editor@southboroughnews.com

Archived Page 190

January 9, 2011 - January 15, 2011

Return to Full Staff

American and Commonwealth Flags should be returned to full staff at sunset today.

Things to Do Around the Area

National Park Service

Trustees of Reservations

Audubon Sanctuaries

Discovery Museum

Danforth Museum

Higgins Armory

Ward Hill

Wachusett Mountain

Gillette Stadium/Patriot Place

Sudbury Valley Trustees

Appalachian Mtn Club central MA

MA State Parks

January 14, 2010 - ARHS Girls JV vs Wachusett Regional won 44-31.

Varsity

January 14, 2010 - The Varsity team played Wachusett and came out winning 41-37. Wachusett had three players over 6', the THawks prevailed.

January 13, 2010 - Customers in the past few weeks have found Colony Market at 162 Cordaville Road - AKA Town Centre have found the store closed.  The Patel family has moved all the stock to their original Fitzgerald General Store at 110 Southville Road.

Special Notices:

January 13, 2010 - The snowstorm provided for an abundance of photo opportunities.

Schools, Teachers Launch “All Kids Count” Campaign

Effort to Highlight Need to Equalize Funding for Special Education Schools

Wakefield, MA – January 13, 2011 – Massachusetts schools, including the N.E. Center for Children in Southborough, which are approved under Chapter 766 and enroll publicly funded students with severe disabilities, today launched the “All Kids Count” Campaign, a 2011 effort to equalize the funding for the special needs schools and to restore the special education “circuit breaker” account.

The “All Kids Count” Campaign will highlight the dramatic funding disparities between state approved special education schools and public schools, and the need to restore the special education circuit breaker account to its FY ’09 funding level of $230 million.  The “circuit breaker” account has been in place since 2004 and is intended to provide additional state funding to public school districts to help pay for the cost of out of district special education students.

In addition to the “circuit breaker” issue, the campaign will highlight the fact that in the current FY’11 state budget, general education received triple the stimulus funds [The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)] than special education, but was cut by only 2.5 percent compared to a 42 percent cut for special education.

“All students in our state — regardless of their physical or mental challenges — have a right to a good and equal education,” said James Major, the Executive Director of maaps, the non-profit organization which represents the private special needs schools.  “We hope to convince the Governor and the Legislature that 2011 is the year to finally increase and equalize the funding to special needs schools in our state,” Major added.

There are 89 maaps member schools in the state running over 150 unique programs that all play a vital role in assisting the state with thousands of its special needs children by providing highly specialized education and treatment that the public schools are not equipped to provide.  Those students attending maaps schools have some of the most extensive and challenging special needs of all children in Massachusetts including: autism, blindness, deafness, and severe developmental delays.

As part of All Kids Count, and to call attention to the need for an increase in private special education school funding, maaps and its special education school members are holding a series of regional legislative meetings across the state.  The meetings will allow maaps’ staff, member schools and parents, to meet with their state senators and representatives to discuss boosting special education funding.

About maaps:

The Massachusetts Association of 766 Approved Private Schools (maaps) is a non-profit association whose member schools provide educational programs and services to students with special needs throughout Massachusetts.  The schools operate over 150 day and residential programs and schools, providing education and treatment to over 6,000 Massachusetts students with disabilities.  They bring over $165 million into the Commonwealth’s economy in tuition payments for out-of-state students, and employ over 10,700 teachers, clinicians, residential care and other staff.  For many of the students, maaps schools represent their first real opportunity for hope, achievement and to become productive members of society. 

Marlborough Hospital Announces the

Herbert “Buster” MacLaren Nursing Scholarship

Marlborough, MA, (January 13, 2011)---Marlborough Hospital announces the availability of the Herbert “Buster” MacLaren Nursing Scholarship.

The MacLaren Nursing Scholarship is awarded annually to high school seniors and to those post-high school who are planning or currently pursuing a degree in the nursing field. The scholarship is open to residents of Berlin, Bolton, Hudson, Marlborough, Northborough, Southborough, Stow and Westborough.

