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Archived Page 171

August 29, 2010 - September 4, 2010

September 4, 2010 - The last of "Hurricane" Earl scuttle north.  What was hyped as a big storm for New England hit the cape and Islands as a tropical storm producing little wind elsewhere in the Commonwealth.  For most residents and businesses the downgraded storm was the best news but for those storm chasers and big storm lovers it was a total bust.  Left photo what the storm looked like a few days earlier before rolling up the coast.

September 4, 2010 - Southborough Firefighters assist David Falconi and the Newton Handtub Association during a filming session.  Chronicle was out to film the Falcon Handtub an original piece of firefighting equipment and the predecessor to the fire truck.

September 4, 2010 - Local members of the Livestock Group recently showed their animals at the annual Fair in Westford.  The group meets at the farm at Breakneck Hill (where the belties are) for more information on joining the 4H club.

Dr. Prabhat K. Sehgal, 70, passed away on Sunday, August 29, 2010. He is survived by his loving wife Neena; daughter Anupama and son-in-law Thomas Sealey; daughters Neetu and Renika; and three grandchildren Raiya, Shaila, and Ajay. He is also survived by his two younger brothers, Kamal Sehgal and Harsh Sehgal and their families. At the age of 29, Dr. Sehgal ventured from his homeland of India to the United States to pursue his career aspirations. He had 36-years in a prestigious position in veterinary medicine at Harvard Medical Schools New England Regional Primate Research Center in Southborough. At his retirement in 2006, Harvard honored Dr. Sehgals accomplishments and contributions to medical science by naming one of their conference rooms after him during his retirement celebration. In his retirement, Dr. Sehgal found enjoyment in flying toy helicopters with his grandson, tending to his rose and vegetable gardens with his wife and son-in-law, and teaching his granddaughters the same life lessons he had once taught his daughters. He began and ended every day with his good morning and good night calls and kisses from his three daughters. He could never spend one of those days without his wife, to whom he was endlessly devoted. Known for his cheerful smile, kind heart and sense of humor, Dr. Sehgal, was always willing to lend a helpful hand and gave continuously and selflessly to both his family and life-long friends. He was the best son, brother, husband, daddy, and nana that any family could ever hope for. He will be honored and missed. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, August 30th, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main St, Southborough,(www.Morrisfuneralparlor.com) Cremation services will be held on Tuesday, August 31st at Rural Cemetery, 180 Grove Street, Worcester (www.ruralcemetary.com). Timing of the services will be available at www.morrisfuneralparlor.com.

6,000 ACRES OF FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT PROTECTED

Just over 6,000 acres of fish and wildlife habitat were protected by the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife in the past fiscal year (July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010) for a total investment of $10,490,000. These acquisitions were well distributed around the Commonwealth, with 57 parcels in 44 towns conserved both for the benefit of wildlife and the public’s use and enjoyment. These new fish and wildlife lands will be added to the list of over 180,000 acres currently under the care and control of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW). All lands are open to fishing, hunting, trapping, wildlife observation, boating, hiking and other passive wildlife related recreation. A listing of all newly acquired FY 2010 properties by town can be found on the DFW website at: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/habitat/land/land_acquisitions.htm.

“Donations of land and easements were a major part of this year’s habitat protection efforts,” said Craig MacDonnell, the Division’s Realty Chief. “With the assistance of the environmental community and many generous donors, over 3,481 acres of habitat were protected at no cost to the state.  These donations amount to over one-half of the acres conserved this year and demonstrates exceptional initiative during lean economic times.”  

The Western District completed nine acquisitions and protected a total of 1,067 acres. A new 319-acre Mt. Darby Wildlife Conservation Easement in Mt. Washington was the largest project in the District. This project will greatly enhance access for sportsmen and other wildlife-related recreation users. 

Eight projects were completed in the Connecticut Valley District protecting a total of 139.33 acres. Four of the projects were along important rivers, enhancing water quality and fishing access. The most significant of these river related acquisitions was a 12-acre addition to a parcel already owned by the Division on the Connecticut River in West Springfield which adds over 1,000 feet of shoreline protection and includes an eagle nesting area.

The Central District completed 16 acquisitions in eleven municipalities for a total of 943.68 acres. One of the highlights for the Central District land program was the closure of four projects of long-term interest protecting 160 acres and 1.7 miles of Nashua River frontage at Bolton Flats WMA. These projects include scenic floodplain fields near the confluence of the North and South branches of the Nashua River and more than 100 contiguous acres of floodplain forest along the north bank.

