Letter from the Editor Well, looks like we made it — this is the sixth anniversary issue of REAL Living Magazine ! We first launched in May of 2019 as a bit of a challenge to ourselves. At the time, we had been publishing Hometown St. Thomas Magazine for almost a year and Boomers & Beyond for about six months when Staci and I decided we needed a magazine dedicated to Elgin’s vibrant rural community.
One of my favourite things about living in Elgin is all the fairs and festivals. One of my top picks, of course, is the Rosy Rhubarb Festival, happening June 7th and 8th this year. What a legacy this event has left in Shedden! Beyond the world- famous rhubarb jam and pies, it’s about community pride. For one weekend, the whole town comes together to have a little fun, do a little shopping, and taste a little rhubarb. It’s funny, though — I can’t think about rhubarb without remembering one of my old co-workers, Nancy Watson of Fingal. She used to bring the most delicious rhubarb crumb cakes in to work. I’ve since moved on, and Nancy’s enjoying retired life these days, but if I see rhubarb, I think of Nancy. Funny how the mind works sometimes! In this issue, I also had the chance to catch up with our recently re-elected MPP, Rob Flack. Over the years, I’ve often said that regardless of your political leaning, I’ve found the level of competency and integrity in our local MP and MPP to be unmatched. I’m confident that MPP Flack will continue that legacy for another four years. That’s all for now! Our next issue is our Summer issue, which will be released in August. As always, if you have any questions, comments, or story ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at geoff@villagerpublications.com. I’d be happy to hear from you!
Now, truthfully, I had been in sales in Elgin for about four years at that point, but I didn’t have too many rural customers and Staci, well she was from Toronto and I’m originally from London, so downtown St. Thomas was about as rural as we had ever lived. However, we had lived in Elgin long enough to understand the importance of our rural community. We also recognized the underrepresentation of these communities. So, we set out to reflect the people, businesses, and culture that make our rural towns and villages shine. While Staci passed in 2020; her legacy lives on, and our work continues. Over the past six years, we’ve done our best to tell your stories, stories that matter to you and your neighbours. From local businesses, to events, to noteworthy happenings, we’ve had the privilege of working with organizations like the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, as well as our amazing columnists who live, work, and farm in our community. All to bring you a magazine you can call your own.
Page 2 Real Living • Spring 2025
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