I’m writing to welcome The Beachcomber’s new editor, Peggy Chapman, to our community. And, I’m inviting all on Vashon to support her as she gets her feet on Island ground. With the departure of both editor Susan Riemer and reporter Sarah Low, The Beachcomber and the Island lose significant “institutional” memory, the kind of stuff that makes for effective journalism in a small town.

Ms. Chapman is clearly an experienced journalist, but she’s not an islander. We need to support her success by sending her news tips, primary contacts for important — and not so important — stories. Let’s give her background when we have it and help her seek balance in her reporting. In other words, let’s all become “stringers” for the Beachcomber so we can continue to enjoy the high quality reporting we’ve learned to expect.

Wishing a bittersweet farewell to Susan and Sarah with wishes for great good fortune!

—Susan McCabe