Patch Editor Sean McCullen Says Goodbye
Friday is Sean McCullen's last day as Gloucester Township Patch editor.
Well, Friday is my final day here—I'm out as Gloucester Township Patch editor.
In the two-plus years since I came to Gloucester Township, I've learned a lot about this town. Some good, some bad. To be honest, despite growing up in nearby Waterford Township, all I really knew about Gloucester Township before I started with Patch was that it was home to Camden County College's main campus and a Superfund dump, and that my cousin and my aunt and uncle lived here.
I've come to learn Gloucester Township is full of great people, as well as political intrigue—to put it mildly—some very good youth and high-school athletics programs, and, unfortunately, some not-too-bright criminals.
No offense to its editorial operation—like most in this business, they've been destroyed by budgetary constraints and seemingly endless staff cuts—but the Courier-Post really hasn't covered Gloucester Township as it should in a long, long time.
Patch is a great fit here.
Gloucester Township residents want local news. That much is evident. Our Facebook page's "likes" grew from zero in mid-November 2010 to 1,830 as of 11:30 Thursday night. On Twitter, we grew from zero followers to 537 followers.
I'm proud of the way I've been able to use Patch to inform residents of things they likely never would've heard about without such a platform.
For the past two-plus years, my freelance team and I have brought you stories on everything from crime, to township issues, to school events, to youth sports.
Rest assured, all of that will continue even with me moving on.
The South Jersey Patch staff will take on Gloucester Township, continuing to bring you all the great news, columns, blogs, photos, announcements and calendar events we've brought you each day since Dec. 6, 2010. It promises to be an interesting 2013 here, to say the least, with Mayor Dave Mayer running for re-election.
As for me, I'm moving to Brooklyn, NY, to live with my girlfriend—the unquestioned love of my life—after about two-and-a-half years of doing the long-distance relationship thing.
There are many, many people to thank for helping me make Gloucester Township Patch what it was during my time here.
First and foremost, I'd like to thank you—our readers. And, yes, I even thank those of you who will no doubt be writing "good riddance" comments below.
There's also our freelance and blogging team, especially Eric Schwartz, who ran sports coverage for me the past year and a half or so; Mike Monostra, who often served as the site's guest editor when I was away; Paul DiBartolo, who knows I disagreed with 90 percent of his opinions, but it still worked; Trish Adkins, who did a little bit of everything for me; Michelle Wolfson, who may well be known henceforth as "Mrs. Green;" and Mat Boyle, who was always there to shoot great photos when I needed him.
And there are my South Jersey Patch local editor colleagues—some of whom are still with Patch, some of whom have moved on—Bryan Littel, who has been my co-worker for nearly 11 years, Rob Scott, Matt Skoufalos, Bill Duhart, Christina Paciolla, Diane Fuhrer, Anthony Bellano, Doug Bergen, and Deena DiBacco.
Of course, I must offer a special "thank you" to South Jersey Patch regional editor Tim Zatzariny Jr., who brought me into the Patch family. Tim and I were once competitors in Cumberland County—he worked at the Daily Journal while I was at The News of Cumberland County.
Last, but certainly not least, a huge "thank you" to South Jersey Patch associate regional editor Lauren Burgoon, who was always there to make life easier on the local editors in our region and, at least with me, to offer solid suggestions on how to handle sticky situations.
While I'd be lying if I said there weren't moments of frustration during my two-plus years as Gloucester Township Patch editor—hey, it's a tough town with plenty of opinionated people—I truly did enjoy my time here. I hope all of you will continue to support and use Patch on a daily basis.
Sean McCullen
If you need to get in touch with someone from Patch, reach out to South Jersey Patch regional editor Tim Zatzariny. His email is tim.zatz@patch.com. His phone number is 609-775-5880. You can also continue to send emails to gloucestertownship@patch.com.
julia donahue
6:30 am on Friday, March 1, 2013
Sean, best of luck to you! It was a pleasure meeting you last year and may you find the happiness you deserve!
j.
Paul J. DiBartolo
7:53 am on Friday, March 1, 2013
Sean, you're the best Patch editor I've ever known...of course, you're the only Patch editor I've ever known. But seriously, you well know my affection for you. Hey, if somebody has to live up in NY, it might as well be you:-)
Good luck, I'm happy that you're getting to pursue things where you really want to be...it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
Big Daddy 1
8:30 am on Friday, March 1, 2013
Thank you Sean and best wishes.
Andre Bademos
8:37 am on Friday, March 1, 2013
Sean,
Best of Luck to you. It is nice to see the storybook love story come true. May God bless you in all your future endeavors. Don't forget the first born should be named Andre'...lol...just kidding. But I sincerely wish you all the happiness in the world and remember live a good life, pray, because as long as you love the lord our savior, all things are possible. May you be blessed with a loving wife, obedient disciplined and motivated healthy children and the wisdom to know love, health lots and lots of children equal happiness not money.
