Hometown St. Thomas June 2026 Issue 80
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Page 2 Hometown St. Thomas • June 2026
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Krown Rust Control Celebrates 40 Years of Service in St. Thomas For 40 years, Krown Rust Control St. Thomas has been helping local drivers protect their vehicles from the harsh realities of Southwestern Ontario winters. What began as a trusted rust protection service in the community has grown into a family- owned operation built on customer trust, quality workmanship and long-term relationships. For owner and president, Steve Murphy, better known to customers as Smurf, the anniversary is about more than just longevity. It is a reflection of the confidence customers have placed in the business over four decades. “Krown reaching 40 years in St. Thomas means a lot to me because it shows that the product and service we provide work,” says Smurf. “It helps protect our vehicles from the harsh elements we live in and saves our valued customers money on repairs.” Smurf and his wife Lisa moved to St. Thomas from the Aylmer area in 1999, as their jobs were based in the city. His connection to Krown began in 2010 when he relocated his detailing business into the same building as the St. Thomas franchise. Before long, he became a business partner with then-owner, Gary, eventually taking over as sole owner when Gary retired in 2023. Today, Smurf says the business continues to thrive because of the relationships built with customers and the reputation Krown has established over the years. “Staying successful has a lot to do with trust, a great product and great service,” he explains. “We also offer a product that has been environmentally friendly for decades.” “My staff are also a huge asset to the operation of our business. They deal with customers on a day-to-day basis, and we treat vehicles like they are our own.” He credited longtime team members Jeff and Brayden for helping maintain the standards customers have come to expect. Jeff has been with the company for 13 years, while Brayden is now in his third year. Smurf noted that all staff members are certified annually by the Krown head office to ensure vehicles are properly treated. Part of that trust comes from educating customers and correcting common misconceptions surrounding rust protection. Smurf noted that some people still mistakenly believe rustproofing voids manufacturer warranties or that vehicles cannot be sprayed during rainy weather. “Those things are false,” he says. “Krown is different because it is also a lubricant for moving
components. It penetrates metals and aluminum to help wick moisture away and slow corrosion and rust. A common misconception is that the best time to spray vehicles is in the fall, when the best time is actually the spring and summer, when the metal is expanded so the Krown product can penetrate deeper into the metals and aluminum.” For Smurf, the people are still the best part of the job: “I love my job because I meet nice people weekly and get to educate them on what helps keep their vehicles looking new and rust-free. Our team works very well together and makes the workday enjoyable.” As Krown Rust Control St. Thomas celebrates its 40th anni- versary, the business continues to focus on the same values that have kept customers returning for generations: trusted service, knowledgeable staff and helping drivers protect their vehicles for the long haul. Hometown St. Thomas June Cover
Mother’s Day spent at the Diamond. Showing some great sportsmanship after the Diamond Cutters defeated the Ball Busters 17-6.
