For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 are some of the most quoted verses in the Bible, and some of my favorite. The verses list all the important matters of life and may help us deal with life’s challenges and find peace.  

A time to live and a time to die, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to speak and a time to keep quiet are just a few of the wise words presented. 

I could not find “a time to retire,” but I think I have reached that time, and ready to say goodbye to my friends and acquaintances at the newspaper.  

I came on board at the Southern Standard in 1993 after receiving a call from Pat Zechman inquiring if I would be interested in a part-time position. 

Needless to say, I was interested, since I was ready to flee the nest of motherhood and try my wings. Being a mother to our three daughters has been the most important and rewarding challenge, one I looked forward to. Being a housewife and keeping our home was also important to me, and I did that for many years.

But, it seems I had an inquisitive Streak, as I greatly enjoyed my job publishing the Mini Standard and taking on the Lifestyle editor for almost 26 years. I have met so many people here at the paper, and even more in the community. With the Mini Standard, I visited 12 schools and was always welcomed by principals and staff. This is the county I grew up in, and through my job, I have been exposed to so many different aspects of the area. 

One that I feel I’m going to miss, which is somewhat surprising, is the beauty pageants. I have covered hundreds of them, and each poses a challenge, but I shall miss them. 

When folks hear about my retirement, they immediately inquire, “What are you going to do with all your free time?” I just laugh, because if you know us, you know my loving husband of 50 years loves to travel and I enjoy working around the house and keeping the yard in ship shape. We have six lovely grandchildren in three counties, so that’s a given that I will be spending more time with them. The oldest is almost 18, and the youngest is 9 months, so I see lots of fun and laughter in my future. 

I do want to thank everyone for supporting me over the years, especially publisher Pat Zechman, and editor James Clark. The Southern Standard office is filled with hard working people, dedicated to presenting the most accurate news coverage possible. I will miss that relationship, and the keeping up with all the happenings in Warren County.  

Yes, there’s a time for everything, and it’s time to say goodbye…and as James says every time one of us leaves the newsroom, “Have fun!” Thanks James, I plan to!