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.