OCTOBER 2022 EDITION
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ST. THOMAS, ONTARIO
Always Ready With Teamwork and Dedication There are many different groups and agencies in our community that take care of important areas such as health, housing, poverty, security and infrastructure. Individually, these groups are committed and caring and serve their clients so well. Collectively, it is astonishing what our local groups and agencies can accomplish. by Steve Bond
BScPhm, RPh, CDE, FASCP Yurek Pharmacy 519 Talbot Street
Locally, we have an Emergency Response group which is called into action when a crisis arises. Lead by members of the City of St. Thomas and Southwest Public Health, this group includes all aspects of response. Members include representatives from Public Health, the City, the Hospital, Central Community Health Centre, Canadian Mental Health Association, Home & Community Care Support, St. John’s Ambulance, SOLGEN, Police Services, and the Fire Department. There are also primary care physicians, nurse practitioners and pharmacists. So what kind of events would call this group to action? As many people will likely remember, there was an incident last year at a local group home where living conditions
became unsafe. Naturally, the first step was to work with the owner to rectify the situation. But, after numerous requests were ignored, the safety of residents came into question. A temporary shelter was set up to handle all the basic needs we take for granted: lodging, clothing, food, healthcare. They say it takes a village to raise a child; but it takes an entire team of dedicated members to handle a crisis. Just before Christmas last year, the emergency response group was needed to address a rising spread of Covid-19 affecting homeless individuals. When someone is positive for Covid, one of the recommendations is to self-isolate; but how do you do this when you have no roof over your head? Once again, a shelter was set
up to address the issue and of course many people volunteered their time and expertise to care for those in need. I grew up in St. Thomas. Our city isn’t always perfect, but we have so many dedicated people from all different services ready to respond when the need arises. Ready to take care of others. Makes me proud to call St. Thomas my home. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Message from DDB by Earl Taylor Chair, Downtown Development Board I must admit that we just experienced an amazing summer this year. Yes, it was a little too warm and muggy for some like me, but hey, we are good Canadians and we can handle it. But, I’m definitely looking forward to the coming cooler fall weather. Have you been Downtown lately? Wow, it’s a bustling place with our local shops open and eager to welcome you. Take advantage of our two hours of free parking and visit one of our patios before mid October when we put the furniture away for another year.
And don’t forget to bring your Downtown Dollars with you because they’re redeemable at most stores! Our hanging flower baskets have been removed for the season but our sidewalk planters are in full bloom, thanks to St. Thomas Parks. Keep your cameras handy because they will be updated shortly to a colourful display of fall Mums! Trick or Treat - after a long 2 year hiatus, we are once again planning our Downtown Pumpkin Prowl for Friday October 28. Get the kids dressed in their Halloween costumes and from 5 p.m.
to 8 p.m., prowl our Downtown merchants for lots of ghoulish treats. Check us out at: www.DowntownPumpkinProwl.ca. Love Where You Shop - Downtown St. Thomas!