In May, I was offered a unique opportunity to contribute to the Oakland Press. As a paginator/copy editor at Digital First Media, I frequently participate in Oakland Press meetings to decide the template for A1 of that day’s paper and to offer advice on the wire budget for that day. Consequentially, I have gotten to know Julie Jacobson-Hines, our local editor, on a first-name basis. She frequently asks how I’m doing and we have a great working relationship.

One day in March, as we were sitting in one such Oakland Press meeting, I told Julie how excited I was for this upcoming “Passport to Spring” event in Lake Orion, which featured an intense and comprehensive focus on Japanese culture. I love learning about and participating in Asian culture, so I said I was going personally for my own interest. When I said I was going to be there, she asked if I could take a few photos and write a story on it. Of course, I said I would, and this story was born.

The event itself was unique to attend. The entire library was decked out for one evening of each element of Japanese culture. It was so interesting to attend the tea ceremony and speak with the Consulate General of Japan (Detroit), as well as to learn about Japanese culture. It literally made me feel like I was in Japan without being in Japan!

I interviewed the Library director and attended the event, getting quotes as I went. I also took all original photos on my Canon T3i Rebel, which were eventually turned into a photo gallery on the event. The story was published in the Sunday, May 6, 2016 Oakland Press and garnered a half-page spread. The photo gallery was also teased as a rail item in during the previous week. The story was also published online, along with the corresponding photo gallery.The photo gallery was also teased as a rail item in during the previous week.

To read this story online, visit: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/general-news/20160505/orion-township-library-hosts-close-up-look-at-japanese-culture-at-annual-passport-to-spring-event

To view the corresponding online photo gallery, visit: http://media.theoaklandpress.com/2016/05/05/photos-from-passport-to-spring-japan-a-festival-of-seasons/#1