Change is in the air for 2013

It is hard to believe but another year has gone by already. It seems like yesterday I was watching the 2012 Rose Parade with Lee and here I am watching the 2013 parade.

Just when things are starting to settle down from the holidays and we are all getting back into our routines, Tim comes into the office and says he has an announcement. What has he got to announce that’s so important that he has to stop everything to announce that he has an announcement?

He always wants to feel like he is the center of attention. Everybody sits down waiting for this earth shattering announcement like he has anything to say that’s important.

He starts off by telling us that change is a constant and we all need to accept that. What does he mean by that? Then he proceeds to tell us that our publisher, Bob Sweeney, came by the office the night before as Tim was leaving to go home for the evening. Bob asked if he would like to go for a beer over at Suds Brothers. Tim asked who was buying and Bob said he’d pick up the tab and as usual Tim got excited and said yes with his usual coy smile.

They got a table and Bob started talking about “change is inevitable in life as is death.”  Tim thought Bob knew something about Tim’s health that Tim didn’t. Tim said he looked at Bob with a curious look and Bob said, “I’m glad you are sitting down.” Bob than sprang it on him, “I sold the Fruita Times and the Palisade Tribune.” Tim asked to whom? Bob said to Grand Junction Media Inc., also known as the Grand Junction Sentinel and The Nickel. Well, Tim said he almost fell out of his chair.

I’m going to miss Bob Sweeney. He was very good to me. He took good care of me during the time he was the owner of the Fruita Times. Not only did he provide a nice warm home and bed but he paid for all my food, kitty litter and medical care. Just last year I had to have some dental work done and Bob told Lee to send him the bill. He was a good provider and for that I am grateful.

The new owner, Mr. Jay Seaton, and our new publisher, Mr. Doug Freed, came by to meet with the staff. I was anxious to hear what or if any changes would take place. Mr. Seaton assured everyone that there would be no changes to the staff and that the Fruita Times would continue to operate business right here in this same office.  The staff looked at each other and let out a sigh of relief. He also said that the paper would continue as it has in the past and we would continue to be a local hometown community newspaper just like it has been for over 100 years.

It’s really good to hear they are not going to move. Jay asked Tim who owns the cat? Tim smiled and said, “Why you do sir.” Tim went on to say that Bob Sweeney had told him Charlie was part of the sale. Well, Jay and Doug got a big laugh out of that. Tim asked Doug why that was so funny and Doug said, “Jay is allergic to cats.” Just my luck, my new owner can’t be around me.

Yep, Mr. Sweeney was right, change is inevitable in life and it is how one accepts it and moves on that will make a difference in our lives. Bob was always kind and praised the staff on the fine job they do week in and week out. He is a class act and we will all miss him.

We do look forward to the new chapter in our Fruita Times lives and I think Tim and the staff are excited about the new opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for 2013. Doug came back the next day and again assured everyone, it’s business as usual and he wants to make the transformation as seamless as possible.

I’m confident that we are in good hands and with the new resources, I think our subscribers are in for an even better paper in the future.

Good luck, Bob.