Community Corner

Nazareth Patch Editor Says Goodbye

Editor Mallory Vough is leaving Patch, but not without some great memories and a grateful heart.

Did you know Nazareth Patch almost wasn’t?

When I was in the throes of being hired by Patch.com in 2010, I was mentally preparing myself to be the editor for Palmer/Forks Patch.

Nazareth Patch wasn’t in the original plan when Patch.com decided to plant its roots in the Lehigh Valley.

Find out what's happening in Nazarethwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I have to thank Regional Editor Susan Koomar for recognizing the potential in the Nazareth area and pitching the idea to add Nazareth Patch to the Lehigh Valley roster.

The new hire, after all, lives in Bushkill Township.

Find out what's happening in Nazarethwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Two years and six months later, that new hire—who is now a veteran Patcher—is saying goodbye to her baby, Nazareth Patch.

I remember tackling my first Patch story. It was about Upper Nazareth Township’s plan to improve three intersections within the next 10 years. I have to thank Al Kortze, the township’s engineer, for his bravery. He was my first interview for Patch. No one ever wants to go first.

I will forever be thankful to people like Kortze, who likely doesn’t know how much he helped my cause.

I also have to send shout-outs to:

  • Tina Smith, president of the Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce. She is a rock star and her networking skills are ah-mazing. 
  • Karen Trionfo, the creator of “Neighborhood Chef.” She helped spread the good word of Patch and has been a fan from the beginning.
  • Lee McGuigan and Det. Sgt. Mike Melinksy, from Colonial Regional Police. They helped me add police news to my lineup when Nazareth Patch first launched and have been helpful ever since.
  • Jeri Kronstadt, Upper Nazareth’s secretary and treasurer. She didn’t hang up on me. I remember introducing myself, immediately adding, “I’m not selling anything!” She laughed and I headed to the municipal building to give her the low down on Patch.
  • Jack Tobias, freelance copyeditor. We spent many hours at the Nazareth Diner eating Pepper Pot Soup while combing through my stories. I look back at my first stories and cringe. He taught me so much.

But, of course, there are so many more individuals and groups who made—and continue to make—Nazareth Patch what it is today. My readers, especially… I can’t say enough.

A quick flashback at some of my favorite stories:

  • The Storm: What Really Happened
  • Kitten's Ride in Engine Compartment Ends After Parking Lot Rescue (Note: Motor is now 11lbs. and doing well).
  • Viewfinder: Nazareth in an Icy Glaze
  • Lower Nazareth Elementary Students Send Donation-Packed Truck to New York
  • Volunteers Help Shafer Elementary's Memorial Garden Bloom

I recently posted a story about a “Teen Mom 2” star who sent an anti-Lehigh Valley tweet.

Whoever says there’s nothing to do in the Nazareth area needs to be the editor of Nazareth Patch for one week. And whoever says they wouldn't want to live here needs to be the editor of Nazareth Patch for one day.

Sure, we have our issues. Who doesn't? We just have to make sure the good outweighs the bad. In my short 26 years, I have yet to find something better.

I've accepted another job in the Lehigh Valley, so if you see me please don't hesitate to strike up a conversation. Let me know how things are going and what you've been up to. I’m still living in Bushkill Township, so there’s a good chance you’ll see me walking my dog at Jacobsburg or lounging outside So Fun! Frozen Yogurt (my guilty pleasure).

And Patch.com isn't going anywhere. Nazareth Patch is here to stay (I wouldn't have it any other way). I'll be around until Friday, April 19, but after that, Palmer/Forks editor Dino Ciliberti will be your go-to guy.

Dino's contact info:

  • dino.ciliberti@patch.com
  • (484) 661-9686

Thank you for letting me cover this amazing community. 

Much love.
- Mallory

P.S. After Friday, you can reach me at voughm@gmail.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.


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