Dear Norcross Patch readers: 

I just wanted to let you know that today is my last day as Editor of Norcross Patch. 

First, I want to thank you for the warm reception. Even when you had no idea what this “Patch” thing was, you allowed me to question you relentlessly, to point my camera at you and to sit in on your meetings, scribbling away. Together, I think we created something pretty awesome.

Now allow me to editorialize just a bit. When I used to work at Dominick’s over 10 years ago (yes, that’s why you recognize me) there was not much going on in downtown Norcross. Taste of Britain, the Station Café and the then-Norcross Tavern were surrounded by empty shop fronts. 

I now walk down the streets of downtown daily and see so much life. There’s mariachi music coming from Zapata, people basking in the sun with their dogs outside Mojito’s, young professionals tapping on their laptops outside 45 South and screams of kids coming from Thrasher. Downtown Norcross is a story of revitalization done right—and I have been proud to cover a place with so much energy. 

Now, I can say with 100 percent confidence that the reason all of this happened is the incredible dedication of the people who live here. This is a community that can produce hundreds of volunteers at 5 a.m. for an Art Fest. Easy.

Likewise, as a somewhat-outsider coming in, I was impressed with the openness of the city government and other community leaders. The first time I called Mayor Bucky Johnson and told him about Patch, he said, “Come on over to my office.” Whether it has been a Councilmember or Community Garden organizer (that’s you, Connie!), you've returned my calls and helped me do my job better.

Even as I leave for other opportunities, Patch lives on. While the hunt for a perfect editor is underway, please contact Guest Editor Sarah Bakhtiari (sbakhtiari1@gmail.com) with any news tips or questions. 

Thank you again for our time together,

Laura Sullivan