Books Opinion
Alex Wilson has journeyed to many distant places, but for the St. Thomas native, home will always be where her heart is.
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Eric Bunnell • Special to Postmedia Network
Jul 19, 2024 • Last updated Jul 19, 2024 • 6 minute read
Alex Wilson is author of a children’s book that is a love letter about St. Thomas. Photo by Eric Bunnell /Special to Postmedia
Although life has led Alex Wilson on many adventures – “I’ve had a lot of adventures,” she laughs – there’s really no place like home for this St. Thomas local.
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“I’ve travelled. And I’ve come back. And I still just love coming home.”
Now at age 36, she has written a heartfelt book about her hometown. Titled Welcome Back to St. Thomas, it’s a children’s story filled with her favorite memories growing up in the city and dedicated both to her town and her young son, Wilsey, who is just 18 months old.
As she hopes he will one day pursue his dreams wherever they take him, Alex also wants him to remember the roots that shaped him-especially his family.
“(The book) is about coming back home with your family and visiting friends and family and sharing memories and keeping in touch,” says Alex, whose friendships trace back as far as kindergarten.
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<p Having grown up in the area, Alex’s strong bond with her hometown shines through in this book where she revisits many cherished childhood spots through verse.
You’ll find mentions of the Jumbo monument for sure.
The Elevated Park nearby gets its shoutout too. Fast Food Alley along Talbot St. east also makes an appearance. The hill on Chestnut St., perfect for sledding during wintertime festivities like the Fantasy of Lights at Pinafore Park rounds out some beloved locations.
A special nod goes to Medlyn’s Hardware run by her grandparents Ron and Marg.
“We grew up running that store,” the author reminisces.
“I still go into hardware stores every time I’m out just to get that familiar smell.”
“I just loved it.”
The illustrations are crafted by Matthew Dunham, an acquaintance and Stay True Tattoo artist.
“I was looking for an illustrator and thought, ‘I have a vision in my head – who would be best for that?’ And tattoo artists bring ideas to life; that’s exactly what he did.”
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<P<< p = "Now studying business administration at Fanshawe College , Alex says she's been writing since her Grade8 graduation poem from New Sarum Public School (she's also from Parkside Collegiate Institute). A book was something she'd always dreamed of creating."
In fact , she admits she’s been talking about it for over two decades.
However , it wasn’t until becoming a new mom that she discovered her story.
“When I was finishing my mat leave , I wanted something meaningful to show Wilsey when he’s older , inspiring him to follow his goals.”
“Life can become overwhelming sometimes.”
Thus emerged this little book idea.
“This concept popped into my mind , so I figured it’d be great way to start.”
The story starts at bedtime where Alex prepares Wilsey’s bag telling him , “Tomorrow we’ll visit some family we haven’t seen in ages.”
< p = "Can I share some things about our city that'll make you smile?"
Wilsey even appears within several illustrations : there’s Mc Wilsey’s serving burgers on Talbot Street , plus graffiti reading “Sleepy Wilsey” found on boxcars near Elgin County Railway Museum.
< p = "Welcome Back To St Thomas ," which features cover art taken from a city sign atop Talbot Street Hill was under Tellwell Talent. It's available at Lockwood Books or online via Amazon (softcover) & Indigo (hardcover & soft), as well as directly through Alex herself (look up phonebook).
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Though we’re halfway through July already , it’s still worth thinking ahead towards Christmas … particularly Christmas Care.< “Christmas Care – yes even now,” declares Richard Auckland president non-profit ensuring everyone community receives holiday groceries hampers gifts kids after more than four decades active service.< Already gearing up plans next year Christmas Care team asks individuals schools businesses groups involved annual charity lend hand kickstart all-volunteer campaign early.< “…If any organizations want organize toy food drives please aim wrap-up date around Nov29th or sooner delivery either center pick-up by staff following week.”< 7 This hasn't loaded yet but article proceeds down. Monetary donations are always welcome click thru christmascaresstthomas. com however “we prefer physical contributions throughout November” explains Richard. “This helps us pack hampers distribution boxes effectively.” (Any non-perishables arriving later redirected other food-security services around area while toys stored safely). Christmas Care anticipates setting operation early November Memorial arena distribute food location collection toys remains undecided. Organization brightens holidays annually approximately four thousand people including sixteen hundred children. 8 This hasn't loaded yet but article continues below.
Some individuals already considering future efforts support those involved cleaning teams working hard hospitals such ST-Thomas-Elgin General Hospital. “Once again yearly fabulous housekeeping team organized fundraiser July benefiting local charity known as Christmas Care ST-Thomas” STEGH shared social media platforms. “The team raffled off several gift baskets brimming summertime goodies alongside Yeti cooler resulting total $2924-80 raised making highest amount ever collected July! ” “Congratulations winners housekeeping heroes!”
Just guess who’s dining here? Canadian musical icon Steven Page touring far wide promoting latest album Excelsior stops September twenty-sixth at Elgin County Railway Museum evening celebrating entrepreneurship within community! 9 This ad hasn’t loaded yet but continues further down: Content follows: Organized jointly ELGIN/ST. THOMAS SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE CENTRE annual event BRIDGES TO BETTER BUSINESS showcasing local cuisine presentations honoring small business contributions community recognized awards exceeding dozen nominees. More than twenty food-focused enterprises participating followed afterwards recognizing numerous small companies valued input growth surrounding areas Page co-founder Barenaked Ladies launched solo career subsequently producing five albums since two-thousand nine alongside mental health advocacy public speaking appearances booked often too! To purchase tickets access sbecinnovation. ca/bridges.
Organizers estimate three thousand attendees gathered Saturday afternoon Port Stanley streets celebrate third iteration COLORS ON THE BEACH festivity! 10 This hasn’t loaded yet; however details continue below. Participants threw colorful cornstarch reminiscent Indian festival Holi celebrating diversity inclusivity coordinated Indian Culture London Ontario South Asian Association regional partners’ assistance! “It went very well,” shares Bhavin Patel spokesperson organizing event.”,”Three thousand people plus enjoyed themselves immensely.” Indeed waits exceeded hour long parking spots crowded lakeshore beach setting! “We plan introduce shuttle service future events!” Bhavin states confidently.” Colors supports various community initiatives remaining funds directed helping homeless services post expenses accounted profits generated.
New bus arrives block recently! Four months elapsed Middlesex County Connect transit extended ST. THOMAS pilot program linking Dorchester London town funded Provincially connects via private operator Flix Bus providing daily coaches traveling between cities Pearson Airport inclusive connections beyond scheduled trips while standard route offers several roundtrips daily Flixbus currently operates only one late afternoon service without announcements additional times being added enabling round trip excursions feasible soon thereafter! For updates regarding Middlesex county connect info refer middlesex. ca/ct. Find flixbus online flixbus. ca Stay safe! ericbunnellspeople@gmail. com Content wraps here.
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