Mary MacDonald, Patch Staff
- Milford, MA
E-mail: mary.macdonald@patch.com	 Phone: 508-317-6136 Hometown: Hampton, NH Position: Local Editor, Milford Patch
Mary started her 20-year reporting career in New England, initially at the Vineyard Gazette on Martha's Vineyard, and later Foster's Daily Democrat in southern New Hampshire, where she covered local news in Rochester and Portsmouth, as well as in York, Maine. She left her native New Hampshire for a job as a police reporter at The Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville.
After covering police, government and higher ed in Jacksonville, she moved to Atlanta to become a reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She specialized in education reporting for most of her nine years in Atlanta, later moving to general assignment, where she wrote news and feature stories from Atlanta's northern suburbs.
In 2009, Mary left the Atlanta paper to go to grad school, thinking she would like to try teaching. She taught English in Springfield (MA) for nearly two years, and has a master's degree in secondary education from University of Massachusetts Amherst.
When she's not working, Mary enjoys cooking, running, hiking and spending time with her family in Rhode Island.
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 writers to inject 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 cause us to be ever mindful of writing, reporting and editing in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know. Politics
I am a registered Democrat who occasionally crosses over and votes Republican. I follow the issues most important to me, typically crime and education.
Religion
I'm not particularly religious. I was raised a Catholic but am not observant.
Posting Activity
Milford|News|
After 26 Years, a Promotion to Sergeant in a Family Profession
Michael Pasacane, a 30-year police officer, is Milford's newest sergeant. He followed his late father in joining the department.
Mary MacDonald, Patch Staff
Milford|News|
5 Things You Need to Know Today: March 22
State Sen. Richard Moore is among the state legislators calling on the federal government to expedite veterans' disability claims.
Mary MacDonald, Patch Staff
Milford|News|
Police Log: Vandalism, Credit Card Fraud, People on a Building Roof
The following information was provided by the Milford Police Department. Charges do not indicate a conviction.
Mary MacDonald, Patch Staff
Milford|News|
Women in 'Sunshine Spa' Massage Case Arraigned
Ziping Yung, 52, and Lan Pechacek, 51, were represented by private attorneys in their arraignment hearings Thursday.
Mary MacDonald, Patch Staff
Milford|News|
5 Things You Need to Know Today: March 21
Dave Pinto, a student at Norwich University, has received an athletic and an academic honor.
Mary MacDonald, Patch Staff
Norton, MA|News|
Tax Bill Comparisons Shows Norton Families Pay Fourth Highest Bill in Bristol County
Norton is ranked four out of 18 for the highest average tax bill in Bristol county.
Mary MacDonald, Patch Staff
Milford|News|
Towns Near Milford ask Gaming Officials for More Time, Protections
Holliston, Hopkinton and Medway have all submitted comments to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission on how to define "surrounding communities."
Mary MacDonald, Patch Staff
Milford|News|
Police Log: Man Thrown from an SUV
The following information was provided by the Milford Police Department. Charges do not indicate a conviction.
Mary MacDonald, Patch Staff
Milford|News|
No Hookah Bars for Milford
Milford's Board of Health has issued a regulation that will ban hookah bars, or cigar bars.
Mary MacDonald, Patch Staff
Milford|News|
When is the Last Day of School?
Milford Schools have had six snow days this year.
Mary MacDonald, Patch Staff
Milford|News|
'Sunshine Spa' Owners to be Arraigned Thursday
Two women who obtained a business license in Milford, but who police say operated an illegal massage parlor, will be arraigned Thursday.
Mary MacDonald, Patch Staff
Milford|News|
5 Things You Need to Know Today: March 20
Garbage will be collected a day behind schedule for the rest of the week.
Mary MacDonald, Patch Staff
Milford|News|
Police Log: Boy Throwing Snowballs at Cars, Plow Driver Speeding
The following information was provided by the Milford Police Department. Charges do not indicate a conviction.
Mary MacDonald, Patch Staff
Milford|News|
Two Women Arrested on Charges of 'Keeping a House of Prostitution'
The arrests at an office on East Main Street followed a three-week investigation.
Mary MacDonald, Patch Staff
Milford|News|
Kindergarten Registration Cancelled Tuesday
Due to the cancellation of school, Kindergarten Registration has been postponed.
Mary MacDonald, Patch Staff
Milford|News|
Plow Truck Catches Fire, Driver Unharmed
Milford lost a $200,000 dump truck to an engine fire Tuesday. The cab was engulfed in seconds, but the driver escaped unharmed.
Mary MacDonald, Patch Staff
Milford|News|
5 Things You Need to Know Today: March 19
Milford TV will rebroadcast the selectmen's meeting featuring Casino-Free Milford several times this week.
Mary MacDonald, Patch Staff
Milford|News|
Several Hundred Casino Opponents Turn Out for Milford Meeting
The crowd that showed up for the Milford Selectmen's meeting Monday spilled into the hallways and extended up to the main floor of Milford Town Hall. The chairman would not move the board's meeting to the upper chamber.
Mary MacDonald, Patch Staff
Milford|News|
Anti-Casino Protestors Gather, Inspiring Honks, Some Hecklers
A small band of Casino Free Milford supporters waved signs outside Milford Town Hall Monday afternoon.
Mary MacDonald, Patch Staff