Those who are interested in learning more about the scholarship may contact their school’s Guidance Department or the Education Department of Marlborough Hospital, 508-486-5871 for information concerning the criteria for application.

Applications must be received by March 31, 2011.

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 13, 2011 - From Tuesday nights game the ARHS Girls JV Basketball team took on Fitchburg and bringing home a win.

January 11, 2011 - The Varsity team also played Fitchburg Tuesday night.

January 12, 2011 - One way of getting around town today.

January 12, 2011 - As shown by the amounts on the deck above and car below.

Under Our Skin, a documentary about people that have suffered Lyme disease and the medical battles they had to fight to get treated is now available on demand through cable providers.

Winter storm warning remains in effect until 8 pm est this evening,
A winter storm warning remains in effect until 8 pm est this evening.
Locations, much of interior southern new england.
Hazard types, snow and blowing snow. Moderate bands of snow will bring an additional inch or so of accumulation through this evening.
Accumulations, 18 to 26 inches of total snow accumulation across interior northeast Massachusetts, northwestern rhode island, northern Connecticut and western and central Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire, 8 to 18 inches total accumulation in central and southern Rhode Island.
Timing, light to moderate snow bands will taper off in intensity after 8 pm.
Impacts, hazardous travel conditions. The combination of snow and gusty winds will bring blowing and drifting snow to the area reducing visibilities.
Winds, northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
Visibilities, one half mile or less at times.
Precautionary/preparedness actions,
A winter storm warning is issued when an average of 6 or more inches of snow is expected in a 12 hour period, or for 8 or more inches in a 24 hour period. Travel will be slow at best on well treated surfaces, and quite difficult on any unplowed or untreated surfaces.
 

Due to the Storm Southborough Town House

is closed along with

Library

Algonquin Regional High School

Southborough K - 8

Cancelled are the Southborough School Committee

and Assessors meeting

1-11-11 - Preparations are underway for another winter storm bringing out the snowplows and snow blowers just like last month's storm.

Winter storm warning now in effect from midnight tonight to 8 pm est Wednesday,
The winter storm warning is now in effect from midnight tonight to 8 pm est Wednesday.
Locations, northern Connecticut, central and southwest Massachusetts, all of Rhode Island except newport county and block island.
Hazard types, snow and blowing snow.
Accumulations, 12 to 16 inches of snow.
Timing, snow will start by midnight across southwestern zones, then overspread the rest of the area during the early morning hours. The heaviest snow will fall late tonight through Wednesday morning. Snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour possible in the heaviest bands.
Impacts, hazardous travel conditions expected. Heavy snow will significantly impact the morning commute. Strong north to northeast winds will combine with heavy snow to create near blizzard conditions at times.
Winds, north 10 to 20 with gusts up to 35 mph.
Visibilities, one quarter mile or less at times.
Precautionary/preparedness actions,
A winter storm warning is issued when an average of 6 or more inches of snow is expected in a 12 hour period, or for 8 or more inches in a 24 hour period. Travel will be slow at best on well treated surfaces, and quite difficult on any unplowed or untreated surfaces.
 

The National Weather Service in Taunton has issued a Blizzard Warning for Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Plymouth, Barnstable and Dukes Counties from 2:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday. Snow will start by midnight across Southwestern zones then overspread the rest of the area during the early morning hours. The heaviest snow will fall late tonight through Wednesday morning. Snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour are possible in the heaviest bands.
 

Southborough Public Schools

Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School

 Wednesday, January 12, 2011.

Sorry for any inconvenience.

All activities and groups scheduled to take place will be cancelled.

We will be open on Thursday, January 13th 2011 @ 8:00AM.

Hope to see everyone then!

-The Recovery Connection Members and Staff
 

The Recovery Connection

  31 Main Street

  Marlborough, MA 01752

1/11/11 - Sand in limited quantities is available for Southborough residents at the DPW but if you don't have to drive tomorrow you would be better off picking up some sand at a latter date.

