editor@southboroughnews.com

Archived Page 189

January 2, 2011 - January 8, 2011

January 8, 2011 - The Boy Scout tree collection was a success with over 150 trees collected today.

January 8, 2011 - They might be in use again tonight as a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for our area.

 Winter weather advisory in effect until 7 am est Sunday.
The NWS in taunton has issued a winter weather advisory which is in effect until 7 am est Sunday.
Locations, northeastern Connecticut, south shore of Massachusetts, northern Rhode Island and southern worcester county.
Hazard types, snow and locally reduced visibilities.
Accumulations, 2 to 4 inches southern worcester county, 3 to 5 inches of snow south shore of Massachusetts, northern rhode island and northeastern Connecticut.
Timing, snow will push into the advisory area early this evening, with accumulating snow expected through tonight. The snow will taper off Sunday morning.
Impacts, snow will create limited visibility and hazardous driving conditions.
Winds, north 10 to 15 mph.
Temperatures, in the mid 20s.
Visibilities, one half mile or less at times.
Precautionary/preparedness actions,
A winter weather advisory is issued when snow and/or ice is forecast to develop in the affected areas, but accumulations are expected to be light. Any snow or ice would make driving and walking difficult, but not impossible, on untreated roadways and sidewalks. When temperatures are below freezing, motorists need to be especially careful on bridges and overpasses where slippery spots can easily develop.
 

January 7, 2011 - ARHS freshmen football lost to Leominster last night.

January 8, 2011 - JV lost 37-32 to Leominster.

January 8, 2011 - Unfortunately the ARHS Varsity Basketball team also lost to Leominster 68 - 44.

January 7, 2010 - A Red Fox checks out the area.  Fox and Coyote can be seen tracking down food during the daytime hours as they are not just nocturnal animals such as Raccoon or Possum.

Issued at: 3:47 AM EST 1/7/11, expires at: 12:00 PM EST 1/7/11

Winter weather advisory in effect from 5 pm this afternoon to 5 am est Saturday,
The NWS in taunton has issued a winter weather advisory, which is in effect from 5 pm this afternoon to 5 am est Saturday.
Locations, northeast Connecticut and central Massachusetts.
Hazard types, snow
Accumulations, 2 to 4 inches of snow.
Timing, steady snow will likely overspread the region between 5 and 8 pm this evening and continue tonight.
Impacts, untreated roads will become snow covered and slippery this evening into tonight.
Winds, northeast 5 to 10 mph.
Temperatures, in the mid 20s.
Visibilities, 1 to 2 miles but may lower to one half mile at times.
Precautionary/preparedness actions,
A winter weather advisory is issued when snow and/or ice is forecast to develop in the affected areas, but accumulations are expected to be light. Any snow or ice would make driving and walking difficult, but not impossible, on untreated roadways and sidewalks. When temperatures are below freezing, motorists need to be especially careful on bridges and overpasses where slippery spots can easily develop.

January 7, 2010 - Feathery blooms of grasses shimmer in the sunshine at Walgreens Pharmacy earlier this week.

January 7, 2010 - ARHS gymnastic team.

January 6, 2010 -  The Weather forecasters are predicting more snow for Friday and Saturday.

Time Running Out

The Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that a total of $11,000 is available in scholastic awards to graduating high school students. Students must be Westborough, Northborough, Southborough or Shrewsbury residents to apply. The awards will be granted on the basis of scholastic achievement, community and school involvement, work experience, financial need, appearance of application and an evaluation 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 office at 508-836-4444.

Applications must be returned to the chamber postmarked no later than Thursday, January 13, 2011, 30 Lyman St., P.O. Box 1555, Westborough, Massachusetts 01581. Recipients of the awards will be honored at a breakfast meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 24, 2011, at the Doubletree Hotel in Westborough.

http://www.hmnh.harvard.edu/

State Rep. Carolyn Dykema, D-Holliston, will hold office hours across the region in the upcoming weeks.

Dykema covers the 8th Middlesex District, covering the towns of Holliston and Hopkinton and parts of Medway, Southborough and Westborough.

