Russ's Ravings: Agree Or Disagree, My Readers Are My Heroes

Editor's note: The following is Patch Field Editor Russ Crespolini's, hopefully, weekly column. It is reflective of his opinion alone.

One of the things I like about Patch, is that we try new things and develop new initiatives. Some of them do well and some of them fail spectacularly. But I really like the effort and I learn something new from them every single time.

One of these things is as part of our partnership with Ring we are highlighting local heroes and letting people know what they are doing in the community. Sure, we get a lot of doctors and nurses and first responders, but we've also been receiving teachers and babysitters and grocery store clerks and people that just made a difference in town.

Here are a few of those that I've posted:

• 'Managed The Pandemic Beautifully': Mendham Hero
• 'Inspiring, Supportive And Strong Leader': Hackettstown Hero
• 'Gone Out Of His Way For Our Community: Jefferson Hero
• 'She Cares And Is Giving Of Herself To Help Others': Sparta Hero
• Doctor Provides Daily COVID Updates In Spanish: Long Valley Hero

So it got me to thinking about my own heroes. Sure, my parents and my undergraduate advisor from college are up there. So are my doctors at Sloan Kettering and some of my students who shared with me their stories.

But the hero I want to focus on at the moment, is you. Yes. My readers. I have been spectacularly blessed over the course of my career that some version of this column has run in almost every publication I have ever worked for.

It has helped hold officials accountable, won me a few accolades but probably most impressively, found me the doctor the operated on my brain in January.

And that is just from reader reach.

Now don't get me wrong, many people hate my column. They hate me and my opinion, and they go after my thought process and sometimes even me personally.

And that is delightful.

Because you are engaged, you are interested and you are reading. There is nothing worse than apathy. Apathy and indifference is why we have uncontested elections that hurt our democratic process. Apathy and indifference are the antithesis of our way of life.

And that is, at the end of the day, why I do what I do. To bring an informed electorate to the polls. To encourage everyone to get involved on the local level, attend meetings, read budgets and participate.

And if you disagree withe me and I make you mad? Good. Email me and tell me, post comments to the column or create a Patch account and post some commentary of your own.

But don't be indifferent.

And I am pleased so many of you aren't. How do I know? I see who is reading, I see the comments and I see the emails, even if it takes me time to respond (which I do unless you are a crank, then you are banished to the crank folder).

But with everything going on around us, it is you who continue to inspire me. The parents, the teachers, the convenience store workers, the coaches, the health care professionals. All of you.

So my hero call out is for you.

With profound gratitude.

But now I want to hear from you. Show me your heroes. Fill out the form and let the community know who keeps you going.

Russ Crespolini is a Field Editor for Patch Media, adjunct professor and college newspaper advisor. His columns have won awards from the National Newspaper Association and the New Jersey Press Association.

He writes them in hopes of connecting with readers and engaging with them. And because it is cheaper than therapy. He can be reached at russ.crespolini@patch.com