Oak Lawn Patch Celebrates 1st Anniversary

Like many things, I almost forgot that today was the first anniversary of your Oak Lawn Patch. One year ago—Oct. 21, 2010—someone flipped a switch and Oak Lawn became “Patchy.”

I want to thank all of you for putting up with this North Side interloper. I have grown very fond of the South Side and Southsiders. Friends warned that a year living south of Roosevelt Road would do that to me. Here is the real heart of the Chicago region.

This past year as your local editor has kept me busier than a mother of quintuplets. I’ve covered some of the most interesting news stories of my career here in Oak Lawn, which is saying a lot because I’ve covered a lot of crazy stuff. I hope that you’ve all had fun reading Patch, because it has been a joy and a privilege bringing it to you every day.

In all ways, this is your first anniversary too, because Oak Lawn Patch belongs to you. I am just the conduit from which it flows. This coming year, you’ll be seeing more of me—I won't just be at fires and village board meetings. Anywhere there is free wifi, my colleagues and I will be showing you how to unleash Patch’s power by blogging, contributing photos and videos, and of course, commenting on stories. Together we’ll make Oak Lawn the bloggiest nabe in the United States.

During the past year that I’ve lived and worked in Oak Lawn, I have seen a lot of change for the better. I think some of that is due to informed and engaged residents. If Patch has played a part in that, I am truly humbled.

I’d like to thank our thousands of readers, our 552 Facebook fans, and the tipsters who’ve emailed, called or posted breaking news events on Facebook.

To the Oak Lawn village officials, I thank you for your professionalism and grace in times of triumph and adversity. You’ve always returned my phone calls and e-mails when you’ve had every reason not to, and I appreciate it.

There also have been a few times when I’ve had to make some tough editorial calls and in doing so may have disappointed some readers. You did not hesitate to let me know about it and I have taken all of your constructive criticism to heart. I've done my best to be fair but I can always do better.

At noon Saturday, Oct. 22, I will be at Bailey’s Crossing Dog Park at 9910 S. Melvina Ave., handing out dog treats and water bottles while supplies last. You don't need to own a dog to come. I can use some help opening my car trunk because it's been stuck for the past three months.

So from the bottom of my heart, thank you for a great year. And thanks to all of you who’ve made Patch better.

Now it's time to for me to get back to work.