As two active members in the Fraser Valley social media scene, it was only a matter of time before they connected offline.
Back in May, Langley’s Kristyl Clark from the She’s a Valley Mom ‘blogazine,’ interviewed Michael Thorne, a local realtor and one of the faces behind the popular My North Langley fan page, for a feature on her website.
Once she was back in her car, the idea of a partnership suddenly popped into Clark’s head.
“It was all I could think about on the drive home from the interview,” recalled the work-at-home mom, who had just spent the past hour learning how Thorne utilizes the power of social media to build his brand and help others learn more about their own backyard.
“Every area that I feel like I lack knowledge or confidence in happens to be Michael’s strengths. And, to be honest, he’s just a lot of fun to work with — such an inspiring guy.”
With Clark’s penchant for writing and passion for her community, coupled with Thorne’s gift for the gab and a shared enthusiasm for his hometown, one might say they’ve cast themselves in the perfect roles.
The duo, who met in the digital realm, are about to give the Fraser Valley a big fat proverbial high-five for all the world to see on their computer screens, iPads or and any other digital device.
Fraser Valley 5 is an interactive online talk show that made its debut on Aug. 7, delivering a fresh, fun and quirky perspective of the Fraser Valley — the places, the people and events — served up in five enticing visual bites.
The talk show, hosted by Thorne and Clark, will keep with a ‘top-five’ theme, all centered around hot spots, happenings and faces around the Fraser Valley.
“It’s going to have a little bit of everything,” said Thorne, a long-time Walnut Grove resident and father of two, who, along with his friend Tyler McClendon, launched the My North Langley page three years ago.
The one-of-a-kind online passion project connects people in the North Langley communities of Walnut Grove, Fort Langley and Willoughby.
“Through the My North Langley page, I’ve learned about so many incredible things that happen out this way that I wasn’t aware of before. Now, my wife Tracey and I, along with our two sons, Keaton, 5, and Carter, 8, will get to go out and find all these other hidden gems through the whole Fraser Valley with this new show.”
And while Clark usually hides behind her byline, the blogger had been toying with the idea of putting herself out there to connect with her readers on a different platform — one that will provide another medium to do what she loves best — go on adventures in the Valley with her two daughters, Molly, 5, Zoe, 3, and husband Jason.
“To be honest, I’m a little nervous about being in front of a camera — I’m usually the one taking the pictures and filming the video,” she said.
“However, this is going to be such a blast. We’re not going to take ourselves too seriously.”
She is hopeful her fans will be just as excited about the her new project and partnership with Thorne.
“We’ve got the logo, filming location and a calendar jam-packed with some pretty exciting shows lined up. Make sure you check us out — in just five minutes or less we promise you’ll learn more about the Fraser Valley than you ever realized — even if you have lived here all of your life like us.”
With the success of the My North Langley fan page and Mobile Agent TV, Thorne is confident the Fraser Valley is ready and has an appetite for what the pair are about to deliver.
“I really think the people in our community are ready for something like this. It’s fun, it’s informative and it’s something that is for them.
“Really, it’s not about us. We want to involve and engage our viewers — this one belongs to you guys.”
Even before the first episode was taped, the community was already rallying behind them, says Clark.
“We’re really excited to already have a following on Facebook and Twitter. We also already have some fantastic sponsors on board and we’re now one of the official media sponsors of the Langley Good Times Cruise-In. We’ll be taping on location on Saturday, Sept. 6, so come please come and say hello.”
Fraser Valley 5 debuted last week. To watch the program, visit www.fraservalley5.com. You can also find out more at fraservalley5.com. Follow Fraser Valley 5 on Twitter @fraservalley5 and look for them on Facebook.