Jenny Whalen, Patch Staff
- Macomb Township, MI
<b><br> Hometown: </b>Clinton Township, Mich. <b><br> Birthday: </b>May 6<br> <b>Bio: </b>It was shortly after I finished off the classics shelf at the Cherokee Elementary library that I realized I wanted to write. However, writing became more of a hobby during school and upon graduation from Chippewa Valley High School I was off to John Carrol University to study international relations and communications. By October of my freshman year I realized I preferred writing about politics to being involved with them and transferred to Grand Valley State University where I completed my education with bachelor's degrees in journalism and German. While at GVSU I also worked as editor-in-chief of the university newspaper and managed to snag a few Michigan Press Association awards along the way. I interned briefly with Ruth Spencer and Dr. Frank McGeorge at Local 4 News and joined Patch in October 2010. There are three things you need to know about me: one, I love to travel and by the grace of my parents' frequent flier miles have fallen in love with Europe; two, old movies are my passion and by old I mean anything prior to 1965; and three, I am a closet Oscar-winning actress and take great pride in showcasing my abilities before unsuspecting strangers … you could be next. Finally, I love people and believe everyone has a story, so don't be shy, tell me yours!
<br> <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 believe the film "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" accurately sums up my political beliefs.
"Liberty is too precious a thing to be buried in books. (People) should hold it up in front of them every single day of their lives and say, I'm free, to think and to speak. My ancestors couldn't. I can and my children will." – Jefferson Smith, portrayed by Jimmy Stewart
There is not one label that speaks for me. Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative, my opinion is my own and I cherish my constitutional right to express it. <br> <br> <b>Religion</b><br> I was raised Roman Catholic and derive strength in my personal life from my faith and family. However, I believe every person has the right to worship as they wish. It is only when individuals or groups use religion as justification to harm or suppress the rights of others that my feathers get ruffled.
<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b><br> Macomb Township is primarily residential and so its main concerns are those of home and family. The economic downturn hit Macomb's housing market hard and although market values are slowly increasing, property values and township development are topics important to Macomb homeowners. Macomb is also home to several public and private school districts and parents have a right to know what their child's education entails.
Posting Activity
Macomb Township|News|
CVHS Turkey Trot 5K/10K Walk/Run
Shelby-Utica, MI|News|
Where to Watch Michigan in the NCAA Championship Game in Shelby Township and Utica
Beer, burgers and slam dunks! It's big game time as the Michigan Wolverines take on Louisville in the NCAA title game.
Wyandotte, MI|News|
Wyandotte Patch Readers Discuss New Teen Cell Phone Law
Teens with a temporary drivers permit, or a level 1 or 2 graduated license, will be prohibited from using a cell phone while driving a car under a law that takes effect Thursday.
Trenton Grosse Ile, MI|News|
Trenton-Grosse Ile Patch Readers Discuss New Teen Cell Phone Law
Teens with a temporary drivers permit, or a level 1 or 2 graduated license, will be prohibited from using a cell phone while driving a car under a law that takes effect Thursday.
Ferndale, MI|News|
Ferndale Patch Readers Discuss New Teen Cell Phone Law
Teens with a temporary drivers permit, or a level 1 or 2 graduated license, will be prohibited from using a cell phone while driving a car under a law that takes effect Thursday.
Wyandotte, MI|News|
Add Wyandotte Easter Church Services to our Events Calendar
Let people know what time church services will be held on Easter Sunday.
Trenton Grosse Ile, MI|News|
Add Trenton, Grosse Ile Easter Church Services to our Events Calendar
Let people know what time church services will be held on Easter Sunday.
New Baltimore-Chesterfield, MI|News|
Freedom Hill to Host Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic for Pets March 23
The clinic will be held on Saturday, March 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Freedom Hill Amphitheatre, 14900 Metropolitan Parkway in Sterling Heights.
Shelby-Utica, MI|News|
Remembering Michigan's Casualties of the Iraq War
160 Michiganders and 4,802 Americans and allies have been lost in the war. Shelby Township remembers Pfc. Tarryl B. Hill and Pfc. Mark A. Barbret.
Shelby-Utica, MI|News|
Freedom Hill to Host Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic for Pets March 23
The clinic will be held on Saturday, March 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Freedom Hill Amphitheatre, 14900 Metropolitan Parkway in Sterling Heights.
Clinton Township, MI|News|
Freedom Hill to Host Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic for Pets March 23
The clinic will be held on Saturday, March 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Freedom Hill Amphitheatre, 14900 Metropolitan Parkway in Sterling Heights.
Shelby-Utica, MI|News|
Suburban Ford Honors Teacher of the Year with New Set of Wheels
Flickinger Elementary School teacher Angelo Harwood was named "Teacher of the Year" for Utica Community Schools March 20.
Shelby-Utica, MI|News|
Until We Meet Again, Shelby-Utica Patch
This is Local Editor Jenny Whalen signing off.
Macomb Township|News|
Until We Meet Again, Macomb Patch
This is Local Editor Jenny Whalen signing off.
Clinton Township, MI|News|
Until We Meet Again, Clinton Township Patch
This is Local Editor Jenny Whalen signing off.
Shelby-Utica, MI|News|
Shelby Township, Former Police Chief Agree to Settle Lawsuit
The details of the settlement between former police Chief Robert Leman and Shelby Township have yet to be released.
Clinton Township, MI|News|
Clinton Township Doctor Charged in Health Care Fraud, Drug Distribution Scheme
Richard Utarnachitt, 71, is one of 13 individuals whose names have been added to the 2011 indictment that charged a Canton pharmacist with overseeing a massive health care fraud and drug distribution ring in Metro Detroit.
Shelby-Utica, MI|News|
Sheriff's Office Investigating Reported Assault on Shelby Township Teen
Anyone with information regarding the reported March 17 assault on a Shelby Township teen should call the Macomb County Sheriff's Office at 586-307-9358.