I won’t bury the lede on this one — as of New Year’s Day I will no longer be working for the Daily Hampshire Gazette.
As hard as that was to write, it was equally as hard of a decision to make. When I graduated from college in 2002 I found a job at 115 Conz St. That job turned into a home over the past 18-plus years, and when you find a home it’s hard to leave, regardless of the circumstances.
But the past year hasn’t been easy and leaving became that little thought that never quite went away. Up until two weeks ago, this wasn’t the case. Staff writer Kyle Grabowski and I were making plans for UMass coverage and preparing for the start of the winter high school season. Like everything during the pandemic though, situations change quickly, and this was no exception. The newspaper needed to make changes so I took the offer on the table.
I leave with plenty of memories. I can recall dozens of high school players, games and championships. There have been far more highs than lows with these memories. Too many to mention. Every year the high school names change, but they don’t go away. Some return as coaches or administrators, others return as dads to the friends of your school-age children.
The athletes at every level made it enjoyable. The coaches, athletic directors and college sports information directors have been wonderful and accommodating, never more so than this past fall. The year may have been challenging, but everyone made it work.
I’ve seen plenty of changes over 18 years. Co-workers and bosses have come and gone, technology and presses have come and gone, Twitter and facebook have come and are still here.
Since 2002, when then Editor-in-Chief Jim Foudy and then Sports Editor Robert Fucci took a chance on me, I’ve shared office space with many incredible and talented individuals. I’ve learned and grown personally and professionally being around every single person.
Amy Jo (Griesert) Walker and I were hired at the same time and joined a team with Matt Vautour. Jim Pignatiello replaced Amy Jo, Stanley Moulton replaced Fucci and the sports desk was off and running.
Sarah Moomaw, Mike Wilkinson, Adam Hargraves, Josh Walfish, Gage Nutter and Kyle all filled writing roles. The time spent together may have been short for some, but it was a pleasure sharing laughs and the pages of the Gazette with every one of my former colleagues.
I’ve worked with dozens of interns and seeing their growth, progress and future successes made it worth every second.
My time on staff has included working closely with photographers Carol Lollis, Kevin Gutting and the recently retired Jerrey Roberts. Their work made our work and my job infinitely better. They’ve also helped me in my ongoing quest to take better pictures.
Former editors Deb Oakley, Deb Scherban and Moulton, and former designer Lucy Pickett coached me into being a better reporter, writer, editor and designer. I’ve done my best to pass on their lessons. And within the past year, editors Dan Crowley, Chad Cain, James Pentland and Ken Heidel lent their expertise.
Each section of the Gazette has been allowed to thrive under the stewardship of Editors in Chief Foudy, Larry Parnass, Scherban and now Brooke Hauser. Their leadership and guidance has filtered down and made the staff and content stronger.
There is a reason the Daily Hampshire Gazette has been named New England Newspaper of the Year multiple times by the New England Newspaper & Press Association. There are talented individuals on staff and they work hard to deliver a quality product. That won’t change.
The biggest complaint from readers over the last few years has been that the paper isn’t what it used to. Nothing is what it used to be. Change is hard. It’s why the newspaper is adapting. I wish I could be along for the ride, but I’m getting off. My only hope is that the Gazette can push through this challenging time and continues to move forward on a successful path.
As for my next move, I’ll take some time before I figure that out. Even when I’ve been on vacation from work I never really left, so the break will be a healthy one. If you recognize me running on the streets give a honk. If you see me on the golf course, keep your eyes and ears open. It’s truly been my utmost pleasure telling your stories. I will be forever grateful to have earned your trust and readership.
Mike Moran can be reached at mikemoran777@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @mikemoran777.