New Patch Content, Features, Video Cast on Their Way

Allow us to take this rare moment of privilege and use the "5 Things" space to introduce several new features that have appeared or will appear on Marietta Patch this week.

1. PatchCast. For those paying attention on Saturday, you saw the debut video of our daily wrapup taking some of the top headlines of the day in Cobb County and presenting them to you as a brief newscast. The voice you hear is Angela Chao, local editor for the Acworth Patch and a talented broadcaster.

2. The Marietta Patch Mom's Council, an advisory group comprised of local mothers. In addition to advising us on content and interactive features, these moms will also serve as the experts for our weekly "Mom's Q&A" column in which they will provide guidance for questions about family and parenting.

Moms (and Dads!) interested in joining the council, should drop me an e-mail at phil.taylor@patch.com.

3. On Wednesday, Marietta Patch will include a selection of family-based content including a column called "Mother of All Deals," which will feature some of the best deals in the area for families, an article listing a few of the best places to take the children over the weekend and a "Great Escape" feature that suggests a great kids-free activity for Mom.

4. For Thursday, Marietta Patch will provide a series of articles designed to help you plan your weekend. Stories will include a weekend planner, a restaurant review, a list of open houses near Marietta and "The List," which will feature the best, the most, the newest or whatever in Marietta.

5. As always, you can interact with Marietta Patch through the comments, through the Shout Box at the right side of the home page or through the posting of your own events and announcements!