G-O-O-D-B-Y-E

From your friends at the Chronicle
June 9 , 2008

Good-by’s are always difficult, but unfortunately, we all experience many in life. Sadly, we must report that the Capon Valley Chronicle will close its doors with this issue. Due to a dramatic economic downturn felt country-wide, the numbers on our balance sheets have been going in the wrong direction.

All of us at the Chronicle want to thank Charlie See, owner of the Hampshire Review and the Capon Valley Chronicle, for allowing us to publish one last issue so we could thank our many faithful readers. Charlie was a great person to work for. Personally, I would hope everyone would have the privilege of working with someone as caring as Charlie.

When I was first approached for the position as Editor of the Chronicle, I was skeptical. I had no newspaper experience. Prior to having my boys, I had always worked in retail – hiring, training and sales. But this experience has not only been fun, I have also learned a lot.

As hard as it was to tell the writers and my staff that we were closing, it is actually more difficult to tell you – our readers. You have been a wonderful community to work for and we are grateful for each and every one of you – readers and advertisers alike.

I enjoyed getting to know many of you beyond the surface, “Hi, how are you”. How refreshing to learn about how many of our established businesses got their start and remained successful even in the hard times; or the privilege we had of highlighting new businesses so the community could support them in their new endeavor. One of my personal favorites has been the life stories of the elderly in and around our community. Their stories have inspired, encouraged and enriched my life as well as many of you.

When we started the paper, I didn’t know my writers very well. As they began to submit pieces, it was easy to identify their strengths and interests. Very quickly the story assignments became a lot more than assignments. Topics were distributed based on the interests of each writer –

whether it was about a business, a school or church event or one of our honored senior citizens.

Speaking of our seniors, the Chronicle’s timing has been uncanny. Several have gone home to be with the Lord – fortunately, after their stories had been published in the Chronicle. Although these lovely people will be missed by family, friends and the community at large – Roy Giffin, Shorty Grapes and Bill Slonaker - we had the privilege of hearing from their own lips how they perceived their life and some of the history of  Hampshire County

The columns allowed both you and me to become familiar with the writers in a personal way. We consciously made room for writers to share their hearts and personal interests each month. We have columns ranging from topics on food to faith and everything in-between. We were able to share ideas that could fill a tummy to thought-provoking life issues able to fill the empty spaces in a heart.

You – the readers – regularly made your suggestions and opinions known to us. We loved it when you would just pop into the office to offer an idea for a future article or to let us know what you thought of the previous issue. It was not uncommon for me to be late getting into the office. Whether I was at the Post Office or at the Capon Valley Market picking up a cup of coffee, one of our readers or advertisers would want to stop and chat for a bit. I was in my element when you took the time to share something with me that could make the paper even better.

Although I am not certain the writers will miss the deadlines, I will. Prior to deadlines, the office could be a bit lonely for me as the editor. The hustle and bustle of deadlines had appeal for my temperament. Once the writers had done their work, the staff team – Angie, Kathy and Ronnie – got to put their creative juices and skills together with mine to produce what you purchased each month.  I have been blessed to have worked with such a skilled and fun group of people. I will miss the daily and weekly interaction I had with the staff and writers.

I think that perhaps “good-bye” might not really suit what all of us at the Capon Valley Chronicle feel at this time. So I will steal a line from Bob Hope as he signed off every show.