toronto author Michael Bedard is mystery, fantasy and even poetry all rolled up into a wonderfully creative story.

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MILITARY 411 OUT & ABOUT

EXERCISES & DEPLOYMENTS

Exercise Ardent Defender

More than 400 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and nine partner nations participated in a Canadian Army-led international counter-explosive exercise in late October known as Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER. Held at Base Gagetown in Oromocto, New Brunswick, the exercise brought Canadian soldiers alongside soldiers from Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. According to the Department of National Defence, the exercise aims to strengthen skills and build capacity to counter and dispose of explosive threats, as well as exploit capabilities to counter future threats.

ABOVE IMAGE: Photo: Cpl Brad Upshall, 5th Canadian Division Public Affairs.

MULTINATIONAL MINE WARFARE EX

Members of the Canadian Navy’s Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) participated in a two-week Multinational Mine Warfare Exercise 24 (MN-MIWEX 24) hosted by the Republic of Korea Navy off the coast of Busan, South Korea, in November. Conducted under Operation Horizon, MN-MIWEX 24 had 11 members from FDU(P), alongside two support staff, participate in the exercise aboard the Republic of Korea Ship (ROKS) Cheon Wang Bong. The training focused on mine countermeasures and promoting collective deterrence, according to the military.

ABOVE IMAGE: Multinational Mine Warfare Exercise 24 (MN-MIWEX 24) courtesy of the CAF.

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JOLTEX 24

This fall, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Regina completed Joint Littoral Targeting Exercise 2024 (JoLTEX 24) at the United States Navy’s Point Mugu Sea Range. While off the coast of Southern California, HMCS Regina supported the Royal Canadian Navy’s mission to participate in exercises that hone its ability to employ sea-based weapons against targets on or near land. According to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), JoLTEX “developed and tested targeting processes,” including firing surface-to-surface missiles against a simulated surface-to-surface combatant. This exercise was conducted ABOVE IMAGE courtesy of CAF. using a Harpoon Block II missile.

EXERCISE RESOLUTE WARRIOR 2024

The Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia marked a major milestone in November with its first major exercise as a brigade. Exercise RESOLUTE WARRIOR 2024, conducted across Central and Northern Latvia from Nov. 1 to 14, signified a significant step forward in capabilities for the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia (MNB-LVA). The CAF’s involvement in Latvia falls under Operation REASSURANCE. In Latvia, the CAF works alongside 13 member states. Exercise RESOLUTE WARRIOR was the first Canadian-led brigade field exercise held in Europe in over 30 years, demonstrating Canada’s determination to strengthen NATO’s ability to defend Alliance territory.

ABOVE IMAGE: Members had the opportunity to test out some Light Tactical Vehicles (LTVs), getting familiar with their utility in diverse and challenging environments. Being able to move personnel and equipment around the battlefield more efficiently.

Image courtesy of the CAF.

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EVENTS

REMEMBRANCE DAY SENTRY PROGRAM

Since 1998, the Remembrance Day Sentry Program has publicly recognized Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members from both the Regular and the Reserve Force and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for their service to Canada. This year, eleven CAF members and one officer from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police received the distinction of being chosen to play an important ceremonial role during the national Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa. The program also includes a Canadian Ranger, an Eagle Staff Bearer, an Eagle Staff Carrier, a Bugler and a Piper.

WREATHS ACROSS CANADA

Wreaths Across Canada held its 14th annual ceremony at the National Military Cemetery in Ottawa on Sunday, Dec. 1. An additional ceremony was also held at Notre Dame Cemetery.

Each year, hundreds of volunteers gather around the holiday season to lay wreaths commemorating those who once served Canada. Over the years, the event has become a time-honoured tradition for members of the military community and civilians alike.

Volunteers are an integral part of the ceremony and help to lay the wreaths, make bows, and unload the thousands of wreaths.

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CIMVR

The 2024 annual Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR) forum was held from Oct. 21-23 in Winnipeg, MB. CIMVHR’s annual forum is designed to bring together industry leaders who support military personnel and their families to discuss advancements made in supporting the community. The forum provides an opportunity to exchange information and present new ideas, including cutting-edge research that benefits the military and veteran community.

TPL ANNUAL TRIBUTE DINNER True Patriot Love held its annual Tribute Dinner in cities across Canada this November. The dinner is TPL’s signature fundraising event of the year and brings together influential Canadians with distinguished military representatives to pay tribute to military members, veterans and their families. Events were held in Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa. TPL is known for partnering with organizations that support military families. Funds raised from the dinner go back to supporting these organizations and the military community as a whole.

UPCOMING EVENTS

INVICTUS GAMES

The Invictus Games will be returning to Canada this winter. The 2025 Invictus Games are set to take place in Vancouver Whistler, BC, from Feb. 6-17. The friendly competitions are expected to bring together 500 competitors from over 20 nations to compete in adaptive sports, including the new winter sports: Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding, Nordic Skiing and Biathlon, Skeleton, and Wheelchair Curling. Winter sports will be combined with the typical beloved sports of the games, including indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, and wheelchair basketball.

HEROES & HEARTS GALA The Renos for Heroes annual Heart For Heroes Gala will be held on Sunday, Feb. 25, in Woodbridge, ON. The gala is an invaluable fundraising event of the Renos for Heroes organization that allows the charity to provide Canadian veterans with essential home modifications and renovations. Tickets are now on sale on the Renos for Heroes website. Tickets are $250 and upwards. Visit here for more information.

TORONTO GARRISON OFFICERS BALL

A signature event of Toronto officers, the 2025 Toronto Garrison Officers’ Ball will be held on March 1 at the Beanfield Center Exhibition Place. This year’s event will be hosted by the Governor General’s Horse Guards. This black-tie event is entrenched in decades of history. The Toronto Garrison Officers Ball has a long and celebrated history that dates back to 1817 when the Garrison at York (Fort York) held an Officers’ Ball to celebrate Queen Charlotte’s Birthday on Jan. 23. The ball has carried on through the centuries almost continuously. Tickets are now available for purchase online. Visit here for more information.

THE VETERAN FAMILY SUMMIT

Sponsored by Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, this year’s annual virtual event will be held from Jan. 23- 24. The event was created in collaboration with Veterans families to support and provide families with access to valuable information, resources and supports to fit their unique needs. The event targets families of the Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The event will feature 16 speakers and panellists, including family members and service providers. This event is free.

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HOME LIFE

s p Ti y a d i l o

H y S v R v a E lly S for EMB

MONEY MATTERS

a i c n a Fin

M Y T I N U M M O C F A C

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he holidays are about joy, connection, and making memories - but let’s face it, they can also come with the stress of overspending. Whether it’s gifts, travel, or that extra round of holiday treats, costs can add up fast. Good news: you can enjoy the season without draining your wallet or racking up debt. Here are 10 fun, practical tips to stay financially sharp and stress-free this holiday season.

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Set your holiday budget. Don’t let December’s credit card purchases haunt you like the Ghost of Christmas Past. Decide now how much you can spend on gifts, travel, and celebrations—without touching your savings.

This way, you’re in control and ready to enjoy the season guilt-free. Or, if family and friends are in agreement, call a holiday truce and skip the gifts this year.

Make a list and check it twice. Plan who’s getting a gift and write it down. That’s your roadmap. And while it’s tempting to grab that hilarious bobblehead that looks just like your buddy, impulse buys can derail your budget faster than a reindeer on ice.

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Give a group gift. Want to give something extra special without blowing your budget?

Team up with friends or family to share the cost of a larger gift. It’s a win-win: they get something awesome, and you keep more cash in your pocket.

7

Travel and stay together. If you’re traveling, consider carpooling with someone from your unit or base to save on costs. Staying with family or friends may not feel like a five-star hotel, but it’s free - and you’ll make priceless memories.

