Editorial: Celebrating my ten year anniversary at the Chronicle

It’s been a decade. I have been with the Chronicle for 10 years.

Time has really flown by. Just to think, there was this local kid who was looking for a new direction to head into and somebody believed in him and gave him an opportunity.

That’s what Alan Chamberlain did for me ten years ago. And his actions and faith in me changed my life. And I am forever grateful for that.

When I left the field of education, I went looking for a new career because of logistical reasons. As I sat back for four months, Alan reached out to me and asked me what I was doing. Being that I had worked for him as a freelance writer and covered some stories along with my background in communication, he took a chance on me, and I did not want to disappoint him. Now, here it is ten years later, and I am beyond blessed.

I have seen so many things in those ten years. The stories, the people I have met, and the places I have went to are just examples of what can happen when one door closes and another opens.

So first, I want to thank God for putting me in the position that I am in today. Without him, I wouldn’t have that chance to grow and expand on my talents that he blessed me with. Second, I want to thank Alan and Paula for allowing me the opportunity to work with them. (By the way, the young couple is fine as they have moved and are living in a wonderful place). Next, I want to thank Linda Norman, Jeff Chamberlain, Ja’el Savage, and Robb Johnson for being awesome coworkers who I can bound ideas and have conversations with. Thank you to my family for supporting me as they have always pushed me to be better.

Finally, my last two areas of thanks go out to our advertisers and readers. To our advertisers, there are no words that can be said because your support and faith in the New Kent-Charles City Chronicle as a local newspaper that provides information to our constituents allows us to continue to operate. There isn’t a day that we don’t think about it. From the businesses that advertise with us to those who place thank you notices and so many more, your contributions and investments are appreciated and never undervalued.

Finally, to our readers, there is so many ways I can thank you, but the biggest is to just say it. By picking up our paper every week and visiting our website, you continue to support New Kent and Charles City. The Chronicle is your community newspaper, and we want to make sure we highlight the stories that focus on these localities. That’s why we are still around after so many years, because of your support and readership.

So, I just want to thank you for making my ten-year anniversary at the Chronicle one to remember. Thank you for blessing me with your support and presence and if everything continues to go well, another ten years will be here sooner than you think. Take care and thank you once again.