Happy Birthday to Charlestown Patch

Hey Charlestown,

Over the last year, I've had the pleasure of learning about the community and curating this site. It's been instructive for me, from a background in print journalism, to see how powerful a community-driven news site can be and it's been an honor to provide the neighborhood with a platform for sharing information and having conversations -- even ones that aren't always easy.

When Patch was launched, there were some people in Charlestown who questioned the site's intention or interest in the community and weren't terribly welcoming. They were just being protective of a place they love, I understand that. 

But I hope by now you've come to see that I'm here simply to work as the editor of this web site and to provide some basic news reporting to a neighborhood that doesn't get very much from other media outlets. My job is to help the neighborhood, not do anything to hurt it.

Although this web site is owned by AOL, the content, the activity and the spirit of it is totally the property of Charlestown, the best, most unique neighborhood in Boston. Hands down.

Thanks for your support,

Kristi Ceccarossi
Editor