This is our First Anniversary Issue, and I for one can’t say where the time has gone. We launched Long Island Parent magazine and www.liparentonline.com last winter because Newsday, for which much of my staff and I produced Newsday’s Parents & Children magazine, terminated that leading local source of parenting information. With family and friends we banded together to keep the magazine alive in a newer, friendlier format.

It was worth the effort. From humble beginnings last February, Long Island Parent has grown steadily with each issue. We’re the only publication that’s for, by and about Long Island moms and dads: For you because our advice-driven articles focus on what makes this area such a great place to raise your child. By you because we include your concerns, comments and parenting questions in every issue and have as our sources only local experts and writers. And about you since we’re also Long Island parents and know what matters to you. And we run this small family business with the advertising support of the businesses that serve you. We appreciate your extensive feedback to make this all possible. Thank you for supporting us this past year. We look forward to growing together.

Thank you also for being a part of the numerous fundraisers and other community events we participated in last year. Be sure to join us at our Camp Fun Fest at the Broadway Mall on Feb. 20 where you can meet with local camp directors. And watch our pages and Web site for many other events we’ll be participating in throughout the year.

Undoubtedly you noticed our fun cover photo of the local here. Then take our Reader Challenge here to help them reach their goals.

This issue also marks our Second Annual Town-by-Town Camp Guide here with over 250 camps to choose from. It’s based on a camp guide I’ve been creating for 11 years, so it’s chock-full of vetted choices. We also have a feature about seven family cruises leaving local ports (page 33), and eco-friendly birthday parties here. And look for all our regular columns, like Events with over 100 activities here.and the Growing Years (page 18) written by area experts. For more features and our popular ticket and toy giveaways, here.

As always, I’d love to hear from you, so write to me at publisher@liparentonline.com. And thanks again for the support and encouragement of our Long Island community.

Publisher/Editor
Liza N. Burby