By Bonnie Adams, Government Editor
Region ?Today is Monday, June 4, the 156th day of 2012. Today is also National Hug Your Cat Day. Although several websites cite this day as being so, no one really seems to know why it is. But that doesn's really matter, does it? Because most cats will try to bite you if you try to hug them!
On this day in 1989 the world watched with horror as Chinese troops brutally quelled a pro-democracy rally in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. The number of protesters killed ranged from 300 to perhaps thousands. It is estimated that at least 10,000 were arrested. The United States three weeks later imposed economic sanctions against the People's Republic of China in response to the massacre.
Boston fans are enjoying this year's Celtics team run in the playoffs battling the likes of Lebron James and the rest of the Miami Heat. But it was on this day in 1976 that many considered to be the greatest day in the history of the NBA playoffs when the Celtics, led by John Havlicek, beat the Phoenix Suns, 128-126, after three overtimes.
Today's birthdays include – actress Angelina Jolie (1975), actor/comedian Russell Brand (1975), and Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the German sex therapist (1928).
It's also the birthday of the Community Advocate's ?unofficial mascot, Fred the dog (2006)!
Here are six tips –
1. As we all know, it's a presidential election year. Tomorrow night, June 5, the Shrewsbury Public Library will feature a presentation by Donald R. Brand, a political science professor at the College of the Holy Cross on the political process Americans use to elect presidents.
http://communityadvocate.com/2012/05/25/shrewsbury-library-presents-the-american-electoral-process/
2. Alzheimer's is one of the most devastating of diseases. On Wednesday, June 6, Whitney Place at Westborough will host a presentation by Dr. W. Vincent Perrelli on “Alzheimer's Research and Rxs.”? Please note – the event is free but reservations are requested.
http://communityadvocate.com/2012/05/18/westborough-alzheimers-research-and-rxs/
3. This story about an Algonquin grad who has found success in the sport of crew has been very popular on our website over the past week.
4. The fate of the Westborough State Hospital has certainly been in the news a lot, as the town and state try to figure out what should happen to the property. (The state closed the hospital itself in 2010.) But one local group is concentrating on ensuring that the memory of those who died while they were patients there is never forgotten.
5. Next Monday, June 11, Hudson residents will be given the opportunity to tell officials what they would like to see happen in their town going forth into the future.
http://communityadvocate.com/2012/05/30/hudson-to-hold-master-plan-public-kick-off-meeting/
6. Here's an op-ed piece an important subject – water – courtesy of state. Sen. Jamie Eldridge, D-Acton and state Rep. Carolyn Dykema, D- Holliston.
http://communityadvocate.com/2012/06/01/op-ed-when-the-well-is-dry-we-know-the-worth-of-water/