We're Making Some Changes To Cranford Patch

About a year-and-a-half ago, I had the privilege of joining Cranford Patch as the local editor. I have loved every minute of it, and have grown quite attached to the community and it's residents. But life is a journey, and as such, we have to keep moving forward. So, beginning today, I will hand over the reigns to a new local editor as I embrace my new role as the associate regional editor for all Union County Patch sites.

For the past few months, I have served as both the local editor and the regional editor simultaneously, but beginning this week, I will fully transition into my position as associate regional editor and turn the majority of local coverage over to Camilo Smith, who has spent the last year as the editor of Summit Patch.

The past 17 months have been anything but dull. A few weeks after I joined Cranford Patch, Hurricane Irene devastated the town and almost immediately, I discovered the importance of my job, as I worked around the clock to keep residents informed during the storm, and in its wake. In the months that followed, I met families who were affected by the flood. I watched as the town and its local officials worked to rebuild their homes, schools, businesses and lives. The community spirit was overwhelming and I am truly grateful to the businesses and residents who welcomed me into their houses and stores as they struggled to restore their property — even as a freak October snowstorm added insult to injury.

Then a few weeks ago, Super Storm Sandy struck, and once again the town come together in the wake of Mother Nature's fury. Sandwiched in between the natural disasters, there have been countless meetings, sporting events, school plays, street fairs, the fight against Birchwood Avenue development, local controversy, breaking news and too many feel-good feature stories to name. The more time I spent in Cranford, the more I felt like part of the community.

Having covered Union County for about 15 years of my journalism career, I'm excited to have the opportunity to work with other Patch sites in the county. But that doesn't mean I'll be leaving Cranford altogether. I still have a few features and investigative stories that I plan to publish in the coming weeks, and community members will still be able to find me and my colleagues "Patching" at places like Rockn' Joe, the Cranford Library and the Community Center. You can continue to send me feedback and questions at toniann.antonelli@patch.com or 908-380-1403.

Cranford Patch will continue its commitment to "making life ridiculously easy for you and your neighbors." As a journalist with several years of experience, Camilo will carry on our mission of keeping residents informed with constant updates on our site as well as via Facebook and Twitter. You can reach him at camilo.smith@patch.com or 908-812-6281.