Dear Readers,
It is with a mix of emotions that I pen down these lines to announce my retirement after four fulfilling decades as a part of this incredible community. The journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by the ebb and flow of time, stories, and the warmth of the people who make this community what it is.
As I sit down to reflect on these 45 years, it’s impossible to overlook the profound impact this community has had on my life. I started here as a young sales representative, eager to sell the space to tell the stories that needed to be told, and today, I leave as a seasoned observer who has been privileged to witness the evolution of this town.
The heart and soul of any community lie in its people, and this community is no exception. From the bustling town meetings to the quieter moments of connection at local events, I’ve had the privilege of documenting the essence of our shared experiences. Through triumphs and challenges, celebrations, and heartaches, you have welcomed me into your lives, and for that, I am profoundly grateful. Being President of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, sitting on so many boards and committees, it truly has been a great ride. Being a member of the Kinsmen Club has allowed me to participate in so many events, all that gave back to our community.
The pages of this newspaper have not only chronicled the news but have also woven a tapestry of the community’s spirit. Your stories have been my compass, guiding me through the ever-changing landscape of local events, politics, and human triumphs. Whether it was the inauguration of the new community center, the championship victory of our high school sports team, or the heartfelt stories of resilience in the face of adversity, each narrative has added to the rich mosaic of our shared history. We built a Aquatic centre, new Benson sports complex, the new CCH hospital, affordable housing, and retail growth.
Retiring is not merely a professional milestone; it is a transition, a passing of the baton. As I step away, I trust that the next generation of journalists and staff at Seaway News will continue to uphold the standards of truth, integrity, and community service that have been the pillars of our newspaper. The responsibility to tell your stories with empathy and accuracy now falls into capable hands, and I have full confidence that our community will be well-represented. Our CornwallLiving magazine series is a example of how to showcase this area and communities.
To every reader who has shared a kind word, sent a letter to the editor, or engaged in spirited debates on the opinion pages, thank you. Your engagement has made this paper a two-way street, a dialogue that transcends the ink on paper.
As I bid farewell to the daily rhythm of deadlines and headlines, I carry with me the indelible memories of a community that has grown, changed, and thrived over the years. I leave with a heart full of gratitude and the knowledge that the community we have built together will continue to flourish. A staff that has come and gone and those still there of 39 years that has been a second family, always there, always willing to help. In 39 years, we never missed a week delivered, we published through it all including the ice storm.
To my family, thanks for the support. Brenda, you’re the best. To Dick, you took a chance and it worked. To all my friends, thank you.
In closing, thank you for allowing me to be a small part of the fabric of this town for four incredible decades. It has been an honour and a privilege.
With heartfelt gratitude, Rick Shaver
