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Common Cause honors Cape Gazette founders
Trish Vernon co-publisher/editor, left, and Dennis Forney, publisher emeritus display their Russell Peterson Public Service Awards. DENY HOWETH PHOTOS
October 30, 2019
Common Cause of Delaware honored Cape Gazette founders Trish Vernon and Dennis Forney with the Russell Peterson Public Service Award Oct. 17, at the Clubhouse at Baywood.
Jeff Goddess, chair of Common Cause, presented the award after a short roast by former Lewes Mayor Jim Ford and comments from John Sweeney, former editorial page editor of the News Journal.
The program included a short video history of the Cape Gazette, which has been an essential pillar of democracy, keeping the public connected, informed and aware for over a quarter of a century. Sen. Tom Carper and Sen Chris Coons sent video accolades.
Jeff Goddess, chair of Common Cause of Delaware, gives opening remarks at the event.
Former Lewes Mayor Jim Ford gave a short roast of Dennis Forney and Trish Vernon.
Jeff Goddess, chair of Common Cause of Delaware, welcomes John Sweeney, former editorial page editor of the News Journal.
John Sweeney, former editorial page editor of the News Journal, discussed the important role community newspapers play in a democracy.
John Sweeney, former editorial page editor of the News Journal, praised the Cape Gazette for standing strong to inform the public as newsrooms around the country face corporate takeovers or closings.
A short film honored the newspaper.
A short film followed the Cape Gazette’s quarter century of serving Delaware’s Cape Region.
Dennis Forney, publisher emeritus, gives an impassioned speech.
Trish Vernon, co-publisher/editor, right, and Dennis Forney, publisher emeritus, are asked to stand and make themselves known to the crowd.
Trish Vernon co-publisher/editor,(l-r) stands with Jeff Goddess, chair of Common Cause of Delaware, and Dennis Forney, publisher emeritus. Vernon and Forney were presented with the organization’s Russell Peterson Public Service Award.
Sen. Tom Carper and Sen Chris Coons sent videotaped accolades.
Trish Vernon, co-publisher/editor, is touched and a bit emotional as she accepts the honor of the Russell Peterson Public Service Award.
Trish Vernon co-publisher/editor, center, and Dennis Forney, publisher emeritus, visit with Alex Pires, left.
