How about some good news for a change?
That seems to be a question on more minds lately. At home, at work, at play, plenty of friends have the same thinking. Can we just turn the channel?
A fellow from Rockwood dropped by with that idea the other day. Marty Durksen had charged up a Tim’s card, attached his name to it, addressed it to us and the idea is to hit repeat. He calls it a pay-it-forward program, but really it’s just about being good to people.
A little along the lines of our column last week where the general public needs to be extra kind in these tough times.
At the shop here on Mondays we get a sneak peek at reporters’ work, and it seems there is plenty of good news this week too.
From the Centre Wellington Children’s Drama club to a Battle of the Brushes featuring artists from across the Upper Grand District School Board, a Fergus toys and collectibles show, along with a Tartan Day program downtown to celebrate Scottish heritage – there are countless ways to enjoy spare time.
Around the corner, Trade Tracks will showcase trades opportunities for students and Drayton will celebrate its 150th anniversary.
Clifford’s Life Outdoor Show drew large crowds, the Palmerston Farm Boys won a curling championship and the Mount Forest Green Team will host an Earth Day clean-up event. There’s plenty going on in Wellington County and we are happy to publish community news like this.
Even on the hard news side, it was good to hear Centre Wellington has finally purchased the Middlebrook Road property, which will add to its water needs for the future.
Keeping in touch with the community through the local newspaper helps escape this news overload so many are feeling today. Readers like good news.
Similar conversations will likely come up at the spring Ontario Community Newspaper Association convention taking place this weekend. Local community newspaper publishers will spend time chatting over current events and how to best serve readers in an ever-changing media landscape.
There will also be a time of celebration where newspapers vie for recognition in numerous categories, from editorial content to who makes the best ad. Due to the pandemic timeframe it has been a while since publishers and employees could accept prizes in person or catch the excitement in the air as finalists are chosen. It is a good time and morale booster for employees that contribute mightily to the ongoing success of some of Ontario’s mightiest local newspapers.
This year, as the chair of Newsmedia Canada, we will be called upon to present three quills which are industry recognition for years of service.
One employee at our Listowel office, Peggy Hassnoot, and John Benns from the Bizbull in Mount Forest will be recognized with a Silver Quill for years of service exceeding 25 years.
Campbell Cork, also of the Bizbull, but familiar to readers of many publications he has written for during his career, will receive the coveted Gold Quill for 50 plus years of reporting and editorial excellence.
Look for the good news this week.
There’s plenty to smile about.
