I still remember my very first column like it was yesterday. Now only three months later I’m writing my last editorial for the Grand Forks Gazette. In my brief time here I have learned a ton and met a lot of great people.
Sure, there were also a few odd balls along the way but for the most part, everyone here treated me with a lot of respect.
Before I began this job, I imagined that I would struggle to find enough stories to fill the pages of the newspaper, but I was wrong.
There was always something to report in Grand Forks, or as the locals would call it “God’s country.” There were a large diversity of subjects and issues to cover and it always kept me busy. Work aside, I really felt at home here in the community and I think that Grand Forks and Christina Lake should be proud of all the groups, clubs and organizations that add a lot of value to this region.
I joined the Boundary Woodworkers Guild as soon as I got here and I was blown away with the club. It was a place where I could meet new people with the same common interest of woodworking and everyone was incredibly welcoming. It was also an incredible woodworking facility with all the tools and equipment any hobbyist woodworker could ever want.
For a town of this size to have an organization such as the woodworkers guild really speaks highly of the region.
Over time, I learned of so many more clubs and groups, such as the ATV club, cycling club, curling club, trails group and quilting clubs to name just a few, but that really only touches the surface.
My partner and baby boy were also welcomed with open arms into this community and they participated in a lot of new mom’s groups and classes.
Cohen, Nicole and myself are all going to miss this area and all the people that made us feel at home. This region is brimming with history, tradition and a great sense of community and I’m fortunate to have been a little part of that, even if it was for only a short time.
– Sascha Porteous was reporter for the Grand Forks Gazette