May god hold you in his arms and guide your path to the future with all his love a graces. God bless and I hope you always remain as much or even more in love then you are today because that my friend is the best gift the lord can provide you with.
Andre'
Joshua Berry
9:14 am on Friday, March 1, 2013
Good luck and godspeed Sean McCullen
Andre Bademos
4:35 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2013
mayor blackberry, I told ya he was not in prison
Darren Gladden
9:43 am on Friday, March 1, 2013
Good luck Sean. The people of GT should be honor that you got out the TRUTH the LAST 2 years you were here..
Michael
9:45 am on Friday, March 1, 2013
Good luck Sean!
Dave Sulvetta
9:46 am on Friday, March 1, 2013
Good Luck! I hope everything works out great for you. Maybe a job at the New York Times?
James Kibelstis
10:02 am on Friday, March 1, 2013
Best of luck Sean and thanks for covering and reporting all the Gloucester Township issues objectively.
Pete Heinbaugh
10:06 am on Friday, March 1, 2013
As a gentleman moves away, the level of civility in GT just dropped a notch.
Best of luck to you, Sean.
Darren Gladden
11:36 am on Friday, March 1, 2013
and if we don't make a REAL change in 13 and get out Dave Team ....Many will leave also ........
Gary Frisch
12:09 pm on Friday, March 1, 2013
Sean, it was a real pleasure working with you, both in your role with the Patch and at the County animal shelter. You opened my eyes to the power and usefulness of the Patch, and brought me into the fold as a blogger. Best of luck with your move and future career!
Lauren Burgoon
12:26 pm on Friday, March 1, 2013
Sean, It's been great working with you. You should be really proud of what you've built with Gloucester Township Patch. Good luck in NY!
Linda Musser
2:48 pm on Friday, March 1, 2013
Sean, best of luck in all your future endeavors. Thank you for covering all the GT news. I am sure that the opinions of the GT residents will have you well prepared to take on New Yorkers!!!
GTWatchdawg
3:47 pm on Friday, March 1, 2013
Sean, You produced a local news network that grew into a hub for GT residents to see what is going on in town.
Best wishes for success and personal happiness.
Jimm
4:42 pm on Friday, March 1, 2013
Thank you Sean for your service, Your work here is well appreciated by many and evidenced in the growth of the G.T. Patch. Please 'visit" us and let us know how you are doing.
William A Whitcraft
5:06 pm on Friday, March 1, 2013
Best of luck to you Sean. It has been a great addition to the Township.
Teddy Liddell
6:32 pm on Friday, March 1, 2013
Sean, unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to talk much, but I really appreciated your willingness to keep comments fair and civil on the Patch and publishing "good news", positive stories that encouraged us all - including the one regarding my daughter! May God bless you on your new direction in life! Teddy Liddell
Sean McCullen
8:27 pm on Friday, March 1, 2013
Thanks for the kind words, everyone. Best to you, too.
Caresalot
11:18 pm on Friday, March 1, 2013
Sean, Thank you very much for the kind words, your support, and editorial features you provided to the residents of Gloucester County on behalf of the County's first African-American female Councilwoman; Mrs. Crystal Evans. She along with all of her previous Constituents, Supporters, Friends, and acquaintances wish you continual success in all of your future endeavors. May God continue to bless you!
Ron Miller
7:29 am on Saturday, March 2, 2013
Sean
Best of luck with your future plans. And I hope you will find a fun and fulfilling tennis program for your daughter in the new digs.
Ron Miller
Darren Gladden
9:35 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2013
Peace Out , Rockstar hahaha http://youtu.be/SSR_KbnZo2Y
Uncle Jon
7:52 pm on Sunday, March 3, 2013
Sean, Good luck buddy! I'm gonna miss all of our hunting trips and nights at Bob's range in Glassboro. NOBODY shoots an AR15 like your Bro! I hope that you can accept the new laws of King Andy and Court Jester Mike, but you are truly worthy all of them for sure.
Michelle Wolfson
8:58 am on Monday, March 4, 2013
Good luck in Brooklyn, Sean.
Thank you forgiving me the opportunity to write my Going Green column for Patch. I have enjoyed it, even during the rough spots. And yes, I too fear that I may come to be known as Mrs. Green from now on. ;-)
I hope our paths will cross again some day!
Darren Gladden
5:49 pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Don't Hate embrace ........;-)
Charles
10:30 am on Monday, March 4, 2013
After reading, and agreeing with, the many comments made above, I realized that no one had said, "Good riddance!" So I will (LOL).
A. Carroll
5:37 pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Best wishes and good luck in everything, Sean! And thanks for helping me get into Patch despite my lousy computer skills.