EDITOR LEAVING WITH FOND THOUGHTS OF OSOYOOS
OSOYOOS TIMES December 5, 2007
Who in their right mind would ever move away from Osoyoos? Nobody!
Nevertheless, this week I leave the Osoyoos Times and this lovely town to take a break from the hustle and bustle of helping to produce our community's weekly newspaper.
For one approaching the latter stages of a career in writing and editing, the prospect of more laid-back communications work based near Penticton looks pretty good.
It's with a mixture of satisfaction and regret that I leave.
There is definite satisfaction in knowing that, as Osoyoos grows and gets more vibrant month by month, the Times continues to grow with it. Your newspaper provides excellent coverage of the events and activities that energetic townspeople are involved in and delves into the many important issues that challenge our town these days.
Those issues are many “ ensuring good lake water quality, managing rapid resort development, promoting affordable housing, attracting skilled labour, recruiting doctors, and the list goes on.
Judging by what we see in our ongoing coverage of local affairs, there are enough citizens and civic leaders committed to working though these challenges that we hold out hope that Osoyoos will retain much of its unique character and quality of life despite the inevitable deluge of development and change.
One of the strongest impressions of Osoyoos, and something that I'll miss when I'm gone, is the vitality and vibrancy of the people in this community. The majority of this town's people are upbeat and full of energy as they charge around doing all manner of things “ volunteering to help others, doing recreational activities, travelling around, and just plain enjoying life.
It has been an exciting time in Osoyoos' history to work at the Times, and I am grateful for having had the chance to experience this wonderful place in such an intimate way.
It has been a privilege to work with Times owners Chris and Lori Stodola, who oversee a first-class operation and a highly qualified staff.
There is regret in leaving, of course. I'll miss my co-workers and the excitement of chasing the latest issues and incidents in town that get the journalistic blood pumping.
I want to thank my co-workers during my time here, who have made it easy to serve as Times editor. Publisher Chris, reporters Julie and Chad, office staff Jocelyn, Corinne and Shirley, sales manager Garry, and delivery person Sherry “ all have been real professionals and a joy to work with.
It's great to know that the editorial side of this community paper is being left in very capable hands. Paul Everest, of London, Ont., brings university training in journalism and skills developed at daily newspapers in Halifax to his new position as Times editor. He will do an excellent job.
Stop in to say Hi to Paul and help him as he gets going on the important task of helping Osoyoos citizens to better understand their community.
Lawrence McMahen
