EDITOR’S NOTE: This following letter is from an Amherst teacher fighting a cancer diagnosis who held a reunion last month with former students.
I’d like to thank the staff at the Gazette and Bulletin for the extensive and compassionate coverage of my life and career over the past several weeks.
The first article, by Scott Merzbach, was detailed, sensitive and represented a masterful job of capturing the essence of our conversation.
The last article, by Stephanie Murray, reflected perfectly the joy and camaraderie felt by all at the reunion in my honor.
Each was accompanied by eye-catching and meaningful photos. These two articles were perfect bookends for the lengthy, empathetic, and flattering editorial which appeared recently.
About one half of the crowd at my reunion were members of my Facebook family, who had heard about the event at the site. The other half knew about the celebration through your coverage.
I will be forever grateful for the time and attention your staff devoted to my story.
I received many dozens of encouraging Facebook posts, emails, phone calls, notes and letters after your stories. The articles also resulted in increased response to my celebration and added to my Facebook family.
Finally, I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to Cinda Jones, whose singular efforts made the whole thing possible. She began planning the event over a year ago and tirelessly pursued it until its inspiring conclusion. She orchestrated all the fine details and created or coordinated the publicity which led to such a glorious finish.
I, and her former schoolmates, hold her in high regard for her determination, attention to detail, and loyalty.
BRIAN MCNAMARA
Amherst