After serving for nearly two years as the editor of Novi Patch, I am happy to announce that I am taking on a new role at Patch in which I will be writing local news stories for eight other sites in Oakland, Livingston, Wayne and Washtenaw counties, in addition to Novi. Editor Joni Hubred-Golden (from Farmington-Farmington Hills Patch) and Associate Editor Aysha Jamali will be stepping up to add more coverage to Novi Patch. Both are wonderfully talented and more than capable of giving you all the news, features and information you need about the community. We have some very exciting stories …

Although I've lived in the area all my life (apart for my time at Michigan State - GO GREEN!), I never knew how much Novi had to offer. This "small town" is actually a buzzing metropolis that can claim it is one of the best cities to live in in America and is host to grand events such as the Great Lakes State Fair and major political rallies. Apart from being home to a lot of fun and big news stories, Novi is also home to a lot of wonderful people. Thanks to everyone who has been a fan of Patch and supported me throughout the past year. A special thanks to all of our writers, bloggers and …

There's just two weeks until Christmas and I haven't even started my holiday shopping yet, which means I'll be spending all of Saturday at the mall. I'm not a big fan of shopping on most days, and during December a trip to the mall cause more stress than glee because of the mass amount of people there. We are both blessed and unfortunate in Novi to have Twelve Oaks — a place for everything you need. Unfortunately, everybody else in a 30 minute radius is going there to get the things they need, as well. This can bring on a lot of stress. First, when you're driving to the mall you tend to get …

Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate your loved ones and the blessings you have received. One thing to be sure to put on your list of things to be thankful for: living in Novi. Here are 10 reasons why we should be thankful to live in this great city. 10. Developing businesses One reason Novi continues to be a great place to live is all the money invested in the city by local and international businesses. Whether it's a German-based company that makes diesel engines and drive and propulsion systems or the Novi Farmers Market, the city has become one that pushes for economic development. In …

If you've every wondered what Patch is all about or who is behind the articles you're reading, now is your chance to find out. Novi Patch will be at the Farmers Market in Fuerst Park on Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday is Kids' Day at the market, and we'll be passing out balloons to any youngsters who come by. We also want to meet you and talk to you about anything you wish! Are you wondering how to upload photos or post events or announcements on Patch? Are you interested in blogging? Do you have a story idea or suggestion? Are you interested in advertising on the site? We would be happy…

We're excited to inaugurate a new series for our Patch Readers: "Dispatches: The Changing American Dream."Every day, the national media is full of stories about how American families, businesses and neighbors are adjusting to these trying times. There are so many changes happening so fast that it's dizzying: national debates about unemployment, foreclosures, debt, religion, government and private enterprise all touch on fundamental ways in which we see ourselves and our communities. At Patch, we want to explore that conversation on a daily basis so we can better understand how our neighbors …