“Fiddler’s Corner”
by Paul Cranford - Fiddler, Fiddle Music Archivist, Publisher and
former Lighthouse Keeper
         Paul has, now for over 30 years, published thousands of tunes in printed compilations, online at www.cranfordpub.com and contributed well over 500 tunes in his column in The Victoria Standard every two weeks. A prolific composer, Paul's tunes are played worldwide and can be heard on many recordings. His book, The Lighthouse Collection, features over 250 of his original melodies. In addition to all he is involved with, Paul also plays with the local group, Rocky Shore.

“The County’s History Through its Buildings”
by Joan MacInnes - County Historian and Archivist
          Joan's passion for this subject is very apparent when one reads her monthly column or, for that matter, in conversation with her. Very
knowledgeable about the "built history" of Victoria County, Joan shares the history of special buildings and of those who lived in them, all the while giving us the flavour of the times and the link to the present. You can reach Joan at 295-1843 or [email protected]

“In Those Days in Victoria County”
by Jim St. Clair - Teacher, Historian and Genealogist
          Trained as a teacher and historian, Jim St. Clair developed a life-long enthusiasm for genealogy and family history, a subject he addresses in his monthly column, always in his unique style of delivery, a style that allows you to 'hear' his written words. Always a storyteller, he has shared his love of Cape Breton history for years through his "Then and Now" spot on CBC as well as within local newspapers like The Victoria Standard. Jim can be reached by e-mail at [email protected]

"Cape Breton Weather"
by Bill Danielson - Weather Forecaster, Professor and Author
          When Bill Danielson was about twelve years old, he began to sense new emotions surging through his adolescent mind and body. Oddly enough, these emotions were aroused by the weather. He caught an adrenaline rush each time a hurricane bore down the Boston area where he grew up, and felt a thrill to see snow pile up, bringing things to a standstill. Bill’s infatuation with the weather has persisted to this day, even playing a role in his immigration to the Weather Capital of The Maritimes (Cape Breton). Bill worked as a forecaster, professor, and author of books on meteorology, including Cape Breton Weather Watching for the Naturally Curious (CBU Preess, 2007). He and his wife live in Smelt Brook where they have a front row view of the ongoing atmospheric drama known as weather.

“Along the Trail”
by Chuck Thompson - County Resident and 'Observer of Life' 
          Chuck approaches each 'observation' of everyday life in the County with humour and honesty (often self deprecating), very often  pointing out the sweetness of living in this special place but always with a whimsical eye on the foibles of people, government, Mother Nature and most importantly, himself. If you'd like to offer Chuck comment on any of his columns, don't hesitate to contact him at [email protected]
 

“Book Nook”
by Kate Oland - Librarian, Baddeck Branch, Cape Breton Regional Library
          Kate's intelligent and conversational approach to 'happenings' at the libraries in Baddeck and Ingonish are a welcome spot each issue. Not only giving readers information on programs for tots, teens and adults, she keeps us up to date on what's new at the library, with detailed insight on just what might appeal to a large cross-section of the population. Visit www.cbrl.ca

“Strictly for the Birds”
by BethSheila Kent - Birder with more than 30 years of experience
          Here, the love and passion for a subject take hold! Beth's obvious knowledge and affection of 'things with wings' brings to our readers a unique and varied series of reports that reflect the avian traffic through the area at all times of the year. Included in Beth's columns are sightings of both common and rare species reported by her and to her by her fellow birders. Beth's informative column makes use of her many years as a birder, an innate knowledge as a naturalist, as well as a formal background in botany and geology. Call Bethsheila at 295-1749 or connect with Bethsheila by e-mail at [email protected] with your sightings.

“Saoghal na Gàidhlig…
The Gaelic Way of Living in the World”
by Catriona Parsons - Native Gaelic Speaker
          Catriona weaves a story that we can all enjoy. She has an MA and a Graduate Diploma in Linguistics from the University of Edinburgh, was a professor in the Celtic Studies Department at St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS for many years and she is also the Past President of the Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia. She regularly teaches the language during the summer months at the Gaelic College in Cape Breton, and at other immersions and workshops throughout North America. Catriona is an accomplished Gaelic singer, and has produced a Gaelic course for students learning the language. In addition, her Gaelic poetry and prose have been featured in the Scottish Gaelic publications GAIRM and GATH.


“Get Your Laughing Tackle Around This”
by George Smith - Chef, Telegraph House, Baddeck
          In most issues of The Victoria Standard, George offers up a new and interesting recipe for our readers. But that’s just part of it! Leading up to each recipe, he takes us on a well-written, quirky journey into his English past, often as a boy and sometimes as a young man making his way in life. Always very amusing and often harrowing, his stories always lead us back to food and George’s domain, the kitchen.


Mona Anderson CFA - Roving Reporter
            Mona is a freelance writer whose work appears in the Victoria Standard on a regular basis on all manner of topics. She covers news, council meetings, sporting events, arts & theatre, and writes the features in our Summer Supplement section which runs from June to October.  Mona also writes fiction and has published several of her short stories. You can contact Mona at [email protected]