A Fond Farewell to Chatham

This might be the most difficult piece I have ever had to write.

On August 23, 2010, I took over Chatham Patch from Zach Subar, who launched the site on December, 28, 2009. Now, exactly three years later, I must announce with great regret and sadness that I am no longer the site’s editor.

Don't worry, though, Chatham Patch will continue. I leave you in the hands of Jake Remaly, who has covered Montville, Madison and East Hanover-Florham Park Patches for years and worked for The Daily Record before that. He has been a trusted and laudable colleague and I wish him the best as I move on to East Hanover-Florham Park and Hackettstown Patches.

In Patch, and in Chatham, I found the sense of community I missed when I first moved to New Jersey, knowing almost noone in the state.  

That community is in the business owners who wave to me as I walk past their storefronts. It’s in the way people ask me for help publicizing their new businesses, their fundraisers or their expansions. It’s in the way proud parents send me news tips about their children’s accomplishments—and no matter the scope of the accomplishment, the joy when it’s published (or the consternation when it’s not).

It’s in the outpouring of support I received during the storms, after physical injury (including one resident who offered to carry me up to my third-floor apartment when I was on crutches—you know who you are), after personal tragedies. 

It’s in the 115 emails I receive every day, and in the way you have all made me a part of your lives, sharing your triumphs and sorrows.

These are the things that make Patch special: The bond we as journalists must, by necessity, form with our subjects in such a hyperlocal environment. In the last three years I have formed that bond with many of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything.

The people of these two towns took me in. You certainly made me work hard for your acceptance and confidence, but once gained, it has never been shaken. I thank you, and my only regret is that I cannot end my time at Patch the same way I started it: by covering the Chathams.

You may still see my byline on this site now and then over the next few weeks. I intend to stay in Morris County, and you will probably find me at least a few days a week occupying my usual armchair at the Library of the Chathams.

I would be very glad to pass along my personal contact information to anyone who might wish for it.

There were times in the last three years when I faced challenges, both personal and professional, and almost always in those times someone from the Chathams always came through and did their best for me. If in the future I can be of use to you in any way, I will certainly do my best for you. I treasure the friendships I've made here and look forward to staying in touch with you.

Again, thank you, and please join me in welcoming Jake to his new position as the editor of Chatham Patch.