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joined Focus in 2007, explained that over the past decade, the magazine has almost doubled in size. There are 9,500 copies printed every month, of which 9,000 are mailed by Canada Post to local homes and businesses. The remainder are hand delivered to stores and offices in and around Port Perry, or available at the Focus on Scugog headquarters at 188 Mary St. tion. It’s not unusual for people to pop by to get extra copies to mail to friends or relatives across the country, and with Focus on Scugog online, the popular monthly magazine can be read from anywhere in the world. “Everybody has a story to tell,” says Tracy. “People are so excited to see their picture in the magazine,” she added. “It makes them happy.” Focus was basically started on a whim. It was not expected to be a long-term publication. Tracy, Mary Ann and Arlene all emphasize their advertisers are also their friends and neighbours. Each of them knows their custom- ers individual requirements, and Arlene tailors her creative designs to their distinctive styles. They also point out, that without the adver- tisers, there would not be a Focus magazine, so each of them encourages the public to support the local businesses, and the events sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and BIA (Busi- ness Improvement Area). There are very few communities with a Focus-style, independently owned magazine. The publication is unique in a town the size of Port Perry and the staff often hear this from visitors who drop by their office, stating they wis! e community’s in which they live, had a similar publication. “We have many readers who tell us they have kept every issue since its inception,” MaryAnn says. “Others tell us they keep their copy on the coffee table, so they can refer to the articles about special community events and advertising specials.” Feedback indicates that people of all ages enjoy reading Focus cover to cover. MaryAnn relates how just recently a gentle- man poked his head into the Focus office to say how much he enjoys reading this publica- RENOVATIONS LTD. LUC WIK ates anes tt: Referrals are the core of our business Transforming dreams into reality! Call John: 905 985 8569 www.lucykrenovations.com Peter downplays his part, but most of the cover photographs and pictures inside the magazine come from his camera. Speaking of stories, it’s the positive comments and suggestions from the public that help the team and its skilled freelance writers to come up with worthy topics. Current writers include Paul Arculus, Jonathan van Bilsen, Lynn Campbell, Scott Mercer and Karen Stiller. Others who have contributed to fill the pages over the past decade include, Barbara Hunt, Christina Coughlin, Mar- jorie Fleming and Tammy Horvath and Julie Anne Gatto-Gibbons. Ld What are the chances, if you ask four separate people the same question, you will get the same answer? That’s what happened when Peter, Mary Ann, Tracy and Arlene were asked about what they like about being part of the Focus team. ‘Scott Mercer Writer “We have readers who tell us they have kept every issue since its Inception... MaryAnn Fleming Each and every one says, “It’s the best job I’ve ever had,” and “I love the people I work with.” “We work hard and do our jobs, but we have a lot of fun doing it,” said MaryAnn. Arlene adds that, “People in the community are so positive about Focus magazine. They just love it”. “Focus has provided me the most gratifying and fulfilling 10 years of my publishing career,” Peter says. Please turn to ‘Anniversary’ page 12 Karen Stiller Writer Renovations from the outside in, yy we can do it all! @ 434.0517 ¢ 905 FOCUS - APRIL 2015 11