From the Editor: giving thanks

As the leaves fall and snow begins to make its way to town, hearty meals and time with family are on the horizon. With this time of year all but here, I am left with grateful thoughts revolving around this town named Oxford.

Since coming here, I have received more support than I ever imagined. Whether it was a reader sending a constructive email to help improve the paper, or even a thoughtful “thank you,” as I walked down High Street, I have felt like a local here since day one. 

As I have learned here, kindness is a given.

I also wanted to share how appreciative and proud I am of our staff and board. 

First, I would like to thank Ginny Reynolds, our business manager, whose behind-the-scenes work and dedication in collaborating with our readers to solve issues has been so important to the vitality and week-to-week work of the Oxford Free Press. 

Second, thanks goes to our newest addition here, my partner, Katelyn Aluise. Her reporting with the Oxford Free Press has been pivotal to increase and further strengthen the coverage of this town. 

On a personal note, thank you to everyone in town who has made it possible for both Katelyn and I to feel at home. This year was full of big changes for us both, and all of you have helped this transition go smoothly.

To our board, which has so graciously listened to my ideas and opinions and helped curate changes and improvements with the Oxford Free Press, thank you. Even in my personal life, you have helped me adjust and find a new home here in Oxford. 

As a curious, yet recent college graduate in May, this job seemed daunting at first, and from day one on the job, I have felt like a local.

As our dedicated newsletter subscribers have already read, I am so grateful for all who attended our reception at The Knolls of Oxford on Friday, Nov. 7. It was wonderful to spend time with our readers and supporters, hear your thoughts on the paper and workshop our future. 

Regarding our current campaign, if we raise $18,000 between today and Dec. 31, the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN) will donate an additional $15,000 and the Macarthur Foundation will donate an additional $3,000. 

We are a nonprofit, so any donation goes right into the paper. There are new and exciting changes coming in January, and every bit of support we get from our readers will help improve this beloved little paper.

This month celebrates the power of local journalism to strengthen communities, uplift important issues and remind us of our shared humanity. We invite you to reach out with story ideas or tips – your input helps guide our coverage.