We're number one ... hundred!

Welcome to Morristown Patch, the 100th local news site launched by the Patch network. It's a one-stop-shop for all your news, events, listings–you name it–in Morristown ... and only Morristown.

That last part is important. We're here to cover the heck out of this wonderfully busy, vibrant place. Government news? School sports? Special events on the Green? We'll be there. Grand opening celebration? Blood drive? Promotion? We'll help get the word out.

Want to know where to go for dinner tonight? Want to know what this season's schedule is shaping up to be at The Community Theatre? Want to know what the town government is voting on at the council meeting this week? Check us out.

It's the approach Patch has taken since it was started in 2008 and went live in early 2009 with  just three communities–Maplewood, South Orange and Millburn-Short Hills. It's the approach Patch has continued as it has expanded across nine states (and counting)–an expansion fueled by the ambitious vision AOL shared when it bought Patch in June 2009, and decided to invest $50 million in the operation. That backing–and the hard work of the people behind Patch's first 99 sites–has produced more than 55,000 local news stories and nearly 1 million local news photos.

We've actually been out in Morristown for a while now, covering news and events for you (and posting breaking news items to our Facebook page and Twitter feed). So, please look back into our archives and catch up on what's been going on here.

Not only have we been covering news, we're making it. Patch's "Give 5" program, through which we contribute our own time as volunteers in our communities, has Patch personnel out in full force throughout all 100 sites today, Tuesday, Aug. 17. Morristown Patch will be volunteering at the Market Street Mission, as well as cleaning up the Harrison Street Playground. So, come out and say "hello!"

Morristown is a hub of activity, and its people are hungry for information. Morristown Patch is here to provide that information throughout your day, so be sure to add us to your routine.

But, this is not just about us. It's about you. You also can participate by contributing comments, event listings, announcements and suggestions. This is your town; you deserve to be part of the conversation, so please get in touch with me, John Dunphy, at john.dunphy@patch.com.

This is my town, too. I live here and I want to cover it as thoroughly as possible. You are probably going to be seeing a lot of that face in the welcome video up above. Feel free to say "hello," and maybe shower me with compliments (go on, I'll graciously accept them). Heck, if you can think of ways we can improve the site or coverage of Morristown, by all means, let me know about that, as well. I'm a big boy, I can take it.

Once again, it's great to be here in Morristown, covering our town. I'll see you soon.