FINAL ARTICLE ….THANK YOU

I began writing this column over two years ago and it has been extremely rewarding. But, as we all know, all good things have to come to an end.

This will be my final article as a weekly columnist for the Enfield Press. I want to thank Tim Jensen for the opportunity to share my thoughts with the readers of Enfield. He is a great Editor and an even better friend.

I also want to thank you the reader for allowing me into your home each week through the Enfield Press. Over the past two years I have met so many people who have approached me about my writing, most of which have been positive and encouraging.

Two years ago, when I first began writing, I focused mostly on the political scene in Enfield. As the weeks went by I began to feel a need to balance the writing with personal stories, events in Enfield, and people and organizations making a difference in our great town.

I have covered everything from elections to the 4th of July Celebration, which I believe to be our greatest weekend in Enfield. I have written about the help Riley School of Dance gave to the victims of hurricane Katrina, as well as, our local Fire and Police personnel responding to the flood of 2005.

I have encouraged support for the Soup Kitchen and Enfield Food Shelve as their needs were high. I also covered issues on the State and National level when I felt the topic affected us in Enfield. There are even times that I just wrote for fun on subjects like “How to know if you are a political addict.” The most difficult and, humbling article I wrote was when I was asked to write the front page article on the passing of Mary Lou Strom. It will always mean something special to me.

A number of times I took the liberty to write about my true vocation as Pastor of Cornerstone Church. By the way the web site for more information and driving directions is www.cornerstonechurch-ct.org , hmmmm there I go again.

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about setting new goals for the New Year. I mentioned evaluating priorities for each year and making adjustments where needed. Well, that’s what I am doing by passing on the writing of the column.

My first love and responsibility is the fast growing congregation of Cornerstone Church. We are a different style then most churches with a casual setting and upbeat contemporary music. We use media and drama and are always making church alive and exciting for all ages.

My second responsibility is to the Enfield Board of Education. I want to again thank you for your confidence in me as a BOE member. I have already found that this appointment is more then a couple meetings a month. But, although it is time consuming, it is already proving to be a rewarding experience.

As I close this article/letter let me speak from my heart.

I have done my best to cover issues without insulting or demeaning people. I have tried to achieve balance in my writing and show respect for everyone, whether Republican or Democrat. I hope what can be said of me as I conclude my obligation as a weekly writer is that I did this with class and integrity.

I have made so many friends in the course of writing and I want to say that means the most to me. I also want to thank my wife, Dawn, for her wonderful support in all that I do....I could not do it without you!!!

I now focus more on my family, church and on the Board of Education.

Thank you once again for reading this column….I hope it was enjoyable.
Your Friend,Greg