By Bonnie Adams, Government Editor
Region –Today is Friday, May 18, the 139th day of 2012.
On this day in 1980, Mount St. Helens in Washington erupted. 57 people were killed from the ensuing volcanic ash and the resulting avalanche, mostly because they had refused to seek shelter. Ashes spread as far Minnesota, 14 miles of nearby river was buried up to 150 feet in debris, and millions of trees were burned. Astounding, the mountain went from 9,600 feet high to 8,300 feet in just a matter of seconds.
On this day in 2004, Arizona Diamonds pitcher Randy Johnson (aka the “Big Unit”) became, at age 40, the oldest player in major league baseball to throw a perfect game. Thanks to Johnson, the Diamonds beat the Atlanta Braves that day, 2-0.
Today's birthdays include – actress Tina Fey (1970), country superstar George Strait (1952), baseball superstar Reggie Jackson (1946), and the late Pope John Paul II (1920).
Here are six tips for the day –
1. If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend, be sure to check out our truly amazing calendar section first. We have the most complete listing of “what to do” and “what's going on,” bar none!
http://communityadvocate.com/?category_name=events&eventDisplay=upcoming
2. Kids, books, and dogs are a great combination! Northborough parents should definitely check out this program at the Northborough Free Library Monday, May 21. (Please note –reservations are required.)
http://communityadvocate.com/2012/05/04/northborough-reading-to-dogs-at-free-library/
3. Local historian Glenn Parker will present a talk on a subject that has both a fascinating and somewhat controversial past – the Westborough Lyman School for Boys. Parker will be at the Westborough Public Library on Monday, May 21.
4. Did you ever look at your lawn or garden beds and wonder, “could I eat that?” John Root will be at the Shrewsbury Public Library Monday May 21 to help you answer that question. http://communityadvocate.com/2012/05/04/shrewsbury-edible-wild-plants-of-the-northeast-program/
5. In Marlborough, residents may dispose of extra medications and certain other health care items any time of the day or night at the Marlborough Police Station lobby, 355 Bolton St. Items ok to drop off include: prescription and over the counter medications, vitamins, medication samples, and veterinary meds.
Items that cannot be dropped off there include: needles, IV bags, personal care products, hydrogen peroxide, inhalers, thermometers or other items that contain mercury. Empty pill containers are ok to dispose of in your regular recycling bin.
Residents in other towns should check with their respective Police Departments or Boards of Health.
6. If you are driving around Shrewsbury be aware that there is road work in different parts of town that will be going on through June.
http://www.shrewsbury-ma.gov/egov/docs/1337281791377.htm