WINTER PARKING BAN 2010/2011

There will be no parking on any public way in the Town of Southborough from 12 midnight until 6:00 a.m. and furthermore, there will be no parking on any public way during any snowstorm in the Town of Southborough. Vehicles parked will be towed at the owner’s expense (according to the Town’s Code).

This Ban will be in effect from December 1, 2010 through March 15, 2011.

Illegal parking during unusual storms occurring before or after the Ban will be dealt with according to Section 152-6 of the Code of the Town of Southborough.

Post Road Art Center

1 Boston Post Road East

Marlborough, Ma. 01752

508-485-2580

www.postroadartcenter.com 

 ***Weather Alert***

Due to the impending storm, we will be opening late on Wednesday, as soon as conditions permit.  PLEASE CALL TO BE SURE WE ARE OPEN before venturing out to see us.  Come visit today to prepare for some snowed in art fun.

    The Food Show is up and ready for viewing.  It is as beautiful show.  The Opening reception is this Thursday, January 13th, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Meet the artists, enjoy some wine and cheese and place your vote for the People's Choice Award. 

     Bob Collins was nice enough to judge the Food Show for us and we are also very excited that he will be joining us for the Show of Hearts to do a live Abstract Demonstration!  He is going to paint a 30x40 canvas and when he is done the painting will be donated to the auction for bidding!  This not to be missed event will take place on Tuesday, February 1st from 6:00-8:00 p.m.  This is a free event, there is no need to sign up, just show up.  If you would like to donate a painting, registration forms are now on the website.

     We also have an upcoming encaustic demonstration, with Catherine Weber scheduled for February 17th from 6:00-7:30 p.m.  There will be an $8.00 fee and a sign up sheet for this one!  There will also be a caricature demonstration and a mat cutting demonstration, dates will be posted soon.

William C. Arcudi The funeral arrangements for William C. Arcudi, scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 12 and Thursday, Jan. 13, have been changed because of the impending snow storm. Instead, a graveside service with military honors will take place Friday, Jan. 14 at 10 a.m., in Rural Cemetery, Southborough. Calling hours will now be held Thursday, Jan. 13, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., at the Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home | (www.CollinsFuneral.com), 378 Lincoln Street, Marlborough.

Raytheon NCS Sponsors FIRST Robotics Team

Once again, the Raytheon Network Centric Systems division in Marlborough is sponsoring Assabet Valley’s FIRST robotics team. James McGrath, an Engineering Fellow with Raytheon, accompanied by two engineers, Tony Pinto and Kelly McGinley, visited the school to present a check for $5,000 to Superintendent Mary Jo Nawrocki.
Academic Chairperson and administrative liaison to the team, Shirley Lundberg, expressed her thanks to the group from Raytheon, not only for the financial support, but for their mentoring skills as well. “We’re especially happy to have Kelly showing our female students just what exciting careers there are for mechanical engineers. It’s great to have a female role model for our students.”

Shown in the photo are Josh Moylan, West Boylston, Amy Johnston, Marlborough, Shirley Lundberg, Academic Chairperson at Assabet Valley, James McGrath, Engineering Fellow, Raytheon, NCS, Marlborough, Gui Vincentelli, Marlborough, Superintendent Mary Jo Nawrocki, Tony Pinto, Kelly Head, Logan Dunnigan, Westborough, Felicia Wilson, Clinton, Dan Dilling, Marlborough, and Kelly Kerrigan, Clinton.

Special Notices:

Police News

TOWN OF SOUTHBOROUGH POLICE OFFICER

The Town of Southborough is currently accepting applications for position of full-time police officer. Applications may be picked up in person at the Southborough Police Dept., 19 Main Street, Southborough, MA. Applications will be accepted until Friday, January 21, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. All applications should be delivered in sealed envelopes to Chief of Police Jane T. Moran. Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements: be a U.S. citizen; a high school graduate (college degree preferred), a graduate of a certified full-time police academy; must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid Massachusetts driver’s license. The Town of Southborough is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are urged to apply.

