New Beginnings at Stonington-Mystic Patch

When Stonington-Mystic Patch launched in December 2010, I don’t think any of us knew what to expect. I was the newbie reporter. The one who managed, “that blog.” It wasn’t easy, at first. But in the last two years we’ve figured out Patch together and I owe a huge debt to every person that visited Stonington-Mystic Patch, commented on stories, added events, announcements and blogs to the site—and gave constructive criticism.

So, it’s bittersweet for me to tell you that today, Friday, March 15, will be my last day as the site’s editor. I’ve been struggling to write this farewell column for about month and I’m still not entirely sure how to say goodbye, except to say thank you.

Thank you embracing me as part of the community, even though I grew up on the Groton side of Mystic. Thank you for making Patch a part of your daily life. And to the coffee shops including, the Yellow House, Bartleby’s Café and Wide World of Bagels, thank you for letting me use your business as my office. Patch gave me the opportunity to be a pioneer in a new field of journalism, one that couldn’t work without all of you.

During the last two years, I’ve had the opportunity to interview some truly wonderful people while covering a community full of passion for the arts, education and small businesses. Together we struggled through power outages, watched businesses come and go and celebrated the town and the people who make Stonington, Stonington.

Along the way, I’ve been lucky enough to call some of the most dedicated and skilled journalists my co-workers. They helped me launch the site, pitched in with stories, photographs and videos and became treasured friends.

While I hope I am forever referred to as the original Stonington-Mystic Patch girl, from the very beginning this site was never about me but about you. And since I’m moving to the Washington, DC, area I’m counting on all of you to keep me updated on what’s happening in my hometown and in southeastern Connecticut. Continue to use the site as it continues to evolve. Sign up for the newsletter; upload events and announcements, and share photos and blogs. Get updates on Facebook and Twitter. For news tips and questions following my departure, contact Regional Editor Corey Fyke.

-Bree