Parting Thoughts: November/December 2012

by Jim Dittmann
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By: Kathy Dittmann

Parting thoughts Volume 1 Issue 6 – It has been quite a year! 

I do not believe that even my wildest dreams ever included publishing a magazine – but here we are.  Printing has been a part of my life since the early 70s when I was the sole typist for the Upper Keys Reporter in Key Largo, Florida.  It was a weekly publication and my typing skills garnered from a single high school intro class were honed during my years at the newspaper office.  It was a living – a way to pay the rent.  Since the late 70s, I have shared my life with a printer here in Wisconsin.  It has been interesting to say the very least.       

To quote a wise man, “When we succeed, we succeed because of our individual initiative, but also because we do things together.”  I do not believe anything can be done without the help and support of others.  The help and support that LocaLeben receives is the reason that it is – it is here to be a voice and a vehicle for all residents of the Beaver Dam Area.      

In this issue we are reminded once again that dreams can come true.  Dreams of a home, a family, and Norman Rockwell-esque holiday gatherings – some of these dreams can become a reality, but for many these are only dreams.  As we approach the holiday season, I hope our readers will be generous to the extent that they can to help fulfill the dreams of neighbors and friends throughout our communities.   

I did not dream of LocaLeben – that is Jim’s dream, but I have always shared in its philosophy of local.  Our local area is rich in many resources – but its most precious resource is its people.  In the many small communities encircling Beaver Dam, there are numerous opportunities to live life local.  I sincerely hope that you are encouraged to do so during this holiday season, purchasing gifts produced by your neighbors and friends in our local area. 

LocaLeben will commemorate its one year’ anniversary with a celebration to benefit the Beaver Dam Area Arts Association on January 12, 2013.  Your invitation can be found on the insert at page 6.  It really does not seem that long ago that a celebration to launch the first issue took place.  Since then, every 60 days we have gathered to finalize another issue – not necessarily a physical gathering thanks to our digital technology – but a gathering nonetheless.  The eyes of many ensure the quality of the content that Erik has planned out months in advance.  I am always pleased to peruse the submissions – so many interesting details to be shared.  Thank you to all that have shared their stories this past year, and I look forward to the future.

I must admit that I am out of my comfort zone to actually be sharing words for publication – I spend my days editing healthcare documentation and my role here at the magazine is to proofread and edit – the other side of the keyboard so to speak.  I want to encourage others to share their stories of life in our local community – share what is important to you, your children and grandchildren, your parents and neighbors.  We look forward to hearing from you here at LocaLeben – keep those cards and letters coming.

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