Happy Birthday, Enumclaw Patch!

Enumclaw Patch is celebrating a very special milestone today -- its first birthday!

We with about 20 stories. One year later, we've published more than 1,500 articles with the help of Patch writers and local contributors alike.

Along the way, our readers have helped build our calendar with hundreds of exciting events and announcements. Patch even introduced Local Voices, a blogging feature for local bloggers to connect online. 

Enumclaw Patch would definitely not be here if it weren't for the incredible residents who are passionate about their community and proud of its pioneering history.

At the beginning of our journey, we've had people ask us, "What's Patch?" While we still get those questions today, it's been incredible to have our readers stop us on the street and at local events and say, "I love Patch! I check your site every day!"

Prior to beginning this position, I only knew of Enumclaw as that town you pass on State Route 410 on the way to Crystal Mountain. A year later, I've learned there's so much more to it than that. Having grown up in a large city, I never knew the pleasure of truly being able to walk down the street and have people greet me by name.

I'm loving the small-town dynamic of Enumclaw, and I have met some of the most amazing people and had the honor of sharing their inspiring stories on Patch.

Some of my most memorable stories include , , , , , and just recently getting to watch .

I want to thank everyone for supporting Patch. It's been an honor serving as your editor for the past 12 months (minus three summer months when ).

Here's to another great year, Enumclaw!

I look forward to continuing to work with you into 2012 and beyond. If you have any comments or story ideas, please don't hesitate to e-mail me at april.chan@patch.com.