Patch Originals: Snowplow Parenting; PR Crisis; Tribal Leader

More than a dozen journalists cover Patch sites in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Our local editors this week covered topics including how a New Hampshire principal is taking a stand against "snowplow parenting," the legacy of a Rhode Island tribal leader, and how city officials are being criticized for their response to a sewage disaster that rendered homes unlivable. These stories and more were among the team's best original reporting.

Massachusetts

Beverly Drowning Victim Was 'Bright, Talented'

Merrimack Valley local editor Dave Copeland wrote about how the theater community in Beverly mourned the loss of 23-year-old Joshua Robinson, lighting director at The Cabot. Robinson was "fundamental" to the theater's success, colleagues said.

Friends Rush To Support Benefit For Longtime Medford DPW Employee

Scott Souza covered how the Medford community is stepping up to help a longtime city worker fighting pancreatic cancer. Brian Rabbitt has played Santa in the annual Jingle Bells Festival and is known as a hard worker who would do anything to help a friend.

Melrose Admits 'Glitches In Our System' After Sewage Disaster

Boston editor Mike Carraggi has continued to be the authority for coverage of a sewage disaster in Melrose that forced families from their homes. The residents are upset over the city's response to the disaster, claiming officials were slow to respond and recommended they move back into their homes before they were made livable. Carraggi was alerted to the story by a resident who wrote a Neighbor Post on Patch.

New Hampshire

Bedford High School Principal: 'Snowplow Parenting' Wrong

Local editor Liz Markhlevskaya wrote about how Bedford High School's principal spoke out against "snowplow parenting," which could includes dismissing a child from school during a pop quiz, rewording a child's essay, or calling in a child sick from school if a project isn't done on time. "Just remember we're raising young adults. You don't have to fix everything along the way." The school adopted a policy discouraging such parenting, though there are no consequences for students or parents.

Rhode Island

A Century Well-Lived: Remembering Eleanor Spears Dove

Rhode Island editor Rachel Nunes wrote about the legacy of a tribal matriarch Eleanor Spears Dove, known as "Pretty Flower," who recently died at the age of 100. Dove was dedicated to her community, serving on the Narragansett Indian Church Board of Trustees and opening a Native American gift shop in nearby Arcadia Village.