Ideas evolve, and so does The Chronicle.
We first introduced the weekly Page 2 Emerald Valley Almanac in January 2020 to forge a direct connection to our agro-readers. The idea was sparked after a conversation with Creswell resident Patrick Mooney, whom I affectionately call “Pinecone Patrick.” He sells Oregon pinecones nationally, by the bushels and by truck loads, as well as green sphagnum moss and natural forest products found only in the Pacific Northwest.
Tierney
There is a visible love for horticulture and homeopathy among readers, and with the Willamette Valley being home to two-thirds of the state’s wineries and vineyards, the idea for a local almanac made sense.
Now, each week we work to craft a page that’s full of local utility, fun tidbits and a dash of wit.
Reader feedback inspired us to evolve the page into an annual section, printed inside this edition.
Our reporters walked the fields of My Brothers’ Farm in Creswell, took selfies with the bison and learned the ins and outs of the family-run sustainable operation.
We took hikes to Pisgah, rode bikes on the McKenzie River Trail and reported back our findings.
We’ve crafted a calendar for each month of the year, sprinkled with noteworthy dates.
And that’s not all we’ve got shaking.
Readers will notice other additions, both people and features.
We are partnering with Creswell Painted Rocks to both encourage creativity and help fuel fun scavenger hunts. Be on the lookout this Spring!
You will read new contributors on our Opinion page. Mark Molina, profiled in this week’s edition of the paper, brings a diverse and inclusive approach to building community. He’ll write occasional guest columns and we’ll feature his podcasts. Chelsea Pisani, a Creswell mom, wife, entrepreneur, and small-business owner, will contribute commentary and perspective from her vantage points.
We’ve partnered with the League of Women Voters of Lane County, the local chapter of the American Association of University Women, and Community Counseling Services, whose experts share mental-health tips twice a month, and we publish columns written by local experts at PeaceHealth.
The Chronicle continues to develop its business & employment coverage. We are developing plans with WorkForce Lane. More to come on that!
At The Chronicle, we continue to innovate our community newspaper to best serve its readers.
Erin Tierney is executive editor of The Chronicle.
