Editor's Notebook: A Belated Sandy Thanks

It is just over a month since the arrival of Hurricane Sandy. The weeks post-Superstorm were deeply challenging for many who lost power, heat and hot water, suffered damage to their homes and struggled through nightmarish commutes.

As a still somewhat newbie Patch editor, I was able to cover the storm and its effect on Maplewood because of the generosity of many people. Here are just a few:

• The township’s exceptionally dedicated elected officials and employees who allowed me (and others) to camp out at town hall to recharge and continue working. A special thanks to Mayor Vic DeLuca for cheerfully permitting me to stalk him for 10 days.

• The merchants of Maplewood Village who welcomed those in need of electricity, warmth, food and camaraderie. The Maple Leaf Diner and Able Baker, in particular, served as de facto offices and a refuge from a cold, dark house. (A shout out to Fred Shandler at Arturo’s for serving this overtired and underfed editor the world’s most delicious fresh ricotta crostini on Election Night.)

• People throughout town, especially those taking shelter at the DeHart Center, who shared their stories with me in the midst of a very difficult time.

• The residents who graciously offered me a place to work and get warm.

• Readers who sent invaluable tips and photos throughout the storm and its aftermath; especially Alexandra Birnbaum, Mike Liquori, John Mousseau, Jennifer Thorson, and Scott Greenstone for up-to-the minute NJ Transit developments. Thanks to Joy Yagid for her terrific photos.

And finally and most importantly, to the many people who emailed, posted on Facebook and tweeted messages of support and encouragement. I couldn’t have done it without you, the best readers any editor could ever hope for.