Ed Mills talked with commuters and conductors at the Southborough station this week while campaigning for the state representative job in the Eighth Middlesex. Ed supports investing in public transportation. It is good economic and environmental policy. He is advocating for more trains along the Worcester line serving the five towns of his district and introducing more reverse commuter schedules. As a daily automobile commuter into Boston to his small business, he sees the effect on his family’s budget. As he has knocked on over 4,000 doors this summer, asking the voters for their support, he knows that doing something about these priorities is key to serving the voters of the Eighth Middlesex.

New Program at the Food Pantry

As the times get tougher, more and more families are going to the local food pantry located at Pilgrim Church. Barbara Jandrue who manages the food pantry in Southborough says they are always in need of canned food, cereals, crackers, backpack snacks, paper products, cleaning supplies and will accept financial donations. But now there is a new need. Many of you have probably read about how the mortgage crisis and economy are making more and more families drop off their beloved pets to animal shelters because they can’t afford to feed them. Southborough Police Officer Meredith Lobur has offered to help the Southborough Food Pantry by asking for donations to help families feed their pets. Donations can be dropped off at the Southborough Police Station or you can call Officer Lobur at the Southborough Police business line 508- 485 - 2147 and she will make arrangements to pick up the donations. Donated items can be unopened bags of dry pet food, canned pet food and unopened treats or you may want to consider a cash donation for the purchase of pet food supplies. At the present time there is no storage area at the Pilgrim Church closet that acts as the food pantry, Officer Lobur has offered to pickup, store and deliver the pet food for the food pantry. If you can help it would be much appreciated. Thank you.

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Sierra Club announces their endorsement of Carolyn Dykema for the 8^th Middlesex seat in the MA House of Representatives. After conducting extensive independent research, and asking candidates to fill out questionnaires and interview with Sierra Club staff, the Sierra Club has endorsed Carolyn Dykema as the candidate who will further the work of protecting the environment, support better transportation options, reduce global warming emissions, and help push Massachusetts forward into the new “Green” economy.

“As the combined threats of global warming and a tightening economy meet with opportunities for economic growth through environmentally friendly opportunities Carolyn offers true leadership,” said Phil Sego, Chair of the MA Sierra Club Political Committee. “All studies show we do not enjoy the luxury of time – Carolyn recognizes this and wants to act appropriately.”

“The Sierra Club looks forward to working with Carolyn in the coming months and years to focus on environmental issues, reducing our reliance on oil through conservation and other measures, improving our air and water quality, and other issues that affect the quality of life and health of residents."

“I believe that protecting our natural environment is the most precious and important legacy that we can leave to our children,” said Dykema. “The Massachusetts Sierra Club has been a leading voice on environmental issues, and I am so honored to have their endorsement.”

The Sierra Club, noted for their high-profile national positions, is also deeply rooted in local, regional, and statewide issues. Their endorsement process includes in-depth research and careful analysis of a questionnaire designed specifically to address local environmental issues. The Club’s endorsement is then communicated to its members, which currently number greater than 21,000 statewide.

SOUTHBOROUGH – Steven Levy, State Senate candidate for the Middlesex & Worcester District, joined local seniors and other candidates in Southborough on Wednesday for a candidates luncheon sponsored by the Southborough Senior Center. Levy took the opportunity to discuss his campaign and seniors’ concerns about the local economy, energy prices and state spending.

”What I continue to hear as I go door-to-door across the district is what I’ve heard this morning from you and other members of the senior community here in Southborough, and that is our legislature is out of touch” Levy said to several seniors while discussing state government.

As the past President and Treasurer of the Friends of Marlborough Seniors, and a two-term City Councilor, Mr. Levy drew upon his experience of working with seniors to discuss their concerns. “We need real solutions to the problem of rising property taxes,” said Mr. Levy. “For too long our state has failed our cities and towns when it comes to restoring local aid and many people on fixed incomes, like our seniors, are being forced from their homes because of Beacon Hill’s indifference.”

