Welcome our Newest Kent Patch Blogger!

Let's give a big Kent Patch welcome this morning to our newest blogger, .

The mother, wife, photographer, French teacher, raw food enthusiast and Communitarian became a Kent resident two years ago when her husband, David LaBelle, was hired by to direct the photojournalism program.

LaBelle, who loves "photographing people and hearing their amazing stories," is tapping her background in newspaper photojournalism to create blog posts spotlighting area residents who "shine."

"This blog is where my love of people, stories, compassion, activism, ideas, photography and community come together. My intention is to celebrate the people in Kent who truly SHINE," LaBelle said. "When I tire of that I will explore another word theme. Possible: LOCAL. It is an adventure and we will see where this takes us!"

LaBelle brings the active blogging tally on Kent Patch up to 11. That's right, 11 of your fellow readers and neighbors are writing about their community and sharing their thoughts. And there are even more Kent folks in the process or pipeline who have yet to write their first blog. 

Nationally, more than 10,000 small-town America residents are blogging for Patch. You can do the same by clicking here to apply and become a blogger.

So join me in welcoming another Kent resident to the Kent Patch blog family, and give LaBelle the best welcome of all — by reading !