A year ago on Saturday, Johns Creek Patch launched. In the year since, I've experienced the most fun and rewarding job I've ever had as an editor. From the business owners to the concerned parents, from the government officials to the city employees, everyone I've met in this diverse community seems proud of their new city.

Johns Creek itself just celebrated a significant birthday a few weeks ago - it turned 5 and celebrated with its annual Founders Day Parade, to which some 10,000 citizens turned out for the party.

Just in time for these birthday celebrations, Patch has launched a national contest that could net your school district $100,000, so don't forget to enter. We've also launched a neighborhood photo gallery, and would love for you to contribute!

And certainly in this past year there have been some challenges, such as concern Johns Creek schools would be redistricted, controversial zoning issues, and a growing concern over crime.

But I think the positive has outweighed the negative. The arts community continues to grow, a half-million dollar dog park was built after a resident won a national Purina contest, the city's first farmers market launched, a senior center was built from an historic schoolhouse, and when the city played host to the PGA Championship, it was lauded for its planning success. And we can't forget those Gladiators, who entered their first football playoffs in just two years of varsity play!

The city will also take a look at its charter in the new year with the help of a charter commission that will be named at Monday's council meeting.

These are the stories that stand out in my mind on the eve of our birthday. What were your favorites?