editor@southboroughnews.com

October 23, 2011 - October 29, 2011

October 29, 2011 - Snow begins to blanket Southborough at the corner of Newton and Main Street.

Town of Southborough to Survey Residents
First-ever Resident Survey to Gather Data on Broad Range of Questions

The Town of Southborough announced that it will conduct its first-ever Resident Survey.  The town will be mailing the survey this week to every household in Southborough with a return date by November 11, 2011. Residents may complete the printed survey and return it via mail or it may be dropped off at several convenient collection points in town. The survey can also be completed online. All responses are anonymous.

Resident  Survey’s are an increasingly popular and cost-effective way to allow boards of selectmen, town administrators  and staff to obtain statistically significant data on important questions affecting town government. Town services such as schools, recreation and trash collection have a significant impact on the quality of life for residents. A well-designed Resident Survey acts as a roadmap for town officials as they manage and allocate resources to provide those services.

“We are very excited by the prospect of being able to collect and analyze input from every household in Southborough,” said Jean Kitchen, town administrator, Town of Southborough. “We would like to achieve 100% participation because this is an easy and convenient way for residents to express their opinions to us. I urge every household in town to make their voices heard by completing their Resident Survey.”

Southborough’s first Resident Survey has been developed with the assistance and consultation of a group of Masters of Public Administration students at Clark University. This team has consulted with Southborough’s Board of Selectmen, Town Administrator and citizens in developing the survey. The Clark University team has significant expertise to offer Southborough in developing and delivering Resident Surveys as majority of them currently work in Massachusetts municipal government and the team’s advisor is a town manager in a central Massachusetts community. This familiarity with municipal government ensures that the Resident Survey methodology and analysis will deliver results that will enable Southborough officials to take actions that reflect the wishes of the entire town.

The survey, with detailed instructions, will be mailed to all households shortly. Residents may either complete the survey on the Internet or return the printed survey via mail. Residents may also return completed surveys to a drop box in the Town House, the Library, the Senior Center or at Southborough’s transfer station.

Results of the survey will be tabulated and presented to the town’s Board of Selectmen at a meeting in December at Southborough Town House. Results will also be available on the town’s website at http://www.southboroughtown.com.

Sports and Recreation

ARHS Sports Photos by Chris Wraight www.thawkspix.com

October 27, 2011 - The first snow of the 2011 - 2012 snow season has fallen tonight.  Saturday may bring a larger snowstorm with 6" or more.

Annual Halloween Parade sponsored by the Southborough Firefighters Association  will take place Sunday October 30th @ 4PM.  The parade will start at Mauro's Cafe and proceed up to the fire department where there will be awards, candy and treats

Den 10 from Pack 921 making Scouting for Food Signs to put on their lawns 

"Pumpkin Patch" Halloween - This Saturday!

Dear Michael,

On Saturday, October 29, 1:00-5:00pm, SVT is hosting its first ever Halloween event.  RAIN OR SHINE!  The event will be held under shelter in case of rain.  

"Pumpkin Patch" at Wolbach Farm is a a family friendly Halloween and costume party.  All guests are strongly encouraged to wear their Halloween costume.

This is a free event.  Bring the family for a plethora of activities and games. 

Included:

• Live music by the Whiskey Boys 

• Ghostly Storyteller Heather Wilkinson from the Goodnow Library 

• The (Un)Haunted Founders Garden 

• Invasion of the BiODiversitY Snatchers

• Games for kids:  sack races, tug of war, and pin the nose on the jack-o-lantern

• Craft activities:  pumpkin and trick-or-treat bag decorating, candle making

• Complimentary Halloween picture by Olga Photo:  in costume, the whole family, any arrangement. 

• Seasonal food and beverage, including apple cider, cider donuts, kettle corn by JW's Kettle Korn, and trick or treat goodies

• Letterboxing - Its not scary!

• More spooky treats await....

We invite you to explore Wolbach Farm and all the treasures within, including the family-friendly Nature Nook, which is open to the public year-round.  While here, you can get information about other year-round  SVT trails in the area for you and your family to enjoy at your leisure.
 

SVT staff and volunteers will be here to assist throughout the day and provide information on what SVT is working on for the benefit of your community.

If you would like to volunteer at Pumpkin Patch, please contact Michael Sanders.  This is especially a great opportunity for students looking for community service projects.

