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Archived Page 19

September 16, 2007 to  September 22, 2007

The Mums are Ready

September 22, 2007 - In the afternoon sun this garden center looked like  painting. A sign of Fall.  Pumpkins and this colorful and full display of mums can be found at Gulbankian Farms Garden Center and Florist shop at the corner of Mt. Vickery Road and Cordaville Road. 

Tour Stop #9 Cannon on the Common September 22, 2007. One of Southborough’s major memorials is the Cannon on the Common. It is a Krupp Howitzer 155mm”short barrel” cannon “used to fire projectiles at medium velocity, and with relatively high trajectories”. It was captured from the Germans in World War I (1918) by American Soldiers. In 1919 it was donated to the Town of Southborough’s Bagley-Fay American Legion post. It was placed at the east end of the Common and dedicated “in memory of all World War I veterans.” In 1969 when the 20^th Century Wars Memorial was erected, the Cannon was moved to it’s present location at the opposite end of the Common.

Restoration work was done in 1991 by Roland Currier, R. E. Jarvic Co., Ted’s of Fayville and the Southborough Highway Department.

In the fall of 2002 a major restoration project of the cannon was headed by Southborough Veteran Peter Phaneuf. Decaying wheel parts were replaced with white Oak, and a stand was constructed and mounted on a granite and concrete base to keep the wheels off the ground. The entire gun was sandblasted and painted. Contributing members of the project were Adam Phaneuf, Fred Mabardy of Southborough. Veterans John F. McEntegart of Framingham, William Clewes of Southborough and Department of Public Works staff members James Harding, Richard Rock and Mike Nelson.

More than one color

September 22, 2007 - This Monarch Butterfly loved all the varieties of flowers at Gulbankian's yesterday.

Assabet Valley Voke Tech Sports Schedule Saturday 9/22/07

A Walk Through the Past

Tour Stop #8 Stone Water Trough September 21, 2007 - On the Main Street side of the Common is a stone water trough. These were usually carved out of a single, large stone or were assembled from stone “flags”. They all had a source of water when created although that has dried up here and the original purpose of this trough is no longer being served. Troughs were provided for traveling livestock and were usually on or at locations frequented by animals. This trough carries the date 1875 carved into it - 100^th anniversary of the beginning of the struggle for American Independence.  (The Southborough Historical Society presents a wonderful short walk on the history of the Town.  In several days the Southborough News will take you on that walk electronically but to see it best you should pick up a pamphlet when the Southborough Historical Museum reopens to the public.  "A Walking Tour of Southborough's Historic "Holy Hill".)

Algonquin Sports Schedule 9/21/07

00:40 fire alarm Main Street   More Police Log

Assabet Valley Voke Tech Sports Schedule 9/21/07

To purchase your sticker:  Visit the DPW office Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Reminder. There are strict fines if your sticker is not placed in the correct spot on your car (face of left rear bumper).

Water

September 20, 2007 - Thanks to some generous contractors the Breakneck Hill Cows were able to get a new water line, hydrants and road put in at the Breakneck Hill Conservation Land.  The Community Garden will also now have available water onsite.

Algonquin Regional High School Sport Schedule 9/20/07

Falconi Family Golf Tournament photos

September 19, 2007 - Ron Bouchard who sponsored the Acura if a golfer got a Hole in One is shown with his golf foursome.  Click on the photo to see more of the golf tournament.

Southborough Bike Patrol

September 19, 2007 - Officer Labur heads out on assignment yesterday afternoon. Besides her regular police duties, Officer Labur is the Southborough Police Department's first Domestic Abuse Officer.  She is also doing a collection for dog toys and treats to assist the Boston Dog Rescue efforts during this week's National Dog week. Items may be dropped off at the Southborough Police Station. (see poster further down this page for a list of items needed.)

Don't forget to check out and register for the Southborough Recreation programs this fall/winter.

Clear as a Bell

September 19, 2007 - A perfect reflection taken yesterday at the farm pond at Breakneck Hill Conservation land.  You can see by the banking though how much the water has gone down this summer.

A Walk Through the Past

Tour stop #7 Town Common, September 19, 2007 - In 1700 the Nipmuck plantation lands were deeded to Marlborough opening up new land for settlement. Pioneers found their way south by means of the trails created by the Nipmucks and settled near Stony Brook. The land included meadows and a burial ground and the area was called “Cow Commons”.

