By Boca Tribune Staff
BOCA RATON – Many residents of Boca Raton are offering a “Tribute to the Boca Raton Tribune” as it publishes its 100th edition this week.
“I can remember when we were just a website, and published our first newspaper – the ‘Double Zero’ edition — more than two years ago,” said Managing Editor Dale M. King.
“Some people thought we wouldn’t succeed. It was probably the worst time to begin a news product when the economy was so bad. But we did it – and we’re still doing it,” King added.
Since publication began, said Publisher Douglas Heizer, the Tribune has been praised for delivering news, helping nonprofit agencies by featuring articles about their activities and assisting people in need by publishing their stories. Nearly 1,300 people have signed on to the Tribune’s Facebook page alone, not to mention those who read the print edition as well as the online publication. It’s reported that about 30 percent of readers actually peruse the paper on a hand-held device.
Flossy Keesely was one of the Tribune’s first readers and is one of its biggest supporters. The arrival of the Tribune was “the greatest thing that happened in the community in the past two years,” she said. “How would people know what was going on?”
At a time when many print newspapers are going out of business, Flossy cited the need for a news-on-paper publication. “Not everyone sits at their computer all day, especially senior citizens. The Tribune is very interesting reading. When it comes, I set everything else aside and read it.”
She said she particularly likes Al Zucaro’s column. She adds with a laugh that “I am sometimes surprised that he sticks his neck out like he does.”
Not only does Flossy enjoy the paper, she has shared it with many others. One of them is artist and sculptor Yaacov Heller, owner of Gallery 22 at Royal Palm Place.
“Flossy got me a subscription,” said Heller.
He went on to note: “I think there is a need for a community newspaper; I don’t know how I would get along without it. The coverage is excellent. It is very unbiased. Everyone says what they think – from Publisher Doug Heizer to Managing Editor Dale King and all the others. They have feelings and they are not afraid to voice them.”
Heller pointed out what the staff of the Tribune has often said. “It has come a long way since the first editions. I am thrilled with it; I am one of the biggest fans.”
Recalling Flossy’s intervention in getting him a subscription, Heller noted that “Flossy got up at a Zonta Club meeting and told members that this [Boca Raton Tribune] is exactly what Boca Raton needs.” Then Heller took that same message to the Rotary Club of Boca Raton.
“The Rotary Club has been especially happy with it,” said Heller, who, along with Flossy Keesely, are Rotary members. The Tribune has supported a number of Rotary activities from “Future Stars” to the OPAL Awards.
Heller said the Tribune promotes public attendance at Rotary events, assisting the club to raise money for scholarships “to help kids go to college.”
Also a fan of the Boca Raton Tribune is Henrietta, Countess de Hoernle, who will turn 100 years old in September. She has spoken highly of its importance and its widespread coverage.
The Tribune also covers the political scene – and will be doing more in this election year. Margi Helschien, a West Boca resident, president of the Boca Raton Republican Club and an occasional Tribune contributor, said, “I enjoy reading it. It enlightens me to what is happening in the community. It’s exciting and entertaining and educational.”
She said many have responded to her column, urging her to “keep on writing.”
“People say they like reading the viewpoints of the different writers,” she said. Helschien said people like to read news with a Republican angle, and “some said they didn’t know we have such an active community.”
A couple whose community activism and support of nonprofits is well known, Ben and Rosemary Krieger, are also fans of the Boca Tribune. Rosemary calls it the “information line to the community.”
“You’re doing great work with the paper,” said Ben. “Keep up with the feature articles.”
“It is definitely a part of the community,” said Rosemary. “We need a community paper. The Tribune touches on what is happening here. I think it’s important to keep up with local activities and local events as well as the people in the community.”
She urged businesses in the community to support the Tribune by advertising. “If they want the paper to continue, they have to run advertising – to take part in what is happening. It’s important for all businesses – small businesses as well – to contribute. The paper supports businesses.”
“We congratulate the paper on its 100th edition,” said the Kriegers, “and we wish you much success in the years ahead.”