To the local media:

This isn’t a press release, just an overdue thank you. Tonight at our Earth Day planning meeting, the role of the media came up and as there are some new people helping plan this year’s event, I shared some of C.A.R.E. Stratford’s history with them.

One of the key partnerships that has made C.A.R.E. Stratford successful at raising the profile of environmental and social justice issues is the media. The idea came...what about choosing one outlet as an Environmental Leader?

This isn’t flattery, it is truth.

I can’t imagine choosing a leader as each of you have been helpful in amplifying our message. The idea of amplification seems important to recognize. There are individuals who hear about our ideas and initiatives only through you. Attending an event may not be feasible but you amplify our message so that audiences beyond our reach can be impacted.

I am so very thankful.

All of us lost a friend in Kevin McCann. My introduction to Kevin was through his role as general manager at the Gazette. As I’ve thought of him often in the past few weeks, I’ve realized how often I assume people know how much I appreciate them. Kevin was so affirming, insightful and practical.

I was thankful to have the chance to work with him again on this year’s event and am still feeling stunned at the news of his death.

Kevin’s support was reflective of our local media. Over the years, I have received support and encouragement not only from Kevin but from all of you. Please know that your support is a gift that I treasure. Thank you for all you do.

I can vividly remember a meeting we had in Kevin’s office. His words of affirmation and his willingness to share dreams with me will stay with me forever. I remember talking about the Avon River project and while there are many who have questioned its viability, I so appreciated the kindred spirit I found in Kevin as he shared the conviction that a healthy river was not only possible but that it was coming.

My thoughts are with his family.