The 2012 Grafton Farmers' Market season got off to a great start Thursday afternoon, with hundreds of residents from in and around Grafton, including Northborough, swinging by the Common to pick up fresh vegetables, meat, wine, and more.
The Farmers' Market will run 2-6:30 p.m. (or dusk) every Thursday on the Town Common.
Information submitted by Melissa Threadgill, communications director, office of Senator Jamie Eldridge
State Senator Jamie Eldridge announced on Friday that the final conference committee budget, voted on Thursday by the Senate, included funding for two innovative anti-poverty programs Eldridge has championed.
“Financial instability is a way of life for a large and growing number of Massachusetts families," said Sen. Eldridge, "and many more are just one lost job or serious health problem away from falling into poverty. We need to do more to help families who are struggling get on their feet. Research shows us that helping families develop assets—such as savings, a house or a car, or education – and teaching financial literacy skills are two of the most effective ways of helping families get and stay out of poverty. I’m pleased that the final budget includes support for these two important programs that will help more low-income Massachusetts families become financially stable."
The final budget includes $50,000 to fund the Massachusetts Individual Development Account (IDA) program, a competitive grant program that supports financial literacy training and asset development programs in communities throughout the state. The program also supports matched savings programs, which help low and moderate wage earners move towards economic self sufficiency. They may use these IDA savings for one of three goals: to purchase their first home, to receive post secondary education or training, or to start or expand a small business. Eldridge first passed legislation in 2006 forming the IDA program, although it has not received funding in recent years due to budget cuts.
“Matched savings programs such as the Massachusetts IDA have proven to be one of the best programs to help families increase personal savings, help build financial skills, and invest in important assets," said Margaret Miley of Acton, executive director of the MIDAS Collaborative. "This program combines incentives, financial education, and access to homes, entrepreneurship, and college. Now that’s responsible economic policy! Senator Eldridge understands that economic recovery has to happen at all income levels, with innovative strategies. He really has the long view on this and we’re proud to work with him."
The budget also includes $250,000 to support the creation of a three-year pilot program to help develop financial education classes for high school students to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to enable them to make critical decisions regarding personal finances. Sen. Eldridge and Sen. Barry Finegold, D-Lawrence, had originally sponsored legislation to require that personal financial literacy be taught at all schools in the Commonwealth, and Eldridge hopes to see the programs developed in this pilot eventually expanded to all schools in the state.
“Today’s youth are bombarded with a multitude of financial options and responsibilities at an increasingly young age, yet many are ill-equipped to make informed decisions about financial matters," said Sen. Eldridge. "By teaching children the financial education basics in school, we will help them make educated financial decisions in the future, preventing future bankruptcies, foreclosures, and unmanageable debt. I’m pleased to see this pilot program move forward and look forward to the day we can extend it to every school in the Commonwealth."
The conference committee budget now goes to Governor Patrick for his signature before it becomes law.
If you lie about your age or weight, or height, is that the same as lying about earning a Silver Star or a Purple Heart? The nation's highest court said this week it's the same, and protected as free speech.
The U.S. Supreme Court, in a split decision, overturned a California law that criminalized lying about military decorations, saying that the act was an unconstitutional infringement on free speech, according to a report in The New York Times.
The decision essentially says that a lie is protected speech, whether it's about war credentials or personal features.
The case arose from the prosecution of a man who said in a public meeting that he had received the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award, after being wounded in combat. The statements were lies, his attorney conceded, but protected as free speech.
The trial court disagreed, saying he knew the statements to be lies. An appeals court overturned that decision, saying it was criminalizing any lie. The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday agreed, overturning the "Stolen Valor Act," finding to do otherwise would have a chilling effect on public speech.
Do you agree? Vote in our poll and share your opinion in the comments.
Two bats, a box, and a bathroom.
A Shrewsbury woman called police just after midnight Tuesday, reporting she had two bats trapped in her bathroom. The animal control officer came to help the next morning, but then the bats came back. Hours later, the resident called again, saying that she had two bats in boxes. By the time the animal control officer arrived, the bats had somehow gotten out of the boxes and left the house.
Perhaps they were expecting a less-than-friendly departure?
A manager at Friendly's in Milford asked for police assistance Friday night. They wanted an officer to stand by while they "let someone go."
Targeting Target twice. In two towns.
