editor@southboroughnews.com

Archived Page 186

December 12, 2010 - December 18, 2010

December 17, 2010 - A splashback at the Cordaville Dam can fake the eye into thinking it is a crystal swan.

$11,000 available in scholastic awards

The Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce announces that a total of $11,000 is available in scholastic awards to graduating high school students. Students must be a resident of Westborough, Northborough, Southborough or Shrewsbury to apply. The awards given will be granted on the basis of scholastic achievement, community and school involvement, work experience, financial need, appearance of application and an interview. Applications are available in the guidance offices of the following schools: Westborough High School, Algonquin Regional High School, Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, Shrewsbury High School, Holy Name, St. John's High School, Bancroft School, Notre Dame Academy, St. Peter-Marian Central High School and St. Mark's School. To receive a scholarship application by mail, contact the chamber at 508-836-4444. Applications must be returned to the chamber postmarked no later than Jan. 13, 2011. Award recipients will be honored at a chamber breakfast meeting scheduled for March 24 at the Doubletree Hotel in Westborough.

December 17, 2010 - The driver of the truck is actually making a several point turn to escape the River Street railroad bridge.  At least he caught the fact that his truck wouldn't fit under the bridge before he hit it.

MEMA’s PET SAFETY TIPS FOR THE WINTER MONTHS

FRAMINGHAM, MA – “As the harsh winter months settle in, it is important that you think about keeping your pets safe from all of the dangers that the season can present,” states Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency  (MEMA) Acting Director Kurt Schwartz.  “MEMA offers some tips to help insure your pet’s safety.”

·        Do not leave your pet outdoors when temperatures drop below freezing. Dogs need outdoor exercise, but take care not to keep them outdoors for lengthy periods of time during very cold weather.  Pets that are mostly indoors need time to adapt to cold temperatures by building up a thicker coat and toughening their footpads for ice and snow. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.  Dogs and cats are safer indoors during all sorts of extreme weather.

·        Care for your pet’s feet. If your pet walks on salted or chemically treated areas, be sure to wash its paws after your walk.  Gently rub the bottom of the feet to remove these irritants as soon as your dog is off the road.  Many dogs need boots in cold weather, regardless of their coat length.  If your dog frequently lifts up its paws, whines or stops during walks, it may be demonstrating that its feet are uncomfortably cold.

·        Wind-chill is a threat to pets, even those protected by shelters.  Outdoor dogs must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to both sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to retain body heat.  The floor should be elevated a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The entrance of the doghouse should be turned to face away from prevailing winds, and the entrance should be covered with a flap of heavy waterproof fabric or heavy plastic.

·        Pets who spend a greater amount of time outdoors in the winter need more food.  Maintaining warmth depletes energy. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to ensure the water is fresh and not frozen.  To prevent your pet’s tongue from freezing to its feeding or drinking bowl, plastic, rather than metal food and water bowls are preferred.

·        Never leave a pet locked inside a car during extremely cold weather.  Cars can actually act like a refrigerator, holding in cold air, putting your pet at risk.

·        Be leery of frozen bodies of water. Always keep your pets on a leash when walking them near suspected frozen bodies of water.  The ice may not be sturdy enough to support your pet.  If a pet falls through the ice, do not attempt to rescue your pet yourself; call 9-1-1 or go for help.

·        Antifreeze and de-icing chemicals can be hazardous. Many types of antifreeze have a sweet taste that can attract animals.  Always store antifreeze out of reach and clean up spills. Antifreeze made with propylene glycol can actually be swallowed in small amounts and not injure pets, wildlife or humans.

·        Warm automobile engines are dangerous for cats and small wildlife. Parked vehicles can attract small animals, which may crawl under the hood seeking warmth.  To avoid injuring hiding animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them off before starting your engine.

For additional information about keeping your pets safe, go to the State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team (SMART) website at www.smart-mass.org.

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 Winter Preparedness, go to www.mass.gov/mema. Follow MEMA updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Lanchai (Lannie) He, was born on Oct. 14, 1954 in Hebei province of China and died on Dec. 15, 2010 after a long battle against lung cancer. She was a member of the graduating class of 1979 of Beijing Foreign Languages Institute. Between 1979 and 1990, she worked in the Foreign Affairs Office of the Ministry of Commerce in China. She came to the US in 1990 and was a graduate of Johnson and Wales Universitys MBA program of 1992. She became a US citizen in 2002 and was baptized at the Chinese Gospel Church in Southborough, Mass. in 2007. Her first job in the US was in the Import Department of TJX Company in Natick, MA. She also worked at the W. A. Wilde Company of Holliston, in the IT dept. of Franklin Olin College in Needham, and Framingham State College. She was survived by her husband Jon and her son Jay. Visitation will be held on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010 from 2-3 p.m. at the Chinese Gospel Church in Southborough, Mass. A 3 p.m. service will follow in the Church. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com

