As some of you may already know, I have recently transferred from the passenger to the driver’s seat in this vehicle we call Rocky View Publishing.
After working in this wonderful city for four years and living here for almost two, I am excited to be the editor of the newspapers that I was already so proud of.
We have had a bit of a staff change as of late but my right-hand-man woman Dawn Smith will be taking my place as assistant editor and senior reporter for the Airdrie City View.
You will continue to see our talented photog Mr. Covy Moore around town and if you want to talk sports, Briana Shymanski, our former intern who just couldn’t stay away, is back after graduating from the University of Regina.
Kimberley Massey will be taking over as reporter for the Rocky View Weekly and summer student extraordinaire Ashton Faulkner will be with us until August.
In addition to an awesome staff, my promotion came with everything a journalist could ask for: a drafty office with a drive-thru window overlooking the newsroom, a shelf with every newspaper we have ever printed, the oldest computer of all time and a barely-hanging-in-there potted plant.
But it is my office and my shelf and my computer and my dying plant and I love them all.
It means that all my hard work and perseverance has paid off and I couldn’t be more grateful.
Although I am more than excited to be running the show (under the direction of my esteemed publisher Cameron Christianson), I am a bit sad that my editorial duties keep me at my desk more and out in the community less.
I have always enjoyed getting out there and talking to the people who make this community tick.
I was surprised by just how much I missed it when one of the alderman recently told me he missed me at City council meetings and I responded, “I miss them too” and, shockingly, I wasn’t just being polite.
If you would have told me during some of those meetings that last until 11 p.m. or later, that I would miss them, I would have told you that you were crazy - but it’s true.
I love telling the stories that matter to local residents, whether it’s a new City bylaw or the tale of a couple that have been married for 70 years.
I got into journalism to meet new people and be involved in my community, to tell the stories of everyone from a successful businessman to a homeless teen.
This is my vow to you: As editor, I will still try to write as many stories as my schedule allows.
I will get out into the community and go to as many events as I can because I just can’t imagine a year without dragging my camera and notebook to the Empty Bowls Festival or the Festival of Lights or the Airdrie Pro Rodeo.
I don’t want people to forget my face because I am chained to a desk, so I am putting it in writing and asking you to hold me to it.
Although I still have a lively passion for writing, I am so excited for what the editor position has in store for me.
I’m thrilled to continue to put out the paper you have come to know and trust and to improve it in any way that I can as time goes on.
I can’t wait to work together with my staff to create the summer edition of our newest publication Airdrie House & Home.
Although I have always loved my role as a reporter, being editor was a goal I have worked towards for quite some time and I am so happy that I get to do it right here in the community I know and love.
I hope to meet even more interesting people in my new role.
Feel free to help me to do that by sending me any story ideas or events you would like the community to know about ([email protected] or 403-948-1885).
I would also love to hear from the community about what kind of a job I am doing and if you have any advice for me.
Always feel free to drop me a line.
Unless you want to complain. All complaints should be sent directly to my esteemed publisher Cam Chrisitanson, who I mentioned above.
