Teens, Pets, Patch Answers and Other Upcomings

Seven days. Nearly 40 stories. And not a moment that wasn't entirely Tinley Park.

While the big boys might deign look at Tinley if there were a huge explosion involving celebrities, Tinley Park Patch readers in the week since we launched have been getting researched, professionally produced stories, photos and videos detailing daily life here.

You've read about clowns in love, watched an amazing video on where local musicians perfect their craft, learned what a state legislator's record really means and seen what is in my opinion one of the best examples of game coverage I've seen in years.

It might seem a bit premature to pat yourself on the back after one week, but our writers Christopher Paicely, John Tsarouchas, Tom Ritter, Erin Redmond and Chuck Ingwersen deserve the biggest pat we can offer.

And we're not done. Here are a few new features we have planned for Tinley Park Patch:

Teen Columnists

I had a chance to meet over the week with the Victor J. Andrew High School Newspaper Club, talking about the state of journalism today and drumming up some interest for our teen columnist jobs. I'm hoping to have a team of paid student writers in place once I get a chance to meet with the Tinley Park High School students as well.

We want our teens to feel they have a voice and a place to share that voice with the world. And we want Patch to be that place.

If you know any teen with writing chops and a desire for a few extra bucks, send them my way at pauld@patch.com.

"You Ask ... Patch Answers"

A new feature You Ask ... Patch Answers, debuting in towns across the country, puts us on the case, digging up the answers to questions you submit.

When will the old library building find a new owner? Why isn't there a stop sign on your street? How is the village promoting its spot as the top place in the nation to raise kids?

Put us on the case and, if your question is selected, you get some Patch swag along with the answer. Start submitting now at pauld@patch.com.

Pet of the Week

After a lovely lunch yesterday with staff of PAWS of Tinley Park, I'm confident to say a video "Pet of the Week" feature is in the works.

The plan is to show off some of these pets who are looking for a loving home and let you know how you can adopt them. The details are in the works, but plan ahead for this.

And We Still Want More ...

Know a mom with something to say? Contact me at pauld@patch.com for information on our paid "Mom Columnist" position.

Want to get paid to dine out? We're looking to get the paid restaurant reviews going. To repeat, they're paid. If you're interested, let me know at pauld@patch.com.

Have a story idea? Want to tip us off the record about something shady? Know someone in town doing something amazing? E-mail me at president@whitehouse.gov! (Just kidding, still pauld@patch.com).

Tinley Park Patch isn't mine or Christopher's, John's, Erin's or Chuck's. It's yours. We're working to make it the community hub Tinley Park deserves.