Over the past 18 months, more than 40 local writers, photographers and videographers have contributed to Maplewood Patch, creating an online community that draws from all sectors of Maplewood life. But sometimes virtual is not enough. Periodically, we like to see each other in an actual, real-life setting—preferrably one with delicious food and fine alcoholic beverages.
About 20 of Maplewood Patch's contributors—and a few subjects of our reporting—turned out on Wednesday, July 28 for our second "Patch Night Out," an informal evening of drinks and mingling at HighlandPlace Steakhouse in Maplewood Village. Proprietor Chris Farrow was on hand to make certain that every glass was filled and every appetizer was delicious. A number of Patch regulars had the opportunity to meet the new regional editor for Union County David Chmiel, former editor of NJ Monthly magazine. Marcia Worth also met and greeted a few potential freelancers for the first time: Marcia recently took over as local editor for South Orange Patch after Cotton Delo's departure.
Other contributros present and/or pictured include: John Celock (editor of Westfield Patch), Marilyn Lehren, Sonya Kimble-Ellis, Judie Hurtado, Judith Lindbergh, Stuart Lutz, Jose Ortiz, Tim Reynolds, Joel Stern, Mike Lashinsky, Claire Sinclair, Colleen Sinnott, Alexandra Birnbaum, Barry Kaufman, Joy Yagid, Mary Mann and Lauren Bright Pacheco.
Look for the next PNO—or Patch Night Out—in South Orange some time early in the fall.