In the Northeast District, 18 projects conserving 675 acres were completed.  One notable project featured a 103-acre parcel addition to the Martin Burns WMA in Newbury expanding the total WMA acreage to 1,657-acres. Agency staff worked with the landowning family for over 20 years to purchase the land.  This exemplary acquisition expands upon the contiguous wildlife habitat complex, providing rolling oak-pine forest dotted with a suite of vernal pool and wetland habitat types for rare and state-listed reptiles and amphibians.

In the Southeast District, six land conservation projects involving a total of 3,337.49 acres in nine towns were completed. The most expensive project in the state was the long-sought 249-acre Century Bog acquisition in Wareham and Plymouth, acquired at a cost of $3,000,000 from A.D. Makepeace.  This project arose from a series of negotiations conducted over several years between and among agency staff, company officials, and non-profit representatives and is a major accomplishment of the land acquisition program.  This ownership will be added to the 421-acre Red Brook WMA, which, together with the investments of a regional conservation partner, The Trustees of Reservations, results in the protection of the entirety of that brook’s adjacent land from the headwaters to the ocean, and will provide significant restoration opportunities for the future.       

Through the land acquisition program, DFG and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife seek to protect wildlife diversity by acquiring the most important fish and wildlife habitat and natural communities and to provide public access to the lands and waters of the Commonwealth. The Division’s holdings stretch from the Berkshires to the Cape and Islands. Maps for many WMAs are posted on the division website at: www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/habitat/habitat_home.htm.  Boating and fishing access ramp information may be found at: www.mass.gov/dfwele/pab/index.htm.

Support for the land acquisition program comes from several sources. The primary funding mechanism is the Commonwealth's open space bond authorization. In FY10, the department received more than $10.2 million in capital funds for land acquisition. Fishing, hunting and trapping license buyers contribute a $5 fee to the Wildlands Fund for wildlife habitat acquisition as an additional revenue source. Some individuals and organizations make direct donations to the Wildlands Fund. A significant amount of additional funding is also leveraged or received through non-profit conservation organizations. In addition, many acres are conserved every year through gifts of land.

Pictured L-R,    Command Sergeant Major David Costa, Pete DePina, Major General Joseph C. Carter, Russell Horne, Brigadier General Leonid Kondratuik

Governor Patrick Declares State of Emergency

Hurricane Earl Presents Challenges from Wind, Flooding & Coastal Storm Surge

FRAMINGHAM – Thursday, September 2, 2010 – Governor Deval Patrick today declared a State of Emergency in response to the potential impacts from Hurricane Earl that will likely produce high winds, heavy rain and coastal storm surge. Impacts from Hurricane Earl have the capacity to cause flooding, widespread power outages and debris-removal challenges for portions of the Commonwealth. 

Today’s declaration will enable the Governor to mobilize the Massachusetts National Guard and conduct other emergency business to assist local communities in their response to and recovery from the potential impacts of this hurricane. Governor Patrick has also requested a Pre-Landfall Federal Emergency Declaration from President Obama.

“We are doing everything possible to keep people safe. We're asking everyone don't panic. We have prepared well, we're coordinated well, and I'm confident that we've done everything we can,” said Governor Patrick. “The level of communication and coordination among the state agencies and between the state agencies, the Federal agencies, FEMA in particular, local emergency response folks has been absolutely outstanding and exceptional. I thank everyone for that level of good and hard and important work.”

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  MEMA provides leadership to: develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats; train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made. For additional information about MEMA and Hurricane Safety, go to www.mass.gov/mema.  Also, follow MEMA updates on Facebook & Twitter.

September 2, 2010 - Work began on the south side of the planned EMC research park that will stretch from Route 9 to the North to Flanders Road near the Southborough line to the South.  The park will run west from Washington Street easterly toward Flanders Hill
Apartments at the Southborough town line and behind Fairview and Summit Roads in Southborough.  The above photo shows the Flanders Road entrance.

DCR PREPARES FOR SEVERE WEATHER AND POSSIBLE FLOODING THIS WEEKEND

Hurricane Earl expected to bring high winds and several inches of rain

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is taking a number of steps to prepare for the high winds and heavy rainfall that are predicted this weekend as Hurricane Earl passes offshore.

“It is unfortunate that this storm is predicted for the last holiday weekend of the summer recreation season,” said DCR Commissioner Richard K. Sullivan Jr. “But public safety is paramount in the Patrick-Murray administration. We hope campers, beachgoers, and other park visitors will understand that the closing of campgrounds, swimming pools, and beaches is meant first and foremost to keep them safe and protect them from injury due to the severe weather.”

