I interviewed for a part-time job as a proofreader a few hours before my wedding rehearsal on Dec. 28, 2006. When I received the offer to join Engle Printing & Publishing Co., Inc. as a full-time feature writer and photographer, I was buying last-minute decorating supplies in a discount store. I was so excited to have my first salaried professional job that I forgot to introduce the members of the bridal party to each other. One of my sisters later asked me who the person was who escorted her down the aisle.

That excitement continued on my first day, Jan. 8, 2007, as my predecessor, Ethan Riley, showed me the ropes ... and then turned to anxiety when I was solely in charge of finding articles in a news cycle that never stopped. Eventually, however, I settled into the role of "Newspaper Lady," one that I have been privileged to hold for 14 years. My clients have made all the difference. You invited me into your homes and into your hearts.

I have so many fond memories:

-Robah Hess teaching me to be careful with my instructions during photoshoots by popping out his dentures when I asked him to show me his teeth when he smiled.

-Competing in the invitational milking contest at the Solanco Fair.

-Being teased by Bethesda United Methodist Church members the first time I experimented with purple hair.

-Standing in a pasture at Noble Hill Horse Rescue as horses grazed around us - and then one tried to eat my notepad.

-Judging a cooking class contest at Penn Manor High School.

And there are the not-so-fond memories:

-The death of Lancaster County Master Gardener Tom Beck in 2015. This hit me hard because we had worked on numerous stories together. I treasure the giant allium that blooms outside my front door every spring; it was the party favor from the Master Gardener dinner where Tom and his wife, Betty, hosted me a few months before his passing.

-The time I combined the names of two educators and misnamed Martin Meylin Middle School principal Jamie Raum in print.

-The day I interviewed a group of individuals who had planted a new church - and then went to my next appointment and realized I was at the church they had left.

I have always been grateful that I have not had to cover hard news. I have witnessed your joys and celebrations, your Eagle Scout achievements and fair queen coronations. There have been stories rooted in sorrows as well: 9/11 stair climbs and family members raising money for Relay For Life in memory of loved ones who died of cancer. I have been privy to your frustrations and, at times, anger, but it has been a blessing to reassure you that "we publish only good news, so this is off the record."

Like it was for so many people, 2020 was a difficult year for me. As the year dragged on, I realized the time had come for me to try something different, to grow in a new direction. My last day as the Newspaper Lady was Feb. 5. I have moved on, but I have not moved away. Once it is safe to linger in person again, I will be eager to hear your updates, but not for publication. For that, send your news items to news@engleonline.com or call 717-892-6018 to talk to a member of our editorial staff. Farewell, and God bless.