She will hold office hours throughout the district on Friday, Jan. 7 and Friday, Jan. 14. The schedule for office hours is as follows:

Friday, Jan. 7:

10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Panera Bread on Union Street in Westborough

12 to 1 p.m. at the Southborough House of Pizza on Main Street in Southborough

Friday, Jan. 14

8 to 9 a.m. at Coffee Sensations on Main Street in Medway

9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Hopkinton Gourmet on Main Street in Hopkinton

11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at C & R Hotdogs on Washington Street in Holliston

MA Fish and Wildlife News

NEW ELECTRONIC LICENSING WEBSITE DEBUTS FOR 2011

A new electronic licensing system, MassFishHunt, has debuted online offering 2011 hunting, freshwater fishing, and trapping licenses from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW), as well as non-commercial lobster permits and the new saltwater fishing permit from the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF).  Both resident and non-resident license and permit buyers will find information and links to the MassFishHunt system at: www.mass.gov/MassFishHunt. 

Benefits of the new MassFishHunt system to license holders include the ability to purchase and print their licenses and permits at their home computer.  Lost a license in the wash or out in the field? MassFishHunt also provides online license holders the ability to print duplicate licenses free of charge. 

The new licensing system is managed by a private vendor, Active Outdoors, of Nashville, Tennessee. Of the 81 million hunting and fishing licenses issued annually in the U.S., Active Outdoors processes 58% through its systems. Customer service inquiries regarding purchases of electronic licenses and permits from MassFishHunt should be directed to ActiveOutdoors by calling toll-free (888) 773-8450 or emailing: mahfwebmaster@als-xtn.com.  After setting up electronic license sales at DFW and DMF offices, Active Outdoors will begin to make electronic license sales available at retail stores, sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and city and town halls. License buyers will still be able to purchase the traditional paper hunting, trapping, and freshwater fishing paper licenses and stamps at license vendors throughout the state until the switch is made to an entirely electronic system. A list of current hunting, trapping, and freshwater fishing license vendors can be found at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/licensing/vendors/license_vendors.htm.

“The switch from paper license sales to an entirely electronic system will vastly improve the accounting, record keeping, and efficiency of our licensing system,” said DFW Director Wayne MacCallum. “The system will also enable anglers, hunters, and trappers buying a license online to print and use their license, immediately.”

Electronic registration for boats, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles is not available through MassFishHunt, but will continue to be available through the Office of Environmental Law Enforcement website at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle/elereg.htm as well as at their registration offices in Boston, Fall River, Hyannis, Springfield, and Worcester.

“We are very happy to offer this state-of-the-art service to the people who support our conservation and management efforts by purchasing fishing, hunting, and sporting licenses,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Mary Griffin. “This new system gives people multiple options to purchase these licenses, and in time will give our Division of Fisheries & Wildlife and Division of Marine Fisheries the ability to communicate directly with license holders, thus improving service.”

HELP COUNT EAGLES

 A target date of January 7, 2011, will be used for a concentrated survey across the state of major rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and the coast by Division of Fisheries and Wildlife staff and volunteers. This event is part of a nationwide Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey that is held every year in early January. “Our long time partner, National Grid, will be assisting in the survey by providing a helicopter for surveying the Quabbin Reservoir area and the Connecticut River,” said Dr. Tom French. Ground teams will also be covering known eagle territories statewide during the day. In 2010, 72 bald eagles were documented in Massachusetts during the one-day event.

Anyone spotting an eagle from December 29, 2010 – January 12, 2011 is encouraged to report the sighting by email at Mass.wildlife@state.ma.us or by postal mail to "Eagle Survey" MassWildlife, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. Please provide date, time, location and town of eagle sightings, number of birds, juvenile or adult, and observer contact information.  The best eagle viewing locations at this time of year include:

• Belchertown – Enfield Lookout at Quabbin Reservoir. Eagles can be viewed at a long distance.

• West Boylston, Clinton, Sterling, Boylston – Wachusett Reservoir. Eagles can sometimes be viewed at a long distance from Routes 140 or Route 70.

• Lakeville – Long Point Road on the causeway between Pocksha Pond and Great Quitticas Pond. Eagles can be viewed at a long distance.

• Newburyport – Merrimack River at Cashman Park Boat Ramp or at Deer Island off Rte 1A (from the chain bridge) Newburyport. These are both good areas for eagles to be seen fairly close without the need of a spotting scope.

