Sachem Patch Local Editor Chris Vaccaro was recently informed that Sachem East High School is in the process of sketching a Patch-inspired mural in a new area of the school dedicated to art. Pretty cool... We’re honored!
Sachem Patch Inspires School Mural
Patch Shines at New York Islanders Games
Patch has partnered with the NY Islanders. As part of the collaboration, Patch is prominently displayed on the center scoreboard and the halo signage that surrounds the arena. Go NY Islanders and Go Patch!
Warren Webster Speaks at Iona College at Invitation of Alum Turned Patch Editor
Patch President Warren Webster recently visited Iona College in New Rochelle, NY, where he spoke on the future of journalism, at the invitation of New Rochelle Local Editor Michael Woyton. Michael has worked closely with the school over the last year as part of the PatchU initiative. Iona Professor Tom Callahan shared that the change to the department, due to the partnership with Michael via PatchU, has been tremendous because of the hands-on education the students are receiving - an educational opportunity that can only come from doing the work along with learning in the classroom. This is what PatchU is all about!
Congressional Candidate Elizabeth Esty Gears Up for Election with Cheshire Patch
Lakewood Patch Editor Profiled by Alma Mater
Lakewood Patch Local Editor Marques Hunter was recently profiled by the University of Washington Alumni E-News. The profile explored some of the ways Patch can engage readers including posting events, rating local businesses, and submitting comments on the site. Marques shared some of his favorite stories, which included the Lakes High School winning its first state boys basketball championship.
As Washington Alumni E-News reported, the community has taken notice of the value of the site:
“Unlike other news outlets, Patch is Lakewood-focused, which allows readers to find local news easily... Patch’s platform benefits the community by giving it fast access to local information,” said Mike Savage, the City of Lakewood’s Director of Communications and Government Relations.
Congratulations Marques and Lakewood Patch!
Patcher Serves as "Celebrity Judge" at Chowder Festival, $12,000 Raised for Food Bank
Connecticut Regional Editor Elissa Bass, second from right, withstood a wind chill of about 30 degrees and gusts up to 30 mph on Saturday, Feb. 25 to participate for the second year in a row as a "celebrity judge" at the Olde Mistick Village Cabin Fever Festival. From left, WTNH TV anchor Ann Nyberg, Westerly Sun managing editor David Tranchida, and Kool 101 personality Jim Reed tasted 27 chowders and ranked them for most creative, heartiest, and best use of regional ingredients. Over $12,000 was raised for a neighborhood emergency food bank. Patch Editors Bree Shirvell and Deborah Straszheim lost all feeling in their fingers and toes manning the Patch table, signing up newsletter subscribers and handing out Patch magnets. For the record, the judges decreed that the Red Shrimp and Pulled Pork Chowder from The Fisherman in Noank was the best.
Patchers in Penguin Plunge Raise Funds for Special Olympics
Waterford Patch LE Paul Petrone (far left), Ledyard Patch LE Jessie King (center), New London Patch LE Dirk Langeveld (right), after plunge.
On February 19, the Connecticut Special Olympics held a Penguin Plunge fundraiser in New London, CT. The Plunges occur within the state over the winter months. New London Patch Local Editor Dirk Langeveld dove into the wintry waters at Ocean Beach Park and was most certainly "freezin' for a reason." Other Patchers in attendance, and cheering Dirk on, were Waterford Patch Local Editor Paul Petrone and Ledyard Patch Local Editor Jessie King.
Patch had announced it would present a trophy to the bar or restaurant that raised the most money for the cause. The prize went to Hanafin's Irish Pub, which raised $3656 - we're sure they'll proudly display the trophy until next year's Plunge!
A Patch Sighting on NBC Nightly News
During "Nightly News with Brian Williams," there among your regularly scheduled national news, you'll see a bit of local love as well. In a segment about Internet browser privacy, you'll find a happy Patch reader catching up on what's going on in her community. Watch the segment here (you'll find Patch at 10:53) or check out the screen shot above!
Fairfax City Patch Hosts Blood Drive to Benefit Firefighters
Fairfax City Patch has put the call out for volunteers for Blood Drive 911. The idea for the event was born after a story about a badly burned NYC firefighter ran on the site in January. Fairfax Local Editor Whitney Rhodes has even offered to pick up locals for the trip to make donations. Now that’s Patchy!
Nyack Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Its 55th Anniversary with Nyack Patchers
Hudson Valley Regional Editor Bill Demarest and Ad Manager Kate Sipala were on hand to show their support for the Nyack Chamber of Commerce’s 55th Anniversary celebration, while Nyack Patch Local Editor Kevin Zawacki covered the gala event for his site. There were hundreds in attendance, including local and state political leaders and representatives from local community groups, to mark the occasion and congratulate the Chamber of Commerce of the Nyacks for their success. Nyack Patch extensively covers the thriving business community in the area.
Pictured with Bill, center, are Nyack Hospital Public Affairs Director Amy Massimo and Arthur Gunther, a trustee of the Hopper House Art Center in Nyack.
