“You're the best . . .”
“We owe you . . .”
“Much obliged . . .”
This month we learned that John Peach, the Executive Director for Save the River, is resigning after leading this crucial non-for-profit environmental organization for the past five years.
Saying thanks seems so simple – but just think about it; thanking John Peach is not an easy task. First, he has given his all – I actually looked in the Cambridge Dictionary for "Blood, Sweat, and Tears" and it said it all.
BLOOD, SWEAT, AND TEARS definition: 1. extremely hard work, or the greatest effort possible, in order to achieve something . . .
Yes, over the past five years, John, you have helped Save the River achieve something - a great deal in fact. All organization work to increase membership and attain financial stability, but STR is personal for me - you keep me off the rocks. Linking with TIA (Thousand Islands Association) on the Canadian side of our River, your STR volunteers place over a hundred US shoal markers each summer.
Then there are the programs: catch-and-release, beach water testing, building common tern nests, eagle watching, fishing line recycling stations, and the trash-free river program.
When talking to Rick Gregware, STR president, I learned just how much work you, John, have given to develop the STR Education Program, with over 2000 students being involved. Rick also pointed out the breadth and strength of your programs as described on the STR website. Even if it is the middle of winter, you can learn so much by surfing the net - and seeing what John Peach's tenure has developed.
Save Blind Bay
And there is more . . . for certain, the one area that has probably taken much of your energy has been fighting for Blind Bay.
As a reminder, I have listed the past STR River Watch newsletters, which show the progression of the fight that you, John, have waged so gallantly.
Together with Jake Tibbles, Executive Director, at Thousand Islands Land Trust and Save Blind Bay Coalition, your petitions - signed by hundreds of individuals - may have protected one of our most important Thousand Islands environments for today and more importantly for tomorrow. Just this month we learned that you are one step closer to winning the battle. I encourage our readers to see the STR page and I encourage all of us to keep fighting as you have done for so long.
I asked Jake Tibbles if he would join me in thanking you. And Jake says,
“A steadfast leader. A true visionary. For decades, John Peach has played a critical role in guiding Save The River’s vital environmental advocacy work. First, as a long-time board member, and then as Executive Director, John endeavoured to protect what was dearest to us all – The River.
While at the helm, John has had an immeasurable impact on the trajectory of the Thousand Islands.
Whether it be protecting our precious drinking water, conserving the iconic muskie, leading the fight to save Blind Bay or inspiring the next generation environmental stewards, John’s passion and dedication for making the River community a better place will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
On behalf of the Thousand Islands Land Trust board and staff, thank you John Peach! We extend our heartfelt appreciation for your support, your partnership, and most importantly, your friendship.”
So, there you have it, John Peach – when you close the door at STR for the last time, we want you to know that you have a whole team of friends standing outside shouting:
"Thanks again, John Peach . . ."
"We can't thank you enough . . ."
"You're a lifesaver . . ."
"Thank you kindly . . .”
By Susan W. Smith, Editor, TI Life and Jake Tibbles, Executive Director, TILT.
Posted in: Volume 19, Issue 12, December 2024, News Item, People, Places, Current
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