That time again, neighbors: fresh start, new resolve. But resolution-making needn’t be confined to one season. Take the “Jewish New Year” for example: essentially about resolving to be a better person in the coming year, the “High Holiday” of Rosh Hashanah followed by Yom Kippur 10 days later occurs in September or October in accordance with an ancient Hebrew lunar calendar that designates not one, but four “new years” tied to agricultural cycles. Other cultural motivators include the winter and summer solstices, the spring holidays of Easter and Passover, and of course the first school bell in late August or early September, affording students and educators a “new beginning” for resetting goals and expectations. That said, January 1st works just fine for this editor to reflect back on 2021 and resolve forward into 2022.
Resolution 1: Set aside quality time for final proofreading of the layout draft. After editing my own articles, then the articles of others, I give the green light to graphic designer Jane Feinberg to work her magic in piecing the puzzle together. The completed layout is then sent back to me for another round of proofreading, followed by review by team members. But here’s the rub for me: by this time in the process, I’ve pretty much had it with proofreading, thus increasing the likelihood of oversights on my part—like my misspelling of the last name of our newest board member, Derek Humbard, in the previous issue’s “Our Organization” column (spelling his name “Hubbard” for whatever reason). So, I resolve to hold off on proofreading the layout until I’m “mentally refreshed” enough to go at it proficiently.
Resolution 2: Urge economy of composition without sacrificing quality of content. The instructions posted on the “About the Newsletter” page of the BWNA website (www.bwnapdx.org) provide the following guidance: “Residents are encouraged to submit articles and announcements limited to 300 words or ‘Letter to the Board’ editorials on topics of local concern limited to 150 words, all of which are subject to editing.” Truth be told, though, I’ve consistently refrained from editing down articles and editorials that exceed these limits, other than the occasional consolidation of paragraphs and streamlining of sentences—in effect, giving priority to composition quality over word quantity. But skirting word limits comes with a price—in this case, exacerbation of an ongoing problem of not enough room to fit everything in—this despite expansion from 12 to 16 pages three years ago. So, I resolve to encourage adherence to word limits, albeit increased from 300 to 500 words and 150 to 250 words, respectively.
Resolution 3: Expand article inclusion and broaden coverage via 20-page issues. While an overabundance of newsletter submissions is a healthy problem to have for a neighborhood association, it’s a problem nonetheless. Accordingly, the board approved my motion at December’s general meeting to allot funding for up to two 20-page issues annually. So, I resolve to utilize 20 pages to boost breadth and scope.
Having almost reached my 500-word limit, I close by wishing you all the best with your resolutions and by extending a warm Welcome Aboard! to new advertisers Aminta Davis of Village Fit (ad on page 13) and Lori Vance of Body Image Fitness (ad on page 18).