August 19th, 2008 08:41am
Christie Bobbitt
The death of loved ones has been a sad part of our community over the course of the past month, including the recent burials of two servicemen.
First U.S. Army Special Troops Battalion team member Pfc. David John Badie was among a group of NATO soldiers killed in bomb blasts in Afghanistan Aug. 1.
He was laid to rest two weeks ago.
Then Marine Cpl. Adam McKiski died Aug. 7 in a military vehicle accident outside Fallujah, Iraq. He was a three-year Marine on his second tour of duty in Iraq. His primary duty in the Marines was as a towed artillery systems technician until he volunteered for recovery missions in Iraq as a gunner.
On Saturday family and friends laid the fallen marine to rest.
In both cases readers asked us to provide more information about the servicemen and their families. We have had other deaths that have sparked reader response, people wanting to know more, to know how to honor their friends and neighbors.
As journalists we want to provide readers with as much information as possible whenever we write a story. However we are not without compassion, and there is a time and a place to draw the line on coverage.
I have received notes asking why we didn’t give these two servicemen the same type of coverage we gave Michael and Kyle Mitchell, the father and son who were killed in a farming accident in late July.
We do not decide our coverage of funerals, it comes down to respecting the wishes of the family. We ask the family what they are comfortable with, and those are the guidelines.
In the case of the Mitchell family, they were comfortable with us being there to take pictures and talk to guests. The families of the two servicemen wanted us to stay in the background, no photos, no intrusions on their very private and painful moments. We respected their wishes.
From everything I have read, heard from reporters and received from the community, all four of these men where fine people. People that added much to the lives of others, and shoed many what good character means.
They all deserve to be honored.
However, I will don’t want to honor someone at the expense of a grieving loved one.
I hope that helps clear up some coverage questions.
July 30th, 2008 12:40pm
Christie Bobbitt
I had the opportunity Tuesday to have breakfast with Joe Marino, fireworks and festival extraordinary, and Sue Howard, Rockford District Parks. We went to Egg Harbor, a place that I haven’t visited yet, and had a great time. During the course of breakfast we talked a lot about the Holiday Festival of Lights. How it started in 1977, how workers donated time to put in electrical outlets and how the festival has grown.
After five years in Florida, I’m excited to talk about the holidays that will actually feel like holidays because the weather will be cold and snow will fall to the ground.
One of the things Joe told me was that it’s never too early to start planning to be a part of this great festival.
It sounds like a fun time, and it’s really easy to help decorate the community. In fact, he’s taking applications now for entries. It might sound too early to think about, but good things take more than a day or a week of preparation.
If you want more information on guidelines or want to submit applications call (815) 965-0768 or e-mail Joe at julyfourth@comcast.net. I can’t wait to see the park at Christmas.
PARKS and RECREATION
During our breakfast Sue Howard offered to introduce me to the people in parks and rec along with the YMCA. I can’t wait. Being new to the area I’m excited to learn as much as I can about what goes on in Rockford and the surrounding communities. If you are a member of a group, club or organization, feel free to call and tell me a little bit about what you do. The more I know, the better I can serve the community. My e-mail is cbobbitt@rrstar.com.
July 25th, 2008 01:41pm
Christie Bobbitt
Who is she?
Christie, 38, is the metro editor for the Rockford Register Star. She is new to the state of Illinois, and calls Rockford home. She has been in the newspaper industry for 15 years, and was most recently the assistant metro editor for nights with the News-Press in Fort Myers, Fla. She is married and has a 5-year-old daughter.
What inspires you in journalism?
A need to know; I love digging out the news and helping deliver it to the community. Knowledge is power, and I like bringing that power to readers.
What is up next for you?
To settle into life in Rockford, and get my daughter in school. She starts kindergarten this year. I’m excited to be part of a community that seems to be so family friendly, and I can’t wait to start getting involved in community activities and groups. I also can’t wait to start exploring all the really great parks and events.
What do you do for fun?
I love watching sports (especially football), playing sports, camping, hiking, swimming, hanging out with my family, and on rainy Sunday mornings, curling up with a good book.
Where’s your favorite place to go in the Rock River Valley?
I don’t know yet, but I can’t wait to find out.
Your motto in life?
I have three.
“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” — Eleanor Roosevelt.
“Don’t go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first.”
— Mark Twain
And “It’s all good.”
What do you like best about your job?
People. I love meeting people, talking to people, being around people. I also love information and digging for news. When you combine the two, journalism is the only place to be for me. I love the multimedia world. You get to combine the printed paper, Web sites and other ways to provide the news. It’s a lot of fun.
What is the most difficult part of your job?
Watching bad things happen to really good people. Stories that center on tragedy are hard to read.
What is something people are surprised to learn about you?
That I’m surprised when I surprise people. In general, I’m an open book.
If you could take two weeks off from all your responsibilities, where would you go and what would you do?
Go to Washington, D.C., and explore. I’ve been there many times before, but I’ve never had enough time to truly explore the wonders and see the sights of the city.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A journalist.
Do you have any funny life experiences?
Too many to mention.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who don’t vote and then complain about the state of affairs.
