Before the first edition of Catfish Alley magazine was published, a lot of questions had to be answered, yet one remained after those first magazines were delivered: How long can we keep this up?
Surely, we thought, a magazine devoted more or less to the “Three Ps” — people, passions and places — would run out of suitable material.
It is not a question we ponder much anymore. Thursday at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, the public is invited to help us celebrate a milestone — the fifth anniversary of Catfish Alley magazine. The event, which will feature a photography exhibit from the magazine since its inception, will be held from 5:30-7 p.m.
You will forgive us if our chests swell with pride a bit over the award-winning magazine. We pour our energy, enthusiasm and effort into each edition and are proud of the result that comes from those efforts.
Yet, in a larger respect, the greatest sense of pride comes not from our efforts to tell the stories found in the magazine, but from the stories themselves.
In The Dispatch, we pursue stories that inspire and encourage, but the practical reality is that the mission of a daily newspaper is to share all kinds of relevant information, much of it less than comforting. It is the nature of news.
We labor under no such constraints in the pages of Catfish Alley, where we can celebrate the remarkable people, their achievements and passions, unapologetically.
When the “news of the day” may tempt us to think the worst of our community, Catfish Alley provides a perspective that is important. Ours is an exceptional community filled with exceptional people. Catfish Alley is a testament to that truth.
No, we haven’t exhausted our supply of wonderful people doing wonderful things.
Not nearly.
That calls for a celebration.
We hope to see you Thursday evening.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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