13 Things to Know about Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch

Patch is a brand new media outlet, and we represent a groundbreaking model for local journalism. So we understand that you may be wondering, 'How do I participate?' as you peruse the content on Hellertown.patch.com.

To make participation easier, we've compiled a list of ways you can get involved.

We want and need the involvement of Saucon Valley readers, because without you this website won't be half as useful as it can be.

The great thing about Patch is that you can choose the level of involvement you're comfortable with. Comment a lot or a little. Post your own announcements or simply share already-announced events with friends via e-mail, tweet or Facebook link.

We hope that after exploring everything Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch has to offer, you'll not only become regular readers, but you'll also be motivated to share your opinions, announcements and feedback with us.

Thank you!

1. Comment on an Article

We subscribe to the idea that "news is a conversation." Much of our reporting will emanate from what readers tell us in e-mails, comments on our sites and in conversations around town. Share your thoughts and reactions to our articles by posting a comment directly below each story.  

2. Ask a Question

So maybe you want to know when that pothole is going to get fixed, or maybe you're a local expert on native trees just dying for someone to ask why their allergies are so bad this year. Patch's Q&A section is the place for you to ask your questions and show off your expertise, all while connecting with your neighbors. Visit hellertown.patch.com/questions and ask a question, or answer someone else's.

3. Post an Event

Do you know of a book signing at a local historical society, a charity event at a local business or a live musical performance at a local social hall? Is there a garage sale or graduation ceremony coming up? If it's not on our Patch calendar, it should be. Feel free to add events to our site at hellertown.patch.com/events/new.

4. Send a News Tip

At the bottom of the homepage, there's a link that says, "Send Us News Tips." This is a direct link to us. Your tip will be sent straight to Josh Popichak, the editor of Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch.

5. Post an Announcement

Post births, engagements and wedding announcements. Tell us who made the honor roll or share school awards, social notes and thank you shout-outs. If you're looking for volunteers or searching for your lost dog, we welcome you to call on your community for help. Just remember, our Terms of Service say announcements should be for personal use and not for advertising.

6. Sign Up for Newsletters

The daily Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch newsletter will deliver you all articles and announcements that have been posted in the last 24 hours. It will arrive in your e-mail inbox every day at 6am. You can also sign up for a weekly version of the newsletter, which features a summary of the content featured on our site and is delivered every Thursday at 10am.

7. Claim Your Directory Listing

Our business and organization listings aren't skimpy. Our team of researchers actually hit the streets and visited businesses, schools, parks, libraries and more so we can provide photos as well as detailed information, such as products sold and hours of operation. To contact us about the listing for your business or organization, e-mail us at directorysupport@patch.com. If you own or manage a business or organization in our directory, claim it at hellertown.patch.com/search/listings.

8. Shout It Out!

You now have a way to shout out on the site without having to add a comment to an existing article. You can tell us what you have to say right now by using the new shout box at the top of the Activity Stream. Whatever you "shout" will go directly into the stream, right on the homepage.

9. Upload Your Photos and Video

Upload videos of the high school football touchdown or photos from your daughter's equestrian competition. Post photos from local festivals, or send in a snapshot of your best holiday recipes (we love recipes). We invite you to share the memories that you've caught on camera with the rest of the community.

10. Advertise With Us

To get started, please visit hellertown.patch.com/advertise.

11. Review Restaurants

Do you want to be the first to tell your friends whether the new restaurant everyone's talking about is worthy of all the hype? You can post a review of your favorite (or least favorite) restaurants at hellertown.patch.com/restaurants. Or, search to find what you're craving - you can filter results by cuisine, price or seating accommodations.

12. Social Media Engagement

Like us on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/aVDmxD and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/HellertownPatch. Immerse yourself in our content and actively contribute and engage via social media. Let's start a conversation together.

13. Send a Letter to the Editor

Patch would like to extend an invitation to every member of the Saucon Valley community to submit a letter to the editor. Express your thoughts or concerns about anything that might be stirring up conversation around town, and we'll post it. Make sure it's not longer than 300 words and e-mail it to editor Josh Popichak at Josh.Popichak@patch.com.

The more Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch serves as on online space for community dialogue, the more useful our site will become. So next time you have something to share with your neighbors, consider taking a moment to send a letter to Patch. Chances are, you're not the only who feels that way!