For eight years I have pointed to this statement if ever a question would arise about what the mission of Durand Now is. I've also maintained that Durand Now is not hard news or investigative reporting -- as I wrote then, it is "girl scout cookies, yard sales and fender benders."
But as more and more people continue to utilize Durand Now for community news and information, and as the face and function of media everywhere evolves, Durand Now has become something else as well; an echo, or a voice for residents.
When, on average, more than 9,000 individuals visit DurandNOW.com each month, that's basically every single resident of the city along with two of their friends, looking for information, or, sharing information.
When Durand Now is asked a question, Durand Now will ask the question.
WHY WE DO
As residents and community members and as advocates for our city, it is our hope -- you and I -- that when we ask a question, we'll receive an answer. Or, at least, that we'll be told that an answer is not available.
We hope that our investments of time and money into our schools, churches and civic groups, and the investments that those organizations make into our community, will be seen, felt, recognized and appreciated, even if they are never acknowledged.
Making a difference. Having a positive impact. This is why we, as volunteers, athletic and band boosters, coaches, mentors, teachers and even local business people do...
WHAT WE DO
Since 2012, my wife has regularly worked in Durand's schools. At first, as a vounteer, doing things like helping to facilitate picture day activities. She has served on the Bertha Neal PTAC board and attended meetings at both Bertha Neal and Robert Kerr. Today she is employed by the district as a parapro. She has served as a coach and also on the board of American Youth Soccer Organization Region 814, an organization with which our three children have participated in, as have hundreds others from Durand and neighboring communities, representing Durand.
I wanted to run for Durand City Council in 2014, but the City Charter requires council members to have been city residents for two consecutive years immediately prior to running. I missed it by months.
In 2015, I was happy to be connected by Amy Roddy to Kathy Olund, the new Director of the Greater Durand Area Chamber of Commerce. Since that time, I'm happy to have worked in service to the local business community as a board member of the chamber, to help facilitate events that bring new consumers and revenue to our city, and to help develop new ideas that contribute to the chamber's mission.
That same year my aunt purchased one of Durand's most beloved restaurants. Rancho Grande Mexican Restaurant is approaching four decades of doing business in Durand.
I do what I do for the same reasons so many volunteers and others in service of our schools, churches, businesses and communities do what they do -- because it's my home and I love it.
Supporting these people and their initiatives is what I set out to do with this little website back in 2012, and though it has grown into a small (very small) business and a large learning experience, it remains a labor of love.
I will always do my best in service to you, in whatever capacity I serve.
Thank you for 100 years of friendship to my family and thank you for eight great years of Durand Now.