COLUMN: How to give back and how to move on

As a transplant to northern Ontario, I’ve often thought about what it means to be part of a community.

When I was a newspaper reporter in Timmins and then Thunder Bay, I used to wonder where I fit in.

These thoughts came from me considering what impact my work had compared to the work of others, especially after interviewing firefighters, police officers, paramedics, or members of city council.

I also wondered about other ways I could make a difference outside of my job. I realized one way I could provide guidance while also becoming more ingrained in my community was by serving on boards.

While living in Thunder Bay I served on a variety of boards. The meetings were sometimes long, but often there were great discussions and I would meet important people.

It also allowed me to make a difference beyond the scope of my role as a writer.

I’m planning to take some time to settle in the Sault, but eventually I will explore opportunities to serve on boards here.

If you’re looking for ways you can give back, the city has posted a list of boards and committees looking for participants. Applications are due by Dec. 6.
 

As you’ve probably heard by now, Donald Trump won the presidential election and will begin his second term as president after being sworn in on Jan. 20, 2025.

Some of you might be happy about this and others probably aren’t. Either way, it’s something we have to live with.

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a close relationship with my parents. My mom has a great response when things don’t go your way.

“Oh well . . .”

That’s it. She just says “Oh well . . .” and doesn’t say anything else.

What I think she means is: “Oh well, there’s nothing we can do so let’s make the best of it.”

Something on Facebook jumped out at me over the weekend, which relates to my mom's saying. It was a quote by Robert Frost:

“In three words, I can sum up everything I have learned about life: it goes on.”

Besides, Trump won the popular vote this time, so you can’t really argue with that. Americans have chosen their president. Oh well . . .