Oak Lawn Patch Turns Three Today

It is hard to believe that it has been three years since Oak Lawn Patch went live on Oct. 21, 2010.

Colleagues who have covered Oak Lawn before me have said that I’ve already exceeded the shelf life of an Oak Lawn reporter.

This date has a lot of sentimental meaning for me. I’ve covered other towns and neighborhoods but none of them are as special to me as Oak Lawn.

I’d like to thank the public officials, I know I’ve angered some of you but I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t. The door to communication is always open.

I also wish to thank my young colleagues, past and present, for making me a better journalist and for persevering in bringing stories that our communities care about amid a lot of cynicism and criticism.

And to my boss, Dennis Robaugh. Working for you has been an honor, although I’m sure it hasn’t been easy.

Most of all, I’d like to thank you, our wonderful readers (even the mean, anonymous ones) and our 6,000-plus Facebook fans. You have kept me laughing and going through many late nights.

It has been a joy and privilege being your community editor and reporter. Thanks for your honesty, kindness and friendship.

Here’s to finding many more lost pets and making it to year four.