Bristol-Warren Patch Editor Says 'Good-Bye'

I had hoped to spend my last two weeks formulating the best goodbye letter in the history of Patch goodbyes, yet here I am down to the wire trying to turn a head full of thoughts in to a short but sweet note.

Some of you may not know it, but running a Patch site is more than a job. As cliche as it may sound, it is truly a lifestyle. The job has been so influential on my life in fact that I almost considered legally changing my name to "the Patch girl", since the majority of the community only knew me, and may still only know me, by that name.

In my tenure, I have met so many interesting, amazing, and inspiring people who have a lifetime of stories that have yet to be written. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to meet and work with so many of you in my own hometown over the last two years and my appreciation goes out to all of you.

My biggest thank you goes without saying to you, the community. There is a reason I don't call you all "readers" and it is because you have done so much more than just "read the news". You have shared your stories, comments, news tips, photos, events, announcements, and most importantly, your lives with me to help Patch blossom. I am honored to have had the opportunity to share your stories with the rest of the community. Thank you to all of you bloggers and residents who have taken part in Patch. Without all of you, Bristol Warren Patch would not be where it is today.

I must also thank two former Patch contributors, Christy Nadalin and Leigh Medeiros, who were Bristol-Warren Patch all-stars who started with me in 2010. Bristol-Warren Patch wouldn't have flourished from the start without Christy's humorous articles in her or Leigh's , and creativity.

My sincere gratitude also stretches to our community leaders in both Bristol and Warren for being so open, welcoming and willing to help. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with local legislators, local schools, both town councils, police departments, fire departments, departments of public works, recreation departments and all other employees within the town and town hall.

Last but not least, I have to thank my family and all of the new friends I have made for all of their support and help. My mother, father and boyfriend deserve special recognition for having been coerced into being my chauffeur countless times while I covered breaking news, snow storms and updates during tropical storm Irene.

Moving forward I hope that you will embrace Patrick Luce, the Rhode Island Associate Regional Editor who will be taking my place until a new, permanent editor is chosen to lead Bristol-Warren Patch. If you have photos, news tips, announcements, feedback or anything else, please do not hesitate to contact Patrick at Patrick.Luce@patch.com or by phone at 401-651-2102.

Thank you again to each and every one of you for not only helping to shape Bristol-Warren Patch, but also for making such a tremendous impact on my life.