West Van Reunion 85: Plus ca change...

West Van Reunion 85

What a night. On Sept. 24, West Van Secondary's Class of '85 held its 20th reunion. Geez, has it really been that long? I think we've held up pretty good. See for yourself: here are some pictures I took, plus some people sent me. A few faces are missing, but maybe someone else will post their pictures on the Web. Oh yeah, you can click on a picture to see a larger version.
- Jennifer Lang

About me

I just recently headed back to the Lower Mainland after 10 years in northwest B.C. If you’ve ever made a major move, you’ll probably agree: it’s a bit like surviving a natural disaster -- you lose your house, job, friends and even your dog (okay, so she’s actually the neighbour’s, but I’m trying to make a point here).

But let me rewind a little. I landed in Terrace in late 1994. Picture a bustling forestry town before the arrival of the Internet, cell phone coverage, or even a decent café latte. It felt pretty remote. But it was a great place to be a reporter. Over the years I had a front row seat to everything from the Nisga’a treaty and the Skeena Cellulose crisis, to B.C.’s first MLA recall campaign and massive school closures, to name a few.

Plus, famous folks were always passing through. On the job I’ve met five sitting premiers and one prime minister, even a celebrity or two. I’ve learned that a few of Gordon Campbell’s favourite movies are Life is Beautiful and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. The late Ernie Coombs (Mr. Dressup) once sang to me over the phone.

I spent holidays exploring Haida Gwaii on kayak, driving to the Yukon, meandering through Southeast Alaska by ferry, and weekends chilling at folk festivals or hiking local mountains -- often without seeing another living soul. Best of all? I met my partner of 10 years, Jeff, while covering city hall for competing newspapers.

About six months ago, for a whole lot of reasons (to be closer to family; job-wise, it was time to move on; etc.) we moved back to the Lower Mainland. It was sad leaving Terrace. Friends gave us all of their Canadian Tire money and wished us well.

We now live in sunny White Rock with our two pet goldfish, Ricky and Julian. I managed to find work just a few blocks up the street at the Peace Arch News. I’m like their summer student! News, sports, arts, features -- just point me to the right desk.

This gig ends soon, and I don’t know where I’m headed next. But I’m excited. The change has been good.

Thursday, October 13, 2005