Former staff member shares memories of the Claresholm Local Press

By Vicki McLaughlin
In my years at the Local Press, Gordon Scott was the editor.
He was dedicated to making it the best paper he could. He was a great teacher and shared his knowledge with all of us.
It was because of him, the Kinette Club of Claresholm started our Cystic Fibrosis Annual Walk many years ago.
He had always wanted to start a sponsored walk and when his niece was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis he approached me to see if the Kinettes were interested in partnering with him and, as they say, the rest is history.
My job was the front desk, but eventually started proof reading when my work was done.
This was much to the annoyance of Judy Van Amerongen who hated to see me coming towards her desk with copy in my hand. From then on she called me Hawkeye.
All in fun, it was a crazy bunch.
That reminded me of the letter Judy wrote to the staff on the day she left the Local Press.
Since she is no longer with us, I’d like to share her words.
Loved to work with them all.
“As has been the custom of the long-term (un)employees of the Local Press, I would like to put my final mark on the territory with a good-bye note to you.
It may be a surprise, but here is what I really think of my time spent here:
For the past eight years, I have had the honour to work with the most dedicated, tenacious team of individuals I have ever encountered. Your complete commitment to the Local Press has given me the confidence and ambition to attempt a new direction in my life, armed with the skills you all have taught me.
Thank you, Roy [Pachal] for your undying patience, teaching me all I needed to know (and a lot I didn’t want to know) about the printing industry. Your guidance and caring directed my work to a level of excellence I was completely unaware I had the talent for.
Roxanne [Thompson] – you are the big-sister I never had. You lent your ear to my grumblings and gave me sound advice on how to handle many of the situations I got myself into. I appreciate you giving that time. Your strength is what I admire most (not your Intra).
Vicki [McLaughlin]– I have always thought of you as the “mother” of this motley crew. You seem to be able to rally the troops together for events and readily have a story to brighten the day. You know what your “kids” are up to at all times. You are extremely loyal, to your friends, co-workers and job. Although why you persevere in your loyalty to that hockey team, I’ll never know!
Caroline [Boyle] – your Polyanna look at the world is refreshing, if not a little frightening to one as cynical as I. You always have a cheery “Good-Morning” for everyone and little affects your calm outlook, or if it did, you did your best to smother it with happiness.
Joe [Ferguson] – you are simply the best reporter I think this newspaper has ever seen. We’ve had quite a few wander through! I enjoy your humor, your integrity and above all, the enthusiasm you have for writing. Your uncanny knack of drawing the reader into the story will one day (I sincerely believe) earn you high rewards in your field. I look forward to reading more of your stuff!
Lisa [Darch] – Ah, my little protegé! You will, with your strong character, fit in well with this loony bunch. You have come a long way in little time and have learned well, grasshopper. You have an eye for what looks good. Keep developing in the same manner and I may be afraid for my future in this field! Good luck and have fun with the ads! The rest will come.
Gordon [Scott] – The past six years under your command has been a growing and learning one. You once told me (I think in earnest) I was the best designer in Southern Alberta. I am flattered by that remark, as I am sure you are one who does not bestow such a compliment just for the heck of it. The trust and respect you have given me, along with the freedom to learn and expand in my craft, I value more than I could ever express. Your drive and commitment to make this a quality newspaper is reflected by your staff’s loyalty. It was a difficult decision for me to give up my post but it is time to move on. Thank you for understanding that decision.
Remember me fondly, especially since it should be apparent that you all were instrumental in making me the robustly foul-mouthed, opinionated and stubborn crack-pot I am today. I WILL MISS YOU GUYS! (don’t tell anyone).
Goodbye everyone, I’m only a phone call away if needed. JUDE”