OUTDOOR USERS: THANK A LANDOWNER TODAY

As the year comes to a close and our fishing, hunting, or wildlife watching adventures become fond memories, it's time to remember the private landowners who, through their generosity, helped to make these experiences possible. "Access to fishing, hunting, hiking, or watching wildlife is a privilege provided by landowners," says Marion Larson, Outreach Coordinator for the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. "Let them know you appreciate it. If you have been recreating on local land trust or other private non-profit conservation lands, be sure to include those groups on your thank-you list.” Larson offers the following suggestions for hunters, anglers, and other outdoor users when thanking private property owners who allow access for outdoor recreation:

• Be thoughtful and personal in expressing your appreciation, treating the landowner as you would like to be treated. If you are mentoring a new or young hunter, angler, birder or naturalist, include him or her in the process of thanking the landowner.

• Visit the landowner at the end of the season to express your appreciation in person; if possible, provide him or her with some of your fish and game harvest, share images or a list of the wildlife you saw on their property.

• Send a personal note or card thanking him or her for the opportunity to use their land. Consider giving a small gift such as a certificate to a local restaurant, a gift basket, or a subscription to Massachusetts Wildlife magazine. In the case of a non-profit landowner, make a donation to their organization.

• Offer to assist with tasks around the property that would be helpful, or to identify, clean up, and properly dispose of any illegal dumping that has occurred.

• Assist the landowner in protecting the property by documenting and reporting suspicious activities to the Environmental Police at (800) 632-8075.

"Hunting, fishing, birding, and other wildlife-related activities are traditions that will continue only if everyone follows the basic principles of being a good neighbor," Larson said. "Take a few moments to reflect on our outdoor traditions, including the importance of access to private lands in maintaining these traditions, and what you can do in 2011 to ensure that these recreational opportunities will continue to be available to you and other outdoor users for future generations."

KEEP AN EYE ON THE ICE!

Winter has made its appearance in Massachusetts but at this stage of the season the condition of ice on the Bay State's waterbodies can be unpredictable and treacherous. The Division of Fisheries & Wildlife urges outdoor enthusiasts to play it safe and check ice carefully before venturing onto ice-covered waters.  A clear layer of 4-inch ice is a good, safe thickness for foot traffic. An ice strength table and safety tips are posted at www.mass.gov/masswildlife.

How can you tell if ice is safe? There are no guarantees -- always consider ice to be potentially dangerous. Assess ice safety by using an ice chisel to chop a hole in the ice to determine its thickness and condition. Make sure you continue to do this as you go further out on to the ice, because the thickness of the ice will not be uniform all over the pond or lake. Be aware that ice tends to be thinner on lakes and ponds where there are spring holes, inlets or outlets. Don't venture on to ice bound rivers or streams because the currents make ice thickness unpredictable.

What if you fall through the ice? As with any emergency, don't panic! Briefly call for help. It doesn't take long for the cold water to start slowing your physical and mental functions, so you must act quickly. Air will remain trapped in your clothes for a short time, aiding your buoyancy. Kick your legs while grasping for firm ice. Try to pull your body up using ice pins or picks that should be hanging around your neck. Once your torso is on firm ice, roll towards thicker ice. This will better distribute your weight. Remember that ice you have previously walked on should be the safest. After you reach safe ice don't waste precious time, you need to warm up quickly to prevent hypothermia. Go to the nearest fishing shanty, warm car, or house. Don't drive home in wet clothes!

If a companion falls through the ice remember the phrase "Reach-Throw-Go." If you are unable to reach your friend, throw him or her a rope, jumper cables, tree branch, or other object. If this does not work, go for help before you also become a victim.  Pet owners should keep pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt to rescue the pet, go for help. Well-meaning pet owners can too easily become victims themselves when trying to save their pets. Links to winter weather related preparedness tips and a video on ice safety from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources can be found at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/safety/ice_safety.htm.

January 5, 2011 - Hot cocoa and a warm fire helps warm up after a cold day.

