editor@southboroughnews.com

Archived Page 168

August 8 2010 - August 14, 2010

Library Page Position Available

by jane on August 10, 2010
Announcements

Duties/Description: Up to 16 hours per week. Applicants should have computer experience and a basic knowledge of library shelving techniques using the Dewey Decimal System.

Pages typically shelve books in all sections of the library, and work under the direction of a staff librarian.

The ability to work with the general public, including parents, children, students, and teachers is essential. Communicating effectively and clearly, verbally and in writing, in person and over the telephone is also important.

Must have a flexible schedule as library hours may vary. Must be available to work one evening per week and two Saturdays a month.

Salary: $   8.84  per hour

Closing Date: Open until filled

Send: Please submit letter of interest, applications and/or resumes to:

Jane Cain, Library Director

Southborough Public Library
25 Main Street
Southborough, MA  01772
Email to:          jcain@southboroughma.com

The Marlboro Senior Softball split this week going 2 and 2

The Jr Panthers traveled to Tewksbury and dropped both ends of their doubleheader losing the 1^st game 13 – 6 and dropping the 2^nd 14 – 7.  Marlboro’s offense was led by Dennis Naylor and Jim Raymond both going 4 for 6 with Dennis Naylor getting a triple.

The Jr Panthers then traveled to Wayland to take on the “A” Team and took both ends of their doubleheader 8 to 3 and 16 to 4.  Marlboro offense was led by Paul Avakian 4 for 5 with a triple and Jeff Allen 4 for 6

Team Records for the year are the Sr. Panthers 7 - 13 – 1 and the Jr. Panthers 15 and 11.

August 14, 2010 - Today there were lift-offs, tethered rides, clowns and and "evening glow.  Tomorrow, Sunday there will be a pilots’ breakfast from 8 to 9 a.m. and a chance to meet the pilots. Morning admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children. Afternoon admission is $4 for adults, $2 for children and free admission for children younger than 2, all day. Free parking at the Elks or at Hudson High School.

Open House at Congregation B’nai Shalom

Congregation B’nai Shalom, 117 East Main St., Westborough, will hold an Open House for prospective members from 6-8 p.m. Attendees will receive a tour of the facility; meet the Rabbi, staff and members; and learn about the synagogue’s many programs and activities, including worship services, religious school, adult education, and more. The Reform congregation comprises 400 households from diverse backgrounds who live in some 20 towns in the surrounding area. For more info, call the synagogue at               1-508-366-7191         1-508-366-7191 or visit www.cbnaishalom.org.

Model-A Car Show and Family Barbecue

August 29, 2010

Sunday, 12pm to 3pm at the canopy tent situated next to the Josephine Trout Pond

Dozens of Model-As will be artfully displayed by the Minuteman Model-A Ford Club of Sudbury, with plenty of costumed interpreters on hand to explain the many features of these rare, classic vehicles.

The Model-A Club is also sponsoring a concert from 1pm to 3pm, featuring a fully restored Gavioli Diamond Jubilee Organ—one of only a few still operational in the United States. The organ, manufactured in England between 1895 and 1899, was built for the British export market and was originally paired with various carnival rides, eventually ending up as a permanent installation with the carousel "gallopers" in Yorkshire until 1975.

A full menu of delicious Wayside Inn barbecue and a cash bar will be available for a small fee throughout the event. The car show and entertainment are free. Reservations are not required and the event is being held rain or shine.

Please visit www.wayside.org/events for more information or phone               (978) 443-1776         (978) 443-1776

August 14, 2010 - Goldenrod brightens up the landscape at dusk near the Trottier Middle School.

Summer is almost over and if you haven't had a chance to read those books yet?

 

Finn Summer Reading List 2010

• Non-fiction Books

• NEW Picture Books

• Read-Aloud Books

• Chapter Books

   

  Woodward School Reading List 2010

Trottier Middle School

Summer Reading Suggestions                                                         Recommended Supply Lists

             > 6th grade                                                                                  > 6th grade 

             > 7th grade                                                                                  > 7th grade

             > 8th grade                                                                                  > 8th grade

 Algonquin Regional High School  ~  Summer Reading 2010

In the interest of creating a shared experience, this year, Algonquin students will be participating in a “One School, One Book” program.  All Algonquin students, of all grades and levels, as well as faculty and staff members, will be reading one title:  The Book Thief  by Markus Zusak.

