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May 16, 2012 - From a reader's travel photos.  White Sands National Monument in New Mexico.  Gypsum sand makes it look like you need to plow and wear a winter jacket.

Sports and Recreation

ARHS Sports Photos by Chris Wraight www.thawkspix.com

May 14, 2012 - Sometimes the crowd outside holding signs was larger than the inside crowd voting but the selections have been made by those that took the time and did their civic duty to vote today.  Below photos are Bill Boland being sworn in for Selectmen and Louis Fazen, III being sworn in tonight by Town Clerk Paul Berry.  Other photos show how light the voting was at times during the day.

 

Unofficial Election Results - Annual Town Election

May 14, 2012

Dykema to Kick off Her Campaign

State Representative Carolyn Dykema will kick off her campaign for re-election on Tuesday, May 15 with an open house and fundraiser from 5:30-7:30 pm at Pejamajo Café in Holliston.

Joining her during the evening will be current and former officials, as well as supporters from the four towns in her district. The public is invited to attend.

“I’m very excited to kick off this campaign,” Dykema said. “There is nothing more gratifying to me than being a full-time advocate for our communities.”  I hope the voters of this district will give me the opportunity to continue to serve. There’s still much work to be done.”

Representative Dykema serves the 8^th Middlesex District which includes Holliston, Hopkinton, Southborough and Westborough.

Space Weather News for May 14, 2012
http://spaceweather.com

SOLAR TRANSIT: A photographer in France has caught China's experimental space station, the Tiangong-1, passing directly in front of the sun.  The photo shows the winged spacecraft backlit by hot plasma as it flits across the solar disk in the neighborhood of giant sunspot AR1476.  Check it out on today's edition of http://spaceweather.com.

TIANGONG-1 SIGHTINGS:  The Tiangong-1 is much smaller than the International Space Station.  Nevertheless, it can be seen with the naked eye shining in the night sky as brightly as the stars of the Big Dipper.  Download the Simple Flybys app for sighting opportunities in your neighborhood: http://simpleflybys.com

 

Sports and Recreation

ARHS Sports Photos by Chris Wraight www.thawkspix.com

Happy Mother's Day to All

From the Southborough News

and our Advertisers

Annual Town Election
Monday, May 14, 2012
Polls are open 8AM-8PM

Two major decisions in the Town Races

Vote for either William Boland, incumbent or challenger Leo Bartolini for Selectmen

Andrew Mills, incumbent or Sam Stivers for Planning Board 1 year term

Candidates for election

Precinct Changes: #10, 11, 12, 14 Cross Street; Newton Street Even Numbers West Side; and #99, 101, 103 Marlboro Road -- NOW PRECINCT #2.
#136, 150, 156, 158 Parkerville Road -- NOW PRECINCT #1.

ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION MONDAY, May 14, 2012 Time: 8AM – 8PM

PRECINCT ONE: Albert S. Woodward Memorial School . . . . . . 28 Cordaville Road

PRECINCT TWO: P. Brent Trottier Middle School . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Parkerville Road

PRECINCT THREE: Mary Finn School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..60 Richards Road

May 14, 2012  -  Runners and walkers crowded the route yesterday around the Neary School as the 6th annual road race took place.

May 14, 2012 - About two dozen intrepid explorers headed out in the early morning to catch a glimpse of songbirds, shore birds, birds of prey and more at the annual Southborough Open Land Foundation's Annual Walk early Saturday morning.

Southborough Senior Center

May 14, 2012 - May 19, 2012

May 13, 2012 - May 19, 2012

Southborough Town House

May 14, 2012 - May 19, 2012

Sports and Recreation

ARHS Sports Photos by Chris Wraight www.thawkspix.com

The Marlboro Sr Panthers finally got back into action traveling
entertaining the Shrewsbury Seniors and the Sr Panthers took both
games of the doubleheader 9 to 8 and 9 to 8.  The Sr Panthers scored
7 runs in the top of the 7th and held on to win by 1 run with Jim
Raymond knocking in the winning run.

      The Marlboro Seniors offense was led by one of our rookies
playing his first game Ken McKenzie going 5 for 6 with 3 doubles. 
Our other rookie Richard Uber also contributed with a 4 for 6 in his
first game.

     Mgr Scerra says with the addition of these two rookies he is
looking forward to one their best seasons.

SOUTHBOROUGH LETTER CARRIERS CELEBRATE STAMP OUT HUNGER FOOD DRIVE’S 20^TH ANNIVERSARY

Nation’s Largest Single-Day Food Drive

On Saturday, May 12, 2012, Southborough letter carriers will help to Stamp Out Hunger, providing assistance to the  residents of Southborough and members of its churches who are struggling to put food on their tables every day.

To participate in the Stamp Out Hunger drive, Southborough residents are encouraged to leave a sturdy bag containing non-perishable foods next to their mailbox prior to the time of regular mail delivery on Saturday, May 12. Local letter carriers will collect these food donations as they deliver the mail and take them to the United Parishes of Southborough Food Pantry.

