It’s hard to properly put my feelings about reaching our 25th issue into words, which is ironic for a guy who puts words to the page for a living. To properly express my thoughts about how proud I am to have been part of this community and this magazine for the past two years is nearly impossible, but I’m going to give it a try.

Two years ago when I first met Steve and Rob, I don’t think any of us truly realized how things would go! I can still remember meeting Steve at SAIT for an interview with Mz. Rhonda for the Crowns for Kids article, appearing in issue number 2. It was the first of over 75 articles I have had the privilege of writing. Since then I have been honored to speak to so many unique, interesting, and vitally important people, organizations, and businesses in Calgary’s community.

It speaks volumes that we’ve more than doubled in size from our early days, although no wonder, there is so much going on in this city that at times it can be hard to keep track of! Through the magazine I’ve gotten to experience things I have never done before: the ARGRA Rodeo and dances, Apollo Western Cup, Calgary Men’s Chorus concerts, spectacular bar events and so much more.

I want to take this chance to thank everyone who has made this a wonderful experience for me. There are so many awesome businesses and non-profit groups that make this city tick. Please support these worthwhile groups – the businesses themselves give selflessly to other organizations and support this magazine, and many people donate their time and energy to a lot of worthwhile causes and events. Without them this city would be a dull place indeed! We’ve eaten at some incredible restaurants, some of which became new favorite haunts after dining there for food reviews. I want to give a personal note of thanks to the talented actors and performers that have given me the chance to speak to them and see them in action. I am frequently in awe when I get the opportunity to see theatre in Calgary, and if you don’t make your way out to some of these shows and other events in town, then you are sorely missing out. We truly have a wide variety of entertainment in this city and I encourage our readers to check it all out.

I want to thank the other staff at the magazine – Nina Tron and Stephen Lock have been here since the beginning and things wouldn’t be the same without them. The additions of Darryl Aarbo, Jerome Voltero, Ben Hawkcliffe, Alykhan Velji, and Kevin Alderson have added a completely new dimension to the magazine.

Finally, I want to give heartfelt thanks to Steve and Rob, for taking a guy with a dream and letting him put his raw talent to use, writing words on paper for our community to read. This has been a dream job for me in many ways, opening a lot of doors and giving me the chance to do things that I never would have imagined possible. I owe you guys so much, I am so proud of how the magazine and myself have grown and matured. Thanks for letting me be a part of it.

Although the last two years have flown by, there are still many more stories to be told. I’m looking forward to being part of it for many more years to come.