Norman Campbell, 79, of Northborough and formerly of Southborough passed away on Nov. 30, 2010. He leaves his wife Janie (Pittman) Campbell of Northborough; his children, Lee Campbell and his wife Dian of Antrim, N.H.; Kathie Vermouth and her husband Terry of Northborough; his five grandchildren, Erin Campbell and her husband Scott Caisse, Caitlyn Campbell; Marc, Steven, and Sara Vermouth. A memorial celebration service will be held on Sunday, Dec. 26, at 4 p.m. at Rice Memorial Baptist Church, 85 Lincoln St., Northborough. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent in his memory to Rice Memorial Baptist Church, 85 Lincoln St., Northborough, MA 01532 or JAARS, Inc., PO Box 248, Waxhaw, NC, 28173-0248

Thomas V. Ferro, 56, of Northborough, died Dec. 16, 2010 at UMass/Memorial Healthcare (university campus) in Worcester after a brief illness. He leaves his wife of 34 years, Lynne J. (Nourse) Ferro; two daughters, Laura, wife of Mark Lane of Sutton and Carolyn, wife of William Speranza of Northborough; his son, Antonio Ferro of Northborough; five grandchildren, Amanda, Nicole, and Steven Lane; Jason and Branden Speranza; two brothers, Pat Ferro of Brookfield and Mike Ferro of Marlborough; his sister, Cindy Monti of Marlborough; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Born in Marlborough to Pasquale Ferro, Tom was raised in Northborough by the late Vincent and Connie Del Duca. Tom was a lifelong resident here. He was the owner of Northborough Asphalt Paving since the early 1990s. Tom also worked many years for Del Duca Asphalt Paving as well as Zecco Inc. and the Tyree Organization. He was a member of WCNCC, and a social member of the ITAM Club of Marlborough. Calling hours are Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010 from 1-5 p.m. in Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St. Northborough. His funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, Dec. 20, 2010 at 11 a.m. in St. Rose of Lima Church, 244 West Main St. Northborough. Burial will follow in Howard Street Cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.haysfuneralhome.com

Around Town:

The Northborough Southborough School budget has been preliminary set of $17.9 million which is just $400,000 shy of last year’s budget of $17.5 million.  Dr. Gobron says the increase is the result of teacher and staff pay increases that had previously been approved.  Dr. Gobron says funding from the state still remains an unknown in the budget process.  He does not foresee staff cuts at this time.  In other school news, the town of Northborough has filed a civil action in Worcester District Court last month for a declaratory judgment against the town of Southborough relative to the ongoing dispute on how to proceed with $1.5 million of the $35 million State reimbursement funds.  The battle of the $1.5 million has been ongoing for about five years now.  Northborough is basing it on Chapter 70B section 2 and claiming more Northborough students attend ARHS while Southborough refers to the original Algonquin Regional School agreement in 1954 to make way for the Regional school.  The school was renovated and added to at a cost of nearly $61 million dollars several years ago.

Southborough residents have been in the limelight this past week.  Twenty-three year old Adam Koumoutseas who according to his father is very autistic has been held for assault and battery on his mother in Westborough.  Also four  teens, students at Algonquin Regional High School, have been accused of attacking another Algonquin student in Shrewsbury.  Two of the female attackers are from Southborough and the other two, a female and male student from Northborough have been arraigned in Westborough District Court in the alleged beating of the eighteen year old Northborough female student.

Arya Ika, a Fay School student recently joined President Obama’s tour to India and Southeast Asia as one of 500 business consultants last month. 

Samantha Shay, 21, of Southborough will be bringing "Dancing Behind My Eyelids" to the East Coast.  Samantha and California native Chelsea Didier, seniors at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), have created an original dance. Dancing Behind My Eyelids tells the story of Prospero’s island re-imagined, turned on its head and driven forward directed by Shay and choreographed by Chelsea Didier. Incorporating ballet, modern dance, monkey Kung Fu, Capoeira, acrobatics, French mime and contact improv, Dancing Behind My Eyelids is a piece that brings a fantastical imagining of one man’s mystical power, a daughter’s love and a stranger’s fascination and curiosity.

