November Birthdays

11/1 , Anna Hines , Okeechobee News
11/1 , Lesley Stanton , Valley Newspaper Printing
11/4 , Jaclyn Fuller , Delaware Printing Company
11/5 , David Hughes , Delaware State News
11/8 , Joel Smyth , Chairman Office
11/9 , Jennifer Wright , Delaware State News
11/11 , Matthew Porterfield , Delaware State News
11/13 , Timothy Spong , Delaware State News
11/15 , Terry Webb , Valley Newspaper Printing
11/17 , Christopher Martinez , Valley Newspaper Printing
11/20 , Lamont Jordan , Delaware Printing Company
11/21 , Juan Lopez , Clewiston News
11/24 , Barbara Bryan , Delaware State News
11/24 , Andrew West , Delaware State News
11/27 , Lisa Bryner , Corporate
11/28 , Antoinette Hewes , Delaware Printing Company
11/30 , Curtis Marple , Delaware Printing Company

November Anniversaries

11/1 , 1 YRS , Matthew Waters , Delaware State News
11/4 , 35 YRS , James Daisey , Delaware Printing Company
11/5 , 32 YRS , Michael Jacobs , Valley Newspaper Printing
11/11 , 9 YRS , Victoria Meades-Brown , Delaware State News
11/13 , 9 YRS , Karla Akmentins , Delaware State News
11/15 , 1 YRS , Gary Lastoskie , Corporate
11/16 , 20 YRS , David Rehkamp , Delaware Printing Company
11/18 , 2 YRS , Bonnie Mankin , Delaware State News
11/20 , 5 YRS , Toni Ayers , Corporate
11/20 , 6 YRS , Heath Michael , Valley Newspaper Printing
11/21 , 33 YRS , Deborah Devlin , Delaware State News
11/29 , 1 YRS , Christopher Flood , Delaware State News
11/29 , 7 YRS , Debra Luke , Corporate
11/30 , 1 YRS , Jamie Fritchman , Delaware State News

When Opportunity Came Knocking Valley Grabbed It

The first issues of the Wall Street Journal came off the press at Valley Newspapers -- our Phoenix facility -- the last week of September. From that time forward, the Valley team will be printing WSJ six nights a week and Barrons every Friday night as well.

“We went from phase two to phase seven over a four year period it seems,” said Valley GM Steve Steinke. “We upgraded our press in the building in 2008, and before we could ever really get cycling on all cylinders with that, the Dow Jones opportunity was knocking at our door.”


While there have been some serious enhancements and additions to the press, there will still be two passes every night to get the job out the door. Commercial clients and INI printing remain intact, and Valley is working to keep that mostly seamless.

“Perhaps the biggest change for us from a production standpoint is that we now have a mechanical inserting line in place to handle the Dow Jones products and as many of our own and commercial products as we can,” Steve noted. “The confidence that Dow Jones has shown in our company and Valley is a credit to all who have dedicated their years of service. Now we have to perform day in and day out with a publication that has a national stage, all the while taking care of our loyal commercial customers too.”

The Dow Jones products for Phoenix were printed for years in Riverside, California. A few years back, those were moved to a printer in Tucson.

"Our ability to enhance the press in a way that will give them more flexibility with color and page counts was a big reason why they selected us. Add in the factor that most of their circulation is in Maricopa County and Phoenix, and it made logistical sense for them too.”

“We have a lot of work ahead of us to make good things happen for them on a predictable level with a high level of quality each and every printing. It’s a balance of good equipment, new technology, and people who enjoy and believe in what we are doing here,” Steve said. “Without a core group of people who are up to the challenge, this might never have been considered a possibility.”

“At a time when other printers are struggling to keep their dream alive, we are humbled by the chance to grow and look forward to some more opportunities yet ahead.”

In addition to the Dow Jones products, Valley has more than 80 commercial clients and a number of Independent Newspapers to print. With 10 color towers and two folders, the facility is one of the largest and most versatile single width web presses in the Southwest.

Valley General Manager Steve Steinke and Yolibeth Garelick inspect the new labeling machine that will be used for the Wall Street Journal and other Valley publications.

Proudly displaying the first Barron's and Wall Street Journal editions printed at Valley, from left, Heath Michael, Press Coordinator Rob Giarraputo and John Salvate.





John Salvate



Picture Perfect

Okeechobee News Editor Katrina Elsken is the adult leader for the new Okeechobee County 4-H Digital Photography and Video Club. The club members met for the first time on Sept. 19 at the Okeechobee News office and chose the name "Picture Perfect" for their club. The club is open to children ages 12 to 18 who are registered 4-H members (and thus covered by 4H insurance at all club meetings and functions.) We hope to see some of the club's photos in the newspaper and their videos on our facebook page.

Club officers are Michael Muros, president (seated); Jennifer Baker, vice president; Katie Muldoon, treasurer; and, Andrew Smiley, secretary.

Tim Buzzard Spends Time in Japan

Tim Buzzard, press mechanic at DPC, is currently in Japan and shared some of his photos.




Here is the DSN at the airport in Tokyo - Haneda Airport



The giant Tug of War ready to start with about 15,000 people and 2 city blocks of giant rope.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Sharing a meal with family and friends

Letter of Thanks For Queen Creek

Dear San Tan Valley Independent,

I'm writing this to thank your publication for covering San Tan Valley. It is refreshing to have a seemingly unbiased, audited paper in our area. I'm not sure many people understand the importance of a community paper being audited; however, your advertisers have the assurance of knowing that your stated distribution is truthful and accurate, and they are not being misled in any way. That's how it should be. Many of us would greatly appreciate increased coverage to our area. In particular, it would be wonderful to see you expand to Skyline Ranch and Circle Cross Ranch. At the very least, we would welcome your paper in local establishments so we could pick up a copy on our own. I have the utmost respect for your advertisers who chose wisely with the Independent.

Thank you and sincerely,
Stacy Gramazio
San Tan Valley Resident

Kind Words for Glenn Rolfe

I would like to thank Mr. Glenn Rolfe and the Sussex County Post for his continued coverage of Patriotic Events held by the American Legion Post 28 Family to include the American Legion, The Auxiliary and the Sons of the Legion. On behalf of those we serve I thank you for keeping their stories visible so that we never forget. Your recent story 9/11 Remembered was a warm and thoughtful portrayal of the Auxiliary’s Candlelight Vigil. Thank you again for your continued support of the American Legion, the Auxiliary and the Sons of the Legion and the programs we provide in support of the active duty military, our veterans (especially those that are homeless) and our children and youth.


Tina Washington
President, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 28
Millsboro, DE 19966

This Bud's For ....................................................

Very many thanks to Jamie Fritchman for her creativity, hard work and patience (!) designing and paginating so many special publications in recent weeks. Back to School, Green Fest program, Salute to Firefighters, Outside the Oval and The Bridal Event have all been published since late August among her other duties. She does a great job juggling and is wonderful to work with!

Ashley Dawson
News Editor,Delaware State News