In light of the forecasted storm, DCR is taking the following actions:

1.     To help prevent flooding along the Charles and Mystic rivers, DCR will lower the water behind the New Charles River Dam on the Charles River and the Amelia Earhart Dam on the Mystic River to create additional flood-water storage capacity in those rivers.

2.     DCR engineers are inspecting pump stations, drainage culverts, and storm drains along DCR roadways to ensure adequate drainage flow and minimize flooding.

3.     On Thursday, September 2, and Friday, September 3, DCR will close the state campgrounds listed below. Campers whose reservations are being canceled will be given the choice of a refund or the opportunity to rebook their reservation. Campers already at these campgrounds will be asked to leave by 5 p.m. Thursday. DCR will continue to monitor the situation and determine whether the campgrounds can be opened later in the weekend. Questions should be directed to ReserveAmerica at 877-422-6762           877-422-6762. 

5.     On Friday, Sept. 3, which is expected to be the worst day of the storm, DCR will close all swimming and wading pools and spray decks in the Boston area as well as all ocean beaches along the coast. Halibut Point State Park in Rockport and Georges and Spectacle islands in Boston Harbor also will be closed on Friday. (Island visitors who had reserved seats on the Harbor Island ferries will receive a full refund or the opportunity to book another date. Call 617-222-6999            617-222-6999       for ferry information.) If heavy rain, high waves, or strong currents become dangerous, DCR officials may close the pools, beaches and islands on subsequent days as well.

Beaches that will close Friday include all the Boston Harbor Island beaches and urban beaches between Lynn Shore Reservation in Lynn and Nantasket Beach in Hull, as well as the following beaches along the northern and southern parts of the Massachusetts coast:

7.     DCR is closely monitoring more than 100 dams in eastern Massachusetts that are rated high or significant hazard (meaning there could be loss of life or property downstream if they failed) and that are in poor or unsafe condition. Consultants and construction crews will be on standby in case they are needed.

September 1, 2010 - The Johnson Barn on Northboro Road came crashing down on purpose today.  With the roof leaking and sitting idle the barn had become a liability for the Johnson Family.

A shot from July as the barn sits idle with no cows or hay storage.	Demolition	The night before the barn gets demolished.	Night before.

September 1, 2010 - Fishing on the rocks off White Bagley Road at sunset.

9/1  Students Return
9/6  Labor Day - School Closed
9/9  Rosh Hashanah - School Closed
9/23 Senior Parent College Night
9/29 Parent Teacher Open House

Assabet Valley Welcomes New Staff for 2010-2011

Ten new faces will be seen in the classrooms, hallways, and technical programs at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School this year. The new staff attended orientation sessions last week and will be working with their respective mentors throughout the year. Assabet boasts a well established mentoring system, partnering new staff members with more seasoned veterans for their first few years. “Sharing ideas, offering a support network, and just being there to answer questions about everything from the electronic grade book system to the Assabet culture makes the transition to a new school much more enjoyable for the new staff,” says Bryant LaFlamme, Mentor Coordinator. “We’ve had great success with the mentoring, and our new teachers assimilate into the Assabet ‘family’ much quicker than they did prior to the inception of the program.”

Rich Manning, Social Studies, Kate Myer, Social Studies, Chris Botelho, World Languages, Jennifer Labbe, Reading Specialist, Emily Keeler, Social Studies, Katelyn Cox, Math, Liane McGowan, Science, Sarah Gostenik, Special Education, Ernie Sena, Culinary Arts, and Brian Allard, Plumbing.

September 1, 2010 - Butterflies are free to take photos of. Seems to be a lot around this year too.

Algonquin Regional High School

Football

2010 Game Schedule

Junior Varsity Football Season Schedule

Freshman Football Season Schedule

Scrimmage Schedule

Saturday September 4th VS Clinton @ Home

Go T-Hawks!

Please note the following schedule changes:

Varsity football vs. SPM will now be played on Saturday night September 11 at 7:00pm

Jv football at SPM will be played on Monday September 13 at 3:30 pm

Freshmen football SPM at Algonquin will be played on Monday September 13 at 3:30 pm

School Bus Routes

School Calendar

CONSTRUCTION: Parkerville Road water main construction begins 8/30. Expect delays and detours.
Southville Road sidewalk construction between Liberty Drive and Ashland Town Line Begins week of 8/30 - Expect delays.

Keep an Eye to the Sky and an Ear to television or Radio for Hurricane Earl Updates.

The Southborough Fire Dept and Emergency Services are keeping abreast of the ever changing storm.  They have provided several links to prepare for the storm.

