I wish I counted poetry writing among my skills, but, alas, it is not so. If I did, I could probably write quite a comical view of getting a newspaper out under early deadlines.

Thank goodness this is a wonderful five-person staff, including the ever wonderful Strany in the back. In addition to job printing, he changes light bulbs, takes the air conditioning unit out, shovels the sidewalk in front of the Tribune, and can fix just about anything. To top that off, he is about as pleasant a guy as you are ever going to meet.

Then there is Edie; the woman of all trades. She is an outstanding proof-reader, although she would never admit that. She knows a lot of the history of the area or she knows where to find it. She can read and write articles, keep track of subscriptions, run a small supply store, and doesn’t leave until every task is done. She is friendly and caring to all of our customers. What more could we want here at The Pierce County Tribune.

Then there is Melissa. She is production manager, typesetter, paginator, customer service representative, office manager and the list goes on. There isn’t much she can’t do. She is passionate about politics and occasionally loud utterances on the state of the world will come from her direction in the back room.

Hallie is the youngest one on the staff, but she has stepped up to the plate in more ways than one. She is our advertising manager, ad designer, photojournalist, and paginator. She has only been here since mid-September and she has learned much.

Everyone on the staff has great senses of humor which makes our workday pleasant especially on the most tense days as we are racing towards deadline. Someone on the staff is sure to break the tension with some idle, but very funny, comment. Then we take a collective deep breath and keep on a truckin’.

We genuinely like putting together a newspaper for the community to read each week and each put our all into the production process. We work hard to make it the best product we can. We have to, our names are on it. Besides, you all know where to find us if…when we make a mistake.

So, just days before Christmas, we at the Pierce County Tribune wish all of our readers a very Merry Christmas. We wish you all quality time with your families and friends. After all, that is what Christmas is all about.