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A new century approaches, at least for this columnist

This marks a milestone for me - my 100th column. I started writing for the Optimist in November 2011, just after losing the school board election that year. That’s what my first article was about - losing the election.

This marks a milestone for me - my 100th column.

I started writing for the Optimist in November 2011, just after losing the school board election that year. That’s what my first article was about - losing the election.

I never dreamed I’d have an opportunity like this, let alone make it to 100 columns. I still have a copy of the email editor Ted Murphy sent asking if I’d be interested in writing a Community Comment. At least I got something out of that election campaign.

I remember my first few articles and how long they took to prepare. I show up here every three weeks, and it used to take me the whole three weeks to get it done. The first week was determining the topic and writing a draft, the next editing it, getting others to give me feedback and making more edits. Then I’d submit it on Monday for the Wednesday paper, read it when it came out and start the process over again.

I’m a little faster now. I think about topics all the time, determine one on the weekend, write it Sunday night and submit it. I can crank out 550 words in about 45 minutes now. Hopefully it doesn’t show. I admire Murphy as he does two of these a week.

I recently thumbed through the articles I’ve written (my wife graciously keeps a scrapbook for me). I’ve written about schools, coaching and playing hockey, the Southlands, elections and volunteering at Christmas. I research to make sure I’m as accurate as possible because I want my columns to be based on facts, just not feelings. I try and stick to policy, not politics, and definitely not personalities.

While it can sometimes be challenging to get it written, I always remember that it is an honour and a privilege to have this opportunity. I don’t take it lightly.

I took a short break when I ran for school trustee again in 2014. My first column back, ironically my 50th, was about losing the election — again. Oh well, at least I didn’t struggle for a topic that time.

I read every letter to the editor in every paper to get a sense of what people are feeling.  There’s no greater reward for me than having someone take the time to respond to one of my columns, whether you agree with me or not. I’ve started a conversation, which is what I’d hoped to achieve.

I don’t get a lot of feedback, but every once in a while someone will come up to me and say they read my column. I just hope we’re not in the bakery section of the grocery store at the time. They have a lot of pies there, so I’m hoping none end up in my face.

If you have made it this far through my article, thank you. If any of my articles have made you happy, angry, inspired you to volunteer or make a donation, I’m thrilled. If you ever want to get in touch with me, you can reach me through twitter @delta_brad, or send an email to the paper and they will get it to me.

I can’t believe I made it to the century mark. I hope you don’t mind if I keep going.

Brad Sherwin, MBA is a long-time resident of South Delta, and has over 25 years’ experience in marketing, public relations and business strategy. He teaches marketing at Douglas College.