By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

To everything there is a season, a time to work and a time to retire.

Since 2008, I have had the honor and privilege to write about Shelby County’s wonderful people and community events. I became a community columnist by accident, but I believe by divine design.

At a reception at my friend Rachel Fowler’s home, I met publisher Tim Prince. Rachel introduced me for she knew I had some ideas for community news. He asked me to call him and the rest is history.

I have loved writing about my hometown, Columbiana, where something is always happening! From Cowboy Day, Liberty Day, Music on Main, Monster Walk, Tour of Homes and Christmas parade, there is always something happening in Columbiana.

This year I had the honor to be the grand marshal of the Columbiana Christmas Parade where my husband and I dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus with my family as elves in a float handmade by our sons. What a precious memory!

Community service clubs are dear to my heart for these dedicated volunteers do so much for our county: AFWC Vignette, Novella and Culture clubs, Shelby County Historical Society, Columbiana Merchants and Professional Association, Friends of the Columbiana Public Library, DAR David Lindsay Chapter, SAR Cahaba-Coosa Chapter, Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc., Alabama Support Committee Alabama National Cemetery, American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555 and so many more. Volunteer service work is near and dear to my heart.

Over the years, I came to know many men and women who serve in the military as well as veterans who serve after retirement. The highlight of last year was to write about our homegrown heroes with the Veteran of the Week column. God bless out military!

The season for me to be your Columbiana columnist has come to an end. My health is not the best and my doctors have been on me to slow down for months.

Husband Red and I have seven little grandchildren that I want to see grow up. So to you who have loyally read my stories each week, I sadly say that I have retired. This was the hardest decision I have ever had to make.

Goodbye my readers. I love you all.