The publishers of the revived Picton Gazette threw a party at their offices on Picton Main Street last week. About 70 friends, supporters, and contributors were invited to share a glass and celebrate the success of the paper’s relaunch over the past few months, which includes a new look, new offices, a new printing and delivery system, and some new staff to join the old hands.

Mayor Steve Ferguson came with his trusty pair of giant scissors to cut a red ribbon, noting the importance of the paper’s re-established Main Street presence. He was joined by fellow councillors Phil St. Jean, Dave Harrison, John Hirsch, and Bill Roberts, as well as County spokesperson Mark Kerr.

CHANGING PAGES- The many faces of the Gazette. (Jason Parks/Gazette Staff)

“When I heard that the Gazette was under new ownership, I was delighted, and what we have seen in the past couple of months is effectively a rising of the Phoenix,” said the Mayor in one of his trademark speeches, thoughtful and yet apparently off-the-cuff.

“I am a strong believer in the importance of journalism and writing, particularly when it’s presented in a physical format. It’s great that we can get all the news we want in little snippets on the internet, but there’s nothing quite like going to a paper and reading something assembled by people who have put a great deal of thought and consideration into what they’re doing.”

Addressing the new publishers, Chris Fanning and Karen Valihora, “I want to thank you both for undertaking this extraordinary project and doing so much in such a short time. Everybody here now gets delivered to their post box a copy of the Picton Gazette. I find that extraordinary. I can’t thank you enough for keeping the community linked and informed of things that are very important to all of us. I just cannot wait to see how much further this goes. It’s absolutely terrific and you you are owed an immense amount of credit.”

The party continued after the speeches. Wellwishers included the Gazette‘s neighbours on either side, Elizabeth Crombie of Royal LePage, and Bill Rorabeck, his wife Joy, and a number of agents from the team at Century 21. Alexandra Bake of Gilbert & Lighthall and Magpie, Alexandra Seay of the Regent, Dominique Jones of the County Foundation, Rick Jones and Debbie MacDonald Moynes from the Rotary Club, and Base31’s Assaf Weisz, Olivia Timm, Liz Kohn and Sarah Fox came to tour the offices and say hello in person. The Hospital Foundation’s Barbara McConnell, Briar Boyce, and Dennis Darby, former Councillor Stewart Bailey, writers Joanne Fralick, Alan Gratias, Kat Reichens, and Daniela Kelloway, and the County Conservancy’s Ken and Leslie Stewart and Ryan Wallach, were just some of the many other friends and supporters who stopped in.

“We are well and truly launched!” said Ms. Valihora, looking at the crowd. “It’s just fantastic to see so many friends in one place.”

“We would never have taken this on if we did not know for absolute certain that this community was the place, if there is one anywhere, where a newspaper could thrive,” she continued. “A newspaper attracts all kinds of people and ideas. But even so, the sheer outpouring of support and good wishes from every corner has been nothing short of astonishing.”

“Every letter tells us about our readers, and how much they care, and we have been able to build a great team of writers and photographers right here, already.”

“And of course our advertisers, the real estate community here, and all the smaller and larger businesses,” noted Mr. Fanning. “Not to mention the great people we are now working with at Canada Post. We cannot thank them enough.”

“Without everyone here of course this newspaper would not have survived. We are simply stewards of a great legacy,” said Mr. Fanning. “Which is a real honour.”

The publishers wish to thank the Picton Gazette team for tremendous good spirit in this challenging undertaking: editor Jason Parks, art director Jed Tallo, front desk, accounts, and classifieds manager Karen Gyde, production designer Krystle Chua and advertising managers Lisa Presley and Deanne Puder.

-Staff