Did Someone Say Party?

So much has happened since my last post. I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to do any updates, but I thought I would now as a way to sort everything out....though there's no way I'll cover everything now. Let's see, my last post was when I decided to contact local advertisers, since I was having difficulty getting a grant or a major sponsor. This turned out to be a great thing. I love being in touch with the small businesses in the community, and I hope this is one way to help them, as they are helping support us. I've gotten enough advertisers to print the magazine; and speaking of printing that has changed as well.

I'm no longer with the printer I thought I'd be with, and I'm working in a new format: newsprint. a larger page size. and color. The Chicago Tribune directed me to their Freedom Center Press, who introduced me to Litho Type in Lansing. They've been wonderful. I've sent them a few proofs to make sure we're "on the same page," and they've been helping me with the format. The deadline is Friday December 9, and I'm hoping to get it to them before then, so there is room for revisions if need be. I'm pretty much done with everything but the letter from me page and a few ads....oh, and the word search. I like to put those in since I like doing them myself so much. I think the kids will like it too.

Another component is the online version. That will include everything from the printed version, along with additional pages that didn't make it due to space constraints. I've designed those pages, but I still need to proof them. Then I have to work on the web site, to make sure it's up and running by the time of the Launch Party.

Did someone say Party? Yes, I'm planning a Launch Party/Fundraiser to be held at Chicago's Pizza, one of our advertisers. I've invited Blanca Paloma (founder of Children of Color) along as well. She'll be showing her [award-winning] film and photographing the children. There will also be a raffle for a bike helmet from On the Route Bicycles and a book from You're In It Stories. And I'm going to get posters made up to give away. I'm hoping for a real good time with some great people.

So, I've been busy with the layout, ads, planning the party....and trying to get the word out about it all. OK, that's it for now....time to get back to work.