Branching out

Journalism in all its guises – in my retirement, I'm not only writing a newsletter but also delivering it. Photo by John Denniston.

 When I took on the editorship of the Dunbar Residents’ Association’s  thrice-yearly newsletter last fall, I was playing a familiar role. From my basement kingdom, I interviewed people, dealt with contributors, and edited and proof-read copy – versions of what I’ve done all my professional career. But now, with three editions under my belt, I’m expanding my horizons.

Tonight, I joined the crew that stuffs those little newsletters into 6,000 mail-slots all over Dunbar. Volunteers aren’t always as plentiful as needed, and daily journalism habits die hard: I wanted that hard work of mine out there sooner rather than later.

So I strapped on John’s old camera bag, stuffed as many newsletters into it as my aging back would allow, and launched my career as a newsletter delivery person. I admit I had concerns. Would people yell at me for venturing onto private property? Would dogs bark and nip?

Mostly, except for one very excitable dog who pounded his paws on the window in hopes of breaking through, I was ignored. The biggest challenge was negotiating an astounding variety of front steps – stately and scary – and mailboxes – rusty, dusty, impenetrable or non-existent. Obviously, people don’t get much mail these days.

I’ve never been at the delivery end of newspapering before. But there was something satisfying about seeing the stories I wrote sliding into the homes of the people I wrote them for. A gift from my basement kingdom.

For a PDF of the newsletter, go to http://dunbar-vancouver.org/dunbar-newsletters/