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A "Sense of Community..."
For many years, Village Crier has brought community news and information to Citrus County's Central Ridge residents on various topics including dining, theatre, finance, law enforcement, health & wellness, and local club and association activities.
Its success as a monthly publication hasn't happened by chance, but instead as the result of many years of hard work by the staff, contributing editors, support by the advertisers and perhaps most important, the dedication to a quality publication by Pat Collins and her husband, Bob.
While Village Crier serves a local geographical area, Pat and Bob's publication created something much more than a local paper. Wikipedia defines a “sense of community” as a concept which focuses on the experience of community rather than its structure. Village Crier is truly a community effort where everyone can come together on a monthly basis to share their ideas and stories, or perhaps their “experiences.”
It was also through this “sense of community” in which Pat and Bob wanted to transition ownership to another “local” owner. And over the last few months, they interviewed a local media company in which two of the four partners lived right in Citrus County's Central Ridge area.
Lanse K. Fero, one such partner, has been ingrained in the community for many years. Lanse lives in Terra Vista of Citrus Hills and his family's roots in the area extend back to 1954 when his grandfather moved to Dunnellon and started an insurance agency. Lanse is co-owner of Fero & Sons Insurance and last year joined with three other individuals to start Boomtown Media, Inc., located in Dunnellon. “I have always looked up to Bob and while he may not know it, I have considered him a mentor of mine.” Lanse continues, “I sincerely appreciate the trust that both he and his wife Pat have placed in our Company to take care of their paper.”
Charlene Sestito, current Editor of Two Rivers Review, will also serve as Editor of Village Crier. “As a resident of the Central Ridge area, I am pleased to continue to give a voice to community organizations and local causes as Village Crier's new Editor,” Charlene commented.
Boomtown Media's President, Mathew Baillargeon will maintain the role of Publisher of Village Crier, in addition to his current role as publisher of Two Rivers Review. In addition to a career in publishing, Mathew also designs websites. Mathew's wife, Patricia, assists him with ongoing sales support and public relations.
“The true benefit of Two Rivers Review has been the positive response from the community, the ability to assist local organizations to get their message out, and being able to promote local businesses at the same time,” Mathew commented.
Mathew is the 2010 President-Elect of the Dunnellon Area Chamber of Commerce. He is also active with the Boys and Girls Club of Dunnellon, Dunnellon's Historic Village Shoppes, and the West Marion Business Association. Mathew has recently used his acting talents to assist the Historical Society of Dunnellon in several of their recent murder mystery productions.
Mathew states, “I am excited that Boomtown Media is able to expand its services in the Citrus County community with the purchase of Village Crier.”
Patricia and her mother, the late Mary Jane McCann had resided in Dunnellon since 1984. Mathew's parents, Dot and the late John Baillargeon retired from Portland, Maine and moved to Dunnellon in 1990. Mathew and Patricia have enjoyed living in the beautiful, small town of Dunnellon with their three wonderful children; Mathew, Ally Jane, and Ben. “We are active participants in the Dunnellon community and we enjoy helping our community whenever we can,” Patricia commented.
If you are interested in submitting information for publication in any of Boomtown Media's publications or websites, please contact Charlene at (352) 489-0099 or via email at Charlene@boomtownmedia. net. Advertising support may be directed to Mathew@boomtownmedia. net or via telephone at (352) 489-0099.
