Losing a Partner Caron Myers

A reporter who I helped bring on board at WGHP in 2002 and worked with exclusively in the Davidson County Bureau until about 3 years ago, is leaving Fox 8.



Caron Myers is leaving to go into the public sector as the Director of Community Services for the Alamance-Burlington(NC) School System.



Lenslinger and I have both written funny stories about our outings with Caron over the 7 years she has been with us but this time the story is that she's indeed decided to follow the Public Relations money trail. And I'm not sure I blame her...More money, 8 hour workdays, holidays off, what's not to love? (Beside's being able to traverse the Greater Piedmont Triad with a camera and mic and talk to all kinds of interesting people everyday?)



Caron's threatened to call it a career in news several times before but this time I think she's found a fit with a group of professionals who will really appreciate her outspoken charm and endless energy more than even this hungry photog ever could.



She's a hard nosed, deep digging reporter who's TV work has to be shallower than she could ever dig to meet the time contraints of Broadcast News. Caron's never met a stranger and is never afraid to knock on any door and talk to whoever answers in whatever neighborhood. She prides herself on her electronic rolodex and could probably open a 411 call center from it. She had a rapor with the law enforcement community that couldn't be rivaled by even the most bubbly blonde talking head.



And even though I probably haven't properly thanked her enough for everything she's ever done for me as a friend and co-worker I have to say that the experience of working with Caron Myers had been life altering. Whether it was when we flew to Miami for the retirement of her famous NASCAR husband Chocolate Myers, or all the time spent accompanying her to death's door, every day with Caron was entertaining, if not, enlightening.



I also have to say she's led me by the hand into the NASCAR machine. Lunch with NASCAR Legend Bobby Allison, an interview with the late NASCAR Chairman Bill France Junior, several interviews with NASCAR Team owner Richard Childress and many other lasting contacts within the NASCAR Community are just a perk of working closely with Caron.



The biggest thanks I have to give is for all the work Caron and Chocolate did to host my wedding at their house in Lexington. They spent untold time preparing their yard for the 2004 event, leaving no stone unturned. For that I thank them both. I will one day figure out a way to repay that debt!



Even though she only has three days left inside WGHP, I'm sure we'll be in contact for school stories, and I'm certain I'll visit her at the lake....at least every 4th of July



I wish her the best of luck in her new position entertaining bored reporters on slow news days....and who knows...maybe she'll pull and Ingram. (that's an inside joke that I can't talk about :-))

For now, I leave you with this...a glimpse at how Caron and I bent the time space continuuum.

4th of July at High Rock Lake

It's become almost a tradition for me and my family now. We head down to High Rock Lake to see what I think is one of the best Fireworks shows in this part of North Carolina.



In the past 3 years it's been and even better view for us because while everyone pushes and shoves for the best spot to park on the Highway 8 bridge or along other surrounding roads, my friend and coworker Caron Myers has the best seat in the house, and we're always invited.



The view is great from the Deck or out in a boat...because of rain this year we stayed on shore.




Caron and her famous NASCAR husband Chocolate Myers started building their lakeside cabin about 3 or so summers ago. It's grown from a lake retreat into a full time home that you'd have to see to believe. (I didn't get any pictures...darn.)



But on this day, one of the best things is their proximity to where the fireworks are launched from....in the lot two doors over. To watch the fireworks you have to look almost straight up.



One drawback is falling debris. It's so close that if the wind is blowing just right or not at all pieces of unburned morter shells and still glowing ash will fall on you. Ask my wife, she took a chunk to the leg that drew blood!



I took all these pictures with Caron's digital Canon SLR on a tripod. See all of them on Flickr.