Job Description

Job Application

NEIGHBORHOOD AND HOME CRIME PREVENTION INFORMATION:

CRIME PREVENTION INFO :

809 AREA CODE SCAM

Periodically, e-mails warning of a scam involving calls from the 809 area code circulate. The e-mails contend that there has been fraud associated with unscrupulous pay-per-call operators in that area code. However, the message contains some misinformation, especially the highly exaggerated cost of a phone call to the 809 area code, which is a legitimate area code for the Dominican Republic. Fortunately, this scam is less prevalent in recent years as a result of work done by AT&T to eliminate access to fraudulent pay-per-call operators.

This long distance phone scam causes consumers to inadvertently incur high charges on their phone bills. Consumers usually receive a message telling them to call a phone number with an 809, 284 or 876 area code in order to collect a prize, find out information about a sick relative, etc. The caller assumes the number is a typical three-digit U.S. area code; however, the caller is actually connected to a phone number outside the United States, often in Canada or the Caribbean, and charged international call rates. Unfortunately, consumers don't find out that they have been charged higher international call rates until they receive their bill.

For more information, please click on the following link from AT&T:

809 AREA CODE SCAM INFO..

SOUTHBOROUGH POLICE CONFIDENTIAL TIP LINE

THE SOUTHBOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT NOW HAS A CONFIDENTIAL TIP LINE. THE PHONE NUMBER FOR THIS LINE IS 508-485-2121, ASK FOR EXTENSION 600. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR NAME OR TELEPHONE NUMBER.

MASSACHUSETTS MOVE OVER LAW*

*M.G.L. Ch. 89, Sec. 7C.

WHEN AN EMERGENCY OR MAINTENANCE VEHICLE IS STOPPED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD MOVE OVER TO THE NEXT LANE, OR SLOW DOWN IF CHANGING LANES IS NOT POSSIBLE. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN A FINE UP TO $100. SHOW ROAD RESPECT AND OBEY ALL ROAD SAFETY LAWS.

For More Information Visit: www.mass.gov/safety/moveover

Winter storm watch in effect from late Tuesday night through wednesday evening,
The NWS in taunton has issued a winter storm watch, which is in effect from late Tuesday night through wednesday evening.
Locations, most of Massachusetts except nantucket and berkshire county, northern Connecticut, Rhode Island and hillsborough and cheshire counties of southern New Hampshire.
Hazard types, snow, which will fall heavily at times.
Accumulations, 7 to 12 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible. Snowfall rates of one to two inches an hour are possible for a time.
Timing, highest amounts are expected to fall late Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Impacts, hazardous travel conditions are expected Tuesday night and at least through the day Wednesday. Visibilities will be poor. Commute on Wednesday morning will be very challenging.
Winds, north to northeast at 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 40 mph at times.
Temperatures, in the mid 20s to lower 30s.
Visibilities, one half mile or less.
Precautionary/preparedness actions,
A winter storm watch is issued for the potential of accumulating snow of 6 or more inches in a 12 hour period, or 8 or more inches in a 24 hour period. Anyone traveling in the next 24 to 36 hours should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to modify travel plans should winter weather develop.

 

Curious about E-Readers?

On Tuesday, January 11, at 7:00 p.m.,

join us for a roundtable discussion about e-readers and e-content. Learn about the Kindle, the Nook, and bring your own devices for help and guidance in downloading books.  You have access to thousands of titles with the use of your library card. Find out how!

New Book Discussion Group forming:

Thursday, January 13, at 7:00 p.m.,

 an Evening Book Discussion Group – a new group in 2011; we’ll explore books-to-movies.  Thanks to the Friends of the Library, we have recently acquired a movie license that allows screening of movies right here at the library.  If y0u are interested in learning more about your favorite books that became Hollywood hits, then this group is for you.  Call the Library at 508-485-5031 to register for each of these programs, and tell your friends and neighbors all about these programs at the Library!

Southborough Library  website:  Click here

Senior Center Activities

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Town House will close one hour earlier on Friday, January 14th -- at 11:00 am instead of noon.

