'Thank You, Ridgewood,' Says Outgoing Editor

Since I attended the cabaret fundraiser Jamboree in February, periodically the show's finale gets stuck in my head, "Thank You, Ridgewood."

I don't exactly remember the lyrics (and I won't put to words the version of the melody bouncing between my ears), but the song's sentiment many months later strikes me as appropriate—a gracious group of parents letting the audience, sponsors, all of Ridgewood really, know how much they appreciate the town's support.

As I prepare to leave Ridgewood as Patch editor August 13, I can relate to that sentiment—thanks, Ridgewood.

Though I haven't been able to reach out to everyone, I've tried to give notice and explain my departure to those I've seen. Originally from Southern New Jersey, I'll be transferring to the Manayunk-Roxborough sections of Philadelphia to start a new Patch site. Never you fear, as Ridgewood will be in the capable hands of James Kleimann starting August 16. A Wyckoff resident—and Wyckoff Patch contributor—James grew up in the area and sat in for me during my vacation in July. He's been getting up to speed on Ridgewood and is excited to start up next week.  

From the first time I traveled under the train station bridge and saw the central business district expand before me, I knew Ridgewood was a unique and interesting place. Walking the streets daily those first weeks last summer, I encountered many friendly faces who were equally welcoming and skeptical of Patch's venture.

It didn't take long, though, for people to consider Patch a legitimate news source and a part of the community. As I primarily run the site (with the help of many), I quickly learned I, too, was part of the community. Whether in the Ridgewood Coffee Co., the library or strolling East Ridgewood Avenue, people have often stopped to chat and give me their two cents on Patch and the village as a whole.

Ridgewood is certainly well regarded for its downtown, schools and commuter convenience, but what really makes it stand out are the people. I mean where else but Ridgewood would a council member invite me to her house for Thanksgiving? Maybe that speaks to the kindness of the late Annie Zusy, but I think that example properly reflects the nature of Ridgewood residents (And for the record, I declined, as my own mother would have been upset). 

For most of the past five years, I've covered New Jersey municipal governments in several of the state's regions. In my time, I've never come across a town with people as informed and passionate about their town than in Ridgewood.

The village has gone through a host of issues this past year—from Valley to Graydon to elections—and occasionally, things got a little messy. One aspect not lost on me—someone who strove to anchor the middle—was that despite disagreements that sometimes caused people to dip below the maturity threshold, the primary motivation was always doing what's best for Ridgewood.

There's many people I could thank by name in all aspects of life, and I'm afraid by singling people out, I'd mistakenly omit so many more. So speaking generally, all public servants—who are fellow residents volunteering their time and skills to better Ridgewood—have always been friendly, forthcoming and helpful, even when they didn't have to be. The same goes for staff members from the village, schools and Ridgewood Public Library—an entity with so much to offer the town.

Additionally, every staff member of The Ridgewood News I've encountered have been nothing but kind to me since Ridgewood Patch launched. Naturally, Patch and the paper are competitive rivals, but The Ridgewood News has always demonstrated professional courtesy and embraced the jockeying for stories in the village. Having two news sources devoted daily to Ridgewood can only benefit the community.

I would also like to thank specifically the Ridgewood Patch contributors who started with me last October when the site went live: Gloria Johnson, Marshall Katzman, Nina Minichetti, Libby Deely, DC Stein and DC Murphy. The consistency and work ethnic from these people have added greatly to our site, and we wouldn't be where we are without them.

Internally—and further breaking my rule of name-dropping—my bosses Steve Johnson and Louis Hochman kindly (and appropriately) whipped me into shape, and greatly improved my skills as journalist and writer. And lastly, my site couldn't be as strong as it is without the constant help and advice from Wyckoff editor Nicholas Loffredo. Nick's really shown me what it means to be a reporter, and in addition to being my best copyeditor, has also been my mentor since I started. There, I said it.

And, of course, thanks to my lovely girlfriend Hannah, for dealing with the long-distance thing for a year. I think we made it through pretty well. Now, I guess I am getting too personal... 

To close this ramble, I'm both saddened to leave Ridgewood and excited to start anew. I hope to avoid some mistakes I've made, but am proud of the work accomplished here.

Thank you, Ridgewood. Starting Monday, James is all yours.