12 Things You Should Know about Port Jefferson Patch

We've been live for more than a month – how time flies! Can you believe we've been bringing you news of the community since October? It's been quite an exciting journey and we'd like to take the time to explain why we're here and how you can better utilize the features – new and old – on the site.

1. Comment on an Article

We subscribe to the idea that "news is a conversation." Articles are better when you put in your community knowledge and debate issues with your neighbors, and the Patch team. We are also always interested in hearing your suggestions, so comment on the article to connect with us.

2. Ask a Question

Curious about the best pizza, when government and school meetings are held or best place to grab a sandwich? Ask your neighbors via Port Jefferson Patch. Visit http://portjefferson.patch.com/questions and ask a question, or answer someone else's.

3. Post an Event

Every day, we bring you 5 Things you need to know for that day, and that's generated by events posted on our calendar. We've got school events, community events, church events and temple events. We've also go library events and Town events that you may want to venture out of Port Jefferson for. You can enhance this by adding your own events here.

4. Send a News Tip

At the bottom of the homepage, there's a link that says, "Send Us News Tips." Tell us about stories we should cover.  Your tip will be sent straight to Lon Cohen, Port Jefferson Patch's Editor.

5. Post an Announcement

Post births, engagements and wedding announcements. 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 Newsletters

The daily Port Jefferson Patch newsletter brings you all articles and announcements that have been posted in the last 24 hours. It is delivered to your email every day at 6 a.m. You can also sign up for the weekly newsletter, which shows a subset of the content created and featured on our site over the last few days. It is delivered every Thursday at 10 a.m.

7. Claim Your Directory Listing

Our business and organization listings aren't skimpy. Our team of researchers actually 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. If you own or manage a business or organization in our directory, claim it.

8. Shout It Out!

You now have a way to shout out on the site without having to add a comment to an existing article. You can tell us what you have to say right now by using the new shout box at the top of the Activity Stream. Whatever you "shout" will go directly into the stream, right on the homepage.

9. Upload Your Photos and Video

Upload videos of the high school football touchdown or your Little Leaguer'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.

10. Advertise With Us

For all advertising queries, please email our Port Jefferson Patch Ad Manager, David Tesser, david.tesser@patch.com.

11. 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 - you can filter results by cuisine, price or seating accommodations.

12. Connect with Us

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. Immerse yourself in our content and actively contribute and engage via social media. Let's start a conversation together. Patch would like to extend an invitation to every member of the Port Jefferson community to submit a letter to the editor. Express your thoughts or concerns about anything that might be stirring up conversation around town, and we'll post it. Make sure it's not longer than 300 words and email it to Editor Lon Cohen at lon.cohen@patch.com.

We're always around – working in , or , so if you'd like to set up a time to talk, e-mail Lon or call him at 631-707-4228. Happy Patching!