Noel Nash, publisher
Among the reasons my wife and I purchased The Chronicle was a desire to invest in our communities, to uplift and edify through accurate storytelling and credible coverage. Perhaps no month more than this May has demonstrated that commitment. For instance:
We relaunched Roast, Toast & Boast – a casual business-networking event that was founded last year by Rachael, our new Sales & Marketing Director. Held the second Monday of each month from 8:30-10 a.m., the gathering includes two short presentations – one by a local nonprofit and one by a woman in leadership. Along with video and audio elements on our social media platforms, the guest speakers also write a short column for the following week’s paper. Scott, who runs Pegasus Playhouse in downtown Springfield, was our first nonprofit speaker and is our gracious host for the event going forward. The theater is a terrific venue, and I was able to meet Josh, Erik, Ray, Mike, Melinda, and Kristin while enjoying a coffee and toast. …
We were among the guests at The Garden, owned and operated by Olsson Industrial Electric, that recognized host families and sponsors associated with the Springfield Drifters – a wood-bat summer league team playing its home games at Hamlin Field. The season starts June 1, and it was a great evening with ballpark food right off the grill, cold beverages, and plenty of baseball talk. Ike kicked off the event with a few remarks, specifically noting the importance of host families and importance of community engagement. His wife, Jodi, sat with us during the dinner. Bo, Cameron, Curt, Kyle, Dave and Nita, Jay, Thad, Tommy, Randy, Steve, and Caden were just a few people we found time to get to know a little bit.
I spoke with Jeff (reporter) and met Sean (photographer) for a story The Oregonian published May 21 regarding the media landscape in Eugene and surrounding areas.
Michael had me on his Rainmaker podcast that aired on KLCC to discuss my background and The Chronicle’s mission. He makes it easy and comfortable to talk on air.
I exchanged a few emails and a phone call with Charlie, a state representative from our area, regarding public notices. And chatted with Robert at Middlefield Golf Course.
We attended the Flannel Ball and Boomerama in the past few weeks. Of course, The Chronicle partnered with the Creswell Chamber of Commerce on the annual Mother’s Day weekend yard sale. This year it included a map designed by Ellyn, and a QR code that let readers download the addresses on their phone.
The BNI Eugene Metro chapter continues to play an important role for our newspaper. I’ve been able to meet with Summer, Margie, and Ian. I met Milo and Neal at a BNI bowling social.
Ryleigh Norgrove, body still warm
When Dave approached me about writing a story to commemorate the 25 year mark of the Thurston shooting, I was honored, intimidated and humbled. Mary Jo and Grace were honest, venerable and incredibly kind. I’m so thankful I got to meet them all. … Walking around the Grove, I bumped into Dana, Alex, Jess and Gail. Lots of big hugs I’m going to hang onto. Bruce has been a great help this month – he’s a fantastic organizer always working for the good of the Grove. Duane and Jonathan also reached out to say goodbye, and though we met under challenging circumstances, it’s always great to hear from them. There are so many more names I could write here, but I don’t have the room! I’ve been floored by all of the support I’ve received. I’m going to miss you all, too.
Pierre Weil, reporter
This month was heavy in the Cottage Grove coverage, with multiple trips down for baseball, softball, and track. Early in the month I went to watch CG softball play, although I noticed they didn’t play at the high school. I called Garrett, CGHS athletic director, and he let me know the team plays at Harrison Elementary school. There I watched the Lions face off against North Bend and had a great chat with their head coach Adam, who also coached Springfield High in 2018 and ’19. While on the phone with Garrett, he mentioned an upcoming track and field meet that CG was hosting, and so I headed down again for the Wally Ciochetti Invitational. I talked with Ricky, head of the track and cross country teams, before the meet. I also talked with Brennen, one of CGHS’s best athletes, after he became the second CGHS athlete to ever run the 400m in under 50 seconds. … Also this month was the 2023 Oregon State Hanmadang, a martial arts expo and tournament held at the Bob Keefer Center. I spent a lot of time chatting with Lada, one of the main organizers for the entire event. I also had the pleasure of meeting Jessica of Next Step and Rodger of Deevers and Sons, both of whom gave away scholarships to martial arts students.