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Hometown St. Thomas • June 2026 • Page 3
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Letter from the Editor Eight years To write that number feels a little surreal. When we first launched Hometown St. Thomas back in 2018, it wasn’t exactly a sure thing. In fact, ‘calculated risk’ might be the polite way to describe it; ‘hope for the best and hang on tight’ might be closer to the truth. After all, I had just been laid off from a ‘dying’ industry, so NOW SELLING CONDOS LAUNCH INCENTIVES FOR EARLY BUYERS – ACT FAST! odels to choose from – Bow, Port & Stern 0–1325 sq. ft. of living space on the main floor ted ceilings, gas fireplace, single or double garage many more standard features! why start it up again? I had a strong belief there was room in this community for what we wanted to create. Staci and I made a solid team; she brought nearly 20 years of professional writing experience, and I came in with over a decade in marketing and advertising sales. On paper, it made sense. But the real question was whether St. Thomas wanted a magazine like ours. Eight years later, with steady growth and a whole lot of stories under our belt, I think it’s safe to say the answer has been a resounding yes. NOW SELLING CONDOS CLUSIVE LAUNCH INCENTIVES FOR EARLY BUYERS – ACT FAST! • 3 models to choose from – Bow, Port & Stern • 1250–1325 sq. ft. of living space on the main floor • Vaulted ceilings, gas fireplace, single or double garage • Plus many more standard features! What continues to surprise me, in the best way, is just how much this magazine means to people. Whether I’m chatting with a business owner, running into someone at an event, or just out and about, I hear how much Hometown St. Thomas is appreciated. That never gets old. Not even a little. I’ll be honest, I don’t love every single detail of what I do (anyone who says they love spreadsheets is either lying or should be 226-781-8519 @primebrokerage.ca 81-8519 ebrokerage.ca
studied), but I genuinely love my job. I love the conversations. I love the creativity. I love being able to shine a light on local people, businesses and events. It gives me a chance to channel my passion for all things local and, just as importantly, a place to unleash my creative side. One of my favourite times of the year is our Reader’s Choice issue. I get to call dozens of local businesses and tell them they’ve been voted the favourite in their category. It’s one of the best parts of my job, sharing that moment of recognition, hearing the excitement on the other end of the line, and knowing it comes directly from the community. It’s a reminder that hard work, great service, and genuine care don’t go unnoticed. So, thank you to everyone who took the time to vote. And to every business in our community, whether your name made the list this year or not, keep doing what you do. You matter more than you know, and there’s always next year. I also want to take a moment to thank our team, past and present, who, month after month, have helped bring this ma- gazine to life. It truly takes a group effort, and I’m incredibly grateful for every person who has been part of this journey. This was our very first cover, June 2018. Hometown St. Thomas June 2018 Issue 1
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Page 4 Hometown St. Thomas • June 2026 ometown St. Thomas • March 2026
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Hometown St. Thomas • June 2026 • Page 5
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From There to Here: Sallam Altawalbeh by Peri Hayes Sallam Altawalbeh was born and raised in Jordan. She had been residing and working in Saudi Arabia when her family courageously leapt toward growth. Alongside her husband, Khalid Alkhaldi, Sallam and their three adolescent children relocated to Canada during the summer of 2023. Asked what inspired this meaningful decision, Sallam describes their passion for postsecondary prospects: “In the beginning, it was about studying -- for our children to have further opportunities through receiving high-quality education at the universities here.” Upon their arrival to Canada, Sallam and her family spent temporary time in Montréal. She admits about this experience, “It was hard to live there, as French is not easy. For example, my kids love playing soccer. We placed multiple phone calls to find a field for them to practice and we couldn’t find one; no one spoke to us in English. At that point, we decided to continue exploring what will be a good fit for us. One of our friends was living in St. Thomas, and we came for a visit. When my family saw the city, we agreed that this feels right.” Speaking Arabic and English, the incredibly accomplished Sallam previously lectured in the English Department while working in Saudi Arabia: “We focused on building the foun- dational materials for speaking and studying English.” Presently, Sallam works in YWCA of St. Thomas-Elgin’s Before and After School Program. She increased her responsibilities this past year, taking on and thriving in the role of Supervisor. This year, Sallam and her family excitedly welcomed home their kitten, Milo. Reflecting on their experience in St. Thomas thus far, Sallam earnestly reveals, “Because it’s a different culture and environment, I was worried about how the community would accept us here in this small town. I was surprised by how easy this transition has been; our neighbours have been so nice. I remember when we were trying to rent a home while living in a hotel for two weeks, and it was hard to find a place to settle down. Finally, amidst our search, the renter who accepted us recognized how difficult our journey had been and he provided exactly what we needed at that time. He was so helpful with us, and I would love to thank him.” Some of their favourite local gems to explore are the scenic walking
trail around Lake Margaret, and the gorgeous parks: “We spent our whole first year in Pinafore Park.” As Sallam continues, “These local venues are beautiful and special to me. We love visiting new places, and I am always thinking about engaging more in the community; this applies to my kids too, as I encourage them to do this -- to be part of our community here in St. Thomas.” As Sallam graciously concludes, “I must credit the schools. My youngest was in Grade 2 when we arrived, and he spoke zero English at the time. I remember how the teacher was communicating with him, making a big effort to ensure that he was included and understood. We arrived here, and have felt so comfortable ever since.”
