Archived Page 65

August 3, 2008, - August 9, 2008

Hurricane Preparedness tips

August 9, 2008 - (above photo G. Hubley Hurricane Bob, Cape Cod)

EVACUATION STEPS FOR A HURRICANE

MEMA Offers Tips To Help Prepare You and Your Family

Framingham, MA - “If evacuation is necessary for an approaching hurricane, or any type of natural or man-made emergency, the key is that you and your family respond quickly and responsibly,” states Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Don Boyce. “Because hurricanes are being closely tracked and usually followed closely by the Media for as long as a week before reaching New England, everyone is afforded enough warning and should not be taken off guard if you are directed to take precautionary steps, including an evacuation.”

Being Alerted

State or local Public Safety officials may alert you by one or several methods. Learn what methods are utilized in your community. They could include:

Outdoor sirens or horns.

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) - information provided on the radio and television.

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Alert Radio.

‘All Call’, ‘Reverse 911’, ‘Code Red’, etc. – one of a number of automated telephoning systems for sending recorded messages.

News Media.

Residential Route Alerting, which dispatches Public Safety vehicles through neighborhoods announcing messages with Public Address systems or literally ‘knocking on doors’.

U.S. Coast Guard Marine Broadcast.

A message on Teletypewriters (TTY).

Planning for Evacuation

Ask your local Emergency Management Office about community evacuation plans.

Learn proposed evacuation routes and locations of potential public shelters.

If you do not have personal transportation, make arrangements with friends or your local government.

Develop a Family Communications Plan.

Make a plan with family members for a destination if you have to leave your community. (In your planning, consider different scales of evacuation, i.e.: neighborhood, community, county, etc.)

Assemble a Disaster Supply Kit.

Keep your car fueled if evacuation seems likely. Gas stations may be closed during an emergency, run out of fuel, or be unable to pump gas during power outages.

Pre-drill plywood to be able to board up windows.

Know how to safely shut off your home’s electricity, gas and water supplies at main switches and valves.

What to do if asked/told to evacuate

Gather all persons in the house together.

Elevate valuable items to higher points within your home.

Move all loose outdoor items indoors. (lawn furniture, hanging plants, trashcans, awnings, toys).

Household members outside the area may be advised not to return during an evacuation. They may be directed to a reception center or mass care shelter where you can join them.

Do not call your local fire or police departments for information. Emergency workers will need their lines for emergency use. If you need special help, call your local Emergency Management Office.

Stay tuned to your Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio station.

Turn off lights and unnecessary appliances.

Close and lock windows and doors.

Check with neighbors to see if they need assistance. Offer to share transportation.

Let others know where you are going.

If you need a ride, try to get one with neighbors or contact your local Emergency Management Office.

How to travel

Keep the car radio tuned to an Emergency Alert System (EAS) station.

Be aware of and follow designated evacuation routes.

What to take with you

Essential items. You may be away from home for a few hours to a few days.

Clothing for several days.

Toilet articles (Soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)

Prescription medicines, medical equipment and important medical records.

Special dietary foods.

Baby supplies.

Blankets, pillows, and towels (particularly if you plan on staying at a public mass care shelter).

Identification and important papers.

Checkbook, credit card and cash.

About your pets

Only seeing-eye dogs and other service animals will be allowed inside most reception centers and mass care shelters, although SMART (The State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team) may be able to assist with animal sheltering accommodations.

Make plans ahead of time to take your pet to stay at relatives, friends or a kennel outside the affected area.

Know pet-friendly hotels and motels in the area.

Prepare an emergency kit for your pets. Include collars & leashes, a three-day supply of food, bowls, litter boxes, photographs, and a week’s supply of medications that your pet may be taking.

Make sure your pets wear collars with current license and rabies tags, and identification tags that include information on where you will be staying during the emergency.

Use a pet carrier for each of your pets to make transportation easier.

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 Hurricane Preparedness, go to www.mass.gov/mema

Events & Essentials E-news

MA/NH

Chapter

August 2008

In the News...

