They say time flies when you’re having fun.
That’s why it’s so difficult for this lifelong journalist to believe it has been nine months since he completed the long drive from Northern Ontario to Barrhead back in early April to take over the job as editor of the Barrhead Leader.
It is with more than a little sadness – and months of fantastic memories – that I bid a fond farewell to Barrhead as this will be my last week on the job.
The powers that be in the Greatwest newspaper chain have offered me a new position with the company and I very much look forward to taking over as the publisher of the Bonnyville Nouvelle starting next week.
It was an offer I simply couldn’t refuse, but not an easy decision because I have so thoroughly enjoyed my time and work here in Barrhead over the past nine months.
This is an amazingly friendly and welcoming community and I never once ever felt out of place in Barrhead, despite being a stranger from Northern Ontario.
I loved every second I worked here and will never forget the people I worked with, people I have met and memories I leave behind.
As I told my boss Carol Farnalls when she hired me, my only concern was being able to fill the pages of this newspaper with good, quality journalism because, for some reason, I was concerned there might not be enough going on in town to fill the pages of the newspaper each and every week.
Looking back, I can only laugh at that presumption. There are so many things going on in this community I never once had any problem coming up with enough quality news to fill the pages week after week after week.
Barrhead is a community whose collective heart is the size of a giant.
People care about their neighbours and go out of their way to help them financially, emotionally and spiritually.
I’ve never lived or worked in a community where so many people do good deeds for their community and for others.
I want to thank each and every person who made my job so enjoyable. It has been a pleasure getting to know so many wonderful people and having the privilege of telling their stories.
I’ve loved working with the town and county council, which is a big part of the job.
These are good people who run for municipal office for the right reasons – because they care and want to make a difference.
I’ve met a couple of really good friends during my stay and hope those friendships will last for many more years as I head up the road to Bonnyville.
I especially want to thank the wonderful staff here at the Barr-head Leader.
Carol, you have been an amazing and wonderful boss and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to take this job. You took a chance on me, I’ve worked hard and a whole new world of opportunity has opened up for me.
I will miss Marion Properzi, the glue that holds the Barrhead Leader together. If I’ve ever met a nicer woman than Marion, I can’t remember her.
I’ve hired Aaron Pickard, a good buddy I worked with in Ontario, to take over the reins as editor and Chris Ribau to become the new sports and community reporter. I know they will do a fantastic job.
Thanks again Barrhead. It has been a blast. I won’t ever forget my time spent here.