8

Get crafty with DIY gifts. Handmade gifts show thought and care - and they won’t break the bank. Bake cookies, create a personalized photo album, or make something crafty. Online DIY videos aren’t just for civilians - they’re your secret weapon for affordable gift ideas.

3

Leverage military discounts. Your CF One card is your holiday MVP. From CANEX deals to discounts at hundreds of retailers, your military perks can stretch your dollars further.

Want a shortcut? Look up a list of stores offering military discounts and start saving.

4

Check your feels. Holidays can tug at your heartstrings, especially when thinking of families with deployed loved ones. But remember: your time and presence mean more than anything you can buy. Offer support and connection, not just your wallet.

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5

Shop early and save big. Procrastination can be pricey. Start shopping sooner to snag the best deals before the shelves are bare or prices skyrocket. Early birds don’t just get the worm - they save their cash, too.

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Spend time instead of money. Instead of spending money, give the gift of you. Offer babysitting, pet care, or help with projects.

Consider joining a holiday charity event or volunteer with your local military community.

Your time and effort are more meaningful than anything wrapped in paper.

Give the gift of financial wellness. Here’s a next-level idea: open a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for someone under 18 - it’s a gift that keeps on giving. Or, inspire someone with a timeless personal finance book. Want suggestions? Check out this list of 25 all-time favorites.

Bonus: Need extra help with holiday finances?

If budgeting or lingering credit card debt from last year is stressing you out, don’t sweat it - help is at hand. Connect with your local SISIP advisor for tailored advice on managing your finances. They’re experts on all things military life, from pensions and investments to spending and saving.financial goals, not just during the holidays, but all year long.

This season, focus on what really matters: enjoying the holidays, creating memories, and keeping your financial future merry and bright. Happy Holidays!

And if you prefer learning at your own pace, check out the SISIP Money Mastery Portal. It’s packed with free, no-nonsense advice to help you crush your.

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HOME LIFE CRITTERS & CREATURES

2.

12 Fun and Fabulous Gifts for

by Jill Kruse

10.

1.

11.

6.

5.

Your Fur Babies– Under $20 8.

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4.

T

is the season to find Fido and Felicia the ideal gift to make Christmas morning fun and photo-worthy. We’ve sourced a selection of 12 toys to help your fur babies have hours of fun over the holidays and for months to come. From nifty cat balls that move randomly to a yummy snuffle mat to hide treats for nosy pups. Find your favourites here: 1. Hide ‘n Seek Flipboard Puzzle toy by JUMP! is a great way to entertain your small dog or cat. The toy will challenge your pet’s senses through four different enrichment exercises. Each compartment has a new challenge for your pet to master and be rewarded with their favourite treat. (PetValu $15).

2. Catnip Balls attach to the wall and are rotatable, edible balls of catnip. Made from edible natural plant extracts rich in plant fibre and free of additives or preservatives. It can help eliminate hairballs in the intestines and increase appetite. The package includes three different flavoured treat balls – Catnip, Silver Vine and Gall Fruit, plus cat candy. All can be conducive to arousing your kitty’s desire to lick and play. And because the balls are rotatable, it makes it even more interesting to your cat. (Amazon $11.99).

12.

3. Havenfly interactive ball for kitties is an interactive moving ball puzzle to delight your feline friend. This USB-charged ball is made with soft silicone to reduce the sound of toy balls running on hard floors. This innovative toy ball automatically avoids obstacles and lights up in the dark. Great for dispelling kitty boredom. (Amazon $17.49).

4. Knotted Dog Rope by JUMP! Is a tempting interactive toy for your new puppy or active older dog. The rope also features crinkle and squeak sounds to entice hours of play. (PetValu $7.49).

5. Cat Dancer Deluxe cat toy has a plastic paw that you attach to a wall to hold the toy for cats to play alone. It connects to the wall using command strips, which are included. Made of spring steel wire and rolled cardboard to create an irresistible lure for your pet.

(PetValu $8.99).

6. The Kong Stuff-A-Ball dog toy helps support your dog’s chewing behaviour. Made from rubber, the ball fulfills the instinctual need to chew while cleaning teeth and gums. Kong ridges turn this toy into a fun treat dispensing challenge. Stuff with your dog’s favourite treats, pastes or peanut butter. Suitable for dogs 15-35 lbs. (PetValu, $14.24).

7. Snuffle Mat for dogs can be a great way to ease boredom on those stormy days or a fun treat time activity. It’s also ideal for sniff training and slowing down feeding time. Great for mental stimulation and stress relief. Made with machine washable polar fleece and non-woven fabric that is dirt resistant and sturdy. (Walmart $20).

8. Personalized metal bowls for cats or dogs are a fun gift for your grand-fur babies or the hard to buy for friend who loves their pet.

These designer bowls come in a variety of colours with fun designs you can choose from. The bowls have a rubber ring around the bottom to prevent movement and can be used for food or water. (Amazon $13.99).

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7.

9. Mouse Treat Dispenser by Catit will keep your kitty entertained and active while chasing after its favourite treats. This entertaining, wobbly cat toy randomly drops treats or food you’ve inserted to reward your cat’s active behaviour. It’s just the right size for playful swatting and pouncing. (Amazon $5.99 ).

10. Benebone Bacon Wish Bone Dog Chew will give your pup hours of chewing pleasure. The wishbone is a durable nylon dog chew flavoured with real bacon for aggressive chewers. The chew comes in different sizes for dogs weighing under 15 to over 100 lbs. (PetValu $16.49).

11. Cat Cave by Heywce offers your played-out kitty a cozy and safe nest to snooze or hide away from the hustle and bustle of family life. It comes with a removable washable cushioned pillow and sells for (Amazon $19.99).

12. Fishing Reel cat toy is telescopic and a great way to interact with your cat. They’ll love chasing the fish with its feathery tail.

The turning wheel and reel are easy to manage and made of sturdy material for many hours of playtime. Just cast the fish and reel it back in to entice your feline to fetch. (Amazon $20).

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HOME LIFE ENTERTAINMENT

!

N O GAME

Games Sure to Entertain for Hours

By Adam Van der Linde

M

ost of us grew up playing games like Monopoly, Chutes and Ladders, and Clue. While those classics are still a great option to gift or play this holiday season, keep reading to learn about other interesting, fun games that can entertain those of all ages for hours.

Frosthaven After the critical acclaim of Gloomhaven, it is perhaps not surprising that $13 million was crowdfunded to create a sequel: Frosthaven. This latest massive game in the Gloomhaven universe is a full standalone game that not only keeps all the original complexity of Gloomhaven, but adds brilliantly to it. (People new to the franchise can try the still-heavy but more approachable Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion for an entry point.)

Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride is another approachable board game with great play value. With various maps available (I prefer Europe because it includes extra challenges of tunnels and ferries), players compete to build rail lines to connect cities and complete the routes depicted on cards they have drawn.

Betrayal at House on the Hill

In Betrayal at House on the Hill, players work together to explore a haunted house. That is until one player is caught as the traitor, secretly sabotaging the rest of the players. With 50 unique scenarios, this story-driven haunted house game offers an easy learning curve, with an immersive gameplay.

This means that each game can make the most of the modular game pieces for a unique experience each game.

Spot it

A seemingly simple game of matching cards, Spot It (or Dobble in Europe) gives players a deck of cards covered in images.

There is always a match between cards – the real challenge is to spot it first (which is not as easy as it sounds, and will have parents pulling out all the stops to keep up).

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Wizard

Rummicube

A simple and approachable game playing off the mechanics of Rummy, Rummicube uses tiles in place of cards to make matches and runs, but brings a surprising level of strategy by allowing players to rearrange all the tiles on the table in attempts to be the first player to run out. This game is great for all ages and all levels of game play.

