It’s my last week at BradfordToday and InnisfilToday.
I have accepted a new role at the Bradford Library and look forward to this next chapter in my career.
Writing this farewell has been emotional as I have come to know many of you so well over the years.
I started working for Village Media as a freelancer four years ago, profiling local businesses in our “Midweek Mugging” feature. My first published piece was about Peter Dykie and his jewellery store in downtown Bradford. I remember how excited I was to see my first published story. Little did I know that the small weekly gig would lead me down the path to my dream job as a full-time reporter and editor. (A coveted position for journalism graduates these days!)
It was the legendary Miriam King, Bradford’s long-time journalist who took me under her wing and taught me what it meant to be a community newspaper reporter.
In no time, I was welcomed to the community and eventually found my way as the new girl in town, meeting so many wonderful people along the way. In 2020, I was given the opportunity to work for the new InnisfilToday site, where I was further able to expand my knowledge and connections in the area.
There was never a dull moment, whether it was training with the Bradford volunteer firefighters, chasing Santa on his Coca-Cola truck, covering a council meeting or celebrating a new business’s grand opening, this job definitely kept me on my toes, and it has been a truly rewarding experience.
Being a journalist today is not what it used to be. With the internet and social media, gone are the days when people had to wait a day or week to hear the latest news in town. With your help and support, we strive to give you the need-to-know information as it happens. And it's not easy. I wouldn't have been able to do this job without the support of my family, colleagues, and community.
It has been a privilege to bring the daily news to you every day. I am blessed and grateful for being given the opportunity to tell your stories.
I thank you for all of your support of local journalism. Without you, our readers, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.
Have no fear...I am leaving you in good hands.
Paul Novosad is still here for all your town events and emergency scene photos; Rob Paul with the general news stories, everything from features to controversial, investigative pieces; and Patrick Bales with town council coverage.
And of course, all our contributors and columnists that you’ve come to know.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
Natasha Philpott
