Letter from the Editor It is often said that September is like a second New Year. School is back. Activities are back. Clubs are back. And in every household, the chaos and unpredictability of summer is replaced with the scheduled formality of making sure everyone gets to school, practice, and meetings on time. While we will miss the freedom summer grants us, let’s also embrace the structure of September. Plus, football is back! I’m often asked, ‘Who reads your magazine?’ People want to pin down exactly who they should prepare their messaging for. My answer is usually, ‘If you’re looking for someone under 30, I’m probably not the right product for you’. In my experience, it’s when a person starts having a family that local issues really matter. These days, that often happens around age 30 to 35. When you have a family, you suddenly care more about what’s going on in your community, your schools, your churches, and your local groups. I’ve noticed the same shift happens with shopping local. For me, the appreciation begins with your first job, especially if it’s with a local business. When you’re younger, trendy often trumps local. The big question is, ‘Is my drink Instagram-worthy?’ (For the record, drinks from the baristas at Streamliners Espresso always are.) You’re also looking for jeans with just the right label, regardless of where they’re made. But when you work at a local business, you start to notice the little things they do. You recognize the regular customers. You see the teams and events your company sponsors. You also start to understand the challenges owners face when people choose big box stores over the shop you work in, or when customers pick national brands instead of locally made products. It’s an eye- opener, and it makes you appreciate what ‘local’ truly means. Sometimes, a small and unexpected moment can shift your whole perspective. Back in June, Richard Haddow, local real estate agent and true supporter of local, returned home from coffee with friends to find a turtle had laid eggs right next to his porch.
PortStanley FestivalTheatre
PACKED WITH FALL ENTERTAINMENT! SIMON JOYNES PLAYWRIGHTS’ FESTIVAL Join us for three nights of FREE Public Readings as we develop new Canadian stories. Hosted by PSFT Artistic Director Liz Gilroy
September 18 - 20 th , 2025 at 7:30pm “Deadly Memories” by Steven Gallagher
“Hart’s Crossing” by Tracey Hoyt “Ship To Shore” by Norm Foster Reserve Free Seats in Advance Donations Welcomed at the Door
October 4 2pm & 7:30pm
Timeless Sounds of the 50’s & 60’s with a fresh, contemporary energy!
THE FRETLESS
featuring Madeleine Roger November 8 2pm & 7:30pm
Some people might be annoyed to see their lawn turned into a maternity ward, but not Richard. He embraced it, launching The Turtle Project to raise money for Another Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation. He’s also hoping the eggs hold on long enough to turn into a learning opportunity for a local school. Nature is a beautiful thing. I think that mama turtle made an excellent choice when she picked Richard’s yard. I guess the old saying is true; when laying eggs, as in real estate, it’s all about location, location, location.
Contemporary Folk Music
519-782-4353 www.psft.ca RESERVE YOUR SEATS
Page 2 Hometown St. Thomas • September 2025
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