This edition marks my last as an editor at The Times Record. By my choice, I’m moving on to a new journalistic challenge.

During my almost 10 years here, I’ve been privileged to collaborate with many outstanding co-workers, people who leave their dark homes and push downed trees off their cars to come to work during ice storms or — as was the case last week — dash out at 4 a.m and 4 p.m. on a vacation day to cover fires in sweltering July heat. These dedicated journalists are my friends, and I will sorely miss working with them.

During the past decade, we’ve covered “big” stories such as Brunswick Naval Air Station’s closure, the Stinson Cannery fire, major trials, elections and Mark Rogers’ ascent from local ball fields to the mound of a Major League Baseball game.

We’ve also covered a lot of “little” stories that larger, more sprawling media outlets ignore. Writing about ambitious children launching a granola business, chihuahuas nursing baby squirrels, the Santa Claus Fund’s annual campaigns and Midcoast residents rallying to help neighbors in need represents the kind of community journalism that establishes special bonds between a newspaper and its readers. I cherish those bonds and the friendships forged readers during the past decade.

While the “big” stories fuel adrenaline rushes, the “little” local stories feed the spirit. These examples of pure human kindness, generosity and perseverance illustrate the best human qualities — which are on display in our midst every day.

I’ve always believed that newspapers like The Times Record act as a mirror for the communities they serve. The reflections I’ve collected during almost a decade of covering the Mid-coast region confirm that I’ve been blessed to work for a newspaper and in a community that both possess a rare and special depth of character.

It’s been an honor, and I thank you.

— Robert Long