MAUREEN I. ZACCONE SOUTHBOROUGH Maureen I. (Bussanich) Zaccone, 74, of Southborough, died peacefully, Thursday, August 26, 2010 at her home, after a brief illness. Born in Jersey City, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Florence (Madigan) Bussaniche Owens, and the wife of the late Albert J. Zaccone, who died in 1987. Mrs. Zaccone had been employed by New Jersey Bell prior to moving to Needham, MA. In the early 1980's she moved to Sudbury and later to Southborough, where she could remain close to her children and grandchildren, who were so dear to her. She is survived by her daughters, who cared for her so lovingly during her illness, Audrey Kerber and her husband Michael, of Sudbury, Nancy Zaccone and her companion Robert Parkhurst, of Marlborough and Laura Rollins and her husband Richard, of E. Longmeadow, and her grandchildren, Arianna and Joshua Kerber, Courtney and Justin Mulvey, Jared Rollins and Casey and Ryan Foley. A funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, August 30, 2010 at 10:00 AM at St. Anselm Church, Landham, Rd., Sudbury, MA. Visiting hours were held on Sunday, August 29, 2010 from 3-6 PM at the Slattery Funeral Home. Burial was held at the National Cemetery, Bourne, MA, and will was private. Donations may be made to the Salvation Army National Headquarters, 615 Slaters Lane, PO Box 269, Alexandria, VA, 22313 Slattery Funeral Home 40 Pleasant Street Marlborough, MA 01752 (508) 485-0225

John W. Jack Coogan, 77, of Ashland and formerly of Southborough, died peacefully Sunday, Aug., 29, 2010, at Beaumont Skilling Nursing and Rehab Center in Westborough. He was the husband of Mary N. Coogan for over 52 years. Jack was an administrator and teacher at St. Marks School in Southborough for many years. He was an active member of St. Marks Church, Society of St. John the Evangelist of Cambridge and Squash Busters of Roxbury. In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, John W. Coogan and his wife Kathy of Hoboken, N.J.; Craig B. Coogan of Los Angeles; Melissa Coogan Abbott and her husband Eric of Del Norte, Colo.; two grandchildren, Creeley Boon Abbott and John W. Coogan. Memorial service was held on Thursday, Sept. 2, at 11 a.m., at St. Marks Church, 27 Main St., Southborough. Memorial contributions may be sent in his memory to St. Marks Church 27 Main St. Southborough, MA 01772; Society of St John the Evangelist, 980 Memorial Dr. Cambridge, MA 02138; Squash Busters, 795 Columbus Ave., Roxbury, MA 02120. Arrangements are under the direction of the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Southborough (Morrisfuneralparlor.com).

August 31, 2010 - Enjoying fly fishing the Deerfield River.

August 30, 2010 -  A huge crowd once again took over the fields and parking lot of Neary and Trottier schools to enjoy the music, rides, games and friendship last night at the Annual Southborough Summer Nights.  For more photos and a video of the fireworks check out the Southborough News Flickr  (look for woodvilleranger for the photos.

August 30, 2010 - Another year of great fireworks provided by the masters of fire Atlas professional pyrotechnics of Jaffery, New Hampshire.

August 30, 2010 - A gray squirrel races across the wire.

August 30, 2010 - Just a little over an hour away on the Mohawk Trail (rte 2) there are some hidden gems such as the Deerfield River.  You an hook up with several white water rafting, tubing and kayak rental shops and try your fun on the Deerfield.  The river actually has higher water at times as it is part of a hydroelectric program, some facts.

Southborough Summer Nights

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

The Southborough Police Department would like to advise its residents of an
upcoming traffic advisory:

The Summer Nights festival will occur at Neary School on
Sunday, August 29th at 5:00 p.m. with a rain
date of Monday, August 30st at the same time.

Parkerville Road will be posted "No Parking" on the east side.
There will be designated "drop off" and "pick up" areas at Lundblad Field.
There will be parking both at the Neary and Trottier school lots.
However, the access road between the schools will be closed to through-traffic.
When exiting you will be directed to exit either via Parkerville Road or
Deerfoot Road. No cars will be allowed to enter either site until all
vehicles have exited after the fireworks have ended.
This is to ensure pedestrian safety.
Thank you for your patience and have a safe and enjoyable evening

Summer Ends With a Bang in Southborough

Southborough – The Summer Nights Festival has become an end of the summer tradition in the town of Southborough.   Last year, over 2000 residents came out to enjoy free entertainment and fireworks under starlit skies, and to catch up with friends before the start of the new school year.  This summer is expected to end with a bang as well when folks turn out for the seventh anniversary of this locally funded event.

