Happy First Birthday, Northport Patch!

A lot has happened since Northport Patch launched a year ago today. We've learned tons of new things about the community, created a large following, and become much more than daily news coverage.

was a pivotal moment for Northport Patch that captured the potential of our interactive platform. Readers from all over Northport, East Northport, Fort Salonga, Eaton's Neck, and Asharoken used our home site, Facebook page, and Twitter feed to follow round-the-clock updates on power outages, emergency declarations, road closures, and more. For over a week, the site took on a life of its own as readers assumed control and began breaking down the walls of traditional media.

Patch is, and has always has been, yours: a mutable tool shaped by the community that it serves. We've built Patch so that you have plenty of opportunities to comment on stories, share your opinions, post photos and announcements, and add events to the community calendar. We hope that our site will strengthen the community, but we can't do it without you. Here are 10 ways to make Patch yours:

1. Share Your Voice

We subscribe to the idea that "news is a conversation." Share your thoughts and reactions to our articles by posting a comment directly below each story or create your own conversation by blogging in our "Local Voices" column.

2. Ask a Question

So maybe you want to know when that pothole is going to get fixed: Patch's Q&A section is the place for you to ask your questions and show off your expertise, all while connecting with your neighbors.

3. Post an Event

Do you know of an upcoming book signing, a celebrity chef appearing at a cooking store, or an art exhibit at a local coffee shop? Is there a garage sale this weekend? Feel free to upload community events directly to out calendar.

4. Send a News Tip

Tell us about stories we should cover.  directly or click "send a news tip" at the bottom left corner of the homepage.

5. Post an Announcement

Announce births, engagements, weddings, and more for free on our  announcements page. Tell us who made the honor roll or share school awards, social notes and thank you shout outs. If you're looking for volunteers or searching for your lost dog, we welcome you to call on your community for help. Just remember, our Terms of Service say announcements should be for personal use and not for advertising.

6. Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Our newsletter delivers a rundown of the top stories, announcements, and events for the day or week to your email inbox. Sign up by clicking on "Newsletter" in the floating box on the left side of the homescreen.

7. Claim Your Directory Listing

Our team of researchers hit the streets and visited businesses, schools, parks, libraries and more so we can provide photos as well as detailed information such as products sold and hours of operation. To contact us about the listing for your business or organization, email us at directorysupport@patch.com.

8. Upload Your Photos and Video

Upload videos of the high football touchdown, the orchestra concert or your 's first home run. Post photos from local festivals, or send in a snapshot of your best holiday recipes. We invite you to share the memories that you've caught on camera with the rest of the community.

9. Advertise With Us

For all advertising queries, please email our Northport Patch Ad Manager, Meryl Otis Kessler at meryl@patch.com or 631-276-0342.

10. Review Restaurants

Do you want to be the first to tell your friends whether the new restaurant in town gets two thumbs up? You can post a review of your favorite (or least favorite) restaurants, or search to find what you're craving and filter results by cuisine, price, or seating accommodations.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay connected to your community and get updates on new ways you can interact.

Let's start a conversation together.