Hopkinton's Denny LaMachia shows no quit in girls' North tennis final

NATICK -- There were more than a few times it looked like Manchester Essex's Brittany Collens would capture the Girls' North tennis singles title Saturday at the Natick Racquet Club. ( Globe 05/26/2013 4:55 AM )

College roundup: Franklin Pierce wins opener at NCAA Division 2 national baseball finals

Franklin Pierce took an important step in its quest to win the Division 2 title in baseball by winning the opening game of the NCAA Championship National Finals on Saturday in Cary, N.C. The Ravens earned a 1-0 victory over Shippensburg (Pa.) thanks to Justin Brock's two-out RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning. ( AP 05/26/2013 4:48 AM )

Celtics' Terrence Williams gives his side of the story after arrest

There are two sides to every story, Terrence Williams said, and with that the Celtics guard then shared his Saturday, as he made his first public comments since being arrested for allegedly threatening the mother of his 10-year-old son with a gun. ( Globe 05/26/2013 2:53 AM )

Williamstown native shines at Bollywood hit movie

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (AP) -- Though he speaks very little Hindi, Jeff Kleiser knows a film's special-effects scene looks and sounds the same in any language. ( AP 05/26/2013 2:47 AM )

Fagundez extends scoring streak, Revolution beat Toronto

FOXBOROUGH - Saturday night's conditions at Gillette Stadium for the Revolution's game against Toronto - unseasonably cool, with a steady drizzle - had the feel of a low-scoring, defensive grindathon. ( AP 05/26/2013 2:44 AM )

Red Sox catcher David Ross gets some extra protection

David Ross wore his usual goalie-style catcher's helmet Saturday against the Indians. But in his first game back after suffering a concussion on May 11, Ross took extra precautions. ( Globe 05/26/2013 2:34 AM )

No alcohol sold to teens during check

All 27 Somerville businesses tested in a recent alcoholic beverage purchase law compliance check passed, according to the city. In the test conducted by the Somerville Police Department and Somerville Cares About Prevention, teenagers were sent into package stores, bars, and restaurants that have full liquor licenses to try to purchase alcohol. In a statement, Ppolice Chief Tom Pasquarello said he was pleased with the outcome of the check. "Most of our stores, bars, and restaurants take this responsibility seriously," he said. "We appreciate their cooperation, and their commitment to keeping alcohol out of underage hands." (   05/26/2013 1:23 AM )

GlobeNorth: Players of the Week, Top 10 baseball and softball teams

Pat Bradley's Players of the Week and Top 10 baseball and softball teams from high school programs north of Boston. (   05/26/2013 1:22 AM )

Town Meeting approves budget

It took 288 Ipswich residents just over 3½ hours to dispatch the 23-article warrant at the May 14 annual Town Meeting, including approval of the fiscal year 2014 operating budget of $20.4 million. One of the other articles supported by residents sought a Propositon 2½ debt exclusion for a $3 million reconstruction of Linebrook Road, including safety enhancements and parking lot reconstruction at the Doyon Elementary School. It received the required two-thirds majority at Town Meeting, and subsequently gained approval when it was approved in the annual town election last Tuesday by a 662-585 vote. A citizens petition article seeking $15,045 to reimburse the estate of Robertta C. Foster "for real property taxes incorrectly paid to the town due to the town's failure to notify the taxpayer of the 100 percent exemption to which she was entitled" did not pass, but the Board of Selectmen may revisit the issue in the future. The petition article argued that under a 2006 law, the late Ms. Foster was entitled to the exemption as the widow of a veteran who died as a result of a combat injury, but she was never notified of the benefit. (   05/26/2013 1:22 AM )

Letter: Time to invest in our students

Teaching is challenging, rewarding, exciting, exhausting, and never boring. Actually, every day is a new adventure. Lately, I've been struggling; Not with teaching students, but with everything else that goes along with being a teacher in Malden, a needy urban district where resources are stretched thin. I am struggling with teaching well over 100 children a day while wearing so many other hats. Our students walk through our doors saddled with burdens. Some children are from difficult home lives; some are homeless. Students often show up hungry. Some are grieving the loss of a parent, which may vary from parents who have no contact with their children to parents who have been lost to addiction, mental illness, or incarceration. (   05/26/2013 1:22 AM )

Great things in small packages at Spoke Wine Bar in Somerville

At Spoke Wine Bar in Somerville, the diminutive dominates. The carefully curated wine list features exclusively small-batch producers. The menu is composed of small plates and nibbles, designed expressly for sharing. Even the tables are small, encouraging intimate conversation. So far, small seems to be a formula for success: the food is terrific, the wine sublime, and the vibe the envy of the neighborhood. (   05/26/2013 1:21 AM )

Atkinson Common keeps Newburyport's Civil War history alive

Atkinson Common is a lovely park, but it's also a solemn memorial, and the organizers of the Tablet Day Centenary next month hope to remind people of that. The tablets on the Civil War monument near the center of the park bear the names of all 1,500 city residents who served in the Army or Navy during that war -- about 10 percent of the town's population at the time. It is fitting that the tablets' rededication should happen so near Memorial Day, a holiday that has its roots in the Civil War. Newburyport's Memorial Day ceremony begins at 11 a.m. at City Hall on Monday. A procession will make its way from there to the waterfront for music and speeches, and then to Veterans Cemetery at the corner of Pond Street and Route 1. (   05/26/2013 1:16 AM )

Tablet Day fund-raiser

A fund-raiser for the Atkinson Common Tablet Day Centenary will take place June 2 at the Spencer Peirce Little Farm in Newbury, featuring an Old Time Baseball Game played by 19th-century rules, the Ipswich Ale truck, and food vendors. Baseball as a pastime spread during the Civil War, organizers note, as Union captives taught the new game to their Confederate guards in several garrisons. Admission is $5, and half of the proceeds go to support Tablet Day. (   05/26/2013 1:16 AM )

