A fond farewell and thanks for the memories

So long, it’s been good to know you — say goodbye to Hollywood — packed my bags it’s time to go. There have been a lot of farewell themed songs running through my head since we agreed to an end date for my time here at the newspaper. Change is good, though sometimes painful, but it always makes for a good topic to sing about.

I bought the newspaper in December of 2008, after having spent a couple of months learning the tricks of the trade from Gordy Boldig and Darlene Block. I really have to thank all the subscribers who stayed with me even though my learning curve was a little brutal at times. Fortunately, Gordy and Darlene were just a phone call away.

It was a big transition for me to own and operate a newspaper, but like the late Dan Brandenburg of the Marion Advertiser promised me in a phone call, “It’ll be a lot of fun!” He didn’t lie to me. It was fun, and a lot of hard work and disappointments that build character; basically it was life wrapped up with a bow. It certainly qualifies as the most interesting occupation I’ve tried, and I have tried many.

I remember saving the cards and letters people sent encouraging me and pulling them out to reread on days when things didn’t go so well. I appreciated everyone who reached out to me with information on story ideas. Many of them have since passed on, but they were there when I needed them. Shirley Hartleben was one of those supporters. She and her husband John owned the newspaper for a few years, so they understood the work process. It’s bittersweet that her obituary is in this, my last official paper as the editor.

I’m grateful for those who supported me when I started up Your Community Shopper. It was an interesting ride to own two businesses and be responsible for employees.

Having two major surgeries within a couple of years made me face the fact that I needed a backup plan for those two businesses. When the opportunity came to sell the businesses to what is now NEW Media Inc. I was proud of the fact that I had been able to ensure employment for the five of us.

Being part of NEW Media gave me the time and support I needed to write stories, do interviews and attend board meetings. Best of all, I had the opportunity to write my own column. Over the past four years I’ve had many stories that connected with my readers that caused them to reach out to me. I was astounded at how many people had memories of schaum tortes for dessert! I’m grateful to those who tell me they enjoy my column because I’ve truly enjoyed writing it.

There may be a few articles in future issues of the Wittenberg Enterprise & Birnamwood News but for now, I’m engaged in yet another adventure. So with the Lawrence Welk tune swimming around in my brain I say good night, au revoir, auf wiedersehn!