Author J.M. Barrie once said: “Never say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting.” So I decided I’m not going to say goodbye, but rather “until next time.”
After nearly two years and almost 3,000 published articles, today is my last day at Patch. This move is certainly bittersweet for me to announce, as there has been so much history made in just two quick and busy years.
On Oct. 11, 2010, I began a journey on the forefront of modern journalism when I was offered the opportunity to launch the first Patch news site in western Pennsylvania at age 22.
I had recently moved home from Florida, following a post-grad internship, to live with my parents in Peters Township. Days later, I received a package that was like Christmas morning (MacBook, iPhone, printer, police scanner, wireless card, digital camera, press pass in tow—all the necessities for a mobile office) and was whisked off to New York City where I would train in the AOL building at Patch HQ on Broadway.
That identifiable Patch sticker-adorned laptop would soon meet township officials, politicians, neighbors, students, local business owners and Farmhouse Coffee goers, day in and day out.
This position has allowed me the freedom to decide news coverage, the authority to hire freelancers, the chance to meet some of the most brilliant and accomplished people in the community, and to be a leader in the emerging field of entrepreneurial journalism.
It wasn’t easy in the beginning. I was the newbie reporter who managed “the blog” that no one was sure about. That “blog,” which was adding sites and full-time editors across the country left and right, soon made competing, local publications attend more meetings and fetch that local story that they might have left undone otherwise.
In May, I won my first Golden Quill Award—along with associate regional editor Zandy Dudiak and freelancer Sarah Klingler—for a spot/breaking news story: Woman Dies at Hospital Following Standoff with Police.
That local story, like many, received comments, emails and positive feedback that assured me I was doing my job correctly, accurately and timely.
The outpouring of support from Peters residents, and the quick hello in coffee shops or at the scene, often made my days. The moments where I’d overhear a story read on Patch as the topic of conversation between local moms, or the times where I’d be approached, “You’re the Patch girl, right?” did as well.
One of my favorite moments was speaking among a panel of journalists on Career Day to a group of Peters Township High School students. When asked who gets their news from Patch, almost all hands were raised.
I feel blessed to have covered such an encouraging community, with little crime and a lot of drive for further education, the arts and an expanding business district, not to mention medical mecca.
I’m thankful to have called some of the most skilled and well-seasoned journalists my co-workers. It didn’t get any “Patchier”—we helped each other out with stories, we contributed photos when someone couldn’t get there, we stepped in when needed, we became friends—sharing caffeinated late-night laughs and successes.
With that said, I urge you to continue to use the site, as you’ve helped it evolve as an invaluable resource, to make your life easier. Sign up for our newsletter, where you can get breaking news alerts; upload events, photos and announcements; and blog in our Local Voices section.
Be sure to follow our updates on Facebook and Twitter if you haven't already.
Lastly, I’m not straying far, but have accepted a wonderful editorial opportunity I couldn’t pass up. In the Peters community, I hope to forever be referred to as the original Peters Patch girl. After all, my hard-at-work photo does hang above the mantel at Farmhouse—something I’ll always cherish.
Patch has grown to more than 850 sites in just over three years and currently serves more than 10 million users each month. I’m so proud to have been a part of this movement. Thank you for being a part of it with me.
For news tips and questions following my departure, please contact Becky Brindle, Upper St. Clair Patch editor, and/or Amanda Gillooly, Canon-McMillan Patch editor.
Tanti auguri! A presto,
Andrea
In This article
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Peters Township Municipal Building
610 E McMurray Rd, McMurray, PA -
Farmhouse Coffee
502 Valley Brook Road, McMurray, PA -
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Peters Township High School
264 E McMurray Rd, McMurray, PA -
Roger
6:33 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
I wish you well in your new opportunity. Thanks for your work over the past two years with Patch.
Cindy
6:43 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Andrea~ Good luck in the future. You are a pleasure to work with and will be missed. Since you will be 'local' I hope our paths cross again. ~Cindy Neky, Marketing Pathways.
SBeinhauer
7:10 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Andrea.....Best wishes and much success with your new endeavor. You can look back on the Patch with a big smile knowing that your hard work and efforts helped make it a success.
Michael Silvestri
7:12 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Patch was very fortunate to have you as their first editor in this area. You set a standard and approach that I hope continues.
M. Silvestri
Becky Brindle
3:07 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
We sure will try, Mr. Silvestri! :)
Carrie
7:17 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Andrea, you will be missed! It has been a pleasure working with you. I wish you much success in the future!