Levy talked about the work he has done in Marlborough to eliminate wasteful spending and control taxes, the passage of a local law he initiated to protect children and seniors from sex offenders, his efforts to freeze property taxes for Marlborough seniors, and some of his plans when he is elected Senator. “As your State Senator I will work to provide property tax relief to our seniors and file legislation to expand the Senior Circuit Breaker credit for home heating costs,” he told the group.

“Over the years I’ve had the great opportunity to serve our local seniors in Marlborough,” said Levy. “I know their concerns, just as I know the concerns of the people across this district. I’ve learned first hand from going door-to-door in towns like Southborough and Hudson just what the people want from their State Senator, and I’m prepared to deliver for them if elected in November.”

The Middlesex & Worcester District includes Acton, Ayer, Boxborough, Harvard, Hudson, Littleton, Marlborough, Maynard, Shirley, Southborough, Stow, Westborough, and parts of Northborough and Sudbury.

“Building for the Future”

Algonquin Regional High School

79 Bartlett Street, Northborough, Massachusetts

Grand Opening

You are invited to attend

An Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

of the

Addition and Renovation

to

Algonquin Regional High School

on

Thursday, September 4, 2008

from

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Other events: guided tours, showcase of student work,

department highlights and refreshments

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Ready Campaign (www.ready.gov) is sponsoring the fifth annual National Preparedness Month (NPM) in September with support from more than 2,700 NPM coalition members, the largest amount to date.  NPM coalition members, consisting of national, regional, state, and local organizations, will combine efforts throughout the month of September to encourage all Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies before they happen.

“National Preparedness Month is an important reminder about each American’s civic responsibility to prepare for emergencies,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “Those with the capacity and wherewithal to help themselves must do so in advance, so that in the event of an emergency, responders can first assist those who are unable to tend to themselves. From wildfires and earthquakes in California, to hurricanes and tropical storms along the Gulf Coast, to flooding in the Midwest, recent events remind us more than ever that we must prepare ourselves and our families for a disaster.  This is the time, each year, when every American should ask the question, ‘Am I ready?’” 

The Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps ( www.citizencorps.gov  ) are encouraging individuals across the nation to take important preparedness steps that will greatly improve their ability to survive and recover from all types of emergencies, whether natural or man-made.  These steps include getting an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan, becoming informed about the different emergencies that may affect them, and getting involved in community preparedness and response efforts.

NPM coalition members are encouraging Americans to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities by hosting events such as seminars, fairs, community outreach events, workshops, webinars, and trainings.  For a complete list of events, please visit www.ready.gov

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joseph I. Lieberman and Ranking Member Susan M. Collins, along with House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson and Ranking Member Peter T. King, will serve as honorary Congressional Co-Chairs of NPM 2008. They will lead the effort to increase public awareness about the importance of emergency preparedness on Capitol Hill and throughout the country.

For more information on the Ready Campaign and NPM, please visit www.ready.gov  or www.listo.gov  Individuals can also call 1-800-BE-READY or 1-888-SE-LISTO for more emergency preparedness information. 

February 2008 marked the Ready Campaign’s fifth year at the Department of Homeland Security. Launched in 2003 in partnership with The Advertising Council, Ready is designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. It has proven to be one of the most successful campaigns in Ad Council's more than 65-year history. Since its launch, the campaign has generated more than $756.5 million in donated media support. Individuals interested in more information about family, business and community preparedness can visit www.ready.gov.

For more information locally check www.southboroughfire.org and www.southboroughanimaldisasterpreparedness.org

St. Bernadette School and Parish $10,000 Mega Cash Raffle

It's time to buy your ticket for the St. Bernadette School and Parish $10,000 Mega Cash Raffle. Tickets are on sale for a limited time only and time is running out. Tickets can be purchased now through Saturday Sept. 6 only. Winners will be announced at 9 PM on Sept. 6th during the St. Bernadette Community Festival at 266 Main St. in Northborough. You need not be present to win. To purchase tickets in advance call 508-393-2838, email stbernadetteparish@charter.net, or visit: http://www.stb-parish.org to print a ticket order form. Advance tickets can also be purchased at select local businesses including: O'Driscoll's Butchery, Horseshoe Pub, Country Liquors, Bacon's Wine & Spirits, Lowe's Deli, and Pantry Gourment.

