The Observation Deck

In a true Willy Wonka moment, I have realized that it is time
for me to step down from the project I love and respect so much, and
give it away to people that deserve their chance at making a
positive impact on Lakewood. Now that the future of the paper
financially is pretty secured for the next three years, it gives the LO
Board a chance to hand it over to the next crew, and see what
becomes of it.

About three years ago, it became apparent, that I would need to let
the project go if it were to thrive and not be seen as Jim O'Bryan's
Newspaper. The Lakewood Observer is far more important to the city,
than Jim O'Bryan and my board.

So instead of Golden Tickets, we started working with various people,
non-profits and even created some of our own to find a person(s) who
has the deep love for the city that is a must, and the critical chops that
are needed to sort through the egos and BS, and keep the project
moving forward and help the city move forward as well.

We are narrowing the field, and have a couple good prospects in mind,
and have sorted through the Augustus Gloops, spoiled Veruca Salts,
Violet Beauregardes, and Mike Teavees. To find some of the best, brightest,
and most solid individuals in Lakewood to continue the good work I
would like to believe the Lakewood Observer Project represents.

My last edition of the Lakewood Observer will be Volume 06_12, my
100th issue. I will be staying around to help if needed, and will be
writing for the paper, as well as working on a couple other projects
based on the first seven years, and the people I have known.

More to come...

Damn I love this town.


peace



.

What? No mention of the Oompa Loompas? Always forgetting the liitle people who make the Machine work.

Corey Rossen wrote:What? No mention of the Oompa Loompas? Always forgetting the liitle people who make the Machine work.

Corey

The reason I am stepping down is to give full credit to the Oompa Loompas.
Are you so sure it is not being given to the Oompa Loompas?

I only mentioned those that we are not given it over to.

I think you have me mixed up with a couple other groups in town.

As it said, more to come. We will cast the story properly, and unveil the
characters over the next two months. It think it will be fun to roll it out
over time.

,

I think it should be given to the Oompa Loompas. Who doesn't want a little song with each work chore?

A few other cast members to keep in mind -

Shaggy, he always seems to stumble into the solution.
Elmo, always seems to promote peace, happiness and a smile.
Papa Smurf, to gel it all together.

I can't believe we've seen the last Lakewood Observer with Jim O'Bryan as publisher and I think it's perfect that Mel Page and Margaret Brinich start their tenure with the 4th of July edition.

I know they'll do a great job.

I don't know Margaret but I know Mel Page is a very hard working woman.

sharon kinsella wrote:I don't know Margaret but I know Mel Page is a very hard working woman.

Sharon

I have known both for a couple years. Both are very proven in their ability to run this
project with the enthusiasm I had and still have. Their love for the city might be
unrivaled, their passion for empowering others to achieve their dreams is amazing.

Time for me to move on, I have a couple things to do.

Contrary to the reports I am not moving.

Margaret is taking on more? I've had a chance to get to know her recently in her role as LEAF president. She's smart, thoughtful, and boundlessly energetic. The Observer is in good hands.

You go girls!!
Goodluck to you both!
If you need any photos give me a call!
I think my first published photo was in issue 1!!
Rhonda