Jan 10, 2017 3 min read

Is it too late to wish you a happy New Year? I’m kicking off 2017 with a smile thanks to a change of heart by our editors at the Observer-Reporter. We got the news in December that several local columnists would be cut in the latest round of belt tightening, which unfortunately is happening at newspapers across the country. That apparently set off a flurry of phone calls, emails and letters from you – the loyal readers – who were upset at losing local content and columns by Beth Dolinar, Laura Zoeller and me.

Some of you sent me incredibly kind notes saying you enjoyed and would miss my column, and I was very touched. Others wrote that you were going to give the editors a piece of your mind, and you must have done an outstanding job at that … because we’re back! Word came down a few weeks later that the powers that be had changed their minds and asked us to continue writing our columns. The news both surprised and delighted me. It surprised me because how often do you ever hear about companies changing their minds once a budget item has been cut? It delighted me because it seems the people have spoken and the editors actually listened and reacted. In this case, the squeaky wheel really did get the grease, proving that it’s never a waste of time to call, write or email responsible parties when you feel strongly about an issue. That’s an important lesson for all of us in our daily lives.

It also delighted me because I get such joy from writing this little column every other Wednesday. Whether it’s an interesting subject that should be discussed, a silly idea that pops into my head or a funny story about something that happens in my life, my editors so far have allowed me to write about all sorts of things. I really enjoy reading the other columns by Beth and Laura and, as some of you wrote to me, I feel as if reading them is like getting occasional updates from a friend. I am happy that those updates will continue in this new year.

Thank you to those of you who took the time and made the effort to make your opinions known. I will try not to disappoint! Now, where did I leave off last time and what have we missed? Oh, did you see the New Year’s Eve Mariah Carey meltdown? I was watching it live (yes, I opted to stay in and sip champagne cuddled up on the couch), and you know that feeling when you’re not really sure if you heard or saw something correctly? That was it. We were taught on stage and in doing live television that the show must go on – just keep going and maybe no one will notice your gaffe. Actually, that’s probably a good motto for everything in life.

Kristin Emery can be reached at kristinemery1@yahoo.com.