Local Patch Editor Says Goodbye to Pelham

When I first landed in Pelham, armed with my notebook, video camera, tripod and laptop, I was fired up to share Patch’s cutting edge one-man-band journalistic model with my new readers. It didn't occur to me how much I would learn about the fundamentals of storytelling from the people in Pelham.

From the moment I investigated my first piece here, a story about the that gives teens the chance to compose, direct and star in their very own plays, I realized there was something very special about this community of just 12,000.

Since early November, I’ve learned that although everyone in Pelham and Pelham Manor pretty much knows each other and/or is related, these two villages possess an undeniably rich culture and commitment to bettering this town, which never allowed for a dull moment while working as a local editor here.

Such devotion manifests itself in varying ways. For one thing, residents don’t take kindly to the word “no.” When it came to saving the historic , the and the , Pelhamites galvanized in a way that was nothing short of inspiring.

But even when the outcome does not prove positive, as in the case of the varsity hockey team losing the to a questionable call, or when the Pelham Guidance Council lost its , locals respond with a sense of grace and resilience that indicates the fight isn’t over. The hockey team was quick to develop a new training program. The PGC immediately launched a letter writing campaign and appealed the decision. One local just recently wrote a piece for Patch about the unmistakable “” youngsters here have.

What I found just as uplifting is how this community refuses to wait for a mishap to strike before taking action. Before teens contemplate drinking or doing drugs on the weekend, is ready with a fun, sober activity for them to turn to as an alternative. Before Colonial students could hear that journalism is a “dead” industry not worth pursuing, Rich Zahradnik set up the district’s first so that the budding writers could make that decision for themselves. Before kids in Mount Vernon go hungry, is there with knapsacks full of nutritious food for them to eat.

Observing and writing about this kind of selfless service confirmed for me what it is that I hope to do with my craft—to try and make better what is oftentimes so wrong in this world. Which is why, I am moving on to edit the Impact section at the Huffington Post, a section that focuses entirely on underdogs around the country and the world who don’t get the media attention they deserve. The hiring managers appreciated my unquenchable thirst for serving up justice and the amount of sheer activism I had stumbled upon in Pelham.

While I’m going to miss setting up shop in  to report on the late (sometimes very, very late) night Board of Education meetings, I know that the experience I’ve had here has been the perfect segue into my new role.

Don't worry. I’m leaving you in the greatest of hands and ones that I trust entirely. Our Associate Regional Editor, Satta Sarmah (Satta@Patch.com), will be taking over until a new editor is hired. I'll also be keeping a close eye on the Patch newsletter and my replacement to make sure she’s doing a fabulous job.

As I move on to the next stage in my career, I just want to thank you for inviting me into your homes, schools, board meetings, productions and sporting events. By allowing me to tell your stories, I’ve become a better journalist and person.

It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve you.