Here's How to Get the Most Out of Your Patch

Several years ago, a group of inventive journalists had an idea: what if we could create an online resource for communities, where residents could get their news, find local services and share their love of their homes in one place?

That idea created Patch, which was embraced by AOL and now provides those services to more than 850 communities across the U.S.

And today, we're adding Watchung and Green Brook to our list...

In January 2011, I helped launch Warren Patch, and we've been covering Warren's municipal government and schools, Watchung Hills Regional High School and the towns community groups ever since.

Day in and day out, we work on finding the best and most important news of the day, as well as the events and groups that make our towns special. As an editor with 18 years of experience, I find the job exciting and challenging—and always refreshing.

But there's more to Watchung-Green Brook Patch that what I do—there's all the ways you can use the site, too. Here are a few things you need to know about getting the most from your site:

• Blogs—Have something to say? Have a particular knowledge that you want to share with the general public? Why not become a blogger for Watchung-GreenBrook Patch and share your expertise with the community!
• Announcements—Everyone has special things to share, and we want to help you do that. Head on over to our announcements page and tell us about a family wedding, an award won, an accomplishment or anything else you want to share with the community as a whole.
• Events—There are exciting events happening every single day, and we don't want to miss a thing [so sung by Steven Tyler]. Post reminders about garage sales, organizational meetings, fundraisers and other happenings around town to ensure that the most people have a chance to see them and attend.
• Neighborhood Gallery—This is the spot to share photos with the community at large. Have you taken some great photos of a special  event in Green Brook or Watchung, an awards ceremony, a concert, a sports event or anything else? Share them with us all! Post your pictures and a short description to keep us in the loop.
• Newsletter—Can't get enough of your Patch news? Of course you can't! So sign up for our newsletter to make sure you get your daily updates on the best and worst of what is happening in Watchung and Green Brook each and every day of the week!
• Business Directory—You can find all of your favorite businesses here, with information that goes beyond your usual directory. Readers can post reviews of their favorite places—and business owners will want to "claim" their listing to add photos and information, too.

Want to know more? Stop by the Dunkin' Donuts on Somerset Street in Watchung between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. Wednesday and say hello—sign up for a newsletter and we'll buy your coffee!