By Staff
If you want to learn about a family, take a look at their refrigerator.
It is, literally, an open book: report cards, photos, greeting cards, souvenir magnets that act as travelogue.
And in most homes, you'll find a newspaper clipping or two.
When I think of the Whipple family refrigerator at my parents' house, I remember yellowing copies of honor rolls from our hometown newspaper, perhaps a photo of my sister's gymnastics team. These days they have been replaced by race results from the numerous 5Ks and 10Ks my mom and dad run.
It's one of the best roles any good newspaper can take: acting as a record for families and communities.
Anyone who says newspapers are fleeting obviously hasn't pored through a scrapbook lovingly kept by a mother or seen a framed newspaper story about a new business hanging on the wall there.
The Standard has the opportunity every week to be that record for the families in this community.
It's one of our most treasured roles, but it's just one of the many ways that we serve our readers.
I've already heard from many of you what you enjoy about The Standard, from Lydia Grimes' profiles of residents to Bruce Hixson's extensive coverage of local sports.
Over the next several weeks, as I continue to learn about Brewton, I'm hoping to hear from you about what you want to see in these pages, about how we can continue to improve the newspaper you read each week.
Do you want more school news? More photos? More stories about the city council or county politics?
Perhaps you want more opportunities to let your voices be heard through the pages of our newspaper, whether that's in a guest column or a submitted photo.
We know we can't please everyone, but we strive every week to fill as many roles as possible.
And we want you to have input in your community newspaper.
So please give me a call, send me an e-mail or drop by the office. I hope to hear from you soon.
Kerry Whipple Bean is publisher of The Brewton Standard. She can be reached at 251-867-4876 or by e-mail at kerry.bean@brewtonstandard.com.