Community Corner

Patch Editor Says Goodbye

Sam Fran Scavuzzo departs from Patch, but not Roxborough.

Nearly three years ago, I moved into a tiny (probably illegally rented) apartment in Roxborough to continue my career with Patch.com and launch a website for Roxborough and Manayunk—or is it Manayunk and Roxborough.

Having graduated from nearby La Salle University, I was familiar with the neighborhood's night-life aspect but knew little-to-nothing of the town's character.

Certainly, Manayunk possessed the college-town reputation and I knew Roxborough to be blue collar, but that's about it.

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

Today, as I prepare to depart my position with Patch, I'm happy to report that what was once an assignment for me has become my home, which is also now totally legal. Though I won't be the Patch editor anymore, I'll be a Central Roxborough Civic Association member, Manayunk-Roxborough Food Co-op volunteer and maybe take on a few more hats while I'm at it.

In my time with Roxborough-Manayunk Patch, I covered bike races, party houses and demolitions, but also new business openings, a growing young family population, and increased pride in the neighborhood.

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

Roxborough and Manayunk can be gritty, but it's the tireless civic, volunteer and other community leaders that preserve what makes the neighborhood unique, and help us shape the future.

My last big story involved the controversial demolition of the Bunting House. In revealing my true opinion, I'd say while I'm sad to see the Victorian go, I can empathize with the property owners who exercised their constitutional rights—they're allowed to make money.

The bigger picture that arose from the Bunting House episode is what I'd like to get involved in as a Roxborough resident. Kay Sykora and others have begun the process to better organize and prepare Roxborough to be ahead of the next Bunting House—to talk to developers before decisions are made. I want to get involved and helped grow Roxborough beyond what the outside world perceive us as.

So goodbye to me as a writer, but continued hellos to you all as neighbors. Chat with me as I walk my dog, email me (sam.fran.s@gmail.com) about local projects, or—at the very least—check out my monthly improv comedy show at the Grape Room (every third Tuesday at 8 p.m.; next show is Jan. 15. $5 cover. 21-plus)—I can plug it now!

For future Patch correspondences, email roxborough@patch.com or the new editor—the ever adept Nate Adams (nathana@patch.com, 610-350-7206).


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