With this week’s column, the Principal’s Office begins its sixth year. It’s time to look backward as well as forward. But first, a few thank yous are in order. Scott Brinton has not only been my editor, but has also become a friend and sounding board for new ideas. Executive Editor John O’Connell has always been a prime supporter and booster. And my gratitude to publishers Cliff and Stuart Richner who gave me the opportunity to join the Herald family. more

Scott Brinton, senior editor of the Merrick and Bellmore Heralds, and an adjunct journalism professor at Hofstra University, took home a first place for Editorial Writing and a second place for Business News in the Press Club of Long Island’s annual Media Awards competition. more

Richner Communications, Inc., publishers of 27 local publications on Long Island and in the Bronx, including the Herald Community Newspapers, has joined with community newspaper companies from across the United States to launch Zip2Save.com, a comprehensive national aggregation site that will feature online preprints, circulars, coupons, deals, travel specials and more. The sitewill launch on Oct. 1 by Local Point Media, a recently established national advertising network that is owned by Richner Communications and 18 other large, community newspaper companies in the United States and Canada. more