Thanks for the past three decades of history!

Thirty years is not a long time in the big scheme of things. But in Caledon's recent history, the three decades have brought about enormous, almost life-altering changes to this once secluded rural community.

From humble beginnings as an extension of the Orangeville Citizen in 1977 to one of Caledon's leading community newspapers, the Caledon Citizen has shared in the events that helped shape our little piece of paradise. We are marking our 30th anniversary and 25th birthday in Bolton. It's in no small part due to the support of our advertisers and citizens who embraced us from day one.

Arriving in Bolton in the spring of 1982, just down the street from a long-established newspaper, we must have been seen as a young pup, sniffing around the tall pines that dotted the landscape. But we were here to work, to roll up our sleeves and get involved in our new community.

The fact we've lasted 25 years, grown and excelled, proves we were no flash in the pan.

The community newspaper was, and still is, the only source of information about what's happening in your neighbourhood. It's the definitive service, supplying news, features, sports results, church events, fundraisers, school achievements, award-winning accomplishments, as well as disasters and criminal occurrences. For the price of a cup of coffee, you really get your money's worth each and every week! Regardless of how popular electronic media and the Internet have become, there will always be a place for the inky newsprint that smells like home.

While we didn't make history ourselves, we were there to report on it over the years. From cold, wind-swept fields during dump protests, heated debates at the council tables, devastating election losses, to leading the way in going green, our staff was there, providing a first-hand account. From death and tragedy, to gold-medal victories, our pages cried out.

There were times Caledon garnered international attention, and others, when we preferred not to be known of at all.

A community is not bricks and mortar, to borrow a phrase. It's made of people - individual souls who breathe life into our social fabric. Caledon has always been a community of caring types, many of whom escaped the urban sprawl to secure their idyllic lifestyles. Others have lived here for generations, toiling the land and serving the public. Like the proverbial melting pot, Caledon has embraced everyone. We relish calling upon the skills and talents of our citizenry for the common good.

While much has changed, many things haven't. We're quite a dedicated, compassionate bunch, coming to our neighbours' rescue as often as they've needed it. We fight the good fight and put our money where our mouths are. We are quiet champions of all that's good about this country.

It was once said that the Citizen contains more of Canada than a month's supply of daily newspapers. High praise to be sure. Hopefully, we haven't done anything to change that Palgrave letter-writer's mind over the past two decades.

We'd like to think the Citizen has heart and soul, reflective of the community we serve. That has a lot to do with our staff - dedicated journalists Mark Pavilons and Alan Liczyk (and previously Bill Rea). They have been the faces seen on our streets and sideroads; they have faithfully documented history for all to see. They are motivated by a sense of duty and love for the community they call home. They are proud of the product delivered to your door each week. It contains more sweat and tears than the average reader would ever know.

Helping to spread the word are dedicated community activists - service club members, church-goers, councillors and business people. They have kept us in the loop and continue to feed us pertinent information and photos of stories taking place within and outside our borders. Their work, and tireless efforts over the years, is unrivalled and unrelenting.

Like a Swiss watch, there's a lot beneath the surface of a place like Caledon that makes it run smoothly. Like your favourite restaurant or swimming hole, we hope the Citizen has grown on you, too.

It is difficult to summarize our feelings. Suffice it to say we thank all those who've supported us, and continue to do so. It's been our privilege.

MP, Editor