5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Patch

Whether you're a new reader or have been here awhile, we have tips to help you maximize what Patch has to offer. From blogs to breaking news alerts to smartphone apps and much more, here are 5 things every savvy Patch reader needs to know.

1. Get a daily digest of news and information

We understand, you’re busy. You may not have time to click on Patch several times a day (although we think it’s definitely worth it.) Get your daily news in a digest form with our emailed newsletters. Sent out first thing every morning, the newsletter gives you the morning news, weather, Patch Deal of the Day, community events and much more. To sign up, click on “Notifications” on your profile page, check the options you want and click save.

2. Find and share local events

When is the next government meeting coming up? What's happening at the library? You’ll find it all on our Events page. Search by category or by day for what you’re interested in. Don’t be shy! Share your event with your neighbors. On the Events page, click on “add an event,” fill out the required fields and presto! Instant connection with your neighbors.

3. Get your news and information on the go

It’s an app-happy world and we’re just living in it. Luckily, Patch goes everywhere your phone does. We have free apps for iPhones and Androids. The iPhone version gives access to news, photos, the business listings and more. The Android app, called Patch Places, is a full list of the businesses in your area. You can change your location on the apps when you’re traveling to give you the best local information from our nationwide Patch network.

4. Share, share, share

Do you have a news tip? Or a photo or video that would make a story better? Patch makes it easy for readers to get involved by sharing their knowledge. Email marilyn.lehren@patch.com with news tips or story ideas — we want to hear from you. You can also upload your own photos and videos to any story by clicking on “add your photos & videos” under the main picture. Let us know what’s happening in the shot by adding a caption.

5. Claim your business listing

This one is just for the business owners out there. We strive to list every Livingston business in our directory. You can claim your listing and add more photos, update details and so on. Just fill out the “Claim It” form on your business’ listing.

Here's a review of some of the news this past week on Livingston Patch?

: The DEP has approved the revised plans on the Livingston/Short Hills border.

: The Livingston resident admitted taking $2.4M to pay for a lavish lifestyle.

. Livingston will be among the school districts starting out the year without a contract in place.

: School board prepares for school opening with hires, changes to summer construction.

: 32 new Livingston teachers and administrators attend orientation.

: Township attorney says Shapiro has no conflict of interest as a founder but violated state ethics laws by advocating for school.

: Mullin is laid to rest with department honors at St. Philomena.

: Roseland, East Hanover respond to truck fire during funeral mass.

: Livingston police investigate burglary at the popular eatery.

: Town cleans up fallen trees, wires after two days of stormy weather.

: The Livingston municipal court handled two criminal cases: a shoplifter and a howling dog.

: 2.4 mile swim / 112 mile bike / 26.2 mile run. Looking for Louise Goldsmith? She did it!

: A few dollars per week gets you roasted radishes, purple potatoes, kale chips and my very own peach chutney.

: Communities come together to sing India's national anthem on the 100-year anniversary of the song’s composition.

: Mel and Estelle make the most of living in Livingston as volunteers.

: Building homes in Mexico helps friends work through grief.

: Patch launches Dispatches: A look at jobs, home ownership, education, debt, and life as we know it.

: Dramatic lightning inspires photo and a teen to write about nature's fireworks.

: Second senior pool party a second splashing success.

: The state’s Graduated Driver License program, a three-step online program, stresses common-sense safety for teens behind the wheel.

: Livingston and Essex County serve up plenty of places to play ... for free!

: Chance of catching Roger Federer will bring this family back for more court action.

: Coming ... and Going.

: Bra Recyclers lends support to women in need.

You can find all the news on top of the Livingston Patch site by clicking on the tab for News. You can browse by Arts, Government, Business, Police and Fire, School News, Sports, Announcements, Events and Local Voices -- blog posts written by Patch readers, to continue the conversations we are having in our homes with a broader audience. If you're interested in blogging, email marilyn.lehren@patch.com.

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