We are the advanced media writing class at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colo. We decided to launch this hyper-local reporting project, Block Party GJ, as a way to grow our news reporting experience, writing voices, and creativity. We picked our audience by drawing a square mile around Colorado Mesa University on a Google Map, and then we decided to write for the people surrounding our university, but within those boundaries. Our focus is helping you find what you need to know and where to play in central Grand Junction. We are partnering with the advanced photojournalism class at CMU to capture our imagery.
Come back every Friday around noon for fresh content starting Friday, April 2, 2021. If you have any story ideas, or you want to leave an encouraging note for any of our editors, contact us at blockpartygj@gmail.com. Read on to learn about each of our Spring 2021 editors.
Ever wondered about the oddities that lie right before our eyes in good old Grand Junction? Look no further, welcome to the oddities and strange questions beat of Block Party GJ.
My name is Sydnee Flotron, and I’m the editor for the oddities beat this Spring 2021! I’m a Senior Mass Communication major at CMU, and I’ve always been passionate about life’s random, funny, crazy stories. I know we all have theories about things we see every day, and those thoughts and theories are more than valid; they need to be investigated. For entertainment, maybe. For our own peace of mind, absolutely.
Why is that statue so ugly? Why do so many people here drive Subaru Outbacks? Why do we only have one Target? So many questions, so little time. Let’s have some fun!
Hi! My name is Ana and I’m the editor for the Education beat! One of my many passions is drawing attention to education. The education audience is very broad and ranges from elementary schools to the college we attend. I believe that by exploring the surrounding school district, we can learn about school systems and how they provide education to students.
I work as a Research Assistant who has worked in academia for several years. I’m originally from Vail, Colorado but moved to Grand Junction to attend university. I was originally a Nursing major, but since then realized media is my passion; so I switched to Mass Communications! Since I switched I have picked up an English Minor and a Film Studies Minor.
Michael Ritter – Local Government Editor
The world around us is as complex as it is connected. Every time you leave your house, you interact with roads, traffic, economic and community development, environment, recreation, fire, and police services; the list goes on and on, but how often do you notice the complexity around you? Who decided to convert an intersection to a roundabout? Who made the call to add swings to a community park? Who decided to finally fix that annoying pothole? The answer is simple your local government. Their decisions aren’t flashy and usually aren’t controversial. They don’t make it on fox news, CNN, or MSNBC, but their decisions often matter more to your life than those that do.
My name is Michael Ritter, and I’m ecstatic to be your local government editor! I am a senior mass communications major with a minor in political science. I have a passion for government and media, the access we have to our government is largely related to the historical relationship between the media and government, and that relationship is one of my favorite topics. I believe in fair and honest reporting unbiased by ideology and focused on how the government’s actions affect YOU. My goal is to help you understand the complexities of government and give you the tools to form your own opinions so you can be an active participant in how our community is governed.
Nayeli Hernandez – Beauty & Lifestyle beat
My name is Nayeli Hernandez, and I am the Beauty and Lifestyle editor at BlockParty GJ. I grew up in Olathe, so all my life I have lived in the Grand Valley area. This is my third year at CMU, where I am pursuing a degree in Mass Communication and a minor in Spanish. I have always been very interested in all kinds of media and being able to expand and share my writing skills with the off-campus community is something that I am very excited about.
Everyone loves to be in style and fulfill their beauty and lifestyle needs. This specific topic has always been in my area of interest as I love to keep up with the latest trends and seek out what the Grand Junction area has to offer. This area is full of different salons and boutiques that you may or may not have heard of. I will keep you up to date on what the latest trends are and get you to check out the many local salons and shops here in Junction!
Tatiana Eggers – Sustainability Editor
Hey, I’m Tatiana and I’m the Sustainability editor at Block Party GJ! I’m currently a junior at CMU majoring in Mass Communication with a minor in International Studies. I’m originally from the Fort Collins area and I moved to Grand Junction for the Mass Communication program.
Since I’ve been here, I discovered my passion for the environment and sustainable living! I co-host a podcast about sustainability and all things environment with the CMU Sustainability Council and I’m excited to bring my passion to Block Party GJ!
Meghan WItt – Lifestyle Beat
Hi Guys! I’m Meghan Witt and I’m the editor for the Fashion and Lifestyle beat! I love anything to do with fashion and lifestyle and I can’t wait to help you find your style around town. There are so many local boutiques around town that I’m excited to highlight about! Hopefully you can keep up with all the fashion trends around town!
I’m a mass comm student and this is my fourth year. I’m from Denver but moved to Grand Junction to attend college. I’m excited to be the editor for fashion and lifestyle for Block Party GJ.
Aja Monique salinas- The spotlight editor
Hi! My name is Aja Monique Salinas, I am a junior at Colorado Mesa University pursuing a career within Mass Communication. I was born in Kansas but Colorado feels like home! My passions are all things inspirational found especially here in the Grand Valley. Being editor of The Spotlight allows me to share the talents, kindness, and good of those within the community who deserve to have their stories told.
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