‘Twas three nights before Christmas or possibly four,
I’ve just been so busy I can’t count anymore.
Pulling double duty helping out the (North Island) Gazette,
I haven’t even had time for Christmas shopping yet.
Getting down to crunch time. One more deadline to meet.
I just have this Record edition to complete.
One more column to write, hmmm what shall I do?
Oh yes, my annual bad poem for you!
This year was unique, for many of us,
From mergers to surgeries, there was plenty of fuss.
On the professional front, two papers became one.
The Echo and Record joined forces: such fun.
We announced the change with a video clip,
“The Record Bunch” became an instant hit.
We’ve had a few changes, as we adjust,
And there will be more - it’s almost a must.
From a Courtenay perspective, Winterfest was a hoot.
Bands playing downtown, and a rail jam to boot!
Snow was trucked in and 6th Street was transformed.
Into a terrain park, and spectators swarmed
To see a ski comp, with snowboarders too,
Doing flips and twists, with a wipeout or two.
It was quite a show, let’s hope it repeats.
In 2018 - with even more treats.
In Comox the locals said “praise be to beer”
And town council listened, said “let’s build one here.”
The Church Street Tap House concept was heard.
Might open next year, that’s the latest word.
Many say it’s needed in the seaside town.
Where all goes quiet when the sun goes down.
Unless, of course, it’s summer, down at Goose Spit,
Where sing-alongs happen and bonfires are lit.
And who could forget the election in May,
When the Left Coast contingent finally had its say.
It took a few days for the official tally,
and all eyes were focused on the Comox Valley
Leonard and Benninger in such a tight race
A recount was needed to determine first place.
When all votes were tallied a new government seated,
The Orange Wave took over, once Christie conceded.
The summer was historic for all the wrong reasons.
As it was the worst ever of fire seasons.
We were spared on the Island, bad air notwithstanding.
In other parts of B.C., not a tree was left standing.
Firefighters from all over played heroes roles,
Extinguishing flames, and saving lost foals.
(I’m sorry, that last line was rather bad,
Admittedly my poetry skills are quite sad.)
June and July were, for me, quite a drain,
Specifically, to remove blood from my brain.
I was forced to the sidelines, but with the paper still due
Erin Haluschak and Scott Stanfield came through.
They carried on like champs, I knew they could do it.
It was a big challenge but they were up to it.
In August we brought a new scribe to the station
Scott Strasser already has a great reputation.
With a nose for the news, he’s on every lead
To push out stories people want to read.
He takes care of business, and “Beefs and Bouquets”
And is quickly learning about UBID ways.
September brought with it some welcoming news
The sale of the Field Sawmill site brought ahhhs and ooos.
Project Watershed made plans to “unpave paradise”
But it won’t come cheaply; a $6 million price.
The community will rally, of that we are sure.
The first $100,000 is already secure.
As we look ahead to 2018,
There’s already changes we know will be seen.
For one, we’ll be moving - away from McPhee.
Back to the downtown core - easier to see.
We shall re-inhabit the old Echo space
For our publisher, Keith, it’s a familiar face.
It will make it easier for you to visit.
It’s just off Fifth Street; look north - you can’t miss it.
But as for right now, let’s enjoy this time
With family and friends, and a little downtime.
Sit back, relax, have a beverage or two:
Tea, cola or beer - whatever suits you.
Don’t step on a scale for the rest of the season,
’Cause if you’re like me, you’ll have tacked some LBs on.
But I digress; all that’s left to say here
I wish you all a safe Christmas, and happy new year.
Terry Farrell is the editor of the Comox Valley Record