I live in Calgary, a city of about 700,000 people.

Our community paper is called The Calgary Mirror. I am interested in local events and this is the best way to get community news.

I always read the Mirror front to back. My interest lies in articles on real estate, home maintenance, auto maintenance and items of local interest.

I prefer articles on subjects that appear every issue. I look forward to serial articles by a good writer on subjects such as gardening, pets, finance, health habits and preparing your house and car for winter.

Clip pieces

I also clip articles and re-read them or mail them to friends.

I read the ads, as they keep me advised of new products or businesses, new or existing restaurants and the price of building materials. If coupons are included, I use them, particularly for restaurants.

I appreciate these local papers, and I have supported many of their advertisers. I find these businesses are interested in having my business and even appreciate it.

I do not enjoy shopping at banks, large department stores or large food chains, as it seems they have no staff, or their staff seem to resent your interrupting them to do business.

Small businesses

Small businesses are the people that serve me, and I have developed a loyalty to them and their employees. Small businesses cannot compete on price, they must rely on service, and this they do.

Local paper

I find the local paper has not improved over the years, and delivery is inconsistent.

Our daily newspaper, The Calgary Herald, provides a weekly insert called Neighbor, which is excellent and of a much higher standard.

Les Phillips, 65, lives in Calgary and is a happily retired ex-manager of an office equipment company.