The International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease, held in Chicago, previewed the latest in findings. Among the reports--results from four clinical trials.

Legislation Fails to Pass State House

Despite a strong effort by Alzheimer Advocates a bill to regulate dementia care units in MA nursing homes did not survive the legislative session. Discouraged, but not defeated, we will continue our fight on this important issue. Join the fight. Contact Jennifer Seuss, Manager of Advocacy & Community Relations. E-mail Jennifer today.

24/7: We can help

We are available around the clock to answer all your questions about Alzheimer's.

Calls are confidential and free. Trained staff answer your questions. We also offer care consultation to assist with complex issues.

Call 800.272.3900

or contact us Helpline Online

New Bereavement Support Group

Grief/Bereavement Support Group for caregivers and family members who have recently lost a loved one to Alzheimer's disease. 8-week group begins Thursday, September 4th, in our Watertown office. Pre-registration is required.

Please contact Lindsay Brennan at 617.868.6718 or e-mail today for details.

Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed for scores of activities here at the Alzheimer's Association. From helping with mailings to organizing Memory Walk to assisting at programs--there's a place for you. All ages are welcome! Retirees and high school interns work side-by-side in our wonderful community of volunteers. To learn more, e-mail us with your interest [Click Here].

Alzheimer Programs

For a complete summer list of educational programs

[Click Here]

Programs for families are FREE

Support Groups Are Lifesavers!

Support Groups meet regularly to help people with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, and their care partners, cope with the challenges of Alzheimer's and share the experience.

Learn More.

Parachute Jump Benefits Alzheimer's

August 23 & 24 Pepperell

Find out more about this unique event! Just Click on the jumper.

Memory Walk 08: Register TODAY

Make a difference for Alzheimer's. Join one the 9 MA Memory Walks, September 13-28. Call Memory Walk hotline: 617.393.2050. Visit MemoryWalkMA.org

Our Vision: a world without Alzheimer's disease

on the web at alz.org/MA

If the Sun Can't come Out

August 8, 2008 - Brown Eyed Susans lighten up the day.

It was only yesterday

August 8, 2008 - A Georgia patrol car and athletes road and ran through Southborough on their way to Hopkinton and the route of the Boston Marathon carrying the Olympic torch along the route for the opening of the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia,

Thunder and Lightening

August 8, 2008 - Lightening envelops the skies over Cold Stone Creamery last night. Fierce storms flooded area roads and at a New Hampshire campground a car with a family trying to escape the flooding was washed downstream killing a 7 year old girl.

Here's Winking at you

August 8, 2008 - Boomer the goat appears to be winking at the photographer.

Southborough Senior activity

Pole Replacement and Traffic Jams

August 7, 2008 - Around 6:00 PM last night, police believe the driver of an Nissan Altima fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into a pole at Boston and Framingham Roads shearing the pole. This caused power outages throughout the area. National Grid restored a lot of the power late last night. However, traffic was a mess for most of last night and today as National Grid, Verizon and Charter worked on replacing the poles and restringing wires and cables. Eastbound traffic on route 30 was allowed to pass through this morning but westbound commuters were re-routed to Route 9 via Central Street causing traffic backups on the narrow Winter Street from folks avoiding the traffic waiting for the Central Street lights. Both lanes were opened at 5:30 PM late this afternoon. The driver of the Altima was not seriously injured in the crash.

