Greetings from the New Editor

When I started reporting in Westport two years ago, I thought the town was weird. But in a good way. Coming from a village in upstate New York known for having three Dunkin Donuts stores on the same road (and not much else), I was a little overwhelmed when I arrived. Can you blame me?

Everything was new to me. The beautiful homes, the classy cars and the delicious restaurants were all stimulating my senses. When I walked into Mitchells on my first day at the Westport News, I suffered a severe and sudden case of sticker shock. Is that the real price? For a T-shirt?! Since then, I've adjusted to the cost of living differences between upstate New York and Fairfield County. It wasn't easy.

Elsewhere in town, I was in awe of the picturesque beachfront that outclassed the tiny beach on the Hudson River back in my hometown. The sunset strolls along the Saugatuck River were unparalleled. And from the moment I stepped inside, I have been in love with the Westport Public Library.  This town is the place to be, I thought.

Now, I'll be staying here. I'm taking over for Liz Mitchell, the founding editor of Westport Patch. She's been promoted to associate regional editor, so she'll still occasionally be in town. Liz has done a yeoman's work since the site launched last year, and I will continue to deliver the news you're interested in.

After all, it's not the businesses or the beaches or the houses that make Westport unlike any other town. It will always be the people that set it apart. The pride that you take in this town makes writing about Westport a delight. There are so many fascinating people in town, and many more that I have yet to meet.

When I walked into Mitchells two years ago, I was there to write a story about its 50th anniversary. The humble beginning of the family-owned company was a crash course in what makes Westport. People in this small town accomplish great things, and they do it while still maintaining a strong sense of community. No other town does it quite like Westport.

As avid readers of the news, I also learned that Westporters have high standards. You want to know what's happening, whether it's about your neighbor, town hall or a police emergency. As the new editor, I'll see to it that you're informed.

Meanwhile, you can post announcements on Patch anytime you'd like for free. Do you have an event you want people to know about? Spread the word here. It's simple. Also, if you have a story tip, question or suggestion, please e-mail me at Anthony.karge@patch.com

Some of you might have seen me around town in the past two years, typically holding a notepad and wearing a huge camera around my neck. If you don't know me, you'll find me to be a fair and friendly journalist who values integrity and credibility.

You also might find me to be a bit of a geek. In addition to my experience at the Westport News and interning internationally at an Eastern European film trade publication, one of my hobbies is writing about videogames. Since high school, I've written for Thunderbolt Games, one of the largest independent game sites in the world. For the record, my parents still think videogames are a waste of time. When I'm not writing, which isn't too often, I'm rooting for the New York Giants, weeping for the woeful New York Mets and watching British television. Doctor Who and the BBC versions of Life on Mars and The Office are just several of my favorite shows.

Now it might sound corny, but I'm thrilled about this new job. Check back here often because we're always updating the site with what's happening around town. Also, feel free to say hello if you see me writing at the library or at Starbucks. Thanks, and see you around.