Cindy (McCarty) Knier

MUNCY – Cindy Knier joined The Luminary as a staff-writer in 2003, and was named editor in October 2005. Her advancement followed the resignation of Vivian Daily, editor of 20 years, who returned to her native New Jersey. Since the weekly newspaper’s founding in 1841, Cindy became the ninth editor and third woman to fill the position.

At the time of her promotion, Cindy said, “Growing up in Muncy, the Luminary was always an integral part of my life, and I’m honored to be given the opportunity to contribute to the history of my hometown.”

Three years later, Cindy took a hiatus, returning again in August 2019 only to resign due to illness in August, 2020. Following her passing on October 24, 2020, longtime staffers recall memories of the late editor.

VIVIAN DAILY wrote

I remember the day Cindy walked into the Luminary office interested in a job as a reporter, full of joy and enthusiasm, and with a smile that drew me in immediately. That day began a relationship that was marked by her loyalty, curiosity, intelligence and dependability. Our small Luminary staff laughed often, teased constantly, and sometimes even worked really hard.

Because Cindy’s real name is Lucinda, early on I began calling her Lucy; and because I’m from New Jersey, she decided to call me “The Boss” (Bruce Springsteen), and that was the way it stayed even during our last conversation about a year ago.

While there are many lovely memories of our years together, my favorite is the time I told her of a toy I had wanted as a child and never received. Cindy searched until she found it and surprised me with it that Christmas. I’ll cherish it always.

It was a pleasure and an honor to work with my friend Lucy for those years. I know how fiercely she loved Rod and her children and how very much they and the rest of her family will miss her. So will all of us who were a part of her “Luminary family.”

RUTH FRY wrote

We spent a lot of time together in the office, it was truly a home away from home. I was always thankful to have the opportunity to work with wonderful people, especially Cindy and her hearty laugh. We had much in common including similarity in age and that of our children. Even though they went to different schools, we could relate to their activities.

I remember Cindy as always being ahead of the times. In 2008, she introduced the Luminary to Facebook and soon after, began pod-casting her job assignments before I’d even knew there was such a thing.

My most recent gift to Cindy was a Mr. Rogers keychain whom she loved for his Christian ethics and kindness.

She was an awesome practical joker, always putting something on my desk. On my computer, she placed a close up of my husband’s eyes and when booted up, he was staring at me.

When Cindy took editorship, I named her ‘Queenie,’ teasing her that I’d like to be Queen. She affirmed by restating she was keeping the title, however, she offered that I could have my choice of ‘Lady in Waiting’ or ‘Princess.’ I took the latter and thats how it remained. She would also address me as “Darling, would you be so kind to …. “. Whatever work she assigned me. I will always cherish my most recent video instant message she sent me ending with a big grin followed by her wonderful laugh.

Thank you Rodney and the McCarty family for sharing her with me. She was truly “Good People.”

CAROL SHETLER wrote

Cindy was my co-worker/editor during a large portion of my 20 years with the Luminary. She and Ruth Fry came aboard in 2003, a generation my junior, I leaned heavily on they’re abilities. It mattered not I was a rural ruffian and both of them townies, Cindy’s warm personality put me at ease.

Cindy was helpful in networking. When writing a series on the old Tidewater Pipeline Company, she gave me tips for possible interviews. For a short time in Moreland Township, Cindy’s grandfather had been a ‘line walker’ for the company. That’s when we found commonality that I’d been a classmate at 8-Square School with her uncle Gary Bennett, and her seamstress mother made bridesmaids dresses for my sister’s wedding. Ah yes, with this twosome I’d found a niche.

In a more recent example, Cindy’s generosity was again apparent. We corroborated on an article during a book signing by authoress Anne Knox. I provided a bit of input, however, Cindy being a Muncian, personally knew ‘Team Knox.’ I fully expected the story to have her bi-line, or at most, share it. However, Cindy gave me full credit. That was Cindy.

Not long ago, Cindy, Ruth and I had opportunity to reflect on the ‘good old days’ when Vivian Daily was our editor at the paper’s former office site in Muncy. Our bodies rocked with laughter during the “Do You Remember When?” session, and yes, they remembered.

Cindy’s laughter was always deep and infectious. A couple of my spoofs included times when Vivian decided an issue needed more content. The day before deadline, we were to gather answers to pre-determined questions from “People on the Street,” the pieces title. All of us, Cindy included, abhorred that assignment. In an effort to show the editor its ridiculousness, I calmly walked to and opened the door, looked up and down the street and announced, “Vivian, there’s nobody on the street!” Though the stunt brought laughter, we were not excused from the task.

A second example we recalled was, even though Cindy and Ruth were computer savvy, for me it was a glorified typewriter. Vivian insisted each of us be able to perform all facets of the process. As Cindy was left handed, changing the computer mouse annoyed the rest of us.

Upon sharing exciting story tips that came about, Cindy’s response would be, “No Way!” Early on in our work life together, “Tipster” became my nickname. Initiated by Ruth Fry, Cindy immediately joined in and the twosome always greeted me as such. At the offset, they didn’t know I cringed as I perceived it to be a joke. After Cindy became editor, I shared those thoughts and she immediately assured me I was appreciated. That was Cindy, alway supportive.

Cindy was a person of faith. The news of her illness and soon passing came as a shock to us all. That Sunday afternoon I was home alone not knowing she’d departed the previous evening. As an ominous feeling ensued, I went to a stack of sheet music where a poignant song was on top. From “Goodbye, World, Goodbye,” written by Mosie Lister, we provide the chorus. May it bring solace to all who mourn Cindy’s passing.