Best Blogs of 2013: Business Updates, Feel Good Stories & More

Every day people are posting to Patch's blogging platform about a variety of topics—from inspiring stories in the community to hard-hitting questions for our government officials and advice by local experts and business owners.

Here's a roundup of some of the best blogs in Westchester and Putnam counties of 2013:

1. Opinionated parents couldn't get enough of this mother's post titled, "What I learned from my 3rd graders homework," a lengthy in-depth look at the current state of education. In the post, the writer states, "I couldn't figure out why homework seemed so hard, so confusing, so different then I remember." She also goes into detail about standardized testing, the APPR mandate and controversial Common Core Standards. 

2. Local realtor Justin Pieragostini shared in his Patch blog an experience of a lifetime—being part of HGTV's filming of a House Hunters episode in Bedford. In the post, Pieragostini elaborates, "I guided the crew to area locations that would really showcase the essence of what Bedford and the surrounding areas were all about: the Bedford Oak, downtown Katonah and some great equestrian properties along the BRLA. We showcased some really fantastic locations, even Richard Gere’s Restaurant in Bedford."

3. Blogger Jerry Eimbinder keeps our readers abreast of the latest in Westchester County's culinary scene. Among his most popular posts of the year was the announcement of RiverMarket's opening in Tarrytown. The restaurant, located on Tarrytown's waterfront, is a sister restaurant to the popular Chappaqua venue, Crabtree Kittle House. In another of his posts, Eimbinder shared the news that a 27-year restaurant staple of Tarrytown, Caravela, would be shutting down.

4. Many local, state, county and federal officials take to Patch to share their news in blogs. Among them is NY Sen. Greg Ball, who writes about everything from the latest legislation in Albany to good news in his district and controversial issues affecting the region, like the LoHud gun map. Further south, Leg. Tom Abinanti has weighed in on the New York State Clean Indoor Air Act, the new Tappan Zee Bridge construction and overpass vs. truck accidents on local parkways.

5. Mount Kisco-based psychologist Dr. Benna Strober has a blog dedicated to teen issues on Patch. Her post titled "This Really Happens...What Would You Do in This Situation?" asked Patch readers how parents handle teen drinking situations.

6. Each week, local animal rescue groups and organizations feature adoptable pets in our area. Among them is the Putnam Humane Society's "Pet of the Week" feature, which always includes a photo or video and basic information about the adoptable animals.

7. Historic Hudson Valley keeps Patch readers abreast of seasonal events and happenings at the sites spread throughout the county—including the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze in Croton.

8. Rabbi Mark Sameth's blog post "Newtown Families: 'Go to hell!'" attracted readers from around the region and a slew of comments regarding civil rights and gun control.

9. ArtsWestchester CEO Janet Langsam is in tune with the county's art community and gives us closer looks at new exhibits, artistic inspiration and seasonal events like the holiday boutique.

10. Many local school districts highlight their news in Patch blogs. In Peekskill, the district has highlighted everything from anti-bullying efforts to student-athlete achievements. On Pleasantville-Briarcliff Manor Patch, local districts showcased a "Video Booktalks" program and notified the community when the superintendent made a visit to Albany to speak out against Race to the Top.


You don't have to have your own Patch blog page to contribute to Patch's dynamic and growing blog platform! Some of our best contributions this year were simple statements or photos in one of our open blogs. If you want to share a great local photos, just visit our Snapshots blogs. Some examples:

• A Yorktown family had a great time at the Yorktown Street Fair in October.
• Ossining's JV girls soccer team enjoyed a shutout victory over Sleepy Hollow.
• Every Halloween, a Pleasantville family builds a spooky pirate ship for neighborhood kids to enjoy.

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