Region – Today is the anniversary of the worst nuclear power accident in U.S. history – Three Mile Island. The plant was built on a sandbar in the Susquehanna River, just ten miles away from the Pennsylvania state capital of Harrisburg. By the time the crisis was over several days later, 140,000 residents had evacuated the area as a precaution. Local and state officials, as well as the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) came under harsh criticism for their mismanagement of the crisis and in particular for allowing the release of 40,000 gallons of radioactive waste water directly in the river.
Another type of catastrophe occurred on this day in 1964. One of the ten largest earthquakes in the world since 1900 struck Prince William Sound, Alaska. The quake, which measured 9.2 on the Richter Scale, and the ensuing tsunami, were responsible for the loss of 128 lives and approximately $311 million in property damage.
Happy birthday today to singer Reba McEntire (1955), Olympic gold medalist gymnast Bart Conner (1958), and actor Vince Vaughn (1970).
Here are six tips for the day –
1. Recently we told you about a great program in Marlborough that helped girls in that area who couldn's afford prom dresses. “No girl left behind” is another terrific organization that helps girls in the Shrewsbury/Worcester area that does that as well.
http://schools.shrewsbury-ma.gov/egov/docs/1331573090_739257.jpg
2. The Southborough Genealogy Club meets tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at the Southborough Library.
http://communityadvocate.com/2012/03/02/southborough-genealogy-club-meets-2/
3. Here's information on what should be a great night out and benefit for the Shrewsbury Education Foundation, Thursday, March 29.
http://communityadvocate.com/2012/02/09/boylston-ladies-night-out-to-benefit-sef/
4. On Friday, March 30 the Marlborough School district will be opening its annual art show.
The art will be on display for two weeks at the Whitcomb Middle School; more details can be found here –
http://communityadvocate.com/2012/02/17/marlborough-district-art-show-display-begins/
5. Meals on Wheels is a wonderful program that provides a valuable service for senior citizens who can's, for whatever reason, get a daily hot lunch. Volunteers are always needed – check here for more information on how to help in Hudson, Marlborough and Northborough.
http://communityadvocate.com/2011/09/29/region-meals-on-wheels-volunteers-needed/
6. Sometimes you need help to deal with a serious medical, emotional or mental issue; sometimes you just need some short-term help to get you through a rough patch. If you live in Westborough, the Westborough Youth and Family Services can provide help and support. Check out its website
http://www.town.westborough.ma.us/Public_Documents/WestboroughMA_Youth/index
