As I sit down to write this, I can’t help but think of a certain line from one of my favorite books—The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: “So long, and thanks for all the fish.” Douglas Adams captured the bittersweet absurdity of goodbyes so perfectly, and it feels fitting now as I prepare to write my final column for this online newspaper. After several wonderful years, the time has come to move on. But endings are just new beginnings in disguise, aren’t they?
Writing for this paper has been a privilege and an honor. It’s rare to find a place so dedicated to free speech. I haven’t always agreed with the content and tone of some of my fellow writers, but I’ve always respected the importance of free speech. Did you know there’s content going all the way back to 1998 on this website? It’s an amazing treasure trove of news, opinions, and information that’s been archived for your reading pleasure. I hope the archive lasts well into the future.
I owe much to Cal Beverly, who gave me free rein to write about whatever I wanted, and so I did—sometimes boldly, sometimes cautiously, but always honestly. Actually, I need to thank both Cal and Joyce Beverly for trusting me with this space. Writing these columns has been a journey of self-discovery. It’s far easier to criticize than to create, and this experience has taught me to truly appreciate the art of turning thoughts into words.
Joe Domaleski, Cal Beverly, Joyce Beverly, and Mary Catherine Domaleski on the occasion of Cal’s birthday. Photo/Peggy Thomas
Thank you, dear readers. Over the past few years, many of you have stopped me in person to share a kind word about my columns, and those moments have meant so much. Writing here has helped me channel my own thoughts and feelings—sometimes chaotic, sometimes clear—into something meaningful. It’s been a way to reflect on life, its ups and downs, and hopefully become a better person along the way.
This goodbye isn’t as final as it might seem. While I hope you’ll continue to enjoy and support this site, I also encourage you to follow me over to The Fayette News and The Newnan Times-Herald, where my columns will now be featured. Whether you prefer reading online or flipping through the pages of a printed newspaper, you’ll find my work there going forward. Your support has always meant so much to me, and I look forward to continuing this journey with you in these new spaces.
As Douglas Adams wrote, “So long, and thanks for all the fish.” It’s been an extraordinary ride, and I hope you’ll join me for the next chapter.
[Joe Domaleski, a Fayette County resident for 25+ years, is the owner of Country Fried Creative – an award-winning digital marketing agency located in Peachtree City. His company was the Fayette Chamber’s 2021 Small Business of the Year. Joe is a husband, father of three grown children, and proud Army veteran. He has an MBA from Georgia State University and enjoys sharing his perspectives drawing from thirty years of business leadership experience. Joe is a recipient of the Peachtree City Rotary Club Business Leader of the Year Award for 2024. Sign up for the Country Fried Creative newsletter to get marketing and business articles directly in your inbox. You can connect with Joe directly on LinkedIn or follow his new blog Marketing Data Science for more insights and updates.]