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Page 6 Hometown St. Thomas • June 2026
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The AVSS Centenary Committee Presents: Dress Your Decade by Peri Hayes The Arthur Voaden Secondary School (AVSS) Centenary Committee met three years ago with ideas and enthusiasm to begin planning their monumental 100th year. These committee members could not have known what would transpire in the midst of 2026, being the April 28th announcement that AVSS will close after this semester. Isabelle Nethercott, co-chair of the committee, and Betty Green of marketing and sponsorship, share updates with the community. Upon this recent news, Betty expresses, “Even though we knew this was coming, it still hits hard. I have that hollow feeling, mixed with remembering all of the memories in this space -- what I was doing, who I met…” The Dress Your Decade event will remain on schedule for Saturday, June 27th. Commencing at 7:00 pm, the celebration will be held at the St. Thomas Seniors’ Recreation Centre. For Dress Your Decade, guests are encouraged to flaunt any decade of their choosing with their attire. Isabelle enthuses, “It would be fun if some people dressed in the ‘50s. I am looking forward to seeing everyone’s fashion.”
games. Superfly from Toronto will facilitate the karaoke, accompanied by captivating lights and geared toward tunes across the decades. Betty beams, “I feel excited to see a lot of old faces, and to revisit this good vibe in our care-free, little world.” For an evening of nostalgia and local history, secure your $20.00 through the voaden100.com website. Tickets will also be sold at the door as they remain available. Isabelle and Betty convey immense appreciation for their media sponsor, 94.1 myFM, as well as their gold sponsors: Doug Tarry Homes, Ferguson’s Fancy Beans, Harris Flower Farm, Impressions Printing, Kenny Insurance Brokers and Muma Manufacturing Inc. The AVSS Centenary Committee is determining the date for an immersive day to spend touring the school, with details being posted online. Isabelle conveys, “I am excited about Dress Your Decade, and I’m even more excited now for this tour. With the recent announcement, this has drawn further interest -- which is great for continuing these important conversations in the community.” Further to note, their September 26th Centenary Celebration has been relocated to the St. Anne’s Centre. While the itinerary has shifted to accommodate a one-day event, plenty of displayed memorabilia will remain, as well as their ‘meet the teacher’ feature and a dance in the evening.
This connective opportunity will feature a prize awarded to the best dressed, along with a silent auction and raffle draw, including the following: a bottle of Chivas Regal, a gorgeous crystal decanter, a round of golf for four at Westminster Trails, and more. Representative of AVSS, black and red decorations will fill the venue. There will be a cash bar, spacious dance floor, and designated rows of tables for an array of self-directed Thank You, St. Thomas, You Drove Us to the Top! Visit voaden100.com for further in- sight and ticket purchase, as well as explore their public ‘Arthur Voa- den Centenary’ Facebook page for sharing information about this meaningful community milestone.
We’re honoured to be voted your Favourite New Car Dealership.
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Hometown St. Thomas • June 2026 • Page 7
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And the Readers’ Choice Winners are....
