and celebrated. It’s an honour to help build a community where young people can show up exactly as they are, connect with others who understand them, and know they are not alone. Watching these connections form — between youth, between elders and within the broader community — reminds me why this work matters so much.” Devon proceeds, “Facilitating this space feels like I’m starting to fulfill a promise to teenage me -- that there is a space where people like me can exist, and feel seen and loved.” About the debut of their Hub, Devon enthuses, “It felt like a family reunion where no one is related, but everyone somehow belongs.” “We are incredibly grateful for the response we’ve received so far,” Amanda expresses. “People across St. Thomas and the surrounding areas have shown genuine support for both the Hub and the work we’re doing. Seeing the community come together to uplift queer, questioning and trans youth has
Credit for this photo, which appeared in our December 2025 issue, should have been given to Monique Wiendels. Our apologies for this oversight. been deeply encouraging. We are honoured to be part of a project that is so warmly embraced, and we sincerely appreciate every person, partner and organization that has helped make this space possible. Your support streng- thens our work and reinforces why creating inclusive spaces in rural communities matters.”
Welcoming all ages, the Rainbow Connections Hub operates drop-in hours between 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm from Monday to Thursday. This new space is located at 15 St Catharine Street, Unit 305, third floor. Those wishing to connect are invited to send an email to gecorainbowconnections@gmail.com. MANIA Jumbo Jumbo CENTRE 460 Sunset St. Thomas MANIA Jumbo JULY 2, 2025 TO MARCH 20, 2026 STEP INTO THE PAST WITH OUR FREE GREEN SCREEN PHOTO BOOTH KIDS CRAFTS AND ACTIVITES JUMBO SCAVENGER HUNT FEBRUARY 16 1-4PM FEBRUARY 16 1-4PM FAMILY DAY FAMILY DAY FEBRUARY 16, 1–4pm • Step into the past with our FREE green screen photo booth JULY 2, 2025 TO MARCH 20, 2026 MANIA Y DAY AT THE ELGIN COUNTY HERITAGE JULY 2, 2025 TO MARCH 20, 2026 STEP INTO THE PAST WITH OUR FREE GREEN SCREEN PHOTO BOOTH FEBRUARY 16 1-4PM FAMILY DAY
OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY, 10AM TO 4PM 519.631.1460 EXT. 193 • Kids Crafts and Activities • Jumbo Scavenger Hunt KIDS CRAFTS AND ACTIVITES JUMBO SCAVENGER HUNT elgincounty.ca/museum
OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY, 10AM TO 4PM 519.631.1460 EXT. 193
elgincounty.ca/museum
OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY, 10AM TO 4PM 519.631.1460 EXT. 193 OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY, 10AM TO 4PM 519.631.1460 EXT. 193
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elgincounty.ca/museum elgincounty.ca/museum
Hometown St. Thomas • Jan-Feb 2026 • Page 27
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