Editor's Notebook: Goodbye, Commack

Today is my last day as editor of Commack Patch.

On Monday, I will be heading to the South Shore to take over as editor of West Islip Patch.

As I prepare to leave you in the talented hands of Happauge Editor , I think back to the days since I became Commack Patch editor on Dec. 27, 2010 (During a blizzard, no less.)

In these 445 days, Commack Patch has published more than 3,000 articles,  230 announcements and more than 2,900 events.

The people of Commack welcomed me into their community, many of them not knowing what Patch was or who I was.

We have been through an entire school year and a half together, , an and a . We have witnessed crime and loss as well as celebration and triumph.

I've learned a lot about Commack, but what stands out to me the most is the community's dedication to providing their children with the highest level of education and working hard to give them a bright future, whether it means cheering them on from the sidelines every Saturday morning or attending late-night Board of Education meetings.

Though covering an entire community has its challenges, there was always a friendly voice offering me tips on a story, or simply words of encouragement.

Wherever I couldn't be, my team of talented writers and photographers filled the gaps. Thank you to my hard working freelancers, columnists and bloggers who helped build the site into a hub of local news and information.

Good luck to Sara, who I know will keep Commack Patch on its path as the center of local news coverage.

I wish you all the best and I hope to still see your friendly faces around town. Feel free to visit me over at West Islip Patch and say hello.