For those of you who haven’t already heard, I’ve left my position as editor of the Kingston Community News for the opportunity to serve as your District 1 Liaison for Kitsap County Commissioner Steve Bauer.

Working as editor of KCN was an incredible experience, a job I loved. It was such a great ride, the last five years, getting to know so many people in North Kitsap and helping you get the word out about community events and activities you’re involved with, as well as sharing your stories, history, accomplishments, images and more.

Many of you so generously took time out of your own busy lives to submit columns, news tips, ideas, press releases and photos to fill the pages of each issue with comprehensive and interesting, heartfelt and humorous, ranting and raving content. KCN truly reflects the people and places of the North End, thanks to you.

I want to especially thank Wendy Tweten, Denise Roundy and Deirdre Duffy who met with me regularly to bounce story ideas off of, provided much-needed input and support, and contributed fascinating feature articles that magnified the character of this place. I have always been grateful as well for the many columnists who write for KCN each month, without compensation and for nothing more than to share their insight and happenings with you. I hope to keep in touch with them, as we’ve become friends over these many years despite the crazy deadlines (and unintended typos)!

Thanks as well to the individuals, businesses and organizations who take out ads in KCN and make the publication possible. Without your continued and unfailing support, despite these trying economic times, KCN would not be here for our community.

Thanks, too, to the staff of the North Kitsap Herald and Sound Publishing, especially Publisher Donna Etchey, who supported the direction I wanted to take KCN. I’ve worked for many newspaper companies the last 20 years, and Sound is definitely the best!

Finally, thanks to all of you who read KCN every month, who respond to the calls for volunteers, food and financial donations, attend the great events at our local schools, parks and businesses, and make up the populace of this fantastic place that is home.

Happily, as liaison for commissioner Bauer, I will still have my focus on the North End and continue working with many of the same individuals and organizations, supporting efforts to move projects forward, resolve issues and make this the best place it can be.

Thanks again to everybody for everything. I’ll see you around.