Happy New Year West Coast

Another year has passed. It's been an interesting one on The Long Beach Peninsula and for us here at Long Beach Radio.  From tragic local events through personal and regional celebrations it's been an honor for me to share them with the community.  In Tofino there was a dramatic municipal election that will be a major factor in the years ahead, we lost 2 local heroes in the horrific ambulance accident this spring and some lost friends and family.  Others, I know, have celebrated new lives and new beginnings through weddings, new jobs and other new adventures.

Personally, I feel 2011 was another positive step toward realising what I hoped for when I moved to The West Coast almost 5 years ago. I feel closer to my neighbours, more connected to the community and ever more proud of the role I can play in it.  I was touched when listeners told me how comforting my broadcasts were during our own tsunami advisory after the quake in Japan and when folks would share jokes or stories that were related to some of our programming.  I'd like to say Thank You for supporting Long Beach Radio and making it possible for me to have such a fulfilling job in such a fascinating place.

As we look ahead to 2012 we can't really know what will come.

At Long Beach Radio we've set a few things in motion; The fun addition of Elby, the new Long Beach Radiobile who will soon be attending fun shindigs and charity events around town. We've taken steps to improve our emergency broadcasy abilities should the need arise.  We have a great group of local hosts keeping the evenings live and adding colour to the programming that I think is the heart of local small-town radio.

As a community we have much to look forward to;  The return of Feast BC after a successful run in 2011 already has my mouth watering.  I've also hear that the Tofino Saltwater Calssic fishing derby is a go again this year with an official press release coming soon. Perhaps we'll see some progress on the West Coast Multiplex and the growth of long standing events like Ukee Days, Whale Festival, The Queen of The Peak and (here's hoping) The O'Neill Cold Water Classic.

Of course The Canucks Stanley Cup win will be nice too.

I can't wait to see it unfold and share it with you.  Take care of each other and see you in the new year.

Thanks for listening to Long Beach Radio,  Geoff