Four years ago this May is how long I’ve been writing for Webb Weekly, and it truly has been a life-changing experience. I’m one of the newer writers, but most of the writers have been along for the ride since the beginning! It’s really neat to hear their stories over the years.
Each year at Christmastime, Jim throws all of us a Christmas party at a local restaurant. It’s the one time of year all of us Webb employees get to be all together and just visit. It’s always such a wonderful time being all together around a table, talking about how our year went, and hearing stories about the very beginning of the Webb Weekly. Stories about how Jim’s father started it all and how they never dreamed it would take off like it has. Others share feedback about their columns from readers, and you want to hear the best part? So many share about Jim and all he has done for them. This Christmas, there was so much gratitude and tears shed from all Jim has done for his employees and others who know him. Now, I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Jim’s father, James Webb, but I can only imagine what a man he was to raise such a kind man as Jim Webb.
It’s no wonder the Webb Weekly is as big as it is. Jim has the biggest heart and is such an awesome businessman. He truly cares about family, friends, workers, and of course, our amazing readers! You can’t run a business and be all about yourself. It’s the way you treat folks that really makes the magic happen. I’ve never been around Jim where he hasn’t been smiling.
He is so appreciative of each and every one of us who make the Webb pull together each week.
From his wonderful editor Steph to the computer guys, salespeople, human resources, office staff, writers, and anyone else who has a part in this incredible paper. We thank all the local businesses for being a part of our paper each week and our new and dedicated readers who look forward to seeing what’s new in the Webb week after week. Thank you!
For a newspaper to last twenty years is pretty darn incredible. It takes a village to make this happen, and for the Webb family, this paper has been a huge success. When I found out I was going to start writing for them, I was over the moon. I thought, “Wow! Me, writing for a local paper!? How cool.” I was excited but scared at the same time. I mean, this paper reaches 58,000 homes!? That’s a lot of people! My very first column I wrote started with, “Hi! I’m Andrea. I’m a wife, a momma of two, and life never seems to slow down. I enjoy spending time with my family. That is what is most important to me. You know what else? I love to cook!” Never did I dream how much of a bond I would start with so many of my readers.
Jim goes around the table and speaks to each of us at the party and says he hears from so many readers about all of his writers. Mine is always how much my readers love how I put my family into my writings. I never dreamed I would share some of the many stories of my family with you because I didn’t at the time realize how much freedom I would have in my writings and that it didn’t have to pertain to strictly food. It’s so amazing that I can share my love of not just my family and food but our good Lord above! I feel like God has given me such an amazing opportunity to reach so many people, and I do try to use that opportunity when I can. I love that so many of you have become a part of my life. You know that I am married to my high school sweetheart and pretty much in love with my husband’s muscles. You know I have a wonderful son and daughter, Tyler and Kenzy, and I often get to hear what they are up to and how much I love being their momma. You know how much I love my momma and dad, and you get to peek into my childhood with my wonderful memories they have given me. You know how much I hate the heat and my upper lip sweat. You know that Christmas is my favorite time of the year and how much I love snow. And I know how much you LOVE my “famous cheesy smile.” I bet most of you are reading all of these, going, “Yup! Yup! Knew that. Yup!” I’m so predictable. Haha.
I have been given such a wonderful gift to work for such an incredible family. The Webb Weekly is like an extended family who is always there for you even though us writers don’t see each other often. I know I could pick up the phone at any time, and if I needed something, Jim would be there. That’s the kind of person he is. God bless him, there were maybe fifteen of us at the Christmas party, and he ordered, I swear I bet, a dozen appetizers for us to start with. He always insists on us ordering food and taking it home to our families when we leave. (I never do, but it’s still the point of just how giving this man is.) I’m telling you this because there is a reason this paper is celebrating TWENTY YEARS this month, and it’s because of Jim and his family. He treats people how they should be treated, and that’s how a good business is run. He is so humble and gives all of his employees the praise for his successful business.
I am so happy I get to celebrate this huge milestone with them! Congrats to the Webb family and all their success in this wonderful local paper. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this amazing journey. I not only have the freedom to write and a job I love with amazing followers, but I received a whole other family. Here’s to another twenty years! Cheers!
Celebration Cake
First, bake an angel food cake, or cake of your choice.
Then top with this amazing 7-minute frosting:
Ingredients:
• 4 large egg whites
• 1-1/3 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
In a heatproof bowl of a stand mixer, whisk egg whites, sugar, water and cream of tartar until blended. Place over simmering water in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisking constantly, heat mixture until a thermometer reads 160°, 3-5 minutes. (Watch for stringy threads on end of whisk!)
Remove from heat; add vanilla. With the whisk attachment of a stand mixer, beat on high speed until stiff glossy peaks form, about 7 minutes. Use immediately. Store frosted cake, uncovered, in the refrigerator.