As always, the goal of summer reading is to encourage students to be life-long readers and to see reading as a pleasurable pastime as well as a source of intellectual growth.  This year we put a new spin on this adventure.  The “One School, One Book” program will build community, increase communication, and foster an appreciation for reading.  In the fall, there will be a variety of activities and opportunities for writing and discussion.

A limited supply of books will be available at a reduced rate of $9.59.  Stop by Algonquin’s main office from July 6^th-8^th or July 13^th–15^th to purchase your copy.  

Juniors and seniors in honors level semester courses will still be challenged by an additional reading requirement.  Like the rest of the Algonquin Community, they will read the “One School, One Book” title, and in addition, they will read a title specific to their first semester English courses.  Honors juniors and seniors, please watch for your schedule to determine which book you will be reading, as you need to read the book which corresponds with the English class you are taking first semester.

Junior English                            

                                American Lit (H):                                              John Steinbeck, East of Eden

                                British Lit (H):                                                    Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice OR  Bram Stoker, Dracula

                                Romanticism (H):                                             Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice  OR  Bram Stoker, Dracula

Studies in Children’s Lit (H):                       Philip Pullman, The Golden Compass

Senior English                    

                        Russian-European Lit (H):                             Alexander Solzhenitsyn, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich

                                Non-Western Lit (H):                                       Saira Shah, The Storyteller’s Daughter

                                Romanticism (H):                                             Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice  OR  Bram Stoker, Dracula

                                Studies in Children’s Lit (H):                       Philip Pullman, The Golden Compass

A.P. English                                                        Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale

                                                                                OR

                                                                                David Guterson, Snow Falling on Cedars                                       

** see Ms. Burdette’s website for specific guidelines for the A.P. assignment **

                 Writing Electives

Writing Workshop (H):                                   Stephen King, On Writing OR Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird

                                Creative Writing (H):                                       Single-author poetry or short story collection

Framingham REI — Lose the Training Wheels

·         Begins: 8/16/2010 9:00 a.m.

·         Event Location: Framingham High School

·         Event Fee: See event details

·         Ends: 8/20/2010 3:00 p.m. (EDT)

·         Leader: LTTW staff

Description: Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage for nearly everyone, but many people with disabilities never realize this achievement. Lose the Training Wheels is changing that! This is a 5-day program at Framingham High School, Aug 16-20. For info, call               508-877-6475         508-877-6475 or email Cheryl at cairafamily@verizon.net. Download an application at www.f-sepac.org

More Partner Information:

·         Click for application

Store Sponsor: Framingham REI

Phone Number:

·                       (508) 270-6325         (508) 270-6325

Store Hours:

·         M-F 10 am - 9 pm

·         Saturday 10 am - 9 pm

·         Sunday 11 am - 6 pm

REI Store Event Cancellation Policy

August 13, 2010 -Baled hay from Johnson's farm sits in the trailer at dusk yesterday reminiscent of earlier Southborough times.

(508) 485-0710 ext. 3005

Lancaster, MA, July 15, 2010, -- Come and join in the fun at a real agricultural fair held at the Lancaster Fairgrounds, a beautiful 53 acre site in Lancaster, MA. The 128th Bolton Fair will be held August 11th through the 15th with the FIESTA SHOWS midway open from 5-9 p.m. for one price on Wednesday and full exhibits and midway open Thursday and Friday from noon to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This year the fair will feature all the old favorites for animal exhibits such as sheep, goats, rabbits, poultry, and cattle. Watch chicks hatching before your eyes or go on a pony ride! Young fairgoers can test their skills in Kids Country at the Veggie Races, the hay bale maze, and the chicken "chucking" contest or wander through the petting zoo. Kids can play in our new sand pile complete with full size CAT equipment! Visitors to the fair can browse through the wares of many craft and commercial vendors or sample the fresh-grown produce, homemade jellies and jams as well as baked goods in the Farmer's Market. The Exhibit Hall will showcase hundreds of home grown and handmade crafts and goodies. Back by popular demand the horse & oxen pulls on the weekend. As always, there will be rousing entertainment, the fabulous country fair food court, and the popular midway.