Thank you to Shaw's, Wegmans and Stop & Shop for your gift certificate donations.   

To sponsor or make a gift in-kind donation to this event, please contact Michael Sanders.

Town of Southborough to Survey Residents
First-ever Resident Survey to Gather Data on Broad Range of Questions
 

Southborough, MA, October 27, 2011 – The Town of Southborough announced that it will conduct its first-ever Resident Survey.  The town will be mailing the survey this week to every household in Southborough with a return date by November 11, 2011. Residents may complete the printed survey and return it via mail or it may be dropped off at several convenient collection points in town. The survey can also be completed online. All responses are anonymous.

Resident  Survey’s are an increasingly popular and cost-effective way to allow boards of selectmen, town administrators  and staff to obtain statistically significant data on important questions affecting town government. Town services such as schools, recreation and trash collection have a significant impact on the quality of life for residents. A well-designed Resident Survey acts as a roadmap for town officials as they manage and allocate resources to provide those services.

“We are very excited by the prospect of being able to collect and analyze input from every household in Southborough,” said Jean Kitchen, town administrator, Town of Southborough. “We would like to achieve 100% participation because this is an easy and convenient way for residents to express their opinions to us. I urge every household in town to make their voices heard by completing their Resident Survey.”

Southborough’s first Resident Survey has been developed with the assistance and consultation of a group of Masters of Public Administration students at Clark University. This team has consulted with Southborough’s Board of Selectmen, Town Administrator and citizens in developing the survey. The Clark University team has significant expertise to offer Southborough in developing and delivering Resident Surveys as majority of them currently work in Massachusetts municipal government and the team’s advisor is a town manager in a central Massachusetts community. This familiarity with municipal government ensures that the Resident Survey methodology and analysis will deliver results that will enable Southborough officials to take actions that reflect the wishes of the entire town.

The survey, with detailed instructions, will be mailed to all households shortly. Residents may either complete the survey on the Internet or return the printed survey via mail. Residents may also return completed surveys to a drop box in the Town House, the Library, the Senior Center or at Southborough’s transfer station.

Results of the survey will be tabulated and presented to the town’s Board of Selectmen at a meeting in December at Southborough Town House. Results will also be available on the town’s website at http://www.southboroughtown.com.

The Southborough Board of Health will be holding a
Town Wide Flu Clinic on Saturday November 5, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Senior Center on
9 Cordaville Rd. (Rte. 85).

Residents must be 12 years and older to receive a flu shot. Residents must bring their insurance cards and we ask that they wear short sleeves.

Sports and Recreation

ARHS Sports Photos by Chris Wraight www.thawkspix.com

Scouting for Food

This Saturday, October 29th marks the beginning of Southborough's Annual
Scouting for Food drive.  Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts all
over town will be hanging bags on mailboxes for donations to benefit the
Southborough Food Pantry.  Last year over 11,000 lbs. of food was
donated, and the goal for this year is 12,000 lbs. or more!

Making a donation is simple.  Just fill the bag (or more) with
contributions of food, personal care, and/or paper products.  Leave any
filled bags or boxes next to your mailbox by 9:00 a.m. on Saturday,
November 5th, when Scouts will come and pick them up.  Please be sure to
check expiration dates on food items, as the food pantry cannot
distribute expired food.

The Southborough Food Pantry and the Scouts thank you for your support!

Elizabeth LaMontagne Moses, 91, of Lewiston, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 30, 1920, in Southboro, Mass., a daughter of the late John and Mary Alma (Girouard) LaMontagne.

She married Harry Moses of Windsor, Vt. He passed away on Sept. 8, 1983. Elizabeth fell in love with Vermont when she was 12. She moved to Vermont when she was 18, and remained there until April 2002. She had her antique business in North Hero for many years and was also a member of many organizations in her community. She was a very resourceful lady who enjoyed her gardening and doing a little bit of everything.

She is survived by her son, Harvey Moses and his wife, Helen, of Lewiston; her grandchildren: Harvey Moses Jr. and fiancée, Lisa Shaw, Elaine Moses, Daniel Tolman and his wife, Christina, Melissa Nicholson and her husband, Jason, Rachel Hamilton and her husband, Jay; many great-grandchildren; and one sister, Clara Trowbridge.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Harry Moses; a daughter, Frances Moses, on Sept. 19, 2004, of Georgia, Vt.; her sisters: Gertrude LaMontagne, Bertha Lands and Alice Bragg; and her brothers: Louis, Edward, Alfred, Leslie, Frank and George LaMontagne.

