Back in the saddle: reflections on my recent stint at Northumberland Today

27robBy Robert Washburn

It is incredibly important to keep active in journalism both as an educator and as a professional journalist. It is great  having a bi-weekly column. Still, grabbing a notepad, dialling a phone, doing interviews and so forth, it is vital to remain relevant and credible in front of students.

It is truly amazing the number of times there is pause for thought on the way newsrooms are changing. It is not nostalgia causing the hesitation, but a sense of how journalism practice, ethics, management, and community are transforming. Besides, it provides a whole new raft of examples and experiences to call on during lectures and exchanges with students.

Before presenting this year’s list of stories, it is important to note my role this year. I was asked to try and get some features in Port Hope. Also, there was no one to really replace this year. Both regular reporters were in the newsroom, not on vacation. It was critical not to step on anyone’s toes. Hence, there are a raft of advancers, previews and community stories, not a lot of politics. There is even a sports story waiting to be published.

So here they are:

Pow wow this weekend: ALDERVILLE FIRST NATION – Alderville First Nation will celebrate the 20 anniversary of its pow wow this weekend with dance and music, along with its new permanent elders facility on the grounds…

Family Fishing Derby Friday: PORT HOPE – Kids and cops are hoping to catch some good times along the shores of the Ganaraska River in Port Hope Friday during the Family Fishing Derby….

Committee supports revitalization contract: PORT HOPE – Council will be asked to take a concrete step toward revitalizing the downtown after the committee of the whole this week voted in support of a $132,000 contract for signage and streetscape construction…

Cobourg transit users support changes: COBOURG – Changes to Cobourg transit implemented got a big vote of support from users Wednesday morning, as they agreed with efforts to help pay for the system.

Art gallery not preparing business plan: ToddNORTHUMBERLAND – Don’t expect the Art Gallery of Northumberland’s board of directors to come before Cobourg council looking for a bailout, Councillor Donna Todd said Wednesday…

Port Hope Library has busy summer planned: PORT HOPE – With summer programs in full swing, Port Hope Public Library chief executive officer Margaret Scott said she is settling into her new job nicely…

Local crops ‘should be fine’: NORTHUMBERLAND – Northumberland cash crop farmers are holding their own despite a late start in planting this spring, official said Tuesday…

Frost seeks bailout for art gallery: COBOURG – The Art Gallery of Northumberland should not be allowed to fail and the Town has a responsibility to help, Cobourg Deputy Mayor Stan Frost said Tuesday…

Enjoy Incredible Edibles July 12: CAMPBELLFORD – Taste buds will tingle with culinary delights in downtown Campbellford on July 12 as the first Incredible Edibles Festival takes place…

Gardeners encouraged to share: NORTHUMBERLAND – In a small community garden sitting on the edge of the New Amherst subdivision, the tomato plants have some flowers. The radishes were recently picked and a number of other vegetables are starting to flourish in the summer rain on Monday…

Art Gallery of Northumberland in financial trouble: COBOURG – The Art Gallery of Northumberland is in deep financial straits with only sufficient funds to pay its acting director until the end of the month, if nothing changes in the upcoming weeks…

Jin helps spread word of new diabetes tools and technology: NORTHUMBERLAND – People with diabetes are going to have new tools and new technology to help them better manage their illness, a local diabetes educator said Wednesday…

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