THE SOUTHBOROUGH FOOD PANTRY IS IN NEED OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

                        Parmalat 1% Milk        Regular / Decaf Coffee/unflavored    

                    Pancake Mix / Maple Syrup                                         Jelly

                        Canned Fruit                Canned Vegetables                  Juice

                                          Crackers                      Cookies                                   Individual Snacks

                          White Tuna                    Corned Beef Hash                   Chili    

                                         Pasta Sauce                 Soups/Chowders                      Salad Dressing

                            Mayonnaise                     Catsup                                     Mustard

                                   Paper Towels               Toilet Paper                             Kleenex          

                                                           Laundry Detergent       Dish Detergent                         Cleaning Supplies                   

                                           Zip Lock Baggies         Plastic Wrap / Tin Foil             Shampoo/Conditioner

Check out the Southborough Food Pantry page on facebook.com for our latest grocery list!

Southborough Gardeners Annual Plant Sale

The Southborough Gardeners will hold their annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 12^th from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community House which is located at the intersection of routes 30 and 85.

Chairwomen Jayne Grieco and Penny Healy suggest that shoppers come early for the best selection of plants shared by the Gardeners from their own gardens as well as local nursery stock.  All members are asked to donate eight plants to this sale, and some members provide more than 100!  The Gardeners’ contributions of unique and rare plants for this event, year after year, demonstrate a true desire to share their knowledge of gardening with the community.  Each year, the Perennial Plant Association’s Plant of the Year is featured at the sale as well.  

Southborough Open Land Foundation Bird Walk

Beals Preserve (meet at triangle opposite side of road)

7:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Saturday May 12, 2012

Southborough First Community Church

137 Southville Road

Southborough, MA

Yard Sale

9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Free Coffee

housewares, baked goods, toys and more for sale

NECC's 6th Annual 5K Walk/Run for Autism

5.12.2012 - 8:30am Registration
Category: NECC Event
Description: This family event is a wonderful chance to come together and raise autism awareness and much needed support for NECC's Annual Fund.

NECC will host its 6^th Annual 5K Walk/Run for Autism at the Neary School, 53 Parkerville Road, Southborough, MA on Saturday, May 12, 2012. While professionally timed for the avid runner, the field is compiled mostly of teams, families and individuals gathered in support of NECC. Without their support and the support of our generous corporate sponsors, this beautiful day in Southborough would not be possible. Registration is $25 until May 10 and $30 the day of the race, and the first 600 registered runners and walkers will receive a race T-shirt. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. with the race beginning at 10 a.m., followed by a cookout, awards and entertainment. For more information or to register today visit, http:/necc.kintera.org/5k

Be Aware of road closings or delays around Deerfoot

& Main, Parkerville & Main, Middle Road & Main ST.

Deerfoot & Clifford Roads as the race will be on

from 8:30 to about noontime.

 Steeple Coffee House

7:30pm start

doors open at 7:00pm

May 12, 2012

Children's Concert 1:00pm

Merry Go Music!

with Miss Carrie and Miss Adrienne

May 12, 2012

Barbara Kessler

Stefilia's Stone

(Carrie Rowan & Adrienne Fawkes)

(Corsage from Gulbankian Farms Garden Center and Florist Shop)

The Algonquin Regional High School Junior Prom

Union Station

Worcester, MA

6:30 - 11:00 PM

followed by a night of fun at the Post Prom Party -  New England Sports Center Marlborough, MA

12:00 AM to 5:00 AM

ARHS Junior Prom and Mother's Day

A great excuse to get out of the house and head for

Gulbankian Farms Garden Center and Florist Shop

Located at the intersection of Mt. Vickery Road and Cordaville Road

Across the street from Town Center Plaza and the Post office

Can't Make it in Person? Click the ad to order online

 

 

Letter to the Editor

May 11, 2012

Bill Boland – Candidate for Re-election to the Board of Selectmen

I do not usually post to blogs.  I think Susan Fitzgerald and Linda Hubley do a great job keeping the town informed.  I have told Susan why I do not post but that is not the point of this.

As an elected official, you learn to just accept that sometimes stories in the paper aren’t always completely accurate; rumors or partially heard discussions sometimes are forwarded as the “Gospel truth”, and you can never make everyone happy. I usually never ask for stories to be corrected it’s not worth the aggravation.

I had my usual reaction to a letter to the editor by Ms Waterfall that was brought to my attention by several friends, “people who know me will know this isn’t true”.  It’s usually best to just ignore things like this as a lot of people believe responding only promotes and prolongs the issue.  In the end, it’s hard for the person who responds to “win” because there is usually a further letter or posting from the first person.  Well I guess in this situation, since there is an election Monday, and some of my supports have asked, I owe it to my supporters to respond. I will only respond once.

I thought that Mr Bartolini and I had agreed this would be a nice, clean campaign.  Perhaps that has changed.  I will not say anything bad about Lee. We have known each other for a long time.  I will not say anything bad about Ms Waterfall.  I have a lot of respect for her and recently my colleagues and I voted to appoint her to the Conservation Commission.  I will state that, I believe it would have been appropriate for Ms Waterfall to identify that she was Mr Bartolini’s Campaign Manager as part of her letter.

My response to the accusations in the letter is all fact based. Not necessarily in any specific order.

·         At Candidates night at the Library on May 2^nd, prior to listing any of my accomplishments, I identified Ms Waterfall in the audience and thanked her and called to everyone’s attention that she spearheaded the citizens efforts to obtain a new ladder truck for the Fire Department.  She later expressed appreciation for my acknowledgement prior to asking a question. Video of candidates night is on Charter 11 or Verizon 38 or via this link

http://96.32.113.70/Cablecast/Public/Show.aspx?ChannelID=1&ShowID=66 Selectmen start at about 1:06 

·         I stated it was important to note that none of my achievements where mine alone, I worked with fellow Board members, staff and others to make the accomplishments.

