Are you there, Carbondale? It’s me, Megan.

By Megan Tackett

As you can see, I’m a very serious person. But I am seriously excited to be the newest addition to The Sopris Sun staff — it’s time to get back to my roots (journalism).

And speaking of roots, that’s my real ploy in working here: planting some of my own in Carbondale. I’m a transplant from Ohio — how original, I know — but I’ve since fallen head-over-heels in love with this community. Heck, even my dog Sundance has fallen in love with this place (the turkey-maple sausage from the Smithy has become his preferred delicacy, I think).

Luckily for me, I met Will at an enchilada night at a mutual friend’s. Even more luckily, he remembered that my degree is in journalism (go Bobcats!) and asked if I’d want to freelance for The Sun. Freelancing reminded me of two lessons I’d somehow forgotten: (1) I really, really enjoy writing and (2) I really, really love getting to know the ins and outs of all the incredibly cool people and things that comprise a town. (www.atticsandmore.com) And as already discussed, as far as towns go, Bonedale is my favorite. So when I caught wind that John was retiring, I figured, “what’s there to lose?” and applied. And here we are.

Already, I’ve gotten to know so many wonderful people and organizations — I’m convinced that the Third Street Center is among the greater hodgepodges of good vibes in a collaborative space I’ve seen. And so, dear reader, I hope you’ll enjoy my humble contributions to The Sun’s pages as much as I’ve already enjoyed writing for them. Granted, it’s Day 2, but I’m optimistic.

I never realized I was such a stereotypical Midwesterner until I left, but I am, and I feel like there are worse things to be. I’m always open to making a new friend or learning something new from someone, so if you see me posted up at Beer Works some afternoon, please say hi! And if you have a scoop on a story you think should be covered, by all means, drop a girl a line (megan@soprissun.com).

When not at the paper, I’m tutoring high-school students — either with SAT and ACT prep or with fine-tuning their college application essays. When I’m not doing that, you can usually find me frolicking about downtown with the loves of my life, Sundance and my darling fiance. I’m just hoping the paper has a Powder Day office policy.