Smith: A Fond Farewell, Foxborough

Over the past year, I have relished the opportunity to get to know the town of Foxborough through my coverage of the community as your Local Editor of Foxborough Patch.

It is every local journalist’s dream to cover a community as strong, active and passionate as Foxborough and I have been blessed to experience all that makes this town the “Gem of Norfolk County,” which is why the purpose of this letter to you today is bittersweet.

After nearly three unforgettable years at Patch, I am moving on to a new career in Foxborough.

On Monday, June 17, I will be joining the New England Patriots and the Kraft Group as a Corporate Communications Coordinator within the company’s media relations department and while I am extremely excited for this new opportunity, I will miss covering this unique and truly wonderful town.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a journalist in Foxborough, serving as your local editor for the past year to provide each of you with your local daily dose of news and information while getting to know many of you in the community along the way.

I’ve been inspired by the volunteerism of local groups like the Jaycees, Foxboro Cable Access, F.A.C.E.S. and the Founders Day Committee, just to name a few.

I’ve been impressed with the community outreach from local businesses like Invensys, the Hockomock YMCA, Rodman Ford, Bay Colony Group and the Kraft Group. Both these lists are literally endless because of the type of town this is; which is why I’ve made Foxborough “home” and have chosen to live – and continue to work – locally beyond Patch.

School Committee member Steve Udden told me during his campaign this spring that Foxborough is the type of town where neighbors help out their neighbors.

“It's the type of town where if you break your leg we will bring you lasagna” he said.

And it’s true.

It’s been amazing to see the community rally together when people are in need. We saw it when Hurricane Sandy destroyed New York and New Jersey this past fall. . As a result, it took two trips down in a large moving truck to the devastated states to give those in need all the supplies that were offered by this community.

And we have seen it again more recently with residents rallying together to help John and Julie Hazeldine avoid eviction and stay in their 27 Spring St. Foxborough home.

The pride and compassion of this community rivals any that I have covered as a journalist or lived in as a resident … and I’ve lived in A LOT of places.

The point to all of this is simple: My experience in Foxborough has been the most rewarding time for me as a journalist because you all care so much about your community. For that, I am forever grateful.

So as I finish up my last day at Patch today, I wanted to take time to thank you all – the readers - for welcoming me into the community and for using Patch to stay connected to our town. You all made my job an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.

Thank You

I want to make sure I also thank everyone at Town Hall, the schools, the local organizations and my fellow “Patchers” for everything you did to make Foxborough Patch what it is today. I couldn’t have done it without you. 

The New Editor of Foxborough Patch

A familiar face in town will be replacing me as Local Editor of Foxborough Patch beginning Monday, June 17. Town resident and Foxborough High School graduate (Class of 2005), Dan Libon, will be returning to his hometown after spending time as editor of Wrentham Patch and most recently at our rival Mansfield Patch. I certainly leave this local news site in good hands and wish Dan continued success in his new role.

Dan has prior experience to covering Foxborough with Patch and has furthered that experience recently as he and Regional Editor Michael Hardman have been handling all coverage of the Kraft Group and New England Patriots since I began the formal interview process with the company in late May to avoid any conflict of interest.

Dan has a tremendous understanding and knowledge of the town and I have no doubt he will take Foxborough Patch to new heights in community journalism. I encourage you all to welcome him “home.” Your new Local Editor can be reached at Dan.Libon@patch.com.

Fond Farewell

Lastly, thank you all again for this incredible chapter in my life. I look forward to becoming more active in the community as a resident now that I am no longer a journalist in town and building off the relationships I have established in town over the past year.

Until then, I wish you all the best and as always, thanks for reading!

Your Local Editor,
Jeremie Smith