Two years ago, I began a new adventure as editor of Grayslake Patch. I had never heard of Patch before. Most of you never had either. Patch.com is owned by AOL, and has grown from just three sites on the east coast to now more than 850 sites across the country.

Locally, Grayslake Patch launched September 30, 2010 with a party at The Vine. And it has been a great privilege and honor to cover my hometown, its businesses and its residents ever since.

Now, I will still be involved with Patch but at a different level. I recently was promoted to an assistant regional editor where I will manage eight sites, including Grayslake, and organize marketing projects to help spread the Patch message throughout the region.

But it all started here in Grayslake. I remember the warm reception I received when we were just beginning to launch this new media platform.

Over the years, Grayslake Patch has grown from brand new to a thriving site. Some of the accomplishments from the last two years include:

• 3,248+ articles published, with more added every single day
• 1,247 Directory listings for local businesses
• One of the highest levels of reader comments and input

From covering parades to school plays, from police blotters to pets, from sports to politics, from the College of Lake County to the Lake County Fair, I have truly enjoyed it all. 

I know that Grayslake Patch will continue to grow and thrive. Currently, the fill-in editor is Angela Morrey, a Grayslake resident who has freelanced with me since Day One. She is doing a terrific job while we search for the permanent new editor for this site.

Thanks again for all of your support. I am very grateful for that. Thanks to the business owners who jumped on board and claimed their listings. Thanks to the advertisers who saw the benefit of reaching a local and regional community. And thanks to the readers who signed up for newsletters, commented on stories and shared their photos.

It has been a great ride, and I hope to see you soon!

Best,

Marcia Sagendorph