I'm the newest member of the Boothbay Register staff but no stranger to writing. My first experience in professional journalism was working for the Courier Gazette and other VillageSoup outlets in Knox County. I couldn't have dreamed of a better job out of college. Interestingly, it was right on the heels of my second summer internship with the Squirrel Island Historical Society. Since then, I have been a researcher, instructor, and science communicator at universities and research institutes. Now, I'm back to journalism.

What draws me to local reporting is simple: community. In the digital age of remote work, I get the most fulfillment from developing face-to-face relationships with people. Being a reporter embedded in downtown Boothbay Harbor is an opportunity to get to know the town, the people in it and the issues that matter to them.

In my short time here, I have found that residents, both full and part time, are invested in our local newspaper. It's not uncommon that someone stops me on the street to introduce themselves. Sometimes they have a news tip or feedback, but it's mostly just to say, “Hi, welcome!”

It's no secret that journalism has changed, even in my lifetime. However, knowing this community, like many across Maine, values local news is reassuring. School board meetings or zoning matters likely won't make it in a metropolitan newspaper. However, these local issues, and the opportunity they provide for community input, is a foundation for our country’s government. In my small way, I’m proud to be part of it.  

FritzFreudenberger@boothbayregister.com or 207-633-4620 ext. 108.