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# 'The more people give, the faster we can start the presses'
- URL: https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/03/12/editors-desk/help-us-meet-our-match-sunday-albany-scanner/
- Published: 2026-03-12T16:56:37.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-28T04:37:40.000Z
- Description: "Having worked for eight Bay Area news outlets, I know how many wonderful stories are out there," says Mary Flaherty.
- Author: Guest contributor
- Tags: Editor's desk, #articles

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b5/b0/b5b0b7ec-798c-4cb6-ab42-472b59c05589/content/images/2026/03/38500250876_cf59ba8975_k-1.jpg)

Monarchs roosting in a gum tree at the top of Albany Hill. [**TJ Gehling*](https://flic.kr/p/21E8RfU?ref=albanyscanner.com)

My name is Mary Flaherty and I've lived in Albany since 2000\. My child went to Marin school, I ran WriterCoach Connection at AMS for 9 years, and taught flute in our grade schools for 11 years.

I have also reported for Albany news outlets over the years. That's why I joined the Albany News Project (the group heading up this fundraiser). We're determined to "Bring News Back to Albany," and we're well on our way to raising the $50,000 needed to hire a reporter. To everyone who has supported us already, thank you so very much!

Good news if you haven't given yet: This week, all contributions to Albany Scanner, up to $5,000, will be **doubled through Sunday**, March 15, thanks to a matching gift from a generous donor.

[Yes! Please double my impact.](https://buy.stripe.com/fZuaEZ89C2fMe6M3ub5c400?ref=albanyscanner.com)

In 1995, I covered City Council, and more, as a freelancer for the Albany Journal. What I loved most was telling stories that were small discoveries, like the Bone Room on Solano Avenue (now gone). In 2004, I wrote about the winter colony of monarch butterflies on Albany Hill for the SF Chronicle. In 2012, I wrote for Albany Patch about the Occupy the Farm protests on UC land in Albany — and the university researchers who worked there.

Having worked for eight Bay Area news outlets, I know how many wonderful stories are out there — beyond the police beat, city hall and the school board. **I want to see those kinds of stories about Albany again.**

Just like I was paid for my work, reporters for Albany Scanner deserve fair payment from the start. I hope the promise of a **news site dedicated to Albany** motivates you to chip in, knowing your support will be matched through Sunday.

[Become a member today](https://buy.stripe.com/fZuaEZ89C2fMe6M3ub5c400?ref=albanyscanner.com)

Thanks for reading.   
  
Sincerely,   
  
Mary Flaherty  
The [Albany News Project](https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/02/16/editors-desk/albany-news-project-members-who-are-the-volunteers/)  
  
P.S. Your [gift of any size](https://buy.stripe.com/fZuaEZ89C2fMe6M3ub5c400?ref=albanyscanner.com) will help us meet this important milestone and **stay on pace** with our fundraising efforts. The more people give, the faster we can "start the presses!"

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