Thursday, January 11, 2007 — The Millsberry Gazette is proud to introduce our new editor-in-chief, Audrey Smythe-Wei! Ms. Smythe-Wei (pronounced Smith-WAY) has already made a great impression on her newspaper staff and on the people she has encountered in Millsberry!

Audrey is a West Coast native who was most recently the editor of AUTUMN magazine. She wrote and edited award-winning articles reporting the latest trends for teens, from robot pets to 80's-style sneakers. She also made headlines in the publishing world with her bold leadership approach and endless enthusiasm — she lights up a room!

With a British father and a Chinese mother, Audrey grew up in a household that borrowed traditions from two very different cultures. Her father encouraged her to study journalism in London, and she now considers England her home away from home. Her mother made a point to speak Chinese to her when she was young, which came in handy on a recent vacation to Shanghai.

"I love to travel," she admits, "and I enjoy talking to people about their family traditions — and of course, trying many different kinds of food! Everyone has great, unique stories to tell, no matter where he or she is from."

So what drew this unique personality to Millsberry? "I had heard so much about this town where extraordinary things happen," she told us. "I came to visit and fell in love with the scenery. Sylvane Lake is just gorgeous. And I found everyone so friendly and down-to-earth. The sense of community here is truly amazing."

Audrey has already made a splash in town with her edgy fashion sense. Often seen sporting a wool hat with earflaps, a neon retro-style jacket over a cool skirt and legwarmers, and a classic bobbed haircut, she has been turning heads on Main Street. In honor of her arrival, Tania's Hair Salon and the Clothing Store will offer selected items and hairstyles at 50% off for the next two weeks! Try a rainbow mohawk with a camo jacket for a totally adventurous new look!

Audrey's out-there taste is catching on. Tania thinks she may be Millsberry's biggest fashion influence since Jenneira!

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Hello, readers! I am absolutely thrilled to be starting off the new year as head of this wonderful paper.

As your new editor, I will work hard to bring you the news you care about, and do my best to represent all of your voices. I plan to gradually update the look and feel of the Gazette to highlight new features and showcase more of the citizens who make Millsberry the great place it is.

Watch this space for more messages from me, and please say hi if you see me around town — I could use some pointers on the best places to go as I'm getting settled!