Some readers may have noticed a change in leadership at The Times community newspapers operated by The Day. Kathleen Edgecomb, who had been community editor for a number of years, decided to retire, and I was named to replace her.

The Day’s executive editor Tim Dwyer gave me the reins and asked me to make The Times into an even stronger publication, which means reaching out to you, the readers.

Among my ideas: hold a series of community meetings in most or all of the towns we cover to seek out ideas, writers, photographers and others who crave and enjoy local news. The idea would be to then have monthly or semi-monthly meetings at local coffeeshops or libraries to keep the momentum of citizen journalism going and develop a stronger community-oriented feel with the news you are craving, whether that is what’s happening in the schools, on the fields or in town hall.

In discussions with The Times staff, the idea was suggested that we do more stories delving into town history, along with perhaps doing more with video and podcasting. I’d also like to encourage more folks to send us pictures taken locally of interesting events and people. I am hoping to add a semi-regular feature called “What in the World?” in which people can send in photos of things going on in town that they need help explaining, such as a new building or a business that has closed.

One idea I’d like to implement as soon as possible would be a regular feature from people who are involved in various volunteer causes, whether it’s working with the handicapped, making clothes for children overseas or improving the community’s landscaping. The column would be first person, written by people involved in volunteer work, about why they find their particular cause so uplifting.

The tentative title would be Kindness in Real Life, and would provide a harbor from some of the negative news we hear daily on national TV.

My overall approach to The Times is to try to provide information you can’t find anywhere else, and to highlight many of the positive stories happening in our towns.

If you ever have ideas for stories, or want to be part of our community news initiative, please call or email me at l.howard@theday.com or 860-701-4356.

I am hoping some readers will want to get involved on a regular basis with providing content for The Times by calling me at 860-701-4356 or emailing l.howard@theday.com. To everyone else, I say thank you for making The Times part of your busy lives, and I look forward to serving you in the months and years ahead.

Lee Howard has been with The Day for more than 30 years, serving as a copy editor, region editor, page one editor, Sunday editor, Marketplace magazine editor and business reporter, among other duties. He has a master’s degree in interactive communications from Quinnipiac University and is an adjunct professor in the communications department at Mitchell College.