HUNTER DWORACZYK [email protected]
Taylor Press staff members opened up their office doors to welcome residents and subscribers before Christmas.
The newspaper hosted its Holiday Open House Wednesday, Dec. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. Organizers said about 20 to 25 people shuffled into the newsroom, 211 W. Third St.
Among the visitors was Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen, Taylor Independent School District’s new superintendent, and her family.
“The Taylor Press holiday event was a great time to meet local community members and learn about the great history of the town,” Garcia- Edwardsen said. “My
Santa Claus, portrayed by Taylor Press Area Editor Jason Hennington, greets Ella Edwardsen, 4, and Taylor Independent School District Superintendent Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen during the newspaper’s open house.
Photos by Hunter Dworaczyk kiddos especially loved the cookies and sharing their holiday wishes with Santa.”
Santa Claus, impersonated by Taylor Press Area Editor Jason Hennington, made appearances throughout the evening. Santa heard Christmas wishes from attendees while taking photos with them.
Hennington said the event was fun and thought everyone enjoyed visiting the Taylor Press.
“I enjoyed playing Santa,” Hennington said. “It’s the first time I’ve ever put on the suit, and I loved seeing the children and adults smiling while sharing their Christmas wishes. If we do this again next year, I would absolutely wear the suit again.”
The newspaper gave away more than $500 in door prizes including two wireless JBL clip speakers, two $25 gift cards and a 42’ Roku TV.
Guests also were able to tour the Taylor Press office, which was hosted by staff members. Tour destinations included the studio room, Hennington’s office and the morgue, which serves as a storage location for decades of past issues.
Suzanne Stevens, digital director for Granite Media Partners and party host, said building a strong sense of community was the organizers’ goal for the party.
“The open house is a perfect place to have conversations we may not have had otherwise,” Stevens said. “We get a chance to talk to the people we write for, I think we should do it often.”
Photo by Hunter Dworaczyk
