As much as we’ve had an incredible year of gains, we’ve also experienced some painful losses.   Early this year, my Mom passed away suddenly.   Then just a few months ago, our longtime friend Bryan Howell was taken by a tragic & senseless accident.   And we lost another beloved member of our extended family this past week.

Charles "Whit" Smith had long said that he hadn’t even expected to see the year 2000, so everything since was just an added bonus.   What he may have been not so aware of is that the bonus was ours.   Among other things, I’ll sorely miss his sense of humor, always-supportive spirit, and that resonating baritone voice that seemed tailor-made for radio.