Everybody's Doing It: Your Patch Facebook Swoops into Third Most Popular in Chicagoland Region

Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please? Your Patch's Facebook page is now the third most popular of all Patch Facebook pages in the Chicagoland area. That means your Patch editor is currently second runner-up for Patch Head Cheerleader.

Like, totally. For sure.

We're tailing Lemont Patch (726 fans) and Oswego Patch (712 fans)—just in case you were wondering who's got us beat right now. We jumped to 700 fans from 672 last week! If you haven't become a fan yet, what are you waiting for?

Your Patch editor uses the Patch Facebook page to connect with readers, and promote stories on the site itself. We're addicted to Facebook, and we think some of our readers might be, as well, so we use the page to point you toward stories we think you might enjoy on the site itself. We also LOVE to hear from you through the Facebook page—we thrive off our communication and interaction with our readers. Have you checked out our feature, parts 1 and ?  We basically look for any excuse just to hang out with our readers. Express yourself on our Facebook page, and we'll pull your comments into the spotlight here each week. Become a fan and comment away!

We open our Facebook floor up for your interaction and feedback each week—here's what you had to say from Sunday, May 22 through Friday, May 27.

Patch received an invitation to hang out the Oak Forest Girls Softball Association during their Opening Day festivities–including a parade! We had a ball, and the girls loved the coverage.

• Sarah Weller-Ericksen: Awesome........coverage! Thanks again Lauren! ...

This week's Down to Business business profile featured local spa—a place to find relaxation, stress relief, and friends.

• Melanie Sanchez: I absolutely love Sense of Serenity. I just started going there this year after I purchased a Groupon for their services. I ALWAYS feel welcomed and am treated like a friend. The services they offer cover a wide range and I can't wait to try them all! Thanks for writing about this gem of a business!

Cook County will begin issuing civil union licenses June 1. In your Patch editor's opinion, this is a significant step forward in the recognition of equal rights for all couples. With the move, Illinois becomes the sixth state to allow civil unions.

• Sarah Weller-Ericksen: Just read the article in the Trib....very happy to see our state supporting civil unions! Huge step for IL!
• Mary Jula Yuktonis: It's about time!

Apparently people on Facebook have some dirty mouths–and we wanted to know if you and your "friends" have the same habits.

• Melanie Sanchez: My friends and I are pretty good about not leaving any potentially offense words in our comments or posts to each other. Sometimes we do type a word with "$, #, !, *", etc. substituted for a certain letter(s) which I feel is ok; however if I do feel the need to use an offensive word I make sure to send it as a private message.

Chicago said goodbye to a talk show favorite Wednesday, as Oprah Winfrey left her stage one last time, scooping up one of her beloved cocker spaniels on the way out. We talked to , and we wanted to know how you felt about Oprah's departure from the daily TV schedule.

• Michael Humenik: Who cares???? they will just put more fluff on TV anyways!
• Karen Lamphier Suglich: I will miss Oprah more than words can say. She has been a staple in my life since I was a kid. She has a special ability of making all subject matter interesting, pertinent and inspirational. I can't wait to see what she does on her new network! Hopefully it will follow a similar format.

Oak Forest High School graduated another class of Bengals Tuesday, and

• Michelle Lydon Higgins:Congrats Class of 2011!!!

, according to the ICC. We broke the news to you, because we thought you might want to know.

• Laura Burns Baldwin: Thanks but I wish I didn't know...lol :)

—pretty nifty news.

• Felicia Sexton DePyper: That's Awesome, Great job... I love hear these stories. When my 25 year old son graduated from Arbor Park, there was a fellow student that received an award for perfect attendance from Kindergarten through eight grade. Nine years of never missing a day of school, that's unbelievable.
• Cathy Cooper: Amazing job! Congrats to Brooke and her parents!

Our blogger, known as the Minivan Mama, shared a significant moment in the lives of her children–and her feelings on a tough moment regarding her daughter. A touching post, that might make you think.

• Linda Susini D'Angelo: Beautiful story... I felt her pain... I have been in that place with my own beautiful daughter ♥
• Linda Susini D'Angelo: And that is why I am a prayer warrior ♥