As I sat down to think about my farewell column to the city of Greenwood, a flood of memories came crashing through about all the wonderful years I've spent here.
My last day at the Greenwood Commonwealth was Friday. I have accepted a position as assistant metro editor at the Clarion-Ledger in Jackson.
While this is a great move for me personally and careerwise, it's not easy to leave a city that's been so good to me for more than six years.
I came to Greenwood as a young journalist, with only one year of editing experience under my belt. But the Greenwood Commonwealth is where I grew up, so to speak. There's no better newspaper man to learn the business from than Tim Kalich. He has a heart for the community, and his journalistic and ethical principles are outstanding.
I credit my ability to accept the job with the Clarion-Ledger to Tim and the rest of the staff at the Commonwealth.
No matter who I may work with in years to come, I'll always remember what I've learned from fellow editors Susan Montgomery, David Monroe, Bill Burrus and Jo Alice Hughes. And the Commonwealth's reporting staff is outstanding with Bob Darden and Kyle Martin. Add in Jennifer Minyard as newsroom clerk, and you've got the best newsroom of any small daily in the state. I guess our peers found that to be true as well, with the Commonwealth winning general excellence in the Mississippi Press Association's Better Newspaper Contest three out of the last four years. I couldn't be more proud of this accomplishment for a fine team of newspaper people.
And I can't forget my friends in advertising, circulation and the business office at the Commonwealth. I also have enjoyed serving alongside the other department heads at the newspaper - Larry Alderman, Jesse Barbosa, Shirley Cooper and June Nester. They form a great leadership team, and the success of the newspaper is evidence of this.
Upon my arrival in Greenwood six years ago, the community welcomed me and got me involved almost immediately. There were times I felt I had too many irons in the fire, but it kept me busy, and it helped me get to know the people here.
From the Business and Professional Women's Club to the Kiwanis Club to the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce, I've taken part in them all.
The first thing I learned from the volunteers in these organizations is that people here are willing to give until it hurts. They give of their time and resources to make the city a better place to live for the citizens who call this home.
Being the first woman in Kiwanis could have been a little intimidating, but the men in the club have treated me with nothing but respect. They even elected me their first female president year before last. What an honor that was.
Now, the club has several female members, as well as its longtime male membership.
I got a little teary-eyed last week when many of my fellow Kiwanians came up and gave me hugs or shook my hand and wished me well.
And I really did cry when the Business and Professional Women's Club held a going-away party for me at Webster's. These wonderful women all brought me a little something to remember them by, as they roasted me around the table. I would share some of the stories they told, but I'm not sure they are all suitable for print. Just be assured we had a good time at BPW meetings.
And then there's the Community Pride Committee. I would try to list all the wonderful people I worked with in this organization through the years, but I'm sure I'd leave someone out.
I always tell folks back home that coming to Greenwood was one of the best things I've ever done. There are so many wonderful people here to learn from, and more importantly, they want to see people grow and become a part of this community.
My church families at Northpark and Abundant Life also will be remembered with fondness and love.
Besides the friends made in various civic organizations and at church, I've also made personal friends who've become like family.
Again, I hate to list them all for fear I'll leave someone out, and I wouldn't purposefully hurt anyone's feelings. Each person knows who they are and what they mean to me. I love you all.
By the time you read this column, I will be in my new apartment in Pearl. I'll start work at the Clarion-Ledger on Aug. 8.
I just wanted to take a few minutes and let my friends in Greenwood know how great my time has been here. I will carry the memories with me wherever I go, and Greenwood will always have a place in my heart.
