A Fond Farewell

Anybody who knows me understands that I don't like long, drawn-out goodbyes and I am loathe to bring attention to myself. Nevertheless, I feel an obligation to write a farewell column on this, my last day at Patch.

I started building this website in Sept. 2010, gathering information for the business directory and re-introducing myself to the town in which I'd grown up. I was met with a lot of blank stares and furrowed brows when I tried to explain who I was working for and what the site would be. "Another online newspaper? We already have three."

But I'd like to think Patch has since injected itself into the fabric of Holliston and that's something I'm proud of. Truth be told, Patch is the finest accomplishment in my eight-year journalistic career. I feel like I can leave with my head held high, having given as much as I could toward making this site a success.

But I didn't do it alone. I've always said that Patch belonged to the people of Holliston and without your help, this venture never would have gotten off the ground. Without people patiently providing information for the business directory, returning calls and emails or sending in news tips, Patch wouldn't be where it is today. I'm proud of my contribution to this equation, but the community itself is the true heart of Patch. Remember: this site needs its readers more than its editor.

And while I valued everybody who was involved in bringing Patch to this point, there are a few in particular who deserve mention. First, I need to thank About Town columnist John Shannahan. He went from respected elder, the father of a close childhood friend, to a colleague. And now I respect him even more.

Whether he's running around dressed like a baseball player from the 1860s or playing hockey, all in his mid 50s, I don't know anybody who can squeeze every last drop out of life like "Choo-choo" can. Oh, and the guy can write, too. Every time a reader would compliment the site, they would invariably heap praise upon Mr. Shannahan, which is what I called him until recently. And it was richly deserved.

Of all the things I'll miss about Patch, having the first chance to read John's work is chief among them.

I also want to thank Town Administrator Paul LeBeau, who faithfully sent me the agenda for the Selectmen's meeting and always promptly answered my questions about the snow removal budget.

I also want to thank the rest of the Selectmen's Office staff: Administrative Assistants Andrea Minihan and Donna Muzzy.

And I'd be remiss if I didn't thank the selectmen themselves: current board members Kevin Conley, Jay Leary and Jay Marsden and former selectmen Andy Porter and Will McColl. I think I only understood about half of what was discussed in Selectmen's meetings the first time I heard it, so thank you for explaining it all to me.

Not to be forgotten is the , especially Chief John Moore and Lt. Keith Edison. All members of HPD were professional, courteous and helpful. Remember I said that if you catch me going a little too fast down Washington Street.

And many thanks to Chief Michael Cassidy, a man who earns every penny of his salary. If you need medical attention, this is the guy you want to show up first to the scene. And thanks to him, I am now well aware of the Open Burning Regulations in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Also, I'd like to extend my gratitude to Superintendent Brad Jackson and the School Committee, which always helped me navigate the sometimes complicated budget discussions.

Thanks also goes out to the principals of the four : Michael Cournoyer (), Peter Botelho (), David Keim () and Linda Weene (). Further thanks are given to the sports coaches, especially Kristen Hedrick, Mike Kelley, Todd Kiley, Rick LeBlanc, Dan Santos.

Other people deserving of thanks (this is by no means a comprehensive list):

director Lina Arena-DeRosa, station manager Dennis Bergeron, , , Jim Crews, former Jackie Dellicker, Dan Dent, , State Rep. Carolyn Dykema, director Karyn Edison, , , , , Jon Juhl, Rachel Kagno, , owner Kate Lamontagne, , director Leslie McDonnell, , Jackie Napolitano, , , Anamika Roy, and Maria Schmidt of , State Sen. Karen Spilka, Sam Tyler, director Robert Weiner.