Southborough meetings

January 10 to January 14, 2010

Letter to the Editor - January 9, 2011

We must do all we can to insure that our political system merits trust.  There is no more essential part of our system than the electoral process, the means by which our will as a free people is determined.

As demonstrated - again - during the recent recount in the Sixth Worcester District, there are many public servants who merit that trust.  The level of professionalism evidenced by many throughout that process is a credit to the individual integrity of those involved; the citizens in the communities they serve should be proud of the work done on their behalf.

There is also room for improvement.  The ongoing litigation concerning that recount addresses two aspects of the process that require correction.  The first concerns the integrity of the ballots cast.  After being counted on the night of the election, those ballots were kept in sealed ballot boxes, with each box being secured that night with two numbered seals.  At the time of the recount, both seals on one such box were found to be compromised – one was opened, the other was missing.

Critically, at the time of that recount, the number of votes in that compromised ballot box differed from the count on election night.  The present litigation involves the contention that such additional votes should be counted and, if they result in a numerical tie, could result in a special election.  A special election in that context would hardly inspire confidence in the process. 

Secondly, one side in the current litigation has presented an allegation that a prospective voter was improperly turned away because of concerns about whether such person was properly qualified to vote.  The ordinary result where such concerns are presented is that the putative voter would cast a “provisional ballot,” the propriety of which would be considered later.  Purportedly, that did not happen, but rather the individual was simply turned away.

Our trust in the electoral process would not be enhanced should credit now be given to that claim, and the putative voter’s vote counted.

            The circumstances of this matter illustrate the need for improvement.  Specifically, both such concerns could be addressed - and remedied - should all critical public proceedings during our elections be videotaped.

            Let us provide for the creation of a video record of the all such events  - from the time the voting machines are set up, to the time each individual presents to vote, to the time the sealed ballot boxes are placed into each municipality’s vault.  If there were a video record of all material, publicly-visible events on Election Day in the Sixth Worcester District, then the anomalies that are the subject of the current litigation could easily be resolved.

In particular, should, in future, there be a video record of a ballot box with intact seals being locked in a municipality’s vault on election night – and should later there be a video record of the vault being opened with the seals then being found compromised, then any “additional” votes discovered in such a compromised ballot box could readily be disregarded.

Similarly, should in future a candidate produce an individual who presents a dubious claim that he was turned away from voting - with, for some unidentified reason, no provisional ballot being cast, such a claim could be effectively refuted (or, theoretically, substantiated) by a video record.  Given the increased strength of the evidentiary record, politicians in future would be less likely to bring unfounded claims in such regard. 

In either circumstance, a video record would simultaneously affirm what actually happened on Election Day and forestall efforts to undo the choice made by the voters.  While the creation of a video record would involve some costs, those costs would be mitigated by the savings associated with the likely long-term decrease in the expenses municipalities now incur relative to recounts and associated litigation.    

There would be no appreciable effect of creating a video record of the electoral process on legitimate voting.  We may anticipate that those who vote legitimately would be no more deterred by the creation of a video record than they are in the dozens of other contexts in which they are commonly videotaped.  In essence, it would seem doubtful that anyone is deterred from shopping at a convenience store or visiting a bank because of the likelihood of being videotaped - we may expect that the same would apply to being those who properly seek to vote.

Of course, any who present to vote illegitimately could well be deterred.  And that would be ok.  Such a result, of course, would serve to make the process more trustworthy.

            Let us improve our system.  Let us provide for the creation of a video record of all significant, publicly-visible, election-related events.  Let us do all we can to insure that our political system merits trust.