The piece debuted at CalArts in May 2010 and is performed by the Hopelandic Theatre Company. Dancing Behind My Eyelids will be at the Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara, May 27^th -29^th and is scheduled for the Edinburgh, Scotland Fringe Festival this summer. The play will open January 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th at 8:00 PM each night at the Oberon, Arrow Street, Cambridge, MA.  Tickets went on sale December 9th.(http://www.cluboberon.com/)  

MEMA ISSUES ICE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

FRAMINGHAM, MA – As temperatures drop, and bodies of water throughout the area begin to freeze over, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has issued information regarding safety precautions to be taken on our frozen lakes, rivers and ponds. 

“Before we experience a tragedy that is unfortunately too common this time of year, it is important that we remind everyone, particularly children, of the dangers of unsafe ice,” said MEMA Acting Director Kurt Schwartz.  “As lakes, ponds, streams and rivers throughout the Commonwealth freeze over, ice conditions may be very uncertain.  People may be a bit impatient to venture out on the ice for skating, hockey, ice fishing and other winter sports. We highly recommend the use of recreational skating areas provided by the Commonwealth and your local communities.  It is very important to exercise precaution and common sense.”

Always check with your local police, fire or park department to ensure that safe ice conditions exist. However, due to the uncertainty and constant changing of ice conditions and the dangers presented, many departments will not endorse the safety of lakes, ponds, streams or rivers.  The strength and thickness of ice should be known before any activity takes place.

·        Never go onto the ice alone.  A friend may be able to rescue you or go for help if you fall through   the ice.

·        Always keep your pets on a leash.  If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt to rescue your pet, call 9-1-1 or go for help.

·        New ice is usually stronger than old ice.  As ice ages, the bond between the crystals decays, making it weaker, even if melting has not occurred.

·        Beware of ice covered with snow.  Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing. Snow can also hide cracks, weak and open ice.

·        Slush is a danger sign, indicating that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating.

·        Ice formed over flowing water (rivers or lakes containing a large number of springs) is generally 15% weaker.

·        Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate.  It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only a few inches thick 10 feet away.

·        Reach-Throw-Go.  If a companion falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.). If this does not work, go for help or call 9-1-1, before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.

·        If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction from which you came.  Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet.  Once out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you return to solid ice.

By following safety procedures, you can be safe and enjoy the many winter activities offered by the great outdoors.

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 Winter Preparedness, go to the MEMA website at www.mass.gov/mema. Follow MEMA updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Business Reports

Helen of Troy Limited Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire Kaz, Inc

EL PASO, Texas, designer, developer and worldwide marketer of brand-name personal care and household consumer products, announced today that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire the business of Kaz, Inc., for $260 million in cash, subject to certain closing working capital and other adjustments. The acquisition is expected to close by December 31, 2010, subject to the closing of financing for the transaction and other customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Based in Southborough, Massachusetts, Kaz is a world leader in providing health care and home environment consumer solutions. Kaz markets its products to leading retailers under a variety of brand names, including Vicks® and Braun® under license from The Procter & Gamble Company, Honeywell® under license from Honeywell, and Stinger®, Softheat® and Kaz®, owned by Kaz, Inc. Product categories include vaporizers, humidifiers, digital, infrared and non-invasive thermometers, blood pressure monitors, hot/cold health care therapy, air purifiers, seasonal humidifiers, heaters, fans, and dehumidifiers, and lawn and garden products. Kaz products are sold in the United States and throughout the world. Sales for the next twelve months ending December 31, 2011 are expected to exceed $400 million. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to Helen of Troy's earnings per share in fiscal year ending February 29, 2012.  

Gerald J. Rubin, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, stated, "We are very excited about welcoming the Kaz organization into Helen of Troy.  Kaz is a world-class business with excellent leadership with significant potential for growth, both domestically and internationally.  We are pleased that Julien Mininberg, Chief Executive Officer of Kaz, and his talented management team will be joining our Helen of Troy family.  Kaz's business and culture will continue to operate as it has in the past. Helen of Troy, through the addition of the Kaz business, will have combined annual net sales revenue in excess of $1.1 billion in fiscal 2012. Helen of Troy and Kaz are committed to together building a world class consumer products company that uses its impressive stable of global brands, its outstanding people, and its strong capabilities to drive shareholder value."

Richard Katzman, Chairman of Kaz, Inc., stated, "After 84 years and three generations, the Katzman family is very pleased that Kaz will continue to operate as a vibrant part of the Helen of Troy organization. They have built an outstanding company that shares the same entrepreneurial culture and core values that have been essential to our success.  I believe the combination of these two market leaders will be very powerful."

