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| Puddledock Press cover page, Volume 1 Number 1, December 1979 |
This introducotry article appeared in the very first Puddledock Press, December, 1979.
Farmington's Community Education
Project, seeing a desperate need in the Farmington area for news
coverage of local events and personalities, begins the publication of
a monthly newspaper with this issue of the "Puddledock Press".
The Community Education Project, funded
by a grant fro the Mott Foundation of Flint Michigan, has as its
purpose increased community and co-operation between town and the
schools.
Besides this paper, Community Education
also sponsors various activities designed to increase the community
use of school facilities, such as might classes for adults, school
playground improvements.
According to the Project's
School-Community Coordinator, Pam Lord, one of her on-going
assignments is to build a resource file of area residents who are
willing to donate an occasional hour to the school when needed.
“Lots of our citizens have skills or
expertise in one or another field which could really help our the
classroom teachers as they plan lessons”, she stated.
“For
instance, some people have traveled throughout the country or world
and might be willing to bring slides they've taken into a social
studies class sometimes. Others might have a skill- in drama, music,
crafts, or sports, which they could share.
" We're not looking for
full-time volunteers (although they would certainly be wonderful to
find), but rather we're trying to build up a card-file resource
system where teachers could look to get some help on a particular
unit,” Mrs. Lord went on to explain.
The Community Education Project has an
Advisory Council which meets monthly to plan activities and follow
progress of on-going projects. Serving on the Council are: Ann
Bryant (chairperson), Jeri Tufts, Jonathan Nute, Joyce Nutter, Jim
Bibbo, Joyce Mosher, Pam Lord, Jim Locke, and Earl Harding. Persons
interested in joining the Council are urged to call Pam Lord for
dates and times of meetings.
1979
The first Puddledock Press is published in December by the Community Education Project of Farmington, New Hampshire. Funded by a 5 year grant, the Puddledock's mission was to serve as a bridge between the school and the community, educating the community about the good things happening in our schools.
Christine Cousar and Joyce Mosher, Co-Editors; Pam Lord, School-Community Coordinator
1986
After the original grant funded period was over, Community Education Project ceased to exist. JoAnn Doke took over as the Puddledock Press editor, continuing to fund the paper through the sales of advertisements. The paper continued to serve as a community education project through JoAnn's work and that of the volunteers who assisted her.
2015
After working with the paper for 35 years, JoAnn Doke retired as the editor. Stan Freeda took over the position as editor. JoAnn remained as adviser and continued to take photos and report news as time permitted. For the first time, the paper was developed digitally. The Puddledock Press website, Facebook page, and Twitter account were activated.
2016
After 36 years in operation, the Puddledock Press became an official nonprofit organization, incorporating as The Puddledock Press of Farmington New Hampshire. Donations to the Puddledock Press were now tax deductible, and the Paper could solicit donations online.
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