Thank you to everyone who voted in our 2026 Readers Choice Poll. Here are the winners, as selected by you, our readers:
Nail Salon Alpha Nail & Spa Paint and Wall Covering Wallpaper Loft Pet Grooming Cassie’s Canines Wellness Spa Photographer CVD Photography Plumber Elgin County Plumbing Real Estate Office Royal LePage Triland Realty Real Estate Agent Angie Nelson, Elgin Realty Spa Cedarhurst Salon and Spa Tattoo Shop FRANKINGSTYLE Art Gallery and Tattoo Wedding Venue The CASO Station Florist Forest of Flowers Gift Shop Purely Wicked Home Décor Jennings Furniture & Design Hardware & Home Improvement Geerlinks Home Hardware & Building Centre Jewellery Store Muscat Jewellers Pet Store Global Pet Foods Thrift Store Mission Thrift Store Women’s Clothing Boutique Sherry’s St. Thomas Favourite Shopping Customer Service Briwood Farm Market Eyewear Store First Optometry
St. Thomas’ Favourite Automotive Auto Glass Repair Dave’s Auto Glass and Accessories Automotive Repair & Service Speedy Auto Service Car Wash/Detailing Jays Detail Shop New Car Dealer Disbrowe Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Used Car Dealer Bridgeview Motors Oil Chang e Take 5 Oil Change St. Thomas’ Favourite Business or Service Barber Shop A ngry Bear Barbershop + Tattoo Co Beauty Salon Hush Hair Boutique Catering Kathy’s Catering Cleaning Service Molly Maid Financial Planner Ellen Luft - IA Private Wealth Heating & Air Sales & Service G.W.B Heating and Cooling Insurance Agent & Broker Yarmouth Mutual Insurance Company Kitchen Renovation Casey’s Creative Kitchens Landscaper Beamish Landscape Services Inc. Lawyer Bowsher + Bowsher Best New Business (Open in 2025/26) FRANKINGSTYLE Art Gallery and Tattoo
While capturing moments for a lifeti also enjoys FUN family photography
for choosing CVD Photography as your favourite!
A Clear Choice, Three Years Running
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Page 8 Hometown St. Thomas • June 2026
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St. Thomas Favourite Food & Drink Bakery COBS Bread Bar & Grill Railway City Roadhouse Bar and Grill Best Business Lunch Legends Tavern Best New Eatery (2025/26) Zesty Dessert Café Breakfast/Brunch Stacked Pancake & Breakfast House Chicken Wings Wing Boyz Fish & Chips Your Fish and Chips Ice Cream Shaws Ice Cream International Flavours Zesty Dessert Café Pizza Al’s Pizzeria Take-Out Wendy’s St. Thomas Favourite Health & Medicine Audiologist Elgin Audiology Chiropractor Family Health Options Gym/Fitness Centre YMCA Massage Aaron Hunter Mental Health Professional/Therapist Elgin Counselling & Mediation Centre Physiotherapist Office Talbot Trail Physiotherapy Pharmacy Yurek Pharmacy & Home Healthcare Retirement Community Seasons Retirement Community Yoga/Fitness Class Tru For U Health Fitness & Medi Spa Vitamins & Health Food Railway City Health Hut
Jody M. is this years winner of the $250 Briwood Farm Market gift card.
Thank you for Voting! A big thank you, as well, to our sponsor Briwood Farm Market for their support!
For making it a TRIPLE Stack and choosing us as St. Thomas’ Favourite Breakfast three times!
