NOT EVEN BREAKING MY ANKLE
could dampen my enthusiasm as we prepared Grand’s anniversary issue. We are 10 years old!
This special edition — free to Grand subscribers — is our way of celebrating this milestone and saying thank you.
Grand debuted in November 2005. We sought to create an uplifting lifestyle magazine for Waterloo Region, a publication that celebrates the success of this community and shines a spotlight on local people, places and events.
Our first issue was 80 pages. The cover featured Looneyspoons cookbook author Greta Podleski. Like any 10-year-old, we’ve grown a lot since then, typically publishing 200 pages.
In my first column, I explained that we named the magazine Grand (after the river) because it asserts our local focus and embodies an elegant, sophisticated lifestyle.
Our community is fortunate to have innovative, inspiring people whose work enriches our lives. One of our special features is a list of 10 iconic change makers who have contributed in a major way to the success of this area. Narrowing that list to 10 was a tough call. There are many more icons among us, but we think you will enjoy reading about our chosen 10 (pages 69-79).
Some of our regular writers contributed their own anniversary lists. Wine columnist Michael Pinkus picks 10 sparkling wines fit for a special celebration (pages 134-136). Wheels columnist Kathy Renwald takes a closer look at 10 luxury rides.
Ten years of growth and change in Waterloo Region have been reflected in our pages. Grand editor Andrea Neblett kept that in mind as she focused on a theme of past, present and future. That shines through in stories such as Salvage Seekers (pages 34-41), Carbon Crusaders (pages 82-87) and Embracing a Digital Future (pages 60-66).
Fashion is a big part of every issue and we decided from day one to use local models to showcase clothes and accessories you can buy right here. We look for local sites for our fashion photo shoots, which have taken us from the private members’ lounge at the Centre in the Square to a nearby cornfield.
Lovely Langdon Hall was the location for our first fashion shoot, featuring beautiful ball gowns for the première holiday issue. It seemed appropriate for our 10th anniversary to return to that setting. We ambitiously gathered 10 models — nine who have previously graced our pages and one who is new to Grand (pages 105-110).
No celebration would be complete without moments of reflection. You will find those sprinkled throughout the magazine in Memory Lane capsules, looking back at people we’ve covered and some of the staff who have made it all possible.
It has been a real joy to meet Grand readers at events or on the phone over the past decade. If there is a common thread in the feedback, it’s that we surprise you by telling you something you didn’t know about our community.
I had that kind of reaction while editing the story about three remarkable men who have made big personal changes through the YMCA (pages 94-98). I had no idea the fit man who has led my spin class dealt with major issues before becoming a fitness instructor. I also learned more about a former co-worker and the health challenges he has faced.
It’s discoveries such as these that we have worked hard to provide for more than 10 years.
Thank you to everyone who has been with us and welcome to those joining the family.
It has indeed been a grand journey and we look forward to 10 more years of Grand adventures.