David Gordon nominated Claire McCarthy, of Spear Street, as one of Melrose's leading lights. 

Claire is an amazing woman. Pediatrician at Childrens Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School faculty member, columnist for Parenting magazine, author of two wonderful books for Simon & Schuster, mother of six (one deceased—see link), active parishioner at the Incarnation Church, “swim mom” of several YMCA Melrose swimmers, public-school parent, and a great neighbor. In the days after my wife had twins, Claire would stop by when with groceries or a meal or some good advice for my wife on how  to cope with two newborns. This on top of everything else she had going on in her life. You’ll often find Claire getting some time to herself at 5:30 in the morning at the Melrose YMCA pool! She’s an incredible person, mom, doctor, neighbor, citizen, and (we’re proud to say) friend.

Nominate Melrose's Eight Bright Lights for Hanukkah

Do you know a Melrose resident who is prominent or influential in his or her field or organization? If so, we invite you to nominate that person as a leading light in the community. 

Please send the nominee's name, phone number or e-mail address, as well as a paragraph about his or her work, to Amanda Kersey, your community news producer, at amanda.kersey@patch.com. 

Patch will then publish photos of all the nominees with short descriptions explaining why they are bright lights in this city, so that everyone can admire them.