Irene-Stricken Starbucks: Melrose's Week in Social Media

Welcome to "Social Media Saturday," where we'll round up some of the items from the social media world of Melrose Patch that you may have missed this week, and give you recommendations for people and groups to follow on Facebook and Twitter.

Tweet of the Week

This week's Tweet of the Week is a tweeted photo from Catherine, who captured one aspect of Tropical Storm Irene's impact on Melrose: An empty Starbucks food case.

In other Twitter happenings this week:

• In response to a tweeted photo from the Gillette Stadium field of the inflatable Pats helmet, saying, "Your editor might pass out," Karyn responded, "Oh? Did you have to inflate it yourself?" Touché. (Seriously. Felt a little lightheaded.)

• In response to an article about teachers using social media to connect with students, Josh opined, "Careful balance. Fully support banning social media in school on kids phones. Social media is a great tool. But only half the story. Kids need to get more involved." The Melrose School Committee has as they craft a new district-wide policy.

• Nelly over at NECN said she'd take questions on Twitter, so I asked: Why do people park in a driveway but drive on a parkway? Her response? "We like to confuse people who are learning English."

• In response to West Nile Virus being detected in Melrose, southern transplant and current Melrosian Tyler said, "Honestly, I wasn't even sure there *were* mosquitos here ;)" Charles added, "Well, I guess we're now officially in a state of De Nile. #trytheveal" GROAN.

Facebook Post of the Week

I posted some sad news from the Animal Rescue League: "The swan with a fishing hook in its beak eluded capture this morning in Melrose. We will continue the effort with the help of the ACO." In response, Anne mentioned seeing the whole swan family this morning and said she'd post some photos, and later shared this great photo of the swans. Thanks Anne!

In other Facebook happenings this week:

• A lot of Irene-related posts on Facebook this week, as I tried to keep Melrosians informed about power outages, road closures and the like.

• Of course, the best part about Facebook and other online social networking sites is that you can report just as quickly as I can. Thanks for report, Gary.

• Wakefield Patch Editor Sara Jacobi started taunting me about their Facebook Page getting to 700 Likes before Melrose. (And then had the gall to claim on the Wakefield Patch Page that I was was taunting her. I mean. THE NERVE.)

• You came through with flying colors, Melrose, quickly bumping us up over 700 Likes ... but we're still tailing Wakefield. [pout] The Melrose Public Library folks urged everyone to Like their Facebook Page as well, which brings us to...

Must Follow/Like Account of the Week

Head on over to the Melrose Public Library Facebook Page—chock full of pictures, updates and more from the library—and click that Like button at the top.

Melrose on Facebook

For more Facebook Pages that Melrose residents might find interesting, check out our list of "Liked" pages on Melrose Patch's Facebook Page. And don’t forget to follow Melrose Patch at www.facebook.com/MelrosePatch.

You also can follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/MelrosePatch.