Funeral services will be held at a later date in Vermont. A service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 70 Horton St., Lewiston, 207-784-4584.

Family and friends are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Elizabeth's life by visiting her guest book at: www.thefortingrouplewiston.com

October 24, 2011 - Bethel, Ohio rainbow followed by lightening, thunder and hail.

FEMA, FCC TO CONDUCT FIRST NATIONWIDE TEST OF EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM

MEMA to Coordinate Commonwealth’s EAS Test Effort

The United States Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have announced the first-ever national test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will take place on Wednesday November 9^th at 2:00 p.m. EST.

The EAS is a national alert and warning system established to enable the President of the United States to address the American public during emergencies. The National Weather Service, governors, and state and local officials also utilize parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts.

The purpose of the test is to determine the reliability of the system and its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers nationally and regionally.  Similar to the frequently conducted statewide EAS tests, the nationwide test will involve broadcast radio and television services, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline video service providers across all states and the territories of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

On November 9^th, the public will hear a message indicating, “This is a test.” The audio message will be the same for all EAS participants, however, due to the limitations in the EAS the video test message scroll may not be the same or indicate that “This is a test.” The text at the top of the screen may indicate that an “Emergency Alert Notification has been issued.”  This notification is used to disseminate a national alert and in this case, the test.  In addition, the background image that appears on video screens during an alert may indicate that “This is a test,” but in some instances there might not be an image at all. The test is expected to last approximately three (3) minutes.

FEMA and the FCC are reaching out to organizations representing people with hearing disabilities to better prepare that community for this national test.  In addition, both FEMA and the FCC are working with EAS participants to explore solutions to address this limitation.

Through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the Commonwealth has the capability of alerting the public through the EAS system.  MEMA serves as the state coordinating agency for disseminating local, regional and state initiated emergency alerts via the EAS.  MEMA, in consultation with the Governor’s Office, used the EAS to provide emergency messages to the public as recently as June 1, 2011 when tornadoes hit areas of the state, and as Tropical Storm Irene impacted the state in late August.

MEMA will coordinate with our state public safety partners on November 9^th to also test our redundant systems for pushing emergency messages to local and state public officials, including police, fire, emergency management and public health.  MEMA coordinates a system that includes VHF, UHF and 800 MHz radio communications that link all municipalities; text, email and cellular phone alerting systems for public safety, public health and municipal officials; dedicated direct phone lines with regional fire control centers; and links to law enforcement through the Criminal Justice information System (CJIS). 

This event should also serve as a reminder for all citizens to make an emergency preparedness kit for their family and business, develop a strong emergency plan and become better informed about the natural and technological threats to their community.

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 Flooding Issues, go to www.mass.gov/mema  Also, follow MEMA updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Sports and Recreation

ARHS Sports Photos by Chris Wraight www.thawkspix.com

375 Cochituate Rd
Framingham, MA 01701
(508) 270-6325   

Upcoming Events: Get Involved in Something Fun!