1063 Talbot St., St. Thomas 519-659-2460 www.stackedpancakehouse. ca
Hometown St. Thomas • June 2026 • Page 9
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Local Talent Takes Centre Stage for a Great Cause
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There’s something special about a community coming together to celebrate its own, and that’s exactly what’s brewing at Caps Off Brewing Co. this summer. On June 20, Caps Off Brewing Co. (Located at 168 Curtis St.) will host a fundraising talent show in support of the Railway City Music & Arts Festival, shining a spotlight on local performers while helping sustain one of the city’s most vibrant cultural events. Co-owner Fran Dunseith says the idea has been percolating for a while. “St. Thomas has so much talent,” she explains. “It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while, and this year we wanted to bring it to life.” Partnering the event with the Railway City Music & Arts Festival felt like a natural fit, given its role in showcasing local artists and its reliance on grants and fundraising to continue year after year. The talent show itself will run from 3 pm to 7 pm, but the festivities will stretch well beyond that. The day kicks off at noon and runs through the evening, with live music before and after the main event. A tent sponsored by Redemption Tents ensures the event will go ahead, rain or shine, creating a comfortable and welcoming space for attendees. At the heart of the fundraiser is a simple but engaging concept: audience members can purchase ballots to vote for their favourite performers. Those votes will determine the People’s Choice winner, while a panel of four judges will weigh in on the competition as well. With a maximum of ten contestants, the show promises to be an intimate yet lively showcase of local talent. And when Fran says ‘talent’, she means it broadly. The event is open to performers of all ages and nearly any discipline, musicians, dancers, comedians, magicians, jugglers, so long as the acts remain family- friendly. “We’re excited to see the variety,” she says, noting that the unpredictability is part of the appeal. Registration for contestants is open until June 9, with sign-up available through the brewery’s newsletter and Instagram. For Fran, the highlight won’t just be what happens on stage, but the atmosphere surrounding it. “Seeing the families and friends of contestants, and the look on people’s faces when someone they know gets up there and just shines, that’s what I’m most looking forward to,” she says. “It’s about bringing the community together and having some fun.” With a full day of entertainment, a welcoming environment for all ages, and a meaningful cause behind it, this talent show is shaping up to be more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of St. Thomas at its best.
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Page 10 Hometown St. Thomas • June 2026
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Opening the Gates to Trestle Bridge Poetry by Peri Hayes Founded by Julie Berry, Avi Silver and Sienna Tristen, Trestle Bridge Poetry is a public reading which showcases local artists and liter- ary talent. Having launched on April 17th with Kit Roffey as their fea- tured artist, this creative crew offers insight into their latest venture. Sienna previously ran The Word On The Street in Toronto; Canada’s largest book festival, hosting 150,000 attendees over a two-day period. While carrying forward a familiar focus on facilitating engaging and interactive opportunities, Trestle Bridge Poetry simultaneously curates an intimate experience. The cul- ture and energetic nature of ‘basement poetry’ is revitalized, while integrating a professional polish and personable warmth -- ensuring that guests feel welcomed and cared for. Sienna details, “Along with being the railway capital, ‘Trestle Bridge’ encompasses the crossing of the bridge in a brave way. With poetry moving from one person’s soul and reaching another, we strive for people to embark on that adventure in a safe space.” To this, Avi proceeds, “I am excited for people to come together — of all ages and backgrounds — cheering for one another. Cultivated through love, the fact that this is happening in St. Thomas feels important.” Last year, Sienna and Avi relocated to St. Thomas with a social circle of four. As a means to increase visibility of the local arts, they took it upon themselves to discover what is available in the community and what people are yearning for. For Avi, The Atrium has been a connective light in this community. Meanwhile, at the 2025 Railway City Music and Arts Festival, Sienna curated a booth for the pair to sell their books. During this time, they were introduced to many community members and entrepreneurs. As their network expanded, Sienna and Avi met Julie. These three gathered at the local Lotus Thai to enjoy cups of tea and their shared zest for poetry. Accomplished writer, Julie, voices, “I feel fantastic to have these two willing to help bring this vision to life. What I saw in them was a genuine and passionate desire to share poetry -- to speak, to be heard, and to be seen.” The team conveys immense gratitude for community support and their local sponsors, including Studio Arts Music Academy (technology) and Railway City Tourism (funding featured artists during their spring season). Sienna expresses about their third, “St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre is a beautiful venue with great acoustics and visual interest, creating a multi-media celebration.” On the third Friday of every month, the gates to Trestle Bridge Poetry open at 6:00 pm. There is a designated 30-minute
window reserved for open mic, operating on a first-come first- served basis. The featured artist presents at 7:00 pm, with a social thereafter. With inquiries or sponsorship interest, message ‘Trestle Bridge Poetry’ on Instagram.
