The new Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce Director Meg Morris started last Thursday under the watchful eye of outgoing director Paige Lake. Five work days later, she was on her own.

Like many who have come before her, she is going to have to sort a lot of it out by herself. Luckily, she has high school intern Robert Will to help. And Lake probably won't be too far away.

Morris attended the University of Texas. She last worked in insurance, for a small agency. Before that she was a veterinary technician in an emergency animal hospital as well as a day clinic.

She and her husband are recent transplants from Dallas, Texas. They've been here a little under two months, having purchased land on Puget Island, where they plan to build a house and shop.

"I've always been fascinated by the Pacific Northwest," Morris said. "We went to Seattle for a family vacation about a year ago. My husband did a lot of research online and we found this place. We love it."

The hustle and bustle of Dallas had gotten to be too much, and they were looking for some space and a bit of peace.

They are also hoping to adopt a more outdoorsy lifestyle, including hiking and kayaking.

"Anything on the water," Morris said.

She found her new job when her neighbor handed her a copy of The Wahkiakum County Eagle.

"I'm looking forward to making a difference," Morris said, "and I wanted to become a part of the community. I'll get to meet a lot of people and hear what they have to say. I'm looking forward to all the events. I'm excited to see the kids trick or treating and the costume contest for the pets. I just want to see everyone have fun."

Fun? She must be in the right place.