Everyone has a place they can't stay away from: for me, it's pretty much anywhere that sells frozen yogurt. This man, however, has a preference for Target: robbing Target, that is. The man is charged with trying to rob Target in Marlborough and Target in Westborough, a week apart.
Power tool usage is frowned upon late at night.
In a previous OMG PD column, we told you of the person whose neighbor twice complained to police about him mowing the lawn at an unreasonable hour. In Northborough this week, a resident called police to report a neighbor was using power tools at 10:40 p.m.
Incidents, Friday, June 29
2:15 p.m.: Injured fox on the roadside on Whitney Street
5:39 p.m.: Caller reports dog running in the roadway, West Main Street. Animal control contacted and the dog is transported to the station for pick-up.
8:16 p.m.: Call of possible injured fox in the area of Hudson Street
Incidents, Saturday, June 30
3:48 a.m.: Caller reports kids behind the school, Jefferson Road
6:50 a.m.: Single car MVA on Southwest Cutoff with no injuries
Incidents, Saturday, June 30
3:28 p.m.: Medical call on Kristyn Drive
4:38 p.m.: Medical call on Blake Street
5:34 p.m.: CPR performed on male down on Southwest Cutoff
7:44 p.m.: Two-car minor MVA on Southwest Cutoff
9:50 p.m.: Husband and wife verbally arguing, Ruth Road. Husband leaving for the evening.
9:55 p.m. Loud party going on on Howard Street. Berlin police notified for assistance
Incidents, Sunday, July 1
3:42 a.m.: Caller reports possible altercation at a party, Reservoir Street
Submitted by the Massachusetts State Police
On Sunday at 12:17 p.m., an apparent road rage incident on Route 495 northbound in Merrimac, MA, resulted in a 16-year-old female being shot one time in the upper arm.
Troopers from the State Police Barracks in Newbury responded to the area and are currently securing a number of areas as potential crime scenes. Troopers from the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit for Essex County, Crime Scene Services Section, and Ballistics Section are assisting with the investigation.
Troopers continue to search for the suspect vehicle described as a white, Honda Accord with tinted windows, bearing a red, white, and blue registration plate, with a white female operator who was wearing sunglasses. The passenger in that vehicle is alleged to have fired the round that struck the victim. He is described as a light skinned African-American or Hispanic male with short hair, wearing gray t-shirt sunglasses.
The victim was taken to Anna Jacques Hospital in Newburyport with injuries reported as non-life threatening. The other occupants of the vehicle reported this as a road rage incident. The 16-year-old female victim is from Maine.
Troopers have responded to the hospital and are interviewing potential
witnesses to this shooting.
State Police are asking for the public’s help in this matter. Traffic at the time of the shooting was heavy and there may be other witnesses to this crime who have not yet been identified. If anyone has any information regarding this incident they are asked to please call the State Police Barracks in Newbury at 978-462-7478.
No further information is available at this time. This is a swiftly developing situation and there
will be further advisories as the information becomes available. Members of the media are asked
not call the barracks directly.
Our morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.
1. The Open Space Committee meets tonight, and its agenda includes a discussion of Indian Meadows, the Green Street trail development and the regional park/four boroughs proposal.
2. Dawn Giovannucci, owner of Diamond in the Ruff, is one of our regular bloggers — and a good one at that. Her latest delves into the popular idea of shaving your doggie for the summer. Is it really a good idea?
3. It's hot. Keep in mind that the Splash Pad is open right in town. And you've got a great resource here in our Beach Guide.
4. It's Made in the USA Day, according to brownielocks.com, but on the other hand, it's World UFO Day, too. So buy something local, but look out for spaceships.
5. There's a brand-new yoga studio open in Northborough that people are just itching to try out.
Jasson Ramos, 29, of 17 Queen St., R1, Worcester, was arrested June 23 by Massachusetts State Police and charged with operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, subsequent offense; miscellaneous motor vehicle equipment violation; and failure to wear a seatbelt. The charges stem from an incident in Northborough. A pretrial hearing was scheduled for July 25.
Matthew L. Gamache, 24, 33 Hillcrest Lane, Fitchburg, was summonsed to Westborough District Court when Northborough police filled out a complaint June 28 on charges of larceny under $250. The case was dismissed prior to arraignment, and court costs of $50 and $40 were paid.