Features of the Fair include:

- The world famous and national award winning Flippenout will perform their extreme stunts on trampolines with skis, snowboards and a transparent wall. - The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show will be here daily to the delight of fairgoers of all ages. Take a journey into the bygone days of yesteryear and watch these men exhibit the skills; strength and courage of old time lumberjacks. Log rolling on our pond, axe throwing, and chain saw carving are only a few of the thrilling events.

- Aussie Kingdom is bringing their Australian animals including kangaroos, wallabies, walleroos, lorikeets and kookaburras for you to observe and even hold!

- New England Reptile & Raptors and Creature Teachers are back with reptiles, owls and more birds of prey!

- Canines will perform gymnastics and acrobatics set to music as part of the New England Disc Dog Club.

- See Mike & Rosa Gross from The Great Grossini; One Sharp Marriage. A thrilling and funny act where Mike actually throws knives at Rosa, his wife!

-Also included are the ever entertaining Granny’s Racing Pigs, a unique and exciting presentation where the audience will be introduced to a group of piggy racers.

- Enjoy the adorable animals in the petting zoo and pony rides courtesy of Rocky Acres Farm.

-The mystifying magic of Lance Gifford And Company performs all four days of the Fair.

-Featured in Kids Country will be Lucky Bob the juggler/magician, jeanniemack singer & songwriter, Dana Perkins’ Ventriloquist & Magician, and Ed Popielarczyk Magical Moments and Balloon Sculpting.

-A variety of talented musicians, singers and entertainers will perform on our main stage. This year’s musical entertainment will include Beyond Blonde, The Don Campbell Trio, Aunt Mimi, Hooper & Beckwith, Ashley Jordan, California Dreamers, Pueblo Nuevo Band, Theatre III, New Hope Mime Troup, Native American Women Drummers, Banjo Dan & the Mid-Nite Plowboys, Colonial Spirit Chorus and Chair City Cloggers.

A full entertainment schedule is available on-line at www.boltonfair.org  and at the gate. Press Release 2

Since its inception in 1874, the Bolton Fair has been held to promote awareness of agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry. The Fair, which is run by volunteers, remains true to those 19th century roots and features cattle and sheep shows, goat and poultry exhibits, horse & oxen pulls, and the Exhibit Hall. Proceeds from the Fair are used to benefit local organizations, scholarships, prizes to exhibitors, and to cover fair expenses including the mortgage on the new fairgrounds as well as improvements.

 The fairgrounds are 4 miles west of Route 495 on Route 117 – take exit 27 off Interstate 495 and follow the signs to the Lancaster Fairgrounds and Bolton Fair

 FIESTA SHOWS midway open Wednesday, August 11th from 5-9 p.m. for one price

 Full Fair Hours:

o Thursday, August 12, noon to 9 p.m.

o Friday, August 13, noon to 9 p.m.

o Saturday, August 14, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

o Sunday, August 15, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday fair admission is $10 for adults and $6 for senior citizens. Children 6 and under are free; children 7-12 pay only $5. The admission fee covers all animal shows, contests, events and entertainment except for the Midway & pony rides. Tickets for the amusements will be sold at the Midway. You must purchase an admission ticket to ride the midway Thursday through Sunday.

 Craft and art entries must be delivered to the Exhibit Tent on Wednesday, August 11th from 3 p.m.-9 p.m. on the fairgrounds in Lancaster. Note: All exhibits will be housed in a large tent with sides.

 The entire Exhibitor’s Guide is available on our website. www.boltonfair.org

August 12, 2010 - Sky feature from yesterday.

August 12, 2010 - Colorful Street sign at Main Street and Brigham Road.

Congratulations to Southboro Auto Tech, a locally owned and operated auto repair shop located on Route 30 - 145 Boston Road.  The shop was recently honored by AAA as being the top repair shop in the region, in AAA's quarterly newspaper. Bill says "we are a AAA approved auto repair shop, which means that we have to go above and beyond in customer service and repair anyway. Being honored by AAA in this manner means that all the training and hard work that we put into the operation of the shop everyday, has not gone unnoticed by those that judge us the most."

