Checking Out The Buckner Center

This week, a core group representing the University of Alabama's Department of Journalism, The Anniston Star and our friends at Jacksonville State University gathered at the site of February's National Conference on Community Journalism.

After a brief session in the 250-seat theatre and a tour of the exhibit hall, we got a chance to taste some of the cuisine that makes the nearby Terra Cafe one of Anniston's premier Italian American restaurants.

The Cafe is just a few feet away from the theatre where our panels and discussions will convene.

Between the two is The Great Hall where the kick-off event, the 17th Annual Letter Writers Banquet, will take place on Tuesday, February 7th.

Monday's site visit was also yet another opportunity for the cultures-- the academic culture of the University and the newsroom culture of The Star-- to mix.

More importantly, we now have a "PICTURE IN OUR HEAD" of what this national conversation on community journalism will look like.

The Buckner Center is located in the Historic Spanish Colonial Revival District of former Fort McClellan. It's a three-mile drive from downtown Anniston.

Yes, it was also a chance for old friends like -- Josie Ayers of the The Anniston Star and UA Communication Dean Cully Clark (pictured here)-- to chat about the conference and our new partnership.

We'll have more on the plans for the February conference as the Com-J Exchange continues.