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

Patch is celebrating a major milestone — we've just unveiled our 100th site in Morristown, N.J.

As with any celebration, there is a bit of nostalgia.

Bedford Patch launched on Dec. 29, 2009, with one simple goal — to become the absolute go-to source for news and information for the residents of Bedford and Katonah. And like so many of you, Local Editor Lisa Buchman is passionate about her adopted hometown. She, too, is working hard to raise a family here, taken with the area's unique vibe of small-town sophistication and a passionate approach to civic and social causes.

We've grown so much since those early days. Readership of Bedford-Katonah Patch has soared three-fold and we've heard from so many of you, each eager to tell us about what you'd like to see featured on this "Patch" of the online news universe.

Put another way, we simply wouldn't be here without you — or your news tips, insights, comments and critiques. It's what makes Bedford-Katonah Patch so unique, a true two-way street. Each day inspires a new set of conversations, whether it's about the contentious Katonah-Lewisboro school budget season, the big Deer Park Tavern fire or the Bedford Hills centennial. It's also a pretty open secret that Bedford and Katonah are home to some amazing writers. We were thrilled when local residents Jessie Jafet and Amy Baker decided to lend their talents to Patch, just to name two.

Patch itself began as a tiny New York City-based start-up in February of 2008 and soon debuted a handful of local sites in New Jersey, launching simultaneously in Maplewood, South Orange and Millburn-Short Hills  in early 2009.

That modest stage wouldn't stay small for long.

In June 2009 we were acquired by AOL, which poured $50 million into the enterprise, allowing us to grow and flourish. Today, Patch sites cover communities in nine states and we've proudly published a million photos and 55,000 articles.

We pledge to continue that partnership with our readers going forward, maintaining transparency, accountability and a commitment to accuracy in our stories.

Please let us know what you think. Reach your editor at lisab@patch.com.

Please enjoy some photos from our coverage of people, events and celebrations around town.