Some notes from the Mirror newsroom to help keep you abreast of what we're doing and what we're trying to do:
The Mirror made history last Sunday when we published a same-sex marriage for the first time ever and - to the surprise of no one - it didn't fly under the radar.
Some called and left angry messages; some wrote letters expressing concern if not outrage; and, yes, we did get a couple of supportive calls.
This isn't a reflection of the personal opinions of myself or anyone else at the Mirror concerning same-sex marriage. We are simply carrying out our policy that if it's a legal marriage, we publish it.
In this case, the couple, which included a former Altoonan, were married in Massachusetts, where same-sex marriage is legal. It doesn't matter that the people (both men) don't live here: We publish plenty of weddings of people who no longer live here but are from local families.
We feel it's more important for us not to discriminate than it is for us to make a political statement by refusing a same-sex marriage.
Ironically, a day before the wedding appeared and not knowing it would, State Sen. John Eichelberger Jr., R-Blair, set up a press conference to announce his intentions to propose a bill for a constitutional amendment to prevent same-sex marriage.
Our headline Wednesday said Eichelberger is sponsoring an "anti-gay" bill. Though some gays may have taken it that way, in fairness, that's broader than what Eichelberger proposed. Our apologies to him for that.
Religion moving
Beginning June 5, our weekly Religion tabloid will be converted into three broadsheet pages that will lead the Friday Life section.
This will save some newsprint, but it also will allow us to better display our religion news.
The manner in which religious organizations submit their information will not change. Neither will the person coordinating it. Religion Editor Linda Gracey has literally - pardon the pun - blessed us with her knowledge of all religions, not just her own.
In a ripple effect, the weekly Picturesque page, a showcase of our photographers' work, will shift to Thursday's paper to help free room for Religion.
The popular "My Ride," feature, which runs Fridays, and the car show lists also will run Thursdays starting in June. Ditto the monthly "On the Air" where you can learn more about area television and radio personalities.
Giant passing
We've lost several notable community leaders lately, perhaps none bigger than Bruno DeGol, founder of the DeGol Organization.
DeGol was a giant in the business and philanthropic arena, but I was struck by family friend Dick Burgan's description of how DeGol fashioned himself as a regular guy who would have lunch at Wendy's.
One of the last conversations I had with DeGol came when I bumped into him at breakfast early one morning.
The restaurant? McDonald's.
Mirror Managing Editor Neil Rudel can be reached at 946-7527 or nrudel@altoonamirror.com.
