There's An App For Patch, Plus: Getting Your Event Listed

You've probably noticed a few changes on JohnstonPatch — we've added that nifty grass background to the site, for one thing, and we now have the Facebook "Like" button right on our front page.

Another new addition to our Patch is the new iPhone app, just released last week. While we already had a smartphone format, the new app integrates the features of JohnstonPatch right into the iPhone's operating system, giving you smooth, intuitive access to the Patch site.

If you haven't downloaded the free Patch app yet, visit the iPhone App Store. Then, open the Patch app and enter your zip code (your iPhone can also use your current location to find the nearest Patch). From there, you'll see a Dashboard of options, with the day's weather at the top.

Browse news, events, our local business directory — or just check out the "Front 5," a selection of top stories, events listings, and recent Tweets. You can also log in with your Patch profile (Don't have one? Set one up with an e-mail address and password) and post comments using the Feedback option on the second page.

And once you're done checking out the new app, post a review at the App Store so we know how much you like it — or if you have ideas for how to further improve it.

Calendar Listings

While this isn't as new of a feature as the iPhone app, it's a key part of our role at JohnstonPatch of being a source for hyperlocal information about our town.

Looking for places to take the kids on vacation? Start with our Events menu.

Need to promote your organization's event? Send an e-mail to Calendar Editor Dina Dionizio at dmdionizio@cox.net

You can also post your own events using your Patch profile — just be sure you have all of the information about the event or activity: Time, place, description, cost, and contact phone number and/or e-mail if people need more info. This will save a lot of time when you're ready to submit your listing.

Oh, and speaking of saving, calendar listings are free. That's right: FREE.

Once you post your event, it will show up on the front page of JohnstonPatch in the comment stream, and on the iPhone app in the Calendar section. You can also link to your JohnstonPatch listing from your Facebook page or Twitter feed to further spread the word.

Finally, if you're a local agency or organization that doesn't yet have a Directory page on JohnstonPatch, let me know. We'll create a page, with photos and a description, and host it on JohnstonPatch for — wait for it — free.

Thanks for reading JohnstonPatch!