How did you spend your 2011?

On behalf of all of us here at the “Springville Journal,” I want to thank you for the article submissions, letters to the editor, phone calls, emails, Christmas cards, subscriptions, Facebook likes, retweets, website comments, interviews, invitations and personal visits received during 2011. This year at the paper, we underwent many changes, and you, our readers, were very faithful and supportive - and we extend our gratitude to you all for that!

This past March, I took over as editor, and I was very encouraged by the congratulations and offers of help expressed by so many of you. You were very welcoming and understanding in helping me get over the learning curve and making it a seamless transaction for me.

When I am out and about in the towns included in our coverage area, people often stop me and chat with me about the paper, how it’s going and what they enjoy about it. I love meeting our readers and getting input on what we are doing well and what we should improve upon. We listen to everything you tell us and want all of you to know that we are here for you!

Lizz Schumer joined our team in April and has already met many of you during her jaunts to board meetings, interviews and other events. Thank you for joining me in welcoming her to the “Journal” family!

This year has also been a big one for Springville. We’ve seen the Springville Area Chamber of Commerce spearhead many events and efforts, including, most recently, getting the village a beautiful new sign that welcomes visitors and natives alike to town. This year, it awarded Rhapsody’s business of the year, Doug Andrews as outstanding citizen and Springville’s League for the Handicapped as outstanding not-for-profit and we are excited about everyone who will be honored next year (check out Page 20)! Other items to note were the legislative breakfast, Pop Warner Trail winter walk, regular farmer’s market and Main Street flower baskets - among others! Thank you to Kate Moody, David Field and all of the chamber board members for all the work you do!

The Springville-GI Community Education Foundation was very busy this year as well, donating signs and gracious gifts to local organizations and holding fundraisers. In addition, our local schools kept busy with concerts, field trips, parties and fundraisers, the Dairy Fest Committee put on a great event, the Pageant of Bands went off without a hitch and Metro Group celebrated the Taste of Home and the Bridal Show. The Boys & Girls Club got its new building and the Pop Warner Hall of Fame welcomed two new members.

So many other special events, unfortunately too many to name, made 2011 a year to remember. Thank you for your support and we look forward to a continued relationship in 2012! Happy New Year!