Check out Southboro Auto Tech, now is the time to go.  A complete facility for basic car care to extensive repairs.  Now offering MA state inspections Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  After fueling up, swing on over to Choice Car wash and clean up the vehicle. Located at 155A Boston Rd.

Space Weather News for August 12, 2010
http://spaceweather.com

PERSEID METEOR SHOWER:  The annual Perseid meteor shower is underway. Earth is passing through a wide stream of debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle, and each time a fleck of comet dust hits Earth's atmosphere--flash!--there is a meteor.  Forecasters say the shower will peak on Thursday, August 12th, and Friday, August 13th.  You can see Perseids flitting across the sky at any time between about 10 pm on Thursday evening and sunrise on Friday morning. Observers who get away from city lights can expect to count dozens of meteors per hour, especially during the dark hours before dawn.

Tune into http://spaceweather.com for full coverage of the shower, including a live meteor radar, a "fireball cam," updated meteor counts and pictures from around the world.

BONUS:  If you go outside a little early on Thursday evening, around sunset, you'll see a beautiful gathering of planets in the sunset sky--Venus, Mars, Saturn and the crescent Moon.  It's a nice way to start a meteor watch.  Sky maps may be found at http://spaceweather.com.

LOOKING FOR THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION?  Your cell phone can lead you right to it.  Check out our field-tested satellite tracker for the iPhone and Android at http://simpleflybys.com.
 

The 2010 fall SuAsCo and Nashua River Valleys & Beyond Nighthawk Survey begins this year on Monday, August 9, and runs through the first ten days of September. The purpose of the survey is to collect key statistics on the continuing dramatic decline in Common Nighthawk migrants that began in the Boston and SuAsCo valley areas more than 100 years ago and has now spread across all of central and northern MA north to northern Canada.

No specific time commitments are required to participate in the survey and each participant gets to decide where and when to do the survey. Observers report their sightings via our website and receive reports back on a real-time basis of what others have seen. All hours recorded on the National Wildlife Refuges in the Eastern MA Complex in observing nighthawks are automatically credited to the appropriate refuges.

For those who have never seen a nighthawk or would like to brush up on their nighthawk identification skills, ARNWR and Oxbow Friends, OAR, Stow Conservation Trust, SVT, and USF&WS are co-sponsoring a nighthawk briefing from 7:30 to 9 pm on Tuesday, August 17. This briefing will address how to identify nighthawks, where and when to look for them, and how to report your observations. Then on a second evening shortly thereafter, participants will have the opportunity to get some hands-on field experience by joining a small field team led by an experienced nighthawk observer to look for nighthawks at one or more observation sites in the SuAsCo valley. At ARNWR these sites may include the hill where the USAF radar tower is located, White Pond Road bridge, Puffer Pond/Taylor Way, and/or the Desert/Memorial Forest area.

The August 17 briefing will be held at the Sudbury Valley Trustees Wolbach Farms headquarters on Wolbach Road off Rte 27 in Sudbury.

For further information about the survey, please go to our new Nighthawk Survey website at borobirding.net. If you are interested in participating in the Nighthawk Survey and/or the briefing, please contact Hank Norwood at hankn583@aol.com

August 11, 2010 - Ryan Moran has been working toward his Eagle Project by cleaning up and revitalizing the old Catholic Cemetery on Wilson Street in Hopkinton.  His project will be completed this week with a re-dedication ceremony.

The Recovery Connection this Thursday, August 12th from 10am-5pm and get your hair cut for free. One of our members, Mike H., who is a licensed barber has volunteered his services for that day.

Mike has all of his own equipment, all you have to do is show up and receive your free haircut.

Hope to see everyone here on Thursday. Haircuts will be given on a first come-first serve basis.

In tough competition, the Southborough Little League was ousted from further competition in the Little League Regionals in CT.  They lost a tough battle with Fairfield, CT.  The final score was 9 - 8.  The team has a lot to be proud about as they accomplished what no other Southborough Little League Team has done and that is to bring the state championship home to Southborough.

August 10, 2010 - What looks like pollution in the Sudbury Reservoir is actually a major Blue Green Algae Bloom.  It discolors the water and has an offensive odor.  The algae can also be toxic to humans and animals.  People should avoid fishing the waters of the reservoir during the bloom.

