In Thorndale over 20 years

It's hard to believe that we moved to Thorndale from London in late April 1996. As both of my children eventually attended Leesboro PS, I found myself volunteering a fair bit. I helped with facilitating the Chess Club, supported our son in participating in school plays and created graduation videos for both the children's grade 8 graduation class. We were so happy with the school and community and to this day feel blessed that they had a happy, safe environment to grow up in.

My husband was a Scouts leader when there was one in Thorndale,  and often he couldn't make it back from Toronto to attend a Scouts meeting. I often stood in for him and will never forget being greeted at those meetings by all the cubs as "Mrs. Rusty".  My husband and I have always believed in the fact that it takes a village to raise a child and were there for many kids who we felt needed an extra hand.

I was also a member of the Thorndale Revitalization Committee, where we were headed by Ralph Stephens and Bill Ross who fought to separate our needs from the whole of Thames Centre. Through the RED grant, we were able to implement the light standards on main street as well as all the trees planted there. I designed and created the banners on the light standards as well as design and supervision of the making of the Wye Creek Park sign next to the hardware store. I have had one of my paintings over the fireplace at the Thorndale Library since it was expanded from it's former self.

I remember being on lots of Christmas and Fall Fair floats representing either the Scouts or Leesboro PS. Going tobogganing in the winter with the Cubs and supporting the Sparks with their fundraising efforts.

As my children attended university, I have been less involved but I am very proud of I Love Thorndale and how it is offering a real community connection to all residents. From my days with the Thorndale Revitalization Committee, I know how important it is for Thorndale to set itself apart from Dorchester. I hold no ill will to them in any way as they have a vibrant business community. It's just that I feel Thorndale needs to stand on own. When I first heard of the start of ILT, I told them that they were an important part of the community and wanted them to be very successful.

I have started advertising my company with ILT and offer my help in any way to continue to make it a vital part of the community. It is exciting to know that Thorndale is growing and it is becoming more feasible for me to focus on Thames Centre and area to grow my business.

This local focus will also allow me volunteer again and be more active in the community.

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