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Hometown St. Thomas • June 2026 • Page 11
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No Pressure, Just Style: The Sherry’s Approach
For Sherry’s owner, Sherry Chambers, fashion has never simply been about clothing. It has been about people, confidence, and creating connections within the community she has proudly served for years. That dedication recently earned Sherry another honour, being voted St. Thomas’ Favourite Women’s Clothing Boutique in the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. “I want to thank everyone who voted for Sherry’s,” said Sherry. “This makes me and my staff thrilled that we must be doing something right.” The recognition represents decades of hard work and a lifelong dream that began long before she opened the doors to her boutique. “I have been in ladies’ wear since December 2004. This has always been my dream,” she explained. Before entering the fashion world, Sherry’s career path took her on several unique adventures. She spent 19 years working in factory jobs before meeting her future husband in 1983. A truck driver at the time, he eventually taught her to drive transport trucks herself. “I quit my factory job and went trucking for 14 years,” she said. “It was quite an experience. I got to see North America, 48 states and across Canada except down east.” Following her years on the road, Sherry operated a restaurant business for seven years before another opportunity appeared, opening her own boutique. Sherry first established her store in downtown St. Thomas in 2017 before later relocating to its current home inside Elgin Centre.
Today, she credits much of the boutique’s success to the atmosphere created by both her staff and customers. “I am so lucky to have the staff that I have now,” she said. “They are very reliable, friendly and have a lot of knowledge of our lines.” That welcoming environment is central to the store’s philosophy. “Our motto is the customer has to love it,” said Sherry. “We have great customer service with a smile, all the help you need to find that perfect outfit, and if you don’t find it, that’s OK with us. There’s no pressure, only help if you need it.” Over the years, the boutique has become more than simply a place to shop. For Sherry and her team, it has also become a place where friendships are formed. “We are a very friendly bunch, and we make so many new friends doing what we do,” she said. “We love what we do. You’re always welcome at Sherry’s.”
Celebrating 22 Years of Style in St. Thomas
Discover our Beautiful Spring Collection TRICOTTO • JOSEPH RIBKOFF • DOLCEZZA • BELLA AMORE • RED CORAL FASHION • FRIENDSHIP • COMMUNITY 631-1966 • Elgin Centre • 417 Wellington St. Love us on Facebook to see our new arrivals!
Page 12 Hometown St. Thomas • June 2026
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Stephanie Holt’s Teens and Tales: Dice and Dragons by Peri Hayes
Having witnessed the joy produced, this motivated Stephanie to design an opportunity tailored to the youth demographic. Teens and Tales: Dice and Dragons is an immersive experience, at no cost. Stephanie’s incentive is to gather people together in an accessible and welcoming space for an interactive day of storytelling and local connection. “To build and sustain a community around a particular art or skill, it is necessary to involve young people -- and storytelling is an important art.” As Stephanie continues, “This is a way for me to bridge youth and storytelling together. I hope others will see the value, and enjoy this outlet as much as I do. Regarding Teens and Tales, I am curious to hear what youth in this area think about D&D’s connection to storytelling.” On June 14th from 2:00 until 5:00 pm, Stephanie will host Teens and Tales: Dice and Dragons at The Atrium -- now located at 581 Talbot Street. Beverages and snacks will be available, with approximately 20 participants accepted between the ages of 13 to 19. Stephanie warmly assures, “While this is an opportunity for teens to share their voice, there is zero pressure for them to share their voice.” “As much as this is about telling a story,” Stephanie concludes, “One of the most important skills is listening, and having people model this is incredibly beneficial to the group dynamic. I look forward to June 14th, along with curating different events with a range of age groups moving forward.” Visit eventbrite.ca/e/1987323643515?aff=oddtdtcreator online to register, and kindly contact Stephanie with inquiries by phone: 548-788-2537.
