Six months can go by faster than we realize

Published 7:44 am Thursday, January 18, 2007

By Staff
What a difference six months can make.
Yesterday, Jan. 17, marked six months since I walked in the door of Leader Publications and took the helm of the Niles Daily Star. In some ways, it feels like it's only been six weeks – in other ways, it feels like it's been six years.
When I arrived in Niles back in July after three days spent traveling and catching cat naps in the front of a moving truck, I truthfully had little idea what was in store for me. Mind you, I had been told what to expect from the job and I had heard a couple stories about how accomodating the people of this community can be, but I had yet to experience this town first hand.
I hit the ground running during that first week, meeting with the who's-who of the community in the first couple days. I particularly recall Lisa Croteau's downright infectious enthusiasm for the Niles downtown district, and I remember thinking, 'This was a good move coming here.'
Six months later, I still believe that.
One of the strong reasons for that is the Niles downtown. It is small, cozy and all the movers and shakers know who each other are – much like the downtown I remember in my hometown, Sault Ste. Marie.
Now, I realize I am quite a ways away from the Upper Peninsula, and I am, thankfully, missing another U.P. winter. Although, I have to wonder if this week's cold snap isn't a home-away-from-home present from the north.
Either way, Niles may not be my home of origin, but it is becoming my home.
I have already begun making friends and brothers in the area, and these people are doing their best to make me feel at home.
As I continue to settle in and learn more about this community by the virtue of my job, I see the promise of continued growth, both for myself and the community.
We all read yesterday that the Niles downtown is on the short list to be designated as a historic community, granting it a distinction that will reflect some of the town's rich history. Combined with the recognition that comes from the Fort St. Joseph dig, Niles has a history it can be proud of – and should show off.
While the designation does not carry any real regulatory powers with it, being named a historic district should be a motivator for the people of this community to not only take it upon themselves to make sure the the town is maintained, but it should also be a rallying cry for everyone to pitch in and help the community grow.
Naming towns historic districts is hardly unique these days. We're seeing it across the state and the nation as many communities recognize their long and storied roots. But a designation does not make a town unique – the town itself does. For example, how many communites can call themselves the City of Four Flags – and even argue about which flags should be included in that name?
I hope to make Niles my home for some time, and in some small way, make myself part of our shared history. I would hope as well that my fellow Niles residents will also continue to feel the sense of community that helped attract me to this area.
I may still be learning about this town, and I expect to be for some time, but I look forward to learning more.