Editor's Letter: Teamwork

As we round the corner into a third “unprecedented” year of the coronavirus pandemic, it can be hard to guess what’s to come in the months ahead. We have learned that there is a great deal of unpredictability in our lives and our future. But with that realization we have learned to adapt, to be flexible and to pivot when needed. These are the very traits that allow us to move with surety into this year. Our small city has dealt with the pandemic and has lost very little. Most of the businesses that closed didn’t do so specifically because of the pandemic, but because the owners decided it was time to retire or move on. Most of the seemingly empty storefronts have been leased or purchased with fabulous new businesses on the way. We look forward to telling you about them!

Benicia Magazine has weathered the last two years fairly well, albeit with belts pulled fairly tight. We have survived with teamwork. Our art director, Margaret Bowles, managing editor, Genevieve Hand, and myself, along with a flexible group of contributors and a wonderful group of advertisers all helped keep this ship afloat so we could stride into 2022. Upcoming, we will have some exciting new features and expanded distribution that will extend Benicia Magazine to other cities and communities. Look for updates in the February issue. Part of our plan to move forward includes a slight change in management. I will be acting as publisher and my daughter Genevieve Hand will be taking on the role of editor-in-chief. With Genevieve taking over the responsibilities of editor, I will be freed up to be more involved in the community and will be able to be on top of timely stories and events. I’m still accessible via email at any time at publisher@beniciamagazine.com.

Genevieve has been managing editor for the last year and has also been our web specialist. She graduated from UCSB with a BFA in dance and BA in anthropology. She has just completed her MBA from Colorado State University. After being injured early in her dance career, she moved to performing arts administration and management. Genevieve is analytic and creative which doesn’t often coexist in the same mind. She pays great attention to detail which is important in the industry. She brings new ideas and new energy to Benicia Magazine.

Which brings us to balance, one of our features in this issue and an important concept for our unpredictable world. That elusive work/life balance can be achieved by simply slowing down a bit. Take stock of where you are and what’s going on around you. Take time to breathe and enjoy our lovely town and beautiful views. My grandmother said to me many times, “Mary Catherine, you do too much and you go too fast. You must slow down and take time to smell the roses!” Good advice.

Cheers! Mary

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