Using criteria of safety, style and reliability, AAA Auto Buying experts report these cars as tops for teens:
All great choices. But, really, does anything top YOUR first car? Tell us about it! Post a picture of your first car. And do you remember where you went the first time took the car for a ride with your new drivers license?
Incidents, Sunday, July 1
8:56 a.m.: Report of a child's bike left on the side of the road on Maple Street
10:25 a.m.: Report of property found on the side of the road on West Main Street
1:02 p.m.: Resident of Northgate Road in the lobby to report threats received by cell phone
2:12 p.m.: Resident reports an injured fox in her backyard, Carruth Road
3:50 p.m.: Resident states that two people on property at Shady Lane Ave. are refusing to leave until they get their personal property
7:48 p.m.: Revoked insurance, Church Street
7:57 p.m.: Arching wires, Howard Street
8:14 p.m.: Sons verbally arguing and pushing their mother, Pleasant Street
9:12 p.m.: Resident of Indian Meadow Drive states that people are shooting off fireworks and would like them advised
11:39 p.m.: One in custody for OUI on Main Street
Arrests:
July 2, 12 a.m.: Albert N. Obudal, 49, 50 Derby St., Worcester, arrested and charged with marked lanes violation, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, OUI, lights violation
So, you think you know Northborough's restaurants well? Well enough where you can guess where the food came from just by a picture?
OK, then let's play.
This week, we're looking at a ham sandwich on some fresh bread.
Include your guess in the comment section. Northborough Patch will reveal the answer by Friday.
Everyone who guesses correctly gets his or her name thrown in to a hat. The name that is picked gets a Patch water bottle. And these bottles are pretty snazzy.
Let's play!
Carlene DiDonato, who lives within view of the Whitney Street Bridge, says the new bridge was supposed to be installed in February. It was completed today.
"I like the rusted look with the wood inside," she said. "It suits the rustic setting near the water."
Our morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.
1. Need to know information about the Otis Street Sewer Project? It's all right here on the town's website.
2. Think you know the food around here so well that you can tell where a sandwich is from just by a picture? Try it, hot shot! Click here and guess away.
3. Our Readers' Choice nomination period is still going. Vote for all your faves. Today, we're concentrating on the best nail salon in town.
4. The Rotary Club meets every tuesday at lunchtime at Romaine's. You are welcome to join. Find out all about it.
5. Visit our updated list to find out what's open, and what's closed, on the 4th of July.
The House and Senate last Wednesday authorized $200 million in funds for the upcoming fiscal year for the Commonwealth's roads and bridges. Chapter 90 funding aids cities and towns in money for infrastructure repair and other public works-related costs.
As with school costs, the amount allocated in federal funding affects greatly the fiscal budget for the town; until the state funding is announced, the administration can only hope to predict incoming sources of state funding.
Usually, Chapter 90 allocation is announced much ealier, allowing for towns to accurately balance the amounts into its upcoming fiscal budget.
In FY2012, Northborough received $469,731 in Chapter 90 funds. Since the state funded it at the same level for FY2013, Town Administrator John Coderre anticipates receiving a comparable amount, since "the formula hasn't changed."
In March of 2012, Northborough, as it has for the past five years, submitted a legislative priorities letter to the appropriate representatives, and followed up the letter with a discussion at a Board of Selectmen meeting. Its top priority this year was Chapter 90 funds.
"Reauthorization of the Chapter 90 program is critical to fund the repair and maintenance of the local roads and bridges," reads the letter. "The state funds this program by issuing bonds and notifying each community of its Chapter 90 Allocation by April 1 of each year. The April 1 notification date is essential because communities need time to plan and make maximum use of the funds during the fall construction season. In the past, late notification led to unnecessary and costly delays in projects."
The priority letter also called for an increase to $300 million per year in funds.
On June 7, the Worcester County Highway Association, which includes DPW directors, highway superintendents, town engineers and vendors, issued a letter to Senate Chairman Thomas M. McGee and House Chairman William M. Straus conveying the urgency of the Chapter 90 allocation. Dan Nason, the DPW director for Northborough, was one of the authors of the letter.
"While we understand you are working to resolve differences between the house and the senate versions of the bill," reads the letter, "we are compelled to inform you that the construction seasion continues to melt away. We find ourselves unable to get going with essential maintenence and repair of roadways."
This year, while it is requested to receive notification by April 1, the Patrick-Murray Administration announced its Chapter 90 allocation on June 27.
