By Abha Thakkar
Northside News
Welcome to our commemorative issue celebrating 20 years of the Northside News. Just how important has this newspaper been to our community? We thought we’d let the words of Northsiders speak for themselves. You’ll find their reflections and well wishes scattered throughout this issue. Enjoy!
Thanks to our Northside businesss supporters
You’ll also find our celebratory badge (see above) on ads throughout this edition. These advertisers donated $25 in support of Northside News technology and infrastructure upgrades. Thanks to the following businesses for their support:
- AnchorBank
- Arcus Design
- Boomerangs
- Communication Concepts
- Community GroundWorks
- DuWayne’s Salon
- Help in the Garden
- Independent Living, Inc.
- Madison Chiropractic
- Manna Cafe
- Northside Animal Hospital
- Northside Farmers Market
- Safe Communities
- St. Mary’s Adult Day Services
- Stark Company – Roger/Marilyn Stauter
- Willy Street Co-op
How can you help?
Please consider taking out a $24 voluntary subscription to the Northside News. Our advertising revenue covers most of our basic expenses, but because we believe in maintaining affordable advertising rates which make us an accessible option for small businesses, we’re always grateful for additional support to keep up with our changing needs. Fill out the form on this page and send it in along with $24 to receive your free Northside t-shirt. Thank you!
Reflections from two former editors
Jim Powell, NPC executive director and Northside News editor, 2001–2008
The Northside News really forged the community’s identity as “the Northside” (and it’s one word, not two). The projects NPC took on during my tenure — library expansion, new grocery store, keeping elementary schools open, school equity, guiding Troy Gardens’ evolution into an independent organization, the North Star Awards, the TimeBank, Dane County United, Grassroots Leadership College, protecting Cherokee Marsh from development, aiding residents in troubled apartment complexes — became the Northside’s priorities because of the newspaper’s seminal role in educating and motivating a community that wanted to work toward the common good. With my old colleague back on board as editor in its 20th year, I am confident the paper will continue and expand on that tradition.
Lauri Lee, Northside News editor, 2009-2013
The Northside News has been valuable over the past 20 years to help connect the people living and working in our diverse Northside community with those around them. Like a cheerleader, it champions the community to boost local business, support local nonprofit organizations and help us get to know our neighbors a little better. I served as the editor and advertising manager from 2009–2013, but because I am so passionate about the publication’s significance to the community, I’ve continued as a business writer and proofreader. The newspapers strength lies in the volunteer writers and contributors, as well as loyal advertising support that keeps it responsive to our local community.
Happy Anniversary to the Northside Planning Council and Northside News.