The Undercurrent has seen a few editors over the past few months, and a number of people noticed I wasn’t in the masthead last week even though I had written a few of the stories. What, they wondered, is the status of the Undercurrent’s editorship?
Chantal Eustace did bid us farewell in her May 3 column, but she’s still on the island, so say hello in the ferry line-up! We were lucky to have her as an editor for the couple months she sat in this padded ergonomic chair.
And now I’m sitting in that chair with a view of the ferry line-up.
I am not from Bowen, as people are quick to ask, but I understand — we do the same thing in the Yukon.
I was raised up North, and have lived in both Newfoundland, where I got my B.A. in anthropology and folklore, and Ottawa, where I recently attended Carleton University for my master’s in journalism. (If you want to know about the social and cultural impact of the Alaska Highway on Yukon communities, feel free to ask me if you’ve got a few minutes.)
Though I never picked up a Newfoundland accent, I did pick up a 709 (Newfoundland) area code. So if your call display comes up as Newfoundland, chances are you’ve got to decide if you want to talk to your local reporter!
I’ve been impressed by the intelligence, engagement and kindness by Islanders (Boweners?). One person has already come to my rescue. I left my ferry ticket in the self-serve disposal slot at Horseshoe Bay, and this kind human gave it to the ferry staff, who subsequently allowed me on the ferry. Thank you.
I’ve been here for only two weeks, but I have felt the special place the Undercurrent holds in the community. As much as editorial decisions fall to me, I want as much as possible to reflect you. If you have story tips, both big and small, send them my way. If there are stories you want to cover, come talk to me, and I’d be happy to work through them with you. If there’s something that’s bothering you about the paper, come and talk to me (though sometimes it’s my job to be a pain in your rear). We’re always looking for columnists, so if you’ve got a penchant for writing or an itch to contribute, come see me. Write letters to the editor, send in your pictures. If I cannot fit something into the paper, I’ll try to make sure it goes on our website or social media.
Thank you for an amazing two weeks so far. I look forward to our future.