·         I stated the following: “With the Town Administrator, I worked with St Marks, Fay, New England Center for Children and Harvard to secure almost $400,000 in donations toward the Fire Departments Ladder Truck”. This is a fact. I did not mention the “Fire Ball”. I did not make any other claim about the ladder truck.

·         When the Fire Chief first presented his capital budget article for the ladder truck he knew he had his work cut out for him.  As with any other Capital Article for Town Meeting, members of the BOS, Advisory Committee and others pointed out to the Fire Chief that it would be up to him to provide the justification to gain support of the article, especially a million dollar truck. He established the Ladder Truck Committee.  He did not want me or another member of the BOS on the Committee as we both have relatives that had been members of the Southborough Fire Department. He wanted as unbiased a group as possible so he asked the Selectman with no ties to the Fire Department.  He knew that not everyone in town would support the truck.

·         The BOS completely supported the work of the Committee.  They produced an extensive report that convinced the BOS, Advisory and voters to approve the article to purchase the truck.  That’s the way it works.  Town Meeting voters expect the BOS and Advisory to challenge all requests, not to just support them because a Department Head thinks it’s a good idea.

·         Mr Boland did not and could not remove the article from the Annual Town meeting.  After discussion with the Fire Chief, The BOS unanimously agreed that the article was not ready and we committed to a Special Fall Town Meeting.  It was unfortunate that the information didn’t get to the Ladder and Fire Ball Committees right away.  This was all cleared up at the next BOS meeting.  These are links to minutes and “MySouthborough” articles.  I am not even mentioned.

Selectmen minutes under other issues discusses ladder truck  http://www.southboroughtown.com/minutes/Selectmen/march%2017,%202009.htm

My Southborough Article  http://www.mysouthborough.com/2009/03/18/ladder-committee-selectmen-sync-up-on-strategy/

My Southborough Article http://www.mysouthborough.com/2009/03/17/why-the-ladder-truck-article-was-removed-from-the-warrant/

·         The BOS is required by law to accept all donations to the Town.  No donations went to the General Fund.  If they did, the money would roll into free cash at the end of the year and could be used for anything the following year.  The BOS had the Accountant establish a special account where the funds could only go toward the ladder truck.  All donations went here.  All of those funds only go toward payments for the truck.

·         I went to the Fire Ball.  I was actually given my ticket by someone who bought them but couldn’t use them. I sent Ms Waterfall a check for the cost of two tickets anyway.  At the last minute, I was asked by St. Marks School to announce their commitment of $100,000 toward the purchase

I think my point is made.  I guess there are a lot of comments out there.  Let’s move on.  As I said, this will be my only post.  If you would like to speak with me personally, send me a message and include your phone number to boland2012@verizon.net and I’ll respond

Bill Boland

Southborough

(letters to the editor with a signature are printed on the Southborough News by sending to editor@southboroughnews.com )

Farm to School Grant Program

USDA Request for Applications (RFA) for a new farm to school grant program: The RFA is now posted on grants.gov and the USDA Farm to School website.

There will be two types of grants available:

1.         Planning grants are intended primarily for K-12 school food authorities who participate in the National School Lunch or Breakfast Program that are in the beginning phases of their farm to school efforts. 

2.         Implementation grants are geared towards advancing existing farm to school initiatives.  K-12 school food authorities who participate in the National School Lunch or Breakfast Program, along with State and local agencies, Indian tribal organizations, agricultural producers or groups of agricultural producers, and non-profit entities working in partnership with school districts,  may apply for implementation grants.

The grants require at least a 25% funding match.  Applications are due June 15, 2012 and awards are expected to be made in October 2012.  Planning grants are expected to range from $20,000 - $45,000 and represent approximately 25 percent of the total awards. Implementation grants are expected to range from $65,000 - $100,000 and represent approximately 75 percent of the total awards. Given the HHFKA mandate that priority consideration be given to schools serving a high proportion of children who are eligible for free or reduced price meals, projects that serve school districts and schools that have high free and reduced price meal enrollment will receive extra points in evaluation scoring.

Two webinars will be offered in order for applicants to learn more about this grant opportunity. More To receive additional information about webinars, please be sure to register for the Farm to School Listserve.

•          Tuesday, May 15, 1:00 PM EST Implementation grants

•          Thursday, May 17, 1:00 PM EST Planning grants

For more information, please visit the USDA Farm to School website and the Farm to School grant program RFA.

Dear friends~

We need your help!

Tango has dropped to #9 in the Hero Dog Awards! We need everyone's vote!

Please vote today and every day from now to June 30th. Your vote will help share Tango's work in helping keep children safe and the work of the Keep Kids Fire Safe™ Foundation. Vote now by clicking http://www.herodogawards.org/vote/?nominee=74398282 or the button below.



Please share with all your friends!

Dayna and Tango

 

TREASURER GROSSMAN LAUNCHES OPERATION SAFE SPRING

Enforcement Effort Aimed at Reducing Incidence of Underage Drinking

State Treasurer Steven Grossman today announced the kickoff of “Operation Safe Spring,” an enhanced intervention and enforcement effort aimed at reducing the incidence of underage drinking.  The initiative is timed during this potentially dangerous time of year when classes end and high school proms and graduations take place throughout the Commonwealth.

