Change is in the air … as I sit at my desk to pen my Last Word for this issue, my office window is open. Actually open! Sun is pouring down through fluffy clouds scattered here and there and the distant hum of a lawn mower drifts in on the breeze. Finally, it seems (I hope), the seasons are a-changing. With a week’s vacation booked at a cabin up-Island next week (this early in the year always being a risk with our unpredictable West Coast summers) I am ready for a change from the always-chaotic press week to no schedules and the sandy shores of Qualicum Beach.
Speaking of changes, there are many afoot here at Seaside. The last issue saw the introduction of Craig Campbell, taking over “The Light Side,” (see page 32 of the June issue), and this month sees the departure of Trysh Ashby-Rolls, a long-time contributor to Seaside Magazine. Trysh, an author and journalist, wrote the “Grey Matters” column for us for many years and, more recently, “Offshore.” Trysh asked me to say goodbye to her fans, and thanks them for their support. “It’s been a real pleasure working and growing with Seaside Magazine,” says Trysh.
Laura Waters, of Snowdon House Gourmet & Gifts, is another new addition to the magazine. She replaces Deep Cove Market’s Rosemary Scott as the “Island Dish” columnist (a title shared with Hatchet & Seed’s Solara Goldwynn) and this month gives readers her recipe for the bright and beautiful Lemon Verbena & Ginger Sorbet (see page 56). Our very own Deborah Rogers will be more visible in the magazine going forward with the start of her new column this month. “Deb’s Day Out” will see her trying different activities – everything from tranquil sunset paddles (see page 53) to potentially facing some fears in the upcoming months.
And finally, the most heartwarming change of all is the growth we’ve seen in our Taking It To The Street Road Hockey Charity Event for Help Fill A Dream Foundation. Our first event, in 2014, saw just over $12,000 raised for the local organization; this year the grand total was $21,400! It’s such a wonderful event to be a part of, and exemplifies the idea of “be the change you want to see in the world.”
And while sunny days are very welcome, there is no better change than giving back to others and, as a result, making the world a better place.
