So Long, Hoboken

It seems impossible to capture three and a half years of covering Hoboken in one column.

But, I'll try.

Thursday marked my last day as Local Editor of Hoboken Patch.

Three and a half years ago, I came to to town as the brand new editor of Hoboken Patch, on a frigid, snowy day in December.

Nobody knew what Patch was, or what I was doing here.

Now, three and a half years later — along with hundreds of municipal meetings, two hurricanes, three guilty pleas in federal court, a police protest, a hospital sale, multiple floodings, two St. Patrick Day Parades, two Leprecons and three St. Ann's Feasts — I leave it on a blistering hot day in May.

Now, I must admit, I'm terrible at saying goodbyes. I get all nostalgic and sappy.

Last week, during the city's annual memorial parade, it occurred to me that I knew the majority of Hobokenites marching on Washington Street and realized how special that is. I might not ever have a journalism job again where I am so ingrained in the community.

My memories here are too plentiful to list. Of course coverage of Sandy and its aftermath was a defining moment in my career. Covering the Hoboken angle of the Newtown Shooting was heartbreaking.

But looking back, it's the little things that will stick with me most. The jokes from the City Hall security guards as I walked into the building. The familiar sight of the Chief of Police smoking a cigar in front of police headquarters. City Clerk Jimmy Farina's comforting voice as he takes the vote at a council meeting.

Big or small, I will miss it all.

Thanks to the community for reading the site and for a steady stream of feedback, whether it was bad or good. Thanks to my sources for trusting me with their information, their time and their reputations. And thanks to everyone in Hoboken that makes this place the incredible, hilarious, wonderful and challenging place that it is.