5 Best Blogger Posts of 2011

Hauppauge Patch introduced a new blogging platform to our readers in April 2011. Over the past nine months, we've seen our bloggers discuss key issues at the center of the Hauppauge and Nesconset communities, suggest and debate solutions for these issues, wax about life on Long Island and offer advice on life.

With that, we've like to feature our top 5 blog posts of 2011:

1. Blogger: Is LIPA Lying to Smithtown?
Blogger Michael Fleece talked about being without electricity for more than a week following Hurricane Irene. He talks about living without electricity, LIPA's response to the storm and debates whether the utility company communicated clearly and effectively with its customers following the storm. It's a hot topic many Long Islanders could relate to in the days following Irene.

2. Contemplating Transportation in HauppaugeHauppauge residents and Patch blogger Christopher D`Antonio points out the flaws in the urban planing of Hauppauge. D`Antonio speaks about the role sidewalks could play in transportation and developing a downtown feel to the area.

3. Living in the Shadow of NYC's Bright Light
Hauppauge resident Nelly Estefania reflects on what its like to be a young adult growing up on Long Island, the lure of New York City's bright lights and top-paying jobs in close reach, while yearning for something more in her hometown. She questions whether The Paramount in Huntington can help fill the void.

4. Seeing A Gold Star: What Sacrifice Means
Hauppauge business owner Anthony D`Amico shares his experience meeting a member of a local Gold Star family, what the Gold Star means and reflects on the sacrifice soldiers make for their country.

5.
Lynette Baker of RethinkingDebt.org shares her professional insight on identity theft of young children's names and social security numbers in the modern world. She shares statistics and her advice on how to protest your child.

Do you have something to say about Hauppauge or want to write about the community? Hauppauge Patch is always looking for new bloggers. Email the editor Sara Walsh at sara-megan.walsh@patch.com to get started in 2012.