It’s hard to believe Chartiers Valley Patch has been online for four months, and we’re gaining momentum as people learn more about us. You’ve seen us at board meetings, sporting events, local restaurants and around town finding interesting people and places that make this area special. But this website isn’t about us… it’s really about our readers.

We want Chartiers Valley Patch to serve you and respond to your needs and concerns. So here are a few things you may not know about Patch.com that will make our website more enjoyable and interactive for you.

Comment on Articles: Share your thoughts and reactions to the articles by posting a comment at the bottom of each story. We write the stories, but this is your chance to have your say by offering opinions and reactions to the day’s news.

Upload Your Photos and Videos: Share your video of your child's home run or piano recital. Or assist us by sending photos of a recent sporting event or shots around town. Just upload them to Patch from your computer and they will appear on the main page.

Sign Up For E-Newsletters: If you punch your e-mail into the box on the right side of the screen, you’ll get daily updates each morning about what happened in the area. A weekly newsletter is emailed on Thursdays around 11 a.m., and a breaking news option is also available for you. If you have already signed up, you can manage and change your newsletter settings by clicking on the box located underneath the calendar on the bottom right hand corner of the home page.

Check Out Our Social Media Pages: If you're not near a computer, then use your smart phone to "Follow" us on Twitter @CharValleyPatch, or "Like" us on Facebook by going to the Chartiers Valley Patch page.

Send Us a News Tip: Do you have a story idea or breaking news tip? If so we would love to hear it. E-mail me at mike.jones@patch.com, or call me on my direct line at 412-417-8552. Community journalism is based on the need for residents who know their town the best to tell us what is happening out there.

Post an Event/Announcement: We do our best to know about everything that is going on in this area, but sometimes we miss a few things. That’s where your knowledge of the daily happenings comes into play. You can upload your own announcements and/or events that will appear on the daily calendar on the bottom of the screen. Get some free publicity and add your event by clicking on the events tab on the home page. If you are 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 that announcement should be for personal use and not for advertising.

Claim Your Directory Listing: Our business and organization listings aren't skimpy. Our team of researchers actually hit the streets and visited businesses, restaurants, schools, parks, libraries and more so we can provide photos as well as detailed information such as products and services offered and hours of operation. Check to see if your business or organization is on Patch by clicking on the directory tab at the top of the screen. If it’s there, claim it and add photos or information about your company.

Advertise With Patch: Rather than paying to put your company’s name on a regional or national media organization, you can pinpoint your advertising to the people who frequent your business or restaurant the most.