Howdy, Hello and How D'ya Do

I am thrilled to be taking the reins from Sherri, who has done tremendous work in bringing Patch to Land O' Lakes. She has laid an excellent foundation -- I consider myself extremely lucky to be stepping into her shoes.

I will continue to bring you the stories that matter to the community, stories that you can't find anywhere else.

And I hope to hear from you often. What is important to you? What do you find interesting? Engaging? Disgusting? Disheartening? Inspirational? What kind of information is most valuable to you? I want to have an inbox full of emails from readers regularly.

So, just who am I?

A word of warning: Though I take my job very seriously, I am also (just a bit) goofy. You often will find me cracking up -- which is only a problem when no one else in the room knows what's so funny. (Just ask. I promise to tell you when I can breathe again.)

I am a single mom of four children: two boys, 11 and 12, and two girls, 7 and 8. They are funny/bratty/sloppy/precious/brilliant/absentminded/forgetful/witty/charming/stinky/grumpy/impossible/full of possibility. Essentially, they are human. They often drive my thoughts, opinions and values. I value their kindness to others more than their grades, I value the passion of their teachers more than their credentials and/or years of experience, and I value their health too much to make them eat meals I have cooked very often. (Notable quote: "Mom, you can't really cook. Or dance.")

And in that vein, if you know a great local teacher who goes above and beyond, drop me a line. If you know an amazing chef, send them to my house. (Kidding.) But do send me an email. I want to know who and what you value most in Land O' Lakes. What matters to you, matters to me. This Patch is our Patch. Let's grow it together.

Best,

Keli Sipperley

keli.sipperley@patch.com

P.S. Are you humming "This Land is Your Land"? right now? I am. Sorry about that.