Gettysburg Times: "Thanks a lot, Scot."

You've read about my escapades with women, my family wiffleball games, and know that I dislike Bermudian Springs.

You trusted me for seven years as I sat through countless local government meetings. You read along as I fought with Confederates at the Battle of Gettysburg re-enactment, and commented on our website when I blogged live from the casino hearings, and during the Pa. wrestling championships in Hershey.

Week after week, I've shared stories about my life with you on this page. But for every beginning, there is an end.

As you know by now, Friday was my last day with the newspaper. I've enjoyed every minute of it, but I'm looking forward to the next phase of my professional career, working with Rich Alloway in the Pa. Senate.

My days of covering the REDDI project, the battle over the Rosensteel plaques, lie-detector machines, the Electric Map, Belmont Bridge and the Steinwehr islands are over, but the memories will always remain.

And so, to the Honor Roll we go.

B.J. Small: Thanks for hiring me out of Elizabethtown College, and for guiding me over the years in my challenging beat. I'll send you a photo of my big buck this winter for publication in "Fur, Feathers & Fins."

Jarrad Hedes: I look forward to your continuing coverage of weeds and packs of stray cats in Bendersville.

Mark Walters: You're getting a great chance to write about some important issues from which many folks stand to benefit greatly. Keep your head down, your eyes and ears open, and your mouth shut.

Councilman Ted Streeter: "Trust me, I'm from the government." You never turned down a call from the media during your presidency, and for that, I was always grateful. See you at "Drinkin' with Lincoln."

Mayor Bill Troxell: At some point in my life, I hope to earn a "Key to the City."

Fred Snyder: You've been a great mentor and friend over at Fox Sports 1320-WGET, and I appreciate you letting me co-host several editions of the Breakfast Nook. If I get elected to Gettysburg Council, will you invite me to the "Borough Show?"

Councilwoman Holliday Giles: Good luck in your final four months on council. Please keep me updated with text messages.

Rob Holt: Your recovery from your auto accident of 2008 is a reminder to everyone that nothing is impossible.

Matt Major: All four of my journalism awards also have your name on the plaques.

Jeffrey Gabel: One of my favorite experiences as a reporter was covering the grand reopening of the Majestic Theater.

Bill Schwartz: You're a great example of a colleague who has trained numerous reporters over the years, and watched them grow into their job. I always appreciated how in my early years, you asked all the questions, because you already knew the background. Plus, you were always good for a lunch tab.

Donna Wagner: Sorry about all the obituaries that I messed up in your absence. I know there were many.

David LeVan: I'm a big fan of port. It was a challenge covering your projects, because I knew most of the people involved, some professionally; others socially. Regardless, I hope I did so fairly and accurately. Good luck to your wife, in her crocheting endeavors.

Katie Lawhon: Cyclorama, battlefield rehab and the train station. Some things never end.

John O'Donnell: If you're listening up there, I miss you. And your big, bold headlines.

Josh Martin: Our pre-and-post game analysis of Biglerville Canner wrestling matches were always entertaining. Your victory your senior year at the old Wigwam in Gettysburg - to this day - might be the top highlight in Canner lore.

Gene & Debra Golden: We've had a our laughs over the years, mostly at the expense of local politics. Now, I'm joining the political field. Uh-oh.

Pat Nevada: As our workload burgeoned the past several years, I always appreciated you stopping by your neighboring cubicle to see if "everything was OK." Please, don't ever put my photo on the top of "Faces."

Pappy Pitzer: You're an inspiration to many. I will see you at the Elkorn tomorrow.

Darryl Wheeler: Your note-taking at accident scenes is Pulitzer prize worthy. You're also one of the best golfers I know, even though you claim you get out only "once or twice a year."

Alice Estrada: Your service will be missed, but I look forward to judging the Halloween Parade with you again this year. "Scot, you cannot give that band a four out of 10 just because they're from Bermudian."

Tom Ford and Cindy Ford: Thanks for your unconditional support. Tom, your golf swing is truly a thing of beauty.

Dick Watson: A grand-fatherly figure in the newsroom. Your daughter's eulogy at Myrt's funeral was a message that I'll always cherish.

Bill Monahan: We have had our share of memorable experiences, and you've certainly had your share of "donnybrooks." Thanks to you, I learned to appreciate fried calamari.

The entire Gettysburg Times team: It's been a great run. Even though I'm leaving, the Farm Show, re-enactment, Dedication Day and Election Night will continue.

Good luck, God bless, and remember, Eagle meat is better served raw.

(And for the record, the Family Wiffleball game was "rained-out" Monday. We'll get ‘em next year!)

- Scot A. Pitzer