Change, though not always easy, is inevitable. 

For those who don’t know, this is the last issue of the Whidbey Crosswind with me at the helm, and it is bittersweet. I have loved my time at the Crosswind. I loved what we were able to achieve as a weekly newspaper when we first began publishing on April 1, 2011. I was sad to let the weekly publication go, but I bore the change to a monthly magazine with a stiff upper lip and have been rewarded with an abundance of professional joy.

I knew next to nothing about the Navy when I took the job. I still know next to nothing, but at least I can tell a Prowler from a Growler when they fly over my house or I see them streaking across the sky.

It has been a joy to experience the military pomp and circumstance that goes with changes of command and it has been a thrill to be able to share the homecoming experience with Navy families. It has been an honor to meet some of the men and women who serve our country and share their stories.

I have also had the opportunity to get to know some of Whidbey Island’s veterans and retirees. What a pleasure it has been over the past year to learn more about these organizations and  get to know their heart for service to other veterans and to their communities. I have been able to cover stories all over Whidbey Island and have had the honor to talk to so many wonderful, kind-hearted people and to give our veterans a voice.

There have been countless challenges along the way as I’ve watched the Crosswind evolve. As a monthly publication, the Crosswind was nearly invisible to some of my superiors, but still we published 7,000 issues a month and watched them fly off the racks. Many of you are familiar with my struggle to maintain a quality publication in just 10 hours a week. I thank those of you who have put in a good word on my behalf.

But alas, it is a season of change. It’s really hard to say goodbye.

So, I won’t. My new position as Executive Director of the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce may take me on a different course, but I’ll still be around. I consider it my chance to take a page from the books of the many wonderful people here on Whidbey Island and begin to write my own story of service to my community.

Cheers!