Welcome to 2011!
+Hope everyone had a Happy – and safe – New Year! Hard to believe that it is now officially 2011. Is it just me, or are the days, weeks and years just flying by? It seems like only yesterday that I returned to the Messenger as editor, but my trusty calendar just helpfully reminded me that this month marks the beginning of my EIGHTH YEAR here. (And if you include the nearly five years when I served as Messenger editor in the ’90s, this means that I have been employed with this weekly publication for more than half of the Messenger’s existence. Wow.)
It has truly been an honor and a pleasure to have been involved with all that this newspaper has accomplished over the years, and it makes me proud to see just how far we have come. Since I have been on board here, the Messenger has always strived, week in and week out, to deliver a balanced mix of fair and objective local news and sports coverage and human interest features that spotlight the special people, places and events in Greene County. And, we personally pledge to all of our readers that we will continue this commitment to excellence in 2011.
I’m also excited to be here for what is shaping up to be an interesting year in Greene County. In addition to covering the usual exciting events that happen in Greene (Rain Day, the fairs, Coal Show, etc.), I am also pumped up about the paper’s many special editions and features that we will unveil throughout the year, including “Get To Know You” and “Who’s Who in Greene County.”
Anyway, it IS a new year, and while typing my first column of 2011 I took some time to personally reflect on what kind of a year I had in 2010. And I have to admit, my trip down memory lane somewhat resembled a roller-coaster ride. There were definitely some good times, such as unforgettable trips to Outer Banks and Ocean City as well as quite a few awesome concerts. But there were some icky moments as well, most notably my various illnesses I endured throughout the year and the day I turned another year older, another year closer to the dreaded “Big 5-0.” (Ugh.)
But overall, I think 2010 was a fairly good year. And it was quite a busy one here at the Messenger. While compiling the biggest news stories of the year for our annual Year In Review (which concludes inside this very same issue) it dawned on me that a lot happened in lil’ ol’ Greene in 2010. From politics to court cases, from tragedies to triumphs, there was never a shortage of news here in this rural neck o’ the woods. And something tells me that our news staff is going to be just as busy this year. So please join us for another fun ride in ’11+
+The holiday season is a crazy and hectic time for most of us, what with schools and offices being closed, residents being out of town to visit relatives and schedules being jammed with so many different activities and events. And as we wait for a sense of order and normalcy to return to our everyday lives, we hope that things can get back to normal here at the paper as well.
I have to admit, it was surprising to see how quiet our office was during late December and early January. (Of course, the office manager helpfully reminded me of how much quieter it was while I was out of the office on holiday vacation. I tried not to take that too personally.)
We even noticed that the amount of “community news” that we receive from readers – whether by email, regular mail or fax – had dramatically decreased during the holidays. So, I just wanted to remind everyone that if you have any “good news” community stuff that you would like to share – whether it be anniversary or birthday announcements, information about upcoming events or even ideas for potential “feel good” human interest stories – please let the Messenger know. You can find our contact info in the helpful box on this very page+
+Before I wrap this up, my wife and I wanted to acknowledge several friends, co-workers and family members whose birthdays are celebrated during the month of January.
I want to offer a great big “Happy Birthday” to my nephew J.D., and especially my dad, who really deserves a nice birthday after his recent ordeal. Early on New Years Eve he experienced chest pains and was taken to the hospital for precautionary measures, and we were relieved to later learn that all of the test results indicated that he was fine.
(By the way, many thanks to those who visited him in the hospital or sent prayers and well-wishes his way.)
So, here’s hoping he enjoys a happy, healthy and stress-free birthday on January 12. And we also want to wish a “Happy Birthday!” this month to Jane Adams, Dave Areford, Tempa Cantrell, Scotty Clutter, Kristen Cook, Andrea Kachur, Mike Mackor, Brian and Ann Matthews, Reg Moore and Toby Whipkey.
And to those whose birthdays my wife and I forgot, please don’t be mad at us. We are famously terrible about remembering important dates. It often amazes us that I even remember my wife’s birthday and our wedding anniversary, which we celebrate on, uh, wait+
Oh, never mind+