Sudbury River

August 7, 2008 - About forty people attended the forum on the Sudbury River hosted by the SUASCO Watershed Community Council, Sudbury River Watershed Organization and the Metrowest Growth Management Committee yesterday afternoon. There is a 3.9 million dollar kitty to be used for managing, cleaning, and protecting the Sudbury River. The money comes from a 1998 settlement and will be used to restore and protect the Sudbury River, it's tributaries and groundwater. Ideas presented by town officials, river advocates, and various friends groups suggested land acquisitions, public education and outreach center, zoning overlay districts and restoring fish habitat among the many ideas brought forth. Freddie Gillespie, (above photo) from the Sudbury River Watershed Organization urged river wide cooperation between all towns and river groups along the Sudbury River as all are interested in the same outcome restoration and protection of a valuable resource. Several people expressed concern that under the original Watershed Initiative program developed by the state in the late 1990's when it became time for the Sudbury River in the SUASCO basin to get its recognition for funding, study and planning the program was dropped. The original Watershed Initiative developed by then Secretary of Environmental Affairs, Robert Durand, brought together a collaborative of river groups, interested parties, business, state and local governments into one meeting room where discussions centered on specific rivers in each watershed initiative region. It was an excellent format for various levels of government agencies to interact with the grassroots river groups. With this new emphasis on the Sudbury River the river groups and town officials are once again being energized in the protection of the river and its environs.

August 7, 2008 - Cardinal Flowers stretch out over the Sudbury River.

PRIMARY ELECTION

Tuesday Sept. 16, 2008

POLLS open 7am – 8pm

Wednesday August 27, 2008 is the last day to register to vote or to change your political party for the Primary. Clerk’s Office open from 8am-8pm

STATE ELECTION

Tuesday Nov. 4, 2008

POLLS open 7am – 8pm

Wednesday October 15, 2008 is the last day to register to vote or to change your political party for the Election. Clerk’s Office open from 8am-8pm.

Ed Mills Opens Campaign Office

August 7, 2008 - Ed Mills opens his headquarters in Holliston for his campaign for state representative. In the photo: Ed's three daughters, Samantha( seated far left), Alexandria (seated left of center), and Kimberly (standing) along with a busy grandchild, Ed, and Ed's wife, Cindy (seated right of center), work the phones talking to the voters about
his candidacy for state representative for the September 16th Primary Election Day.

Headquarters Opening

Ed Mills for State Representative

781 Washington Street

Above the Superette

Holliston MA

Saturday, August 9

11AM to 1PM

Mt. Vickery Road Paved

August 7, 2008 - A police detail directs traffic on route 85 around paving equipment at the Mt. Vickery intersection. Both the east and west sides of Mt. Vickery received the initial pavement today.

***Motor Vehicle Accident causes power outages and road closures early tonight***

August 6, 2008 - Shortly before 6:00 PM tonight the driver of a vehicle hit a telephone pole on Boston Road near. Power lines draped the vehicle and rescue workers had to wait about twenty minutes for National Grid to come to the scene to shut down power. The power outage created traffic problems with traffic signals at Valley Road, Central Street and Framingham Road not working and commercial and residential alarms triggering. At 10:00 PM tonight, traffic through the Framingham and Boston Road intersection was still being re-routed.

Parkerville Road

August 6, 2008 - Equipment and water pipes await the construction process on Parkerville Road South.

Mt. Vickery West

August 6, 2008 - Mt. Vickery Road westbound is scarified and ready for it's paving job.

Algonquin Regional Guidance Summer Hours

DATE	COUNSELOR	TIME

AUGUST 12-13	MRS. MUELLER / X 1094	8:00 - 3:00

AUGUST 18-22	ALL COUNSELORS	8:00 – 3:00

AUGUST 25	ALL TEACHERS RETURN	7:20 - 3:00

AUGUST 27	STUDENTS RETURN	7:20 - 3:00

Looking pretty

August 6, 2008 - The All Wars Memorial is brilliantly surrounded by vibrant colors.

August 6, 2008 - Linda Hubley - A quick update on my mom. Many people have asked how she is doing. For our new readers of the Southborough News, my mom developed Alzheimer’s over the last few years which progressed rapidly from August of 2008 and continues to advance. This led mom into assisted living facilities, weeks at a time in medical hospitals working out a drug regime for her anguish and now life in a nursing home. I try to make it up to see her at least two times per week. She is just about an hour away. Sometimes I feel sad or guilty when I don’t get to see mom due to a busy schedule. My daughter and I visited with her yesterday. A lot of times our visit is the same. We introduce ourselves to mom as if it is our first time visiting with her. We do small talk about how her day went but she never remembers what happened before we got there. Then we tell her what is going on with our lives, what the weather has been like and little things that can make her happy or smile. Sometimes we stay for lunch and help to remind her how to eat. Often she needs to be told simple things like how to swallow. Alzheimer’s really robs the mind and steals your loved one from you. Although you see them and they look normal. The disease robs the memories of who we are to them.

