It’s been another busy week at the Biddeford Gazette, capped off by last weekend’s annual spring conference of the New England Newspaper & Press Association (NENPA).
NENPA is a professional organization supporting the work of more than 450 media outlets throughout New England, including daily and weekly print publications; radio and television stations and digital media outlets like the Gazette.
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I have attended this annual conference many times in the past, but always while working for someone else or representing a different publication.
This year was much different. This was the first year I attended the conference as the co-owner of a non-profit media outlet dedicated to covering just one community.
I was warmly embraced and welcomed by many of my colleagues, and I learned a ton of stuff. It was a watershed moment of my professional career, and I will do my best to pass on the lessons I learned to benefit the Gazette’s readers, subscribers and supporters.
The Biddeford Gazette started more than a year ago as a snarky blog, fueled by frustration about what is happening in Biddeford.
Amateur hour is now over
You’ll be seeing some big and not so big changes in the days and weeks ahead.
No matter what, we are dedicated to the Biddeford Community. We serve you. That is our responsibility, and we must and will take that responsibility seriously.
I’ll be discussing what I learned this weekend on my blog | Lessons in Mediocrity | Outlaw Journalist
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UPCOMING STORIES
CITY BUDGET | We will continue our ongoing coverage of the city’s annual budget process. The council is facing a daunting task. While a proposed increase of more than 12 percent seems frightening, it’s important to note that it is only a preliminary number subject to lots of debate and adjustment. We urge you to get involved. Go to meetings. Call your councilors.
MEMORY LANE | We had a blast last week meeting with Chuck Cote, the youngest child of legendary football coach and player Bob Cote. Today, Chuck is working to preserve and archive tons of the city’s political and sports memorabilia including an extensive collection of historical records from the former St. Louis High School in Biddeford.
RUNNING ON EMPTY | Gazette readers will be able to learn more this week about Biddeford’s Jessica Johnson, a deeply passionate community volunteer who will once again be running in the Boston Marathon to raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Research Institute.
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DID YOU MISS IT?
TIGER PRIDE SHINES IN SANFORD | The Biddeford Gazette was proud to offer our exclusive coverage of the thrilling, end-of-season UNIFIED basketball game between the Biddeford Tigers and Sanford Spartans last week.
You can find pictures, game highlights and even video clips here | Biddeford Tigers bring home another win
CITY CLERK PATTERSON caught many people off guard last week, announcing her upcoming resignation, April 10.
UNE PRESIDENT Dr. James Herbert ended his silence and publicly expressed his frustration regarding the controversy that now surrounds the university’s proposed research pier.
CITY HIRES CONSULTANT | The Biddeford City Council unanimously voted last week to approve hiring a temporary municipal consultant to help the city address several big issues that have been plaguing the community for several years, including overdue financial audits and the city’s comprehensive plan.
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