Stamford|News|
Kids Not Reading Enough? Patch Has Tips from Author James Patterson
Bestselling author James Patterson gives tips on making your child an avid reader. Plus, here's a great reading list for the fall to get you started.

BASICS
Hometown: Central Islip, NY
Cell: 203-202-4715
Email: chandra@patch.com
Birthday: December 20
BIO
Chandra was born and raised on Long Island, NY and moved to Stamford in 2005. She graduated magna cum laude from Virginia Union University in 2001 with a Bachelor's degree in English, an Associate's degree in Journalism and Minor in Music.
While at VUU, Chandra performed with the VUU Panther Marching Band on the clarinet and soprano sax, and took on various writing and editing positions with the school newspaper and the Poetry Club.
Chandra received a Master's degree in Magazine, Newspaper and Online Journalism from Syracuse University in 2002. While at Syracuse, she completed an internship with The Post-Standard by writing articles for the Arts & Entertainment section.
After completing her studies and interning with Inside Edition and the now-defunct eDesign Magazine, Chandra secured a position as an editor for PR Newswire's ProfNet, where she held a combination of editing and customer service duties. In 2006, she joined Norwalk, CT-based Red 7 Media as associate editor — and eventually senior editor — of Audience Development and FOLIO: magazines.
Chandra joined Patch in June 2010 as the editor of Stamford Patch and then became associate regional editor for southern Fairfield County in July 2011 and regional editor in February 2013.
In her spare time, Chandra enjoys reading, traveling, going to the theatre, attending concerts, and spending quality time with her family and friends. She currently lives in Springdale with her husband and daughter.
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 and human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal certain key beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable.
This disclosure is not a license for our editors to inject these beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that our beliefs are on the record will force us to be ever mindful to write, report, and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you, the user, ever think you see evidence that we failed in this mission, we wholeheartedly invite you to let us know.
POLITICS
I consider myself to be a Democrat, but I've always tried to keep an open mind when heading to the polls.
RELIGION
Wow, that's an interesting one. I was baptized as a Catholic and attended Catholic schools, however, I've been known to attend Baptist, Pentecostal and Episcopal churches. These days, I consider myself to be a non-denominational Christian.
Bestselling author James Patterson gives tips on making your child an avid reader. Plus, here's a great reading list for the fall to get you started.

Bestselling author James Patterson gives tips on making your child an avid reader. Plus, here's a great reading list for the fall to get you started.
Efforts to target drivers who exceed the speed limit and use handheld cell phones will be intensified, according a statement released by the department.
Visit New Canaan's local shelter to find out more about National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.
The Connecticut League of Women Voters is reminding the state's 1 million eligible voters who have not yet registered that the deadline to do so is Oct. 30.
We're searching for the best Halloween Costume in America. Enter yourself or your kids for a chance to win $5,000.
We're searching for the best Halloween Costume in America. Enter yourself or your kids for a chance to win $5,000.
Here are details on Thursday's debate between Vice President Joe Biden and Congressman Paul Ryan.
A Westport man was found guilty in federal court of participating in a Fairfield County mortgage fraud scheme.
A Westport man was found guilty in federal court of participating in a Fairfield County mortgage fraud scheme.
The candidates and voting information for New Canaan.
A Woodbridge resident identified as a suicide victim in Westport is a suspect in the shooting death of his own brother in New Haven earlier today, according to New Haven police.
A man identified as a suicide victim in Westport is a suspect in the shooting death of his own brother, reportedly a Fairfield resident, in New Haven Monday, according to New Haven police.
A Woodbridge resident identified as a suicide victim in Westport is a suspect in the shooting death of his own brother in New Haven earlier today, according to New Haven police.
A Woodbridge resident identified as a suicide victim in Westport is a suspect in the shooting death of his own brother in New Haven earlier today, according to New Haven police.
A Woodbridge resident identified as a suicide victim in Westport is a suspect in the shooting death of his own brother in New Haven earlier today, according to New Haven police.
A man identified as a suicide victim in Westport is a suspect in the shooting death of his own brother in New Haven earlier today, according to New Haven police.
A man identified as a suicide victim in Westport is a suspect in the shooting death of his own brother in New Haven earlier Monday, according to New Haven police.
A man identified as a suicide victim in Westport is a suspect in the shooting death of his own brother in New Haven earlier today, according to New Haven police.