I have worked for Patch as a local editor since September 2010, when I launched the Northbrook Patch site. I ran that site until taking over as editor in Evanston in May 2012.
I have been involved with the news business since age 12, when my first job was stuffing papers (folding the arts section into the news section, which came separately) for a local newsstand in my hometown. Within a year, I was promoted to selling them on the street, where my biggest sales day coincided with the impeachment of Bill Clinton.
I attended college at the University of Chicago, where I majored in English and wrote for the school newspaper, The Maroon. I went on to earn a master of science degree from the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University.
While in New York, I covered community news for the weekly Our Town, in addition to writing for the alternative weekly New York Press.
Following graduation, I spent two years in St. Louis, working full-time as associate editor for the weekly newspaper Ladue News while freelancing for the West End Word.
There are few things as rewarding as getting involved and volunteering in your own community. Take it from these local activists, volunteers and other influential community members, who have shared with us their motivations for making a difference.
Bike to Work Week runs from Saturday, June 8, to Friday, June 14.
The annual Custer's Last Stand Festival of the Arts takes place Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16 in Evanston.
Evanston aldermen are expected to consider an ordinance Monday that would make way for a bed and breakfast at 1622 Forest Place, owned by Col. James Pritzker.
Doris Howe, 95, died on June 4 surrounded by her grandchildren. She was a teachers aid in Chicago and often volunteered in retirement.
Free concerts begin Thursday with pan-ethnic party music in James Park.
Sprinter Joppa Banks, softball team captain Maddie Reiches and football player and track athlete Nehemie Etrenne were winners of the Kiwanis Club student athlete awards.
Top blogs on Patch this week include a post about towed cars at the Evanston Farmers Market and a teacher's story about the power of drama in education.
D'artagnan's Cellar is a small shop on the north end of the Carillon Square shopping center in Glenview that specializes in rare and expensive spirits.
The following information was reported by the Evanston Police Department on Friday, June 7, 2013. Where arrests are included, it does not indicate a conviction.
Patch takes a look back at Abraham Lincoln’s reluctant visit to Evanston in April 1860.
The following information was reported by the Evanston Police Department on Thursday, June 6, 2013. Where arrests are included, it does not indicate a conviction.
Evanston Ald. Ann Rainey (8th Ward) talked to local reporters about business development on Howard Street and her vision for more activity on the lakefront.
There are a number of ways you can start a living 'Greener' life, and SWANCC is a resource for member communities in northern Cook County.
The 20-year-old Highland Park resident who was found dead in Wilmette on Monday died of a gunshot wound to the back of the head, according to police.
The following information was reported by the Evanston Police Department on Wednesday, June 5, 2013. Where arrests are included, it does not
The American Cancer Society is seeking participants in a historic cancer research study.
Ametis Louis died at age 75 on Monday, June 3. He was a 35-year-resident of Evanston and leaves behind four children and numerous grandchildren.