Too Many Bones

Too Many Bones brings a new version of complex character building as players work cooperatively to overcome various “baddies.” The build quality is unparalleled, with poker-style chips in place of cardboard tokens, a huge number of unique dice, player mats made of neoprene, and all cards being plastic rather than paper. Players can choose from a wide array of characters available in expansions, with each character bringing new strategies and completely different playing style.

A great family or social game that can be played with a regular deck of cards, Wizard (also known as Up and Down the River, and various less savoury names), is a classic “trick taking” game. Players bid each round how many hands (tricks) they expect to win, and score based on accuracy of their predictions. With a changing number of cards in play each turn, and players typically bidding for more than the total number of available sets, it can quickly turn into a game as socially complex as poker.

Disney Villainous

Sometimes it is good to be evil. In Disney Villainous, players take on the role of one of the classic movie villains, from Malificent to Prince John, from the Queen of Hearts to Captain Hook, and many more, as they compete to be the first to defeat their respective hero and finally bring their evil plans to fruition. Each villain has a different goal and play style, but the game is approachable for younger and older players alike.

Earth Carcassonne

Considered in many board game circles to be one of the key “gateway games,” Carcassonne has simple mechanics and rules that will allow players to get into strategy, tile placement, and point scoring during and at the end of a game. Various editions and expansions have added to it over the years, but this game of building roads and city walls and controlling fields remains a gaming staple.

Having won the 2023 UK Games Expo Best Boardgame, I couldn’t leave out Earth. Players use beautifully illustrated double-sided cards to build a tableau of ecosystems, each one providing a different resource benefit which players must manage. The gameplay is reminiscent of Wingspan, which won 8 of the 10 Best Game awards for which it was nominated in 2019, so Earth is sure to be a hit, especially since it allows more players.

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Video Games

With so many epic choices, here are a few to shine a light on.

With newer and classic series are sure to bring on nostalgia in older gamers while drawing in younger gamers. Games such as Street Fighter 6, Metroid Prime Remastered, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, are bringing back some of the flavour of the classic Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Master System games while incorporating all the latest graphics and game play.

While the newest Mario game brings back the classic 2D gameplay, Street Fighter 6 introduces a 3D game mode for single player, but keeps the traditional 2D game play as well. Metroid fans will love the latest 3D installment.

Similarly, Quake II - Enhanced Edition is breathing new life into one of the original first person shooter franchises. There are also some noteworthy new releases in a variety of series that have been going for decades. Diablo IV brings new graphics and classes to the classic dungeon crawler Baldur’s Gate 3 is an essential game for any fan of roleplaying games or Dungeons & Dragons, and allows for single player or cooperative multiplayer play, though this latest installment introduces turn-based combat, making it more akin to the tabletop games that inspired it.

Of course, I can’t leave out Zelda game: Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This sequel to the Breath of the Wild game has Link continuing in an improved open world, searching Hyrule for Princess Zelda. For comic book fans the selection is across platforms is equally impressive, with games on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Spider-Man 2 brings phenomenal graphics and fast action game play, while Hellboy: Web of Wyrd plays out in well-illustrated comic book style graphics.

For driving game fans, there is Forza Motorsport which introduces more than 100 new cars while keeping all the staples. This game brings even more realism to the racing genre with considerations such as tire wear, dirt buildup, and a better damage system.

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Shape the future of canada’s air force as an

Aircraft Fleet Engineer with KF Aerospace

Canada is entering a new era of military aircrew training, with SkyAlyne selected by the Government of Canada as the contractor for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program. KF Aerospace, a proudly Canadian company and founding partner in SkyAlyne, plays a critical role in ensuring the airworthiness of five new fleets of training aircraft for the 25+ year program.We are seeking experienced aerospace engineers today, particularly those transitioning from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), to join us in this pivotal role as Aircraft Fleet Engineers for FAcT. This is more than just an engineering job—it's an opportunity to shape the future of Canada's Air Force.

Start from the Ground Up Imagine being at the forefront of a groundbreaking new program that is set to redefine aircrew training for Canada's Air Force. Your expertise will help drive the development and execution of a training program that will prepare the next generation of RCAF pilots, Air Combat Systems Operators, and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators. This is a unique opportunity to have a lasting impact on military aviation in Canada and

Beechcraft/Textron King Air 260, DeHavilland Dash-8-400, and Airbus H-135 Helicopter will form the backbone of FAcT, stationed at training bases in Moose Jaw, Southport, and Winnipeg. You’ll be based in SkyAlyne’s Ottawa Joint Management Office, collaborating with the Department of National Defence and RCAF personnel to ensure program success.

Whether handling risk management, configuration management, or technical problem resolution, you’ll apply your skills

Be a Part of History Canada’s military aircrew training has a storied history of excellence, and the FAcT Program is set to continue this legacy,especially as the Royal Canadian Air Force celebrates its 100th anniversary. By joining KF Aerospace and the SkyAlyne team, you’ll play a vital role in writing the next chapter of this proud history.

globally.

to some of the most advanced training aircraft in the world.

Program with KF Aerospace and SkyAlyne offers a unique opportunity to continue

If you’re a retiring RCAF aerospace engineer looking for your next challenge, the FAcT

Your Work is Instrumental The success of the FAcT Program relies heavily on the skills and dedication of its

Competitive Compensation and Benefits

aerospace engineers. Your work will be crucial in managing airworthiness

At KF Aerospace, we recognize the challenges of transitioning from military

Join us in shaping the future of Canada's Air Force. Apply today and be part of

clearances and addressing fleet technical issues, directly influencing the operational readiness of one of the RCAF’s most vital

to civilian life. That’s why we offer competitive compensation and benefits to ease this transition. As part of the FAcT

something truly extraordinary.

programs. This role demands both technical proficiency and a strong

Program, you’ll enjoy a rewarding career with flexibility and a supportive team.

commitment to excellence.

Work on State-of-the-Art Aircraft

Based in Ottawa, this role provides the perfect balance of professional challenge and personal well-being, with

One of the most exciting aspects of the

comprehensive benefits including health

FAcT Program is the chance to work on the RCAF's new fleet of training aircraft.

The Grob 120TP, Pilatus PC-21,

and dental coverage, pension matching, and relocation assistance for you and your family if you’re moving to Ottawa.

sponsored content

serving your country in a meaningful and impactful way.

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HOME LIFE FAMILY FUN

Naughty Santa GIFT Exchange: 12 Naughty Santa Gifts Under $20

by Jill Kruse

T

o get us all into the Christmas spirit, why not host a Naughty Santa Gift Exchange at work or at home with your tennis buddies or friends? The idea is to have some fun and go home with a fun and typically impractical gift that cannot be easily disposed of.

The rules of the game go like this: Each participant supplies one wrapped gift, usually of similar value or any value. The gifts are placed in a central location and participants determine in which order (often by numbers randomly drawn before the start of the game) they will take turns selecting a gift. The first person opens a wrapped gift, and the turn ends.

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On subsequent turns, each person has the choice to either unwrap a new present or steal another’s. When a person’s gift is stolen, that person can either choose another wrapped gift to open or steal from another player. Each gift can only be stolen a specified number of times per game (two is common, which means the third holder of the gift keeps it).

The game is over when everyone has a present. At the end – according to some variations – the first player is allowed to, if desired, swap their gift by stealing someone else’s gift, even a gift that is out of play. We thought it would be fun to offer our readers 12 seasonal suggestions for their Naughty Santa Gifts for under $20 at Amazon Canada.

Scrub Daddy Scrub Mommy Gift Set $10

Emotional Support Pickle, handknit with positive words $15

A Christmas Story Raphie Christmas ornament Hallmark $15

12 Pack Cute Cartoon Animal Cable Protector for smartphone $12.50

All-in-one Spray & Wipe Screen Cleaner $15

Foldable Cell Phone Stand for Desktop $11 Stress Buster Desktop Punching Ball (Amazon Canada) $12.80

Wooden Foot Massager for Home or Office $15

Silky Eye Mask for a great night’s sleep $12 -$18 (variety to choose from)

Toilet Bowl Light $18 – rechargeable.

