A year ago today I wasn't thinking all that much about what I would make for Thanksgiving or how I would kick off the start of the holiday season. 

The only basting I was doing was putting the finishing touches on the launch of East Cobb Patch, which went online as one of the first Patch sites in Georgia. 

What a whirlwind year it's been. 

Starting a community-oriented website two days before Thanksgiving isn't something I'd recommend. But since this assignment was bestowed upon me, my editor, colleagues and I prepared quite a bit for readers to feast on that very first day. 

It turned out to be a lot of fun jumping in just as the holiday season began. 

Since then, we've provided East Cobb citizens and readers with a wide range of news, events and other information pertaining to their community, Cobb and beyond. 

Whether it was the SPLOST referendum, the county budget crunch, the school calendar debate or plans for a new major health care facility in East Cobb, our commitment to local government and education news has been strong.

We've taken a close look at what's happening at East Cobb schools, reporting on one of the most important (and emotional) aspects of community life. 

We've noted the splashy arrival of high-profile markets, the rebirth of venerable retail centers and the enduring persistence of old-fashioned, family-run small businesses in economically challenging times. 

The important work of community organizations, such as the Rotary of East Cobb, is being felt around the world. 

We've brought you other stories of inspiration and commemmoration, cultural and intellectual enrichment as well as care for our beloved pets. Not to mention celebrating our community and noshing on excellent food! 

Our opinionators on all things East Cobb, Tim Langley and Rob Maynard, have weighed in on governmental issues and ruminated on the joys and tribulations of life, and everything in between. 

Our Local Voices bloggers have also enriched the conversation and brought citizen passion to topics close by and far away. If you'd like to join them, we'd love to have you. 

And I've been thrilled to introduce readers to the fine contributors who have made our success happen. In words, and also in photos and video. 

Like any startup idea, we've made adjustments in our approach, and you may have noticed some of these changes as we've gone along. We're still evolving, and your contributions and feedback will help us as we begin Year Two.

More than anything, the continued growth of East Cobb Patch depends a lot on how you become part of the conversation. There are so many ways for you to let your fellow East Cobbers know what's on your mind, or what's going on in your neighborhood, organization or school community. 

You can comment on articles, post your own events and announcements, send us photos and videos, engage with the community on social media, advertise and more. Here's a primer on being part of East Cobb Patch with all the details. 

Our ultimate aim is to be East Cobb's most reliable source for news, information, events and conversation, and we'd love for you to take part!

Finally, I'd like to thank my Northeast Cobb Patch colleague Julia Harris and my editor, Michael Jacobs, for their assistance. Julia also has her site's first birthday today, and Michael, who lives in East Cobb, has been unfailingly helpful. This is his community too, and his insight and contributions are an integral part of East Cobb Patch's success. 

As always, I'm on call to answer your questions and help you troubleshoot any way I can. Please email me at wendy.parker@patch.com or call at 770-265-0128.