Last night’s selectmen’s meeting had several residents from the Southville Road area voicing their concerns over the proposed Transflo facility to be located less than two miles from the Southborough neighborhoods.  Linda Schaffer of the Southville Road Neighborhood group read a few letters to the Board of Selectmen from neighbors who oppose any further truck traffic.   Linda continued to mention that Southville Road is used as an alternative to route 9.  One can travel from Research Drive to Ashland Center and encounter just the one traffic light at Southville and Route 85.  There is currently high demand for the MBTA station.  Traffic also comes from the three hundred units at Flanders Hill at Westborough which abuts Southborough.  Also, planned for the future in nearby proximity is a large apartment/condo complex near Ashland Center near their MBTA station plus the Legacy Farms complex in Hopkinton.  All of this puts traffic on our already stressed road. 

Resident Ed Estrella asked if what chemicals were stored in nearby businesses were taken into consideration.  His concern was if there was a leak or spill could it counteract with something that is already present in the area.   Linda Hubley, Southville Road resident, CSX railroad abutter and co-founder of the Sudbury River Watershed Organization questioned containment and timeliness of emergency responses.  There are several homes on Wood Street and down river in Ashland that have wells. 

Selectman Rooney referred to the CSX Transflo safety report saying that BP Oil had a good safety record up until the Gulf oil spill.  He rattled off a list of what chemicals had been listed.  He is leery when companies tout safety records.  He really would like to meet with CSX Transflo officials.  All selectmen expressed disappointment and frustration that Transflo will not meet with them.  Selectwoman Bonnie Phaneuf read a letter from Transflo expressing their safety record, several hazardous and non- hazardous materials and their traffic plan.  It is stated in the letter that they will make trucks enter the property by taking a right hand turn to enter Walkup Drive and on exiting the facility the trucks will have to make a left hand turn only.  Upon hearing this, Linda Schaffer asked that it be put into writing that trucks will have to take the left turn upon exiting, eliminating the need to head for Southborough.

Selectmen Boland said residents can learn more about the facility by going to www.railwestborough.com     Selectmen also mentioned that they are attempting to work through our representatives to at least be able to meet directly with the CSX Transflo officials

Fire Chief Mauro stated that he has met several times with his counterparts in Westborough and with Transflo officials.  They have been keeping him in the loop as far as the emergency planning and safety.  Selectwoman Phaneuf requested that both the Fire Chief and Town Planner continue to talk with Westborough officials as the project will directly impact Southborough if there ever was to be a spill or leak.  Through Mutual aid compacts Southborough would respond to Westborough.

Rabbi Michael Swartz to Speak

Rabbi Michael Swarttz will present a talk on Reconstructionism at our third Shmear and Shmooze at Beth Tikvah Synagogue, 45 Oak St. Westborough, MA, on Sunday morning February 6, 2011 from 10-11:30 AM.    Reconstructionism has played a major role in the American Jewish community, well beyond the congregations and institutions that are affiliated with the movement.  Mordecai M. Kaplan, who articulated the philosophy and the approach of Reconstructionism, was arguably one of the great Jewish thinkers of the twentieth century.  Yet many people, including many active in the community and knowledgeable about many aspects of Judaism, have little knowledge or understanding about Reconstructionism or Kaplan.  Rabbi Swarttz will provide some of the basics about the philosophy and the movement that have had such a significant impact on American Judaism.  

In addition to being the Rabbi of Beth Tikvah Synagogue, Rabbi Swarttz is the Jewish Chaplain at the Phillips Academy in Andover and the Coordinator of the Harold Cotton Leadership Institute of the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts.  He was ordained by the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College.  He lives with his wife, also a Rabbi, and their two sons in Newton.

The cost for this event is free for members of Beth Tikvah and $5 for non-members.  Please contact EJ Dotts at ejdotts@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding this event.  We also ask that you email her if you plan to attend this event so that we can make sure we have enough shmear for the schmooze.

Space Weather News
http://spaceweather.com

FANTASTIC SOLAR ECLIPSE: When the sun rose over Europe this morning, a piece of it was missing.  The Moon had covered as much as 86% of the solar disk, producing a partial solar eclipse and a fantastic crescent-shaped sunrise.  The most amazing apparition, however, may have occurred in the Sultanate of Oman, where for a split second the Moon and the International Space Station partially eclipsed the sun at the same time.  Visit http://spaceweather.com for must-see photos.

TEXT MESSAGES FROM SPACE:  Would you like a text message when the sun flares and geomagnetic storms erupt?  Sign up for our new alert service, SpaceWeather Text: http://spaceweathertext.com .