Climb Like A Girl at REI Framingham Join women from around the area at REI's Climbing Pinnacle. Whether a veteran, beginner, or never experienced the thrill of indoor climbing, this event is for you! Read more about this event When: 10/27/2011 06:00 PM Cost: $ Rock Climbing Self Rescue Class Join our REI rock climbing instructors to learn self-rescue skills no climber should be without. Learn how to get yourself out of tricky situations and also offer help to others when assistance is unavailable. This class discusses belay escape methods and ascending to an injured climber. Read more about this event When: 10/27/2011 06:30 PM Cost: $ Digital Camera Field Class Take what you've learned in the classroom out into the field! This trip will explore the potential of your Digital Cameras (SLR & Compact)and let you take better photos in the outdoors. Learn about aperture, shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, and more! Read more about this event When: 10/29/2011 09:00 AM Cost: $ Ponds Cleanup Day (Framingham) Volunteer Opportunity! Clean-up: Ponds Behind Framingham High School - (Sudbury River Tributary) Read more about this event When: 10/29/2011 09:00 AM Cost: Free 4th Annual Boston Vision Walk VisionWalk is a 5K (3.1 miles) walk designed to raise awareness and dollars for the fight against retinal degenerative diseases. All walk routes are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Read more about this event When: 10/29/2011 10:00 AM Cost: See Event Details Introduction to Winter Camping Winter adds a unique challenge to any camping or backpacking trip. Join the REI Outdoor School instructors to learn how to make a comfortable campsite in the winter. We'll set up a model campsite to teach practical winter camping skills for use in every cold weather situation, from car camping to long-distance backpacking. Read more about this event When: 10/29/2011 10:00 AM Cost: $ REI Framingham Community Stewardship Day Visit REI Framingham as we host local non-profit community and conservation partners who will be on-site with information tables throughout the store. Talk with representatives... Read more about this event When: 10/29/2011 12:00 PM Cost: Free Open Climnbing at REI Framingham Join us at REI's Climbing Pinnacle. Whether a veteran, beginner, or never experienced the thrill of indoor climbing, this event is for you! Read more about this event When: 10/30/2011 01:00 PM Cost: $

October 23, 2011 - A weekend sunset on fall foliage oaks.

Important Meeting for Southborough Residents Coming Up

Should the Town of Southborough have a Town Manager and a five person Board of Selectmen?  On Monday, October 24 the Drafting Committee for Town Manager Legislation is inviting all Town Officials, Town Employees and residents to a forum at Cordaville Hall at 7 pm.  The Forum will feature Shrewsbury’s Town Manager Daniel J. Morgado and a member of Shrewsbury’s five person Board of Selectmen.  The Town Manager/5 person Board of Selectmen has been in place in Shrewsbury since 1953.  Dan Morgado is a graduate of Bridgewater State College and holds a Masters of Public Administration from Clark University.  He has been the Town Manager of Shrewsbury since 1997.   Prior to 1997, he served as Town Administrator in the Towns of Easton and Blackstone.   For several years, Mr. Morgado has been an instructor in the Clark University MPA Program specializing in the area of Policy Analysis and Local Government Management.  Southborough’s Town Administrator Jean Kitchen and Southborough’s three person Board of Selectmen have also been invited.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of this proposed form of government?  Will it improve the efficiency of delivering services?  Will it make the government more or less transparent?  Will it facilitate the budget process?  Will it entice more folks to run for office, volunteer for a committee?  Our guests will attempt to answers these and any other questions that those attending might pose.  

Halloween at the Library!

Halloween will be a day-long celebration in the Children’s Room on Monday,  October 31! Kids are invited to come trick-or-treating in their Halloween costumes any time between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. There will be crafts, a pumpkin hunt, and other activities as well. No advance registration is required. We look forward to seeing all the great Halloween costumes at the library!

Career Awareness Day Tour Schedules Confirmed

Assabet enjoys inviting the 8th grade students from our sending towns in to see the many potential career paths that a student may choose to follow.  Traditionally, we do this each fall, prior to our Exhibit/Admissions Night (this year scheduled for Dec 7 from 6-8:30 PM), so that students who become interested in our programs can bring their families back to see the school with them on that evening.

Student applications may be downloaded from our website (under the Admissions tab), or picked up in Guidance, and should be filled out by the student and parent/guardian, and then returned directly to Assabet. We will contact the sending school guidance department for the back-up documents to make the application complete, and then schedule the interview.

Career Awareness Day

Confirmed Tour Schedules

Friday, October 28

Southboro, Trottier Middle School

Westborough, Gibbons Middle School

Shrewsbury, Oak Middle (sign up in Oak guidance)

Wednesday, November 2

Hudson, (sign up in Hudson guidance)

Clinton, Clinton Middle School (sign up Clinton guidance)

Thursday, November 3

Northborough, Melican Middle School

Tuesday, November 8

Maynard, Fowler Middle School (sign up in Fowler guidance)

Friday, November 18

Berlin, Boylston, Tahanto Jr/Sr High, (sign up in Tahanto guidance)

If your school is not listed, please call to set up private or small group tours.

508-485-9430, ext. 1250

Cindy Zomar, Admissions Coordinator

This week at the Southborough Library

This Week's government meetings

This Week at the Senior Center

Sports and Recreation

ARHS Sports Photos by Chris Wraight www.thawkspix.com