Most Patch readers know that I’m a huge fan of our Local Voices bloggers. But many don’t realize that I’m not the only one—in fact, many of our St. Louis area editors feel the same way.

That’s why this week, I asked my colleagues to nominate their favorite posts for the week. I got an overwhelming response, and to be honest, there isn’t enough space to share them all with you here, so I’ve narrowed it down a bit.

Check out seven of the most interesting, entertaining and/or useful posts we found around Patchland this week.

• Every baby is special. Local Voices blogger MaryAnn’s latest post reminds us that babies are a miracle, whether they’re healthy or not. Her post was nominated by Affton Patch editor Lindsay Toler.
• He runs toward his goals with passion and commitment. Mason Ridge Garden Club founder and Local Voices blogger Claire Chosid shares a story about (and an interview with) athlete Eric Strand and his passion for distance running. Chosid’s post was nominated by Town and Country-Manchester Patch editor Gabrielle Biondo and Creve Coeur Patch editor Gregg Palermo.
• A penny saved is a penny earned. Better Business Bureau blogger Jerri Stroud is back with more helpful tips for consumers, this time focusing on the tax-free weekend that just happened. Her post was nominated by Webster Groves Patch editor Sheri Gassaway.
• Good luck with that, Atlanta. Local Voices blogger Jonathan Parker holds nothing back when he expresses his very strong opinion on the condition of the roads in Richmond Heights, Missouri, which he creatively compares to those found in the city of Atlanta, GA. Parker’s post, originally published on Clayton-Richmond Heights Patch, was nominated by Maplewood-Brentwood Patch editor Doug Miner.
• This fairytale involves garbage bags and duct tape. Local Voices blogger Andreea Cojocariu offers a reflective look back at the “fairytale ending” of the recent Garbage Bag Gala sponsored by the Salvation Army. I’ll admit, I was surprised to find out how much the event actually raised in just one night. Several Patch editors were also involved in the event, including three who modeled the fashions created by local designers. Her post was nominated by University City Patch editor Maggie Rotermund.
• Here’s a new way to zone out in college. Professional organizer and Local Voices blogger Susan Stewart shares the three “Cs” to an organized dorm room in her latest post. Stewart says that categories (and zones), combining your stuff and color coordinating all come into play when you’re organizing a dorm room—or any room. Stewart’s post was nominated by yours truly.
• This one’s for the sandwich generation. Gregory Younger offers four questions that baby boomers need to ask their aging parents to help them plan for the future. While the initial questions seem simple, Younger offers expert advice on exactly what (and why) you need to know. Younger’s post ran on several Patch sites and was recommended by a number of readers.

As you might know, this is only a very small cross-section of the Patch Local Voices blogger population. Which blog posts did you enjoy this week? Share your favorites in the comments section, below.

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