Community Corner

An Editor Says Goodbye to River Edge and Oradell

It's official. Tomorrow is my last day with Patch as I begin an entirely new adventure of my life. I have been writing for Patch for nearly three years and it all began with a conversation. While standing in line in a coffee shop in Fort Lee waiting for a grande skim latte, I met a man who was starting something new--something he called Patch. He was a young editor in search of a writer. Lucky for him, I was a not-so-young writer looking for an editor. The community paper I had worked for, a paper that had been in print for generations, had just taken its final breath. So there, in a coffee shop, one late fall afternoon in 2010, a deal was struck, a friendship made and an experiment started.

My road to River Dell began in New Milford in 2011 where I took over for the original editor. Being neighbors, I often found myself writing for, or about, River Edge and Oradell in the reporting of news. When I officially arrived in River Edge and Oradell as its editor this spring, it was a natural fit. 

There are so many to thank that I almost don't know where to begin. And if I've inadvertently left you out, I certainly won't forget you.

My thanks have to go to the River Edge and Oradell Police Departments and to their respective chiefs, Tom Cariddi and Frank Florio, who extended their hands and made me feel at home in their towns. Both always made me feel very welcome, especially at the scenes of emergency situations. My sincere apologies again to Chief Florio for barging into his office thinking I was entering an antechamber leading to his office. Rather, as a bull in a china shop, I stormed in without knocking, crashing into his desk and knocking more than a few things over. I like to think he was laughing beneath the incredulous look on his face--and I'll go with that. 

To all of the members of the River Edge and Oradell Police Departments, it was a pleasure spending a week watching you create a Junior Police Academy that was not only effective in delivering its message, but incredibly inspirational to watch. By the end of the academy, it was evident the profound and positive effect your hard work had on the children who attended. I wish you an even better second year, and all the years that follow. 

To the members of the River Edge and Oradell Fire Departments and the respective chiefs and officers, thank you for always making me feel welcome at any fire emergency and for looking sideways whenever I may have allegedly slipped beneath the yellow police tape to get a better look at a working fire. In all hours of the day and night, in the oppressive heat and extreme cold, you are out there providing an incredible service to your community and you are all volunteers. 

To Mayor Sandy Moscaritolo of River Edge and Mayor Joseph Murray of Oradell, thank you for always being so generous with your time. The same goes to the entire council of both towns. It was my pleasure getting to know all of you. 

I am honored to have been able to be part of the great conversation called Patch, but it doesn't end with my leaving. The conversation will continue long after I am gone. 

Your Patch site isn't going anywhere. Patch is currently reviewing alternatives for some of its sites, including this one, but please know that the site is still here for you to use and I encourage you all to continue to post events, blog, post announcements and news items to share with your neighbors. 

In the words of my dear old Irish dad, "It was great to know you!" And until we meet again--please be well. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here