Last year, in 2024, the Town of Cuba and surrounding communities faced the loss of an institution that had served as a cornerstone of our area for generations: the Cuba Patriot and Free Press. This newspaper chronicled our local history, celebrated our triumphs, and kept us informed through its long and distinguished run. Its closure left a void that I believe our community cannot afford to leave unfilled.
That is why I am proud to announce the launch of the Cuba Digital Gazette: a modern, community-focused publication designed to keep the people of Cuba connected, informed, and inspired. More than ever there is a dire need for a platform that not only informs but also celebrates the people, businesses, and events that make Cuba a truly special place to live.
Why Start the Cuba Digital Gazette?
The decision to create the Cuba Digital Gazette stems from both personal experience and public need. When I decided to run for the Town Council last year, I encountered a challenge that many others in public service might relate to: name recognition. Despite owning and operating Southern Tier IT Services, a new business with prime visibility in the community, my name was not as well-known outside of professional circles. This led to a respectable write-in campaign against my candidacy. While I am honored to have ultimately earned the trust of the voters, and hope to say the same once again this November, the experience underscored the importance of visibility and communication.
Too often, the incredible work being done in our town goes unnoticed, whether by individuals, businesses, or any of our various volunteer organizations. Many people are contributing quietly in the background, helping to make Cuba a better place, yet their efforts don’t always receive the recognition they deserve. The Cuba Digital Gazette aims to change that.
What You Can Expect
The Cuba Digital Gazette will serve as a central hub for community news and information. It will feature:
- Local News and Announcements – Updates from town meetings, school events, and important community decisions.
- Spotlights on Local Businesses – Stories that highlight the hard work and achievements of Cuba’s entrepreneurs.
- Community Events Calendar – A resource for residents to stay informed about upcoming activities and celebrations.
- Profiles and Features – Stories about the people who make Cuba a great place to live.
- Op-Eds and Guest Contributions – Opportunities for residents to share their views and ideas about issues affecting our town.
In addition to providing news, the Gazette will aim to foster transparency and civic engagement. Readers will have access to Town Council updates, Village Board updates, opinion and editorial pieces, and resources to get involved in shaping the future of our community.
What Cuba Digital Gazette will notably lack, however, is an open forum for discussion: comments will be disabled for all posts. Instead, we encourage our readers to share our articles and voice their support and concerns on the social media platforms you already engage on. Easy share buttons are available for all major platforms.
Celebrating Our Community
At its core, the Cuba Digital Gazette is about connection. It’s about sharing our accomplishments, celebrating our culture, and ensuring that no one feels left out of the conversation. As someone deeply committed to this town – not only as a business owner but also as a resident and public servant – I want to see Cuba thrive.
We live in a town rich with history and full of promise. Whether it’s the success of local businesses, the efforts of volunteers at community events, or the achievements of our schools, there is so much to celebrate. And yet, there is also work to be done to make sure Cuba continues to grow and remain the best place to call home.
A Call to Action
The Cuba Digital Gazette is more than just a publication: it’s a collaborative effort. I invite everyone in the community to get involved by sharing stories, submitting announcements, and providing feedback on the issues that matter most to you. If you have an event to promote, a cause to highlight, or an idea to share, the Gazette is here to amplify your voice. Together, we can build a platform that not only informs but inspires.
For those looking to connect or help in any way, feel free to reach out to me directly at [email protected]. Additionally, we have set up a separate mailbox for article submissions at [email protected].
We hope to publish everything that is submitted and newsworthy!
Looking Ahead
The launch of the Cuba Digital Gazette is the start of a new chapter for our community. While it cannot fully replace the legacy of the Cuba Patriot and Free Press, it can honor that legacy by continuing its mission of keeping us informed and connected.
I look forward to building this resource with you and for you. Let’s celebrate our achievements, face our challenges, and work together to make Cuba the very best it can be.
Thank you for your support, and welcome to the Cuba Digital Gazette!
