An Open Love Letter to Twinsburg

"Twinsburgh."

That's how I originally thought you spelled the name of a community that was foreign to me three years ago. I was fresh out of Kent State University and looking for my first professional gig in journalism. 

I was more concerned about finding a job so I could get married to the love of my life than finding a career.

But not only did both of those things come to pass; I also fell in love with a small community with so much to offer.

As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15 I, Local Editor Mitch Cooper, will no longer be at the helm of Twinsburg Patch. The decision was made for me, but I won't go any further than that. While I will be gone, the site itself will still be live.

I have spent most of the past three years covering Twinsburg (I learned very quickly how to spell it right) and can honestly say I am sad to leave.

I don't know where to start in saying thank you to the many people who have made my time here so wonderful, but I will try.

Mayor Katherine Procop was one of the first people to welcome me to this city and I appreciate all the help she has provided in my time here. If I may be frank with this farewell post, I believe that Twinsburg has been blessed to be under her leadership for so long. She truly cares about this community and it's well-being. 

I know there are some who may believe differently, but Mayor Procop and the outstanding members of city council have, in my personal opinion, been efficient and effective in their care for this community. It has been a pleasure to work with them.

Police Chief Christopher Noga, along with his wonderful officers and staff, has done a tremendous job keeping this community and its people safe. He is a great leader and truly cares about his town. I've enjoyed my many conversations with him over the years and appreciated his willingness to help me whenever I needed it.

If there's been one group who doesn't get the respect it deserves, it's the hard-working people at the Twinsburg City School District. I have sat through countless school board meetings and been to so many events and witnessed administrators, faculty and staff who care so much for their students.

Superintendent Kathryn Powers came into such a difficult financial situation and worked with the school board to find the best, least-harmful way to handle it. Times are tough in every district but I believe that Ms. Powers, Assistant Superintendent Mike Lenzo and the board members are doing their best to help the students.

I am sad that I will miss this upcoming election because there are some amazing candidates running for city council and school board. In many races it would be hard to pick the wrong person.

I want to thank so many people who have helped me during my time in Twinsburg, but there are too many to name them all but I would like to thank Laura Leonard, Beth Hatch, Abby Schroll-Fechter, Michael Turle, Rob Felber, Chief Rick Racine, Steve Bosso, Matt Cellura, Gary Sorace, Shannon Collins, Karen Howse, Larry Finch, Mark Gutowski, Sandy Miller, Ron Stuver and Michael Millet.

Most of all I would like to thank you, the loyal followers of Twinsburg Patch. It's been a crazy journey for the last three years with many ups and downs and crazy men running around farting (look up "attack of flatulence" in the search bar, you'll see). If not for the people who loved hearing more about this wonderful community, I would have been out of a job a long time ago. 

Thank you.

Don't worry about me, I've already landed on my feet. I trusted that God would lead me through this storm and He has in an amazing way. Starting Wednesday, Oct. 16 I will be working at a public relations and marketing firm in Hudson. I'm very excited for this new opportunity.

Thanks, Twinsburg. It's been a fun ride and I will miss you. 

Signing off for the final time, for Twinsburg Patch...

I'm Mitch Cooper.