Floor Cleaning Slippers Unisex $16 Screen Magnifier for a SmartPhone $19 ISSUE 54

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CAF LIFE OPERATIONS

DEPLOYED DURING

the Happiest Season of All

E

very year, thousands of brave Canadian soldiers trek the world and answer the call of duty, wherever it may lead them. From the Middle East to Europe, here at home and as far as Asia-Pacific, Canada’s soldiers are leading the way in bringing peace and security to the world over.

AFRICA

But for many of these soldiers, and their families, the cost of their heroic stand comes at a price. Many of these Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members are separated from their loved ones during the holiday season. So, as we witness the turn of the new year and celebrate the holidays with our loved ones, it’s also poignant to reflect on all the Canadian soldiers and their families separated during this season in service to their country.

NORTH AMERICA

CAF members don’t have to be deployed a world away to be away from their loved ones. There are a number of operations here at home that require a steady stream of Canada’s soldiers. Operations at home include Operation BOXTOP, Operation PALACI, and Operation LIMPID. These operations solidify the safety of Canadian citizens and strengthen Canada’s remote locations. Operation PALACI, for example, sees that every year from Nov. to April, two groups of 15 to 20 artillery members are sent to support Parks Canada and control avalanches in Rogers Pass and British Columbia.

EUROPE Europe has become a stronghold for Canadian operations abroad.

At the forefront of these operations is supporting NATO and its partner nations. European operations include Operation UNIFIER, Operation SNOWGOOSE, Operation REASSURANCE, and Operation KOBOLD. As it so happens, Europe is the home to the largest active CAF overseas mission: Operation REASSURANCE. Operation REASSURANCE is Canada’s contribution to NATO assurance and deterrence measures and is said to be part of the biggest reinforcement of Alliance collective defence in a generation. There are currently approximately 1,900 CAF members deployed in various pockets of Europe under the umbrella of Operation REASSURANCE. Another prominent Canadian operation also calls Europe home: Operation UNIFIER. This training operation has seen Canadian soldiers train more than 43,000 members of the Security Forces of Ukraine since 2015.

CAF operations in Africa are mixed in nature, ranging from supporting UN efforts to training and strengthening various militaries. Operations here include Operation CROCODILE, Operation SOPRANO, Operation NABERIUS, Operation PRESENCE, and Operation PROJECTION. Operation CROCODILE and Operation SOPRANO are among the prominent operations on this continent. Each operation hosts nine Canadian soldiers.

Operation CROCODILE supports the UN stabilization mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Operation SOPRANO centres around training and logistics in Sudan.

MIDDLE EAST

A steady presence of Canadian soldiers remains throughout the Middle East, despite the tampering down of large conflicts of decades past. Operations here include Operation CALUMET, Operation FOUNDATION, Operation IMPACT, Operation JADE, and Operation PROTEUS. These operations range from counter-terrorism to supporting UN operations to working alongside allies. One of the most widespread operations in this region is Operation IMPACT. Under this operation, Canada works alongside the United States and the United Kingdom to counter-terrorism. There are approximately 18 CAF members deployed in different locations, including Qatar, Bahrain Lebanon, Kuwait Iraq and Jordan

ASIA-PACIFIC With a renewed interest and commitment to up Canada’s presence in this region, Operation NEON has come to the forefront of Canadian operations in Asia-Pacific. Operation NEON is Canada’s contribution to a multinational effort to oversee the implementation of United Nations Security Council sanctions imposed on North Korea. This is primarily a naval operation that involves the deployment of Canadian ships to the region throughout the year.

Left, Captain Brian Boyce (centre), a CC-130J Hercules pilot with Air Task Force-IMPACT runs pre-flight checks with his air crew prior to an Iraq-bound flight, at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait on December 25, 2019. Photo: Cpl Jerome Lessard, JTF-I. Right, Master Corporal Kevin Porter pushes an Iraq-bound CC-130J Hercules to the runway at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait during Operation IMPACT on December 25, 2019. Photo: Cpl Jerome Lessard, JTF-I.

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DEPLOYED THIS

Holiday Season

OPERATION UNIFER (350) LOCATION: Poland & UK DESCRIPTION: Help Ukraine stay sovereign, secure and stable.

OPERATION CROCODILE (9) LOCATION: Congo DESCRIPTION: Canada’s support to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

OPERATION SNOWGOOSE (1)

OPERATION SOPRANO (10) LOCATION: South Sudan DESCRIPTION: Assisting with military planning and logistics.

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LOCATION: Cyprus DESCRIPTION: CAF role in the United Nations Force.

(UNFICYP) ISSUE 54

OPERATION ARTEMIS (10) LOCATION: BAHRAIN DESCRIPTION: Canada’s contribution to Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a United States-led naval coalition.

OPERATION REASURRANCE (1900) LOCATION: Latvia & Area DESCRIPTION: The CAF’s largest overseas mission, contributing to NATO deterrence and defence measures in Central and Eastern Europe, and is part of the biggest reinforcement of Alliance collective defence in a generation.

(

)

NUMBER OF PERSONNEL DEPLOYED

CANSOFCOM ARMY

NAVY AIR FORCE

OPERATION HORIZON (225) LOCATION: Indo-Pacific DESCRIPTION: Canada’s forward-presence mission to the region to promote peace, stability, and the rules-based international order.

OPERATION KOBOLD (5) LOCATION: Kosovo DESCRIPTION: Provide logistic and headquarters support.

OPERATION IMPACT

(UNDISCLOSED) LOCATION: Middle East DESCRIPTION: The CAF’s mission in the Middle East, supporting the Global Coalition against Daesh (ISIS) and promoting regional stability through training, capacity building, and military collaboration.

OPERATION JADE (4) LOCATION: Middle East DESCRIPTION: Canada’s contribution to the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO)

OPERATION PROTEUS (UNDISCLOSED) LOCATION: Jerusalem DESCRIPTION: CAF members serve with theUnited States Security Coordinator team as part of Canada’s military task force in Jerusalem.

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OPERATION CALUMET (APPROX 40) LOCATION: Sinai Peninsula DESCRIPTION: Independent peacekeeping operation.

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As we embark on a new year, remember is it okay to re-set, re-adjust, re-start, re-focus... as many times as you need to.

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KEEPING THE BALANCE YOUR HEALTH

SEASONAL EATING What is it & How to do it

by Skylar Nesbitt RHN

A

s a nutritionist dedicated to promoting holistic well-being through dietary choices, I often get asked about nutrition during the winter holidays. With years of experience in guiding people toward healthier lifestyles, I’ve researched many different ways of eating, and I’ve come to appreciate the profound impact of seasonal eating on our health and the environment.

Let’s explore how embracing seasonal produce in your routines can pave the way to a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle with benefits for both personal health and our planet.Seasonal eating is simply defined as eating fruits and vegetables that are in season for your geographical area.

It’s eating specific produce depending on the season we are currently in,

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eating in sync with the local seasons. Historically, seasonal eating dates back centuries. Early human societies adapted their diets to the natural cycles of planting, harvesting, and hunting based on seasonal changes.

Today, I feel this is a topic that isn’t talked about enough, which is why I love educating others on the benefits of eating seasonally.

SEASONALLY EATING BENEFITS 1. Fruits and vegetables that are harvested at their peak are abundant in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are imperative for our overall health and well-being.

During the holidays when stress is inevitable, eating seasonal produce will also benefit your stress levels because they are higher in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for combating stress in the body.

2. Seasonal produce tends to be fresher, which in turn can make it more flavourful. If you have a dish you are bringing or making for the holidays, seasonal produce would make a great addition to ensure it stands out.

