<b>Email </b>Melanie.Graham@patch.com<br> <b>Phone</b> 617-733-1840<br> <b>Hometown </b>Grafton, MA<br> <b>Birthday</b> 28 August
<br> <b>Bio </b>Melanie is a self-admitted music geek with a knack for piano and telling stories. She grew up in a small town in central Massachusetts and despite itching to move to the city, relocated up north and attended the University of New Hampshire. While at school she earned a pair of bachelors degrees in Music Performance and English/Journalism. In between six-hour stays in a practice room, she freelanced for various community publications. After a brief love affair with London, England, she worked as a staff writer for the Newburyport Daily News in Newburyport, MA.
After finishing school, Melanie wrote for the Milford Daily News, covering local beats in Bellingham, Hopedale and eventually Milford. While she misses many of her regulars back in Central MA, she is excited to be part of Patch and a community as vibrant as Newton.<br> <br> <b>Your Beliefs</b><br> <i>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> </i><br><b>Politics<br></b>I'm an unenrolled voter and I tend to stay out of politics as much as possible—outside of reporting them, of course.
<br> <b>Religion<br></b>I was raised in an Episcopal Church but I have since stopped attending regular services. However, I am very interested in various religions and beliefs and like to see myself as a spiritual person.
<br> <b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b><br> There are plenty of issues, both large and small, that occupy the 18 square miles of Newton. Education is certainly on everyone's mind as well as how to maintain the nationally-recognized Newton standard with dwindling funds. There is also the ongoing debate of what is best for kids and whether the pressure from parents and a top-ranked education truly prepares students for sucess.
The Board of Aldermen's Zoning and Planning Committee will continue discussion on the item tomorrow night. Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
A bookclub meeting, a teen craft event at the library and a screening of a French comedy.
With algae levels still high, officials have decided to keep the lake closed for the rest of the summer.
The Bluefish competed in their final championship meet on Saturday, wrapping up the 2012 summer season.
The two-family dwelling would exceed the property's floor-area ratio limit, and several aldermen believe it is too big for the neighborhood.
An art discussion, local baseball and public hearings for a few local restaurants looking to expand seating.
The School Committee members recently evaluated Superintendent David Fleishman on his performance in fiscal 2012.
The national mobilization, which aims to crack down on dunk driving, will run from Aug. 15-Sept. 3.
Adamas Fine Jewelry in Newton Highlands gave a pair of the custom earrings to every member of the U.S. Women's Gymnastics Team after they took home gold in the team competition earlier this month.
The property at 215 Needham St. will go to public foreclosure auction on Sept. 13.
After months of work, the former C. Tsar's location is ready to open as the new Brewer's Coalition.
Adamas Fine Jewelry in Newton Highlands gave a pair of the custom earrings to every member of the U.S. Women's Gymnastics Team after they took home gold in the team competition earlier this month.
The incident happened during the Monday morning commute.
The Board of Aldermen meets, a local bike ride and the School Committee gathers to evaluate the superintendent.
The Newton Board of Aldermen will vote tonight on the special permit required for the expansion.
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If you missed some Newton news this week, catch up on your local headlines with our Week in Review.
A reception for a photo exhibit, a walk with Historic Newton and some local open houses.
After months of work, the former C. Tsar's location is ready to open as the new Brewer's Coalition.
A roundup of local students who have made dean's lists, graduated from college, or received other academic honors.
