03/28/2022
Y'all! We got some amazing news here at the office this morning! For the second year in a row we've been voted Magazine of the Year over more than 60 other lifetstyle and niche magazines within our parent company! We are so excited and I couldn't be more proud to be part of the Allegany Magazine Team.
A huge thank you goes out to our team and to y'all, our loyal readers and contributors who make Allegany Magazine what it is. A true picture of Mountain Maryland, of the incredible people, talent and heart that reside here. We are honored to serve you and look forward to many more years of shining a spotlight on our communities.
If you don't already subscribe, why not take a moment to do so by visiting https://www.times-news.com/.../allegany_magazine.../ or call 301-722-4608 and start your 1 year subscription for $24 to see what everyone is talking about? We would love to welcome you to the Allegany Magazine family and look forward to sharing Mountain Maryland with each of you!
ALLEGANY MAGAZINE ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
AN OPEN LETTER FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR
Dear Allegany Magazine readers.
I want all of you here to have the exclusive from me personally before anyone or anywhere else. Our office was just contacted this morning with the news that for the second year in a row, Allegany Magazine has been named Magazine of the Year, among all of the magazines in our parent company.
That’s right. Your Allegany Magazine – right here in good old Allegany County, Maryland -- for the second consecutive year in a row -- has been awarded the honor of being the best magazine in its division among more than 60 lifestyles and niche magazines our company produces -- including magazines that are also produced in places like Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Texas, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee, Missouri, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Alabama, Iowa, and Illinois.
To be awarded this distinction once (last year) was a huge accomplishment but to receive this distinction twice in a row is truly an amazing honor.
On October 1 2005, I began my relationship with Allegany Magazine. And it's been one of the longest relationships I've ever had. I know I hold the title of managing editor but I honestly couldn't do what I do without an amazing support system. And I owe a huge debt to our truly talented and loyal group of correspondents, columnists, photographers and stringers. We have a few who have been with us from the very beginning. I want to thank every writer and photographer who trusts us with their words and images.
In fact, we have a great team in place at every level of the magazine and I am very excited that in the last few months, Carisa Fazenbaker has joined us as an advertising account executive and veteran journalist and editor, Chip Minemyer has become the magazine’s general manager. I can safely say these are two people who truly love the magazine business and so I really anticipate even greater days ahead.
But most importantly I want to thank you -- the readers of Allegany Magazine for your support and loyalty and frankly love of this magazine. Our readers have embraced Allegany Magazine as part of the community. When we ask you for stories or photos (like we are now with the Faces of Summer photo contest), you inundate us with material. When we are running a little late, I hear from you. When you don't get their your delivered correctly, you sometimes call me at home or message me on Facebook. I have the screenshots to prove it.
I’ve seen threads on social media about Allegany Magazine -- both good and bad. But to me, even the criticism is good because it means our readers and the community are invested. It means you are paying attention. A painter once told me, “When you look at artwork hanging on the wall, the worst reaction is indifference.” And I think every issue we create is a work of art. And so I love when our readers react. It means you care. It means they still feel a part of what it is we do. And as long as you keep caring, we keep producing Allegany Magazine every month.
I am also very grateful for the support of our sister publication, The Cumberland Times-News and from our parent company, CNHI. The fact that this award came from the company – a second time -- and from my peers within the company is high praise and an incredible validation of the value and quality of this product.
I hope Allegany Magazine can continue to be a jewel in the company crown and more importantly, a treasured staple of the community it serves for a long time.
If you subscribe to Allegany Magazine, thank you so much for your continued faith in us. And if you don't, why not call 301-722-4608, ask to start a year subscription for $24 and start seeing what all the fuss is about! ;-)
Thank you so much for this award and thank you to all of our correspondents, staff, and readers for the truly team effort in the continued success of your Allegany Magazine.
I am humbled and forever grateful.
Shane Riggs
Managing Editor
Allegany Magazine
March 28, 2022
