by Sue Hodgson –
I’ve been thinking about what to write for this issue as I have so many things I want to talk about! As some of you know, I’ve recently retired from the newspaper industry. Coming back to newsprint after many years away was truly an honour, but with the complexities of the changing landscape of newspapers, it was time. I hope that the new owners continue to provide the local content readers deserve. This change allows me to spend more time on Seaside, George and maybe another chapter to come (check pg 32).
In a few weeks I head back to the Maritimes, my roots. I grew up in a small community with a population of about 12,000. Thinking about my return, I felt I had to write about community. What makes a great community for you? Is it the architecture? The people? The scenery? The gathering places? When I was a little girl growing up in the Maritimes, it was the park at the end of the street where we had an ice rink in the winter; the local church, where we had Brownies; the school I went to; and our favourite gathering place, the beach, where we boiled clams we’d dug that day. I think about what was important back then, and it was the sense that you lived somewhere safe with nice places to go and play. I don’t think it’s much different now, but what has changed is where those places can be found. As the prevalence of online communities grows, this question becomes more relevant and worth reflecting on. The notion of community itself seems to have changed due to the growth of social media. Add to that all the various apps and online games, and things do get confusing.
It’s natural to think there is something that makes some communities good and others not so good. I wonder whether the loss of real connection in online communities makes them inferior. I’m of the opinion that many of us are shifting back to the idea that neighbourhoods should include a shared outdoor space, where communing with nature and each other goes hand in hand. It’s kind of like going back home, so to speak.
At Seaside Magazine we treasure the Saanich Peninsula community – your home and ours. We live the idea of “community spirit” and I feel honoured for my role in this and the way we can help connect the people in our community together in one place.
The good news is, if you need an escape, you’re holding it in your hands! Now begin your journey and enjoy reading about YOUR community.
These puppies may have already found a family before this issue hits the streets, but there are many animals waiting for their forever homes at the Victoria Humane Society. For information, visit www.victoriahumanesociety.com.
Photo by Janis Jean Photography.
