From the Desk of the Editor

By Scott Carlson

COVID-19, churches and a new people feature

As COVID-19 grinds on, infecting millions of Americans and causing more than 170,000 U.S. deaths at press time, the Bugle is continuing to chronicle how the pandemic is affecting life in our local community.

In this issue, journalist/writer Maja Beckstrom gives readers an inside view on what local churches are doing to cope with the pandemic. She chronicles how congregations are staying connected to meet their members’ spiritual needs.

Meanwhile, we also look at how local schools are gearing up for the start of the new academic year. Not surprisingly, it’s going to be “back-to-school back at home.” At least for the first few weeks, distance learning will be the primary method to carry out classes. In this issue, we have school stories from Sarah CR Clark, Eric Erickson and yours truly.

Last but not least: In this issue, we kick off a new, reoccurring feature I am calling “People in Your Neighborhood.” Our first subject is Cecilia Ruesga, a St. Anthony Park sixth-grade student who is serving on the St. Anthony Park District 12 Community Council’s Transportation Committee.

These “People” features will be short profiles meant to enlighten you about people in your community and tell about their interesting activities and pursuits. If you know of someone who would make for an interesting mini-profile, please drop me a line at editor@parkbugle.org. And thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Bugle annual fund appeal coming

With the start of the Bugle’s new fiscal year on July 1, our board of directors is preparing for our annual, fall fundraising appeal. Now, more than ever, during these uncertain times due to COVID-19, your financial support of the Bugle is critical in keeping the newspaper vibrant and strong.

For fiscal 20219-2020, the Bugle raised slightly more than $50,000, nearly reaching our target of $52,000.

Although we have yet to set a new fundraising goal, I know the Bugle will continue to need significant support in 2020-2021. While we are a nonprofit organization, we are very much caught in tough economic times, relying on advertising and donations to meet our financial needs.

Here at the Bugle, we have always operated a lean ship, employing two part-time employees, two commission advertising reps and a few freelance editorial writers and assistants.

But our board now is starting a strategic top- to-bottom review of the Bugle. We will be re-examining the mission of the Bugle and considering how we can improve the newspaper and all of its operations to better serve our readers and communities.

In the coming weeks, we plan to conduct community feedback meetings and a new readership survey to find out what you think of the newspaper and how we can improve our editorial and advertising content. Future details will be forthcoming.

Also, we will be casting an eye on how we can make the most of our website and various social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Also, there may be opportunities to do some things in partnership with other community organizations.

As always, we look forward to continuing to serve you and we appreciate your support and generous donations.

Upcoming Bugle deadlines

Here is a reminder of our Bugle deadlines for the next three issues. As always, we greatly appreciate when writers and readers submit their articles early. Aside from breaking news, most articles can be submitted ahead of the scheduled deadlines.

And again, our publication dates represent when the newspapers go out for delivery. Distribution of the paper can take up to five to seven business days. Meanwhile, bulk drop-offs of the paper around town could be slightly delayed because our distributor is taking steps to ensure their delivery people are safe during the coronavirus challenge.