August 10, 2010 - Everyone was invited to join the picnic hosted this weekend by State Representative Carolyn Dykema.  Many people showed up to enjoy the pony rides, games, music and food at the Holliston Historical Society this past weekend.  (contributed photos)

August 10, 2010 - A Muscovy Duck swims in Lake Whitehall, Hopkinton.  These ducks are native to Mexico but have been bought for farms and backyard ponds.  The head look is natural and not diseased.  (contributed photo)

From left to right -
Kyle Henderson, Zach Zides, Drew Courtwright, Ryan Courtwright (contributed photo)

Space Weather News for August 9, 2010
http://spaceweather.com

INCOMING CME: The solar eruption of August 7th might affect Earth after all. Newly-arriving data from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) show a CME heading our way with a significant Earth-directed component. High-latitude sky watchers should be alert for auroras when the cloud arrives on August 10th. A movie of the CME is featured on today's edition of http://spaceweather.com.

EARLY PERSEID METEORS:  The Perseid meteor shower doesn't peak until August 12th, but already late-night sky watchers are seeing a nice display of shooting stars.  Observers are counting as many as 20 Perseids per hour from dark sky sites, a number that could increase 3- to 5-fold before the week is over.  Visit http://spaceweather.com for more information.

SPACE WEATHER ALERTS:  Would you like a call when geomagnetic storms erupt at your latitude?  Sign up for Space Weather Phone: http://spaceweatherphone.com
 

Kenneth Curtis Clark, 74, an 11-year resident of Florida, formerly of Providence, R.I., Oxford and Marlborough, died Sunday, July 11, 2010. Born in Marlborough, Dec. 4, 1935, he was the son of Virginia (Curtis) Clark of Marlborough and the late Lewis F. Clark. Mr. Clark was a 1954 graduate of Clarke School for the Deaf, Northampton, and the former Peters High School, Southborough in 1957, where he was an avid basketball player. Up until his retirement, he was employed as a design draftsman by Jamesbury Corp. of Worcester, and earlier by the Riley Stoker Corp., Worcester. He enjoyed gardening, travel and was devoted to his faith. He was the dedicated husband of Joanne E. (Long) Clark for 44 years until her death in 2003. Besides his mother, Mr. Clark is survived by two daughters, Janet Puccelli of Hubbardston and Jeanne Dillon of Millbury; three grandsons, Kevin, Scott and Jonathan; a brother, Lewis F. Clark Jr., of Marlborough; and two sisters, Mary B. Scott of Upton, and Margaret J. Clark of Marlborough; nine nieces and nephews. Visiting hours are Thursday, Aug. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Slattery Funeral Home Inc., 40 Pleasant St., Marlborough. Burial in Maplewood Cemetery, Marlborough, will be private. Donations may be made to the National Park Foundation, 1201 Eye Street, NW, Suite 550B, Washington, DC 20005.

