Editor Sara Martin Says Goodbye to Grosse Pointe Patch

Today will be my last day with Grosse Pointe Patch. It's a bittersweet decision I am announcing but one that is also exciting for me.
As I move to the next adventure in my life, I will miss covering the Pointes. I know, however, that all of you--the readers, the passionate residents--will remain alert to all that is happening in the community.
If you take nothing else away from the two and a half years of reporting I did in the Pointes, I hope you learned the Grosse Pointes are far from sleepy, inactive cities. 
In fact, officials in the Pointes are making important decisions on behalf of the residents each and every day. I would urge residents to become engaged with your city's officials--those who are elected as well as those manning the daily operations each city.
While the majority of officials recognize their role and responsibility to represent the residents, there are a few who believe they are entitled to make decisions in secret. There is a need to ask questions, to elicit conversation from officials. Have an opinion and share it, not just among your friends but during the public comment portions of meetings and in letters to your elected officials. Also, don't wait until the last minute to share your opinion. 
In my time as the editor of Grosse Pointe Patch I received emails just about daily related to anonymous commenters posting outrageous or offensive comments. I live here too, and sometimes the comments made me question among whom I am living.
Knowledge is power. How you present the knowledge is important and standing behind what you say by using your real name speaks volumes. It's more likely to be heard and valued, even when it's something others disagree with. 
I've truly enjoyed covering the Pointes and bringing news to readers each and every day. 
In my two and a half years as the Grosse Pointe Patch editor, I've been fortunate to meet many truly inspiring residents and officials who are always trying to make the community better. 
Thank you for letting me tell your stories. Thank you for caring about the community.
In leaving Grosse Pointe Patch, I will never look at a neon sign the same again. Whenever it rains, I'll be concerned for inland district residents of the Farms. I'm going to miss meeting all of the new business owners and being the first to learn about what new product or service they will be providing. 
I'll be continually impressed by all of the amazing things going on in the classrooms and by all of the volunteerism by Grosse Pointers. 
I've covered my share of controversial, sensitive and breaking-news stories. I've done it all with the sole purpose of informing you what's happening in the community and I've done my best to stay on top of it all. You helped and I appreciate it.
As I transition away from Grosse Pointe Patch professionally, I may make an occasional appearance personally in the comment threads or to post an event.
While Patch is working to determine a plan for coverage in my absence, I encourage you to communicate with editors through email at grossepointe@patch.com.   
Goodbye.