Local Editor Says Goodbye to Marlboro and Colts Neck

Friday is my last day as your Editor at Patch. I’ll be moving on to another job in the area in December.

I don’t really know where to begin. This already is one of the more difficult pieces I’ve written while at Patch.

I can’t fully express to the residents of Marlboro Township and Colts Neck Township what being here has meant to me. It was never more apparent than in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, when I spent hours in the Marlboro Recreation Center speaking with residents and witnessing firsthand the strength of community.

Or in my conversations with former Colts Neck Mayor Jarrett Engel, who selflessly scooped a German Shepherd puppy from the road after the puppy was electrocuted by a live wire after the storm. (I can admit now, that I shed some tears while writing that story.)

Working in Marlboro and Colts Neck has made me a better person, I truly believe that. I’ve met unbelievable residents, like 6-year-old Brandon Kopp who bravely and happily combated his epilepsy by giving up the food every kid loves. Or 16-year-old Joe Vitale, who went above and beyond by building a school in Guatemala for his Eagle Scout project.

I met Jennifer Pellechio-Lukowiak of Colts Neck, a young mother who is now battling breast cancer for the second time. I ended up sitting outside in the rain with Jennifer for several hours, as she sat and listened to my mother’s story of surviving cancer. You know Jennifer now as a Patch blogger, I know her as an inspiration.

And I will never forget Stan and Fran Bauman, my adopted Marlboro Township parents. Not only have Stan and Fran celebrated more than 50 years of marriage, they have supported the youth in this town long after their children have moved beyond its borders. And they always call to check on my well-being, resulting in some of the most heart-warming conversations I’ve ever had.

I’ve carried so many titles in this company, all at once. Editor, writer, marketing professional, film producer--you name it, Patch Editors do it all. Yes, we do it for our paychecks but more than that: we believe in Patch, we believe in our communities and we believe it is our duty to serve you.

The mission of Patch is to connect neighbors, to talk about the things other media outlets may have forgotten in small towns, the things that mean the most to you. I didn’t realize the end result would be my connection to the readers.

To quote a fellow Patch Editor in Brandon, Fla., “Do your job well and you will forever be moved by the stories you tell. And in the end, there really is no final goodbye.”

Thank you for everything. I will definitely be seeing you around town, and don’t ever hesitate to reach out.

Going forward, please send news tips, information and questions to Regional Editor Jacklyn Corley at jacklyn.corley@patch.com.