It was a combination power lunch and sentimental journey for me Thursday when I joined this group of community journalism “characters” at Flounder Bay Restaurant. Instigator of the gathering was Wallie Funk, ex-newspaper publisher and one-time employer of several in attendance. Pictured are Kasia Pierzga, publisher of the Whidbey Examiner; Dave Pinkham, publisher of the Stanwood-Camano News; Jack Darnton, publisher of the Anacortes American; Funk; Frank Garred, former publisher of the Port Townsend Leader; Fred Obee, General Manager of the Leader. I worked for Wallie in two stints, the more dramatic of which was 1976-1980 when I was fresh out of college at WSU. Amazingly, the community of Oak Harbor survived us all. Leader publisher Scott Wilson opted out on the gathering, choosing quality time with children in his capacity as father/coach. We’ll forward “minutes” of the meeting for his perusal.