When I began as Palatine Patch editor in September 2010, I didn't quite know what to expect. Patch was a new company, with no name recognition and I, like all Patch editors, was starting from scratch.

To my relief, people in this community were great from the start. Residents and small business owners such as Norma Hipchen of Norma's Coffee Corner were friendly and helpful. The government officials I dealt with were always professional and accessible.

It is with a twinge of sadness then that I have to announce my time as Palatine Patch editor is coming to an end. The news is good – I have been promoted to Assistant Regional Editor. I still will be involved in Palatine Patch – and several other Patches in the area – as a manager. But, I will not be the day-to-day editor for Palatine, and for me that makes the good news a bit bittersweet.

I will be leaving you in good hands, however. Savannah Ziegelbauer is now the Local Editor for Palatine. Savannah previously was the editor of Algonquin and did a terrific job there.

And, although I'm moving into a new position, I still will be around. I plan to work often in Palatine and to stay in touch with all the contacts, and friends, that I have made over the last year-and-a-half.

For old times sake, I have attached my old welcome video from September 2010.