Mom of course is mostly bed-ridden and will sit in a wheelchair belted so she cannot fall out of the chair. On her clear mind days, she will often cry and say she doesn’t want to put her children through this and she knows she will not get better. On the other hand on days when she doesn’t really know us it can actually be a bit funny with what mom might say. My son and I were there a few weeks ago visiting. When we sat next to mom, she told us everyone has been arrested and that we broke in and there is no way out. Although sad to think there is only one way out of a nursing home, mom did give us a bit of humor with her thoughts of being arrested and no one able to leave the facility.

One thing we don’t talk to mom about is her house. It is hard not to talk about it but she would only cry if she knew we were having to sell it. When I’m up visiting mom, I usually have been leaving to clean, paint and landscape around the house in preparation to sell it. Nursing homes carry a hefty price and the place mom and dad settled into in 1953 now needs to be sold. It is an old house, built in the late 1700’s and accompanied by a 3 ½ story barn. My siblings and I have been working hard cleaning out furniture, knickknacks, paperwork and old memories from over 55 years of a lot of love, “arguments”, birthday and anniversary parties. I would like to thank everyone that sends an email, calls or stops me on the street to ask how mom is doing. She is hanging in there but ultimately we know someday mom will leave us with only our photos and memories of her.

The Stalker

August 6, 2008 - This cat on its way home passes by the stone turtle .

American Bluebird

August 5, 2008 - A favorite perch of the bluebirds, the pole that the American Flag is attached to.

Traffic Tie-up

August 5, 2008 - Lately it seems any road you travel down in Southborough has some sort of detour or delay. Here police direct traffic around Fay School on Route 30 early this morning.

From the Collings Foundation Newsletter

"Holy Smokes...this will be interesting"
~ Quote from a witness to the Race of the Century rehearsal.

Race of the Century - Stow, MA. August 16th and 17th
A Living History Event Unlike Any Other

We are looking forward to the Race of the Century event here in Stow, MA. Getting all the machines up and running has proven to be quite a task. Racing them against each other is a true jaw-dropping sight. It is important to note: (If our historical records are indeed correct) the Collings Foundation's 1909 Bleriot is one of the oldest flying aircraft in America - from the firewall back. The Bleriot will be racing against another fantastic moving machine of the time- the 1914 Stutz Bearcat (both are pictured above). See a small clip of the two in action - CLICK HERE

Rob Collings piloted the Bleriot during our test flights. Naturally, he made it look easy. When I asked him what it was like he said "you have to use a lot of stick". Starting the Bleriot is another exciting thing to do and watch. The key is to spin the prop at the right point in the cylinder cycle. Whip-pull it hard and get out of the way! Nothing more to keep you on your toes- than the prospect of getting you fingers whacked by a wooden propeller. Here is a picture of our very own Ken Miles starting the Bleriot. "Magneto's on? Magneto's on. Ready...."

There will be prizes for folks who show up in period costume (1900's to 1940's) and will have the rare opportunity to participate in the events "races".

On Friday, August 16th the Collings Foundation will host a Pre-Event Party and Grand Tour. This is a unique opportunity hear about the history of these machines and get a close view of how they operate. Tickets are $50 per person. Fine finger food and refreshments will be served. To purchase tickets or have questions, please call the Foundation at 978.562.9182 or make your reservations on our web site by clicking here. Hours will be 6:00 PM to 9:00ish PM. Your participation helps us preserve these American treasures.