“This type of enforcement can save lives and prevent tragedies before they happen,” said Treasurer Grossman.  “Operation Safe Spring takes immediate and effective steps that result in the direct prevention of underage drinking and acts as a deterrent to bar and package store owners serving and selling underage individuals.”

Operation Safe Spring consists primarily of enforcement in the parking lots and surrounding streets of liquor stores in areas that have historically had a problem with underage individuals attempting to obtain alcohol.  The program is administered by the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC), a division of the Treasurer’s Office.

The program focuses on front-line prevention, with investigators calling a minor’s parents to pick them up when infractions occur.  ABCC officials say that most parents are unaware that their children are involved in the use of alcohol, and that the intervention is a powerful tool toward family involvement in addressing the problem of underage drinking.  The program’s commencement also coincides with National Underage Drinking Prevention Day on May 21^st, which is intended to educate people and communities about best practices in prevention and reduction efforts surrounding underage drinking.

"During this spring season we want to draw attention to the dangers of alcohol abuse and consumption," said Kim S. Gainsboro, chairman of the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. “Our main goal is to prevent families from having to suffer the devastating consequences of underage drinking.”

Since 2001, ABCC Investigators have conducted the Operation Safe Spring program with the following results:

• 4900 minors have been found to be in possession of or transporting alcoholic beverages

• 2600 adults have been caught procuring alcohol for minors

• 625 individuals have been found to be in possession of false identification

• 2600 cases of beer and 1650 bottles of alcohol have been confiscated by Investigators.

Statistics show that three teens die from drinking and driving every day. Alcohol intoxication has also been reported to be involved in 47% of homicides and 23% of suicides involving people under 21.  In Massachusetts alone, the overall cost of alcohol abuse by youth is estimated at $1.4 billion annually.

Sports and Recreation

ARHS Sports Photos by Chris Wraight www.thawkspix.com

"Run to the Top"

May 10, 2012 - Brewster Firefighter Kevin Moran participated in the Fourth Annual  "Run to the Top" race in Provincetown May 5.  Kevin (above right in tan bunker gear) came in second in the group pictured above and first overall in the 55 and over class.  That's the way to show them Kevin!! The event raises money for the Cape Cod Firefighter and EMS Cancer Relief Fund.  For more photos from the event click here.  (contributed photo)

Letter to the Editor

Bill Boland is taking credit for things he did not do!  At the recent Candidates Night Forum sponsored by the Southborough Public Library Trustees and in a campaign flier that he has been distributing to Southborough Town residents he touted his “accomplishments” as selectman.  Unfortunately, Mr. Boland accepted credit for things he did not do.

More Specifically I would like to point out:

Mr. Boland says he “worked with Private Schools to secure almost $400,000.00 in donations for the ($1,1million) Fire Truck” that a Southborough Special Town Meeting approved in September 2009.

FACT: Mr. Boland is not responsible for the Town obtaining a badly needed Fire Ladder Truck.  For many months prior to town meeting he openly opposed the purchase of the truck, discouraged the private schools donating to the truck (telling them it is unacceptable to specify when they wanted  to contribute and that he and the BOS expected donations to made to the general fund where he could determine the distribution).  He also discouraged the efforts of the two committees (I sat on both and chaired one) The Ladder Truck Committee whose purpose was to study the needs of the community and present them to the Board of Selectman (Mr. Sal Girolandio sat on this committee as BOS representative) and The Fire Ball Committee (I formed with an amazing group of Southborough residents and  I could not have had the event without them) whose purpose was to create awareness of our community’s needs and have a fund raiser to bring the community together in support of this new apparatus.

 Mr. Boland told the Ladder Truck Committee that we were not to make any presentations to the Private donors.  Yet, we were asked by the donors to make the presentation and did so anyway. This helped one of the private donors choose to make a full commitment to the truck.  It was not Mr. Boland’s efforts.  As for the Fire Ball he never supported the event and only went to save face under the pressure of the community rallying and committing to the event. We had over 350 people attend including the State Representatives and  we raised over $95k and donated over $80K to the truck once expenses were paid out.

I am sharing this information because I am tired of watching someone try to take credit for something they never supported and I will not sit back and watch him take claim for something he was determined to get tabled.  He even removed the warrant article from the original town meeting and in a public selectman meeting blamed me personally for one of the private schools changing their donations from the general town fund to specify the Ladder Truck Fund (BTW they increased what they had currently been committing to the community by 4 times the amount). 

SO Mr. Boland I would appreciate you not taking claim anymore for this project.  There are many other deserving town residents (and a few others from out of town) who spent countless hours on devoting their time to helping our community, I being one of them.

Thank you

Rebecca Waterfall

Southborough

(letters to the editor with a signature are printed on the Southborough News by sending to editor@southboroughnews.com )

COMMONWEALTH BOND SALE SAVES TAXPAYERS AN ESTIMATED $23.5 MILLION

 “AAA” Rating on Accelerated Bridge Program Bonds Dramatically Reduces Borrowing Costs

            Treasurer Steven Grossman and Secretary of Administration and Finance Jay Gonzalez today announced that the “AAA” rating associated with the state’s Accelerated Bridge Program bond sale has delivered another windfall to taxpayers, saving an estimated $23.5 million in overall borrowing costs. 

