Letter from the Editor
Recently, I met with a volunteer who is not only a volunteer but also what I would call a serial volunteer. He wanted to talk with me about an event for which he is volunteering, but more importantly, he wanted to talk to me about a serious issue, the lack of volunteers. Folks over the age of 55, you can sit this one out; these comments are not aimed at you at all. Your age group is the bedrock of volunteers within our community, and I would like to thank you personally. For those who are 30-55, this one is for you! We are so lucky within our community because there is so much to do and so many great events for our family and friends to enjoy, the majority put on by local volunteers. And not to sound too ominous, but if you like having events like these, it is time to step up and chip in. 10% of the people do 90% of the work, while the rest of us enjoy the fruits of their labour. But that 10%, for the most part, are growing older, and some are looking to pass on the baton, but there is no one there looking to accept it. So, they continue running until one day, they just stop, exhausted and frustrated. What happens when they stop? Well, all the local events we love to take part in also stop. I know focusing on family is important; I get that, but your community needs you. Get involved, find a cause you are passionate about and ask, ‘How can I help?’ If we let these community events end, they will likely be lost forever. Geoff
This issue represents our sixth anniversary here at Hometown St. Thomas. What a ride it has been! When we first launched, doubters wondered if we could realistically produce a monthly magazine about ‘just’ St. Thomas. I would say that we have shown that we can.
When I first moved here back in 2006, the city was a different place -- it was in a downturn, many people were certainly not #stthomasproud back then; folks were trying to get out of here for more opportunities. Fast forward 18 years and look at us now -- we are a city on the rise, where opportunities and city pride abound. Instead of people trying to get out, we have families trying to get in! For those of you who have been enjoying Hometown St. Thomas over the years, you might have noticed we like to do something a little different for each anniversary issue. This year is no exception. If you recall, back in April, we asked our readers to tell us through our Readers Choice Poll who their favourite businesses were in town; we gathered hundreds of ballots and thousands of votes. So, this year, instead of celebrating ourselves, we want to celebrate these amazing businesses, chosen favourites in over 50 categories by our readers. You will find the complete list on pages four and five. As well, throughout this issue, many of these businesses have said thank you to those who voted for them.
Page 2 Hometown St. Thomas • June 2024
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