3. An added bonus to seasonal produce is that it often is less expensive, which in this economy is a huge win (especially when making a lot of food during the holidays). Because seasonal produce isn’t being shipped as far and comes from local sources, there is less of a transportation cost, which means a lower price for us at the grocery stores and farmers’ markets.

4. Eating seasonally is amazing for encouraging a more diverse and balanced diet. Bringing in new fruits and vegetables to your diet benefits your digestive system, immunity, and overall vitality. Studies show that having a diverse diet with a wide range of fiber sources is truly one of the best ways to take care of your health. As a nutritionist, this is something I encourage every single client I work with to do.

During the holidays when we are buying and making more food than we normally do, seasonal eating aligns with making environmentally conscious choices. Buying produce that is grown locally reduces our carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation and helps to support sustainable farming practices, directly benefiting the environment.

IN SEASON NOVEMBER TO JANUARY Ontario

FRUITS

. Apples .Pears . Cranberries . Plums

VEGTABLES

.Beets . Broccoli .Cabbage .Carrots .Fennel .Garlic .Leeks

.Mushrooms .Onions (Red & Yellow) .Parsnips .Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes .Rutabaga .Squash . Turnips

How you can start to include seasonal eating in your routine As I live in Ontario, I’ll be sharing what is in season for us. All you need to do is Google “What produce is in season for (your location).” You now have a free and powerful health resource that will benefit you and your family’s health all year long.

How can you start to include seasonal eating into your routine?

Something I always tell my clients is to focus on what they can add to their diets instead of what they should remove from their diets during the holidays. Adding to your diet is more beneficial than the stress of limiting yourself, when the stress and guilt alone can be more harmful than just having dessert after dinner.

Stress can play a big role in our health and well-being, and with the holidays approaching, stress can be at an all-time high. High amounts of stress can bring on a host of health symptoms, one being inflammation.

The lingering stress and guilt over whether or not to have that extra piece of pie or to have a second plate of food can be more

harmful than just having the food you’d like to have. A great tip I like to give my clients is that if you want to be cautious about the food you are consuming during the holidays but still want to have a sugary treat, have it after you’ve had a full meal that includes sources of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. This will help to reduce a large blood sugar spike, as eating anything high in sugar (cookies, cake, pie, etc.) on an empty stomach causes a large blood sugar spike. Having a full and balanced meal before your holiday treats will also help to reduce sugar cravings and help you not to overindulge.

To summarize all the information, focus on adding in new fruits and vegetables that are in season by exploring local farmers’ markets and produce stands; and try new things and incorporate them into as many meals as you can. When having a treat, have it after a full meal. Simple and effective tips for your holidays!

Happy eating!

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12 Cocktails of Christmas

KEEPING THE BALANCE

THE GALLEY

C

elebrate the season with the 12 Cocktails of Christmas, a delightful collection of holiday-inspired drinks.

From creamy indulgences like the Gingerbread Eggnog Martini to crisp, refreshing creations like the Ice Queen’s Cosmo, each cocktail captures the magic and warmth of the holidays. Whether you’re toasting with the sweet charm of Santa’s Hat or savouring the cozy flavours of the Gingerbread Latte Cocktail, there’s a festive sip for everyone. If you are looking for a non-alcohol option check out the Cocktail Emporium! Cheers to holiday joy and delicious moments!

Looking for an non-alcoholic options?

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Sex on a Snow Bank:

A FROSTY TWIST ON A CLASSIC

This playful winter cocktail blends rum, coconut cream over crushed ice, evoking the chill of fresh snow with a cozy, indulgent twist. Garnished with white chocolate shavings or mint, it’s perfect for snowy nights or festive celebrations. Cool, creamy, and irresistibly fun!

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

1.5 oz. Malibu Rum

Prepare the Rim: Mix crushed sugar and shredded coconut on a plate. Wet the rim of a chilled glass with water or coconut cream, then dip it into the mixture to coat.

Mix the Drink: In a shaker filled with ice, combine 1.5 oz of Malibu rum and 3 tbsp of coconut cream. Shake well until chilled and creamy.

3 tbsp coconut cream Crushed sugar Shredded coconut

Serve: Fill the prepared glass with crushed ice and strain the mixture over it.

Garnish: Top with a sprinkle of shredded coconut or white chocolate shavings for a snowy effect. Add a sprig of mint for a festive touch.

Enjoy: Sip and savor this creamy, tropical winter treat!

Gingerbread Latte Cocktail: A FESTIVE SIP WITH A KICK

Combine the cozy warmth of a gingerbread latte with a spirited twist! This cocktail blends vodka or gin, cold coffee, Bailey’s, and gingerbread syrup, topped with whipped cream. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a gingerbread cookie for a holiday-perfect indulgence. Cheers to festive flavours!

INSTRUCTIONS INGREDIENTS 1oz. vodka Prepare the Rim: Crush gingerbread cookies into fine crumbs. Wet the rim of a glass with wa1oz. Baileys ter or cream, then dip it into the crumbs to coat.

1 oz. cream Mix the Cocktail: In a shaker filled with ice, com1 oz. gingerbread syrup bine: vodka, Baileys, cream, gingerbread syrup, 1/2 oz. cold espress and cold espresso.

Shake: Shake well until the mixture is smooth Whipped cream and chilled.

Crushed gingerbread cookies Serve: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.

Garnish: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed gingerbread cookies for a festive finish.

Enjoy: Sip and savor the cozy, spiced flavors of this holiday-perfect cocktail!

Spiced Santa Martini:A FESTIVE FAVOURITE Celebrate the season with this spicy holiday treat, sure to warm you up!

The Spiced Santa Martini blends spiced rum, and a hint of cinnamon with a splash of lemon juice and simple syrup for a festive finish. Topped with a cinnamon stick or sugared rim, it’s the perfect cocktail to toast the holidays!

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

1.5 oz. Captain Morgans Rum

Prepare the Glass: Optionally, rim a martini glass with sugar for a festive touch. To do this, run a lemon wedge along the rim and dip it into sugar.

Mix the Drink: In a shaker filled with ice, combine: Rum, lemon juice, and syrup.

Shake: Shake well until the mixture is chilled and blended.

Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.

3/4 oz. lemon juice 3/4 oz. simple syrup Cranberries

Garnish: Add a few fresh cranberries and a cinnamon stick for a festive presentation.

Enjoy: Toast the season with this warm and spiced holiday martini!

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Gingerbread Eggnog Martini:

A DECADENT DELIGHT

This festive cocktail combines eggnog, vodka, Kahlúa, and a touch of molasses for a rich, spiced flavor. Served in a glass with a cinnamon sugar and ginger rim, and topped with whipped cream, the Gingerbread Eggnog Martini is pure holiday indulgence!

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

1oz. Eggnog

Prepare the Rim: On a small plate, mix cinnamon sugar and ground ginger. Wet the rim of a martini glass with water or eggnog, then dip it into the mixture to coat.

Mix the Drink: In a shaker filled with ice, combine: eggnog, vodka, Kahlúa, and molasses.

Shake: Shake well until the mixture is smooth and chilled.

Serve: Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.

1oz. vodka 1oz. Kahlua 2 tbsp molasses Cinnamon sugar Ground ginger rimmer

Garnish: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed gingerbread cookies for a festive finish.

Enjoy: Indulge in the rich, spiced flavors of this holiday-perfect martini!

The Snowy Ditch: A CREAMY WINTER INDULGENCE Dive into the frosty flavours of The Snowy Ditch, a decadent mix of Baileys, Peppermint Schnapps, gin, and creamy half-and-half. Topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, it’s the perfect cocktail for warming up on a snowy night!

INSTRUCTIONS INGREDIENTS 1oz. Baileys 1oz. Peppermint Schnapps 1 oz. gin 1 oz. half-and-half cream Whipped cream Chocolate shavings

Prepare the Glass: Chill a glass in the freezer or fill it with ice to cool it before use.

