Beach Metro Community News delivery torch is passed on Neville Park Boulevard

When it comes to delivering Beach Metro Community News, the newspaper delivery torch on Neville Park Boulevard has been passed.

Bob Heighway, who has been delivering the paper on a portion of the street in the Beach for more than a decade, has handed over the responsibility to Clark McFadzean.

At 11 years old, Clark is one of Beach Metro Community News’ younger delivery volunteers. He takes the route over from Bob, who is retired, and had been doing it for the past 14 years.

Clark did the route a few times with Bob to practise before taking over sole responsibility this month.

“It’s been a great experience and I need experience for more future jobs, so I’m getting this work experience while I’m young,” said Clark, who is a Grade 6 student at a local school.

Being a Beach Metro Community News delivery person also helps students collect their needed volunteer hours which are required to graduate high school.

While the volunteer hours and work experience is important to Clark, so is making sure that his neighbours on his portion of the Neveille Park Boulevard route are kept informed about what is happening in the community through their local newspaper.

“People need to keep track of what is going on, like (U.S. President Donald) Trump trying to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America. People need to be aware and they need to take action. If you don’t know about it, it would just happen,” said Clark.

He also likes the chance to meet the neighbours as his family recently moved on to the street.

“Sometimes I meet the neighbours when delivering and I’ve met some nice people,” he said. “Everybody seems very friendly and are being very nice. I’ve lived on Neville Park for about a year, but we lived in the neighbourhood before as well.”

Mom Mary Beth Derocher said Clark’s decision to become a volunteer delivery person is a great way for him to give back to the community.

“I think it’s great for Clark to learn about the community he lives in,” she said. “He plays hockey at Ted Reeve and lacrosse with Beaches Lacrosse and this is all part of that and giving back to the community.”

Bob said he’s happy to pass on his route to such a responsible young man who will do a fine job making sure residents continue to get their Beach Metro Community News delivered and are kept aware of local stories and events.

“This is the best street with the best people in the city,” said Bob, who has lived on Neville Park Boulevard for decades. “I’ve given the route to a good man, and one with strong ankles.”

Given a number of houses on Neville Park Boulevard have steep steps up to their front doors, strong legs and ankles are important for all of the volunteer families (there are three) who deliver on the street.

“The stairs are the hard part … glad I don’t have to do those,” said Bob.

Along with delivering the paper for 14 years on Neville Park Boulevard, Bob was also a Captain for Beach Metro Community News for 12 years.

A Captain delivers bundles of papers to delivery people and retail/community distribution points on the paper’s publication day.

Bob said he was recruited by former Beach Metro Community News general manager Sheila Blinoff to become a Captain once she heard he might have some extra available time upon retirement.

“The day I retired, Sheila got me,” said Bob of how he became a Captain.

If you would like to become a volunteer delivery person for Beach Metro Community News, or learn more about the duties of a Captain, please contact distribution manager Melinda Drake at melinda@beachmetro.com