REMARKS: AN NOW IT'S TIME TO SAY 'GOODBYE'

"Life is a series of hellos and good byes; I'm afraid it's time for good bye again."

-- Billy Joel, Say Good Bye to Hollywood

History has beckoned to me since I was about 7 years old. Recently it has been beckoning louder. Even before I came to Cape Girardeau County, I was planning to begin graduate work in history at Southeast Missouri State. That goal continued to be a goal after my move here.

Being back in the academic setting -- even one class per semester while working full time -- has felt fulfilling. While journalist's ink may always be in my blood, the call to study and work in the field of history has grown irresistible. That's what I'll be doing after vacating this post.

I had intended for some time to leave the paper this fall, to begin full-time graduate school. I decided recently to take a leap of faith and get out early and peruse a couple of projects. I have been under contract for several months to write a history of Old St. Vincent's Church in Cape. Now I can move the deadline up and try to have it completed before starting classes full-time.

The other project is a paperback Ste. Genevieve house tour book, which I had been thinking about since some time in 1997. I will be seeking a sponsoring organization this spring and working on the two books.

I leave the USA in good hands, though. In addition to the capable hands of veterans Cathy Hancock and Joyce Baker, the crew is now joined by Linda Banger. Like me, Linda is a history enthusiast -- so the historic features and photos should not stop any time soon. Linda also knows northern Cape County, which should be a great strength to her. I hope everyone who has contributed material during my time here will continue this under Linda.

I have been delighted to see some communication beginning with the Oak Ridge schools. I had intended to build some bridges there when arriving, but have never pursued it consistently. Also, the high school administrative turnover rate has been high, and we just never got anything established. I believe that is starting to change and hope it keeps on.

As I said recently, I've greatly enjoyed working with Jackson schools, as well as the city and business community. I've been fortunate in meeting some really super people. I'll resist the temptation to start naming names, since some of the most important always seem to be inadvertently omitted in such cases. I will still be in the area for another year or two. I'm in the phone book (Mark L.) and my Web site, www.geocities.com/SoHo/Square/1328, is still up and running. I hope many of you will keep in touch.

Jackson seems like a nice place to live. I'm confident that it will continue to be so, even as it continues growing and expanding.