“We did better than other similarly rated states that recently sold these types of bonds, indicating a high level of confidence among lenders in the financial health of the Commonwealth,” said Treasurer Grossman.  “This is further proof that responsible fiscal management translates directly into savings for the taxpayers as we work to fund critical initiatives like the Accelerated Bridge Program.”

“This is yet another positive result of Governor Patrick’s transportation reform legislation that authorized the innovative new financing approach for our Accelerated Bridge Program,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Jay Gonzalez. “The ‘AAA’ rating for these bonds has meant low borrowing costs and that means millions of dollars of savings for taxpayers.”

JP Morgan was the low bidder in terms of yield, at an average borrowing cost of 3.315%, beating out seven other firms bidding for the highly rated bonds.  As a result of the aggressive bids, interest on the bonds will be approximately $23.5 million lower than the Commonwealth had anticipated over the 29-year borrowing cycle associated with the sale.

The “AAA” rating on the bonds is the highest possible designation from Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s, the two agencies that rated the bonds.  The first series of bonds associated with the Accelerated Bridge Program, issued in 2010, were also rated “AAA” and were named the municipal market’s “Deal of the Year” by The Bond Buyer newspaper.  The award recognized the innovation that went into the development of the bond program. 

The Accelerated Bridge Program was authorized in 2008 for the purpose of expediting the repair and reconstruction of hundreds of structurally deficient bridges across the Commonwealth.  According to MassDOT, more than 100 bridges have already been repaired as a result of the program, which has been responsible for creating and sustaining more than 14,000 jobs statewide.

Bond proceeds from this latest borrowing will be used primarily to fund the construction and repair of the five largest bridges in the program, including the Longfellow Bridge in Boston; the Route 79/I-195 interchange in Fall River; the Fore River Bridge in Quincy; the Burns Memorial Bridge in Shrewsbury; and the Whittier Bridge in Amesbury and Newburyport.

Sports and Recreation

ARHS Sports Photos by Chris Wraight www.thawkspix.com

May 10, 2012 - Girls LAX won a hard-fought game today, 10-9 over Westford Academy. Going into the game ESPN Sports Boston ranked Algonquin the #7 seed in the state, the first time they've cracked the top 10.

 

May 9, 2012 -  Community Garden plots still available. Contact Debbi Molinaro, Community Garden Coordinator, at Southboro.garden@yahoo.com      Click here for Garden Rules and Agreement

Representative Carolyn Dykema was honored May 2^nd at the membership meeting of the Massachusetts Systems Contractors Association [MSCA] for her advocacy in relation to ensuring competency in the installation of life safety systems. 

“MSCA membership represents the voices of many of our local businesses, so working to address their concerns is very rewarding,” said Dykema.  “I look forward to continuing work with MSCA and our partners at the state level to ensure that everyone in the industry is complying with laws and regulations intended to protect public safety.  It’s the right thing to do and it’s necessary to protect the public from unsafe wiring and ensure fair competition in the industry.”

MSCA is the trade association of bi-partisan licensed professionals in the security and fire warning system industry.

Contributed photo - Pictured with Representative Dykema is Wells Sampson [left] and David Wescott, MSCA President [middle].

Dear Neighbors,

In Southborough we’re at a crossroads. Yes, Routes 9, 30 and 85 are crossroads, but we’re also at an important point in our history. While we must move forward as a community we also must do so in a manner which is in the best interest of the town. In recent years we’ve enjoyed relatively stable taxes but that’s unlikely to continue. If we’re to keep a town in which families are proud to call home, we must explore ways to expand our tax base. Making our home inviting to businesses along Route 9 or our town borders, while insisting upon designs that blend within the town, will foster an improved economy that will help keep taxes down, cover future services for an increased population, and  provide for a surplus in our budget.

Before we can realize our longer-term goals, getting our local government house in order internally is important. Some members of the community feel disconnected from the process and feel as though their concerns are falling on deaf ears of some town leaders. If we had accepted the proposal to hire a Town Manager, others feared that the divide between the town and the people would increase.  Different governing boards and subcommittees within the town even have a history of bickering in a manner contrary to the best interest of the community – sometimes even requiring the board to bring in a  third party.  Any one of these three concerns would be undesirable by themselves, but for all three it is unacceptable. If elected to the Board of Selectmen, I will not only be a voice between the town’s people and the town government, but also work to improve compromise and communication.

I believe I am qualified to bring about a more efficient and open government for our town.  I’m a life-long resident of the town, am proud to have sent my two sons through Southborough Public Schools, have spent all of my life working in the private sector, and currently own two businesses within Southborough. During my business career, I’ve participated in large-scale negotiations with labor unions and worked with the Massachusetts Highway Department and many other State agencies. 

For the better part of the last 26 years I have been involved in town government. For nine years I was an elected member of the Planning Board. As a member of the Planning Board, I also served on SHOPC and as liaison to the Conservation Committee. We wrote the affordable housing bylaw that was approved at Town Meeting. During my time on the Planning Board many improvements were accomplished including the hiring of our first Town Planner. As a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) I have worked very hard to build consensus amongst the board members on controversial issues. I was appointed as a resident at-large to the ZAC (Zoning Action Committee) Committee to draft a long-overdue revision to the local bylaws which will be brought to Town Meeting.  On the Drafting Committee for the Town Manager Legislation I proposed an option at Town Meeting to indefinitely postpone the warrant article so that it can be considered at a later Town Meeting.  I did so because I believe the proposal gave up too much control to A Town Manager and because the Selectmen can delegate more day-to-day activities to the Town Administrator. 