Myra Oleynik
7:19 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
You were a pleasure to work with and I'll always remember your very first Patch story. Congrats on being selected as one of Pittsburgh's Fifty finest too! I know there are great things ahead for you Andrea! Best! Myra
Gary Rosensteel
9:23 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Good luck, Andrea! I've enjoyed your coverage of many different stories. Is anyone taking your place, or is Peters Patch closing down?
Becky Brindle
3:08 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
No way will it close down! You can send me news tips for now at Becky.Brindle@patch.com. I'm the editor in Upper St. Clair. Thanks, Gary!
Erin Faulk
9:25 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Once a Patcher, always a Patcher! We'll miss working with you, Andrea—you helped get this started for all of us. Glad you're still close by!
Lexi Miller
9:27 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Andrea- I am so sad to hear this!! Will there still be a Peters Patch? I wish you the best in your new career! You have allowed me to grow so much as a writer and I cannot thank you enough for granting me this wonderful opportunity. Lexi Miller
Becky Brindle
3:09 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
There will still be a Peters Patch! But Andrea's given us a high standard to keep it going! :)
Heidi Dezayas
9:28 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
We're going to miss you, Andrea!!
Dean Beattie
9:33 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Killin' me girl! Best of luck to you in your future endevours and if you ever need a freelancer, let me know :-) Hugs girl!
Amanda Gillooly
9:34 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
*tears* Will miss you so much!! Best of luck in your new adventure!!
Brenda Schwartz
9:46 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Best wishes Andrea!
Anthony Brown
10:21 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Godspeed !
- I also liked the "Farmhouse Coffee" shout out.
Tracey Eakin
11:44 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
HI Andrea, best of luck to you in your new position. You will certainly be missed. Thank you for making my foray into social media so easy.
Charles Morreale
2:14 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Andrea, we will miss you. You are a winner and you helped make the Peters Patch a winner also. You will be a gem of an asset in whatever you do. Good luck and God bless you.
John Dougherty
2:21 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Andrea,
I am bummed, but also happy to hear your news! You were nice to meet and quick with a hello whenever I saw you around the township whether it be at Panera or Pizzaz!
All my best and here is to another random "bumping into" somewhere in the township!
John Dougherty
Greg Nardine
2:48 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Andrea,
Best of luck in your new career!
Keep in touch
Becky Brindle
3:10 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
I'm sad to see you go, but very happy for you! Keep staying "Patchy!" Love you!
Andrea Bosco
3:23 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Blown away by all of the love I've received today. Your sweet messages, support and well-wishes mean everything to me! THANK YOU! <3
Jim Berquist
4:18 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Andrea, you will be missed. You have been a pleasure to work with and have enjoyed you work. Good Luck with your new position and keep in touch!!
Dee tatman
9:38 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
So sorry to see you go! Good luck with your new position,
Steven C. Morreale, M.D./M.P.H.
10:57 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Miss you! I wish you the very best with your new path. Stay in touch!
Jennifer Rignani
9:12 am on Thursday, September 13, 2012
You were there for me when I was jumping back into writing freelance. I am proud to add Patch to the list of publications to run "Hip Momma" over the last 6 years. I loved writing it again and I loved eating all the food for reviews out there. It was a nutty time as I transitioned from a huge exec job back to writing and you were patient. But where are you going-did I miss that? Anyway, good luck - lots of road in front of you. - Jennifer.
Ruthi Bosco
9:31 am on Thursday, September 13, 2012
Dear Andrea, Your trail blazing, integrity, character and professionalism with your work has made us sooooo proud, as do these heart warming comments from the community. We are very excited for your new venture! No doubt you will rock it! Love you so much, Mom and Dad
Lynn Martin
2:04 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
Andrea- Congratulations on this new chapter in your life!! You are an inspiration to all who meet you and it's been a pleasure working with you- Good luck and God Bless!
Lynn & Farmhouse Coffee
Cindi Lash
6:55 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
Dear Andrea, you know you will be missed enormously!!! I'm glad you will be close by and our paths will continue to cross. Thanks always for your enthusiasm, smiles, passion and hard work to break ground for us all here, obvious affection for a community I love and willingness to help your Patchy colleagues. Wishing you every happiness and success, but know you are loved here in "the Patch." :-)
Lois Guinn Framing
4:23 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Best of Luck Andrea!
-Carrie