News Nearby: LeVar Burton Dances with Kids to Reading Rainbow Theme

Each Saturday, Melrose Patch will run a round-up with links to stories from surrounding communities that are of interest to Melrosians.

MEDFORD—LeVar Burton visited Tufts University's campus on the Medford/Somerville line Friday to be recognized for his contributions to children's media.

Burton was given the 2012 Eliot-Pearson award at Distler Performance Hall Friday morning. Burton told the audience that he believed it was in his genetics to teach and inspire others: His mother was a teacher and his father a pastor. He also said that Fred Rogers—better known by most as Mr. Rogers—was one of the three great men he has ever known.

WAKEFIELD—Wakefield Police detectives have officially charged Michael Gallella, 30, as the man responsible for robbing the in Wakefield at knife point on January 17. Gallella, who lists an address in Malden, was arrested for allegedly robbing in Hamilton at knifepoint on Saturday.

In addition to the Wakefield and Hamilton robberies, he is also suspected to be responsible for a number of other robberies in the area, including Marblehead, Reading, and Saugus.

STONEHAM—While the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has already approved reimbursing Stoneham more than half of the total cost to construct the proposed Middle School, voters will decide if they want to fund the project at a Special Town Meeting on Feb. 7.

The School Building Committee is seeking Special Town Meeting authorization from voters for the estimated $40 million project.

MALDEN—If you're looking to take a break from your falafel routine at the decidedly delicious , why not mix it up with downtown Malden's newest Middle Eastern eatery: Baba Supermarket.

The new business, which opened late last year near , offers authentic, fresh-off-the-boat Middle Eastern groceries, as well as some tasty—and affordable—eats at its back counter.