Weekly Recap: The Most Viewed Articles of 2011

Here are some of the highlights from Melrose Patch's news coverage this past week. This is only a small sample—to see all the coverage, click on the News tab on the navigation bar, and to see your neighbors' news, check out our Announcements section under News.

Top Three Articles of the Week

As 2011 wraps up, Melrose Patch counted down the most viewed articles on the site this year:

Police and Fire

A senior deputy sheriff in the Middlesex Sheriff's Office paid a $5,000 fine after admitting to soliciting donations for a campaign fundraiser for then-Sheriff James DiPaola from subordinate office employees during work hours, the State Ethics Commission announced.

A report of stolen prescription drugs, a domestic assault arrest and more in .

Opinion

Finding vegetarian and vegan food at restaurants and grocery stores has become easier over the last decade, but the best stuff can be difficult to find if you don't know where to look.  So help out your neighbors who don't eat meat or meat products by.

Last week, Melrose Patch asked if there's a particularly quick, funny, creative or attentive bartender in the city (or nearby) who you'd like to give kudos to. .

As 2011 comes to a close, many residents are looking back on the city's accomplishments and defeats to figure out where Melrose stands. and then tell us in the comments section why you gave the city the grade that you did.

Holidays

Here's a quick round-up of what's open and closed this Christmas weekend, emailed to Melrose Patch by Melrose businesses, and .

Last Thursday, Melrose Patch asked you what the best part of Christmas morning was.

We asked you to tell us where you planned on .