BY TONY WANLESS

Have you been wondering why you have not seen the Read On! column in the Renfrew-Collingwood Community News recently?

That is because we have changed writers. The column has been written for some time by Cari Chan, but she had to stop last year because she was too busy with other work.

But now, a new writer – Tony Wanless – has agreed to replace her and write the column in future. This column is his introduction to regular readers.

Tony has been a journalist and writer for 30 years. He has worked for several Canadian newspapers across Canada, including the Province newspaper in Vancouver. At different times, he has been a crime reporter, an art writer, a photographer, an editor, and chief of a group of “re-writers” – journalists who refine other journalist’s articles.

He has also written many books for businesses. For several years, he was a “ghost-writer” – a secret writer-for-hire, for authors of articles and books. Most of those were about business. He has also worked as a consultant on marketing for many technology businesses.

Although Tony is now officially retired, he continues to write a column every month for the business section of the National Post.

Tony has lived in the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood for almost 15 years. He has been involved in Collingwood Neighbourhood House’s senior’s Tai Chi program for several years.

He has some background with English as a second language and often replaces CNH’s usual teacher of English-as-a-second-language program when that person is away.

Last year, Tony offered a training session to help seniors who do not have English as their first language tell their stories about coming to Canada.

Although Tony is new to the RCC News column, there will be no changes for now. There could be in future, however, if readers suggest them.

In that sense, we are always willing to listen to suggestions about how we can make the column more helpful to newcomers to the area who are trying to better their English language skills.

If you have any ideas, then don’t be shy. We’d like to hear them so we can make the RCC News better serve the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood. Please email rccnews-editorial@cnh.bc.ca.

Without the fertilization of new ideas, nothing can grow.