As members of the media, we become accustomed to criticism from readers.
It goes with the territory. As we report and comment on community events and news it is a given that not everyone will be pleased with our presentation or point of view.
There are times, however, when a pat on the back is given instead of a jab in the eye. We learn to cherish those moments, not just because of their rarity, but also because of their sincerity.
Members of the City of North Battleford 2013 Centennial Historical Committee dropped by the News-Optimist last week to present a letter of appreciation and gifts to acknowledge the newspaper's role in their North Battleford Notables project. Committee member Gil Bellevance presented me with the letter and a copy of Skyline, a book published for the City's golden jubilee. During the presentation he thanked the newspaper for its support of the centennial project and also for ongoing support of the Northwest Historical Society and its work to promote and preserve the community's history.
The letter states: "On the occasion of our great city's centennial, the City of North Battleford 2013 centennial historical committee wishes to give you and the News-Optimist a large thank you for your generous contribution and assistance with respect to the committee's North Battleford Notables initiative.
"To wit, the committee has asked you, as editor, to arrange with the News-Optimist a commitment to publish biographies of notable or illustrious citizens, either deceased or living, who have made extraordinary contributions to our fair city. As agreed, the News-Optimist will publish one of these biographies each week for 52 weeks.
"We greatly appreciate that you, as editor, have arranged this with the News-Optimist, and that there is absolutely no charge for publishing these weekly biographies. We also note that a full page of the newspaper has been reserved for us. In addition, we appreciate the work of you and your staff in creating an excellent and distinctive (layout)."
Tammy Donahue-Buziak, co-chair of North Battleford's centennial committee, also presented a gift of Reflections of North Battleford and a bag bursting with centennial souvenirs. She expressed her appreciation for the paper's promotion of centennial events, and in her role as archivist, acknowledged the News-Optimist's ongoing support of the City of North Battleford Historic Archives.
We revel in the appreciation and hope readers will continue to enjoy the Notables feature, the regular submissions from the archives and other material submitted by the historical society. A community with such a rich history is fortunate to have so many people dedicated to preserving and promoting that history.
