New from THE NEWS – Goodbye 2009, Hello 2010
by Nancy Wood, Editor

With this issue there are several changes here at The Charlotte News. Robbie Stanley, our talented editor for six years - with a brief break in 2008 - and Pati Naritomi, super sales manager for 15 years, are both retiring. We are indebted to them for their professionalism and tireless efforts to produce this newspaper. Many thanks to you both, and best wishes for success in your future endeavors.
At the same time I will begin my second stint as editor, after a 52-year break! I was part of the Charlotte Congregational Church Youth Group that started the paper back in 1958, and for several months it was my job to be editor. But as now, it was a team effort and others ably took over: gathering the news, typing the stencils and cranking the mimeograph machine. The technology has changed, but the spirit is the same. This is Charlotte’s non-profit community newspaper, largely dependent on volunteers and minimally paid staff who write the articles, take the pictures, distribute the papers, advertise and contribute to our annual fundraising campaign. I am delighted to be part of the effort again, and to become deeply engaged in the life of the community. Please join us in whatever way appeals to you – your ideas, suggestions, letters and participation are all encouraged.
We are also pleased to welcome Nan Boffa as our new advertising manager. Nan and her husband, Chris, have lived in Charlotte for five years. Their sons, Cole and Seth, are students at CCS. For the past year Nan has been the area coordinator for exchange students through PAX, the Program of Academic Exchange. Ten years ago, before her sons were born, she was the coordinator of Racing and Promotions at Rossignol.
Linda Williamson, production and design editor, Edd Merritt, contributing editor, and Heather Manning, business manager, will continue to provide their creativity and dedication to The Charlotte News.
I hope you enjoy this issue, which is our last of 2009. We’ve taken a look back through 2009 (see pages 6 and 7, as well as “Sports” and “Outdoors”), remembering those who have left us and the events that have shaped this time in our small town. It is our role as a community newspaper to focus on life at the local level. But we are well aware of the wider world that also impacts us every day. 2009 brought us a new president, two wars, economic hardship, political wrangling and still an irrepressible hope for better times ahead. We are especially thankful for the sacrifices of the Vermont men and women who are serving our country and our community overseas in the armed services and here at home in public safety.
All of us at The Charlotte News wish you a very happy and safe holiday, and a joyful New Year.