In this, our 85th issue, we mark the seventh anniversary of The Highlander Neighborhood Monthly. We’ve come a long way since publishing that first issue back in December 2006, and I have more than a few people to thank.
Dorothy Taylor, our associate editor, has been with The Highlander from the start. With an unmatched eye for detail and quality, Dorothy adds perspective to almost anything – be it in work or in life. She has been a great support in editing over the years and is a true friend.
Cindy Lamb, a contributing writer, called me upon seeing the first issue and offered to help in any way she could. Since that time, Cindy has written countless feature stories and now writes a regular monthly column. She also lends her special touch to our website links and Facebook posts. Cindy is our biggest promoter, often appearing at public events handing out Highlanders and spreading good will.
Brian Bohannon began photographing for The Highlander in October 2007. A professional editorial photographer, Brian accepts assignments from the Associated Press as well as corporate PR firms. We are lucky to have Brian on board, and I am proud to call him my love.
Michael Jones began writing for The Highlander in 2007. An award-winning writer and author, Michael brings fresh community stories to our pages, helping to improve our overall quality and readership. We can always count on Michael for a good story!
Eve Lee, our business writer, delivers the goods each month, writing lively profiles on local businesses, uncovering interesting facts and informing our readers. Eve has been writing for us since September 2009. Prior to Eve, Laura Scheuer Sutton paved the way when she started the Down to Business section in November 2007.
Mack Dryden, a nationally known writer and comedian, contacted us about writing after moving here from L.A. in 2010. A professional entertainer, Mack keeps us chuckling with his dry wit and finesse with words. His monthly column first appeared in February 2011.
Other more recent contributors include Eric George, who writes the book column and an occasional feature story, and Jackie Hollenkamp Bentley, a recent addition to our mix of feature writers.
Tom Sfura, our advertising sales manager, started with us in early 2007. Tom’s middle name might well be “Customer Service” since he is tireless in his efforts to keep our advertisers happy.
The writers, photographers and editors are the backbone of The Highlander, but it is the advertisers who give us our nourishment, enabling us to print and distribute a quality publication each month. We have a wonderful group of local businesses who advertise, and some have been with us since day one.
Finally, it is our loyal fans who complete the picture, many of whom tell us they read The Highlander faithfully from cover to cover.
There isn’t enough room here to recognize all who have helped over the past seven years, but I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in helping The Highlander move forward.
Sincerely,
Mary Jean Kirtley
Editor/Publisher