Julien Mininberg, Chief Executive Officer of Kaz, stated, "We are excited to be joining the Helen of Troy family.  Their well-respected expertise in worldwide sourcing, marketing and distribution of consumer products will complement our own. The increased critical mass will enhance our ability to maintain and expand our leadership role in the markets we serve.  Helen of Troy's financial and sourcing strengths make for a uniquely compelling business combination for the Kaz team."

Helen of Troy Limited intends to finance the acquisition through its existing working capital and through debt financing, which has been committed by Bank of America. BofA Merrill Lynch acted as financial advisor to Helen of Troy Limited in connection with the transaction. Sawaya Segalas & Co., LLC(1), a leading consumer investment banking firm, acted as exclusive sell-side advisor to Kaz, Inc. in connection with this transaction.

KIT digital Acquires Accela Communications and Megahertz Broadcast Systems

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC the leading global provider of video asset management solutions (VAMs) for multi-screen IP-based delivery, has acquired Accela Communications, Inc. (based in Southborough, Massachusetts) and the assets of Megahertz Broadcast Systems, Ltd. (based in Ely, United Kingdom).

"These acquisitions extend our leading market share position for enterprise-level video asset management products and services across the multiple screens of the mobile and tablet device, browser and IP-enabled television," said KIT digital's chairman and CEO, Kaleil Isaza Tuzman. "They are consistent with our acquisition strategy of geographical and sales vertical expansion, and we expect them to be accretive on both a revenue and cash-flow basis."

Accela Communications Acquisition
Accela Communications is a privately-held provider of on-demand, video-based enablement and measurement tools.

KIT digital paid consideration of approximately $4.7 million (net of working capital adjustment), comprised of $1.8 million in cash and 332,763 shares of KIT digital common stock. Stock consideration is subject to lock-up provisions, and will help ensure management's long-term commitment and upside in the combined digital business. Based on its most recent August results, Accela derives in excess of $3.7 million in annualized recurring licensing fees from its interactive video and multimedia software solutions.

"Our acquisition of Accela, while relatively small, is highly synergistic," said Lou Schwartz, head of the Americas for KIT digital. "Accela enhances KIT digital's market scope through its deep experience in particular industry vertical segments amongst its client base: healthcare, information technology, and financial services. Accela also adds strong sales channel partnerships. At the same time, KIT digital brings multi-screen VAMs capabilities which can be upsold to Accela's enterprise customer base, along with other extended solutions and services."

Accela's online video platform, AccelaCast, supports the production, delivery and measurement of interactive video and multimedia communications, providing corporate clients greater audience engagement and learning across a wide range of industries.

AccelaCast allows organizations to create unique multimedia programs through customized design, navigation and data collection options. These clients can then manage and monetize those interactions through the AccelaWorks data acquisition, measurement, classification and delivery system.

Accela serves more than 150 corporate customers, including Alcatel-Lucent, CA, EMC, Hitachi Data Systems, Haymarket Medical, HP, IDG, International Medical Press, McAfee, Motorola, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, Rogers, SAP and Xerox. Accela sells both directly and through value-added reseller relationships -- sales channels which will now apply to the broader KIT VX solution set sold by KIT digital.

Bill Reinstein, Accela president and CEO, commented: "We are very excited to be teaming with the global leader in IP video management, particularly given KIT digital's strong mobile, live event and connected TV delivery capabilities. Our collective strengths should yield exceptional value and unique benefits for our newly combined global customer base. Our organizations also share a customer-centric culture and a disciplined approach to operational and financial management."

KIT digital will progressively transition Accela's clients to the data layer of its VX-one software platform, while maintaining AccelaCast's client-facing reporting, measurement and interactive audience engagement modules.

Southborough, Massachusetts will continue to be home to Accela's 30+ employees, and will become KIT digital's New England sales and account management hub.

The acquisition of Accela Communications closed Wednesday, September 8, 2010.

VIRYANET REPORTS THIRD QUARTER 2010 RESULTS

November 16, 2010

Quarterly Net Income increases, Revenues Up 6% and License Revenues Up 25% Year-Over-Year

Reports 60% Year-Over-Year Increase in Net Income for the First Nine-Months in 2010
For the third quarter ended September 30, 2010, ViryaNet reported revenues of $2,793 thousand, a 5.7% increase compared to the same period in 2009. Net income for the third quarter was $151 thousand or $0.04 basic and diluted earnings per share, compared to a net income of $71 thousand or $0.02 per basic and diluted earnings share for the same period in 2009. Software license revenues for the third quarter of 2010 were $396 thousand, compared to $318 thousand recorded in the third quarter of 2009. Maintenance and services revenues were $2,397 thousand in the third quarter of 2010, compared to $2,324 thousand in the third quarter of 2009.

