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

Patch first sprang up in February of 2008. Since then, its been making strides across the U.S. in a quest to provide news like never before – all online, supplemented by new media tools, and completely and utterly local. We Patch editors and contributors have collectively produced 55,000 online articles and over a million photos as of today.

But although Patch now provides local content in nine states including Connecticut, California, Maryland, Virginia, the story really began in New Jersey; when Patch heralded over the simultaneous launch of its first sites in Maplewood, South Orange and Millburn-Short Hills circa 2009.

And it's in New Jersey that Patch is launching its 100th site today – Morristown Patch, headed by editor John Dunphy.

We've Come a Long Way

Patch strives to be an online community, inviting residents to post events, announcements and share their views. And in addition to standard news articles, Patch offers video coverage and an extensive directory of local businesses. 

Nationwide, people are posting and commenting and participating. People are getting it. Patch sites have become an online local resource for our communities. We can only hope that the good news will continue.

That being said, to commemorate the launch of Patch's 100th site, I've included links to stories, photo galleries and videos to document memories created here at Cranford Patch in the latter half of the year.

• The Firecracker Run draws a crowd from across Union County and other areas of the state.

• The Congressional campaign for district 7 heat up with Republican Leonard Lance and Democrat Ed Potosnak vying for the seat.

• Seniors look radiant as they walk to receive accolades as 2010 graduates of Cranford High School. Students also proudly walk in a graduation ceremony from St. Michael's School.

• Local film producers choose to make a movie using Cranford as one backdrop – including the Cranford Public Library and Rockn' Joe Coffeehouse and Bistro.

• A fire erupts on July 4 at Centennial Avenue.

• The "Plein Air" event draws local artists to seek inspiration in Cranford.

• Cranford softball stars help to fuel all-county team.

• Cranford baseball team celebrates Union County Championship win.

• High school track stars reflect on the laurels received this season.