Heartfelt thanks
Published:Friday | August 5, 2011 | 12:00 AM
They were all gathered to hear "thank you".
And Fay Wint-Smith, founder and editor-in-chief of Health, Home and Garden Magazine, doled out those words repeatedly as she celebrated the magazine's decade of existence. Wint-Smith invited her various writers, advertisers and supporters for a Friday lyme at the Altamont Court Hotel on Friday, July 29.
HHG Magazine was started in 2001 as a souvenir magazine for the Health, Home & Garden Expo, which is held at the National Arena, Kingston, Jamaica. It was first an annual publication coinciding with the then annual expo (now biennial). Wint-Smith recalled that she didn't want the publication to be just a souvenir for the expo ("I don't do dull") so she decided something more was needed. Wint-Smith admitted that she didn't know the first thing about publishing when she started and that there were many days when she felt like giving up. But she said letters and words of encouragement assuring her she was doing a good job kept her going. She also reiterated that the magazine sought to show what was right with Jamaica.
Everyone in attendance could appreciate the fact that some magazines fold (figuratively) after a few years. That HHG was celebrating a decade spoke to how persons have found it useful. The magazine is now published three times per year. All the issues were lined out chronologically and guests marvelled at the changes in design over the years. To emphasise the laid-back atmosphere of the evening, guests were even invited to play games (dominoes, cards, etc) all while singer/keyboardist Bunny Rose crooned some soothing music, perfect for a rainy Friday evening.
HHG Magazine has news-stand distribution in the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Jamaica, Caribbean and several other countries. It is also available through subscription worldwide.