|
THIS IS NOT OUR LAST GOODBYE!
by David Serafino
It was fine design that brought circumstances together for
our last issue. (Don’t interpret “last”
literally, we’ll be back after a short hiatus.) The
alignment of the planets came together in the form of our
150th issue and my copy editor/wife’s retirement (yes,
Lana).
We would like to end our 13-year run on a high note, and
for Dalhousie Peer at inception and beyond, the goal has been
to aim high and dream big. And also to entertain. Sometimes
we’re funny. And sometimes only to some.
WHERE WE’RE GOING
So as not to confuse, let me explain what this is all about.
We’ve known the date of Lana’s retirement for
a long time. As fate and a few missed months of production
would have it, this will nicely coincide with our 150th issue.
Since I was planning to retire (even if only briefly) at the
same time as Lana, we made a decision to do just that. To
facilitate the plan we worked out a loose schedule of vacationing
with the whims of the weather, which is not conducive to publishing.
But we’re not gone for good or even for long. We’re
just taking a break from deadlines, which is what retirement
is all about.
How to say goodbye (or, au revoir) is somewhat of a challenge.
We hear from our fans but we are as equally aware of those
who don’t agree with our dreams for Port Dalhousie.
For Lana and I, all that matters is that we believe we did
some good and that history will prove us correct.
WHERE WE’VE BEEN
During our years of publication, we have had the privilege
to report on the events affecting change in our small but
effervescent community. At first it was easy and that made
it fun. In 1997 we entered a period of unified enthusiasm
while the harbour area and rowing course were being upgraded
for the 1999 World Rowing Championships. Shortly thereafter,
the commercial core became known as one of the most populated
drinking spots in southern Ontario. We defended the music
and the right to assemble but denounced the late night rowdyism
and vandalism that came with it.
In soliciting advertising, we also became very much aware
that most businesses in the commercial core were struggling
to survive. There was always a light at the end of the tunnel
but it never seemed to get any closer. Not many could sustain
long enough to reach it and business failure became an annual
event, lasting to this day.
For us, a development that would revitalize the commercial
core, eliminate the overabundance of late night drinkers and
provide an economic climate for successful independent businesses
was a good thing. It didn’t have to be the one currently
approved, it only had to be one that would do all of that
as well as save and restore heritage buildings and provide
public space. Frankly, in our estimation, the Port Place development
did that and more.
It wasn’t a difficult decision to support it once we
considered all aspects; and though we supported it, we weren’t
abject to printing opinions in opposition to it. What we weren’t
going to print was information designed to mislead the public.
We leave that to others.
The one thing that we can say for ourselves is that we never
resorted to fabrication, misrepresentation or lies through
omission to get our point across. We never felt we needed
to. The facts have always supported our position and we were
elated to see that our stance was vindicated in the OMB decision
that approved Port Place.
OUR COVER
CELEBRATING OUR 150TH ISSUE
It was a cathartic experience to pose for our 150th issue’s
cover shot. We can’t help but reflect back on our first
‘flyer’ issue in December of 1996 announcing our
arrival and note that some who started out with us then are
still with us now.
In addition to our current slate of writers, the assemblage
also included some who have played a role in our 13 year history
along with friends and family who arrived in time for the
shoot.
At this juncture, Lana and I have to express how fortunate
we are to have the support that we do. Our advertisers have
kept us alive and our readers have given us reason to publish.
It’s difficult for us to say goodbye, which is why we
can’t bring ourselves to do so at this time, and maybe
never will.¤
David & Lana
|
