As hard as it is to fathom, we’re not very far away now from the start of a New Year.

So it would only seem fitting, that I use this moment to acknowledge and give thanks to our readers. Those of you who continue to subscribe and faithfully read our words, thank you.

Each year, at some point or another I feel gratitude, not just for the ability to still do something I love, but for the people who continue to support us.

Be it through subscription, picking up a copy weekly, checking us out on the web or advertising with us, your support is felt and appreciated.

I type this here, because I also realize a good number of you faithfully open the pages to see, “what is Teresa ‘Musing’ about this week?” I see you and especially appreciate you, for being loyal to this little space and taking the time for my two cents.

I like to believe that what we do has some importance.

Please re-read that, as there are two important points: some and importance. Not to be confused with the egomaniacs of the business, I’m smart enough to know and stay in my lane.

We are not curing disease and as a weekly publication more times than not everyone’s day goes on just fine whether they read our pages or not. Yet, fortunately for us, a good number of you still love the local paper and we’re counting on you.

The few of us that still reside in the building have deep love for our community. We show up, because continuing to provide exclusive hometown content matters to us. We take pride in representing each of you and being trusted with your stories.

That being said, this past year, it has surprised me almost to the point of insult how many texts I’ve received after a story was printed on someone inquiring if it was in the paper and what page.

In short, this tells me, while I’m thrilled to share the story of an inspiring individual, family in need or new business that support does not go both ways. Being transparent, that hits the ego hard.

I miss the days when people were not only excited to talk to us, but equally so to visit the rack and grab a paper to share with the community they were in it.

This reminds me of a most recent story of a local business owner. My dear friend and Boss Babe Syanne Dominguez, owner and founder of Felt and Feather Hat Bar. I had written a story about her move to a storefront earlier this fall. Our editor decided the story would be great for our Women in Business special section which comes out each fall. As soon as Sy learned it was in the paper, she let me know she had bought all the copies the local Quik Stop had to sell.

I love that excitement. The pride people have and should as our community has so many good stories to tell.

Children no longer get excited when we see them on campus, their parents will have them on Social Media faster. Scrapbooking is much less of a thing, so news clippings are losing that too as a home. And more times than not, people wait to see a story posted on Facebook rather than check our website. There’s a pay wall after all and many don’t want to pay or deal with it.

For my friends who sing their own praises of supporting small local business, this is a perfect segue. We too are a small local business. Owned by a husband and wife and employing locals. All of our children have gone to school with your children and even some grandchildren. We are as a staff as local as it can get.

Did I mention subscriptions make great Christmas gifts?

Years ago, I was fortunate enough to be gifted with some wisdom which has made the past decade in this business a bit less stressful. Writing is considered an art. What history has taught us about art is, it’s not missed until it’s gone.

So as the climate of this business continues to change and our readers along with them, I continue to be grateful.

Grateful for each of you who continue to find us viable. Those who continue to not just support, but promote us and those who recognize our value. Thank you, God Bless you and cheers to another year of bringing you what we feel makes our community special.

Teresa Hammond is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. She may be reached at thammond@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 209-847-3021.