Mix the Drink: In a shaker filled with ice, combine: Bailey’s, Peppermint Schnapps, gin, and half-and-half cream.

Shake: Shake well until the mixture is creamy and thoroughly chilled.

Serve: Strain the mixture into the chilled glass.

Garnish: Top with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with chocolate shavings for a festive finish.

Enjoy: Indulge in this rich, frosty cocktail to add warmth to a snowy evening!

Winter Wonderland Martini: A FESTIVE PEPPERMINT BLISS

The Winter Wonderland Martini combines gin, Peppermint Schnapps, and Crème de Cacao for a smooth and refreshing holiday treat. With a festive red sugar rim and a candy cane garnish, it’s the perfect cocktail to add a frosty sparkle to your celebrations!

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

1.5 oz. gin

Prepare the Rim: On a small plate, spread red sugar. Wet 0.75 oz. Peppermint Schnaps the rim of a martini glass with water or a bit of Peppermint Schnapps, then dip it into the sugar to coat.

0.75 oz. Cream de Cacao Mix the Drink: In a shaker filled with ice, combine: gin, schnapps, and Crème de Cacao Candy Cane Shake: Shake well until the mixture is chilled and blended.

Red cocktail rimmer Serve: Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.

Garnish: Add a candy cane to the glass for a festive touch.

Enjoy: Delight in the smooth, minty flavors of this frosty holiday martini!

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Ice Queen’s Cosmo: A FROSTY, FESTIVE SIP This elegant cocktail combines the crisp taste of white cranberry juice and the smooth botanicals of gin, served over ice with frozen cranberries for a touch of frosty flair. Simple, refreshing, and perfect for winter celebrations!

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

2 oz. white cranberry juice

Prepare the Glass: Chill a martini glass or use a festive tumbler for a frosty effect.

Mix the Drink: In a shaker filled with ice, combine: white cranberry juice, and gin.

Shake: Shake well until chilled and combined.

Serve: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.

1 oz. gin Frozen cranberries

Garnish: Add a few frozen cranberries for a frosty, festive touch.

Enjoy: Raise a glass to winter celebrations with this crisp and elegant cocktail!

Santa’s Hat: A SWEET & FESTIVE TREAT

The Santa’s Hat cocktail is a delightful mix of cranberry juice, coconut rum, and a splash of grenadine, perfectly balanced for holiday cheer. With a sugar and shredded coconut rim and a candy cane garnish, it’s a drink as festive as the season itself!

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

3oz. cranberry juice

Prepare the Rim: On a small plate, mix sugar and shredded coconut. Wet the rim of a glass with water or cranberry juice, then dip it into the mixture to coat.

Mix the Drink: In a shaker filled with ice, combine: cranberry juice, coconut rum, grenadine Shake: Shake well until chilled and combined.

Serve: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.

1oz. coconut rum 1/2 oz. grenadine sugar shredded coconut rimmer candy cane

Garnish: Add a candy cane for a festive touch.

Enjoy: Sip this sweet, cheerful cocktail and toast to the holiday season!

Melted Snowman:A FROSTY FUN TREAT

The Melted Snowman cocktail is a playful winter drink combining vodka, white chocolate liqueur, and cream, served over crushed ice to mimic freshly fallen snow. Garnished with a candy cane or/ and chocolate drizzle, it’s a delightful way to toast the season!

INSTRUCTIONS INGREDIENTS 2 oz. Cream de Cacao 1 oz. gin 1 oz. half-and-half cream grated chocolate chocolate syrup

Prepare the Glass: Drizzle chocolate syrup inside a chilled glass to create a frosty, decorative swirl.

Mix the Drink: In a shaker filled with ice, combine: Cream de Cacao, gin half-and-half cream Shake: Shake vigorously until the mixture is chilled and creamy.

Serve: Fill the prepared glass with crushed ice and strain the mixture over it.

Garnish: Sprinkle grated chocolate on top for a snowy effect. Optionally, add a candy cane for a festive touch.

Enjoy: Sip this creamy, chocolatey winter treat and toast the season!

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Sugar Plum Fairy:A WHIMSICAL HOLIDAY TREAT The Sugar Plum Fairy cocktail is a magical blend of sweet and fruity flavours, perfect for the festive season. With its enchanting colour and a touch of sparkle, this drink is a delightful addition to any holiday celebration!

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

2 oz. gin 2 oz. cranberry juice 1 oz. Amerreto Juice of half a lemon Splash of ginger ale

Prepare the Glass: Chill a glass or fill it with ice to keep the cocktail frosty.

Mix the Drink: In a shaker filled with ice combine: gin, cranberry juice, Amaretto, and lemon juice.

Shake: Shake well until the mixture is chilled and blended.

Serve: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.

Add a Sparkle: Top with a splash of ginger ale for a fizzy, festive finish.

Garnish (Optional): Add a sugared rim or a twist of lemon for extra flair.

Enjoy: Sip and delight in the magical flavors of this whimsical holiday treat!

Partridge in a Pear Tree:A FESTIVE CITRUS SPARK This holiday cocktail blends Amaretto, Peach Schnapps, vodka, and a splash of club soda for a sweet, nutty, and refreshing sip. Finished with a hint of orange, it’s the perfect drink to toast the season in style.

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

2oz. Amaretto

Prepare the Glass: Chill a glass or fill it with ice to cool before use.

Mix the Drink: In a shaker filled with ice, combine: Amaretto, Peach Schnapps, and vodka.

Shake: Shake well until the mixture is chilled and blended.

Add Club Soda: Strain the mixture into the chilled glass and top with 1 oz club soda for a refreshing fizz.

1/2 oz. Peach Schnapps 3/4 oz. vodka 1 oz. club soda 1/4 orange

Garnish: Squeeze the juice from the 1/4 orange into the drink, then drop the orange wedge into the glass for added flavor and a festive touch.

Enjoy: Sip this sweet and nutty cocktail and toast to the season!

Holiday Cosmo:A FESTIVE CLASSIC The Holiday Cosmo adds a seasonal twist to the classic cocktail, blending vodka, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and a splash of lime. Garnished with fresh cranberries or a sugared rim, it’s the perfect drink to toast the holiday spirit!

INGREDIENTS 1.5 oz. Gin

1 oz. orange liqueur 4 oz cranberry juice Red cocktail rimmer Cranberries

INSTRUCTIONS Prepare the Rim: Spread red sugar on a small plate. Wet the rim of a martini glass with water or cranberry juice, then dip it into the sugar to coat.

Mix the Drink: In a shaker filled with ice, combine: gin, orange liqueur, and cranberry juice.

Shake: Shake well until the mixture is chilled and combined.

Serve: Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.

Garnish: Add a few fresh cranberries for a festive finish.

Enjoy: Raise a glass to holiday cheer with this seasonal twist on a classic Cosmo!

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KEEPING THE BALANCE TRAVEL

Escaping Canadian Winters in Puerto Vallarta

By Cristina Florentina Braia

A

All images by Cristina Florentina Braia.

ccording to statistics, Canadians are frequent visitors to Mexico. With travellers from the “country of the maple leaf” particularly valuing security and tranquillity, as well as the outdoor settings of the mountains, waterfalls, and the sea offered by the ports, Mexico is an attractive destination. Escaping the harsh Canadian winters, the Mexican resort city of Puerto Vallarta, known as Vallarta or PV, is a well-loved destination for Canadians.

Where is Puerto Vallarta?

Situated in the Bahia de Banderas, on the Pacific coastal side of the Mexican state of Jalisco, Vallarta has quickly expanded from a fishermen’s port to a larger city with a wide range of amenities and infrastructure that attracts tourists annually. Last year, the number of tourists surged to approximately six million, marking a 2.2 per cent increase from 2022 and establishing a new pinnacle in Puerto Vallarta’s history. But it all started in 1964 when the movie The Night of the Iguana, starring Richard Burton and Ava Gardner, was filmed there, setting the pace for other Hollywood elite and visitors to follow. Also, actress Elizabeth

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In Search of Reason by Sergio Bustamante (1999).

