The Scoop With Coop

Wow! I kind of always knew that someday this time would come, but when it arrives, all I can say is wow!

It's hard to believe that after almost 10 years (Sept. 28 would have marked that milestone) this is my last column to readers of The Pilot.

As you are reading this, I am already finished as Associate Editor of your community newspaper, having finished up on Friday.

I can't even begin to speak of all the truly wonderful people I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting during my time at The Pilot. You know truthfully I can't say that I met anyone who rubbed me the wrong way in all that time. Sure there have been people along the way who have not necessarily agreed with something I may have written, but that is the nature of the business, that isn't going to make me bitter enemies with someone or not like them - we are after all entitled to our own opinions.

I can say however that throughout the past 10 years, I have met some truly amazing people and I have been so proud to have been given the opportunity to tell their stories.

I have written things in the past and thought 'this is the hardest thing I have ever written' but as I sit here trying to piece together this column, I think that without a doubt this tops all of them.

To all of you I have grown to know over my years at The Pilot I thank you for welcoming me to your functions, The Pilot covers a vast area but I know I have friends from one end to the other.

To all those who have kept me posted on the happenings and events taking place throughout the coverage area, I couldn't have done my job without you and for that I am truly grateful.

And what can I say about my co-workers, they truly are a great group of people who I will truly miss.

I had a lot of people telling me last week how much I am going to be missed. I take that as a compliment to the work I have done at your community newspaper during my time here, and rest assured that I too will miss it but there comes a time when you have to move on and my time has come.

I have been fortunate to have found a new position that will not see me have to move from this wonderful area that has become home, and leave all the wonderful people I am so pleased to be able to refer to as friends.

I have taken great interest in all that has been happening throughout the area and that will not change.

So once again I thank each and every one of you for all your help, support and most of all your friendship over the past 10 years. I leave The Pilot a much richer person because of all the wonderful people this amazing ride has enabled me to meet.

Thanks again as I hang up my scoop.