Sayng a fond farewell

After six years of writing a column for this page, this column will be my last. This Friday, Jan. 29, is my last day at the Poinsett County Democrat Tribune.

When I came to work at the newspaper in January of 2004, I had just turned 23 years old. Josh and I had only been married six months so we were newlyweds. Boy, a lot has changed since then!

I was young and very green around the edges in those days, but the wonderful people in the communities we serve were so supportive. I'll always remember my first meeting at the Marked Tree Rotary Club where everyone was so nice and friendly. I felt accepted right from the start.

And many of you, our readers, have been so wonderful to me through the years. I've gotten hugs, calls and cards from people who know me simply from reading this column, and it's a privilege to have been, at least in some small way, a part of your lives.

I start my new job in Jonesboro February 15 as a telephone customer service representative for AT & T Wireless. It will be quite a change of pace for me, but I suppose that's the idea. Josh and I are getting ready to start a family so my new job will be better suited because of the set work hours and much shorter list of responsibilities.

Our sports reporter Dan Brawner will be moving up into my position as editor and general manager. I know he will do a wonderful job.

If you'd like to keep in touch, you can find me online on facebook at www.facebook.com/samanthamartin777 or by e-mail at samanthamartin777@yahoo.com.

God bless you all!