Editor's Notebook: Patch Celebrates its 100th Site Launch

Just moments ago, Morristown, NJ became the 100^th Patch to launch across the country. Today is a significant day for Patch, but it is also significant for Milton as we celebrate the three month anniversary of Milton Patch.

On the national level, Patch is now in nine states. Since its formation in February 2008, Patch has been steadily growing. In February 2009, there were just four sites in New Jersey, now the map is speckled with Patches from coast to coast. Part of the rapid growth has come from a $50 million investment from AOL, when the company acquired Patch in June, 2009. Over the past year and a half Patch writers have produced of 55,000 articles, specifically about the communities we cover.

Milton fits right into the middle of Patch's 100 site milestone. On May 17, Milton Patch became the 53^rd site nationally and the fifth Patch in Massachusetts. Since that time, my freelancers and I have been getting acquainted with the people, places and events that make Milton a special place to live.

To celebrate this milestone, let's take a look back at 10 of the most significant moments and articles from the last three months with the images from Milton Patch.

A Dropkick-off for Milton Patch- Among the first articles to run on Milton Patch was a story about the Dropkick Murphys charitable organization the Clauddagh Fund. The Clauddaugh Fund, which provides support for children, veterans and their families and people recovering from drug and alcohol abuse, held the first annual Celebrity Oysterfest just days before our launch. Lead singer and Milton native Ken Casey was kind enough to share a few words with Patch at the event.

Following the Path- One of the most significant topics of conversation over the past three months for the Board of Selectmen has been over a proposed DCR bike path that would connect Central Avenue and Mattapan Square. Along with residents and officials, we've been keeping an eye on the options.

Patch at the Prom- With our launch coming at the best time of the school year, at least if you ask students, we had a chance to snap photos at the Milton High School and Fontbonne Academy Proms.

HazMat Emergency- Milton Patch was on the scene of a HazMat incident on St. Mary's Road on June 21 that sent four people to the hospital.

The Summer of Art- This summer, FAVA hosted four weeklong arts and crafts camps for students in Milton. The students learned various techniques in each of the themed courses. At the end of each course, instructors Karen Hainline and Janet Gilmore sent photos of the students and their projects.

A Bite Out of Crime- Arguably my favorite moment over the last three months in Milton came at the National Night Out event at the Milton Police Department on August 4th. During the canine demonstration, I suited up and took a bite from two canines in front of a large crowd and a video camera.

Hearing Wedding Bells- Milton Patch may have launched at the end of the school year, but we came on the scene right at the beginning of wedding season. Contributor Elizabeth Rightor has been talking with Milton business owners about all the wedding needs that can be attained right here in town with her series, Tying the Knot. The series has become one of our most popular features, flying to the top of the most popular list every other Sunday.

Four-Alarm Fire- Last Thursday's fire that destroyed the historic Morison-Meriman-Partridge House grabbed headlines across the region. Several fire departments were on hand for nearly seven hours as they battled the blaze on the three-story home that was built in the mid-1800s.

A Closer Look at East Milton Square- In June a yearlong study of parking and access in East Milton Square began. The area has been studied several times since the express was built through its center in 1952, but this comprehensive look could finally provide some answers.

The Furry All Star Team- For the past five weeks, Milton Patch has been working with the Milton Animal League to provide video features of cats and dogs that are up for adoption.