Newton North Grad Pleads Guilty In Waltham Murder Case

The defendant helped kill Adam Coveney of Waltham.

A Newton man pleaded guilty on Dec. 20 to manslaughter in the murder of a Waltham man in 2010, according to the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office. Benjamin Peirce, 19, of Newton, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and illegal possession of a firearm, according to the DA's office. Middlesex Superior Court Judge Kathe Tuttman, during a change of plea hearing, sentenced Peirce to 17 - 20 years in state prison for the manslaughter charge and 4-to-5 years for the firearm charge. The prison terms will run concurrently. He was also sentenced to 10 years of probation to be served after he is released from prison.   “This defendant, frustrated after a failed robbery attempt, decided to conspire with three others to rob the victim, who was …

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Newton Resident Helps VNA of Boston Raise More Than $200K

Zita Cousens served on the Gala Host Committee and was instrumental in getting items donated to the silent auction.

Young Newton Actor Lands First Role in 'Ted'

Brett Manley, 9, plays a young Mark Wahlberg in the new movie "Ted".

At just 9-years old, Newton resident Brett Manley can add a box office hit to the top of his acting resume.  Manley plays a young Mark Wahlberg in the new comedy "Ted", according to a report on WHDH. The young Newton actor managed to land the role after his very first audition.  Check out the full story and video from WHDH.  Although he comes from a family of hockey players, Manley told WHDH that he dropped the sport when he was 8-years old, and instead, started up acting lessons. Since his debut in the hit movie, Brett has made a number of appearances with local TV and radio stations, including WHDH, Fox 25 and Mix 104.1. 

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Newton Native Bikes Cross-Country for Multiple Sclerosis

Newton native Eliza Cohen just set off on a cross-country ride with the Bike the US for MS program.

Newton native Eliza Cohen has always dreamed of biking across the country.  Now, she's making that 4,300-mile dream come true -- and helping a charity every mile of the ride.  "I'm really excited," says Cohen, 23. "It's surreal." Starting yesterday, May 28, Cohen embarked on a cross-country trip with the Bike the US for MS program, a ride that raises money for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research and awareness.  Cohen's two-month trip -- also known as the "Northern Tier" route -- launched from Bar Harbor, ME and will finish in Seattle, WA.  An avid cyclist and athlete from a young age, Cohen says a cross-country trip has been on her radar for a long time. Once she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2010, she …

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Newton Student Wins Writing Contest, Honored at TD Garden

Horace Mann Elementary Student Matthew Malec was honored last month for an essay he wrote about Boston sports.

The following is a press release issued by The Sports Museum's Will McDonough Writing Contest: Boston, MA (April 27, 2012) – Newton resident, Matthew Malec from Horace Mann was chosen as the winner of the grade 5 division of The 2012 Will McDonough Writing Contest. The contest, presented by The Sports Museum and sponsored by Bank of America and the Boston Globe, is open annually to students in grades 4-12. The Sports Museum received approximately 2,000 entries for this year’s contest and judges were asked to pick one winner from each grade. Malec’s essay, on Mt. Rushmore, will be displayed in Will McDonough exhibit located within The Sports Museum until April 2013. Thanks to the continued support from the Boston Celtics, Malec and the …

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What's Happening

Five Things You Need to Know Today: May 11

A book & author luncheon, an open mic and big events at the two high schools.

1. Open Mic Night. The West Suburban YMCA will host an open mic night tonight from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. The free event will include music, raffles, giveaways and more. For more information, contact Kevin O’Connell at (617) 244-6050 x3028.  2. Book & Author Luncheon. The Friends of the Newton Free Library will hold its annual Book & Author Luncheon today at the Newton Marriott Hotel. The luncheon will feature Dennis Lehane and Mitchell Zuckoff. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. with a cash bar, followed by the luncheon, speakers and book signing. Check out this event listing for more information.  3. Guest chef at NSHS. Students at Newton South High School will have a special treat today as a guest chef will be visiting the school and preparing …

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Whiz Kids

Whiz Kid: 'Sisters' Celebrate Anniversary, Walk to End Hunger

This week's Whiz Kid participates as a little sister in the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston and walked in Sunday's Walk for Hunger.

Name: Millianette “Millie”  Age: 12 School: Day Middle School Accomplishment: On Sun., May 7, Millianette participated in the annual Walk for Hunger. She and her Big Sister Sara Sinicropi-Yao have raised donations to help alleviate local hunger. Although this is her first walk, her enthusiasm and dedication shine through. In addition, Millie and her Big Sister Sara Sinicropi-Yao, also a Newton resident, recently celebrated their one year anniversary together with the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston. Key to Awesomeness: Her passion to help others. In June she hopes to participate in another benefit walk.  Note: Millie's last name was not provided for this profile. Nomination information provided by Millie's Big Sister Sara …

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What's Happening

Five Things You Need to Know Today: May 9

A trial begins, a networking event and compost awareness.

1. International compost awareness week. Newton is celebrating International Compost Awareness Week. There will be tours of the Rumford Avenue Resource Recovery Center held today as well as a workshop on home composting. Check out the city website for more details.  2. Evan Hoffman trial. Evan Hoffman, a Newton man charged with vehicular homicide, will head to Newton District Court this morning for the start of his jury trial. Stay tuned to Patch for updates. 3. New bridge. Did you hear about the new pedestrian/bike bridge in Newton Lower Falls? An official celebration and ribbon cutting was held yesterday with some state and local officials. Check out our video and photos of the new bridge and then go check it out the bridge for yourself…

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Newton Author Q&A: Major League Baseball Meets the Hardy Boys

West Newton resident David Kelly, author of the "Ballpark Mysteries" will be appearing at Newtonville Books tomorrow at 2 p.m. Recently, Patch had a chance to ask Kelly a few questions about his sports-themed mystery series.

  Patch: Tell us about the books you've written and your audience. David Kelly: Each Ballpark Mysteries book is set in a different major league ballpark and while it usually involves a baseball game (book five is set during the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game!), baseball is more of a backdrop to the action, adventure, and mystery that drives each story forward.  In the Ballpark Mysteries, boys and girls can expect to discover something new (did you know that astronauts don't eat pizza or that there's a hidden message in Fenway Park's scoreboard?) as well as be absorbed by an interesting "whodunit" that takes the main characters, Mike and Kate, into some interesting situations. The Ballpark Mysteries are simply mystery and adventure books …

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