Port Matters by Frances Kennedy franceskennedy782@gmail.com November is the month the boat slips have emptied, when we dump pumpkins, and cut and cull gardens. There’s a kind of hush until after Remembrance Day before the rush of Christmas heralded by the Dickens’ Day evening parade on November 29th.
Next up? The Kokomo Christmas Market, Sunday, November 3, 11 am to 4 pm at 98 The Promenade. There will be indoor and outdoor vendors and a food truck, and The Hypnotist Experience with our Kevin Edwards on November 7 at PSFT in favour of the PS Bandshell Project. Tickets at psft.ca/event/ the-hypnosis-experience/. Lest we forget... The Remembrance Day Parade and Fly-over is 11 AM Sunday, November 10; the wreath-laying ceremony is Monday, November 11 at 11 am. See PS Christmas Bazaar on FB for details re: November 30! Last, but not least, congratulations to all participants and coordinators of the stunning Studio Tour in September. The diversity of art was matched by the hospitality and charm of the settings. Good news... it’s the 1st Annual! Recently, I encountered a couple who commended Port and the Municipality for their visitor experience. It turns out he works for the City of Port Colborne on Strategic Initiatives. Their tagline is ‘Providing an exceptional small-town experience in a big way.’ There’s an aspiration worth achieving! When we practice our best future, we create it.
Spring and autumn remind us that change is predictable. What’s that got to do with Port? Our ‘New Reality’ is characterized by disruptive change, including cultural, socio-economic, and generational influences, and land development -- all challenges that recommend collaborative public-private sector initiatives. Our electorate wasn’t expecting anything but the same old administrative power hold we saw over previous Councils. But the good news is we elected a Clean Sweep Council who are delivering just that. Yep, change is messy, but here we are now, and case in point: the PSVA engaged with the CE Council over the summer, and the result was the PSVA Community Investment Survey to prioritize the investment priorities of residents and lovers of Port. Hopefully, you responded and on October 24, attended the presentation of the final results! The new reality is Port requires year-round open-for-business enterprises to serve a year-round community, which will support a prosperous local economy. The unity of a community may not be surmised by its size but instead by its shared values. What matters now? Perhaps a reminder of Port’s small-town commitment to doing good for the greater good.... Here’s a partial list: Through her Morning Movement and Meditation sessions, Leanne Forsythe raised $270 for the PS and area Community Cupboard. To donate to the Community Cupboard Neighbours Helping Neighbours, e-transfer to psaacc20@gmail.com or drop off at PS Foodland or Deck Box at 283 Colborne St. Richard Haddow, a long-time supporter of Elgin-St Thomas Community Foundation in their 100+ People Who Care campaign invites donors at esfc.fcsuite.com/erp/donate. Cheers to The Original Cakerie and PS Lioness Club for Putting on the Ritz Wine and Cheese to benefit Hospice of Elgin! The PS Kettle Creek Swans funded $600 towards Christmas Treat Bags and an enormous anonymous food donation was made to the Community Cupboard. Thank you all! ‘Tis the season!
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Port Stanley Villager • November 2024 • Page 15
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