The nature of a close community is that its members look out for one another, take care of each other and work together for the common good. West Seattle really is that kind of place. Its history, traditions, and the memories that keep them alive are all strong and vital.

We want to take this opportunity to thank all of our readers sincerely for your interest and support for this past year. Since 1923 we've been telling West Seattle stories and bringing you news and information and have taken our brand of story telling to a wide range of outlets.

Today you can find the West Seattle Herald online of course but also in our dedicated iPhone and unique and different iPad apps (free) and one for the Android market too.

We're on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Flickr, and more. And we consistently bring this community news in print which you might be surprised to learn is available in 74 outlets around West Seattle.

We've been putting a strong emphasis on our photography this past year (our contributing photographers have a combined history of more than 120 years of photographic experience! and include Pulitzer Prize winner Jerry Gay). You've noticed and again, we thank you.

Recently we've seen a large surge in our online readership, up by some 400%, but surprising to some is the fact that our print subscriptions are also up dramatically.

More people subscribed to the print edition this year than in any of the last 4 years.

By any measure that is simply remarkable.

All this is thanks to this amazing community of people. This is thanks to you.

The West Seattle Herald and the entire staff of Robinson Newspapers wishes you and your family the best of holiday seasons, and a great year ahead.