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Anniversaries are tops on my mind these days. Three big ones are falling within days of each other, all milestones: My sister and brother-in-law, celebrating 50 years of wedded bliss today; this column just turned 11 years old; and your hometown newspaper has been serving the people of Blount County for 125 years.

If you see my sister Mary and her husband Harold Abbott today, make sure to wish them a happy anniversary. I was only 3 years old when they married so I've watched them throughout the years, working together, raising a family, helping both sets of parents, their siblings and their neighbors whenever needed, however they could. Above all, I have watched them treat each other with respect, and I think that's why they are still happily together. Happy anniversary!

I am also celebrating an anniversary -- two, in fact. This column debuted Sept. 10, 1997, and has run almost every week since. Also, on Sept. 11, 2000, I was hired as a full-time feature writer, so I have now been officially a part of this newspaper for eight years. What a pleasure it has been getting to know so many people in a variety of occupations and backgrounds, hearing their stories, then sharing them with others. I have been inspired, energized and encouraged by these fine people and from what readers have told me, so have they.

The Daily Times was established in 1883 and has been an integral part of this community ever since. My personal experience with The Times goes back to my childhood, when Daddy read me the "funny paper" every Sunday. When I learned to read, I went through the newspaper -- which was then called The Maryville-Alcoa Daily Times -- reading little things of interest. Through the years, I clipped comic strips I liked, stories I wanted to save -- presidential elections, the first man on the moon, oddities that struck my fancy, including some humorous letters to the editor -- and pasted them in a scrapbook. I read "Tizzy's Corner," written by the late Elizabeth "Tizzy" Timmons for The Times; Lorene Smith's original "Digging for Ancestors" column; some of the historic pieces by the late Adele McKenzie. Adele, an accomplished cook, also wrote the food column for The Times; clippings of many of her recipes are in my own files now.

I remember reading stories by Iva Butler and the late Anna Irwin as well as editorials by Dean Stone, never realizing that someday, I'd be working with them, learning from them. What a great privilege and honor it is for me to be associated with this newspaper and the talented writers who have made it what it is, both past and present.

I hope all our readers will join us in celebrating our 125th anniversary from 3 to 6 p.m. Sept. 23 -- also celebrating Dean Stone Day, honoring Dean on his 84th birthday. A bunch of activities have been planned. For more information, contact Evelyn Sandlin at 981-1152. Y'all come!

Linda Albert is Women's Times editor and a staff writer for The Daily Times. Her column runs every Sunday in the Women's Times section. You may contact her at 981-1168 or e-mail linda.albert@thedailytimes.com.