Over the past 26 years, I have attended hundreds of Selectman’s meetings to remain informed of the activities affecting the town. The combination of my private industry experience and my public service within the town has shown a strong record of leadership and the ability to work with others. I am committed to remaining open to new ideas, to being consistent, honest and transparent, and always working towards the best interest of the town.

I feel that my background, experience, and memory of what has occurred in the last 26 years will be an asset to the Board of Selectmen. I sincerely hope you will vote for me on May 14, 2012 and please, if you see me around town, don’t hesitate to share your concerns and ideas. I always enjoy hearing feedback from neighbors. 

Thank you!

Leo Bartolini, Jr.

Email: leobartolinijr@gmail.com            

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/LeoBartoliniJrSouthboroughSelectman

The Southborough Community Preservation Committee is holding an open forum, Thursday, May 10th, 7 pm in Cordaville Hall to review the Community Preservation Act and the process for application for CPA funds. Deadline for new applications is June 15, 2012.

http://www.southborocommunitypreservation.org

Southborough Police Log

Fri. 05/04/12:
0751 hrs- A requested well-being check was conducted on a Ward Road resident.
0755 hrs- Officers assisted a disabled motorist on Turnpike Road.
1039 hrs- Officers assisted another disabled motorist on Turnpike Road.
1459 hrs...- A resident of Parkerville Road reported a coyote near Neary and Trottier Schools. The Animal Control Officer was notified of the coyote sighting.
1613 hrs- Officers investigated an abandoned 911 call from a Southville Road business.
1623 hrs- A medical was reported at a Newton Street business.
1640 hrs- A Cordaville Road resident came to the police station to report that she was just threatened with a handgun in the parking lot of 162 Cordaville Road. She stated that a thin, white male (approx. 5’8”, wearing blue jeans and a white t-shirt) approached her vehicle and made verbal threats to her. She stated that he then lifted his shirt to reveal a black handgun in the waistband of his pants. The victim stated that the suspect then left the area in a red truck with a grey utility body. Surrounding police departments were notified of the incident, and officers canvassed the area for possible evidence. If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the department at (508) 485-2121        and ask for Lt. Sean James.
1845 hrs- ARRESTED: Christina Stevens of Middle Road, Southborough, MA. Mrs. Stevens was charged with Domestic Assault & Battery, after officers were dispatched to the residence to investigate a report of a domestic dispute in progress.
2336 hrs- A medical was reported at a Middle Road residence

Sat. 05/05/12:
 0001 hrs- A resident of Austin Kelly Lane called to report that their home had been broken into. The residents returned home to find that their basement window had been forced open, and that various items including jewelry an...d alcohol were taken from the residence. The detective unit is currently investigating the break-in. If you have any information, please contact the police department at (508) 485-2121  and ask for Lt. Sean James.
 0020 hrs- Framingham police relayed a report of an erratic operator heading eastbound into Southborough on Turnpike Road. The vehicle had left the area prior to the responding officer’s arrival on scene.
 0113 hrs- Officers investigated a report of a suspicious male on the property of St. Mark’s school. St. Mark’s security reported that a male party was dropped off by a vehicle, and fled the area when the security officer called out to him. Officers checked the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
 0618 hrs- Officers investigated a one car, motor vehicle accident on Framingham Road. No injuries were reported from the scene of the accident.
 0956 hrs- Officers investigated a report of a pit bull wandering through the area of Middle Road and Stub Toe Lane. The pit bull has been seen on various occasions, and many reports have been called in regarding the dog. The dog has shown no signs of aggression, and it is believed that the owners may have abandoned her in Southborough. She is described as having a white face with a brown & black body. If you see the dog, do not approach her. Please contact the police department or the Animal Control Officer at (508) 485-7817.
 1150 hrs- Officers investigated a report of vandalism to a vehicle parked at an Atwood Road residence. The rear window of the vehicle had been smashed out.
 1226 hrs- A wallet was found and returned to the owner.
 1504 hrs- Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Breakneck Hill Road residence.
 1644 hrs- ARRESTED: Diane Leavitt of Pine Hill Road, Southborough, MA. Mrs. Leavitt was charged with Domestic Assault & Battery, after officers were called to the residence to investigate a report of a domestic dispute in progress.
 1753 hrs- Officers investigated a report of a possible “seal-coating” driveway scam at a Reservoir Drive residence. The incident is currently under investigation.
 1810 hrs- A medical was reported at a Carolyn Terrace residence.
 1814 hrs- Officers investigated a two car, motor vehicle accident on Turnpike Road. No injuries were reported from the scene of the accident.
 2241 hrs- Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Boswell Lane residence.

