This week is my final opportunity to throw out for public scrutiny my rants, raves and occasional words of wisdom. Rather than plunging into policy or politics, I want to take a few moments to reflect.

During the last year and a half it's been my privilege to tell some great success stories.

Whether a family member or a media member, nobody could escape the palpable magic of watching Shawn Stockwell come through the gates at Ted Stevens International Airport, after years away, waiting for and then receiving a life-giving heart transplant.

A similar buzz filled the Eagle River home of Marc Hoffmeister, when I visited with him and his fellow climbing partners - all of whom were severely injured in overseas wars - days after they returned from their expedition to the great peak of Denali.

But not all stories had such happy endings.

I've typed into the pages of the Star the names of dozens of soldiers who have been lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. I've seen the strain on the face of a mother who just lost her house and belongings to a fire - fortunately, her family made it out safely. And I've arrived to work to find a press release about a homicide-suicide right here in our hometown.

It's been an exciting time to work in the media. With a cast of Alaskan characters that include former Gov. Sarah Palin, former Sen. Ted Stevens and Rep. Don Young, how could this job not be interesting?

Not since the Exxon-Valdez oil spill has Alaska received such national and international attention. From a vice presidential nomination to political scandals, and then the investigations of the investigations of the scandals, those of us in the news business have learned to be always on our toes.

Then there have been the moments of just plain fun - when everyone is in a good mood and everyone wants their photo taken. These include Bear Paw, the Highland Games, Fourth of July festivities and the local celebration of the 50th anniversary of statehood, to name a few.

It's been my habit to swing by a coffee shop every Friday morning. Not only is it a great way to cap off the week, but it's also my own private little moment to revel in the fruits of hard work. I sit back, sip an extra hot Kaladi latte, and watch people read the latest edition of the Alaska Star.

During this Friday ritual, I always run into someone I know - because that's how this community is, it takes the time to get to know one another.

I've met so many wonderful people while working at the Alaska Star - people who find what they're passionate about, and then give of themselves fully and freely in pursuit of it. Whether it's a profession, business, volunteer work, family, church, hobby or outdoor pursuit, most Chugiak-Eagle Riverites have figured out what makes them tick, and then turned that into ways to give back to those around them.

Some may have noticed several months back when we added a slogan underneath our masthead that reads: "Serving Eagle River, Chugiak and Eklutna - because community matters."

Community does matter - and I won't forget that, even as I take wings in pursuit of adventure and new opportunities. I'm giving away my furniture (let me know if you need a desk or couch), putting the rest of my belongings in storage, and am headed down south to teach ski school for the winter. (How many places in the Northern hemisphere, can you say "I'm headed south to ski" - just one of many reasons that I love Alaska.)

I believe through and through in the Alaska Star. It's a little paper with a big history - and a big future. As the quality of news nationwide crumbles, community newspapers continue to provide relevant, thought-provoking information, which ultimately facilitates much-needed conversations.

Every now and then someone tells me how an article or photo changed their perspective, gave them some encouragement or downright made their day - and that is precisely what makes it all worthwhile.

So with that I say, see you all later, and remember to keep your eye out, because eventually I'll be back, bumping into you at the coffee shop, or heaven forbid, bombarding you with more rants and raves.