For the nine months period ended September 30, 2010, ViryaNet reported revenues of $8,468 thousand, a 5.7% increase compared to the same period in 2009. Net income for the nine months period in 2010 was $561 thousand, compared to a net income of $351 thousand in the same period in 2009.

"Our continued investments in developing and delivering innovative products for the marketplace have resulted in a solid financial base as measured in continued increases in our net profitability and an 18% increase in bookings year-over-year," stated Memy Ish-Shalom, Chief Executive Officer. "These achievements have enabled us to expand on our channel sales strategy and have us positioned for accelerated growth moving forward."

Sports and Recreation

55 - 23

December 17, 2010 - ARHS Girls JV basketball team pulled a stunning victory tonight - 55 - 23 against Westborough.

Freshmen Basketball

December 17, 2010 - The ARHS freshmen basketball team, also played Westborough.

FREE CONCERT
PERFORMANCE BY THE
INTERBORO BAND, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF JAMIE CLARK.

December 18, 2010
1:30pm
Trottier Middle School

This group is partly sponsored by Southborough Recreation and is comprised of local talent ranging from high school up to 70 years of age.

Southborough Ice Skating Rink has moved to Woodward School

(Thursday, December 16, 2010)

We'll get together next year (!) on Thursday, January 20, 7:00 p.m., here at the library, to resume meetings. 
Happy holidays to all!


Jane Cain, Library Director
Southborough Public Library
25 Main Street
Southborough, MA  01772
jcain@southboroughma.com
(508) 485-5031

 

We will be holding a holiday caroling rehearsal on Friday, December 17th @ 3:00pm. This will be a fun activity that everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. Hot cocoa will be served and voices will not be judged. We are looking to brighten people's holiday season on the 23rd of December when we go to the senior center for the caroling activity. The lyrics are printed and ready to go and all we need is some holiday spirit and a lot of laughs will be had by all.

We look forward to seeing everyone there!

