Happy birthday, Maplewood-Brentwood Patch! It's been a year since we first launched the only daily news and information service in these two communities.

Okay, it's been a little more than a year. We actually launched on Oct. 13, 2010, but we've been too busy to stop for a few moments to blow out the candles!

But as we enter the Thanksgiving season (weren't we just complaining about how hot it was? Time is flying!), I want to pause and say how thankful I am to be the editor of this site. I feel more than blessed to be in this position.

When I first started the process of launching the site last August, I was a stranger here. But you have all been more than welcoming to me, and I really appreciate that. You've invited me into your homes, you've chatted with me on the sidelines of Eagles and Blue Devils games, and, what I appreciate the most, you've treated me and the website with respect — even when I've made errors in stories or written about something particularly controversial. You're all respectful, encouraging and constructive.

And when you see me working late hours on a challenging or time-consuming story, many of you have been quick to pick me up with a thoughtful email or phone call. I can't say thank you enough for all of the support.

Seriously. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Now I'm ready for another year. And I'm going to ask for your help again.

I've attached a form below this article. If you could spare a few moments, would you please answer the questions and share your thoughts? This will help me know what you really value on the site, so I can continue working on stories that you really care about.

And, please, don't hesitate to share any thoughts in the comments section of this article too.

Thanks again, Maplewood-Brentwood. Here's to another year!

Ryan Martin
Editor, Maplewood-Brentwood Patch