Cow Commons was divided into four squadrons with meadows assigned to groups of settlers for grazing. The squadron division was also used in distributing able bodied men in defense units for this was the frontier. New settlers came and in 1724 Timothy Brigham moved to Stony Brook and built a spacious home on the southern edge of Nipmuck Meadow, east of the Indian Trail and alongside a brook which branched from the main brook to the south.

The community grew around the Common grazing land in and 1727 separated from Marlborough to become Southborough. Some of the common land was the burial ground established by the Nipmucks and some was necessary for the Meeting House. Some was required for the Training Field and some for the Pound. As time went by the “common” land shrank and when the monument for the Civil War was placed on the “common” the area was fenced around with a stonewall.  (The Southborough Historical Society presents a wonderful short walk on the history of the Town.  In several days the Southborough News will take you on that walk electronically but to see it best you should pick up a pamphlet when the Southborough Historical Museum reopens to the public.  "A Walking Tour of Southborough's Historic "Holy Hill".)

Algonquin Regional High School Sports Wednesday September 19, 2007

It was a bit cramped

September 19, 2007 - Yesterday Senior Center director Pam had to "give up" her office to the pitch players as many of the other spaces at the center were taken up with lunch and an entertainment by the Irish Music Guy.

Assabet Valley Voke Tech Sports  Wednesday September 19, 2007

Waiting to Open

September 19, 2007 - Common Milkweed can be seen in abundance at the Breakneck Hill Conservation Land.  There are lots of flowering shrubs and beautiful scenery at the conservation land. So go take a hike.

And the Check

September 18, 2007 - Jimmy Falconi (center) is ready to present Bill Harrington, Southborough Council on Aging Chairperson (right at speaker) a check for over $2,000 from the Falconi Service Station, Tuesday's for Seniors program, where for each gallon of gasoline you buy a percentage is donated back to the Seniors of Southborough.  Brian Donavan (left) from the Council on Aging assisted Jimmy with much of the planning for the Golf Tournament and helped run the raffle that had awesome prizes such as New England Patriot tickets. The Falconi family has been very generous in supporting Southborough seniors.

The Irish Music Guy

September 18, 2007 - Today at the Southborough Senior center those enjoying their lunch were entertained by Kevin Farley, The Irish Music Guy.  Using several instruments that have woven their way into Irish and Celtic music he played the banjo, pennywhistle, guitar, accordion, drum, teak bones, mandolin, harp and even rubber band.  Songs ran a variety of tunes with many of the well-known Irish songs such as My Wild Irish Rose, The Unicorn, Oh Danny Boy and Mother McCree.

Run

September 18, 2007 - After laughing at a ladies foursome on the adjacent hole for playing under the sprinklers this foursome of gentlemen got the same treatment and had to run from the 18th hole.

September 18, 2007 - A cow grazes at Chestnut Hill Farm.  Southborough voters used CPC funding to assist with purchasing the agricultural rights to the farm to keep it open space.  Just one of many projects that have been helped from the funds.

Aiming for the Hole in One

September 18, 2007 - Another contender lines up his ball to try to win the Acura car sponsored by Ron Bouchard Auto Stores at yesterdays Falconi Family Memorial Golf Tournament.

Southborough Library Schedule

Also at the library

Drumlin Farm will be visiting the library on October 20^th!  Children ages two through five will meet a Great Horned Owl and hear Jane Yolen’s Caldecott Award winning book Owl Moon.  There will be two sessions:  2:00 and 2:35.  Sign up begins on September 20^th.  Spaces are limited so sign up soon!

Trick or Treat at the library on Halloween, October 31^st!  Children may come to the library after school for face painting and treats.

Please register your child ahead of the events at the Southborough Library.

Tiger on the Clubs

September 18, 2007 - This tiger was hoping to bring the owner of these clubs good luck at the hole in one at the 15th tee at yesterdays Falconi Family Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit the Southborough Senior citizens.

