Kelly Glista, Patch Staff

Born and raised in the western half of the state, Massachusetts is really the only place I've ever wanted to write. I obtained my Bachelor's in journalism at Hofstra University in New York and then returned to my home state to continue my career. I've written for the Hofstra University Chronicle, the Telegram and Gazette in Worcester, MA,  the Boston Globe and had an editorial published in the La Crosse Tribune of La Crosse, WI. I have covered everything from local elections and courts to Revolutionary War reenactments in the middle of nowhere.

While at Hofstra I was Assistant Managing Editor of a brand new hyperlocal website, covering four local communities in a 24-hour, up-to-the-minute news environment. As well as covering news, sports and human interest in the surrounding communities, our intrepid team put together live webcasts for the third presidential debate and election night in 2008, both of which I anchored. 

I am an avid sports fan - the Red Sox being my one true love and probably part of the reason I could never really call New York my home -  and love the sense of community that forms around team loyalty, especially in a town like Norwood. I&#39;m also a coffee addict, and you will find me most often behind my laptop in Perks or Starbucks. Come say hi!<b><br></b>

<strong>Your beliefs:</strong>

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 us to inject our 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 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.

<strong>Politics:</strong>

I am a registered Independent who enjoys a good political debate, no matter what points of view are represented. On policy issues I generally lean left, and consider myself fairly conservative in values, but my opinions and votes span the spectrum.

<strong>Religion:</strong>

I was raised Episcopalian, but am not currently an active member of any church. The oft-used cliche &#34;spiritual, not religious&#34; springs to mind, but I have a great respect for all institutions of religion and the good they can do.

<strong>Local Hot-Button Issues:</strong>

Norwood is a town constantly changing, while trying to sustain its reputation and history. The incoming and out-going of businesses has a great influence on the community, as well as construction projects meant to improve or revitalize the streets, schools and lives of its citizens. Currently the construction of the new high school is the main event for most Norwood residents, a project that began in the summer of 2009.

The maintainance and revitalization of Norwood&#39;s center is also a local hot-button. Whether the issue is parking bans and other &#34;housekeeping&#34; ordinances or approving new businesses and restaurants, anything decision having to do with the town&#39;s picturesque downtown is not taken lightly.

With a hospital, airport, major interstate, commerce-crowded state highway and two commuter rail stations within the town, Norwood is also incredibly connected to the surrounding area, making it a great hub for conferences and gatherings.