Stephanie Holt was working at the St. Thomas Public Library when they were introduced to a captivating storyteller: “I was absolutely mesmerized.” Ste- phanie began researching the Baden Storytellers’ Guild and attended their first ‘Stories Aloud’ open mic in Waterloo, as well as participated in the introductory oral storytelling workshops from October of
2019 through March of 2020, meeting online thereafter. “I be- came a member and in May of 2021, I virtually attended the International Storytelling Festival put on by Storytelling Toronto. I’ve enjoyed connecting with a larger group of people in this cre- ative field.” “I dedicated myself to training through various organizations, and began offering opportunities at the St. Thomas Public Library. In January of this year, I launched Tales All Around.” The local entrepreneur is debuting their latest local event this month, Teens and Tales: Dice and Dragons. Stephanie shares their inspiration: “My sons, who are in their early-mid 20s, are D&D players. I see how much fun they have: cheering together; enjoying these connective moments that build upon one another throughout each session; portraying their characters through such an engaging form of collaborative storytelling. I see D&D as a huge part of our popular culture, especially for young people.”
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Twice Blessed, Thanks to You Chosen as St. Thomas’ Favourite Thrift Store for the second year running.
Your support helps us give back in meaningful ways. With thankful hearts, we’re especially grateful for those who donate and to our volunteers. Your generosity is a true blessing!
7 First Avenue, St. Thomas Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 9am – 5pm • Thurs 9am – 7pm Donation hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 9am – 4:30pm Thurs 9am – 6:30pm Closed Sundays and Holidays
Page 14 Hometown St. Thomas • June 2026
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Tails Wagging Across Town for Global Pet Foods
A familiar stop for local pet owners, Global Pet Foods St. Thomas has become known for the kind of one-on-one service that keeps customers, and their pets, coming back. That reputation has earned them the recognition as St. Thomas’ Favourite Pet Store in this year’s Readers’ Choice awards, a nod to the strong relationships it has built within the community. Owned by Sean Eason and Erica Dixon, the store reflects years of dedication to both pets and their people. “We are an entirely Canadian-owned and operated chain dedicated to providing pet parents with healthy, quality options for everyone,” Sean explains. With 15 years each working with the brand, the pair bring deep knowledge to the business. Erica adds, “Between Sean, Shelby (our manager) and myself, we have over 45 years of experience helping pet parents care for their pets.” That experience and passion have not gone unnoticed. For Erica, the recent recognition is both rewarding and motivating. “It feels great to receive recognition for our hard work. It will motivate us to continue striving for the high standards we set for ourselves and meeting our customers’ expectations,” she says. Sean echoes that sentiment, emphasizing the team’s commitment to service. “We aim for every customer to leave our store feeling happy with the service they have received and every pet to leave with their tail wagging. To be recognized for this is amazing.” Together, they add, “We want to thank all our lovely customers for their continued support, and we will continue to provide you with the customer service you have come to expect.”
In an era dominated by big box retailers, Sean believes the difference lies in the personal touch. “Our friendly and know- ledgeable staff. You will always be greeted with a friendly smile, and if you have a question that we don’t know the answer to, we will find it out!” Erica agrees, noting their ongoing commitment to learning. “We are always doing research to find the best products, expanding our knowledge, and just learning as much as we can to better help our customers.” There’s more to discover at the store than many realize. “That we are a premium pet store, but we have food and accessories for every budget. Feeding healthy doesn’t have to break the bank!” Sean says. Erica adds, “We also have an amazing D.I.Y. dog wash. It’s a secure room you have to yourself. We provide shampoo, towels, waterproof collars and aprons. You can walk- in or book an appointment.” At the end of the day, it’s the connections, both human and furry, that matter most. “As much as I love seeing all of our human customers, I’d be lying if I didn’t say my favourite part was seeing our furry friends!” Sean shares. Erica agrees, adding, “Nothing keeps us more motivated than when a customer comes back and tells us that the solution we gave them was a success!”
LET’S PAW-TY! THANKS FOR VOTING US #1! Proud to be St. Thomas’ Favourite Pet Store. Thank you for your support!
