I was introduced to her years ago at a newspaper conference in
Harrisburg.  Friend and co-worker Pattie Mihalik said, "Donnie,
I want you to meet my friend Edith." I was impressed from the
start.  Edith Hughes lived in Monroeville and worked for Gateway
Publishing - executive editor in charge of newspapers and
magazines in western Pennsylvania. At a personal level, she was
a petite, mature woman who dressed impeccably and wore fancy
jewelry. Professionally, she pursued perfection.  Edith was a
1951 journalism grad of the University of Pittsburgh, from the
old school. She began writing at age 15 and had spent a lifetime
in the field. Edith believed in the power of community
journalism and devoted herself to the idea that accuracy and
details are important. She expected a high level in terms of
quality. In other words, Edith felt that newspaper stories
shouldn't merely be acceptable. They had to be excellent.  Over
the years, Edith, Pattie and I sat together at conferences,
seminars and dinner presentations. We