What an experience the past month has been! Never one to turn down the opportunity to try something new, I leapt at the chance to fill in for Allison as Editor of Seaside Magazine. It is certainly a testament to her hard work and skill that it has taken two of us (Kelsey – Lead Designer – and myself) to cover all the tasks that Allison used to do each month. I have learned a lot. That someone will always be willing to help – you just have to ask; that I am capable of more than I imagined; that there is always more time in a day (and sleep is overrated anyway.)
Taking on this new role has brought me into contact with some fascinating people. Our Peninsula is awash with creative minds and lives filled with experience. I see the mandate of Seaside as bringing those voices to the forefront and sharing their incredible stories. I loved learning about Sunny Shams
(p 29), a world class opera singer, raised here in Sidney. And Dustin Dugstad, the carpenter who has managed to turn around a difficult few years of high school to become a true success (p 61). I feel I have learned some new truths about the place I call home as well. The ground breaking work of the international Thirty Meter Telescope team is utilising skills and research from the Peninsula’s long-tradition of science and innovation. I was staggered to learn the statistics contained in Bill Cooke’s thoughtful examination of the technology and advanced manufacturing industry’s place in our Island economy. The high-tech industry is another facet of the creativity that seems so prevalent here.
I can’t finish my first column without extending grateful thanks to everyone who has welcomed and congratulated me. All of Seasides’s wonderful writers have been very patient this month as I learned just how much I had to learn. Kelsey and Sue have been reassuringly calm throughout the process, so I know we must be on to something good. The magazine is truly a team effort and I am delighted to be a part of it.
Now it’s your turn. To be ‘Your Saanich Peninsula Voice’ I need to know what you would like to see reflected about the place you live and work. Which articles do you turn to first each issue? What would you like to see more of? I’m already excited to start work on the next issue, but for now please enjoy your November Seaside Magazine.