May 18, 1927 - July 28, 2010 Kenneth Favor Clarke, Jr., born May 18, 1927 in Lexington, Massachusetts to Kenneth Favor Clarke, Sr. and Kathryn Chase (Collieson) Clarke. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946, attended Radar Electrical School and returned to his beloved New Hampshire after an Honorable Discharge. A graduate of Kimball Union Academy in 1948, Ken was a member of the Ski Patrol (student leader), Outing Club, French Club (President), & the Senior Council, Class Secretary. During his senior year, he was voted: "Done Most for the School". As he would say, "the best years of my life". He was surrounded by many friends as a vibrant, popular young man. He then attended Dartmouth College and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in 1952. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and The Outing Club. His most remembered stories are around skiing Tuckerman's Ravine and the friendship with his SAE brothers. As a resident of Southborough, Massachusetts and Meredith New Hampshire, he was the owner of Welder's Supply of Worcester, and Northeast Safety Products, Auburn Massachusetts. He served on local Welding Society Boards. He was also an active member and Deacon of Pilgrim Congregational Church, Southborough Massachusetts. He was an avid boater on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH and began racing Garwood boats in 1948 with his Dad, Kenneth Clarke, Sr. Wildcat IV was a 28ft. mahogany boat with a Liberty, 12 cylinder, 550 HP and drove at the speed of 52 MPH. His love of this sport carried on for 50 years. Our first family boat in the 1960's was a wooden Pen Yan with a 25 HP Johnson outboard named the Honey Bees. He knew every square inch, every buoy and every island on "The Lake". His many friends still vacation and own homes in the Lakes Region. Ken sold his business in early 1980 and moved full time to New Hampshire. He worked as a part-time teacher in the Gilford School System until full retirement. As a member of Meredith Lion's Club from 1987-2000, he served as 2nd Vice President for the 1987-1988 year. He then served as the club's President for the years 1988 through 1990. He was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow in 1996. Thanks to his mentor and good friend Dick Fleming. His favorite activity and fund raiser was the annual July 4th Rubber Duckie Race. In 2000, Ken, moved to California to be near his daughters and grandson. In his last years, he was lovingly cared for at Britannia Lodge by Pat, Richard and Joanne Hounsell of Palm Desert, California. They are angels to our family. Ken leaves two daughters ,Wendy Clarke of La Quinta, California and Julie Clarke of Palm Desert, California; Grandson Kenneth Clarke Lewis also of Palm Desert, California; Cousins, Rosemary Jackson Woodman and husband, Arthur of Londonderry, New Hampshire, Jonathan Tetherly and wife Kay, of Chicopee Massachusetts, David "Babe" Jackson and wife, Patty of Florida. Ken's service and burial will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Monroe Cemetery, Rowland Avenue at Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington Massachusetts (behind the former Muzzey High/Condos) Ken will be laid to rest with his parents and grandparents. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Kimball Union Academy, P.O. Box 188, Main Street, Merideth, New Hampshire 03770 or The Meredith Lions Club, P.O. Box 1720, Meredith, New Hampshire 03253.

FEDERICO-SZERETTA, Loretta H. (Zicko) 80 of Natick, formerly of Southborough, died Sunday August 8 2010 peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with lung cancer. She was the beloved wife of Florindo Federico. A Natick resident for 64 years she was the daughter of the late Kristy and Dorothea (Peristere) Zicko. Mrs. Federico was a Federal Employee for over 20 years at the Natick Army Laboratory, the General Services Administration and West Roxbury Veterans Hospital. She was later a legal secretary for Attorney Robert Capobianco of Natick. She was graduate of Natick High School class of 1948 and was active for many years on its class reunion committee. She enjoyed amateur radio her station K1VTX, working and volunteering her computer skills to others. Mrs. Federico wintered in Palm Bay Florida, loved ball room dancing, and for many years enjoyed cruises and world- wide travel with her husband. Most important was her family and to whom she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother In addition to her husband she is survived by 4 children Henry P "Hank" Szretter Jr and his wife June of Natick, Wayne T Szretter and his wife Jeanette of Natick, Debra L. McCormick-Rosenthal and her husband Arthur of Wellesley, Christine C. Gelb and her husband Allen of Mashpee and Rio Verde AZ, 8 grandchildren Scott Szretter and his wife Nicole, Katelyn Szretter, Mark Szretter, Kristy Szretter- Austin and her husband Austin, Jennifer McCormick, Michael McCormick, Melanie McCormick, Erin McCormick, 4 great-grandchildren Logan Szretter, Jordyn Szretter, Kathryn Szretter, Madison McCormick and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was also the sister in-law of Barbara Zicko of CT, Eva Federico of Hyde Park, former wife of the late Henry P. Szretter, and sister of the late Thomas C. Zicko. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral on Friday at 11:00 A.M. in the Albanian Orthodox Church 37 Washington Street Natick. Burial will follow in Dell Park Cemetery. Visiting hours Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. in the John Everett and Sons Funeral Home 4 Park Street, at Natick Common. Expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to Albanian Orthodox Church 37 Washington Street Natick MA 01760.

Southborough Little League lost their first game Friday at the Little League regionals.  They lost 6 to 4 against the Bangor East team.  Their next game is scheduled for Sunday at 1:00 PM against Shelburne Vermont.  They will also play Tuesday and Wednesday next week.

