Neighbourhoods are defined by more than just names and geographic boundaries. They are defined by the people within them: people who live, work, and volunteer while making their community a better place. Mike Siek (who you will read more about elsewhere in this issue) is someone who embodies all of these things. 

Whether giving of his time and talents with the Heart of the City Festival, volunteering at numerous events at the rink, helping facilitate programming at McCauley Apartments, and even spending some time on the board of this community newspaper, Mike is someone whose impact resonates throughout McCauley and beyond.

Like many, I was sad to learn the news that Mike would be leaving this summer. However, time moves on and lives change. Nothing - and no one - lasts forever.

Mike’s journey will leave gaps that will provide opportunities for others in the area to step up and fill. Sometimes the most valuable volunteers are people who simply emerged when needed. 

I know many who have been inspired by Mike’s unwavering commitment to the community.  It is my sincere hope that some of them will rise to the occasion, if they haven’t already. No event or organization should rest entirely on the shoulders of one individual. We all need to share the work. That way, when it comes time for someone to move on, there will always be others to carry the torch.