Working at a small-town newspaper is anything but glamorous. In fact, most journalists readily admit that community papers are merely stepping-stones to better jobs at bigger papers. They all start out there, but that doesn't mean they enjoy it. Jenny Zappala is not like most journalists. To her, community journalism is much more than paying her dues. As a reporter for the Bothell-Kenmore Reporter, she knows her audience values her articles more than what they might read in, say, The New York Times.

"Many people don't realize it, but the actions of city council will probably affect you more than those of the county, state, or federal government," she says. "People need community newspapers to stay informed about those issues."

A Writergrrl since 1998, Zappala started her journalism career at The Daily World in Aberdeen. It was there that she gained an appreciation for community journalism. Her boss, John Hughes—one of the most respected editors in the state—stayed at The Daily World for decades, despite standing offers from larger papers, such as The Seattle Times. Zappala's work under Hughes gave her a sense of perspective and an understanding of what readers really value.

"In a day and age when national stories and the economy dominate the headlines, it is easy to forget the news that matters the most to everyday people," she says. "I learned at The Daily World that the things I thought were the least important, like birth announcements, obits, engagement announcements, and the honor-roll list, are the things people care about the most because those are their friends, neighbors, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters."

She now wears out her shoe leather on the streets in Bothell, where she collects the snippets of local lore that make up the fabric of the community. Unlike beats at larger papers, which cover one specific subject at a time, her job requires her to cover the entire community. The result is a grab-bag of responsibilities that are sometimes difficult to sum up.

"It is definitely a full-time job to keep up with what is going on. My daily routine has me acting as part tourist, part historian, part official observer, and part resident," she says. "I spend a lot of time in coffee shops, restaurants, public hearings, grocery stores, and anywhere else anybody might gather."

As if these duties don't keep her busy enough, Zappala also volunteers for professional organizations, such as the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). As membership chair for the Western Washington Chapter of SPJ, Zappala works hard to promote the camaraderie of joining such groups. Her efforts to host frequent Press Club nights have gathered journalists from all over the region.

"If anyone believes in improving and protecting journalism, I encourage them to join," she says. "Besides, it is a great way to tell those stories that no one else would understand."

In the end, all of her endeavors stem from a love for her surroundings and a passion for her profession. While other journalists have aspirations to move to the hustle-and-bustle of cities such as Chicago or New York, Jenny knows she is happiest in her home region.

"I would prefer to stay in the Puget Sound area for as long as I can," she says. "Now, I may not get my wish, because it is difficult when publications merge, cut back, and close. But that is my preference."