Sun. 05/06/12:
 0042 hrs- Officers investigated a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of a Turnpike Road business. The vehicle and the occupant checked out o.k.
 0133 hrs- ARRESTED: Victoria Tuite of Price Street, Hopkinton, MA. Ms. Tuite ...was charged with OUI Alcohol, Marked Lanes Violation, and having an Open Container of Alcohol in her vehicle.
 0312 hrs- A walk-in medical was reported at the police station.
 0634 hrs- A motorist from Southborough, MA. was issued a Criminal Application for operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License.
 1510 hrs- Southborough officers assisted Ashland Police in the search for a white male (6’3” and wearing a white t-shirt) who allegedly smashed out the window of a vehicle in their town with a hammer. The individual was last seen heading in the direction of Southborough. Officers searched the area, but were not able to locate the individual.
 1647 hrs- A medical was reported at St. Marks School.
 1833 hrs- Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Cordaville Road business.

Sports and Recreation

ARHS Sports Photos by Chris Wraight www.thawkspix.com

SOUTHWICK’S ZOO BACKED INTO A CORNER

Southwick’s Zoo speaks out about the Feinstein Cards

Mendon, MA-Last month, Feinstein Cards were issued to children throughout Rhode Island, promising free admission to Southwick’s Zoo without the Zoo’s consent.

In the 2011 season, Southwick’s Zoo agreed to allow admission to Jr. Scholars provided they passed a strict protocol to be awarded a Feinstein Card. As it seems, the cards were issued to all children throughout Rhode Island regardless of meeting the criteria. Although this occurred without the Zoo’s approval, out of commitment to their guests’ satisfaction, the Zoo made the difficult decision to honor all the cards in 2011.

In an effort on the Zoo’s behalf to ensure this wouldn’t happen again, the Zoo decided that it wouldn’t partake in the program for this season. Unfortunately, the cards were issued this year without the Zoo’s permission. “As a private Zoo, we receive no government or private funding, and rely solely on our admissions proceeds to provide all of the animal care and maintenance of the Zoo,” said Betsey Brewer, one of the family owners of the Zoo. “While we whole-heartedly empathize with the children, it is just not currently feasible for us to honor the cards.”

Southwick’s Zoo is a privately owned Zoo located at 2 Southwick Street in Mendon, MA. Southwick’s is home to over 500 wild animals, featuring more than 100 varied species (many of which are endangered.) The Southwick team’s mission is to provide an extensive zoological collection and educational facility for their visitors. Southwick’s Zoo strives to promote an exciting environment for a positive family experience. Visit us online at www.southwickszoo.com  or on Facebook at facebook.com/southwickszoo  

Southborough Police Log

Mon. 04/30/12:
 0048 hrs- An officer checked on a suspicious person walking near Finn School on Richards Road. The male party checked out o.k.
 0637 hrs- Officers assisted a disabled motorist on Turnpike Road.
 0722 hrs- Officers investigated... a two car, motor vehicle accident on Turnpike Road. No injuries were reported from the scene of the accident.
 0744 hrs- Officers investigated a single car, motor vehicle accident on Oregon Road. The vehicle had struck a utility pole, causing power loss to some area homes. No injuries were reported from the scene of the accident.
 0940 hrs- Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Meadow Lane residence.
 0946 hrs- A requested well-being check was conducted on a Boston Road resident.
 1053 hrs- Officers investigated an alleged assault that took place on Wyndemere Drive.
 1337 hrs- Officers responded with the fire department to a brush fire on Southville Road. The fire was eventually extinguished.
 1415 hrs- Officers assisted a state social worker with a possible violation at a foster home on Breakneck Hill Road.
 1544 hrs- A resident reported a van travelling erratically on Main Street. The van was located, and the driver checked out o.k.
 1609 hrs- Officers assisted a disabled motorist on Turnpike Road.
 1641 hrs- A medical was reported on the Mass Pike in Southborough.
 1650 hrs- Officers responded to a Cordaville Road business for a Harassment complaint. As a result of the investigation, a No Trespass Order was issued against a Boston Road resident.
 1657 hrs- Officers responded to Turnpike Road with the fire department for a report of a vehicle on fire. The vehicle was located, and the fire was extinguished.
 1735 hrs- A motorist from Marlborough, MA. was issued a Criminal Application for Attaching Plates, Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle, and Speeding.
 1758 hrs- Officers investigated a hit & run accident at a Turnpike Road business. A follow-up investigation is being conducted by the responding officer.
 1806 hrs- A ‘No Trespass Order’ was served to a Boston Road resident.
 1808 hrs- Officers investigated a Harassment Complaint from a resident of Parkerville Road.
 1825 hrs- Officers investigated a report of Harassment (via text messages) from a resident of Middle Road. The offender, a resident of Southville Road, was advised to cease all communication with the Middle Road resident.
 1917 hrs- Officers investigated a report of a suspicious male party that was “hanging around” in the woods off of Woodland Road. Officers responded to the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
 2024 hrs- Officers investigated an abandoned 911 call at the Fay School on Main Street.

