Thank You, and Goodbye

Today is my last day here as a local editor at Patch.

I don't feel the need to rehash what has already been covered in media news nationally and regionally, but there is one important thing I want to emphasize before I sign off today:

All Washington Patch sites, including the ones I've had the pleasure of overseeing in Renton, Bonney Lake, Sumner and Enumclaw, will be staying open even though they will no longer have a local editor assigned to them - at least for the time being.

The one common concern I've heard from so many readers since news first broke that Patch was changing things up here in Washington is that the sites clearly filled a need in your community, and what will happen if the sites did close?

All other things being equal, I'm happy to report that won't be happening at this point. Further, the company will be maintaining the sites' Facebook pages as well.

I sincerely hope you will continue to utilize these sites as needed to communicate important news to your fellow neighbors, to share ideas, discuss issues constructively and keep that vital local dialogue going. 

In recent months, I have had the blessing and challenge of covering vibrant, and somewhat geographically distant communities in Renton and in Bonney Lake and Sumner. As long-time readers know, I took over for two incredibly talented editors who conceived of these sites from the beginning and nurtured them toward being the successful sites they are now: Jenny Manning and Lauren Padgett. 

Even with the changes, you were gracious in welcoming me to your communities. In this farewell note, however, I thought it was best to let the original editors speak for themselves. Lauren has shared her own thoughts and news about where she's headed next here. And I know though Jenny has not been the Renton LE for several months now, and is quite busy these days, she took some time recently to share her thoughts.

As for me, though I've not been the Enumclaw LE for several months as well, this community will always have special meaning for me. I have loved being a part of your lives and will sincerely miss all the new friends I've made. We're now in the last quarter of 2013 but let me take one last opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Centennial!

I'll venture to speak for Lauren and Jenny as well by thanking leaders, business owners and citizens in all of our towns for giving Patch a chance, including us in your communications, and making us a part of your lives.  

We've made some great strides in getting that hyperlocal conversation going. Please, please help it to continue!