The phrase ‘the power of the press’ refers to the responsibility of media to educate readers by presenting factual information in an unbiased way, which often influences their decisions. Sometimes a single story can literally make people’s lives better.
At Biscayne Times, we recently experienced the power of the press firsthand. In our March issue, Josie Gulliksen wrote a story on Carl Waisanen, an actor and longtime company manager at Actors’ Playhouse, who had a debilitating stroke a few years ago and the GoFundMe campaign to get him a wheelchair-equipped van. Brian Golub, the organizer of the GoFundMe campaign, shared the Biscayne Times story on social media. The result? More than $6,000 in donations, enough to finally buy the van and a few months of insurance. That’s the power of the press in action.
A few weeks later, Brian arranged a celebration for Carl and his donors at a park in Hollywood. While the campaign raised money from people in different parts of the country, the donors there that night were all theatre people, and many had worked with Carl over the years. We were at a pavilion, and when we got the signal, we walked to the parking lot to greet the guest of honor in his new van. Brian drove the van with Carl and his wife, Andrea Gilbert, as his passengers and pulled into a parking space as we cheered. The celebration was a surprise for Carl and Andrea, and you see the shock and happiness on their faces. Carl was wheeled down the van’s ramp in his chair. Everyone gathered around for photos, and then we went back to the pavilion to celebrate and eat pie.
(Photo by Mary Damiano)
Brian Golub, Carl Waisanen, and Andrea Gilbert
Brian made a quick speech about what led to the GoFundMe campaign and thanked the donors. He said that people in theatre don’t make a lot of money, but they sure make a great community. And he was right. You could feel the love surrounding Carl that night, and you could feel the love that connected the donors through their community.
The power of community is as important as the power of the press. Biscayne Times is a hyperlocal publication, focused on the cities and communities along the Biscayne Corridor, and news and events of interest to that demographic. We pride ourselves in publishing stories overlooked by other media, and in going a little deeper than other publications.
But to do that as effectively as possible, we need to utilize the power of community. We need our readers to tell us what’s going on so we can, in turn, investigate and fill our pages with news that keeps all our readers informed. We need to know about what matters most to you.
Biscayne Times wants to hear from our you, our readers. The Viewpoint page is an open space for our voice and for yours. We invite our readers to let us know when you like something in our pages and when you don’t, when you agree with what we’ve written, and when you disagree. Write us an email. Let us know your thoughts.
(Photo by Mary Damiano)
Brian Golub, Carl Waisanen, and Andrea Gilbert in front of the van, bought with donations through a GoFundMe campaign
The impetus for many stories are city or county commission meetings and press releases. Others come from our writers, from what they see and hear when they’re out and about. But we can’t be everywhere.
Tell us about what’s going on in your community. Let us know about a story you believe has potential. Tell us about the good things and the bad things. Let’s work together to keep the residents along the Biscayne Corridor informed and to make sure politicians and others who affect the lives of residents are held accountable. Also tell us about the people who are dedicated to doing wonderful work in their community. Make your voice heard.
Both the power of the press and the power of community are important tools in enriching people’s lives. Let’s work together to achieve that goal.
Please contact us at letters@biscaynetimes.com