By Scott Carlson
Closing out 2022
It’s hard to believe that 2022 is nearly finished.
Where has the time gone?
It seems like only yesterday that we were reporting — in our January issue — on the Bell Museum’s celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2022.
Or one issue later announcing that John Barker, longtime owner of the St. Anthony Park Home, had sold the nursing home to another nursing home operator.
Unlike 2021, when the Covid pandemic dominated our news columns, 2022 was a year when life largely returned to normal, given the widespread availability of vaccines and booster shots to neutralize the virus and its numerous variants.
For example, the 4th in the Park Committee held a full-fledged Fourth of July parade. Organizers had been forced to cancel the parade in 2020 because of Covid-19 and then only offered it on a limited basis in 2021. The changing fortunes for the 2022 parade were reflected in the weather as early morning rain drops gave way to a burst of sunshine for marchers beginning the holiday procession.
Throughout 2022, the Bugle covered a wide array community, government, school and business news.
In July, we highlighted the opening of new housing projects in south St. Anthony Park, with more than 600 apartment units coming online. This housing boom offers challenges and opportunities on how the community incorporates the newcomers.
On a related note, the Creative Enterprise Zone, which is promoting economic and cultural activity in part of south St. Anthony Park, saw its Chroma Zone Mural & Art festival add 10 new colorful building wall murals. Since debuting in 2019, the festival has introduced more than 40 murals in the Creative Enterprise Zone neighborhood.
There also was plenty of business news at Milton Square with Winding Trail Books closing and the longtime owner of Turning Heads, Eddie Owens, announcing plans to sell his hair salon in 2023 and retire to Ireland.
Meanwhile, new arrivals at Milton Square included Studio Karlor, the Makery and Cat aMEWsement.
In 2022, the Bugle hired Laura Adrian as our first social media specialist to help expand our presence on Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms. We are endeavoring to expand the reach of the Bugle and keep up to date with the latest ways to connect with and inform readers.
All in all, 2022 has been a very eventful year.
In the coming year, the Bugle will continue to look for inspirational tales to help fill our pages and provide information and news that connects readers, turning residents into neighbors.
Happy holidays!!
Finally, a closing note: As many of us gather around dinner tables later this month to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and other holidays, the Bugle board and staff thank all of you for your continuing support. May your holiday season be filled with peace and joy.
Scott Carlson is managing editor of the Bugle.