Origin & Destiny by Pedro Torres Tello (2011) right.

Triton and Siren by Carlos Espino (1990) below.

s, by Ram, patron saint of cook San Pascual Bailon wide. rld wo efs ch r no ho iz Barquet (2008). To

e of 4) was on rquet (198 a B iz m a . ” by R Malecón “Nostalgia res on the st sculptu ie rl a e e th

The Subtle Rock Eater by Jonas Gutierrez (2006).

“The Rounda bout of the Se a” by Alejandr Colunga (1997 o ). Also a popu lar photo op.

“Other destinations worth visiting include Nayarit and Punta.”

Taylor’s former home in Puerto Vallarta, known as Casa Kimberley, is now a boutique hotel in the city. Part of PV’s beauty is the endless coastline with many inlets of beaches and boardwalks, which make this destination ideal if you enjoy life at the beach combined with walking and dramatic views. The numerous beaches lie from downtown Playa Los Muertos in the old town of Zona Romantica to Playa Camarones. Many colourful villages, such as Bucerias and Sayulita, are located on the city’s outskirts and can be accessed by boat as well as by land. Other destinations worth visiting include Nayarit and Punta Mita. But did you know that Mexico’s Puerto Vallarta is also a very artistic city?

A Must-See for Art Lovers Old Vallarta, or the Romantic Zone, with its bohemian and friendly feel, is known for its restaurants, cafes, and vibrant art life. The oceanfront esplanade “Malecon” is a must-see for art lovers and is one of the top things to do while visiting Puerto Vallarta. The best way to experience it is to walk the entire

boardwalk, starting at the north end, where you’ll find the spiralling “Los Milenios” (The Millenia). Also, my personal favourites include the outstanding sculptures and artwork, like Nostalgia by Jose Ramiz Barquet, Lluvia (Rain) by Jovian, Neptune and Nereid

by Carlos Espino, The Roundabout of the Sea by Alejandro Colunga, Sergio Bustamante, or the Iconic Boy on the Seahorse by Rafael Zamarripa.

Rich History I have had the pleasure to discover that since the beginning, Puerto Vallarta hasn’t only been a sunny travel destination but rich in history, traditions, art, and culture. As the town kept expanding, so did the cultural offer, with galleries dedicated to exhibiting local artists and places to enjoy art performances, shows, and music.

Nowadays, Puerto Vallarta hosts different national and international music, film, and drama festivals every year. More information about the art and culture of Puerto Vallarta can be found here.

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BOOK YOUR FREE 15-MINUTE CONSULTION HERE

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IN YOUR COMMUNITY CMF DIRECTORY

VETERAN &

Military Family

BUSINESS SHOWCASE

613 Fitness

Army to Artist

613 Fitness is a supportive and welcoming community in Kanata, Ontario. Our owners all have health care experience. We offer group, team, remote, and personal training, and strive to improve your quality and longevity of life.

Co-owned by Paul and Nadine Kernaghan.

Paul is a veteran, having served 38+ years, and is now a Registered Kinesiologist.

Mary is the sole Canadian artist who specializes in depiction of Canadian Forces military iconography. Mary works with the client to customize, tailor, illustrate, and immortalize their service career. Medals, trade badges, awards, decorations and personalized dog tags can often be seen throughout her pieces. More recently, she’s begun creating portraits of military families.

613fitness.com

https://www.facebook.com/armytoartist/

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Bee & Thistle Winery Bee & Thistle Winery is a veteran-owned family fruit winery in Saskatchewan. We specialize in Haskap, Rhubarb and Black Currant fruit wines/beverages that taste of the fruit nurtured in our own orchards.

Available in retail outlets in SK (soon in AB), with mail order to BC, AB, SK, MB and NS. Contact Information: (306) 747-1343 Winery Location: Debden, Saskatchewan. www.beeandthistlewinery.wine

Brigadoon Fiber Farm Brigadoon Fiber Farm is a veteran run family farm located in Hoyt NB. We offer heirloom quality products, focusing on slow fashion, produced from our herd of heritage sheep and alpaca. Boasting some of the finest fibre in NB, our products are sure to warm your soul. From yarns, alpaca socks and insoles, dryer balls, scarves, hats, shawls, blankets and more. Wether you’re prepping for a winter field ex, christmas or mothers day, we have something for everyone! Check us out online or book a farm tour and shopping experience. www.brigadoonfiberfarm.com

Nourish U Wellness Nourish U Wellness is a holistic wellness collective and event hub, located in Pembroke, Ontario. Captan retired Jane Wood Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Nutritionist and her business partner Dr Cheryl Allen, Naturopathic Doctor offer a collaborative approach to alternative healthcare. They envision a world where humans embrace their bodies, trusting its inherent wisdom. They believe health is not a linear journey , rather a constantly changing state of wellness. Learn-Heal-Grow. www.nourishu.ca

Dog House Brewing We are a start up, father-son operated local craft brewery. Petawawa is our home, sharing its history and our beer is our passion.

We offer local craft beer with a story on every label, our Bde. series is honouring all the units as they arrived in Camp Petawawa.

www.doghousebrewingcompany.ca

VC Athletic Therapy

Kanata Soup

Veteran Food Bank

VC Athletic Therapy is a multidisciplinary, Clinic in Petawawa. We collaborate, educate and empower people to live and move better.

Featuring Athletic Therapy massage, therapy, psychotherapy, and chiropractic. your physical and mental health are directly correlated in our holistic approach to your health, will help get you out of our clinic and back to doing the things you love! https://vcathletictherapy.ca

Kanata Soup Company is a small, veteran, family owned business that makes artisan dried soup and dessert mixes using all local (we dehydrate) and Canadian produce. All of our recipes are bespoke and we ship all across Canada.

We make our mixes in a commercial kitchen and are licensed and inspected.

Veterans Association Food Bank Edmonton (VAFB) is a not-for-profit charity organization that focuses on veterans helping veterans. Not only are we a food bank but we also offer household and hygiene products, pet food and supplies, VAC Assistance, peer support and much more.”

http://www.kanatasoup.ca

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IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Sponsor a Wreath Here: 900 Needed

CHARITY

OUR STORY

“It is our fervent hope that this practice will spread across Canada and that eventually every Military Cemetery will be adorned with wreaths, each and every year.

Craig McPhee founder Wreaths Across Canada.

Wreaths Across Canada founder, Warrant Officer (ret’d) Craig McPhee passed away in 2022. His goal was to have wreaths placed on over 250,000 graves of military personnel across the country.

Right, Warrant Officer (ret’d) Craig McPhee.

Wreaths Across Canada’s mission is to place a wreath on the headstone of every veteran buried. “It is our fervent hope that this practice will spread across Canada and that eventually every Military Cemetery will be adorned with wreaths, each and every year. This simple but effective, thank you is central to the entire program. The wreaths symbolize our thanks to those who have served their country in the military and now lie at rest. Whether they died in battle,

training accidents or years after retiring from the military, all who lie buried in these hallowed grounds deserve the thanks of a grateful nation for defending the freedoms and lifestyle we enjoy today. It is our way to remember and honour those who served and teach our youth of Canada, the value of freedom.

It is a deeply personal way for any Canadian to say thank you for your service to Canada,” said Craig McPhee founder of Wreaths Across Canada.

Mark Your Calendar2025: NOV. 2025 Join our Bow Brigade. During November, volunteers in the Ottawa and Petawawa areas will make over 5,000 bows. If you are interested, please email us at the link above.

