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Chris Helms
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About Chris
Email chrish@patch.com
Phone 617-680-5155
Hometown Wingate, North Carolina
Birthday Dec. 16, 1969
Bio: Since moving to Forest Hills nearly six years ago, I've dreamed of starting a Web site for JP. I have 14 years of experience at newspapers as an editor and reporter. Most recently, I edited the Watertown TAB & Press and the Cambridge Chronicle.
I speak Spanish, learned mostly from Mexican telenovelas and a college semester in Seville, Spain. I freelanced for the Spanish-language newspaper Siglo 21 when I first moved to Boston eight years ago.
I'm a proud expatriate North Carolinian who grew up in a small college town east of Charlotte. I live on Weld Hill Street with my wife, Jane, our dog, Molly, and two cats: Sophie and Carlos.
If I don't already know you, I look forward to meeting you around the neighborhood!
My 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.
Politics
As far as ideals, I'm a democratic socialist. In practice, I'm an unenrolled voter who mostly votes for Democrats. However, I did once vote for a Republican, so I like to think I keep an open mind.
Religion
I'm an atheist. I prefer the term "naturalist," since I see my lack of belief in the supernatural as a positive. I respect people who believe otherwise, however, and think religious institutions do a great deal of good, especially here in JP.
Local Hot-Button Issues
JP's urban environment is constantly changing. Battles over what should be built (or not built) are key to our neighborhood's evolution.
Crime, though lessened since the 80s, still harms far too many JP residents.
Recently
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Thanks for sticking up for civility, Matt.
DOG ATTACK - Looking for owner
-by Chris Helms
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My apologies, Tess. That's how the other media outlet had...
District Attorney: Mariano ...
-by Chris Helms
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Chris Helms posted the event:
for May 24, 2012 at 10:00 pm -
Good news from the owner of the dog that was hurt. She ...
Looking for Owner of Biting...
-by Chris Helms
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Good catch, Derryl. I thought that read a bit odd when I ...
-by Chris Helms
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Hi Lisa, thanks for your comment. You might be interested...
-by Chris Helms
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That's great news! I'll update the post.
-by Chris Helms
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Good suggestion, though this contest is just for JP.
-by Chris Helms
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Hi Dave, Thanks for your comments. I scan the police log ...
Pit Bull Attacks Collie Mix...
-by Chris Helms
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Hi Michael, that's a file photo from Waltham Patch. I ...
Secure Communities Program ...
-by Chris Helms
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Chris Helms posted the announcement:
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That's another good suggestion, Max. I think about the ...
-by Chris Helms
The Board
Pat Roberts
10:40 am on Sunday, January 1, 2012
Chris, are you planning to write about the Globe article (1/1/12) about the latest School Committee appointments? Claudio Martinez, Hyde Square Task Force director, has been reappointed. He says he wants to continue "advocating policies that foster diversity" in the Boston schools. But that would mean trying to attract more white families. And he has publicly criticized whites for trying to contribute to the conversation about the Boston schools. It looks like he really does believe that "diversity" means "Hispanic". I thought he was smarter than that.
Maura
5:45 pm on Monday, September 26, 2011
hi Chris I think Patch is having a problem again where not all the posts (comments) are showing.
Shawna Hamilton
3:02 pm on Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Hi,
I am working on a feature film that is helping a great cause as well as offering people the opportunity to get involved
with the film. I think this would be a great story to write about and tell people. I just wanted to pass this along. …Or If it’s not too much trouble, pledge on something (they are offering great things!) and if you can also please pass this along to your friends.
If I can help you out with anything or the production can help you with anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Here is the link for the film:
http://www.theguitarplayermovie.com
Thanks
Matt Laurence
3:26 pm on Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Hey Chris, this is Matt, we met in the Parkman "dog park" yesterday and discovered the new state of the Forest Hills fence together. Pleasure walking and talking with you - give Molly a scritch for me, and take care!
Maura
9:09 am on Sunday, July 3, 2011
hi Chris-still seem to be having problems with not all posts showing up. (not my own, but others'.) When I click on a post listed in the summary column on the right, it brings me to the correct article but the post may or may not be there. I did see someone else reference a missing post so perhaps it's not just me.