13 Things You Should Know About Dale City Patch

Dale City Patch has been part of the community for a few months now, and we’re getting more involved and getting more feedback from readers. We want to make sure we can be of the most benefit to the community, so here are 13 things you might not have known about Patch and how you can use our resources.

1. Subscribe to our newsletter

Our daily newsletter delivers the top headlines and announcements straight to your inbox each morning. Why not start your day with a cup of coffee and a glance at what's happening in Dale City? You can also sign up for a weekly newsletter that recaps the week's top content.

2. Add events to the calendar

Know of an event going on at a local venue? Let everyone know about it by adding it to the community calendar!

3. Add announcements

Whether you just got engaged, got married, had a baby, made honor roll, or had a loved one pass away, let everyone know. You can also search for volunteers, ask for help finding your lost pet or share school awards.

4. Comment on articles

We believe that news is not a one-way street, but a conversation. Much of our reporting will spring from what readers tell us in emails, comments on our site and in conversations around town. Share your thoughts and reactions to our articles by posting a comment directly below each story.  

5. Add photos and video to articles

You can add your photos and video directly to articles! Upload videos of the high football touchdown or your Little Leaguer's first home run. Post photos from local festivals, or send in a snapshot of your best holiday recipes. We invite you to share the memories that you've caught on camera with the rest of the community.

6. Send us a news tip

If you know of a story or event that we should cover, let us know by using the "Send us news tips" link or by emailing nathan.curby@patch.com

7. Ask a question, answer a question

If there's something you've always wanted to know about Dale City, or you're new to the area and trying to find out more about it, ask the community. And if you know the answer to someone's question, or where they can find out, pitch in and share your knowledge! It's all part of making the community a better place.

8. Claim (or add) your directory listing

Our business and organization listings aren't skimpy. Our team of researchers actually hit the streets and visited businesses, schools, parks, libraries and more so we can provide photos as well as detailed information such as products sold and hours of operation. To contact us about the listing for your business or organization, email us at directorysupport@patch.com. If you own or manage a business or organization in our directory, claim it!

9. Shout it out

You can tell people what's on your mind without having to add a comment to an existing article. You can tell us what you have to say right now by using the shout box at the top of the Activity Stream. Whatever you "shout" will go directly into the stream, right on the homepage.

10. Advertise

If you want to raise your business's profile in the community by advertising on Dale City Patch, contact our ad manager, Gwen Reedy, at gwen.reedy@patch.com.

11. Review businesses

Do you want to be the first to tell your friends whether the new restaurant in town gets two thumbs-up? You can post a review of your favorite (or least favorite) restaurants at dalecity.patch.com/restaurants. Or, search to find what you're craving—you can filter results by cuisine, price or seating accommodations. You can also post reviews of any other business listed in our directory.

12. Social media

Get updates by "liking" our Facebook page and join the conversation on Twitter by following @DaleCityPatch. You can also share any of our articles on Facebook and Twitter with the click of a button.

13. Letter to the editor

Patch wants to know your thoughts, so we're extending an invitation to every member of the Dale City community to submit a letter to the editor. Express your thoughts or concerns about anything that might be stirring up conversation around town, and we'll post it. Please keep it under 300 words and email it to Editor Nathan Curby at nathan.curby@patch.com.

The more Dale City Patch serves as an online space for community dialogue, the more useful our site will be. So next time you have something to share with your neighbors, consider taking a moment to send a letter to Patch. Chances are, you're not the only who feels that way.