Judy Sirota Rosenthal Photos
Online Journalism Project Chair and La Voz Hispana Publisher Norma Rodriguez-Reyes emceed the event and presented the pair with commemorative gifts.
A crowd filled Sherman’s Alley and Woodland Cafe off Chapel Street Wednesday evening to bid good-bye to Independent staffers …
Thomas MacMillan and …
Melissa Bailey after a combined 15 1/2 years of writing, editing, and photographing the city.
They ate a homebaked cake …
… heard praises of democracy from Mayor Toni Harp (who presented the pair with New Haven historic-themed blankets) …
… enjoyed remembrances from former schools chief Reggie Mayo …
… hushed for a soulful Chromatic version of “Over the Rainbow,” courtesy of Chris DePino …
… and raised glasses in appreciation, and to wish Bailey best of luck at Harvard and MacMillan best of luck in the Big Apple, their next destinations.
The crowd also browsed a new exhibit inside Woodland Cafe (located in the alley at 1044 Chapel): framed photos by MacMillan and Bailey complete with QR codes linking to accompanying articles. The exhibit runs through the end of August.
Congrats to all. Make sure you pass on some confidential sources to the next generation of NHI reporters. I hope they can build the trust and access all of the "off the record info". This is why Tom And Melissa did to well.....Trust, Respect, and Honesty. Don't burn your source or misrepresent what is a truth. Good luck- off the record always!