13 Things about Patch

We wanted to take the time to remind you why we're here and what this site is all about. Simply put, it's about you.

We've built Caledonia Patch so you have plenty of opportunities to comment on stories, share your opinions, post photos and announcements and add events to the community calendar. We hope that our site will strengthen the community, but we can't do it without you. So, get to it! Here are some ways to get involved with our community website:

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

Maybe you want to know when that certain pothole is going to get fixed or why allergies are so bad this year. Patch's Q&A section is the place to ask your questions – or show off your expertise by answering readers' questions – all while connecting with your neighbors. Go ahead–ask a question or answer someone else's.

3. Post an Event

Do you know of a book signing at our local bookstore, a celebrity chef appearing at a cooking store or an art exhibit at a local coffee shop? 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.

4. Send a News Tip

At the bottom of the homepage, there's a link that says, "Send Us News Tips." Tell us about stories we should cover. Your tip will be sent straight to Denise Lockwood at Denise.Lockwood@patch.com, the (incredibly grateful) local editor of Caledonia Patch.

5. Post an Announcement

Post announcements of births, birthdays, engagements, anniversaries and weddings. 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 Caledonia Patch newsletter brings you all articles and announcements posted in the last 24 hours. It is delivered by e-mail every day at 6 a.m. You can also sign up for the weekly newsletter, which shows a subset of the content created and featured on our site over the last few days. It is delivered every Thursday at 10 a.m. Look for the Follow Us and Newsletter links in the right column of this and most every page.

7. Claim Your Directory Listing

Our directory of local businesses and organizations isn't skimpy. Our team of researchers hit the streets and visited businesses, schools, parks, libraries and more to provide photos as well as detailed information you often can't find elsewhere. You can do more with the listing of your business or organization by "claiming" it. And if we've somehow missed listing your business or organization, email us at directorysupport@patch.com.

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. Tell us what you have to say right now by using the new shout box at the top of the Activity Stream on the homepage. Whatever you "shout" will go directly into the stream, right on the homepage.

9. Upload Your Photos and Video

Upload videos of high school football touchdowns or your Caledonia Little Leaguer's first home run. Post photos from local festivals, or send in a snapshot of your best holiday recipes. We invite you to share with the rest of the community the memories you've caught on camera.

10. Advertise With Us

For all advertising queries, please send an e-mail to sales@patch.com.

11. Review Restaurants

Do you want to be the first to tell your friends whether the new restaurant in town gets a thumbs-up? Post a review of your favorite (or not-so favorite) restaurants.Or search to find what you're craving–you can filter results by cuisine, price or seating accommodations.

12. Social Media Engagement

You can "like" us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter. Let's start a conversation.

13. Send a Letter to the Editor

The more Caledonia Patch serves as an online space for community dialogue, the more useful our site will be. 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 one who feels that way.

Make sure it's no longer than 300 words. Email it to Local Editor Denise Lockwood at denise.lockwood@patch.com. 

Which features on Patch do you find most useful? Tell us in the comments.