A Word from the Editor

FROM THE EDITOR

Hello VFC! It's Kelly, editor of the Patrician, here to welcome you to an amazing new year for the Patrician, VFC, and just in general. It's hard to believe, but it's already been a year since I took the reigns of this magazine and it's been quite a ride. I've done my best to keep up with the quality of my predecessors while slowly updating the Patrician's look and style. I want to thank you all for the wealth of positive feedback we've received regarding these changes. In particular, it seems that not an issue passes without some heartwarming comment about our LGBTQ+ Pride themed issue in June.

As of November, the Patrician changed from publishing monthly issues to instead publishing every other month. This new bi-monthly publication schedule presents some unique challenges along with some equally unique opportunities. To this end, I wanted to express the goals I have for the future of the Patrician and the VFC's outreach.

As of March, there is going to be a renewed focus on articles and features that spotlight our membership like Member Mondays, Meet Your Board, and some new items. Internally focused content like this is critical to repairing the sense of community at the VFC that the COVID-19 pandemic has strained. To say that the last two years have been rough is a bit of an understatement. That the VFC has weathered the storm as well as it has is an amazing feat. However, the restrictions and move to online and distance communication has created a disconnect between the club and its history as a social hub for folks who share a passion for aviation. As the pandemic (hopefully) draws to a close and we pull out of this two year long nosedive, it's going to take some work to put the "club" back in Victoria Flying Club.

We can't do it without your help.

The Patrician cannot exist without members like you who are willing to engage with us through sharing stories, life moments, and their unique insights into aviation. These stories unite the VFC and make it more than a place you can rent planes and learn how to fly: it makes it a community.

And as part of this community, you have something worth sharing whether you think you do or not! The vast majority of articles that you've read in the Patrician have come from someone just like you. Every member, new and old, has something to bring to the table. So that's why I'm calling on each and every member to help us and submit stories, ideas for content, and to participate in member focused features. With your support, the Patrician will continue to soar.

Oh, and take it from me: it never hurts to be able to say that you're a published writer the next time you're at a dinner party, whenever that may be.

Here's to a fantastic year. Welcome to 2022!

Kelly J Clark Editor of the Patrician