Hard to swallow

View from the Strip

By Casey Lessard

It’s very emotionally jarring to close such an important chapter of my life, especially one that I have written myself. Although Anjhela and I spoke about it often during the process of applying for her master’s degree, it wasn’t until this weekend that I realized how big of a deal it is to stop doing this newspaper. Reading words from my parents and my columnist friends about how they will no longer be doing this with me, it drops a lump in my throat. It’s very hard for me to write this, too.

I decided that it would be a good idea to write this early (meaning nine hours before deadline instead of the usual one or two) to give me some time to read it over again, and maybe for once get a second pair of eyes on it. Most of the time, this column (or editorial, when I take it seriously) has only rarely been used as the key tool in this newspaper. This week I received a letter from the people judging this newspaper on a national level saying that the editorial needs to be more prominent. I’m not like that.

For me, the editorial is to either make friends or enemies. If it’s to make friends, I’d rather use that space to put a letter in, or allow Lance et al the space to finish their thoughts. You already know what I’m thinking each week: look at the rest of the pages. When I’m making enemies, well, I’m sure each reader remembers the rare times when I did that.

I have achieved most of what I desired; third best paper in Ontario is more than enough for me. And of course, this paper, by its nature, could never be considered the best newspaper in Ontario or Canada. It’s too different to be understood by the industry. You can’t run full page pictures! You can’t put a corner ad on your front page! You have to have classifieds and a sports section! That’s what they tell me every year. But they’re wrong.

Despite the provincial and national recognition, I try to reflect on what really matters. It’s nice to have some plaques on my wall, but the only reason they are there is that I did what I thought was right for this community. From the Regiers to the Kovars to anyone using a wheelchair here, the issues I will remember are the ones where I put my heart and soul into making sure people saw the injustice of the situation. Beyond that, the rest was a rollercoaster ride to discover my personal limits upon the backdrop of a great little community.

And that’s why we’re leaving now. When Anjhela was accepted to do her master’s at Oxford, I couldn’t let her turn that down. We’ve both worked too hard to create a culture where that was possible, and where she could say yes. It’s a huge change, and very, very scary. Many times we have asked whether we’re doing the right thing.

It is the right thing. It does hurt. With respect to this newspaper, it’s time to move on. I’m pretty sure, anyway.

Just in case

As a legacy and just in case I change my mind, I will maintain a presence at http://www.grandbendstrip.com. There, you can access all of the paper’s back issues and stories and photos from the past three years.

High quality 12“x12” reprints of any page of any issue are available to frame for $30, and reprints of photos from the paper’s archives are always available by contacting me with the photo information. This issue is a special one to me, and a project I longed to do since the first year. I will be making special products available soon, including calendars, posters and a book of images. You would be surprised at the number of great images that did not make the cut this week, and I will be sharing them exclusively through paid access on the website.

To vote for your favourite swimsuit model and photo, and to order a poster, calendar, or print, visit http://www.grandbendstrip.com starting Monday, July 19. The financial office at the University of Oxford will appreciate your contribution.

Well, that’s it for me. Thank you so much for reading this newspaper, for sending your words, for offering your time to sit for my questions, pose for a photo, or invite me into your neighbourhood. If you gave me money, you have no idea how thankful I am for that. You are the people who helped me stay here.

If I offended you and you didn’t deserve it, I am sorry. Otherwise, that’s my job. If I thrilled you, that’s the better part of my job. In that case, I’m glad to be of service, and let’s stay in touch.

With love, Casey Lessard