Farewell Patch, I’m Gone But the Beat Goes On

Dear Readers,

This isn’t the first time I’ve written to you from the heart but it will be the last as your Branford Patch editor. Effective today I will no longer be working with Patch.

The timing for this move could not be more perfect. I am going to be taking a job that allows me to have more time to take care of my growing family and Patch will soon be launching a new platform making it easier than ever for you to contribute to Patch without my help! Of course there will still be editors to deliver the trusted news about Branford happenings that you’ve come to depend on. In my absence, please reach out to Regional Editor Corey Fyke (corey@patch.com) with any questions, comments, concerns and story ideas!

When I moved to Branford in 2008 I fell in love with this town. We lived along the shoreline in Indian Neck and I grew to love the tranquil Long Island Sound but the thing that impacted me the most was the lively neighborhood where I lived. My neighbors became my friends and though I’ve moved from there since then, many of those people are still near and dear to me today.

The same can be said about the town on a whole.

I love getting a sandwich, whether it’s at Jersey Mike’s, Caron’s Corner, Harbor Street Market or Four Seasons and bumping into someone I know through Patch. I’ve really grown to develop a deep love for Branford through all the community members and will miss delivering the news to you and helping to tell your stories. It’s been a pleasure to work with so many of you to get the word out about the amazing things you do each and every day.

I have cried with you as you lost loved ones; I have rejoiced with you through victories both big and small; I have learned about many local processes so I could share the details with you. In short, I thank many of you for all your questions over the years that have fueled the fire of my reporting.  

I would like to thank Wilson and Dena Jara at Common Grounds for allowing me to run my virtual office out of their coffee shop for the past 2.5 years. It has been vital to the success of Patch – not only keeping me fueled with java but also helping me meet some many people who helped me to write and deliver the news of Branford.

I would be remiss not to thank the members of the Branford Police and Fire departments for embracing me and Branford Patch from day one. As well, I would like to thank many officials in Town Hall and various town departments like Public Works, Parks & Recreation, and the Animal Shelter for working with me over the past two years.

I also extend thanks to members of the Branford Public School system for sharing the great accomplishments of students with Patch over the years – specifically those in the performing arts program who allowed me great access to help share the awesome work Branford's young artists bring to life every season. I am so grateful that so many people in town were so open to Patch and willing to use the site as a vehicle. I encourage you to continue to do so. 

Deep thanks goes to my friends, family and colleagues for their support in launching Branford Patch back in December 2010 and being there for me every step of the way since. 

Now that I am a consumer of the news, I can’t wait for the new Patch to launch so I can start setting up groups to help make each and every day easier for my family and me! I hope to see you on Branford Patch and to share in the news of the town with you! 

Thank you so much for your support and dedication. To quote a former Patch colleague: “Onward” Branford Patch. 

Cheers and Love,

Nicole Ball

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