A Happy Thanksgiving from Southington Patch

The following is a message from Southington Patch Local Editor Jason Vallee.

Thanksgiving Day is upon us once again.

For many of us, the fast-paced lifestyle is hard to step away from even on this holiday. We are focused on meal preparations, scheduling get together events with family and friend and already looking ahead to everything we need to get done before 2012 sneaks up on us.

At Southington Patch, we understand how hectic this can feel. I encourage you to take a moment, step back from the checklists of things to do and enjoy Thanksgiving for what it should be. The holiday is a time for friends and family, a time to reconnect with those we haven’t seen in a while and a chance to enjoy the company of good people.

So put aside those Christmas shopping lists, forget the job responsibilities for a moment and reflect on everything there is to be thankful for. You just might find it relaxing.

As I reflect on the holiday today, my mind turns quickly to the many things to be thankful for. First and foremost, I feel obligated to thank the service men and women, both overseas and in our local community. Without them, I would not have the freedom to write this today.

There are many soldiers, military volunteers, firefighters and police who are working today, spending time away from their families to ensure that we remain safe and have the opportunity to make our own choices and live life free of worry. A lot can be said about the dedication these men and women show day in and day out without asking anything in return.

Here at Patch, I also feel obligated to say thank you to each and every one of you in the community that has supported us this year.

It has been a banner first year for Southington Patch.We have made great strides in providing a comprehensive local site that provides you with the latest, most up-to-date information – and much of this is due in part to the support we’ve received from you.

With a combination of hard work and team effort from local editors across the state, region and country and the continued tips and ideas given to us by those in our communities, we have become one of the top news destinations for residents.

We don’t say this enough, but it is you the readers that motivate us. Your input helps us improve and provide the best site we can for our communities. For that, I am extremely thankful.

In the year to come, we want you to get even more involved. We will strive to feature the announcements and events that matter to you and we want to hear your opinion. The site can be a great way to connect with neighbors you didn't know you had, learn about what's going on not only in town, but your individual neighborhood and more.

It is with the upmost pleasure that I am able to sit here today and wish you all a happy, healthy and safe start to the 2011 holiday season.

From all of us at Patch, thank you for your support and we look forward to working with you in the days, months and years to come.