Welcome to Herndon Patch

I've been told that things felt a bit different around Herndon after the Observer Newspaper, a 34-year-old Herndon business, closed in June.

I've heard from people around town that it made such a difference to have a local news source that was located directly in the town and that its presence has been notably missed. Though many towns don't have a local newspaper, or haven't had one for a long time, it is something that I've found has a way of connecting people and information in a way that regional and national media can't replicate.

The things that happen here on a daily basis are important to the people who reside in these neighborhoods, work in these businesses and take pleasure in the events that happen throughout this town. Which is why I am so glad that I have the opportunity to be a part of Patch. Patch's goal, and mine, is to make lives better by providing relevant news and information to residents on a local level.

When you're graduating from college as a journalist people are always interested in what you want to specialize in. Do you like writing about sports or schools or politics or maybe arts and entertainment? Do you want to be a news anchor and be in front of the camera? (A definite no for me. Preparing for the accompanying video for this was filled with anxiety.)

I didn't quite know what I wanted, which was why I was so excited to work in local news at the Observer — you see a little bit of everything. I just didn't realize how attached I would become to the task of local news. In local news I get to see the impact of my work every day in so many different ways. I love seeing a group of Herndon High students that have an accomplishment to celebrate, excited to get their photo taken for the local news. Or the incredibly modest and fun-loving volunteers who gather like family at Friday Night Live to talk about their support for a town they love.

I know I'm no expert on Herndon, but it's a town that feels like it has become my own. The people I come into contact with every day are friends, whether it's taking a few moments to catch up with Jimmy Cirrito at his tavern or Art Anselene over a town budget. I feel a great deal of responsibility to Herndon and its residents and I hope that Patch proves useful for you.

I am so pleased and grateful to be here. I hope to be here for a while yet and I hope to do some good here, covering things that are important to you. You can get a hold of me by phone or e-mail or just watch out for me at Town Council meetings or the local Panera. Let me know how things are going or send me a news tip. And I'll see you around town.