BarrieToday welcomes letters to the editor at [email protected]. Please include your daytime phone number and address (for verification of authorship, not publication). The following letter is Miriam King, a longtime freelancer whose byline has appeared on BarrieToday, BradfordToday, InnisfilToday and several other local news websites in Simcoe County. She is retiring from journalism on May 14 after three and a half decades of work
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Feeling too much like a diva who comes back for one last bow, I reluctantly attended the “retirement party” marking my actual, real and final retirement from local reporting after three and a half decades.
I was immediately overwhelmed by the outpouring of thanks and love from the community. It has left me with nothing to say but thank you.
It has been a privilege to record the tapestry of events that build community, from the big issues like the council’s decisions on growth and revitalization, reconstruction of the Holland Marsh canals, and the proposed Bradford Bypass, to local sports, and the bake sales, school activities, church and charitable initiatives that provide community connections for so many residents.
It has been an honour to share the stories of hope, tragedy and triumph of local residents and entrepreneurs.
I have always tried to provide fair and accurate coverage and apologize here and now for my failures – all I can say is that I did my best.
May 14 is my final day of taking photos for BradfordToday and InnisfilToday. On May 30, I leave for Napanee, but I will take with me the memories of the great people, wonderful organizations, amazing events and initiatives of both Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil, which I will always treasure.
Thank you.
Miriam King
Innisfil
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