Temple City Voice

The Journey Thus Far

When I first made the decision to start a community news publication, I did not anticipate the amount of time or the work I would have to spend on it. I was not sure if this idea would last for just a few weeks or only a couple of days. For me, the Temple City Voice was a community project, not just a fun, summer activity.

Now, three years later, a lot has changed (and more changes are coming).

The Temple City Voice is growing as an organization. Our staff is increasing in numbers. Recognition among members of the community has expanded.

We have nearly doubled the number of locations where residents can pick up a print copy of the Voice. And, since last year, we have uploaded electronic versions of our weekly issues onto our blog.

In addition, we plan on co-sponsoring a third candidates’ forum with the Temple City High School Junior State of America (JSA). Two years ago, we coordinated our first joint candidates’ forum with JSA. The forum featured candidates running for the local School Board. More so, we recently held a City Council candidates’ forum in January. This forum was one of two held during the campaign season.

As we continue to promote our non-profit news publication, we have outreached to local business sponsors. These businesses, like Susie’s Kitchen, C-Cup and Rose Donuts, have generously contributed to our cause. Of course, we cannot forget to acknowledge our behind-the-scenes sponsors, Big-1 Pharmacy and Tender Care Home Health. Both Big-1 and Tender Care have been our longest and largest sponsors and we certainly want to extend a big “thank you!”

Two weeks ago, I appointed a new Editor-in-Chief, Sophia Chang. Since I have begun working with her, I can see a sense of determination to carry on and greatly improve the Voice. I am confident Sophia and the staff will be successful as we continue our fourth year of publishing.

09-04-09 

In Memory

When I returned home in January for the Temple City Voice and Junior State of America (JSA) co-sponsored candidates’ forum, I was saddened to hear that Karen Koch had passed away. Karen was the former volunteer coordinator for the City of Temple City. Because of an illness, Karen was forced to take a long sick leave. She never returned to her job, and eventually, the position was eliminated by the City Manager and City Council.

I first met Karen in 2003 when I came to City Hall to become a volunteer. I was a freshman at Temple City High School, where all students were required to fulfill a community service learning (CSL) requirement in order to graduate. While I admit I was not interested in having to spend my free time volunteering in order to fulfill the Board of Education-imposed statue; this rule gave me the chance to meet and develop a friendship with a person who I knew loved her job. Because of Karen, I grew to love the time I spent at City Hall.

I will always remember how much Karen cared about her volunteers. Karen created an area where she placed some snacks, candy, and other treats. I remember the tub of red licorice and the cookies she had on top of a cart. Even her co-workers at City Hall became frequent visitors of her snacking booth.

Under Karen’s guidance, I learned teamwork and cooperation, office-related skills, and love for my city.

As a volunteer, I got the opportunity to meet so many people, some of whom eventually became my friends. While there were serious tasks, Karen did remember to delegate some fun ones for her volunteers to accomplish. Sometimes, Karen would send her volunteers to the local businesses in order to place some Camellia Festival posters. Other times, her volunteers would pack up cookies for the “Lights on Temple City” event.

I want to devote this column in memory of a friend and a mentor. A person who cared for Temple City and her volunteers. A person who has given so much to our small town. Thank you, Karen Koch.

2-20-09