December 27, 2007

I'm just saying . . .
Time stands still for no one
By James Cook, Times Editor

The time has come for us to look at the past year and painfully say those infamous words, “Where did time go?” It seemed like only yesterday I was wearing a Class A uniform, with a shiny badge and buttons to match. Back then I was dealing with inmates, upset kinfolk and over 500 visitors a day.
Before I knew it a chance came along to come back to the newspaper and I jumped at it. And even though I would be leaving good friends behind, they understood. So stepped back into the world of news and trying to cover the things this county wants to know about. It seems like so much has happened in such a short amount of time, that it may be hard to believe 2008 is here, it seemed at times like it would not come.
But as we all know, time stands still for no one. I stepped into what I thought would be a little break as I got accustomed to the writing and reporting again. Little did any of us know what lay ahead.
There were times this year, it seemed time did stand still or slow down. Almost like what was happening around us was surreal. The untimely death of Randy Lacy made it seem like time had stopped for a period, as we tried to regroup as a community. I can only imagine what the family has gone through and they still need our prayers.
We, the community grieved and began to move along. It will take the family longer and we will help them. But then as spring turned into summer, other things caught our attention.
As I settled in and saw that the police and courts were taking the drug war serious, I could not help but be proud of their efforts. The drug problem is like a virus that just keeps spreading around. We can choose to ignore it or battle it. The latter is the choice this community took and I want to thank everyone who took part to keep trying to make this county a better place to live and raise kids. But we can not let down our guard.
The year moved along at a steady pace and we kept up with it. We crowned another Corn Festival Queen and a Miss Powell County. The schools started up and the fair was fun again.
Now as Christmas has passed us and many people have been touched by others generosity, the New Year looks promising. You see, each January 1 is like a fresh new page in a book that we get to write. Some things will come along that we can not control, but as the saying goes character is determined by how we handle adversity. The part we can control is how we deal with life as it comes at us.
We must look to our past to see how things went and try not to make the same mistakes we made before. We know we probably will make a few missteps; after all we are only human. But if life was predictable and easy, to me it would not be as exciting and a learning experience.
I want to thank each of you for welcoming back and appreciate all the kind words and comments. I hope for each of you personally and for our community the best start for the New Year, with lots of luck, joy and hope.
•••
I know everyone makes New Year’s Resolutions and then gets upset when they can not keep them. But we have to be realistic in our goals. There is no way I am going to lose 100 pounds this year, so why set that goal. I may lose 10 or 20, but that is going to be hard with all the chocolate I love to eat.
The point I am making is that I intend to set goals that I hope can be obtainable. Some of those deal with this newspaper. I want to be able to cover more school events, church events and good news items for this community. I am not naïve, bad news will always raise its ugly head, but that is just a part of life.
Still I want to bring more good things to light. But that will take some help from the community. Please let us know of your events and I will try my best to get someone there. Plus do not be too shy to try your writing skills and photography abilities. Whenever we have the room and the story is a good one, I want to let the community know.
What I am saying is this. This is your hometown newspaper and we want to make sure you see the stories that not only keep you informed, but also will make you proud. I believe in this community and the people.
Let 2008 be a good year and remember if you see me eating too much chocolate, as if that was possible, help me out and let me know to step back from the candy counter. If you have ideas for stories, let me know. Maybe you just want to chat, come on by or stop me when you see me out.
I’m just saying . . .

View from the Mountain...
Readers responses are always appreciated
By David G. Griffin, Times Reporter

During the past year, this column has peaked the interest of many readers who have responded to me using e-mail or the regular postal service. I appreciate every response and have decided to share a few tidbits hoping that you will enjoy them also. I will keep writing, and I trust you will continue to respond. To date, I have heard from readers in 28 different states. Thank you! And may the New Year bring each of you memories to savor.

“Thanks for bringing back our old friend Epson Salts. I wonder how many (besides myself) ran out and bought a box after reading your column, because I emailed it to all my friends, and I hope others did too. Sheila Jones

“I really enjoy the articles that you write and the one recently about the hummingbirds – and how you’re not afraid to say you believe in prayer…”
Lena Griffin

“I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your articles in the paper each week. Your stories bring back many memories of the late 60’s and 70’s. Keep on writing!” Richard Shivel

“I subscribe to the paper and refer to it as a letter from home. I enjoy your column every week and, like so many others, can relate to many of your stories.”
Nikki Moore

“We enjoy your column so much! We always read it first and look forward to it. Please keep sending us those great memories!”
Shirley Cox

“Mountain Man – I enjoy reading your handiwork. You have talent and may even become a big-time journalist.”
Guy Strong

“Keep those memories coming! Gary Foster

“What a wonderful train story – I always felt you were a lucky little boy and now I know for sure. Martha Cox

“What a great blast from the past! I haven’t thought about fender skirts in years. Thanks again for the column.”
Myrna Childress

“I love your column – it’s so right on! You certainly have a gift for story telling. Thanks for a wonderful walk down memory lane.”
Sandy Ruter

“Can you please send me Mommie Katie’s blackberry cobbler recipe? I really enjoy your column.”
Earlene Gronewold

“I really enjoy your stories about Mommie Katie and Pop.”
Faye Cummins

“David, it is really refreshing to read your articles in the paper. I just wanted you to know that we really enjoy your work.”
Michael Hunt

“I just wanted to say hello and to let you know that the article about growing up in the 50’s was wonderful. It would be nice to be able to travel back in time.”
Diana Byrd

“I read your column every week – congrats on consistently coming up with winners.”
Ike Adams

“Hello, fellow philosopher. I got the paper today. I think your articles can make a very nice book someday. May God bless and protect us all.”
R. C. Watts
(You can reach me at mtnman@mis.net I appreciate your responses and suggestions for my column. Have a merry Christmas and a happy new year!)