·          

o    Tues. 05/01/12:
0107 hrs- A resident of Providence, Rhode Island was issued a Criminal Application for Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License.
0550 hrs- An officer responded with the fire department to a Turnpike Road business..., to investigate a reported odor of natural gas.
0557 hrs- Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Turnpike Road business.
1209 hrs- A medical was reported at a Newton Street business.
1225 hrs- A motorist called to report a loose dog on Cordaville Road. The Animal Control Officer was notified.
1433 hrs- A restraining order was served to a Southville Road resident.
1449 hrs- A motorist reported that the lights at the intersection of Marlboro Road and Framingham Road were malfunctioning. The DPW was notified.
1515 hrs- An officer attempted to serve a Harassment Prevention Order to a Coslin Drive resident.
1623 hrs- Officers assisted a disabled motorist on Cordaville Road.
1710 hrs- Officers responded to Boston Road for a complaint of an erratic operator heading into Southborough. The vehicle had left the area prior to the officer’s arrival on scene.
1724 hrs- Officers investigated another erratic operator complaint on Turnpike Road (by Crystal Pond). The vehicle had left the area prior to the officers arriving on scene.
1934 hrs- Officers attempted to serve a Restraining Order to a Marlboro Road resident.
1951 hrs- ARRESTED: Francis Atchue of Brook Lane, Southborough, MA. Mr. Atchue was taken into custody due to an arrest warrant being issued for him out of Milford District Court.
2231 hrs- Officers assisted a disabled motorist on Turnpike Road

Wed. 05/02/12:
 0314 hrs- Officers checked on a suspicious motor vehicle that was parked in the lot of a Turnpike Road business. Both the operator and the passenger checked out o.k.
 0316 hrs- Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Carria...ge Hill Lane residence.
 0711 hrs- Officers responded back to the same residence on Carriage Hill, for an additional alarm from the residence.
 1108 hrs- A resident of Davis Road reported two suspicious males in a Volvo station wagon. The males were located a few houses down from the reporting party, and it was determined that they were doing work at that home.
 1149 hrs- Officers responded to the Southborough Medical Group for a report of an out-of-control patient. The individual was located; and after it was determined that no physical altercation took place; he was given a ride back to his residence.
 1358 hrs- A Hillside Avenue resident reported that an expensive item was missing or taken from their residence. The incident is currently under investigation by the responding officer.
 1407 hrs- A loose dog was reported on Cordaville Road. The Animal Control Officer was notified.
 1435 hrs- Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Turnpike Road business.
 1648 hrs- Officers responded with the fire department to Edgewood Road for a report of a brush fire in the area.
 1714 hrs- Officers conducted a requested well-being check on a resident of Marlboro Road.
 1739 hrs- Officers investigated a parking complaint on Parkerville Road (in front of the Mooney Field).
 2111 hrs- A motorist from Shrewsbury, MA. was issued a Criminal Application for Operating a Motor Vehicle without a Suspended Driver’s License.
 2155 hrs- A motorist from Natick, MA. was issued a Criminal Application for Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Being Licensed

                        SOUTHBOROUGH FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                DAILY LOG

Tuesday 5/1/12

05:50 GAS LEAK (NATURAL GAS OR LPG)TURNPIKE RD 

    E22  FF FRANKS       FF MARTINS

    E23  LT PELTIER      FF GOODSPEED

12:09 EMS CALL NEWTON ST 

    A29  FF ROACH        FF AMENDOLA

    C30  FF KANE

Wednesday 5/2/12

09:00 TRAINING - FIRE MAPLE

    C4   CAPT HUBLEY

10:00 ALARM SYSTEM DUE TO MALFUNCTIO MAIN ST 

    E22  LT SADOWSKI     FF FRANKS

    T21  LT PELTIER      FF MARTINS

16:48 SMOKE SCARE, ODOR OF SMOKE EDGEWOOD RD 

    C30  LT PELTIER      FF MARTINS

    E22  LT SADOWSKI     FF FRANKS

17:14 EMS CALL MARLBORO RD 

    A29  FF FRANKS       FF MARTINS

    C30  LT SADOWSKI

18:26 TRAINING - FIRE METCALF LN 

    A29  FF FRANKS       LT SADOWSKI

    C20  CHIEF MAURO

    E23  LT PELTIER      FF MARTINS

Thursday 5/3/12

13:00 TRAINING - FIRE MAIN ST 

    HQ4  CAPT HUBLEY  FF ASPESI  FF WILLS

14:00 SMOKE DETECTOR, RESALE CARRIAGE HILL

    C27  FF NAVAROLI

14:30 SMOKE DETECTOR NEW CONSTRUCT METCALF LN 

    C27  FF NAVAROLI

15:00 PROPANE INSPECTION CONSTITUTION DR 

    C27  FF NAVAROLI

18:14 UNITENTIONAL TRANMISSION OF AL SOUTHVILLE RD 

    E22  CAPT HUBLEY     FF NAVAROLI

18:40 EMS CALL MT VICKERY RD 

    A29  FF ROACH        EMT GLECKEL

    C30  FF WILLS

Friday 5/4/12

16:23 EMS CALL NEWTON ST 

    A29  FF SHANAHAN     LT PELTIER

    C30  FF STRONG

23:36 EMS CALL MIDDLE RD 

    A29  FF SHANAHAN     FF NEAL

    C30  FF STRONG

Saturday 5/5/12

06:18 VEH ACCIDENT W/INJURIES FRAMINGHAM RD 

    A29  FF SHANAHAN     FF NEAL

    E23  LT DANO         FF STRONG

10:20 TRAINING - FIRE METCALF LN 

    A29  FF NAVAROLI     FF WILLS

    E23  CAPT HUBLEY     FF ROACH        FF KENDALL

13:00 TRAINING - OTHER MAIN ST 

    E23  FF ROACH        FF KENDALL

18:10 EMS CALL CAROLYN TR 

    A29  FF AMENDOLA     FF NAVAROLI