Today is my last day as editor of Brighton Patch. It was with much thought and discussion with my family that I have decided to focus full-time on my freelance writing career.

As I prepare to pass my laptop and iPhone on to the next editor (yet to be determined), I take credit for helping to bring Patch to town.

I couldn’t have asked for a better way to get to know my new hometown. I moved to the area in December of 2009, and through this editorship have been given license to explore all that Brighton has to offer, from its ski slopes, lakes and hiking trails, to its trendy restaurants and shops, and award-winning schools. I have attended public meetings of the board of education, township board of trustees and city council (something I recommend every resident do at least once).

It has been my pleasure and honor to meet the people who make Brighton the wonderful community that it is, from public safety workers and school staff, to the entrepreneurs, residents and families who call Brighton home.

I want to thank everyone who took my calls and emails at ungodly hours as I tried to track down facts or photos for stories. The people who have contributed to Patch are far too numerous to name, but some who paid us special welcome were Sgt. Mark Thompson of the Michigan State Police-Brighton Post; Margaret Vergith at the Brighton District Library; Superintendent Greg Gray at Brighton Area Schools; the ladies at the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce; Nick Palizzi at Downtown Main and Gail Sherman at Impulse.

I also want to thank all the residents who went out of their way to suggest story ideas, work with our freelancers, and become early adopters of Patch. You know who you are and I hope you continue to help the next editor as well.

Speaking of freelancers, I can’t thank enough 'my’ talented writers and photographers, most who have been with Brighton Patch since the beginning, and will continue contributing to the site.

Now, I look forward to becoming a Patch reader instead of its editor. Part of the beauty of Patch is that it seeks to engage readers and create community. Patch readers are invited to enter events and announcements for free, contribute blogs that prominently run on the home page, comment on stories, interact on Facebook and Twitter, and contact editors and writers with the click of a mouse.

So even though I’ll no longer be at its helm, I expect to stay involved with Brighton Patch. See you online!