Geared toward high school-aged students, Al highlights their Joy Club: “Children are involved in local events, experiencing the fun you can have while benefiting the community.” There are currently 45 Optimist Club members in St. Thomas and approximately 164, zone-wide. Recommending this social opportunity, Al beams, “This is exactly what we do -- while contributing to the community and with our focus on youth, we can be actively engaged with people. Some members are retired, and this Club is a way to remain involved while making a positive difference. Supporting one another and remaining social is what we need.” Nearing 2025’s end, the Optimist Club sponsored the Santa Claus Parade. Throughout the summer season, they operate their food trailer to raise funds for community causes. “We have seven clubs — along with our Joy Club — in St. Thomas and the surrounding area. If you see the Club out in the community throughout the year, connect with us and discover how you can become involved!” Email inquiries to stthomasoptimist@outlook.com, or mail to Optimist Club, PO Box 20014, St. Thomas, ON, N5P 4H4. They also have an active social media presence and, as Al assures, “We will certainly point people in the direction that best suits their needs.” St. Thomas Railway City Rotary Club With experience in various roles, Bryan Vine is the President- Elect of the St. Thomas Railway City Rotary Club and will be formally assuming this role in July: “I’ve been a member of three Rotary Clubs in the last 15 years, and I joined because of the local projects that the Rotary is involved in. All Rotary Clubs share the same purpose, focusing on community service of a wide range through international service, youth projects and more. Many of our projects provide support to underprivileged countries with water shortages.”
St. Thomas Railway City Rotary Club has donated toward the MRI machine at STEGH, and nourishes their ongoing collaboration with Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin. They support food projects — including the local Harvest Hands — while the recent YWCA Toy Drive entailed community donations, distributed by the Rotary Club. There are presently 28 members, inclusive of every gender, about which Bryan expresses, “Having females on board and lending perspectives on the needs that we spend our time supporting is valuable.” St. Thomas Railway City Rotary Club is an environment for building relationships, mentoring and learning from one an- other: “We are very involved, and with high participation.” As Bryan encourages, “There is a need for volunteers in our community. With every service club being different, try them all to decide which club you would like to further pursue.” The Club’s background, contact information and updates are available on the railwaycityrotary.club website.
Travelling this winter?
Winter Maintenance Package
$ 56. 90 76 60
For Just
Most vehicles $ 56. 90 $ 56. 90
For Just For Just
Plus tax
Includes a Jugof Washer Fluid!
Plus tax Most vehicles Plus tax
Most vehicles Full Synthetic Extra
Includes a Jugof Washer Fluid! Includes a Jugof Washer Fluid!
4 Lube: Oil &Filter change (5W20, or 5W30) and top up ALL fluids as required. 4 Inspect Tires, rotate if necessary 4 PLUS much more to make your fall driving safe and worry free FIXED RIGHT. EVERY TIME. GUARANTEED. fixedrightauto.com • 519-633-1633 FIXED RIGHT. EVERY TIME. GUARANTEED. fixedrightauto.com • 519-633-1633 FIXED RIGHT. EVERY TIME. GUARANTEED. fixedrightauto.com • 519-633-1633
Hometown St. Thomas • Jan-Feb 2026 • Page 15
Get involved! Like us on Facebook!
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs