The Tampa Bay Lightning honored Leah Wooten as the Lightning Community Hero this evening during the first period of tonight’s game against the Montreal Canadiens. Wooten, who received a $50,000 donation from the Lightning Foundation and the Lightning Community Hero program, presented by Jabil, will donate the money to Bess the Book Bus. Wooten has been a dedicated volunteer, ambassador, and trusted advisor with Bess the Book Bus, a Tampa-based mobile literacy outreach dedicated to instilling a love of reading in asset-limited communities by supplying high-quality books to children, caregivers, and educators since 2002.
Wooten played a pivotal role in establishing Bess the Book Bus as a nonprofit and has supported its development throughout the years. She has remained one of the nonprofit’s most committed board members, actively fostering relationships, enhancing Board governance, fundraising, and securing partnerships to enable its growth and sustainability. The funds from tonight’s grant will support the mission of Bess the Book Bus, focusing on the Joy of Reading Pop-Up Book Fairs. These fairs will occur at 13 elementary schools four times during the 2025-2026 school year, targeting those schools most in need.
Wooten became the 608th Lightning Community Hero since the Vinik Family introduced the Lightning Community Hero program during the 2011-12 season. This initiative includes a commitment of $10 million over five seasons to the Tampa Bay community. Through tonight’s game, the Lightning Foundation has granted $32.77 million to over 760 unique nonprofits across the Greater Tampa Bay area. The Vinik Family has recently extended their commitment with another $10 million through the 2025-26 season.
Meanwhile, back at home, Newmarket saw notable community highlights throughout 2024. On Sept. 17, Mayor John Taylor presented Duke Deger with Newmarket’s first-ever Mayor’s Medal for Exceptional Community Service. Known affectionately as the 'gentle giant,' Deger has devoted more than two-and-a-half years volunteering at the Newmarket Food Pantry’s community fridge located outside the public library on Park Ave. Unless he’s sick, he’s there seven days a week, helping clients, assisting food pantry volunteers, and creating a supportive, welcoming space.
Deger’s dedication to the community fridge helped him turn his life around after he became isolated following the death of his wife. Taylor thanked Deger publicly for his unwavering commitment to improving Newmarket. "Deger has made Newmarket a much kinder place," the mayor remarked.
Among the tragedies this year, the community mourned the loss of 36-year-old Blake Bibby, who was fatally stabbed on July 14. His death has uncovered painful realities surrounding intimate partner violence, reminding residents and authorities alike of the often-overlooked issues facing men as victims too. A Toronto woman connected to Bibby has been charged with second-degree murder, though the case remains open and the charge unproven.
The locals also rallied together during Stanley Cup fever, rallying behind their hometown hero, Connor McDavid, as he led the Edmonton Oilers through the playoffs. The energy peaked on June 24, when more than 1,500 residents filled the town’s Riverwalk Commons to watch Game 7 together. The excitement and community pride felt tangible, even as the Oilers narrowly lost to the Florida Panthers, 2-1. It was later announced, to great delight, McDavid received the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP, proving his significant impact on the game.
Also making headlines this year was the grand opening of the Postmark Hotel on Oct. 3, located inside the historic clock tower on Main Street. Local politicians, community members, and politicians attended the ceremony celebrating both the building's history and its new life as a boutique hotel, promising to act as a central hub for community activities.
On Nov. 4, Southlake Health, the hospital serving northern York Region, initiated the search for new hospital grounds. The recent failure to secure the King Township site, due to government hesitance on developing Greenbelt land, leaves Southlake hunting for land to meet its growing needs. The institution is seeking at least 40 acres within 17 kilometers of its current site, with plans to announce the preferred location early next year. Estimates indicate it will take eight to ten years to construct the new facility, raising significant concerns among community members about temporal healthcare accessibility.
Change also swept through the Region of York as Wayne Emmerson, who has led for a decade, announced his retirement effective Nov. 29. Soon after, it was announced former York Regional Police chief Eric Jolliffe would fill the chairperson role, raising questions about the governance and direction of regional services, especially following Jolliffe's swift appointment following Emmerson’s exit.
The year also marked York Region’s first-ever Trans March, which took place on June 14. Approximately 100 people marched proudly, showcasing commitment to inclusivity and rights within the community. Tristan Coolman, president of Pflag York Region, remarked, "This march signifies our path toward recognition and equality. It reflects our local determination to create acceptance and unity."
Finally, the legacy of Fire Chief Ian Laing was honored at the Central York Fire Services headquarters on Sept. 21, shortly after his passing on Nov. 29, 2023. The venue was named Station 4-5 after him, showcasing the debt of gratitude owed to his service and dedication to the community.
Through their resilience, compassion, and spirited community efforts, both Tampa Bay and Newmarket continue to exemplify the heart of community making.