Links to profiles now back... sort of

I've finally figured out how to provide links to the profiles for those of you who are interested. Unfortunately the individual, searchable files are gone forever from the Forester website. However, I have discovered that I am able to link to PDF versions of the actual pages on which the profiles originally appeared.

Enjoy!

Love that technology...

I have just found out that because of some changes at the Huntsville Forester website, the links to individual profiles now lead to the paper's main page. For the time being, if you want to read a profile, you'll have to search for the name of that person on the newspaper site. 

Sorry! If and when it is possible, I will correct all the links so they work again. 

Thanks again for your interest in the Muskoka Mosaic. Incidentally, this is my last week as copy editor of the Huntsville Forester, and I will be the subject of the Mosaic for Wednesday, January 27, 2010. Enjoy!

So long, farewell

After two and a half years and about 120 profiles, it is time for me to take a break from the Muskoka Mosaic and focus more on my own fiction writing.

It has been a rare pleasure to get to know so many members of my community and to introduce them to their neighbours. Thank you to everyone who has suggested a person to profile, agreed to be a profile subject, or let me know that you were reading each week.

New Forester employee Pamela Steel will continue with my brainchild starting next week, and you will be able to read her profiles on the newspaper's website. I wish her well and look forward to learning more about the spectacular mosaic of people who make up Huntsville.

Thanks again.

Introducing Leslie Tempest

Physiotherapist Leslie Tempest (nee Jewell) is the owner of ProActive Rehab and Sport Injury Centre. To read her profile, click here.

Introducing Jeremy McClung

Jeremy McClung is the pastor of the Muskoka Community Church. To read his profile, click here.

Introducing Anita Denny

Anita Denny grew up in Huntsville and lives with her two older brothers in her childhood home, without running water or electricity. She is an active volunteer for organizations such as the agricultural society, Club 55 and Friends of Fairvern. To read her profile, click here.

Introducing Bonnie Harris

Bonnie Harris is co-owner of M and M Hair Place. The avid photographer and painter has been on several mission trips to Nicaragua and says they were life-changing. To read her profile, click here.

Introducing Andy McLean

Andy McLean of Mary Lake is a musician and co-founder of Toronto's North by Northeast festival, which promotes new and emerging Canadian musical talent. To read his profile, click here.

Introducing Sarah Smith

Sarah Smith, owner of the mobile dental hygiene service Gentle Dental, loves to help others, both in her community and abroad. To read her profile, click here.

Introducing Randy Spencer

Chef Randy Spencer has been the co-owner of Spencer's Tall Trees Restaurant for almost 10 years. To read his profile, click here.

Introducing Melissa Meystadt

Melissa Meystadt, owner of the Muskoka Music Academy, grew up in Port Sydney. Although she is just 31, this is her 20th consecutive year as a volunteer for Port Sydney's annual turkey dinner. To read her profile, click here.

Introducing Shane Connon

Shane Connon is a 17-year-old Huntsville musician who has already been strumming, singing and drumming in front of audiences for years. To read his profile, click here.

Musing: My biggest challenge yet

I'm about to profile someone who was recently diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's.

This isn't for the newspaper; very few people will ever read it. And it will be the most important piece of writing I've ever done.

I am honoured to have the chance to share this person's story: to hear about how her life has unfolded, to give her a chance to reflect on its themes and lessons, and then to weave a tapestry of words that reflects who she is and present it to her.

I hope the process will be valuable for her. I also hope that someday, when she can no longer tell her story, a caregiver or family member will be able to use what they learn from the profile to connect more fully with her. If so, I will have done my job.

Introducing Marjory Goodwin

Marjory Goodwin, known to many of her students as Mrs. Earl, spent her entire career as a teacher at Huntsville Public School. She is also an accomplished artist and has a great interest in local history and geneaology. To read Marjory's profile, click here.

Introducing George Anderson

George Anderson is an outdoor educator who has spent the past 28 years at the Yearley Outdoor Education Centre. To read his profile, click here.

Introducing Shannan Boothby

Port Cunnington native Shannan Boothby is a photographer and owner of the company Ripples Web Design. Her other passions are family, community and animals. To read her profile, click here.

Introducing Wayne Stahls

Wayne Stahls does maintenance work for two churches and two dentists in town. He is well known as a lacrosse player and coach. To read Wayne's profile, click here.

Musing: Rejection

I’ve been turned down a lot lately. Especially by men.

I’m still getting many recommendations for profile subjects, but when I call to propose the idea, I often hear, “No, I’d rather not.”

The funny thing is, many of those who decline to be interviewed tell me they read the Muskoka Mosaic profiles every week and enjoy them.

I do understand the desire for privacy, and I respect each person’s right to decide whether they want to ‘put themselves out there,’ but after two years of hearing “yes” almost 100 per cent of the time, I find this trend puzzling.

Maybe it’s not a trend. Maybe it’s just coincidence. Time will tell.

Introducing Janice Berkenmeier

Janice Berkenmeier, owner of Florence's Flowers on Main Street, loves connecting with her community in various ways. To read her profile, click here.

Introducing Loris Buttus

Loris Buttus is the owner of That Little Place By the Lights. A trained gelato maker, Loris once made about 200 kg of gelato each day for the cafe he and his wife Annie owned in Italy. To read his profile, click here.