The Big Chill … Timber Banks … The Northwest YMCA. These are just a few of the many stories I have had the pleasure to write about here in Baldwinsville. It was nearly eight years ago when I took the position as Messenger editor. Little did I realize how much this “job” would change my life.

While I had moved to Baldwinsville in 1999, it wasn’t until meeting many of you that I finally became a member of this wonderful community. Nothing has moved me more than this community’s passion – for its heritage, its growth and its future. So many volunteers from so many different walks of life give of themselves to help make this community a great place to live. And this is the greatest lesson I will take with me as I start a new chapter in my life.

I have taken a new position as a publications manager for hibu. While I will still be covering, reading and writing about Baldwinsville happenings, it will be shared with other Central New York communities.

Thinking about the past eight years, it amazes me how much has changed and how time flies. The iconic Red Mill Inn seems to have stood at the center of the village for eternity, but when I started, it was still a run-down mill with an uncertain future. The scenic Village Square has come to life, whereas it was only a suggestion on EDR’s proposal eight years ago. And the Baldwinsville carp were simply bottom feeders in 2005, but they have since drawn fisherman from all over the world.

I’ve also hit a lot of personal milestones that I have been able to share during my time with you – an engagement and subsequent marriage, the birth of one daughter and graduation of another, as well as planting my family firmly on Baldwinsville soil with the purchase of our first home.

While my departure is bittersweet for me, I hope to still hear from many of you as I plan to remain an active member of this community. And, I’d like to thank all of you for sharing your lives with the Messenger and, in turn, with me.