Patch Editor Cindy Cusic Micco Says 'Aloha' Instead of Good-Bye

“Aloha” is a great word because it can mean “hello” or “good-bye”.

I don’t like goodbyes, so I guess I’ll be leaning on the “aloha” word as I tell you that I am leaving my post as editor of Pine-Richland Patch.

My “aloha” will be on Friday.

I won’t be going far. I am simply returning to my free-lance writing/editing business and (I hope) a less hectic schedule.

It is bittersweet to say “aloha” to Pine-Richland Patch. I love bringing news and information to the community in which I live. I will sorely miss the people with whom I have become acquainted as well as my wonderful Patch colleagues.

When I was hired in November 2010, there was no Pine-Richland Patch … or Cranberry Patch or North Hills Patch or North Allegheny Patch or ….

You get the picture.

Now Patch has 14 sites in Western Pennsylvania and hundreds more across the country.

I have had the pleasure of covering news in the Pine-Richland community since our Patch site went live on Dec. 23, 2010. Yes, two days before Christmas. My biggest concern at the time was posting a video about the “Feast of the Seven Fishes” that we had recorded at the now-defunct Blue Water Tavern.

Then I looked around and said: Now, what do I do? Everyone is on vacation and there is nothing going on.

I never say that anymore. There is always something going on. My notebooks are full of story ideas, and I continually find interesting people about whom I love to write.

If only there were more than 24 hours in the day …

Although some stories can be tough to write, my goal as a journalist is to inform. I deeply believe in the freedom of the press and the public’s right to know about what goes on in their community.

I also believe the adage: The pen is mightier than the sword. Covering the news is an enormous responsibility that I take very seriously every day.

I treasure the time I have spent as the editor of Pine-Richland Patch and I appreciate all the people I have met along the way. It has been an honor and a privilege to bring stories to you. I thank you for reading, sharing and commenting on them.

Now it is time to pass the pen (actually it’s an Apple MacBook Pro) to another editor.

Local Editor Jessica Sinichak will be taking over my duties. You can reach her at jessica.sinichak@patch.com.

Our Regional Editor, Cindi Lash, also is available at cindi.lash@patch.com

I’m taking some time off and finally will put to use that Christmas gift certificate for a membership to Pine Community Center. If you see me there (or anywhere), please say “Hello” and tell me how you’re doing.

In the meantime, Aloha.