"While we are glad the funds were finally released," said Coderre, "we are extremely disappointed that the funding was held up way past the legislative mandate of April 1. Any time the legislature fails to do its job in a timely fashion, there are ripple effects that negatively impact our ability to effectively plan and execute our work."
Looking for what's allowed to be open and what will be closed this holiday weekend? Here's a partial list to help you out:
We also asked on Twitter and Facebook for Northborough stores that will be open on Wednesday, July 4. Here's our list—if you know of a store that's open on the 4th of July, help out your neighbors by adding it to the comments section below!
Open in Northborough
Closed in Northborough
Visit for updates
Incidents, Monday, July 2
10:29 a.m.: Medical call on Forbes Road
11:37 a.m.: Medical call on West Main Street
3:27 p.m.: Report of shoplifter in Kohl's on Shops Way
4:31 p.m.: Vehicle off the road on Green Street. Driver given a civil citation for stop sign violation on Ball Street to Green Street
6:20 p.m. Car towed on Otis Street. Driver issued criminal complaint for unlicensed operation, no license and speeding
6:56 p.m.: Two car MVA on Southwest Cutoff
Incidents, Tuesday, July 3
1:23 a.m.: Caller reports hearing knocking at the door, Avalon Drive.
5:51 a.m.: Caller reports skunk with a yogurt container on its head running in circles in the roadway, Howard Street. Advised that the animal is deceased, and DPW is notified to remove.
6:24 a.m.: Caller reports some house windows on South Street shot with a BB gun
"Those rapscallions! They're out on my lawn again, lighting fireworks. Call the cops."
It's summertime, and the kids are out of school. People are out of their homes. Everyone's feeling feisty. Some start acting up. The cops know this, and the types of calls they recieve shift a little in the summer months.
Crime statistics go up during the summer. According to Northborough Police Chief Mark Leahy, the department gets many more calls for noise complaints, disorderly conduct, loud parties and underage drinking during the warm season.
"Those are the main culprits," he said.
This weekend, Leahy said, the police successfully thwarted an underage drinking party that had the potential of up to 350 kids. With some excellent intelligence work by detectives, it was uncovered before it even occurred.
Calls for loud teens, speeding, drinking and loudness escalate during the summer.
And reports of fireworks are plenty, especially on and around the 4th of July. Leahy reminds people that fireworks could bring about an arrest, confiscation of the fireworks and a penalty of not more than one year in the House of Correction. The fines can get up to $1,000.
Typically, he said, possessing fireworks carries a fine between $10 and $100.
And it also affects the fire department's work.
"Did you know that the six busiest days of the year for fires in Massachusetts is the period between July 2 and July 7?" said Leahy. "Only four states still ban fireworks. Obviously we are one of them. When looking at emergency room visits from fireworks per 100,000, the national average is three to five times higher than Massachusetts. An average of 8,600 people seek emergency room treatment for fireworks related injuries each year; 40% are children under the age of 15."
Water-related accidents are few and far between in Northborough, said Leahy, but he stresses the importance of swimming safety.
"If you own a pool and plan to host a party," said Leahy, "extra vigilance is required as you never know the swimming skill level (or lack thereof) of your guests.
Leahy cannot recall a boating accident in town, as Northborough doesn't allow JetSkis or anything bigger than a small electric trolling motor for fishing. For canoes, kayaks and rowboats, lifejackets are a must.
"We will strictly enforce drunk driving laws, underage drinking parties and house parties that disturb their neighbors," said Leahy, "Be safe, considerate and enjoy the holiday!"
Submitted by Ariana Shuris, public relations specialist, SALMON Health and Retirement
State Rep. Harold Naughton addressed residents at Beaumont and Whitney Place at Northborough, where a special flag was raised in honor of July 4th. More than 50 Whitney Place and Beaumont Residents gathered, including many veterans who were acknowledged individually during the event.
The flag had previously flown over Camp Phoenix Kabul, Afghanistan, on the tenth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, and was, as stated on the accompanying certificate signed by Brigadier General John Hammond “in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, while continuing our effort to protect the population, connect the people to the government and affect sustainable development to protect and improve the lives of the Afghan population.”
SALMON Health and Retirement is privileged to have received this unique honor and to have the opportunity to share the flag with their residents and clients on their Northborough campus, and on their other campuses in Natick, Northborough, Northbridge and Worcester in future.