Patch Editor Says 'Hello Goodbye': What a Ride!

Wow, what a great experience it has been serving much of my tenure at Patch as your local Patch editor. Thanks for inviting me to be part of your "village," the Sammamish-Issaquah Patch community that Brad Wong so expertly launched here three years ago and nurtured with great care and professionalism, and though we had some editorial territory shifting this year, I will always consider Sammamish-Issaquah Patch my "home" site.

As the classic saying goes, though, the only thing that is constant is change, and so it is with a sad but full heart that I bid you farewell, at least on this news site. Kendall Watson, who's done such a great job for our community, is off on a vacation day, so I wanted to share a few thoughts with you all.

Many of you have heard rumors, or talked with me on the phone about coming changes at Patch, but for those who haven't heard, Patch is undergoing an important transition that I sincerely hope will make it stronger.

For now, that transition includes me and Kendall. Our last day with the company is Tuesday, Oct. 15. 

As for me, I've spent a lot of time agonizing over how to say goodbye to you, all of you, so many of you who have helped me, and supported both me and the Patch model. Though I am leaving, I am so happy to report that the site will remain open, so I hope you will continue to share your community news, your informative and entertaining blog posts, and community events with your thousands of local neighbors. 

As for you all, you've shown your faith in and dedication to our community. As your editor, I've seen firsthand how the Sammamish and Issaquah communities pull together to seek ways to support families affected by tragedies, to celebrate art and community, and to speak your minds plainly on a variety of topics. We've had vigorous discussions, shared lots of laughs, and grown closer as a community through Patch. I've had so much fun participating in play readings, Cash Mobs, and so much more here. Many of you have become my personal friends in the process--I feel so lucky! 

I asked some of our Eastside Facebook fans what they've liked about Patch so far, and here's what some of them have said: 

• "I have enjoyed all of the new restaurant announcements!"
• "I often got news from you before other sources and I especially appreciated news from you that was important to this community that regular news sources wouldn't report on." 
• "I don't have a favorite Patch moment, I enjoyed it all. It's been a great way to be informed in community events; better than the news tribune! Thank you for all that you have done in our community."
• "I look forward to my various Patch news every day!"
• "My favorite Patch moments have been getting to know the Patch folks, like Jeanne, Greg, Caitlin, Venice and Margaret. Having you folks at MamaCon, blogging for you and hanging with the NY Patch folks at the National PTA conference last year."
• "Thanks to Patch for being responsive to questions and giving us' news' that was still 'new'."