During the initial Covid lockdown of 2020, I had to take my dog to the vet. When I called for the appointment, I was told to pull up in front, call a certain number, and just wait. And I wrote it down just like that, the phone number and the words “just wait”. A month later, I found that little piece of paper in my car, and I read those words and got really excited. In my mind they sounded like a promise rather than a threat. The tone was, “Just wait! Something exciting is around the corner.” I still have that little piece of paper in my car.
If I had known what was ahead of me in 2011, when Robin Jovanovich let me write for this paper, I probably would have passed out. Robin has always given me the Mary Tyler Moore vibes – racing in and out of the newsroom, chic, and beaming her wide smile.
When Carla Eggers mentioned on the Little League bleachers that The Rye Record was looking for a columnist, I acted immediately. I sent Robin a rather lengthy email pitching myself, listing my qualifications, and throwing out a bunch of ideas. She wrote back immediately: “Sure!” And that was that. I was awestruck.
I wrote my first article about taking my son to the barbershop, and that article led to my first compliment. It was sent via email by Cindy Gencarelli, and I remember exactly where I was when I read it. Emboldened, I wrote another article about playing The Game of Life with my kindergartener. It was 600 words, and it took me two weeks to get right. By the time I wrote my third article about how to get invited back for Thanksgiving dinner, I was a changed person.
This local newspaper has been the small thing that has led to the bigger thing for me, but it’s no small thing. It is a chronicle of the comings and goings of a small town. It’s been the thing that has given us the opportunity to see our children celebrated at their community milestones. It’s the paper I cut clippings from to commemorate Tommy in his cub scout uniform. It’s the place where we fight about trees and leaf blowers. It’s where we get our movie reviews and recipes and find out how much our neighbors’ houses are selling for. It’s where we went to scan the police blotter, written with humor and wit by an unnamed journalist. Here’s a hint: He’s immaculately dressed.
Twelve years later I am so grateful to myself for writing Robin that email. I am so grateful that she said, “Sure.” Every time I see Cindy Gencarelli I remember the gift of that compliment. Every time I see Carla Eggers, I remember the nudge. In this way, we can all get each other unstuck, suggesting that something wonderful might be right around the corner. Rye is a community where people show up and rally around each other, and The Rye Record is central to that. I am sure I am not alone for thanking Robin and Peter for their dedication to our town. I am hoping for wonderful things around the corner for you in your next adventures. And I will never forget your kindness to me.
