EDITOR’S DESK: Have ‘Lunch with the News Bulletin’ Oct. 9 (MAP)

The past year, the News Bulletin has markedly increased efforts to reach out to the community so we can effectively take its pulse and cover the issues you care about.

Not just with our reporters, who work hard to cover North Okaloosa County and build strong relationships with its residents, but all of us — even us “office dwellers” who don’t get out a lot, and have learned the error of our ways! OK, maybe that’s just referring to me! “Wheeling Wednesdays,” when I drive out and meet with folks, changed that.

But I digress. One way or the other, we try to show how much we care. Every week, in phone calls, emails and on Facebook, we tell you how much we value your opinion.

Last year, we added a dedicated Opinion page that features some of North Okaloosa County’s most thoughtful comments, featuring remarks on your quality of life and the direction you want the communities to take.

And I’ve always beaten the drum that if you submit news to us at least two weeks in advance, and it’s of interest to North Okaloosa, we will get it in the newspaper “in some way, shape or form — guaranteed.”

Well, beginning next week, we’re taking our efforts to get closer to the community even further.

You’re invited to a new monthly series, “Lunch with the News Bulletin,” at noon Oct. 9 at Wild Olive in Crestview. Maybe you don’t want to drive across town to our Ashley Drive headquarters, or maybe you have never written a letter to the editor or asked us for anything. Maybe you’re shy. Maybe you’re not and just want us to come to you.

Well, whatever the case, your wish is our command!

We want to hear what you think, and will be scheduling monthly lunches, potentially at different restaurants with reasonable prices, for the second Wednesday of each month. We’ll keep them posted in our Bulletin Board, exclusively in our print edition, and on our Facebook page.

But for our kickoff next Wednesday, we truly hope to see you there.

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet News Bulletin Editor Thomas Boni @cnbeditor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EDITOR’S DESK: Have ‘Lunch with the News Bulletin’ Oct. 9 (MAP)