The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, “The only thing that is constant is change.” Although he spoke these words around 1,500 years ago, they remain as true today as they undoubtedly were then.

Many greet the possibility of change with fear and trepidation, but this should not be the case. Granted, some change is unwanted — the death of a loved one or the loss of a home to a natural disaster, for instance. Change can be especially traumatic when one has not had time to prepare for it. But for some, the fear lies not in the loss but in a general fear of the unknown or an unwillingness to learn new methods.

This is a faulty mindset, for without change, there cannot be growth.

L’Observateur just went through a major change of its own when it was acquired from Wick Communications by media group Boone Newspapers. Often, and especially in this time of premature reports of the death of the newspaper, such acquisitions are viewed negatively. This is especially true in this area after the Times-Picayune was scaled back to three times per week.

But regarding the L’Observateur deal, nothing could be further from the truth. Boone Newspapers, based nearby in Alabama, offers the newspaper several advantages and is committed to supporting community newspapers, such as this one.

For the reader, the changes will be minimal and, hopefully, all for the better. For the newspaper’s employees, there are new methods, but the mission remains the same.

So, it is with eyes focused on the future that L’Observateur enters its newest phase, one not of despair but of hope.

And, contrary to Heraclitus’ saying, there is one thing that will never change — L’Observateur’s commitment to bringing its readers the best coverage of everything that happens here in the River Parishes.