Jill's Journal: Happy National Newspaper Week to us all!

It’s National Newspaper Week!

While it may not be a “cake and coffee” affair for all, for folks like myself who have a passion for local journalism, perhaps a cake and coffee affair is justified.

Just over seven years ago when the first issue of the Brandon Valley Journal rolled off the press and was slid into your mailboxes, I took a moment to reflect on the blessings of a community that truly cares for one another. Had it not been for a group of community members whom I’ve come to call friends willing to form Brandon Valley Media Group, it’s very likely that I wouldn’t be calling Brandon “my home.”

From day one, these people who put their faith, trust and monetary investments in me to produce a newspaper that caters to all things local,  have never once told me what stories to write or what view or stance to take on a topic.

What they have done is continue to support the weekly mission through encouraging words and thoughtful business advice.

Now three months into our “newspaper” calendar year, there are days when I have to pinch myself. The Brandon Valley Journal and our shopper, the Brandon Valley Trader, continue to survive – and thrive – thanks to each of you who subscribe to our print or digital format , to invest advertising dollars with us, who purchase a photo or two, who peruse our website and acknowledge us on our Facebeook and Instagram pages.

Oftentimes on Sunday evenings, I’m working on a story or photoshopping oodles of pictures that I snapped at the latest Lynx school event. It is then I hear my phone “ding” and light up. Wjile it may sound like such a simple thing, those “dings” are your way of telling us that we’re doing what a community weekly newspaper should do. 

We know our Brandon Valley students are checking out our photo galleries for glimpses of themselves in action on the field, on the court, on the stage and the like. And we’re elated to have a role in their young lives and their memory banks. 

Each week, we strive to educate and entertain you with news, features and sports. And you bet, just as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, our stories will continue to be on topics of importance to you. After all, what’s a community weekly newspaper without the community in it?

And now, for that cake ...