"The local" for community happenings

Remember when the local newspaper was the “go-to” place for information about social gatherings, upcoming events and much, much more? When I was growing up in Bickleton, which didn’t have its own paper, there were ordinary people like you and me who ensured that both the Sunnyside Sun and the Goldendale Sentinel received information about goings-on in our tiny community.

The world has changed since the middle of the last century. Many of the smaller newspapers have faded away as the Internet has grown in prominence. Now we tend to rely on Facebook and other social media platforms to stay informed.

That makes it convenient, unless you live in a coulee behind a big block of basalt, and don’t have an Internet connection at your house.

It also tends to make it rather less balanced, since we all tend to gravitate towards those who agree with our point of view. That in turn makes it more difficult to find basic information, such as when the Christmas tree lighting event is supposed to start, or if there is supposed to be a Lion’s Club meeting this week. If you only look at one Facebook page for your information, you might just miss out.

I propose two things: First, every household in Odessa and the surrounding area should subscribe to The Odessa Record. It costs less than $4 per month and doesn’t require an Internet connection (unless you want to read it online). Second, The Record will provide current information not only in the form of the Community Calendar, but will flesh out that information with a column titled “The local” which will provide more information about meetings, events and resources. This could be a great way to promote your holiday bazaar, or find out if there is a new book at the library that you might like, or how to prevent people like me from having a meltdown every time they go to the recycling station.

I am willing to serve as the person who will collect information and get it to The Record in time for publication. Are you all willing to provide that information, as well as send in that subscription request? Phone or text 509-988-0085, or message me via Facebook.

Lise Ott

Odessa/Irby