Dear Patchers,

It's with mixed emotions that I tell you this is my last week as editor of South Whitehall Patch and North Whitehall Patch.

It's hard to go.

After two years of covering the South Whitehall community -- and enjoying just about every minute of it -- I'm moving up to the position of Associate Regional Editor for the 12 Patch sites in the Lehigh Valley. 

So I'm not saying goodbye, but 'so long' as I'll still be closely involved with all our local Patch sites, from Easton to Emmaus to South Whitehall. I just won't be in South Whitehall and North Whitehall every day anymore. I'm passing that baton to a new Editor, Jennifer Rodgers, who will officially be taking over South Whitehall Patch and North Whitehall Patch on Monday, Oct. 1. You will be in good hands. You can reach her at jennifer.rodgers@patch.com.

I will miss covering the stories that help shape the community and the people here -- the firefighters, police and ambulance workers who are the community's heroes, the business owners who sell everything from frozen yogurt to clothing to jewelry, the crime watch folks, the staff at Parkland Community Library, the students at the public and private schools who impress with their talents and enthusiasm.

Some of my favorite moments have been at community events like South Whitehall's annual tree lighting ceremony, but also at the Parkland school board and township meetings, where I met the young girl who wanted to raise chickens as pets and I learned about the latest development plans.

I've been with South Whitehall Patch since its launch in December 2010. North Whitehall is newly launched, in August, but I've met many of you at Senior Day and other locales.

South Whitehall Patch and North Whitehall Patch belong to you, the community. Use it to make your life ridicuously easy. Sign up for our newsletters, post announcements, events and photos, post a blog when you have something to say.

You will still be able to reach me at maryellen.alu@patch.com.

Thanks again.

I'll be seeing you. 

Sincerely,

Mary Ellen