One of my favorite parts of this job is when out-of-towners or old friends ask me to tell them about Perry Hall.

In honor of Patch's first anniversary on Sept. 13, tell us how Patch has changed the way you interact with with the community. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

I may not have written the book on Perry Hall, nor have I ever been labeled an honorary mayor, but this past year of Patch has taught me a thing or two about this community and the people who keeping it running.

I think our little town is best described by the things residents love reading about on Patch. Here are my top five picks:

1. New Businesses: Want to get people talking? Tell them about plans for a new Gino's, or a new Walgreens or a natural food store. Residents are concerned about the local economic climate and eager to see it grow.
2. Perry Hall Library: If I had to pick the most popular, best-loved public place for people of all ages in Perry Hall, it would have to be the library. Spend an afternoon there after story time lets out. The place is downright joyful.
3. Photos: Perry Hall photographs really well. Don't believe me? Check out any one of our photos of the day or photo galleries.
4. Families and Kids: This community is all about families. From our popular parents column to stories about a courageous child survivor and walking to school, kids come first in Perry Hall.
5. Parks and Environment: Parks abound in Perry Hall. Not only is the community peppered with them, but they actually get used, for everything from lacrosse tournaments to post-hurricane rafting. Promoting a cleaner environment, through green schools and community cleanups, is also important to residents.