When we launched Flying Kite in September, 2010, I did not expect that event planner would be part of my job description.

 

Or curator.

 

Or furniture mover.

 

Or tour guide.

 

Oh the places you'll go when trying to stay close to those moving our region forward.

 

The biggest reason why my role as managing editor went well beyond assigning and proofreading was because of the On the Ground neighborhood engagement program Publisher Michelle Freeman and I created in the spring. First in Mantua, West Philadelphia, and now in the Northeast in Frankford, On the Ground has proven that highly accessible and engaged media can help make the kinds of connections that facilitate community transformation.

 

That engagement is the future of media. And it's something I'll continue to be a part of even after this, my last issue as Flying Kite's managing editor. For as difficult as it is for me to leave Michelle and the rest of our team and supporters, I'm excited to pursue some other projects that have been pulling at my heart and mind.

 

In addition, I'm supremely confident that I'm leaving the publication in good hands with new Managing Editor Lee Stabert, a veteran writer and editor who, I believe, represents the spirit that makes Philadelphia such an amazing place to be right now. She is smart. She has passion. And she isn't afraid of a challenge. 

 

Speaking of challenges, it has been no easy feat learning how to juggle the many added ones that On the Ground presented. But that's also what makes leaving so hard.

 

I've got a lot more friends in a lot more parts of Philadelphia that I would have never experienced, and for that I'm forever grateful.

 

I'm approaching our On the Ground events this week -- our Mural Arts Community Paint Day/Transformation 19124 Opening on Thursday and Saturday's Frankford Fall Music & Arts Festival -- as one big going-away party, so I hope you'll join us if you're able.