1/17/08

by Beckye Randall

Did you miss us?

A number of folks have phoned and e-mailed to ask why they didn’t receive their copy of North County Outlook on January 3. It’s simple: we didn’t publish a January 3 issue.

We had always planned to take a breather during the holidays. Advertising sales is tough in the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, and we all wanted to be able to spend some quality time with our families.

The problem is, we didn’t communicate that plan very well to our readers, and I apologize. It’s clear you look forward to reading our paper and we are encouraged that the interest in North County Outlook is growing.

So this is our first issue for 2008, and you’ll see a new edition in your mailbox every two weeks, rain or shine, throughout the year…right up until December, when we’ll once again take a little break after the December 18 publication.

The beginning of a new year often prompts us to take a critical look at our personal health and personal finances, and we’ve provided some information in this issue that we think may be helpful in those areas.

In this issue we welcome two new columnists, Jen Chestnut and Jessica Whitta, and a returning favorite, Steve Smith. Jen is a physical fitness expert who will offer advice for improving health, Jessica will share her expertise in financial and employment counseling, and Steve, the Whistling Gardener, will show us how to grow more beautiful gardens while having fun.

As we’ve grown over the past few months, I am continually thrilled with the caliber of people who write for us. The voices of Serge Brown, Mary Burns, Victoria Mattson, Bob Connally, Sam Severn and Russell Lichty add ongoing depth and diversity to the paper. Occasional contributors like Angel Brave and others who’ve written reviews, articles and letters to the editors help us maintain a vibrant connection to the community.

And as we’ve said all along, it’s all about connections.

Happy new year!