I find it interesting how small communities don’t handle change very well.

Although I had a letter to the community in the paper May 16, people still do not realize I am retiring from the advertising department of the Cazenovia Republican. Friday, May 25 was my last day.

When I first joined the paper in the summer of 2010, people were still looking for the office on Albany Street near Lavender Blue. We have not been there for many years. Some folks even went over to Atwell Mill. Of course we have not been there for years, either.

I have enjoyed our location above Common Grounds because I get to see so many local residents in the community, there and at Dave’s Diner.

This historic village has endured a lot of changes, too. Beloved businesses have come and gone and moved.

Since my duty at the paper was advertising sales, I could see how important it is for local residents to know about their own community and to keep tax dollars local.

Some people say that newspapers are dead. Not so in this community.

There is no other place where you can get so much local information about what is going on in the village, town, schools, businesses, library, museums, CAVAC, the chamber of commerce, churches, art park, local parks, garden club, local events, etc. Our online version gives you up-to-date news hourly.

On June 13, your newspaper will have the Explore CNY Summer book in the paper. This is a wonderful publication that you should save and share. There will be a listing of events in our area, for the entire summer, along with our local advertisers. In my opinion, Stone Quarry Hill Art Park is a gem in the middle of the country. Aside from their many exhibits and walking trails, they also host events — some are among the best I have ever attended.

I look forward to running into folks in town as I enjoy my retirement. This is a change for me, too, but one I plan to enjoy thoroughly.

Jeanette Michael is former advertising representative for the Cazenovia Republican. She retired from her position May 25, and can be reached through the editor at [email protected].