Algonquin Sports Schedule September 18, 2007

Fire Log

MONDAY 9/17/07

00:09 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT FIRE TURNPIKE RD
E22 CAPT MAURO FF AMENDOLA
E23 FF ROACH FF PIERCE


10:00 SCHOOL INSPECTIONS MAIN ST
C27 CAPT MAURO

10:30 SCHOOL INSPECTIONS BREAKNECK HILL RD
C27 CAPT MAURO

11:00 FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION TURNPIKE RD
C27 CAPT MAURO

13:00 FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION TURNPIKE RD
C27 CAPT MAURO

14:45 UNINTENTIONAL ALARM SYS TRIP NEWTON ST
E22 LT SADOWSKI FF STRONG

15:00 PROPANE INSPECTION FISHER RD
C27 CAPT MAURO

15:01 TRAINING - FIRE ANGELICA DR DRAFTING OPERATIONS AT ANGELICA DR
HQ2 LT SADOWSKI FF STRONG FF KANE FF RICE

16:08 EMS CALL, EXCLUDE VEH ACC W/INJ FLANDERS RD
A28 FF STRONG FF RICE

20:10 BOILER PROBLEMS MARLBORO RD
E22 LT SADOWSKI FF STRONG
E23 FF RICE FF KANE

20:41 SMOKE DET. ACT.-NO FIRE, UNINT COSLIN DR
E22 LT SADOWSKI FF STRONG
E23 FF RICE FF KANE

21:00 SCHOOL FIRE DRILL MARLBORO RD
C27 CAPT MAURO

21:15 SCHOOL FIRE DRILL MARLBORO RD
C27 CAPT MAURO
E22 LT SADOWSKI FF STRONG EMT GLECKEL  More Fire Log

A Walk through the Past

Tour Stop #6 Mile Stone September 18, 2007 - In 1763, while Deputy Postmaster General, Benjamin Franklin was given the job of placing markers at one-mile intervals along the Boston Post Road. This road was established as a permanent highway in 1639 running between Boston and New York. He invented a device that was attached to his carriage wheel and acted as an odometer. At each mile a wooden stick was driven into the ground and a following crew erected the markers that were engraved with the mileage from Boston and perhaps a nearby large community. The purpose of the markers was to calculate postal rates to be charged by local postmasters. There are 2 other mile markers remaining besides this one. One stands near the intersection of Sears Road and Main Street and the other at East Main Street and Overlook Drive. (The Southborough Historical Society presents a wonderful short walk on the history of the Town.  In several days the Southborough News will take you on that walk electronically but to see it best you should pick up a pamphlet when the Southborough Historical Museum reopens to the public.  "A Walking Tour of Southborough's Historic "Holy Hill".)

September 17, 2007 - James Falconi (right) has run the Falconi Family Memorial Golf Tournament for a number of years now. Originally called the Fitzconi Tournament.  This is a major fundraiser for the Seniors of Southborough.  Jimmy and Falconi Brothers are a major benefactor of the seniors every year. Ron Bouchard (left) of Bouchard Auto Stores donated a 2007 Acura for the tournament.  In order to win the car a player would have to get a hole in one on the 15th tee.  Unfortunately no one shot a hole in one.

A Foursome

September 17, 2007 - The Falconi Family Memorial Golf Tournament brought out 116 golfers today.  Funds raised from the Tournament will go to the Southborough Seniors.  There will be more photos coming along this week on this page and the senior page.

Southborough meetings

September 10, 2007 - September 14, 2007

Senior Center Weekly Schedule

Larch Tree

September 17, 2007 - Several Larch trees surround the Old Burial Ground behind the Town Library.  The American Larch Tree also known as Tamarack is a coniferous tree but  only one of two that will shed its needles. In the winter the tree will look dead from all the needles gone from it.   The wood is very strong and the tree has been used for telephone poles, fence posts and railroad ties.  Occasionally it is used as ornamental plantings.

A Walk through the Past

Tour Stop #5 Fay School September 17, 2007 - The Burnett family influence once again came to the fore with the establishment of this school and hanged the face of Main Street. Eliza Belle Burnett Fay and Harriet Marcella Burnett, children of Joel Burnett and cousins of Joseph Burnett, wanted to start a day-school for young boys and girls in the center of town. They rented a room on the main floor of Deacon Gabriel Parker’s house on the north side of Main Street, west of where you stand now. Joseph Burnett and Sylvester Fay gave financial support to this informal day-school and suggested that they take in young boarders. For this purpose they used the William Greenwood home on the south side of Main Street. In the fall of 1866 “Mrs. Fay and Miss Burnett’s Boarding School”, opened with two boarders from Worcester and five local boys.

