Victory Lap Brunch raises more than $9,000

Add comment October 30th, 2008

Thanks to everyone who supported the second annual Victory Lap Brunch Oct. 25 at Cliffbreakers!

The event raised more than $9,000 through ticket sales, donations, sponsorships and centerpiece sales — more than double we originally estimated.

Speaking of tickets, we set a record there, too, with 635 sold. Three of those were me, my mom (center) and my sister Karin (left).

More discussion on ditching the newspaper

Add comment October 30th, 2008

I talked a bit yesterday about another newspaper choosing to go the digital route. Here’s what my boss had to say about the subject.

Another newspaper to focus on Web delivery

Add comment October 29th, 2008

We told you awhile back that a Madison, Wis., newspaper was ditching the daily print product for an all-Web model. This week, The Christian Science Monitor told its readers it too will focus on the Web. It will drop its daily newspaper for a weekly product and it will enhance its daily Web offerings.

I suspect we’ll see more of these kind of moves in the near future. No plans now to ditch our daily newspaper, though.

Yes, you love chocolate

Add comment October 28th, 2008

Because Halloween is Friday, chocolate is probably on your mind … and in your mouth. (Twix, Kit-Kats and Reese’s cups are good for trick-or-treaters but even better for moms.)

Don’t forget about the Rockford Woman Godiva giveaway I told you about last week! In three days, we’ve already racked up 400-plus entries.

Breast cancer walk and brunch: See the photos and video

Add comment October 27th, 2008

On Saturday morning, there was pink all over the place: first at Martin Park with nearly 4,000 ladies, men and dogs for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, then across the river at Cliffbreakers for the Rockford Woman Victory Lap brunch.

Both events set records for fund-raising for the American Cancer Society: $275,000 for the walk and at least $4,600 from the brunch. (I’m still waiting for a final total. We had sold 575 tickets as of Friday afternoon.)

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The video is above. Plus, we have galleries from the walk and the brunch.

We are proud to be part of both events. Congrats to everyone involved!

Grandmas and Godiva

Add comment October 24th, 2008

Today, the November/December issue of Rockford Woman magazine is out. It’s the holiday edition — gulp, do I have to start shopping already? — that includes a16-page gift guide full of ideas from local shops.

It also features a chance to win a $100 Godiva basket from Crimson Ridge. If you win, you can give it away as one gift or multiple gifts. Or you can just treat yourself!

The cover story, by the way, is about grandmas: those raising their grandchildren (like Marla McCann, below) and others who just love being a Nana. It’s powerful. Have your Kleenex nearby.

In case you’re new: To find Rockford Woman, check these locations. To make things easier, you can subscribe for $15 a year.

The story you’re not hearing about ‘the death of newspapers’

3 comments October 23rd, 2008

This week, a former editor of The Washington Post said this:

“I think there’s just as good a chance of local television news disappearing as newspapers disappearing — and probably more of a chance actually.” 

Len Downie Jr. makes a fair point. While newspaper resources are dwindling as we struggle with rising newsprint costs, advertising challenges, new techonologies and fewer “feet on the street,” TV stations have even fewer of those “feet,” plus challenges of their own.

Making history

15 comments October 20th, 2008

The Chicago Tribune made history when it endorsed Barack Obama for president. The pub has never endorsed a Democratic candidate for president. And did they hear about it. More than 3,000 comments on that editorial so far. Some applauding the Trib for its choice. Others ripped the Trib for selling out. Trib Columnist Phil Rosenthal even wrote a column to further explain the endorsement.

The Register Star, too, endorsed Obama. And Wally Haas, our editorial page editor, is hearing today about the pick. Nowhere near the volume of response the Trib is getting, however. The Register Star has endorsed Democratic candidates for president before. So my guess is our readers weren’t as surprised as Chicago Tribune readers.

And in case you want to keep up with our endorsements, you’ll find a link at our Election 2008 site.

Hard to believe gas is below 3 bucks

Add comment October 17th, 2008

One week ago, we celebrated when we filled up the tank at $3.33.

Today, gas is $2.99.

While “pain at the pump” isn’t as painful as it used to be, it reminded me that we have a special report that highlight’s Thomas Bona’s musings, links and recent coverage.

And don’t forget to have fun looking at old gas station photos and readers’ memories of the price of gas when they started driving.

It is election time

Add comment October 16th, 2008

This time of year in our newsroom is interesting. Nearly every day we’re talking about election this or election that — local, state and national. This morning, we’re talking about the McCain-Obama debate. Can’t believe we’re 19 days away from the big day which will be historic. We’ll either have our first black president or our first woman vice president.

We are compiling all election-related content on this special site. One of the best features on the site is the ability to compare candidates — local, state and national. Look for our endorsements which start this weekend.