Column: It's Not Goodbye, Just See Ya Later
Editor Heather Collura bids farewell after two years at the helm of Summit Patch.
In the last two years much has changed in Summit.
The school budget was cut last year by common council for the first time in anyone's memory.
One councilman was investigated on allegations of official misconduct and another was censured by council for exposing it.
A man was murdered in downtown Summit.
But in a lot of ways, not much has changed at all.
The governing body still struggles with balancing maintaining the level of services many Summit residents expect to find in the Hill City with fiscal responsibility in these difficult economic times.
The schools continue to excel at educating the children of Summit.
The community continues to innovate, to give back to others and to celebrate life in Summit.
When Summit Patch launched on Aug. 18, 2009 it changed the media landscape in this small city. Never before was the magnifying glass aimed at city officials 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Mayor Jordan Glatt once commented to me how amazed he was that just one hour after a ceremony he spoke at Summit Patch already had a story, photos and video feed of that very speech live on our site. The speed of life had changed.
Never before was there a place to celebrate lifes little accomplishments, whether through Athlete of the Week or through our announcements section. In fact, I celebrated my own engagement via Patch.
Never before was there a place online where community members could come together to discuss, debate and review.
And so, it is fitting that just shy of the two year anniversary of Summit Patch's birth, I am leaving my post as editor.
I have enjoyed every minute I spent as editor mostly because I have met many amazing Hilltoppers. I have covered historic moments in town and hopefully brought a life to the digital Summit.
But now it is time to move on. Personally and professionally much has changed for me in the last two years and as I prepare to embark on the next phase of my life when I marry my best friend this fall, it is time to relinquish the reigns and allow a new editor the chance to breathe their own life in Summit Patch.
I hope that you as a community will continue to read, continue to ask questions and continue to debate. Summit Patch is just a vehicle for many of the conversations already happening daily on the streets of this great city. Streets I am now proud to walk as a resident, just like all of you.
See you around town!
BJ Coghan
12:53 pm on Friday, August 12, 2011
Superb job, Heather. Your shoes will be difficult to fill by ONE person as you seemed to be everywhere at all hours! Best of luck in your new job!
kcd
1:35 pm on Friday, August 12, 2011
I enjoyed reading your work and you became a daily routine- hope your successor can do the same!
Henrietta Mahon
2:29 pm on Friday, August 12, 2011
best wishes as you continue your life's journey!
nicole blomfield
10:16 am on Saturday, August 13, 2011
Heather, best wishes for a wonderful future. Thank you for all you have done to elevate educational issues within the local media landscape.
Nicole Blomfield
President, Summit Educational Foundation
Terri Tauber
2:36 pm on Sunday, August 14, 2011
Heather - I wish you all the best as you start your new life and your new career! You've done a great job and it's been a pleasure getting to know you. Take care!
Michael Vernotico
7:08 pm on Sunday, August 14, 2011
Heather - you did a great job. You will be missed. The very best to you going forward.
Melissa Kuzma
9:38 am on Monday, August 15, 2011
Good luck, Heather! We'll miss you!
Melissa Kuzma
Summit Housing Authority
Melanie Wilson
4:31 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011
Heather, it really has been a pleasure to work with you! Thanks for all your support of Summit schools!
Fred Honold
4:46 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011
Heather --- Your presence as Editor of our Summit Patch will be sorely missed. You have brought grace and class and style to all you have covered in and about Summit. And from HomeTowne Television's perspective, it has been our honor to have had the opportunity to collaborate with such a first class professional journalist. Many Thanks!
On behalf of all those here at HomeTowne, let me wish you and your fiance all the best for your autumn wedding and all the years to come. It is good to know that your future is to remain in Summit ... so yes ... we all look forward to seeing you around town.
On Behalf Of HomeTowne's Board Of Trustees
Fred Honold, President
HomeTowne Television - "Your Neighborhood Network"
Lori Dahl
7:33 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011
Heather, you embraced Summit with heart, energy, passion and spirit. Through your words you articulated how so many of us felt but were unable to express. From the childlike wonderment of snow accumulation to sensitive life-altering events, you were able to pen what we were feeling. Your words allowed us to participate with a sense of community which is treasured by so many of us. I will gladly meet you on the streets of Summit any time to celebrate the person you are, what you have given to Summit and your new and exciting life with your best friend as his wife. See ya later Heather, LORI
Marybeth Robb
11:03 am on Thursday, August 18, 2011
Heather, your warmth, humor and willingness to be everywhere at all times are what got Patch off to a great start in Summit. Best wishes to you and your fiance as you begin your new life together. MB
Joe Steiner
11:06 am on Thursday, August 18, 2011
Good Luck in your new position -- I am sure you will still be communicating with us all! Had fun at all those Council meetings, Chamber events, and every other place we ran into you. Nice job for two years -- you've set the bar pretty high!
Joe Steiner