By Bonnie Adams, Government Editor
Region – Today is Tuesday, Aug. 7, the 220th day of 2012. On this day, the Northern Hemisphere is considered to be half way through its summer and the Southern Hemisphere half way through its winter.
On this day in 1782, General George Washington, the commander in chief of the Continental Army, created the “Badge for Military Merit,” the forerunner of what now is known as the “Purple Heart.”. This prestigious award is awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces who have been killed or wounded in action against enemy forces. It is also awarded to soldiers who have suffered maltreatment as prisoners of war.
On this day in 1978, U.S. President Jimmy Carter declared a section of Niagara Falls, NY known as the “Love Canal,” a federal emergency. The site had been used to dispose of 21 tons of toxic waste from the Hooker Chemical Company.
And on this day in 1998 bombs were set off outside the U.S. embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Sallam, Tanzania. The two attacks, believed to have been the work of Osama Bid Laden, ?killed 224 people, including 12 Americans and wounded 4,500.
Today's birthdays – actress Charlize Theron (1975), hockey star Sidney Crosby (1987), and the late “Our Gang” actor, Carl “Alfalfa” Switzer (1927).
1. Congratulations to Shrewsbury resident Chief Warrant Officer Eric Metcalf, who was recently named as one of two Texas A&M students to be awarded the Tillman Military Scholarship.
http://communityadvocate.com/2012/08/06/shrewsbury-man-awarded-tillman-scholarship/
2. Lake Quinsigamond will be filled with boats later this week as the U.S. Rowing Masters National Rowing Championship comes to town. ?
3. The Summer Concert Series at the Willows, 1 Lyman St., Westborough, concludes at 7:15 p.m. tomorrow night, Wednesday, Aug. 8, with the Tom Nutile Big Band. The concert is free, with donations accepted for local charities.
http://communityadvocate.com/2012/05/08/westborough-willows-summer-concert-series-concludes/
4. On Wednesday, Aug. 8, ?children ages 3 to 6 are invited to a Fancy Nancy Tea Party at the Northborough Free Library.
http://communityadvocate.com/2012/07/20/northborough-fancy-nancy-tea-party-at-free-library-2/
5. There's still time to help out the Westborough Food Pantry with this unique and fun fundraiser.
http://communityadvocate.com/2012/08/03/olympic-torch-program-helps-westborough-food-pantry/
6. The city of Marlborough has recently announced a new program, Blackboard Connect, which will help enhance emergency preparedness and communication for residents.
http://www.marlborough-ma.gov/gen/MarlboroughMA_Announcemt/0192B750-000F8513