Here is the line-up:
Horse and Carriage Vs. 1905 Franklin Type A Roadster
Horse and Buggy Vs. 1908 Stanley Steamer Model F
Bleriot Type XI Flying Machine Vs. 1914 Stutz Bearcat
1937 Offy Sprint Racer Vs. 1942 PT-17 Stearman Bi-plane

We will also be offering flights in the PT-17 Stearman and T-6 Texan during the event. To reserve a flight or with questions please call 978.562.9182. For more information on the Race of the Century click here. We are in great need of volunteers to help us during the event. If you are interested in participating please call either Ken Miles or Hunter Chaney at 978.562.9182

What's for Dinner tonight?

August 5, 2008 - This Red Tailed Hawk was checking out the menu earlier this week. For a while it looked like Catbird was on the menu but didn't make it.

Tufts Summer Sunset Lecture Series
The Tufts Summer Sunset Lecture Series 2008 will present “Tick Talk” at TCSVM in North Grafton. Open to the public. For info, contact the Continuing Education Department at (508) 887-4723; vetCEinfo@tufts.edu or www.tufts.edu/vet/continedu

COUNTDOWN TO THE PERSEIDS:

The annual Perseid meteor shower peaks one week from today, on Tuesday, August 12th. The best time to look is during the dark hours before dawn on Tuesday morning when forecasters expect 50 to 100 meteors per hour. Get away from city lights if you can; plan a camping trip! The darker the sky, the more meteors you will see.

The source of the Perseids is Comet Swift-Tuttle, which has littered the August portion of Earth's orbit with space dust. The dusty zone is broad and Earth is already in its outskirts. As a result, even before the peak on August 12th, you may see some "early Perseids" streaking across the night sky. Photos of these early arrivals will be featured in the days ahead on http://Spaceweather.com as part of our full coverage of the Perseid meteor shower.

BONUS: Last Friday's total solar eclipse is history, but new pictures continue to appear in our photo gallery. Start browsing at this URL: http://spaceweather.com/eclipses/gallery_01aug08_page3.htm

CERT/MRC Team Training

August 5, 2008 - Assistants to the CERT/MRC Team Tony Rea and Sherri Lajeunesse discuss the radios in the Southborough CERT trailer. Members of the Southborough CERT/MRC team learned about radio frequencies, dispatching and protocol at last night's training program. Members also learned how to set up the CERT trailer when deployed. For more information on how to become a CERT (Citizen Emergency Response Team or MRC (Medical Reserve Corps) click Southborough Fire. CERT and MRC are always looking for more volunteers to be trained for emergencies locally and region-wide.

The Willows Summer Concert Series
The Willows at Westborough, 1 Lyman St., concludes its summer concert series at 7:15 p.m., August 6, with Quintessential Brass. Parking is available at Hasting School and donations will be accepted for local charities. For info, call (800) 464-4730. The Willows is located at Lyman Street and Route 30.

MBTA rolls through Southville

August 5, 2008 - An MBTA westbound commuter roars along the tracks to Worcester.

Making the Grade

August 4, 2008 - Big machines tear up and grade Mt. Vickery Road East earlier today. Several streets in town are getting makeovers and may cause commuter delays or detours.

Announcing

The Southborough Players

2008/2009 Board of Directors

Dear (Contact First Name),

The Southborough Players announce the results of the general Board of Directors election for the 2008-2009 season. Due to the special circumstances presented during the election process, the current board has taken the action to implement a one-time exception to the by-laws limiting the total number of board members.

For the 2008-2009 season we will be expanding the board to eight members to maximize the influx of new interest in helping us continue the tradition of local theater.

The following people have been elected to the board:

Rick Saunders President
Teri Shea Vice President
Mark Kujawski Secretary
Moira LaPointe Treasurer
Diane Birstein Member at Large
Steve Bonner Member at Large
Katie Broach Member at Large
Joanne Norris Member at Large

We would like to congratulate and welcome our new board and look forward to working with the new team to work quickly in order to ensure a successful new season for the Southborough Players.

