by Cris Italia
It was, however, a humbling experience, especially after one co-worker told me, "You're an award-winning columnist now." Well, that's stretching it a bit, but yeah, I guess you can consider me something of an award winner, though I'm no better now than I was last week. It does feel good to be recognized by fellow members of the media, and to be put in the same class as other award winners.
For some reason, over the past two weeks I've received countless e-mails and calls complimenting me on articles or columns I've written. I just want to say thank you. Because without those calls and e-mails and without a community of great people to write about, I never would have won anything. What I say in this space is truly what I feel. Each week I express my opinions on issues and concerns in Oceanside and Island Park.
I just want to take this opportunity to congratulate the staff of the Heralds for winning 26 awards in all, and to thank Richner Communications for giving me the chance to fill this space each week. A special thank-you goes to Cliff Richner and Jim Harmon, who are faced with the task of editing my column each week.
It's been a good year, and I'm hopeful that I'll have more compelling topics to share my opinions on. And I hope the letters from readers and elected officials keep coming. Your opinions not only help keep a consistent flow of topics rolling onto my desk, but they're the very heartbeat of our newspaper. We are, after all, a community newspaper, and there's nothing better than sharing your opinions and ideas with your neighbors.
I've noticed that in the past few months, readers seem to be growing more comfortable with me, as I am with you. I'll admit I was a little nervous at first, as anyone is who moves from one environment to another. But the more time that's passed, the more I've come to believe that Oceanside and Island Park are a good fit for me. I have no one else to thank but the people for making me feel that way.
