EDITOR’S CHAIR

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas, everyone! Welcome to the December/ January issue of The Midtown Press. For our new readers, our paper is published every other month, six times per year during the following months: February/March, April/May, June/July, August/September, October/ November, and December/January. I received some recent feedback in the form of a complaint that the paper needed to be more current and should be published monthly. On one hand, I was bothered by the grudge, but then I decided to look at it differently and instead felt that this person wanted more! As I have said in prior issues, it is truly heartwarming to see people reading the paper, requesting copies, and expressing interest in advertising. I genuinely enjoy working on the paper and am deeply grateful for its impact as we work to share the good that is happening in our community. However, it is challenging to pull off publishing an issue, especially without a staff. From gathering stories to contacting advertisers to distribution (both electronically and physically), it takes considerable effort. With that being said, would I like to increase frequency? Absolutely, but it requires more than I am currently able to support. I would need more help to consider any expansion. I am thankful to have great contributors, including Barbara Chandler and Kassanndra Santiago, whose contributions to the paper have been invaluable. But I would need more. I believe in the notion that if you are not growing, you are dying, so I would like to work toward developing a plan that leads to that growth. I have already begun making inroads with some who could help make great partnerships, but it will take some time. Please be patient with me as I work toward creating the best possible version of The Midtown Press!

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this issue. I know I sound like a broken record player; however, as I work on each issue, it reminds me of how fleeting time is. In just a few short weeks, we will be singing Auld Lang Syne and ringing the bells of a new year! As I was "dusting off" the files to work on this issue, it seemed like it was only a few short months ago when I was working on last year's issue.

This issue features a couple "feel good" stories. One featuring a local hero, Oliver Kennedy, Jr. (Page 16) and another highlighting a local sports celebrity, Maurice Allen (Page 21) We also have our regular feature on the Pine Hills Seniors, who celebrated Thanksgiving with a beautiful and entertaining luncheon. We also have coverage of the new Pine Hills LYNX Transfer Station groundbreaking ceremony.

Despite what you might hear or see on the news, many positive things are happening in our community. That is precisely why The Midtown Press exists: to share the good news about the people, places, and things happening in our community. While we may not be able to cover everything, if you have an upcoming event or a newsworthy story you think we should be aware of, please let us know.

Lastly, as you read through the paper, please pay attention to the different advertisements you see and ask that you support them. I am humbled by each advertiser who partners with us. Simply put, without them, there is no Midtown Press. Some advertisers are small mom-and-pop businesses and larger nonprofit organizations. No matter the size, I am genuinely grateful for each of them.