The Current Southborough Players Board of Directors

Mark Kujawski President
Steve Bonner Vice President
Steve Sullivan Secretary
Rick Saunders Treasurer & Member At Large
Ivan Slovin Member At Large

Thank you for supporting the Southborough Players. We look forward to continuing the tradition of bringing live theater to Metrowest since 1969

Volunteers
Needed

Without your help we can not survive

Producer

The Producer is responsible for the overall production. The Producers works with the Production Staff, Directors and Board to insure a successful production (This is a paid position)

Production Staff

There are multiple options available on the Production Staff such as:

Stage Manager
Program Manager
Asst. Director
Light & Sound Dir
House Manager
Box Office Manager
Concession Manager

August 4, 2008 - Looking for that perfect home? Realty Executives Realtor Lorraine Estella could help you locate such a home. Her listings include at this time Condos, Condo Rental and single family homes. Her current single family home is on a cul de sac within walking distance to the MBTA Southborough station. The home is a decorator and gardeners dream and comes fully furnished. You may find her at her office at 205 Turnpike Road (next to Red Barn Coffee) or call her at 508-726 - 3809. Click her business card to the right and check out the beautiful home available. A Southborough News Advertiser.

Nearly ready

August 4, 2008 - This apple is will be ready in a few short weeks if the squirrels don't get it first.

Southborough meetings

August 4 - August 8, 2008

Meeting	Date	Time	Where
ADVISORY COMMITTEE	8/4	7:30 PM	Upper Hall Cordaville Hall
Historical Commission	8/4	7:00 PM	Historical Museum
Personnel Board	8/4	6:45 pm	Town Administrators office Town Hall
PLANNING BOARD Agenda	8/4	7:00 PM	Hearing room Townhouse
BOARD OF SELECTMEN Agenda	8/5	6:30 PM	Hearing Room Town House
Municipal Facilities	8/5	6:30 PM	Memorial Hall Southborough Fire
Recreation Commission	8/6	7:30 PM	Recreation Office, Highland Street
Recycling Committee	8/7	7:30 PM	DPW Office Cordaville Road

Southborough Public Library

Game Day drop-in

10-5

Open Crafts

10-5

2:00 Pumpernickel Puppets- 3 Billy Goats Gruff & Lion and the Mouse

11:00 Music and Mother Goose 0-3

7:00 PJ Story Time

Hot Air Balloon Festival

The Hudson Elks Club, in association with the Hudson Public Library, will host the annual hot air balloon festival at 99 Park St., Hudson. Also Aug. 10. On Saturday and Sunday morning, the balloons are scheduled to ascend at 6 a.m., weather permitting. Also on Saturday afternoon, some of the balloons will offer tethered rides to the public, and there will be a “balloon glow” on the field at dusk. The field will reopen at 2 p.m. for an afternoon of festivities for the entire family.

Senior Center Schedule

Monday 4	Tuesday 5	Wednesday 6	Thursday 7	Friday 8
8:30 Health Clinic			8:30 Health Clinic
			9:30 Mah Jongg
9:30 Cribbage		11:00 chair exercise colonial gardens	10:00 Origami - Colonial Gardens	12:00 PM lunch
12:00 Lunch	12:00 PM Lunch
12:30 Spanish	12:30 Pitch	12:00 PM lunch	12:00 PM Lunch
	1:00 PM Bridge		12:30 PM Pitch
2:00 Fitness	4:00 Summer BBQ	2:00 Fitness	1:00 PM bridge

Looking for that Pot of Gold

August 3, 2008 - After several thunderstorms rolled through town today, Southborough was treated to awesome views of rainbows that held together for quite some time. One reader sent in a photo of the end of the rainbow touching the ground.

Road Work Ahead

August 3, 2008 - Notice: Paving on Gilmore Road, Atwood Street, Mt. Vickery Road, Johnson Road and Orchard Road begins August 4, 2008. Expect detours and delays. Water main replacement on Parkerville Road (south side). Works starts at Fairview Drive and will head south to Fox Hill Drive. Possible intermittent water interruptions in the area. Sections of Parkerville Road will be closed weekdays during construction until August 22nd. Please use alternate routes.

