Carolyn Fath
Isthmus continues. That is my greatest satisfaction as I leave the organization.
Here at 101 King St., we've had a great perch overlooking the Capitol Square, literally watching the world go by. Right smack in the middle of news, events, parties and demonstrations -- just where Isthmus should be. Loads of memories as I look out the window:
The protests of 2011, when Isthmus had 24/7 online reporting and readers from around the world.
The first Concert on the Square.
The first food carts of spring, in the snow.
The never-ending construction of the Block 89 underground parking garage and then the glory of parking there in the subzero winter.
Sitting Gov. Tommy Thompson coming to visit.
The hundreds of trucks, Gold Wings, Shriners on scooters, bikers, skaters, runners, skiers...all go whirling past, just like the years.
Isthmus continues. That is my greatest satisfaction as I leave the organization. The talented staff people who are here today and those who have come and gone have all contributed to an institution that abides. Isthmus writers and editors will continue to ply their craft to bring you consistently high-quality stories. Our artists bring those stories to life in the paper and online. The sales folks are relentless in providing great value for our customers. The events staff executes unique Madison experiences for our fans.
The unsung heroes, our distribution staff, carry those bundles of Isthmus every Thursday morning into the more than 600 locations where you pick yours up. Our administration team keeps the business of publishing running smoothly. We all share a passion to provide you with the best, latest and most interesting views on life here in our hometown. I thank all of you, Isthmoids, for your dedication and excellence week after week.
To you who read us religiously and write to us when we've got it right and when we got it wrong, thanks for being part of the Isthmus community. I've always carried a vision of the Isthmus community in my head. You care about the land, water, crime, housing, traffic, injustice, racism and education. You love to learn about the latest in music, TV, food, drinks, theater, art and dance...and what's happening in the next person's love life. We are all voyeurs in life, after all. I've had such great fun being a professional voyeur here at Isthmus.
Thanks to the sponsors and the advertisers. You know a good deal when you see it. Thanks to all of you sassy readers who regularly check the website and the paper to find out what's going on. You come in all sizes, ages, professions and beliefs. You fuel our passion for sharing the stories of our lives.
This chapter closes for me, and another opens for the new Isthmus.
I'm a little sad that I won't be here to be a part of these Isthmus changes. But I'm now one of you, loyal readers, ready to share my two cents.
My sincere gratitude to you all.
Linda Baldwin is the associate publisher of Isthmus.
