Merry Christmas from East Cobb Patch

Thanks to all of the readers, Facebook friends, Twitter followers, newsletter subcsribers and advertisers of East Cobb Patch for helping to make our site and social channels a convenient, indispensable resource for community news, information, events and commerce.

This is the third Christmas since our launch, and I'm proud of the strong mix of traditional breaking news, coverage of local government and schools, small business and real estate, public safety, features, sports, the arts and more that we strive to bring to you every day.

I'd also like to thank the freelance contributors and bloggers who've done a great job informing you and stimulating conversation.

East Cobb Patch's advertising manager, Allison Bentley, does a tireless job reaching out to small business owners about opportunities to connect with well-informed, engaged readers.

And my fellow Cobb Patch colleagues -- assistant regional editor Holly Roberson, Marietta editor Melissa Kory, Kennesaw editor Rodney Thrash and Smyrna-Vinings editor Angela Chao -- also are dedicated to the work they do in their communities, and to contribute to our countywide efforts to cover Cobb like no one else.

I'm grateful to be in their company, and honored to continue to serve an East Cobb community where I grew up and remain proud to call home.

On behalf of all of us at Patch, Merry Christmas!