SHREWSBURY LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS

The Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library will be presenting its Fourth Annual Foreign Film Festival every Sunday during the month of February at...

Shrewsbury – The Shrewsbury Board of Selectmen unanimously agreed at its Jan. 8 meeting to approve a measure that would allow its members to remotely participate in its regularly scheduled meetings.

Shrewsbury – After nearly four decades as the executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass./Metrowest Inc. (BBBSCM) Shrewsbury resident Ben Ticho will be leaving that post later this month. His replacement will be another Shrewsbury resident, Jeffrey Chin, who Ticho said he believes is a "great choice" as the agency prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary this spring.

Region – Like millions of people around the globe, singer/songwriter Justin Cohen was devastated by the senseless murders of 20 children and six adults in the Newtown, Conn. massacre in December. Out of that grief, he wrote the song, "26 Angels."

Shrewsbury - Representatives from Shrewsbury Electric and Cable Operations (SELCO) met with the Board of Selectmen at the board's Dec. 18 meeting to present a summary of current and proposed operations necessary for the utility's re-licensing in 2013. SELCO General Manager Michael Hale presented an overview of company operations. He indicated that SELCO is in good shape to keep serving the town, with the financing of current operations under control. Future operations will depend upon increased revenue.

Shrewsbury - Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services, Inc. (SYFS), the town of Shrewsbury's only private, nonprofit community counseling and social services agency, recently announced...

Shrewsbury – For the last few weeks, the kids who participate in the Sherwood Middle School's After School program have been making a variety of holiday wreaths, home decorative items and jewelry to sell at a fair to be held at the school this week. But the kids are not just learning about the ABCs of business by doing so – they are also learning the power of helping others. That's because monies earned from the sale will not be going back to them or their school but will instead be donated to children who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Shrewsbury – As the new year approaches, the Lakeway Business District Association (LBDA) is looking forward to 2013 with an optimistic but cautious eye. That is because, on top of normal economic concerns, there is also one large project in their midst – replacing the bridge that connects Shrewsbury to Worcester via Route 9. Taking down the existing Kenneth F. Burns Bridge and replacing it with a new one is a massive and expensive undertaking. But it must be done, as the current bridge, which spans Lake Quinsigamond, is nearly 100 years old. Although the public is not in any danger now, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) stresses, the bridge is not structurally sound enough to meet the demands of future generations. A proposal for a replacement was approved in 2008 as part of the Patrick-Murray administration's Accelerated Bridge Program. Taking down the existing Kenneth F. Burns Bridge and replacing it with a new one is a massive and expensive undertaking. But it must be done, as the current bridge, which spans Lake Quinsigamond, is nearly 100 years old. Although the public is not in any danger now, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) stresses, the bridge is not structurally sound enough to meet the demands of future generations. A proposal for a replacement was approved in 2008 as part of the Patrick-Murray administration's Accelerated Bridge Program.

Whitinsville – Unibank, a full-service, mutually owned community bank, has made a $5,000 donation to Veterans, Inc. Headquartered in Worcester, Veterans Inc. is the largest...

Shrewsbury - Christopher Reidy, the principal assessor for Shrewsbury, discussed the fiscal year (FY) 2013 tax rate and related items with the Board of Selectmen at its Dec. 11 meeting. Subject to state approval, the proposed single tax rate will be $11.67 per one thousand dollars. This is an increase of $187.06 over the FY 2012 rate and is in keeping with the town's annual increase since 2010. Total assessed value for town property is $4.78 billion, with $4.16 billion coming from residential property and the rest from commercial, industrial, and personal property. The total increased tax levy over FY 2012 is $55.8 million. The average value for a single family house declined slightly from $372,559 to $370,331, a drop of 0.6 percent.

Shrewsbury - Each holiday season a giving tree is placed in the lobby of Shrewsbury's Sherwood Middle School. The purpose of the tree is to help the school's families in need during the holiday season. Patricia McCaffrey, MS, RN, lead nurse, and Kelly O"Connell, adjustment counselor, are the impetus behind the holiday tree each year.

Shrewsbury – The Second Annual Death by Chocolate fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Cyprian Keyes...

Shrewsbury - Although it has only been in the neighborhood a little over a month, the Fallon Community Health Care (FCHC) Information Center in the White City Shopping Center has already proven itself to be a good neighbor. On Dec. 10 the center donated $3,500 worth of gift cards to St. Anne's Church after hearing how toys and gift cards had been stolen from the church the prior week. The center is located just minutes away from the church's Turnpike Road (Route 9) location. Kim Salmon, the center's director of community relations, said her team was saddened to hear of the misfortune that had befallen their neighbors.

Shrewsbury – They didn's come by sleigh and they weren's led by a team of reindeer. But on Monday, Dec. 10, the mood was definitely merry as nearly a dozen employees of Hasbro, the Pawtucket, RI-based toy giant got the chance to play Santa's elves. The lucky recipients? St. Anne's Church, which just days before had been devastated after thieves broke into a locked shed on the church's 130 Boston Turnpike (Route 9) property and stole nearly 100 gifts slated for children in need this holiday season.

To the Editor, On Saturday December 8, 2012 the Shrewsbury Police Department Patrolman's Union Local 426 held a Toys for Tots drive at the police...

After graduating from Shrewsbury High School, Cara Brindisi elected to attend Berklee University in pursuit of her music dream.

Shrewsbury – The St. Anne's Church community is reeling after discovering that thieves broke into a locked shed and stole nearly 100 items that were collected as part of the church's annual Christmas toy drive for children in need. Although the church officials are "dismayed and heartbroken," the Rev. John Foley, the church's pastor, said he is confident that "God will provide."

Northborough- The public is invited to attend a special event Saturday, Dec. 8 to help raise money for a new bullet-proof vest for Shrewsbury's...

Shrewsbury - In the Boy Scouts of America program, the highest rank one can achieve is that of Eagle Scout. Those who have become Eagle Scouts will say that it is no small feat. Over the course of their scouting career, in order to receive the rank, Scouts are required to earn at least 21 merit badges and lead an extensive service project that often takes months to complete.

Shrewsbury - By the time Jim McWilliams was in grade school, he knew what he wanted to be when he grew up. Acquainted with some funeral directors in the community, Jim thought their profession was noble. He researched what the occupation entailed, and decided to secure the proper credentials.