 Sincerely,

Jim McKenna

2010 Republican Nominee for Massachusetts Attorney General

Brenda Bond passed away on Jan.1, 2011 at her home in Brewster on Cape Cod surrounded by her family. Prior to moving permanently to the Cape in 1991, she lived in Westport, Conn., Wilton, Conn. and Southborough, Mass. Brenda was born in 1940 in Brockton, Mass. and graduated from Brockton High School and Framingham State. She is survived by Fred Bond her husband of 49 years, son Keith Bond, grandson Christian Bond of Eastham, mother-in-law, Bernice Bond of Harwich and cousins Tina Tartaglia of Brockton, Richard Kimball of Florida and Jim and Jack Whiting of Arizona. Brenda was preceded in death by her daughter Kristin and her parents Leroy and Elsie Booth of Brockton and Wareham, Mass. Brenda had many interests and talents. After graduating from college she taught first grade in Northborough Mass. (where Mark the Bird" Fydrich was one her students). Upon moving to Fairfield County Conn. she held positions as Program Director of the Darian YWCA and Manager of the Stamford Conn. Stanley Kaplan Educational Center. While in Connecticut she was Chairperson of Connecticut's 200th year Celebration of Women. Upon moving to the Cape, she worked for two years with Cape Voices, a local radio show which led her into an acting role in Cablevisions mini series, Practice to Deceive, a documentary on the laetrile drug scandal. As she said, I knew then I wasnt camera shy and wanted to get into television. When popular Cape host John Cooke retired she launched a popular TV talk show, Those Two Girls, with her friend Maggie White. The show was named the Best New Program in 1999. Brenda also launched a talk show Brenda Bond and Friends where she interviewed interesting Cape personalities such as authors Libby Hughes (interviewed Nelson Mandela and Tiger Woods) and Joan Anderson (best selling author of A Year at the Cape). She and her husband Fred did a two hour show on the opening of the second 18 holes at The Captains Golf course in Brewster with the course designers and Club Pro Mark OBrien. Since Brenda was never sure what she wanted to be when she grew up, in 2001 she purchased and operated Sweetwaters, a popular Hyannis restaurant. Brenda was also devoted to her three PBGV dogs. A memorial celebration will be held at the Harwich Congregational Church, Main Street, Harwich at 11 a.m. on Saturday April 16, 2011. For the online guestbook and inquiries, please visit www.MorrisOConnorBlute.com The family would like to acknowledge the loving care and support of the VNA Hospice of Cape Cod. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to VNA Hospice of Cape Cod, 434 Route 134, Suite D-3, South Dennis, MA 02660

Jill Goldman featured performer at the Beth Tikvah Cabaret Night on Saturday February 5, 2011

Jill Goldman, also known as GOLDIVAX, will be the featured performer at the Beth Tikvah Cabaret Night on Saturday February 5, 2011.  She is the lead singer of Kadima band and will be performing with the band’s keyboardist, Bradley Nelson.  Music has always been Jill’s favorite way to connect - with people, with the depth of all human emotions, and even with the spirit of life and healing.   Jill delights in bringing Jewish music, popular songs, jazz standards, songs of romance, love, and spirituality from almost any genre, to audiences of all ages.  With Jill’s warm, earthy, natural style, and a voice described as “very chicken soup”, she invites the listener on a journey of exploration into feelings universal to all people.  In addition to Jill and Bradley, there will be some local acts performing at the Cabaret.  Dennis Lindenberg of Beth Tikvah Synagogue will serve as our Master of Ceremonies.  The fun begins at 7:30 PM on February 5th at Beth Tikvah Synagogue, 45 Oak St. Westborough, MA.  The entrance fee is $5 for Beth Tikvah members and $10 for non-members.  Reservations for this event will be greatly appreciated and can be sent via email to ejdotts@gmail.com.  If you would like more information about this event, or other events at Beth Tikvah Synagogue, check out our web page, www.bethtikvahsynagogue.org, or, contact EJ Dotts, ejdotts@gmail.com.  Beth Tikvah Synagogue is a warm, inclusive, egalitarian, and fully participatory congregation.  It is an inviting, joyful and spirited community which provides a special opportunity for families to grow together under a Jewish umbrella.

January 9, 2010 - Unfortunately they fell to Shrewsbury 6 - 2 but what a great chance to play on ice where the big- leaguers play.  Thanks to Chris Wraight for taking the shots.