Patch launched its 100th site today in Morristown, N.J., a major milestone.
But as editor of the Hastings-Dobbs Ferry Patch, which also proudly serves Irvington, I feel as if we are anything but one in 100.
Just before this site went live in May, I was thinking about what makes our community special. And what came to mind was an experience I'd had a few weeks earlier. A yoga instructor at YogaWorks—who's been helping me overcome shoulder instability for a few months—called a friend, a physical therapist, who specializes in similar issues.
Even though her friend was not then practicing, she came to one of our sessions and showed both of us some new exercises, all of which have been infinitely helpful.
It's little gestures like these that make the Rivertowns truly unique.
Whether it's editing a police blotter full of animal rescue missions or interviewing kids doing truly extraordinary humanitarian work, I am constantly floored by the levels of compassion and worldliness in these small villages.
However, we're certainly not bereft of controversy either, with community members advocating strongly both for and against lethal control of the local deer population.
But where else might a solution emerge to put the deer on birth control?
And where else might you be invited to a tomato-tasting party or a mass Tweet-up?
Or find an urban-suburban mom willing to share anything you wanted to know about breast-feeding?
Or meet a meditation coach, spiritual healer, hypnotherapist, a church that welcomes atheists...
Or read about a Jehovah's Witness member mistaken for a burglar...
The Rivertowns may not deliver the non-stop breaking news that generally sells newspapers—that's why we chose to live here, right?—but I've thoroughly enjoyed finding out what people are interested in and meeting what seems like endless numbers of interesting people.
So keep me posted about what you're up to and what you think needs more coverage.
Or post your own calendar events and announcements on the site, send us news tips and feedback or e-mail anything you want recognized to me, Lizzie, at elizabeth@patch.com.
I am also thrilled to meet anyone for coffee in one of the area's fantastic coffee shops.
Log on to Patch.com and you'll find 99 other sites to click on. But I can guarantee each one will deliver a snapshot of a unique and vibrant Patch of life.
(Though, let's face it, ours is still the best!)
