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Since 2002, Geoff Fox has written about the offbeat and dynamic personalities that make Pasco County unique. He is now revisiting them, meeting new characters and sharing more stories. Email
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“Little Rhodey” Says Bye-Bye
Posted Aug 15, 2008 by Geoff Fox
Updated Aug 15, 2008 at 01:35 PM
We were almost like siblings.
We could argue without saying a word.
We also got the same jokes.
But while I like loud music with aggressive lyrics and grinding guitar, she likes (sigh) Madonna.
I worked over the cubicle wall from Julia Ferrante for about five years.
A Rhode Island native, she earned her moniker two years ago when a former employee known as Food Lion uncovered the smallest state’s official nickname: “Little Rhodey.”
She smiled at the tag.
Then, she was often smiling – even if she was perusing a county commission agenda that would have other reporters slamming their pens in disgust. How she produced lucid, well-crafted stories from boundless piles of governmental garbage I’ll never know; I’d sooner slit my throat with a broken bottle than even try.
If a co-worker was ever down, of course, Julia offered help – or at least an ear.
When comrades were happy, she shared their enthusiasm.
Sometimes, like the rest of us, she fielded angry calls from the public. Unlike some of us, she answered them professionally.
She hosted colorful Halloween parties, coordinated office celebrations and always had interesting nuggets of information to share.
Today is Julia’s last day at the Tribune. She’s leaving to work in public relations for a respected college in Amish country. I would go just as crazy living in such a rural setting as I would trying to connect the dots in a blitz of bureaucratic bunk, but I’m sure Julia will be fine.
I doubt she’s ever met anyone who wasn’t a potential friend.
Before he got too popular, back when he penned songs with worthwhile words and rhythm that could accelerate your heart rate, Billy Joel wrote “Say Goodbye to Hollywood,” featuring the following line:
“Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes
“I’m afraid it’s time for goodbye again”
This isn’t goodbye forever to my buddy.
But it’s clearly the end of a fun-loving era in the daily lives of her co-workers and local friends.
Like Billy Joel said, people are constantly coming in and out of our lives.
Sometimes, parting is the best for all concerned.
Sometimes, you don’t give it a second thought.
Often, it’s bittersweet, and that’s about where I am now.
Julia has an exciting opportunity in a more stable industry closer to home.
And I’m left to argue aloud with others.
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