Introducing Melissa Meystadt

Melissa Meystadt, owner of the Muskoka Music Academy, grew up in Port Sydney. Although she is just 31, this is her 20th consecutive year as a volunteer for Port Sydney's annual turkey dinner. To read her profile, click here.

Introducing Shane Connon

Shane Connon is a 17-year-old Huntsville musician who has already been strumming, singing and drumming in front of audiences for years. To read his profile, click here.

Musing: My biggest challenge yet

I'm about to profile someone who was recently diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's.

This isn't for the newspaper; very few people will ever read it. And it will be the most important piece of writing I've ever done.

I am honoured to have the chance to share this person's story: to hear about how her life has unfolded, to give her a chance to reflect on its themes and lessons, and then to weave a tapestry of words that reflects who she is and present it to her.

I hope the process will be valuable for her. I also hope that someday, when she can no longer tell her story, a caregiver or family member will be able to use what they learn from the profile to connect more fully with her. If so, I will have done my job.

Introducing Marjory Goodwin

Marjory Goodwin, known to many of her students as Mrs. Earl, spent her entire career as a teacher at Huntsville Public School. She is also an accomplished artist and has a great interest in local history and geneaology. To read Marjory's profile, click here.

Introducing George Anderson

George Anderson is an outdoor educator who has spent the past 28 years at the Yearley Outdoor Education Centre. To read his profile, click here.

Introducing Shannan Boothby

Port Cunnington native Shannan Boothby is a photographer and owner of the company Ripples Web Design. Her other passions are family, community and animals. To read her profile, click here.