-The Recovery Connection

The Recovery Connection

  31 Main Street

  Marlborough, MA 01752

Saturday 12/11/10 

09:47 UNITENTIONAL TRANMISSION OF AL TURNPIKE RD 

    E22  CAPT HUBLEY     FF WILLS        FF NEAL

10:26 EMS CALL WASHINGTON ST  WES

    A28  FF WILLS        FF NEAL

13:45 UNAUTHORIZED BURNING WALNUT DR 

    T21  FF ASPESI       FF NEAL

19:37 EMS CALL MEADOW LN 

    A28  FF GOODSPEED    FF ASPESI

    C30  FF STRONG

22:38 EMS CALL CONSTITUTION DR 

    A28  FF ASPESI       FF GOODSPEED

    C30  FF STRONG

Sunday 12/12/10

00:21 BUILDING FIRE JOHN MATTHEWS RD 

    E22  CAPT HUBLEY     FF STRONG

    E23  FF ASPESI       FF GOODSPEED

06:40 EMS CALL PARKERVILLE RD and TURNPIKE RD

    A28  FF ASPESI       FF GOODSPEED

    E23  CAPT HUBLEY     FF STRONG

06:40 VEH ACCIDENT W/INJURIES WHITE BAGLEY RD and TURNPIKE RD

    A28  FF ASPESI       FF GOODSPEED

    E23  CAPT HUBLEY     FF STRONG

07:47 VEH ACCIDENT W/INJURIES TURNPIKE RD 

    A28  FF ASPESI       FF GOODSPEED

07:50 EMS CALL RIDGE RD LYMAN ST NOR

    A29  LT PELTIER      EMT GLECKEL     FF KENDALL

08:04 EMS CALL MOULTON

    A28  FF NEAL         FF GOODSPEED

08:19 EMS CALL GLEN CT 

    C30  FF STRONG       FF HOGAN

    HOPKINTON AMBULANCE

14:08 EMS CALL MARLBORO RD 

    A28  FF STRONG       FF NEAL

    C30  LT PELTIER

23:08 ALARM SYSTEM, UNINTENTIONAL SOUTHWOOD DR 

    E22  LT PELTIER      FF STRONG

    E23  FF NEAL         FF GOODSPEED    Fire Log

Sarah (Deneen) Manning ORegan, 73, of Venice, Fl and Mashpee; formerly of Southborough died on Friday, December 10, 2010, unexpectedly. She was the wife of Paul J. Manning who passed away in 1979 and John ORegan of Venice, FL and Mashpee. She was the daughter of James and Gertrude (McDermott) Deneen. Sarah was a graduate of Mt. St. Joseph Academy in Allston and earned her bachelors degree at Framingham State College and a masters degree at Boston State College. She was a title I teacher at Hillside School in Marlborough for many years. After she retired she moved to Cape Cod. She enjoyed gardening, knitting and playing cards. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Paul Manning, Jr and his wife Laura of Hopedale; Elizabeth Catterall and her husband Nowel of Woodbury, MN; John Manning and his wife Dianna of South Natick; Ellen Mackay and her husband Glenn of Mendon; and 12 grandchildren. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Dec. 17, from 4 to7 PM at Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main Street, Southborough (Morrisfuneralparlor.com) A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 10 AM at St. Anne Church, 20 Boston Rd, Southborough. Burial will follow be in the Rural Cemetery in Southborough.

DCR OFFERS PARKS-RELATED HOLIDAY GIFTS

FOR THE OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST OR CONSERVATIONIST

BOSTON - The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is offering a selection of

what could be the perfect gift for the nature lover, outdoor enthusiast, recreation buff, or golf

fanatic on your holiday list. Consider the following:

• 2011 Massachusetts ParksPass. A ParksPass provides unlimited day-use parking at

more than 50 DCR state park facilities, and is valid January 1, 2011, through December

31, 2011. The ParksPass can be used at ocean beaches, swimming ponds, mountain

summits, and historic sites as diverse as Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Hopkinton

State Park, Walden Pond State Reservation in Concord, Wachusett Mountain in

Princeton, and Pittsfield State Forest in the Berkshires.

A ParksPass is $35 for Massachusetts residents, and $45 for non-residents. This

represents a significant savings for frequent park visitors, as parking fees range from

$2 per car at historic and scenic sites to $5 at inland beaches and up to $7 at ocean

beaches. If purchased as a gift, ParksPasses can be sent directly to the intended

recipient, if desired. Note that orders for ParksPasses received after December 21

cannot be guaranteed to arrive by Christmas. To purchase a ParksPass by phone, call

617-626-4969. For more information, including other purchasing methods, visit

www.mass.gov/dcr/parkspass.htm

• Gift certificates are available for both of DCR’s public golf courses, the Ponkapoag

Golf Course in Canton and the Leo J. Martin Memorial Golf Course in Weston.

Ponkapoag has one 18-hole course and one 9-hole course, and Leo J. Martin has one

18-hole course. Both facilities open in early April, and prices vary depending on

number of holes and day of the week. Gift certificates can be purchased in any amount.

For Ponkapoag Golf Course (2167 Washington Street, Canton), call 781-828-4242. For

Leo J. Martin Memorial Golf Course (190 Park Road, Weston), call 781-894-4903, ext.

23. For more information on the two DCR golf courses, visit

www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/golf.htm

OUTDOOR AND WILDLIFE-RELATED GIFT IDEAS

Now is the time to consider a wildlife-related gift for the outdoor or wildlife enthusiast on your holiday list! The following suggestions from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) are suitable gifts to consider for all ages. A two-year subscription to Massachusetts Wildlife magazine ($10) delivers eight full-color issues of the Commonwealth's best wildlife publication. For the budding conservationist, try a copy of Critters of Massachusetts book ($5). Critters is a great gift for the curious youngster or the beginning adult naturalist with an interest in backyard wildlife and beyond. For the more advanced naturalist, the Field Guide to Dragonflies and Damselflies ($20) or A Field Guide to the Animals of Vernal Pools ($12) might be just the ticket. In-depth descriptions and detailed photographs help the reader identify and learn more about these creatures. For the budding herpetologist, there are a couple of options: The Field Guide to the Reptiles of Massachusetts features information on breeding, feeding habits, range, habitat, and conservation issues. This unique issue of the Massachusetts Wildlife Magazine is $3/copy and also offers spectacular color photos of the various species including color and pattern morphs of those species with variations and a list of key features that allows you to identify any native snake and turtle (except sea turtles) found in the Bay State. The turtle enthusiast in your life may enjoy an Introduction to the Threatened Turtles of Massachusetts, a video available from DFW's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program for $5. More information is found at: www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/publications/publications_home.htm or call the Westborough Field Headquarters at (508) 389-6300 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (508) 389-6300      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

2011 hunting/fishing licenses and stamps will be appreciated by the sportsman or woman in your life. Licenses will be available for sale on line or through license vendors throughout the state by mid-December. License purchases support wildlife conservation, management and restoration of wildlife and wildlife habitat protection in Massachusetts and licenses. Information on purchasing a license on line or at a license vendor locations.