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Hometown St. Thomas • June 2026 • Page 15
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St. Thomas’ Favourite Financial Planner: Ellen Luft
Votes, Voices, and Community: One Mom’s Quest for Super Mom For Lindsay Payne, what began as a simple online entry has quickly grown into something much bigger; it is now a community-wide effort fuelled by local support, personal resilience and a desire to share her story.
Being named Favourite Financial Planner in the 2026 Reader’s Choice Awards is a reflection of both expertise and trust, something Ellen Luft has built throughout her career. A Certified Financial Planner and Senior Wealth Advisor with iA Private Wealth, she also serves as an Insurance Advisor, offering a well- rounded approach to financial health. Ellen has been a Certified Financial Planner since 1999, beginning her career as a bank teller before moving into independent financial services. “I felt my clients would be better served through a diversified product offering, allowing me to focus on the integration of financial planning with investment options and advice tailored to meet their personal goals,” she explains. That personalized approach is central to her work. Ellen takes the time to truly understand each client before they even come on board. “A client is not a number or even just a name; they become a friend,” Ellen says, noting the importance of trust and adaptability as clients move through life’s milestones. For Ellen, the reward is seeing those journeys unfold. “I love the personal relationship side of the business and seeing my clients reach their goals,” she shares.
Being recognized by the community is especially meaningful. “I am humbled to be chosen St. Thomas’ favourite Financial Planner for 2026. To those who voted for me, I am honoured to be your Financial Advisor. I embrace your goals, dreams and challenges every day.”
Ellen Luft of iA Private Wealth Ellen Luft of iA Private Wealth Ellen has been active in the Financial Services Industry since graduating from High School. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, Senior Wealth Advisor and In- surance Agent. She provides wealth build- ing solutions for individuals by focusing on all aspects of financial health including saving goals, taxes, estate planning and philanthropy. Ellen takes a very personalized approach to working with her clients, building long term relationships built on trust and a mutual understanding of her client’s goals. Ellen is very active in her community supporting such projects as the Elgin-St. Thomas Community Foundation, Hospice of Elgin, The Art Centre, and local hospitals. People today lead very busy lifestyles. Having someone they trust working on their financial goals allows them to get on with the demands of family, business and taking care of self. iA Private Wealth is a trademark and business name under which iA Private Wealth Inc. operates. iA Private Wealth Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization. *Insurance products are provided through iA Private Wealth Insurance, which is a trade name of PPI Management Inc. Only products and services offered through iA Private Wealth Inc. are covered by the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.
Lindsay, a St. Thomas mother of two, is currently competing with NewBeauty Magazine for the title of Super Mom. While the competition offers a $20,000 prize and a feature in the magazine, for Lindsay, the experience has become about far more than the potential win. “What started as just giving it a shot has turned into something I never expected,” she explains. “I had no idea when I first started how many people would be involved, or how big this competition really is.” That scale became clear early on. Across North America, thousands of mothers are competing in grouped rounds, with eliminations narrowing the field week by week. “There were 63 people in my group at one point,” she says. “And I remember seeing that in previous years, there were over 140,000 moms in the competition. So truly, it’s everywhere.” Despite the size of the contest, Lindsay’s journey has taken on a distinctly local feel. Businesses across St. Thomas and Aylmer, including The Fritter Shop, Myrtle, The Harvest Table, Grandma’s Oven, and Ruby’s, have opened their doors to help her spread the word.
Page 16 Hometown St. Thomas • June 2026 Ellen Luft, CFP® Senior Wealth Advisor, iA Private Wealth® Insurance Advisor, iA Private Wealth Insurance ellen.luft@iaprivatewealth.ca Ellen Luft, CFP® Senior Wealth Advisor, iA Private Wealth® Insurance Advisor, iA Private Wealth Insurance ellen.luft@iaprivatewealth.ca
519-631-4088 1-866-643-5536 188 Sunset Drive, Unit 2 St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 3B9 519-631-4088 1-866-643-5536 188 Sunset Drive, Unit 2 St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 3B9
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