by Jay Kerner, Source Publications

In yet another blatant example of shameless self promotion, we have decided to name our first annual “Joe of the Year”. We say, fine, let Time Magazine select their person of the year. Who cares? To our recollection, no St. Joe resident has ever been considered. We consider that an outrage, and have decided to fill the void!

When we originally talked about letting the readers vote, we were more than a little afraid. What if they choose Eminem or the downtown shopping cart guy with the feathers in his cap. What we finally decided to do was a two part process. Readers will be able to contact us at email@urjoe.com with nominations. Give us a paragraph or two on the person you suggest, telling us why you think they merit the honor. We’ll select the five best, and print them in our January 10^{th issue. Then, over the next week, readers will be able to vote among the finalists, and the winner will grace the cover of the January 24th issue.So what are we looking for? We’re not completely sure. (As always we’re completely making this stuff up as we go along). Local politicians would always be a logical consideration. I expect we’ll hear from supporters of various office holders or other candidates. Getting your picture on the cover of The Regular Joe is the kind of exposure you just can’t buy! (O.K., who are we kidding, call our sales office and let’s talk).You could go with a local celebrity. Or do we really even have any? Maybe one of the local TV or radio folks. (Hmmm, if we timed this close to ratings week, maybe we could make a buck on some kind of follow-up promotion).What about a popular local car dealer or a replacement window king. We get so used to seeing their faces all the time through their advertising, they feel like part of the family. Maybe that would be a way to go.}

This town has a lot of dedicated volunteers, some well known, others flying a little more under the radar. Someone from the do-gooder list might be a good choice. A favorite teacher maybe, or a minister. How about an athletic coach, or even an athlete themselves?

You could also go with the anti-choice. Just pick a controversial figure and let the fur fly. (Some say that is the explanation for the last round of city elections.) That would probably do something for circulation. We might even gain some new readers, but then again, we might lose some too, who knows.

There are a lot of ways we could go here. All I know for sure is that I think the “Joe of the Year”, should be the quintessential Joe. Somebody who really represents who we are, or at least who we think we are.

I think it needs to be someone from here, not some recent import. If it is someone who isn’t a true native, they should at least have been here long enough to seem like one.

This is also an overt effort to drive you to our web site. We’ve been working on it, and are anxious for you to see it. So let us have it. Shock us! Surprise us! Amuse us! We can’t wait to hear from you.

Felix Street Entertainment District’s Thursday Night PromotionAs a downtown based enterprise, The Regular Joe is excited to promote a new reason for you to go west, young men and women. (At least those over 21). At a recent meeting of downtown bar owners, the decision was made to embark on a coordinated marketing effort, designed to showcase St. Joseph’s entertainment destination. Nowhere else can you park and walk to ten different establishments, all within a few short blocks.Several names for the district were kicked around, with the leading contender being “The Felix St. Experience”. While that wasn’t as popular with the two places on Francis, it does have a nice ring to it.The plan is to promote Thursday nights downtown. Beginning January 10th, all the participating venues will offer the same beverage special every Thursday of that month. The beer or liquor distributor involved will provide prizes and giveaways, and a wide variety of entertainment choices will be available. So whether you like rock, or country, electric or acoustic there will be something for you. Maybe you prefer a quieter spot where you can talk with your friends. There’s that too. There’s even a late-nite spot for coffee and a piece of pie after.

So come join us Thursdays or any other time. We’re not turning up our noses at any other locations. Joetown has some great establishments all over town. We just hope you add us to your list of favorites, as we try to make Thursdays Downtown the place to be.