by Doreen Gee

 photo / graphic design by Doreen Gee

Last week, I invited businesses and groups within our community to reply to my blog with all their special deals, treats and unique services for their customers during this wonderful holiday season. Well, there were so many responses that our computers crashed at Seaside Times. No, seriously, the truth is – we received ONE reply! Oh well, I guess the “blog thing” is still new and uncomfortable to many people. It even took me a while to learn that blogging is one of the most unbelievably powerful tools around to connect with people locally and around the globe. Blogging is one of the best ways to tell the world about your gifts, talents and projects that will transform our community.  Blogs are also catalysts for good in this world. Remember Peggy Mahoney and her son? Last May, I wrote about their desperate plight to get community support with the extra expenses resulting from a life-or-death decision.

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 by Doreen Gee

 photo / graphic design by Doreen Gee

It is the season of shining stars, tinsel dreams and hope and joy all bundled together under silver moonlight. Christmas tingles with magic and excitement. Many people put their hearts and souls into enjoying an extraordinary yuletide, whether with family and friends or in quiet reflection. They want to savour uniquely beautiful gifts, fun-filled events and activities that keep this special time close to their hearts. Or they find peace in giving back to the community and extending a hand to people who were dealt a less fortunate hand in life.

We wish to extend an invitation to all businesses, non-profits, schools, community groups, churches and organizations on the Saanich Peninsula and in Greater Victoria: Please tell all of our readers and social media followers exactly what you are doing to make this an extraordinary Christmas for shoppers, customers, students, members, adults, children and local citizens in our community.

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 by Doreen Gee

 photo / graphic design by Doreen Gee

 “Life is one world, and life seen in the newspapers another.” Gilbert Keith Chesterton, British journalist, novelist and poet, coined this cynical quote way back in the late 1800’s. But many people today still question the veracity of media messaging, where truthful reporting is sacrificed in the quest for sensation, hype and shock value. With all of the graphic coverage of youth and bullying recently, young people are being reduced to hell’s minions, bent on destruction. We all forget that the vast majority of teens and young adults are good, decent human beings who would never inflict harm on anyone. In fact, many of them are making outstanding contributions to our planet and are infusing compassion and caring into our communities. These ‘kind kids’ do us all proud. A glowing example is the students at Reynolds Secondary School.

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