Massachusetts Nursing Association Endorses Hopkinton Resident Ed Mills running for State Representative

The state’s largest nursing union has endorsed Democratic candidate, Ed Mills of Hopkinton, for the open state representative seat in the Eighth Middlesex due to the retirement of Rep Paul Loscocco. (District represents Hopkinton, Holliston and parts of Medway, Westborough and two precincts in Southborough)

Ed meets with local Hopkinton MNA member, Beth Kern, in front of Hopkinton High School who is seen here congratulating Ed on receiving the MNA endorsement.

Beth Piknick, the president of the Massachusetts Nursing Association, announced the endorsement in a statement released this morning.

“ Ed Mills has shown a strong commitment to ensuring that the citizens of Massachusetts have access to, and receive safe and affordable healthcare which is of the utmost importance to the nurses of Massachusetts” said Piknick in the statement. Ed Mills understands the vital role that nurses play in today's health care system and he is committed to ensuring that legislation is passed to protect all patients in our hospitals by setting a safe limit on the number of patients a nurse can care for at one time."

Thank you to the Highway Department

August 3, 2008 - DPW workers enjoy dinner given to them for assisting with the development of the Bocce Court at the Southborough Senior Center.

Southborough Blood Drive

An American Red Cross blood drive will run from 1-7 p.m. at St. Anne Church, 20 Boston Post Rd. (Route 30), Southborough. Appointments preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. All donors will receive a Red Sox T-shirt and be entered into a Red Sox ticket raffle. For info or an appointment, call (800) 448-3543.

St. Matthew's Annual Golf Tournament

Monday September 8, 2008

Save the Date! The outing will be held at Framingham Country Club, Our outing is the main program for the high school seniors scholarship program from St. Matthew Parish. You can help us in a number of ways. You can organize a foursome, sponsor a hole or tee, or donate a gift for the raffle. Please call the Parish Office for a registration form, or if you can help out that day. Thanks for your support.

Governor Patrick Signs Bill Giving Consumers a Sales Tax Holiday

BOSTON – Wednesday, July 30, 2008 – Governor Deval Patrick today signed legislation granting shoppers a tax-free weekend this August. It is the fifth year in a row certain purchases will be exempt from the 5 percent Massachusetts sales tax.

The 2-day summer sales tax holiday is effective August 16th and 17th, 2008 and applies to items costing $2,500 or less.

“I am glad we can provide people with this small break in time for back-to-school purchases,” Governor Patrick said. “We hope it stimulates all sorts of sales activity during what is otherwise a slow time of year.”

“This law is good news for buyers and sellers alike, giving a break to consumers when they really need it and a shot in the arm to retailers during the traditionally slow sales period. For the fifth consecutive year, the summer sales tax holiday will boost sales for retailers and deliver discounts to consumers,” said House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi (D-Boston).

“It’s important to be consistent and preserve our trust with taxpayers by providing another sales tax holiday this year,” Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said. “A sales-tax-free weekend will be welcomed more than ever in this tough economy, especially with the high prices of food and fuel. The relatively small sacrifice in state revenue is worthwhile when you consider the positive impact on consumer confidence and taxpayers’ wallets.”

As in previous years, sales of telecommunications services, tobacco products, gas, steam, electricity, motor vehicles, motorboats, meals and items priced over $2,500 are exempt from the holiday and remain subject to the sales tax.

Massachusetts joins more than a dozen states in granting a sales tax holiday this year, according to the Federation of Tax Administrators.

"The sales tax holiday weekend is a highly effective way to stimulate economic activity and couldn’t come at a better time for the retailing community,” said Jon Hurst, President of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts. “We are grateful to Governor Patrick, Speaker DiMasi, Senate President Murray, and the members of the legislature for their leadership and support for retailers across the Commonwealth.”