Comment
People and groups make a community great
by Michelle Minnoch

As a member of this community for seven years now, and the editor for your community newspaper, it has been my pleasure attending meetings, events, dinners (oh yeah!) and more on your behalf - that has been my job - to bring the information to you.

On Friday I received a job in Leduc, Alberta, so this is my second last paper for The Scope.

Although I had taken journalism in college, I had never worked for a paper before, so diving right in there was really important. I have to admit, I had never been to a council meeting, never visited the library, and had no idea how important local groups were to this community.

And now that I have gotten to know many of you, it will be hard for me to leave you.

First of all, the Town of Innisfil has the best library I have ever seen. They are more than just books - the people at our various branches go to great lengths to make learning fun, productive, and provide programs parents can be proud of signing up their children for. I would like to let all the librarians know it has been a pleasure working with them - and thanks to the parents, whom I may not know by name, but greeted me with a smile when I attended an event.

There are various community groups and committees I have worked with that really bring people together, while working for the greater good of Innisfil. The Innisfil Historical Society, the Heritage Committee, and the various Horticultural Societies (to name a few) work hard to ensure the community treasures what they have, and make it that much better. The people of these committees and groups really do work hard for the betterment of the town.

As the lone reporter attending the monthly board meetings of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, I found the information, delegations and presentations imperative for my work. With concerns regarding Lake Simcoe, I was often surprised I was the he only reporter usually attending the meetings.

Of course, I have to mention the hard work of the South Simcoe Police. Taking part in ridealongs really opened my eyes as to what the officers face when going out and dealing with the pubic. Kudos also to the Innisfil Fire Fighters and the Volunteer Fire Fighters. I always enjoyed covering their events, as they not only make sacrifices for their community, but take part in fundraising and local events.

Besides, many of you who know me know that I am a sucker for a man in a uniform.

Over the past two years I have gotten to know our municipal officials, which are made up of a great group of men and women. These people work for our community and strive to see it continue forward.

Although I had made a few phone calls Friday to inform some people personally, I know there are a few people I have forgotten. All I know is that by Saturday morning, I had four phone calls and 16 emails from people asking me if what they had heard was true.

Man, I'm really going to miss this place.