Happy First Birthday, Gig Harbor Patch!

Gig Harbor Patch is celebrating a very special milestone today--our first anniversary!

We with about 20 stories. One year later, we've published more than 1,400 articles with the help of my talented team of reporters.

Along the way, our readers have helped build our calendar with hundreds of exciting events and announcements. Patch even introduced Local Voices, a blogging feature for local bloggers to connect online. Two of our bloggers, and , even !

Gig Harbor Patch would definitely not be here if it weren't for the incredible residents who are passionate about their community.

At the beginning of our journey, we've had people ask us, "What's Patch?" While we still get those questions today, it's been incredible to have our readers stop us on the street and at local events and say, "I love Patch! I check your site everyday!"

I moved to Gig Harbor last year--not knowing anyone in town. A year later, I've met some of the most amazing people and had the honor of sharing their inspiring stories on Patch.

Some of my memorable stories include the , and remembering the tenth anniversary of 9/11.

I want to thank everyone for supporting Patch. It's been an honor serving as your editor for the past 12 months.

Assuming that the world doesn't end on Dec. 21, 2012, here's to another great year, Gig Harbor!

I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season!

If you have any comments or story ideas, please don't hesitate to email me at akiko.oda@patch.com.