The festival, a partnership between the Summer Nights volunteer committee and the Southborough Recreation Department, begins Sunday, August 29^th at 5:00 pm at the Neary School.  There are many fun activities for children such as the popular “Bubble Romp”, pony rides, moonwalk, obstacle course, fire truck slide and face painting. Older kids enjoy the challenge of the Rock Climbing Wall and for those not afraid to get wet, there is a dunk tank.  The Dance Revolution is a new attraction added with tweens and teens in mind.  It is recommended that parents pack towels or a change of clothes for children who want to go in the Bubble Romp or for anyone being dunked in the dunk tank. 

The musical band “The Infractions” will entertain the crowd once again this year thanks to the generous support of three area legislators.  In response to a plea for funding for the band back in June, Doreen Ferguson, Director of Southborough Recreation received a call from the office of State Representative Danielle Gregoire.  Ferguson was informed that Representative Gregoire, Representative Carolyn Dykema and Senator Jamie Eldridge would collectively be donating the funds needed to secure the band.  The Summer Nights Committee was elated to receive such a generous and unexpected donation.   

Folks wishing to purchase food at the event will choose from a variety of tasty options including pizza from Domino’s, sandwiches from Quizno’s, sushi and chicken wings fromYama Zakura, ribs and sausage sandwiches from Mr. Jack’s Catering and grilled hamburgers and hotdogs.  Dessert options include ice cream from The Creamery and typical carnival fare such as fried dough, pretzels, cotton candy and slushies.

The evening will end with a spectacular fireworks display over the Neary Field at dusk, sponsored by Capitol Group Properties and the Friends of Southborough Recreation.  Other key supporters of the event include St. Mary’s Credit Union and Brendon Properties, Fay School, Southborough House of Pizza, Middlesex Saving Bank, Tomasso Trattoria and Italian Market, Long Cadillac Hummer Saab, Choice Car Wash, Wellen Construction, Yama Zakura Restaurant and Mamas n Divas Nail Lounge.

All areas will be blocked off from traffic so that parents and children can roam safely from one activity to the next.   The fireworks will begin around 8:15pm.  Folks are encouraged to bring chairs or a blanket to set on the lawn for the display. 

Admission is free and parking is available at the Neary School parking lot off Parkerville Road with overflow parking available at Trottier Middle School parking lot via the Deerfoot Road entrance.  A rain date of Monday, August 30^th has been set. 

To make a donation to Southborough Summer Nights, contact Robin Martin at 508-333-1221.  For all other information about the event contact Southborough Recreation at 508-229-4452.

The Southborough Rotary will hold it's Annual 10k Road Race this year  on Sunday October 10, 210  at 10AM starting at the Neary School. This  year we are adding a 5k Walk-a-Thon component. Our goal is to FILL THE  SOUTHBOROUGH FOOD PANTRY  Tee shirts prizes and more are included with  your $20 preregistration. If walking or running are not for you,  become a virtual runner.  Get the V-Tee for $15 - sweat and sore feet  not included!  Race day registration is $25. Look for the Rotary table  at Summer Nights August 29 for more information.
 

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

Southborough meetings

August 30 to September 3, 2010

Southborough Library  website:  Click here

Southborough Public Library to Host Focus Groups in September, Part of Long Range Planning

  The Southborough Public Library has begun writing up a long-range plan to carry through until 2015, and we can use your help!
               In September, the Library will host three focus groups at the library, located at 25 Main Street, at the corner of Routes 85 and 30. These sessions are an opportunity for conversation about what individuals seek in the library to read, what electronic materials, movies, music, and computer services are wanted, and more. Focus groups are for both library users and non-users. Sessions are planned for Thursday, September 16 at 5:30 p.m., Friday, September 17 at 10:00 a.m. and Tuesday, September 21 at 7:00 p.m. Call the Library at 508-485-5031 and speak with Library Director, Jane Cain, to get involved.
             There is also an online survey available on the library’s website, www.southboroughlib.org  It is the Library Board of Trustees and Library Director Cain’s hope that participation levels are high for the town-wide survey and the focus groups, to make the Southborough Public Library’s long-range plan most effective.
 

August 29, 2010 - Cannon and Log home on a bluff overlooking the Chickamauga National Battlefield in Georgia.  This 5500 acre battlefield was the first National Battlefield in the United States. It was designated in 1890.  Scene of fierce fighting between the states during the Civil War it was one of the Confederacy's last major battle wins in the war.   Click Chickamauga Battlefield for more info.

Senior Center Activities

Computers:  We now have two computers in the hall before you enter our main room that are now hooked up to the internet. You will be able to read e-mail and look up information as well as play some fun card games. Feel free to sit down and use the computers. Let us know if you would like any help.