There was plenty of enthusiasm for the future of community journalism at the 128th annual convention of the National Newspaper Association held last Thursday through Saturday in San Antonio, Texas.

Our flight was an hour late taking off in Phoenix, which caused Diane and I to miss the opening event, an ice cream social. That was probably a good thing since we both came back a pound heavier than when we left.

The next event was the Welcome Reception, which was held in the exhibit hall with Trade Show vendors’ booths scattered around the room.

I got to renew old friendships and acquaintances. As we walked in the door, outgoing NNA President Robert Williams and his wife were there to greet us. On the other side of the doorway was another former NNA president, Roy Eaton, and wife Jineane.

Roy came to Fountain Hills for a visit and to see our operation once when he was in the area. He is from Decater, Texas.

I already knew, but both were quick to tell me that another former NNA president, Jerry Tidwell, was unable to attend. He was the convention’s co-chairman, but he fell from a tree while trimming limbs about three months ago and shattered both ankles. He can’t put any weight on the ankles for three more weeks.

San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor welcomed everyone at the opening breakfast on Friday morning.

The keynote speaker, Texas State Senator Brian Birdwell gave an inspirational speech. The retired Army colonel was badly burned in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. His recovery was truly remarkable.

More than 300 people attended the convention.

Breakout sessions were held on a variety of topics including advertising, editorial, defamation law and defense of public notice,

A round table discussion by publishers of newspapers that won the general excellence awards was particularly interesting.

The Friday night Extravaganza was held at a cattle ranch about 30 miles outside of town. Diane and I didn’t attend. We heard the food was great and it was a fun party. My legs weren’t working too well that evening, so we had dinner at a Ruth ‘s Chris Steakhouse at the hotel.

On Saturday, we had the annual business meeting. The annual awards were handed out. The association’s top two individual awards, the Amos and McKinney Awards, are presented to newspaper people who contribute to the advancement of community journalism and to the betterment of their communities.

The Amos award was presented to Jeff David, publisher of the Parish News in Denham Springs, Louisiana.

Liz Parker, executive editor of the New Jersey Media Group, received the McKinney Award.

Derek Sawvell, managing editor of the Wilton-Durant Advocate News in Wilton, Iowa, received the Daniel A. Phillips Leadership Award. I accepted two awards on behalf of reporter Ryan Winslett, who received two second place awards. One was in the best feature category and the other was in the best sports photograph category.

On Saturday afternoon, after the convention had ended, Diane and I toured the Alamo with publisher friends Bob and Geri Sweeney from Denver.

We also enjoyed a dinner at an Italian restaurant on the RiverWalk.

It was a great weekend, and we always enjoy San Antonio.