In 1885, Joseph Burnett increased his financial assistance. The other financial mainstay was Mrs. Fay’s mother, Dolly Bellows Little. She took out loans to finance the construction of a new dormitory, classrooms and schoolroom wing as additions to the Greenwood house. By 1886 all debts were paid thankfully since she passed away July, 1887.

The main building was renovated after the turn of the 20^th century with a Victorian roof added to provide an extra floor of dormitories. Waldo Fay purchased the apple orchard along Middle Road and had the trees cut down to create an athletic field. In 1908 Fay added a new school room wing, a library extension and converted a schoolroom into a Common Room.

In 1922 Fay School ceased to be a family operation and became an incorporated body, complete with a Board of Trustees.

In 1972 part of the school, the Robinson House, caught fire due to an electrical fault and in 1978 the new dormitory was dedicated. In 1986 the Fay School old main building, the original Greenwood House was demolished. (The Southborough Historical Society presents a wonderful short walk on the history of the Town.  In several days the Southborough News will take you on that walk electronically but to see it best you should pick up a pamphlet when the Southborough Historical Museum reopens to the public.  "A Walking Tour of Southborough's Historic "Holy Hill".)

Helping our animal friends

If you would love to donate a pet item please drop them off at the Southborough Police Station in care of Officer Labur. Thank you.

Cleanout time

September 16, 2007 - L - R,  FF Cringan, Captain Hubley, FF Aspesi and FF Wills pose after "cleaning" out the window. Several revolution of drills were run during yesterdays training exercise.  Firefighters re-enforced their skills needed in clearing windows and pulling ceilings and walls apart.  The house that they were training in is scheduled to be demolished Monday.  This was a rare opportunity for  Southborough Firefighters to hone their skills and advance their firefighting expertise.

Cleanup time

September 16, 2007 - Firefighters pack hose after the drill.

Peekaboo

September 16, 2007 - This dairy cow peers over the stone fence at Chestnut Hill Farm.

I wanna be a firefighter

September 16, 2007 -  These two neighborhood youngsters try on a firefighter jacket for size on Bryden Road yesterday.

A Walk through the Past

Tour Stop # 4 Southborough Town House September 16, 2007 - The first Town House was built in 1840 on land deeded to the Town by the First Parish to separate Church and State. It was built at a cost of $2,900 and was 40 feet by 56 feet. Built of wood in the Greek Doric style, there were 4 columns on the façade and it was painted white. The demise of this building by fire was in 1869 and was the subject of considerable controversy. The Worcester newspaper reporting on the fire which burned it to the ground made a number of insinuations. It referred to the residents of Main Street wanting a new “town house to enhance the value of their property and look a little grander to the passer by, But the town house extant - how could that be got rid of?” The article goes on to say that the proposal for a new Town House was turned down by the voters. It further reports that “the republican leaders have always a batch of lickspittles and they did not lack them then. One or more of them shouted in open town meeting “burn the dam thing.” No evidence of “incendiaries” was found.

The replacement, the second Town House was erected on the site of the first Town House at a cost of $30,000 and completed in one year for it’s dedication in April 1870. The plans called for a two story building to have a hall over town offices.

This building has been in the mainstream of town life observing activities commemorating the 150^th, 200^th and the 275^th anniversary of Southborough. Due to renovations it was not included in the 250^th Anniversary sites. Town meetings were regularly held in the hall upstairs until 1969 when it was determined the population had out grown the facility. For many years social activities were permitted in the hall until the threat to public records became too great with the risk of fire. It currently houses town offices and is the meeting place of town boards and officials. In the late 20^th century and elevator was added in the rear of the building to permit handicap access to the second floor. (The Southborough Historical Society presents a wonderful short walk on the history of the Town.  In several days the Southborough News will take you on that walk electronically but to see it best you should pick up a pamphlet when the Southborough Historical Museum reopens to the public.  "A Walking Tour of Southborough's Historic "Holy Hill".)