It's been two years, and North Andover Patch is going strong.
On Sept. 22, 2010, after a couple months of intense work building the massive North Andover directory and prepping the site, North Andover Patch was launched.
What we set out to do was provide the town with a comprehensive news outlet, events calendar and bulletin board, all in one. What we built it into has become much more.
Find out what's happening in North Andoverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Today, North Andover Patch has become not just a news outlet but also a blog gallery, a source for emergency updates, a place for residents to discuss the issues of the day and a hub for all things North Andover. Followers on social media (Facebook and Twitter) get breaking news alerts quickly as well as a platform in which to discuss local topics. And having your town's local news on your Facebook newsfeed keeps you connected up to the minute.
Free newsletter subscriptions allow people to get their top local news in their inbox every morning as well as breaking news alerts. That means you start your day with your hyperlocal news and you're notified if there are major accidents in town throughout the day or when an election winner is announced. It's a new level in information delivery.
Find out what's happening in North Andoverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
User upload features like Pics & Clips and the Announcements section allow you to post your stuff on the site and share with the town. The events calendar allows you to upload events and let people know what's happening in your town.
But the most important factor that has made North Andover Patch what it is would be you. You, the reader, allow Patch to be part of your day and also give feedback to let us know what you like about the site and what could use some improvement. You tell your friends about us (mostly good stuff, hopefully!) and help foster a connection that a Web site can't do alone: That requires community.
That is why in this post I use the word "we" and not "I." North Andover Patch is about you and your town.
You drive content. Your engagement drives discussion. Your participation makes North Andover Patch a truly community-focused site. So this celebration is really yours.
Here's to you, North Andover! And thanks for another year!
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