A few weeks ago we reported on the distribution partnership between The Chronicle and area Dari Marts, the first of its kind for the paper first established in 1909. We’re still ironing out a few kinks with the bar code, also a first for the newspaper. Besides bringing the only hyper-local news and information source to readers and customers, we’ve gotten to meet many of Dari Mart’s employees. We recently chatted with Carl (who was restocking giant bags of ice), Heidi, Jessica, and Ruth at the Pleasant Hill location off Highway 58. We’ve been in the two Creswell Dairy Marts and are familiar with those teams, including Austin. Leveah, super helpful, works at the location near Prime Time Sports Bar & Grille. …
My older brother Dennis recently visited from Denmark earlier this month, where he’s lived for 30+ years. I’m proud of him as a brother and I’m an admirer as a fellow small-business owner. He moved to Denmark when he married a Danish woman and raised his family there. He learned the language, worked in fish processing plants, and eventually created a commercial cleaning business – Rainbow Cleaning. He also started golfing at age 50, and 12 years later has a 10 handicap and a club championship. He played plenty of golf during his visit and raves about Emerald Valley Golf Resort’s course. We also played Middlefield Oaks a few times and met Ken and Steve. Both are knowledgeable and friendly, and were eager to discuss the terrific shape of the greens. …
Middlefield Oaks also played host to the Big Dawg golf tournament a few weekends ago, an important fundraiser for Creswell High School athletics. The Bulldogs Boosters Club always does a terrific job organizing the event, and The Chronicle is a proud “Leader of the Pack” sponsor. Kudos to Kristi and her colleagues. …
I want to extend a formal welcome to Sarah, who will be writing stories and contributing columns for The Chronicle. Originally from southern California, she has a background in writing, and was published by the Los Angeles Times. We’re fortunate to bring her unique voice to our coverage of the southern Willamette Valley. …
Met quite a few people this past month through our advertising and sales efforts. Diane came by the newsroom, as did Don, a familiar face from Creswell. Guy and Rae were collaborative partners as we promoted the Mayor’s Revue at Emerald Art Center and the Wildish Theater, we have a budding professional friendship with Elisha at The Weekly, Ashley purchased election-related advertising, and Jennifer, Daniel, and Donata all placed ads with us. It was good touching base with Tim, representing the Presbyterian Women’s Group’s annual Country Store. We also met with Whitney and anticipate an impactful relationship with Willamalane …
It’s been a lot of fun getting out to high sports events, and the big football games this season. I also enjoyed getting out to a Monday Night Football game recently at a Springfield sports bar. I chatted up many Oregon Ducks fans still euphoric from the blowout victory over UCLA. Mike (who ordered the very popular meatloaf, with finger sticks), Nick, Dustin, Shane, Sydnee, and Celeste all seemed to be enjoying the game. …
We’re excited to announce that The Chronicle will produce the Cottage Grove Newcomers & Visitors Guide for the second year in a row, collaborating with the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce on content and design. Georgia already is helping drive sales and awareness for the annual publication that comes out the first Thursday of January 2023. …
Speaking of chambers of commerce, Jason met with us last week in our Springfield office to discuss how The Chronicle can continue to support Creswell’s big events – the community-wide yard sale on Mothers’ Day weekend, Fourth of July, fall festivities, and Holiday Lights / Home Decorating contest. … I also went to lunch with Dani of the Springfield chamber. She is the manager of Programs & Business Services and there is so much happening in the area we could have used an entire day of discussion. Oh, and be sure to get a copy of the Springfield chamber’s latest directory magazine. The photography and design is always outstanding and the content helps residents take advantage of the benefits the area offers. …
In another exciting development, we spoke with Jon and Holly, who are with the University of Oregon’s internship and career center. We’re looking forward to working with more UO students to help us serve our readers with unique-and-differentiating hyper-local news and information. …
I’ve been invited to take part in a panel discussion following the showing of the film “Storm Lake,” which is about the struggling newspaper industry. Norma and Paul have asked me to appear with Camilla of The Weekly and Chris, well-known and highly gifted photographer for the Register-Guard. …
It was nice to catch up recently with Robin, and hearing about all of her adventures with husband Chris. Ben and a few others were enjoying an afternoon drink after a long day. I miss the crew at the Round-Up Saloon. …
Wendy and John at the Creswell post office have been helpful as we work through delivery and labeling issues. We appreciate their expertise and support. …
Popped into a local store that’s part of the Cottage Bowl complex in Cottage Grove. Makana, Ben, Colleen were friendly and welcoming, even on a busy day! …
The Picks ‘n’ Pets weekly feature in The Chronicle is one of our favorite elements. Ron, our reporter and copy editor, helps his dog Monita make her picks, and they currently sit in first place. We’ll be missing his writing through the next month as he undergoes surgery and rehab for a bad hip. …
I was able to attend the BYU-Oregon game at Autzen Stadium. The good people at Mid-Valley Glass & Millwork throw a terrific tailgate party, and it was a pleasure chatting with Jeff, the owner. Thanks for invite, Lance. …
A special shout-out to Dan, who was biking when he spotted a colleague of mine trying to load a piece of furniture into a car. He went out of his way to help a stranger.