No more than 400 tickets will be sold, which means each entry has at least a 1 in 400 chance of winning the $10,000 grand prize. Other winners will receive: 2nd Prize: $1,500; 3rd Prize: $500; 4th Prize: $500. Tickets are $100 each.

This is part of an important school and parish community fundraiser. All proceeds benefit parish and school programs including financial aid, academics, athletics, and the arts.

For more information regarding this email, please feel free to email me at silva-albert@comcast.net or call 508-485-0105. Thank you in advance for your assistance in this most important school and parish community fundraiser!

Marlborough City Council President, Arthur G. Vigeant, candidate for State Representative for the 4^th Middlesex District, announced today that he has received the endorsement of Marlborough Mayor Nancy E. Stevens and several of his City Council colleagues in his bid to replace former Representative Stephen LeDuc who resigned his seat several months ago. On Monday, August 18, Mayor Stevens and fellow City Councilors Joe Delano, Paul Ferro, Scott Schafer, Rob Seymour, Steve Levy, Trisha Pope and Mike Ossing joined Arthur for a photo opportunity endorsing his run for the now vacant seat in the Massachusetts Legislature for the 4^th Middlesex District.

Of Vigeant’s bid for office, Mayor Stevens said, “No one is more dedicated, committed and knowledgeable of our community than Arthur Vigeant. His passion for our City is unsurpassed. I look forward as Mayor having Arthur represent this City on Beacon Hill.”

Vigeant acknowledged the enthusiastic support from Marlborough’s Mayor, “It is certainly an honor to receive the Mayor’s support. I have worked with Mayor Stevens for many years in her roles on the School Committee, City Council and now as Mayor. There has always been a cooperative spirit between us, even when we had opposing views. To receive the Mayor’s official endorsement for this state race illustrates for the voters of Marlborough and the entire district that she is confident that I am the best candidate for this position given our accomplishments together over the years. Success in the City’s plan of government is directly related to the cooperation between the Mayor and City Council. Without that cooperation – which must be reciprocal – nothing much gets accomplished. Being a long sitting member of the City Council, I have seen it both ways. The City benefits when officials from both sides of the political spectrum work together for what is best for their constituents, leaving politics behind.”

Vigeant had these words to say in regard to the overwhelming support of City Councilors. “As far as getting the show of support from my fellow councilors, words can hardly explain how proud I am that they support my bid for state office. In political office, you meet and work with many people. I have been lucky in getting to know so many fine and talented men and women over the fifteen years that I have served as Marlborough City Councilor-at-Large. I am thrilled today that seven of my colleagues have been able to support my candidacy. I understand, however, that due to party affiliations, other councilors have decided not to publicly support me. In the end, it feels so much better when people you work with week after week and, in some cases, year after year, can step up to the plate and support your efforts. For this, I will be forever grateful.”

Having the support of Mayor Nancy Stevens and seven sitting City Councilors in Marlborough’s municipal government – crossing party lines – shows the kind of cooperation Arthur Vigeant has encouraged and will continue to encourage at the State House.

Ed Mills, a Democratic candidate for state representative in the Eighth Middlesex District, received the endorsement of Worcester Sheriff Guy W. Glodis. "Ed Mills will be a prolific advocate for public safety," Glodis said.

Ed is the son of a Boston police officer. During Ed’s early career, he served as a corrections officer for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts after completing training classes at the Massachusetts State Police Academy. Afterwards, Ed’s family founded a private fingerprinting company. Ed Mills is considered an FBI credentialed fingerprinter.

Ed Mills will fight for the resources for each town’s police department to keep the towns safe and clean. In particular, he will find creative strategies to fund the staffs’ necessary long-term training needs for community policing and homeland security.