I come to Patch after working in a wide variety of media environments, with experience in traditional newspaper reporting as well as on the Internet. In the past, I've reported on Chicago's vibrant arts community for the Chicago Journal and done investigative reporting at the Chicago Reporter and org. I graduated in 2009 from Columbia College with a B.A. in Journalism. </b>
<b> </b>
<b>My investigative series on childhood lead poisoning rates in Chicago, published at ChicagoTalks, won a 2009 Peter Lisagor Award from the Chicago Headline Club in the Neighborhood/ Community News category. The series was also a finalist for a 2009 Investigative Reporters and Editors Award.</b>
<b> </b>
In Chicago, I also founded Jettison Media LLC, which publishes the arts and culture magazine Jettison Quarterly where I also serve as editor in chief.
I am very interested in the future of journalism on the Internet and am excited by Patch's hyper-local focus on news in communities across the country. But aside from journalism, my interests also include music, literature, movies and the arts.
I hope to see you all around town. Feel free to shoot me an email about any topic under the sun.
<b>Your Beliefs</b><br>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.<br><br><b>Politics </b><br>I consider myself to be an independent. I don't think any one party has all the answers, or knows the best way to get everything accomplished. To me, working with people from a variety of different backgrounds, usually ensures the best results. I like to consider the grey areas, because to me, no issue is black and white. I consider myself to be progressive in my ideology and letting people make the best decisions for themselves. I consider myself to be open, caring and compassionate and think that is reflected in my views on many social and political issues. If you'd like to know my views on specific topic or event, feel free to email me.<br><br><b>Religion</b><br>I am not religious.<br><b><br>Local Hot-Button Issues</b><br>I make it my mission to provide only the facts and to not editorialize. Issues involving schools are especially important to me, as well as a government's duties to its citizens to be both fiscally and socially responsible and fair.
A split vote on the La Grange Park Village Park Village Board resulted in the denial of a request for a 1-year variance request from the Village's sprinkler code for a proposed new day care facility.
Ed Buikema, head butcher at DeVries Grocery and Market is hanging up his apron after 45 years of serving customers their meat.
The old 7-Eleven space at 201 W Hillgrove Ave. in La Grange is vacant. With such a prime location close to downtown and the La Grange Road Train Station, we put the question to you. What would you like to see in this space?
The Village will be discussing the purchase of new water meters, improvements needed at the Village's pumping station and how to pay for it all at a special board Village Board meeting in La Grange on April 2.
Last year La Grange was rocking, but this year we'll be tick-tocking. La Grange Business Association says grandfather clocks will line our streets for this summer's downtown art exhibit.
Teens looking to get their learner's permit this summer can enroll at Lyons Township High School for summer driver's education classes.
The La Grange Police Department shared the following information concerning the recent arrest of Karen A. Uzuanis, of Palos Hills, IL.
With nearly 90 percent of the vote, incumbent Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Western Springs) has easily cruised by challenger Farah Baqai.
La Grange Park referendum passes, big wins for Romney, Lipinski, Grabowski, Durkin and Welch.
Our early spring could mean more ticks, fleas and mosquitoes. Is your dog ready? Patch talks to La Grange Park's newest veterinarian, Dr. Susan Dowd, at Arbor Animal Hospital.
Tate's Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Shop in La Grange is giving away free scoops of ice cream, but you'll need to do some searching to get one.
La Grange gastropub Wild Monk teams up with Southern Tier Beer this month for a five-course meal.
The Citizens Council of La Grange is looking for new members to help slate candidates while educating the community and themselves on the issues facing La Grange.
Two business owner say they struggled when Beach Avenue was under repair, hope customers return.
Stems and Twigs, Sweet Pea, and Phillip's also got good support, but Maria's soared at the end with a little help from a social media campaign!
High school senior Katie Miller heads up social networking for integrative health care company InNetwork based in St. Charles.
Over $19,000 was raised before the fundraiser at St. Baldrick's with donations still coming in through the night.
Lyons Township High School senior Katie Miller heads up social networking for integrative health care company InNetwork, based in St. Charles.
The Lyons Township High School Sinfonietta will perform at Chicago’s Symphony Center on the Orchestra Hall Stage April 9. Members of Chicago's Lyric Opera will perform at LT on April 19.
Floyd's 99 barbershop and Palmer Place and joining together to raise money for the St. Baldrick's Foundation in honor of Katie Palermo—a local teen diagnosed with cancer.