You are subscribed to the Space Weather mailing list, a free service of Spaceweather.com.
 

Ronald A. Duval, of Marshfield, formerly of Southborough, Dec. 30, at the age of 78. Beloved husband of Natalie (Needham) Duval. Loving father of Stephen Duval and his wife Theresa of W. Orange, NJ, Mark Duval and his late wife Donna of Hauppage, NY, Michael Duval and his wife Stacy of Barkhamsted of Ct, Michele Duval of Brookline and Todd Duval and his wife Chelsea of Buffalo, NY. Loving grandfather of 10 grandchildren. Dear brother of Paul Duval of Chepachet, RI, and David Duval of Stuart, FL. Ronald was born in Springfield. He was a sales rep in the automotive industry. Ronald was currently employed by Best Chevrolet in Hingham. Funeral was from the MacDonald Funeral Home, 1755 Ocean St., Rte. 139, Marshfield on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011 at 11 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Christines Church, 1295 Main St., Marshfield at noon. Visiting hours were Tuesday, Jan 4 from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment will be in the Couch Cemetery, Marshfield. Contributions in Ronalds memory may be made to The American Heart Association , 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701. For online guestbook and directions please visit us at our website, macdonaldfuneralhome.com

January 4, 2011 - Angel watch at the Rural Cemetery.

Please join us for a community outreach presentation by the

Southborough Police Department  on

Neighborhood/Home Crime Prevention

& Credit Card Scams 

Hosted by:

Southborough Rotary Club

Tuesday, January 11^th

7:00 am – 8:00 am

St. Mark’s Parish Hall, 27 Main St., Southborough

Coffee and donuts will be served

The Northborough/Southborough Public School’s Integrated Pre-School Program is inviting neighborhood children who will be three years old by June 15, 2011 for a screening for possible enrollment for the 2011/2012 school year.  Our program brings together neighborhood children and special needs children.  The screenings will take place on January 28, 2011 at both the Marion Zeh Elementary School in Northboro and the Mary Finn Elementary School in Southboro.  To schedule a screening, please contact Jackie Garvey at 508-351-7048 before January 7, 2011.  To receive a program brochure, please call 508-393-4378 and leave your name and address.

2011 Biggest Loser Winning Fitness Program

The Northborough and Southborough Rotary Clubs  2^nd annual Biggest Loser Winning Fitness Program is back by popular demand.  Last year the combined weight loss of all participants was 1,356 lbs.  The winning team lost 10% body weight overall, and the winning individual lost 19.2%.  The program will again be held at Algonquin Regional High School Wednesday evenings 6:00-7:30, January 12-March 30, 2011.  Cost for the 12 week program is only $60. 

Each week there will be 3 major components of the program.  Local health care experts will speak on fitness/nutrition, exercise classes will be provided, and a motivational segment will help to keep you pumped up.  Many local health, nutrition, and fitness providers will help sponsor our event and offer discounts at their businesses.  There will be a team competition with prizes awarded to the team with the highest % weight loss.  Signing up as a team is highly encouraged but individuals are also welcome.

For more information please contact either Pam O’Donnell, Southborough Rotary Club, 508-481-6640, pamo823@hotmail.com or, Steve Georgeson, Northborough Rotary Club, 508-393-3481, sngeorgeson@gmail.com

Scout Shabbat Service
February 4, 2011 7:30 PM

Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Sea Scouts, Venturers, Explorers, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Israeli Scouts, and Scouts from other Countries – young and old, please plan on attending and participating in a special Jewish Scout Shabbat.

Beth Tikvah Synagogue (45 Oak St, Westborough, MA) is hosting a Tri-River District Jewish Scout Shabbat on Friday February 4, 2011 starting at 7:30 PM. Scouts (including their families and friends) from all over the Tri-River district are invited to attend. All Scouts (young and old) are urged to wear their uniform to the service.

All current Scouts, or adults who were Scouts as youth, are urged to join in this special service. Individuals (Scouts and adults) who would like to participate in the service are welcome to volunteer.  If you have any questions, or have scouts that would like to participate in the service, please email EJ Dotts, ejdotts@gmail.com.

