Ken Schlager, seen here on a channel near Tuckerton Seaport, is on his way to new adventures.
It’s not easy to say goodbye, but after 13 years (160 issues!) I have decided to step down from the rigors of editing a monthly magazine and all of its related digital versions.
As editor, I’ve been lucky to do what I love, creating a magazine from scratch each month—with the support of a talented team of writers, editors and designers. First and foremost, we’ve sought to inform and engage our readers. We’ve won some local and national journalism awards, but more importantly, we’ve wrapped every issue knowing we did our best. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved.
Editing a magazine is challenging, exhilarating, eye-opening, exhausting and always fun. The job has opened the door to many unique experiences. I’ve met seven New Jersey governors and shot pool with the great jazz artist Christian McBride. I drove a 570-horsepower Lamborghini Gallardo around a closed track and took a 135-mile bike ride from Red Bank to Cape May. I watched Broadway’s Hamilton from the orchestra pit (for a story on the lead violinist, a Jersey guy) and worked on a beer-canning line. I hiked, sailed, kayaked, golfed, dined and traveled in every corner of the Garden State.
I am endlessly grateful for all of my New Jersey Monthly colleagues through the years—especially my editorial mates. To Kate Tomlinson, our publisher and editor in chief, I say, thank you for this remarkable opportunity and the trust you placed in me.
Finally, I want to thank you, our readers, for continuing to value the printed word. It’s been a privilege to serve you. (If you’d like to get in touch, feel free to email me at [email protected].)