Community Corner

Editor Says Farewell to Naperville; Hello to New Opportunity

After two years working as the local editor of Naperville Patch, Local Editor Mary Ann Lopez moves on to cover another Patch community.

After a nice long vacation, I am back and ready for a new challenge. After two years as the Local Editor in Naperville, I am moving on to become the Local Editor for Glen Ellyn Patch, where I will begin my tenure full-time Monday.

I have mixed emotions about leaving Naperville Patch because this site has been like a baby to me. I helped launch it, nurture it and then I watched it grow. Naperville Patch is no longer crawling; it’s running and moving on to great things. I’m as proud as any parent could be. Cutting the cord isn’t easy, but necessary.

The time has come for me to take on new challenges and continue my growth as a journalist.

Find out what's happening in Napervillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Naperville Patch has grown incredibly from those first days in September 2010 when we wondered if anyone would find us and read our content. Today, we have a strong Facebook following, regular bloggers and most importantly, a strong community of readers and commenters who love what we do. 

I’ve lived in for several years—and will continue to do so—but reporting on the community gave me a new perspective. I’ve met so many wonderful people, many of whom I’ve written about in . Without the opportunity to report and write about my hometown, I might never have learned how amazing Naperville really is. 

Find out what's happening in Napervillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Leaving my role at Naperville Patch isn’t easy for me. I’m a firm believer that if you are going to grow as a person, you need to step outside of your comfort zone and with my new role at Patch, I will have that opportunity. I will be learning about a new community and will be able to help another site grow and flourish. 

I want to thank all the wonderful readers who have been so supportive of me and of Naperville Patch. I want to thank all of you who have read the stories I’ve written, talked with me on Facebook or dropped me a line telling me what you liked or didn’t like. I’m extremely thankful to the Facebook friends who have shared news tips and readers who have done the same. Thank you for your kindness, support and also for your criticism. It’s been a wonderful ride and the fun shall continue!

As I say farewell, Collin Czarnecki continues on as the editor for Naperville Patch. You can continue to find him here or contact him at Collin.Czarnecki@patch.com. If you are so inclined to check up on me, you can find me at Glen Ellyn Patch. Visit at GlenEllyn.Patch.com or like Glen Ellyn Patch on Facebook. Otherwise, look for me out and about in Naperville and feel free to say hello.

Thank you again for your support, it will not be forgotten.


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