Bittersweet Goodbye -- Not a Chance!
But, I Practice What I Preach, so . . .
Exactly 5 years ago this month, I was honored with the opportunity to become the Editor of Good News Tucson. Originally published by Good News Communications, with Doug Martin as Publisher and Pamela Jimenez as Editor, our distribution company Media Solutions Group, Inc. had already been distributing the publication for several years before 'taking over the helm', on that life changing day back in April, 2002.
During these past five years, I have championed the cause for; family values, community involvement, common courtesy, achieving a personal relationship with Christ, setting boundaries, raising great kids and maintaining a stress free, enjoyable life that places your family as a top priority.
For those of you who know me, I am also the typical 'Type-A' personality. When called upon to be the Editor of Good News Tucson, I made it an all encompassing task. Although the first few years were especially challenging, I was truly blessed by a group of individuals we call the 'Development Team'. These individuals volunteered of their time, knowledge and experience for the Good News Tucson readers. Without these individuals, I can honestly say that GNT would not be the incredible publication that it is today.
During these past years as Editor, I have also gone from being a Mother of four 'almost adult' children... to now being the Grandmother of two of the most wonderful little girls you could ever imagine! Additionally, I have a huge desire to spend more time with my husband, our newly extended family, and focus on my newfound passion for community outreach.
Although it was one of the most bittersweet decisions I have ever made, I decided to practice what I preach by creating time for these new priorities, and hiring a new Editor for Good News Tucson. Although I will miss my current role, the fact that GNT has grown to a point where we can make such a change, says so much! I look forward to this new season in my life -- a time where I can enjoy my participation in the paper, as Publisher ... and yet still have time for the people, and the community, that I love.
In our search to find a new Editor, we knew we needed an individual with a similar passion for family and community. An individual who would take Good News Tucson to the next level, without changing what it has become.
It is my extreme pleasure to announce that Johnny Johnson, Journalist, former magazine Editor and author of Raising Great Kids in a Not-So Great World (2006) has accepted the position of Editor of Good News Tucson, and begins this new chapter of his life on April 1st. (See article below). Johnny will work solely with the Board of Directors and Development Team, in managing the editorial content of Good News Tucson, while our format, staff and volunteers will remain the same.
I, on the other hand, will enjoy focusing my efforts on some of the things that have helped to make Good News Tucson what it is today. I begin with announcing (ironically) the 5th Annual Summer Fun Get-A-Way -- a promotion that began with the first issue of Good News Tucson under my leadership back in 2002. We have again partnered with Six Flags California for an awesome vacation package ... the likes of which our readers have never seen before!
Lastly, as I step
away from my role as Editor in this, my final column -- I would like to share
with you one of the reasons for my decision. Springtime
brings Easter, a time of renewal and life. To the left, is a picture of the
newest addition to our family, our Granddaughter, Haylie Renae -- born just
before Christmas.
Seriously, who wouldn't want to spend more time with her?
Thank you, everyone, for your continued readership, support, friendship and kindness throughout these past five years. What a life changing experience this has been -- and what great people I have met! I proudly shared with Johnny that we have some of the greatest readers in the world -- and I hope to spend the NEXT five years bringing more people just like you, to the pages of Good News Tucson!
Jacqueline Harrison-McAbee
Publisher, Good News Tucson Magazine
. . . H-e-e-e-r-e’s Johnny!
Hello Tucson,
My name is Johnny Johnson, and I am excited to take over the editorial responsibilities of Good News Tucson. I am looking forward to getting to know you, the readers, and I invite your suggestions and ideas as we build upon the strengths of GNT.
When I was invited to serve as Editor, I quickly realized that my journalism experiences and my love for the family are a perfect fit for Good News Tucson. As a journalist, I have served at several different newspapers, written a book on parenting and most recently served as a publisher and editor of another magazine.
Maried to my wife Mindi of 14 years and with 4 children (ages 12, 10, 8 & 6) I am a dedicated family man who seeks to put the family first in my life. I also have a desire to help other parents navigate through the muddy waters of parenting in the 21st century.
As I help steer the course of Good News Tucson, I look forward to continue helping and encouraging families to succeed!
Will there be any major changes?
Ahh. Some of you are wondering if the direction of this magazine will change… With
any new transition, there are changes. But I want to assure you that Good News
Tucson will remain a publication that champions family values. The structure
and content of the magazine will remain the same, and any changes we make will
be in line with our vision to better serve Tucson families.
For instance, in future issues of Good News Tucson watch for a monthly music column that highlights artists and bands that range from mainstream country and soft rock, to “crossover” Christian artists.
There are many "crossover" bands that have great music without the worry of lyrics that are offensive. When such an artist or band is doing a show in Tucson, this music column would be a perfect opportunity for us to let you know more about the group, their style of music, and how to obtain tickets to the concert.
I look forward to serving as Good News Tucson’s new Editor as I write and work with all the wonderful writers who call GNT home.
Editor, Good News Tucson Magazine