Gov. Patrick signs sales tax holiday law for August 14-15

A sales tax holiday is on tap for the weekend of August 14-15 now that Gov. Deval Patrick has signed an Economic Development bill that includes a provision for the sales tax holiday.

The rules of the road for this holiday are virtually the same as for all the previous sales tax holidays. Many non-business retail items costing $2,500 or less are exempt from the sales tax, but some items --motor vehicles, motorboats, meals, telecommunications services, gas, steam, electricity, tobacco products, and anything else costing more than $2,500 -- are not.

The sales tax exemption applies to sales of tangible personal property bought for personal use only; purchases by corporations or other businesses and purchases by individuals for business use remain taxable.

There is no sales tax on beer, wine and alcohol during the holiday. There is also no sales tax on single items of clothing that cost up to $2,500.

The Department of Revenue estimates that taxpayers will save somewhere between $20 million and $23 million over the holiday period. There was no sales tax holiday last year. In previous years, the holiday has saved taxpayers between $15 million and $17 million.

For detailed information on the sales tax holiday weekend, DOR has published a Technical Information Release. For a copy of the announcement of the bill signing, and details on other provisions of the economic development law the Governor signed today, click here.

Potential members of ASSABET VALLEY MASTERSINGERS will be welcomed at open rehearsals on Monday, August 30^th, Tuesday, September 7th, and Monday, September 13^th.   Rehearsal times for these dates and all regular Monday practices to follow will be from 7:30 until 9:45 PM at St. Mark’s School, 25 Marlboro Road (Route 85), Southborough.

            The first concert of the upcoming season will be held on November 13th in “A Baroque Festival” of music by Charpentier & JS Bach with orchestra and professional soloists.  A Messiah Sing with audience participation will also be enjoyed on December 12th.

            In the past three decades the 75-member ASSABET VALLEY MASTERSINGERS chorus, directed by founder Robert P. Eaton, has gained a reputation for musical excellence and unusual programs. For those who enjoy a cappella singing in a small group there is the opportunity for participation in the Chambersingers, a community outreach ensemble.

            Further information about the Mastersingers organization may be obtained by calling (978)-562-9838 or (508) 393-6777 or by searching www.avmsingers.org

            Partial support for concerts has been provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Council through local Arts Councils.

OPEN REHEARSALS

                                                                ASSABET VALLEY MASTERSINGERS

Dr. Robert P. Eaton, Director

Open Rehearsals

New Members Welcome 

Monday, August 30th,

Tuesday, September 7th,

                                         Monday, September 13th

7:30 to 9:45 PM 

St. Mark’s School

25 Marlboro Road (Route 85), Southborough

                                                    For information:  (978)-562-9838 or (508) 393-6777

www.avmsingers.org

State Health Officials Announce First Case of EEE in a Horse in Worcester Country in 2010

Residents urged to use bug spray, cover up when outdoors during peak mosquito hours

BOSTON — The Department of Public Health (DPH) today reported that a four-year-old horse from Warren has been diagnosed with eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). EEE infection was confirmed by the State Laboratory Institute today. The horse developed symptoms on July 31 and had to be euthanized on August 1. The most recent case of EEE infection in a horse in Worcester County occurred in 2003 in Brimfield.

There was one human case of EEE in Massachusetts during 2008; however, there were 13 cases with six deaths from 2004 through 2006. EEE is usually spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. EEE is a serious disease in all ages and can even cause death.

"Isolated cases of EEE are always possible outside of the traditional hotspots where we see outbreaks of human disease," said DPH State Epidemiologist Dr. Alfred DeMaria. "This was an unvaccinated horse that lived adjacent to a very swampy area. We are hoping that it serves to remind people that both EEE, and particularly West Nile virus, can be present throughout Massachusetts during mosquito season. It is prudent to use bug spray and minimize your exposure to mosquitoes to help reduce your risk, no matter where you live."

All arbovirus positive results from 2010 can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/wnv.

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.

Avoid Mosquito Bites

·        Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning.

·        Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

·        Apply Insect Repellent when outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD) or IR3535 according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

·        Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.

·        Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

More information is available on the DPH website: www.mass.gov/dph. Information about West Nile virus (WNV) and EEE is also available by calling the DPH recorded information line