Give them the gift of the outdoors! For adult women, purchase a gift certificate for one of the 2011 Becoming an OutdoorsWoman workshops. Workshops on skills such as animal tracking, shooting, fishing, kayaking and photography are designed for adult women new to that particular skill. The 2011 schedule of one-day and the weekend workshops will be posted in January. A wonderful outdoor experience for teen girls and boys, ages 13 - 17 years old is the Junior Conservation Camp, a two-week overnight camp session packed with outdoor skills learning such as shooting, fishing, canoeing and camping and taking field trips with biologists. The camp is located in Chesterfield and will be held in August.

For the person who has everything, make a donation in his or her name to support one of the following two funds. Wildlife habitat protection can supported by donating to the Wildlands Fund, a fund solely dedicated to acquiring important wildlife habitat open to wildlife-related recreation. Send a check made out to: Comm. of MA - DFW Wildlands Fund and send it to: DFW Wildlands Fund, DFW Field HQ, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.

The other fund, the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Fund, supports efforts to protect rare and endangered wildlife. Donations in the form of a check made out to: Comm. of MA - NHESP should be sent to the DFW Field HQ, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.

Marlborough Hospital Announces New Chief Medical Officer,

Two New Physicians to the Medical Staff

Marlborough, MA – (December 1, 2010) -- Marlborough Hospital President and CEO John Polanowicz has announced the following physician appointments:

Lalita Matta, MD, has been named the hospital’s chief medical officer and vice president of medical affairs. In this position, Dr. Matta will be a member of the hospital’s senior management team and will play a key role in the area of medical management, hospital functions and policies.

Board certified in internal medicine Dr. Matta practices internal medicine in Marlborough and has been a member of the Marlborough Hospital medical staff for 17 years. She has served in many medical staff leadership capacities including two years as chief of medicine and secretary/treasurer for the last two years.

She will continue to see patients at her 65 Fremont Street location in Marlborough. Dr. Matta graduated from Topiwala National Medical College and completed residencies at St. Vincent Hospital and B.Y.L Nair Hospital.

Heather Elias, MD, a specialist in endocrinology, has joined the Marlborough Hospital medical staff. Dr. Elias’ is accepting new diabetes patients. She is also a member of the UMass Memorial Medical Group and the UMass Memorial Health Care Diabetes Center of Excellence.

Dr. Elias is board certified in internal medicine. She graduated from the University of Vermont College of Medicine and completed her residency and a fellowship in endocrinology at the Lahey Clinic. She is an assistant professor of medicine at University of Massachusetts Medical School and on the staff at the Department of Endocrinology at UMass Memorial Medical Center.

Dr. Elias’ office is located at 157 Union Street in Marlborough. The office telephone number is 508-486-5753. A primary care physician referral is required.

Apeksha Tripathi, MD, MPH, a family medicine physician, has joined the Marlborough Hospital medical staff. Dr. Tripathi’s clinical interests include dermatology, preventative care and women’s health. She is also a member of the UMass Memorial Medical Group and is accepting new patients to her practice.

Dr. Tripathi is board certified in family medicine. She graduated from the University of Mumbai Medical School and completed her residency at Regions Hospital Health Partners Institute in Minnesota. She is an instructor of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Dr. Tripthi’s office is located at 112 Main Street in Northborough. The office telephone number is 508-393-0131.

 The Southborough Veterinary Hospital is this years collection spot for the annual Marine's Toys for Tots campaign.  Unwrapped toys for boys and girls may be dropped off in the lobby.  The Southborough Veterinary Hospital is now located at 78 Deerfoot Road in Southborough at their new state of the art facility.  Not only can you get the best in veterinary care but for clients there are also boarding kennels for both dogs and cats plus small animals like rabbits.

It's that time of year again.

The Faherty family welcomes you to their home.

One of the most decorated homes in Southborough, they do an annual collection for the Toys for Tots campaign.

If you happen to bring an unwrapped toy to their home while viewing the holiday lights you just might be able to take a tour of the winter wonderland inside.   

This year there is a pressing need for toys, so spread the word, take a drive around Southborough looking at all the pretty lighting displays but stop by 3 Harrris Drive for sure and if you can please bring that special toy for some lucky boy or girl.

Harris Drive is located off Atwood Road which is between Parkerville Road and Highland Street.

