13 Things You Need to Know About Lacey Patch

Today is Lacey Patch’s one-month anniversary. A lot has happened since Lacey Patch launched on Dec. 21. To name a few: the Lacey Township High School varsity football team won a state championship, Oyster Creek Generating Station announced it’s closing, Gov. Chris Christie signed a bill to protect Barnegat Bay, there have been monster snow storms, and there are two new members to the township committee.

As I have gotten to know the community and the community has gotten to know me, I would like to remind you what the site is all about.

Going back to my “,” simply put, the site is about you.

Lacey Patch is meant to provide you with the news you want and need. But Lacey Patch is nothing if it is not interactive. I seek your input, advice, and story ideas and you can contact me at any time by e-mail or right on lacey.patch.com.

1.     Comment on an article or shout it out

After reading an article, share your thoughts and reaction by posting a comment directly below each story. You can also comment without posting to an article. On the right side of the homepage, Patch asks you, “What do you have to say?” Your thoughts will go right into the stream on the homepage.

2.     Ask or answer a question

Click on the “Q&A” tab on the top of the homepage to ask a question. This section is a place where you can not only ask questions but show off your expertise by answering someone else’s question.

3.     Post an event or announcement

Whether it’s a local book signing, concert, church or non-profit event, garage sale, or a graduation ceremony, add any events that you know of right to the Lacey Patch calendar. Do the same with announcements. Add birth, engagement, or wedding or death announcements. Not only will other Lacey Patch readers be informed about what is happening locally, but the events and announcements you add can also act as additional news tips.

4.     Upload your photos and video

Upload your photos from the elementary school spring concert, the varsity basketball game, or a snow storm. Lacey Patch is meant to be community driven. Share your memories.

5.     Send a news tip or a letter to the editor

Have a brilliant idea for a story? At the bottom of the homepage there is a link that says, “Send us news tips.” The more that dialogue is shared on Lacey Patch, the more useful the site will be. Next time you share something with your neighbor, consider sending a letter to the editor. Send me your suggestion or letter directly from the site or e-mail me at Elaine.piniat@patch.com.

6.     Sign up for newsletters

Become a member of Patch by signing up to receive the Lacey daily newsletter and updates about Patch. The newsletter will be e-mailed to you ever day at 6 a.m. keeping you updated on the stories that have been posted in the last 24 hours.

7.     Social media engagement

Lacey Patch is on Facebook and Twitter. “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/laceypatch and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/lacey patch. Content is updated daily on each page. Engage yourself by commenting, starting a conversation or discussion, and inviting your friends.

8.     Claim your directory listing

Lacey Patch has a directory of everything and anything in Lacey Township. If you are an owner or manage a business or organization in the directory, claim it. To contact us about the listing, send an e-mail to directorysupport@patch.com.

9.     Advertise with us

For information on advertising with Lacey Patch, click here. For all advertising queries, send an e-mail joe@patch.com. Patch gives 5% of its advertising space, free of charge, to local charities from the communities Patch serves. Please contact us to see if you qualify.

10. Marketplace

Lacey Patch has a classifieds section under the Marketplace tab. All classifieds are free until Jan. 20 so add your job opportunities, merchandise, or services now.

11. Review restaurants

Is your mouth watering after tasting something delectable at a local restaurant? Give the restaurant a thumbs-up (or down) by posting a review at http://lacey.patch.com/restaurants.

12. Volunteer

If your cause needs local help, click on "volunteer" at the bottom of the homepage to let us know.

13. Contribute

Lacey Patch is always looking for experienced freelancers. If you enjoy writing or are an expert in your field or an area of interest and have a story idea, e-mail me at Elaine.piniat@patch.com.