Community Corner

Meet Your New Downers Grove Patch Editor

Your Downers Grove Patch editor would like to take a minute and say, "hey."

Hi, folks. Allow me to introduce myself: I'm Lauren Traut, and I'll be your new, friendly neighborhood Patch editor. I'll attempt to fill the void left after the departure of beloved Local Editor Amanda Luevano (she says, nervously tugging at her collar).

I promise you, I'm up for the challenge.

But you might be wondering, "Who IS this chick, really? Where's she from? What does she know about Downers Grove?" 

  • Lauren H. Traut: Dog-lover, Equestrienne, and Bookworm.
  • Grew up in south suburb Evergreen Park, attended Mother McAuley High School.
  • And admittedly, I have a lot to learn about DG. 
But here's a little more about me. I've been with Patch since October 2010, when I launched south suburban Oak Forest Patch. I was the editor of "O-Fo" Patch for about a year and a half, before being promoted to a management role in March 2012. As a manager, I oversaw and coached editors of 12 south suburban sites, while striving to spread the good Patch word around the area.  

And now I've inherited the lovely Downers Grove and Lemont Patches. I'm eager to take what I've gleaned from my work on other Patch sites, and put it to good use here. I'll to continue to show you all the sparkling ways you can use Patch to be informed, engaged—and hopefully, entertained—members of your community. Together, I hope we can bridge the gap between residents and government, the helpers and those who need it,  and Downers Grove newbies and aficionados. I've even included a couple photos, so you'll know me when you see me—and I absolutely hope you'll flag me down and say hello.

You can reach me any time at lauren.traut@patch.com, OR (708)465-4653. I'm also a Facebook fiend, so you'll see me on the page quite often. Be sure to "Like" us on Facebook, if you don't already. 

And now, let's start our time together with a game.

In the comments below, do me a favor?
  1. Tell me one Downers Grove person I must meet immediately.
  2. Tell me one place in Downers Grove I must experience as soon as possible.
  3. Tell me your favorite thing about Downers Grove.
  4. Ask me anything.


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