Merrimack|News|
Homelessness on the Rise in New Hampshire
The state's homeless population increased by 6 percent, according to a recent one-day count.
Until I was a junior in high school, I planned to go to school for acting, but I took a semester-long journalism class at the recommendation of my sophomore English teacher and my career path changed. I went to St. Michael's College in Colchester, Vt., where I earned a degree in journalism and mass communication.
I have worked in community journalism since I graduated from college in 2004. I worked for nearly three years as a reporter covering seven towns for the Argus-Champion, a newspaper in the Newport/Lake Sunapee region of New Hampshire that has since closed. Until I took the job as the editor for Merrimack Patch, I worked for the Nashua Telegraph and Cabinet Press where I worked in several capacities including as a reporter, copy editor and editor. I worked most recently as an editor handling the content for the Cabinet, Merrimack Journal, Bedford Journal and Hollis Brookline Journal.
I live in Nashua and have lived in the Nashua area since 2007. I was born and raised in Exeter, and can see myself living in New England, if not New Hampshire, for the rest of my life, despite strong urges every January to pack up and move to San Diego. I think I may have lived there in a previous life.
I'm a member of the Gate City Striders, a large group of runners who get together for coached track workout and group runs, and am hoping to getting back to running competitively as I did in high school and college.
In my free time I also like to play floor hockey and softball, spend time with friends, read and cook.
Your Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
I'm a registered Independent though I vote more with the Democratic party. While I am tend to lean to the liberal side on most issues, I'm more interested in the person than voting along party lines.
Religion
I grew up Catholic and went to a Catholic college but I haven't been practicing for several years. I appreciate the beliefs of others and take interest in reading here and there about other religions.
Local Hot-Button Issues
Finding businesses to replace Zyla's and the old Shaw's.
The state's homeless population increased by 6 percent, according to a recent one-day count.
Police say they've been investigating him for months in connection with heroin sales made around Merrimack.
Police say she was driving under the influence of drugs.
Merrimack's School Board on Monday approved the 2013-14 calendar with one change from the original proposal.
Spanish story time is back this weekend at the Merrimack Public Library.
Officer Michael Dore was recognized as this year's top fundraiser. Dore's CHaD buddy is Merrimack's Hannah Vigeant.
Get your first cone of the weekend on Saturday at King Kone.
Powerball was drawn Wednesday for a $260M jackpot, did you miss the winning numbers?
Merrimack resident held on $10,000 cash bail.
Merrimack's Timothy Gibson is among the 23 New Hampshire residents killed in the war. The 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq began 10 years ago this week – on March 19, 2003 – and although officially over, the fighting continues.
Pick up a pick up truck from local southern New Hampshire dealers.
Though we have a freshly-fallen blanket of snow, today is the first day of spring. Here's a list of our favorite springtime chill spots.
A snapshot of Merrimack Police activity between March 12 and 13.
Dan Hock and Cathy Hock, owners of Merrimack Flower Shop and Greenhouse named as Business Leader of the Year.
Merrimack Fire and Rescue log from March 15-17.
Former school board chairwoman says Shannon Barnes balances fiscal responsibility and quality education in her decision-making.
Happy first day of spring, Merrimack! Good news, today's weather is going to be much better than yesterday.
Show us your children's snow creations with today's wet and sticky snow.
A snapshot of Merrimack Police activity between March 9 and 10.
School, Town Offices and other local businesses will not open doors today. See what's closed, add your closures to the list.