Welcome to Brighton Patch. We're new in town, but you'll be seeing a lot of us from here on out. We plan to cover everything going on in this patch of land we call home – and a beautiful patch it is.

Brighton is known for its ski resort, beautiful parks, rural landscapes and abundance of lakes. But Brighton is also cosmopolitan, full of destination businesses, wonderful cultural organizations, and a diverse group of residents who do all sorts of interesting things. Our freeways connect us to Ann Arbor, Lansing, Detroit and beyond.

We are at the crossroads of rural and suburban living; city and country; traditional and modern. We're the biggest hub in Livingston County but manage to maintain a small town feel. We've got it all. After all, where else can you find downtown and lakefront living combined?

Here at Patch, our team of professional journalists will cover Brighton and Brighton Township, along with Brighton Area Schools, which serve a patchwork of townships including Pinckney, Genoa, Green Oak and Hartland. 

We expect to be everywhere from city, township and school board meetings to the sidelines of the latest Bulldogs game. You may already have spotted us out and about, visiting your business to collect a directory listing, or stopping you on the street for comment about the latest hot-button issue.

But Patch isn't about us, it's about you. We need your help to make it the best online resource for local news.  There are plenty of super-simple ways to get involved with Brighton Patch:

Offer your opinion: We love feedback and a good debate. We hope you respond to our stories in the comments section. Or, just give a shout out to your favorite pizza place, ice cream parlor, or preschool teacher. We welcome whatever you have to say.

Submit your announcement: Know someone getting married or having a baby? Looking for volunteers for your charity project? Want to let the community know about an upcoming event? It's easy to upload your announcement to Patch.

List your events: Whether you're hosting a garage sale, cooking class or writing workshop, you're welcome to list your event here. Our events are easily searchable by date or category, and give us plenty of ideas for articles.

Join us on social media: Link up to us on Facebook (BrightonMiPatch) and Twitter (@BrightonPatch) for lively discussions, breaking news and plenty of community interaction. We want to become your "favorite" in the social media world.

Request our newsletter: Afraid to miss a single Patch? Sign up for our e-newsletter on our home page, and Patch will be delivered to your inbox every day.

Use our directory: We've got a robust directory of businesses and organizations in Brighton. Check it out if you're looking for a local church, community park or just a great pizza place for dinner. Own a business? You can claim your listing and update it with information, photos and more. Don't see a listing? Let us know, and we'll be sure to add it.

Contribute your stories and columns: We're always looking for new voices to contribute to Brighton Patch. Whether you're a trained journalist or a concerned resident who wants to speak your mind, we welcome you here.

Write a letter to the editor: We love getting mail! Don't be shy. Express yourself in words and address letters to me, at wensdy@patch.com.

Just say hello: As editor, I set up my virtual office in the community all the time. Look for me and my laptop with the Patch sticker at the library or local coffee shop, and please come up and introduce yourself. You can also e-mail me at wensdy@patch.com or call me at 734-890-1072. I look forward to meeting you!

In the meantime, click around Brighton Patch and get to know your newest neighbor a little bit better.