Post Road Art Center
   1 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough, Ma 01752

        508-485-2580    email: Randi@postroadartcenter.com

Food Show 2011

Artist Drop-Off December 27^th – January 6^th  

Opening Reception Thursday, January 13^th, 5:30-8:00pm

Show runs through January 28^th  

Pick-up non-accepted work BEFORE THE DAY OF THE OPENING OR INCUR A MINIMUM $5 FEE*

Pick up show pieces Jan.29^th. *ANY WORK NOT PICKED UP BY FEBRUARY 2^ND WILL INCUR A MINIMUM $5 STORAGE FEE*

Guidelines:

Artists may submit a maximum of two works. A non-refundable entry fee of $15 for one piece and $20 for two pieces must be included with the registration form. (This money goes towards prizes, the opening reception and advertising costs.) Please drop off work during regular business hours. The deadline for entry is Jan. 6^th at 7:00pm.  Artwork will not be accepted after that time.

Eligibility-Artists must submit original artworks completed in the past year, which have not been accepted into one of our previous shows.

Art must be for sale with the artist receiving 60% of the sale price

Jury Process- Art will be juried into the show based on creativity, composition and technique. There will be CASH PRIZES! 1^st place $75.00, 2^nd place $50.00, 3^rd place $25.00 and Peoples Choice $50.00.  The judge and judging date for this show will be announced as soon as possible. Please check our website.

NEW PROCESS: PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE AFTER THE JUDGING DATE TO SEE IF YOUR WORK IS ACCEPTED!!!

Entry Rules- 2-D works may not exceed 32” x 40” and must be wired, and ready for display. (If we must wire your art there will be a $5.00 fee).  Specially priced artist molding and ready-made frames are available. Three-dimensional work must not exceed 20” (diameter) x 40” (h).

A label with artist name, title and phone number must be attached to the back of each piece of art.

Listen and laugh with

BIG JOE THE STORYTELLER

TUESDAY, JAN. 18

11:00 AM

 All welcome ~ No registration required

Sponsored by the Together We Can Family Network

January 4, 2011 - The Girls JV team continues to roll over their opponents beating Milford 67 to 20.

January 4, 2011 - The ARHS Varsity Girls Tomahawks won 48 to 30 over Milford.

January 3, 2011 - A walk on the wildside along the Sudbury Reservoir trail can bring you to this picturesque rock outcropping jutting out into the water.  It can be seen by vehicle from both White Bagley Road and Route 85.

Space Weather News for Jan. 3, 2011
http://spaceweather.com

QUADRANTID METEOR SHOWER: Sky watchers in the northern hemisphere should be alert for meteors before sunrise on Tuesday, Jan. 4th.  Earth is about to pass through a narrow stream of debris from shattered comet 2003 EH1, the parent of the annual Quadrantid meteor shower.  Forecasters say the encounter could produce a fast flurry of 100 meteors per hour during the early hours of Jan. 4th. Details and observing tips may be found at http://spaceweather.com .

GOT CLOUDS?  No problem. You can stay inside and listen to the Quadrantids. Tune into SpaceWeather Radio for live meteor echoes from the US Air Force Space Surveillance Radar in Texas: http://spaceweatherradio.com .

PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSE:  After the meteor shower, observers in Europe, northern Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia can witness a partial eclipse of the sun.  In western Europe, as much as 86% of the solar disk will be covered by the Moon at dawn, producing a fantastic crescent sunrise on Jan. 4th.  Check http://spaceweather.com for details, animated maps and live webcasts.

You are subscribed to the Space Weather mailing list, a free service of Spaceweather.com.

January 3, 2011 - Last week buried, this week almost uncovered and if the weathermen are right maybe buried again later this week.

Boston, MA (January 3, 2011)… Ryan M. MacDonald has been elected to the partnership of Murtha Cullina LLP, effective January 1, 2011.

With over 115 attorneys in six offices throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts, Murtha Cullina LLP offers a full range of legal services to meet the local, regional and national needs of our clients. Our practice encompasses litigation, regulatory and transactional representation of businesses, governmental units, non-profit organizations and individuals. Core practice areas include litigation, labor and employment, bankruptcy and creditors’ rights, construction, energy, health care, trusts and estates, affordable housing, real estate, land use and retail and hospitality.

