Tag Archives: COVID 19 Profiles

2020: Linda Solomon Wood Talks About Cortes Island & Journalism

Many of you probably know Linda Solomon Wood as the Editor-in-Chief of the CANADA’S NATIONAL OBSERVER, but the award winning investigative journalist lived on Cortes Island for five years after 9/11. While she currently lives in Vancouver, Linda returns every summer. I recently had a chance to interview her about her life and why, as the editor of a national publication, she recently hired a reporter to cover Cortes and Quadra Islands

Continue reading 2020: Linda Solomon Wood Talks About Cortes Island & Journalism

Tamara McPhail Talks About Small Farming & Linnaea Farm

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Every May, long-time farmer Tamara McPhail’s day begins and ends with frog song. Followed closely by the chatter of birds.

McPhail, her partner and their two kids live off-grid in a fortified yurt with a dugout basement, which means even inside the walls of their home, the family maintains a close connection to nature.

“We’re essentially living in a glorified tent, so in the mornings I awaken to the dawn chorus right now,” said McPhail.

Continue reading Tamara McPhail Talks About Small Farming & Linnaea Farm

The Bird’s Eye Is Back

After twenty years of operation, Quadra Island’s only weekly news publication suspended operations on March 25. As publisher/editor Amanda Smith explained, “the COVID emergency and the subsequent cancellation of all social events and shutdown of businesses meant that advertising revenue plummeted and I can no longer cover the bills.” Since then, a number of community members have kept encouraging her to bring it back. This morning there is good news: the Bird’s Eye is back. 

Continue reading The Bird’s Eye Is Back

Tahsis Students Conduct socially distanced food-farming

Campbell River Mirror, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Students from Captain Meares Elementary Secondary School in Tahsis carried out socially distanced food-farming activities in the community garden plot. 

Continue reading Tahsis Students Conduct socially distanced food-farming

What Happened After Mansons Hall Closed Its Doors?

It has been almost two months since Mansons Hall closed its doors to the public and laid off staff. The Southern Cortes Community Association (SCCA), which runs the hall, applied for the 75% wage subsidy to help pay the office manager. The office remained open to work on administrative tasks such as year end financials and respond to inquiries (like the email I sent them). Tenants continued to visit their spaces and the office manager took over the building’s cleaning duties for the next month. 

Continue reading What Happened After Mansons Hall Closed Its Doors?