2024: BEECHWOOD

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2024: NOTRE DAME

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How You Can Help THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO HELP: HERE ARE FOUR

01.

02.

04.

03.

Sponsor a Wreath

Help Build Bows

Clean up Wreaths

We are still in need of 1,200 wreaths to be sponsored.

Sponsor a wreath today.

Honour our heroes this holiday season. Sponsor a wreath.

Join us as we build bows to attach to the wreaths for the 2025 ceremony. This year’s bows will be larger and feature a hook to simplify attaching and detaching them to the wreath so we can use them for years. For more information:

If you live in the Ottawa area, we are looking for help to clean up the wreaths in January. Email Michelle for more details.

SPONSOR WREATH HERE.

EMAIL MICHELLE HERE.

Fundraise for Next year Join us on Dec. 7, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. as we lay wreaths again. We will begin at the National Cemetery at Beechwood and aim to drive over to Notre-Dame Cemetery to lay more MORE INFO HERE.

Volunteer HERE.

OUR VOLUNTEERS MAKE WREATHS ACROSS CANADA HAPPEN

CONNECT WITH US

DEC. 7, 2025 Join us on Dec. 7, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. as we

WEBSITE

lay wreaths over 3,000. We will begin at the

FACEBOOK PAGE

National Cemetery at Beechwood and aim to

FACEBOOK GROUP

drive over to Notre-Dame Cemetery to lay more wreaths.

EMAIL 2024

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IN YOUR COMMUNITY BEEN THERE DONE THAT

Blue Jean Christmas

By: Heather Cowley

“Tis the Season” conjures up various meanings for so many of us. This holiday season takes me back to years ago when a lasting impression of “what the Christmas season is all about” changed my heart forever.

It was mid-November, and I was doing my traditional Christmas gift shopping for family and friends in one of our local malls. As I walked through the mall, a large and intriguing Christmas tree display caught my attention. This tree was different. No elaborate frills or fancy garland, no shiny ornaments or twinkling lights.

Simply and uniquely decorated, this tree bore only paper cutouts of Teddy Bears!

Each individual bear had been lovingly hand-crafted using crayons, shiny sparkles, ribbons, and bows; every one featured children’s expert penmanship! These impressive Teddy Bears completely adorned the massive tree on all sides, covering it from top to bottom!

It was a marvellous and curious sight that drew me in!

Nearby, volunteers sat at a table, ready to share information about the meaning behind the Teddy Bear ornaments. It became clear that the artists behind the creative bears were local children, all of whom were sponsored by various shelters and homeless organizations. These colourful and inspired bear ornaments gently dangled on tree limbs, all blowing slightly from the hustle and bustle of passersby. Each bear waited patiently, ready

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to reveal its true message to curious mall shoppers. The child artists had written a small Christmas wish on each bear, including their first name and age.

I held a brown bear lovingly decorated by Steven, who was nine years old. Immersed and wanting to discover more, I turned Steven’s teddy bear over to read his secret wish written on the back. The message was a request for a Christmas present. He had not written a long wish list for many presents as I’d expected from a young boy. I was shocked that his wish “list” was only one item! One item? Even more remarkably, his one wish was not a toy.

He’d asked only for a pair of blue jeans.

Size 10. One? One pair of jeans?

No toys? My eyes began to water.

A single piece of clothing. That was all. Nothing more?

My knees wavered and my throat became dry as I absorbed the shock, realizing what must be the reality of this dear child’s life.

My eyes blinked rapidly now. Here was a young boy not asking for Christmas toys, games, or sports equipment. No motorized cars, no books, no trading cards or popular novelty items. His

own heart’s desire for fun, age-appropriate toys was ignored and rejected by the reality of his young life. His need for essentials overtook the joy of play. A tear rolled down my cheek.

Circumstances were robbing his innocent childhood, forcing him to request only what he truly and desperately needed!

A single pair of blue jeans, size 10! He didn’t even request a brand name—no specific colour or quality. Just one pair of jeans would do. One pair was enough. This could not be. I immediately flipped over other children’s Teddy Bears. Almost every bear displayed similar requests. No toys of their dreams, but instead requests for warm winter jackets, scarves and gloves, new boots, and nothing more....Nothing more.

Tears were rolling down my cheeks. Was I the only one standing at that beautiful tree of wishes, gobsmacked and stunned at what these children endured? I looked around at all the bustling holiday shoppers passing by this display. Most were preoccupied and unaware, wholly consumed, absorbed in a mission, their arms fully laden with beautiful parcels and bags.

I desperately wanted to call out, “Come over here! Read these burdened bears’ secret wishes! Hear these desperate children’s

cries! You need to read this and help!”

Stunned, I wandered around and finally left the mall empty-handed that day. My mind was still trying to absorb and comprehend the Christmas wish for a single pair of blue jeans! Life got busy, and the shock of that moment eventually and inevitably faded. Regrettably, I never bought Steven his blue jeans.

However, his profound story never let my heart go. Every year, I hope that little nine-year-old boy and all those other little teddy bear children got, and still get, all their needs met. That long-ago and lasting impression on my heart continues inside me still, every Christmas season. Steven’s selfless wish is why every year my husband I interpret ’tis the season to reflect something more meaningful and personal to us.

We have chosen to contribute to various organizations on behalf of family and friends. In place of gifts for ourselves and loved ones, we give to those children who go too often without; we give to those families who go hungry too frequently for too long; we give on behalf and because of you, Steven, wherever you are! Your simple and humble wish for blue jeans lives on in me, and it always will.

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H

w e N Y y e p a p r a

Wishing you a Wonderful 2025 Don’t miss our Spring issue available March 2025 56

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In the meantime Keep Connected with our weekly e-Zine. Sign up HERE. ISSUE 54

Spot the 6 Differences

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Word Search L H V H W S Y E R M O WW P R N U T R I T I O N Z M L V Q A Z P A Z N P O X R HM P KWN N I X N Q B O B J WK H S X H E C E I E U Y H I V H E T N I OH R Z A E Z V A S T NG B E AMC N N C X GDD F F OU Y NDD FWS Q I R N Z T J T P T A A J L D E CO R T Q E S O V G F C V K I H E E U P U E J T A C A E E E U P Z L C T P K S C Y R T A P E V B V OO S I R K E D L M E X I CO F E S C A P E P N O R L Z J T F T C T O Y Z GM T H P G I Q FM J I I X I C U A K A Z R B YM I L L E N N I A L U K U N F N A E I I R R C A GM P U K D L Q C N Z J V F C E K X P N N M R O C NW E A F T F K X E D I F R H H E A P P L E S C C H B B N R E A D SW L X U B H H R X GM Y KWK H VM E C T B Y F Z YWK H A N S N I C L A Z F T ON T O R S P A E O E J Y J B M G R H S HW I C A L F F G V R O O C S A E Z N D Y K BMM T A L S I I X A J H I I C D K R T V E N A H U B I PMN V L D KMX Q S E E X C A U Z F T DG C Z A D E A G A A B I M L B V S S I A L D J A J G L X J B L H S E Y Q L Q E O R L E E K S T GM WO A HM K Q J X X S S Y Y G N R L I Z K E T K H O A SWG AM E S S N A V I O S Z B Z V U Q T I I Z I S Z P XWQ R U K N E K T U O E B B P C U H U I B I N P J E V J DG T RM J B S S T ODGG F N Z U C T G O K O E S N AWC N P D F K H T R N Y R

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IF YOU SERVED IN THE CAF, YOU ARE A VETERAN GET SUPPORT WITH HEALTH, EDUCATION, FINANCE, AND CAREER TRANSITION

Al McFarlane

Clint Eastman

Francesca Colussi

Canadian Army Veteran

Royal Canadian Air Force Veteran

Royal Canadian Navy Veteran

Whatever your next chapter, support is available for you and your family Veterans.gc.ca/Services | 1-866-522-2122

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