Sudbury Valley Trustees Applauds Renewal of Conservation Tax Incentive

Sudbury, MA - Congress just renewed a tax incentive for private landowners who protect their land with a voluntary conservation agreement.  The incentive, which had expired at the end of 2009, helped Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT) work with willing landowners in our region  conserve two very important pieces of open space in Framingham in 2008.

Conservation-minded landowners now have until December 31, 2011 to take advantage of a significant tax deduction for donating a voluntary conservation agreement to permanently protect important natural or historic resources on their land.  When landowners donate a conservation restriction to SVT, they maintain ownership and management of their land and can sell or pass the land on to their heirs, while foregoing future development rights. 

While there are already certain benefits to a landowner’s federal income tax for the donation of conservation interests, this enhanced incentive:

• Raises the deduction a donor can take for donating a voluntary conservation agreement from 30% of their income in any year to 50%;

• Allows farmers and ranchers to deduct up to 100% of their income; and

• Increases the number of years over which a donor can take deductions from 6 to 16 years.

“Our whole community wins when thoughtful landowners conserve their land this way, protecting wildlife habitat, clean drinking water, scenic landscapes, recreational spaces, and productive agricultural lands,” said Ron McAdow, Executive Director.  “Conservation restrictions have become an important tool for protecting our watersheds, farms and forests, increasing the pace of private land conservation by a third – to over a million acres a year nationally.  SVT joins America’s 1,700 land trusts and their two million supporters in thanking our Senators and Representatives for making this important conservation tool available.”

According to the Land Trust Alliance, the national organization that provides a voice for land trusts in Washington, DC, bills to make this incentive permanent have 274 House and 41 Senate co-sponsors from all 50 states, including majorities of Democrats and Republicans in the House. This legislation was supported by more than 60 national agricultural, sportsmen’s, and conservation organizations.

To learn more about the enhanced incentive visit: www.lta.org/easementincentive.

Any landowners interested in the federal program can contact land protection staff at SVT at 978-443-5588.

SVT’s mission is to protect land and conserve wildlife habitat in the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord River basin for present and future generations. For more information, visit: www.svtweb.org

January 2, 2011 - Verizon is switching 50 poles around town. Here they are working near Route 85 before the overpass of Rte 9.

Senior Center Activities

Southborough Library  website:  Click here

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME

******************************************************

For children age 2-5 years old

Each story time runs approximately 45 minutes and includes stories & a craft based on a weekly theme.

******************************************************

SESSION 1:

Mondays, January 3 – February 14

(no story time Jan. 17)

Tuesdays, January 4 – February 8

Wednesdays, January 5 – February 9

SESSION 2:

Mondays, February 28 – April 4

Tuesdays, March 1 – April 5

Wednesdays, March 2 – April 6

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME

******************************************************

For children age 2-5 years old

Each story time runs approximately 45 minutes and includes stories & a craft based on a weekly theme.

******************************************************

SESSION 1:

Mondays, January 3 – February 14

(no story time Jan. 17)

Tuesdays, January 4 – February 8

Wednesdays, January 5 – February 9

SESSION 2:

Mondays, February 28 – April 4

Tuesdays, March 1 – April 5

Wednesdays, March 2 – April 6

Southborough meetings

The Southborough Board Of Selectmen will be having a discussion on the Westborough Transflo/CSX project on Tues. Jan 4 at 7:15pm. 

January 3 to January 7, 2010

Black & White Day

@ Woodward!

F r i d a y , J a n u a r y 7 t h

In honor of Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Woodward’s

“One School, One Read” book selection, please

wear black and white and consider donating an

item to help the Southborough Food Pantry.

The Food Pantry is most in need of the following:

� Cookies

� Crackers

� Paper Napkins

� Paper Towels

Any items received are appreciated!

(Please remember to check the expiration date.)

If you have any questions, please contact your school’s SOS

Community Awareness chairperson:

Holly Sullivan, Finn (508) 786-9616

Kim Jordan, Woodward (508) 486-0075

The volunteers at Southborough Food Pantry extend their

gratitude for your continued support and wish everyone happy

holidays and a peace-filled new year!

1/3 School Reopens

1/9 Algonquin Hockey Game at DCU Center

1/12 Junior Class Variety Show, 7-9pm
1/13 Junior Planning College Night, 7pm
1/17 Martin Luther King Day - No School
1/18 Professional Development Day - No School
1/26 End of Term 2