Needham|News|
5 Things You Need To Know Today: Oct. 11
Meet representatives from more than 35 preschools at Parent Talk's Preschool Fair; chat with U.S. Congress candidate Sean Bielat at 1 p.m.

E-mail: Becca.Manning@patch.com
Phone: 781-217-4233
Hometown: Resident of Malden since 2013; previously resided in East Boston and Newton. Moved to Massachusetts (South Shore) in 2008. Born and raised in Troy, Ohio.
Birthday: November 6
About Me: A Massachusetts transplant, I grew up in Ohio and moved to the East Coast three years ago, spurred by a love of the ocean and a special affinity for Boston in particular. My first job in Massachusetts was working as assistant editor of a community weekly, the Pembroke Express, for the independent, family-owned Clipper Press. I had a great experience there, starting a newspaper from scratch in the town of Pembroke and watching it grow and become well received by the town. I was promoted to editor in 2009 and briefly took over as editor of two other Clipper Press weeklies, the Hanson Express and the Whitman Express, before signing on with Patch. I love community news, and I'm thrilled to be with Patch and especially excited to be covering the neighborhood of Charlestown.
Before reinventing myself as a New Englander, I worked for three years for a daily newspaper in Piqua, Ohio (just a few miles from my hometown of Troy). At the Piqua Daily Call, I started out as the education reporter and quickly added on the city government beat as well as page design and copy editing duties. Prior to that, I graduated from Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism with a BSJ in journalism and an environmental studies certificate. During and right after college, I wrote for the independent student newspaper The Post and for magazines including Perspectives, Southeast Ohio, E/The Environmental Magazine and Bird Talk.
I have been writing for as long as I can remember, and telling stories even before that. I'm also an avid reader, and when I can combine all three of my loves — the ocean, writing and reading — with a day at a quiet beach, I am absolutely in heaven.
Meet representatives from more than 35 preschools at Parent Talk's Preschool Fair; chat with U.S. Congress candidate Sean Bielat at 1 p.m.

The following information was supplied by the Needham Police Department. Any charges mentioned do not indicate a conviction.
Citizens are encouraged to come hear about Community Preservation Act proposals tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall.
Needham High School girls soccer and golf both qualified for tournament play last week.
The local resident will be working with the U.S. Antarctic Program.
Flu shots are available at Town Hall, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This letter was submitted by a Needham resident.
This letter was submitted by a Needham resident.
The town is looking to add harsher penalties for public consumption whether or not Question 3 passes in Massachusetts.
The Business Association's annual event was held Saturday on the Town Common.
This letter was submitted by a Needham resident.
A look at some of the top stories on Needham Patch last week.
The following information was supplied by the Needham Police Department. Any charges mentioned do not indicate a conviction.
A look at some of the new and upcoming events hosted by the Needham Council on Aging.
This friendly orange-and-white tabby cat is available for adoption through Neponset Valley Humane Society.
Members of the Rehoboth Minutemen visited the school on Oct. 5 for a special lesson made possible by a Needham Education Foundation grant.
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here's a list of local breast cancer support groups.