Another month, another editorial lamenting the loss of a local media service.
This time it’s the Kingston branch of Corus, the parent company of the likes of CKWS Global, Fresh Radio and Big FM. On July 21 their on-air talent and members of their news department were let go, the latest in cost-cutting measures by the media giant.
Kingston’s CKWS news broadcast would often feature stories of interest for the Lennox and Addington area. Although that would place them as somewhat of a ‘competitor’ to the Napanee Beaver, we take no joy in the news of its demise. We’ve often said more media voice in a community is not only a good thing, it’s a necessity for the civic health of a community.
At the end of the day a media outlet is a business and it has to make money to be viable. Support from the community it serves is vital-because they’re definitely missed when they’re gone.
-On the topic of writing about things we’d rather not have to write, we have another passing of a prominent member of the community.
In this case it’s Lennox and Addington Interval House executive director Sue Weir.
Covering events relating to Interval House over the years it was only natural to cross paths with Sue, who oversaw the Napanee-based women’s shelter for 25 years.
Just last December she invited me to snap a few photos at the Legion as sort of a good news story. Families under the care of the shelter were being treated to a spa day, a bit of a respite from the challenges they were facing in their lives.
At the time I had no idea Sue was sick. Just seven months later she would be gone. Not that her health was particularly any of my business, but in talking to colleagues of hers following the news of her passing, it became clear that she wasn’t the type to seek sympathy. She was devoted to the advancement of Interval House and continued to work for the betterment of the agency right up until her final weeks. She was known for her fierce devotion to the cause. Overseeing a charitable organization is never as easy as a lot of people may think and it often takes a stubborn, no nonsense approach to keep it going. Just because their mandate is to care for some of the most vulnerable members of society doesn’t mean they won’t have to fight for their slice of the pie so to speak to keep the operation viable.
Like any social service programs, no one ever wants to have to use Interval House. But should the time come when it is needed, it’s crucial. Fortunately it’s available right here in Napanee. A lot of credit for that should go to Sue Weir.
-Adam Prudhomme