MARLBOROUGH HOSPITAL TO HOLD

TENTH ANNUAL TREE OF LIGHT EVENT

 Marlborough, MA (December 6, 2010) --Marlborough Hospital will light the hospital’s “Tree of Light” at 5 pm on Friday, December 16. Guests will gather in the Leahy Conference Center for some holiday refreshments and the fourth grade chorus at the 1^st Lt. Charles W. Whitcomb School will provide entertainment.

This year, Barbara Donnelly of Marlborough will "light" the tree. A retired Marlborough Hospital nurse, Barbara worked for 35 years in many different departments throughout the hospital and is a well-known member of the Marlborough Hospital family. Barbara, the mother of six children, 12 grand children and six great-grandchildren, raised her family in Marlborough.

The Tree of Light will be decorated with angels, shining stars, snowflakes and twinkling lights. The lights and decorations are gifts from patients, family members, employees and friends of the hospital. An “angel” may be purchased in memory of a loved one or a “shining star” can be purchased in honor of a physician, nurse or any hospital employee who provided compassionate care to a patient or a family member.  Snowflakes and lights represent gratefulness to the hospital for care or simply as a “thank you” to the hospital for being here in the community.

Since 1890, Marlborough Hospital has provided quality and compassionate care to the residents of the community. The Tree of Light represents the patients, the hospital staff and the members of the community that the hospital has served for 120 years.

For more information about purchasing an ornament or to learn more about the Tenth Annual Tree of Light, contact Ellen Carlucci, Marlborough Hospital, director of development at Marlborough Hospital 508-486-5807.

Join the Worcester Chapter of the AMC

Climbing on Tuesdays

Date: 12/14/2010

Our Tuesday night hangouts at central Rock Gym in Worcester are a good time! Good company and great indoor rock climbing for all-never done it, want to try it, done it a few times, expert, or old hand! No matter, we like moving on walls and all are welcome. See you there! Meet at Central Rock Gym (by Higgin's Armory) between 6-7pm, and we'll have some fun and get a nice pump, too. Email Dave at ilaaga@hotmail.com  for more info.

Activity Category: Climbing/Mountaineering, Social Events
Region: Massachusetts, Central
State: MA
Country: USA
Status: Open
Leader: Dave Brainard
Co-Leader: John Grote
Trip Difficulty: Easy

Treacherous driving this morning sent dozens of cars into each other this morning keeping Southborough police and firefighters very busy.

Senior Center Activities

Southborough Library  website:  Click here

Southborough meetings

December 13 to December 17, 2010

12/12/10 - A Newly acquired 4-H project.

Library Seeks Part-time Technology Assistant

The Southborough Library seeks a person to provide tech support for public and staff computers at the library, troubleshoot and resolve computer and printer issues; recommend software and hardware purchases in conjunction with municipal technology consultant and C/W MARS; update library web site and other electronic communication and fulfill other functions as needed. Will be instrumental in developing a technology plan for the library, then managing its implementation.

6-8 hours/week.  $17.99 per hour.

This is a part-time, non-benefited position.
Position open until filled, latest: December 24, 2010

Minimum requirements: bachelor’s degree, 1-3 years prior work experience in a technology environment, or any equivalent combination; flexibility, motivation and a proven ability to maximize computer efficiency in a busy, networked environment.

Submit letter of application, resume, and three references to:

Jane Cain, Library Director

Southborough Library
25 Main Street
Southborough, MA 01772

Closing date: 12/24/10, or when filled

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

GEMINID METEOR SHOWER: The Geminid meteor shower peaks this year on Dec. 13th and 14th.  Forecasters say meteor rates could exceed 100 per hour for observers under dark rural skies.  For best results, start your meteor watch on Monday night, Dec. 13th, around midnight.  Keep an eye out for Geminids until sunrise on Tuesday, Dec. 14th. There's no special trick to seeing the Geminids.  Bundle up for maximum warmth, go outside, lie down and look up. Geminids can appear in any part of the sky, but all their tails will point back to the radiant in the constellation Gemini.  Check http://spaceweather.com for updates, images and a sky map.

SPIRAL ASTEROID:  Put this in the "weird" category.  Main belt  asteroid (596) Scheila has suddenly developed an apparently spiral-shaped tail.  The surprising structure might be a result of a recent asteroid-asteroid collision, or perhaps a sign that this asteroid is really a comet.  An image of Scheila is featured on today's edition of http://spaceweather.com.

UNIQUE CHRISTMAS GIFT:  Would you like to put friends and family in closer touch with the night sky?  SpaceWeather PHONE makes a unique Christmas gift for the stargazer in your life.  More information at http://spaceweatherphone.com ...