Westford Boy Scout creates veterans memorial garden

This Memorial Day, after a special morning Mass for veterans at St. Catherine of Alexandria Cemetery, parishioners will be able to visit a new fixture on the cemetery lawn -- the Veterans Memorial Garden. Conceived and created by Westford resident and Boy Scout Eric Sporel, the garden features a stone path, flower bed, granite benches, and a stone monument reading: "Dedicated to the veterans of St. Catherine's." "This meant a lot for me to do. This is a way for me to thank veterans of my church, but also all veterans," said the Westford Academy junior, 17. (   05/26/2013 1:16 AM )

Home near Town Hall targeted for preservation

Interest is growing in preservation of a home at 21 North Franklin St., across from Town Hall and next to Tedeschi Food Shops. Town Administrator William Phelan said Tedeschi is interested in buying the privately owned house to expand its parking lot, but that selectmen are investigating ways to preserve it. Edna Bowers, chairwoman of the Holbrook Historical Commission, said her group would like see the home preserved for public meetings and exhibits of historical artifacts. The Holbrook Public Library, which is around the corner, may be interested in using the building as well, she said. Bowers called it a handsome structure and estimated that it was built in the late 1800s. (   05/26/2013 1:23 AM )

Turnout tiny in town election

Turnout was a 8 percent in last week's town election, which featured only one contested race. "It was very tiny," said Town Clerk Janet Bennett, "but there were no contested races except for that one." The race was for a three-year term as assessor, and incumbent Richard J. Morris won with 509 votes, Bennett said, with challenger Richard C. O'Donnell receiving 165 votes. Bennett was among those reelected without opposition. (   05/26/2013 1:23 AM )

Lions Club flea market

The Kingston Lions Club will hold a spring flea market next Sunday to help people who are visually impaired, suffer hearing loss, or face other challenges. The annual fund-raiser will take place at the Kingsbury Square park-and-ride lot at the junction of Routes 3A and 53 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. New and used items such as clothes, toys, books, tools, furniture, electronics, antiques, handcrafts, and other goods will be available for purchase. The club also collects used prescription eyeglasses and hearing aids to donate to the Lions Recycle for Sight Program. Spaces for vendors are available; for more information call 781-585-5344. (   05/26/2013 1:23 AM )

Principal chosen for Middle School

Hingham Middle School's assistant principal, Derek Smith, has been chosen to become principal when Rodger Boddie retires this summer. The early appointment is meant to facilitate the transition, Superintendent Dorothy Galo said. "Derek's appointment at this time will allow additional time for collaboration, sharing, and mentoring and construction-related transition planning with Roger," Galo said, referring to work on the new Hingham Middle School occurring right next door. According to Galo, Smith reflects the quality of faculty in Hingham and has strong leadership potential. (   05/26/2013 1:23 AM )

Meals tax approved

The Town Council Tuesday approved a 0.75 percent local meals tax, which is expected to generate up to $1 million annually for the town. Despite earlier objections from the business community, there was little discussion about the tax at he council meeting, when it was passed in a 6-1 vote. It will take effect July 1. The money will go to capital projects, including security upgrades at all of the town's schools, and improvements at the East Braintree fire station, the police station, the Thayer Public Library, and Daughraty Gym. Councilor John Mullaney, who has been pushing for the tax for several years, said he was grateful that the measure passed, but added: "I don't consider tonight to be a victory for me, but for the town. It will be used to make Braintree a better place." (   05/26/2013 1:23 AM )

Cultural Council seeks input

The Duxbury Cultural Council is asking for residents' input about the community programs they would like to see funded. The council uses state-apportioned money to fund local programs in the arts, sciences, and humanities, such as the Art Complex Museum, the Duxbury Art Association, the Snug Harbor Community Chorus, and the South Shore Conservatory. A short survey asks what type of programs people would like to see and which audiences -- such as students, seniors, or all ages -- should be targeted. The survey can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/s/RF3H2M8 and is due Saturday. (   05/26/2013 1:23 AM )

Cat shelter yard sale

The Last Resort cat shelter is being inundated with calls about stray cats and kittens, said Joan Norris, who has run the shelter since 1981. To raise money to care for the animals, the shelter is collecting items - such as small pieces of furniture, books, toys, games, clothing, tools, sporting equipment, musical instruments, and household appliances - to sell at its annual spring yard sale Saturday and next Sunday. "A successful yard sale will help provide excellent care for [strays] and others who arrive this summer and fall," Norris said. Items may be dropped off at 1126 Broadway in Hanover between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday. For more information, to drop off items at another time, or to volunteer, call Norris at 781-826-9560. The sale's rain dates are June 8 and 9. (   05/26/2013 1:23 AM )

Senior tax write-off program

For the eighth year, Milton is offering a tax write-off program which allows seniors to perform 93 hours of work for the town for a $750 tax abatement. Most often, the work involves being a greeter at the Town Hall or another municipal building, according to Council on Aging director Mary Ann Sullivan. Other positions include doing yardwork or driving. The Council on Aging is now accepting applications. Applicants must be above the age of 60 who are homeowners and have been residents of Milton for at least five years, Sullivan said. For more information or to request an application, call the council at 617-898-4893 or e-mail Sullivan at masullivan@townofmilton.org. (   05/26/2013 1:23 AM )

Elementary class sizes lower than state average

While the Berlin Elementary School lags in some education issues with the state, the school is outperforming the state average in one key area for many educators and parents: class size ratios. Currently, the average class size at the local elementary school is 11.5 students for each teacher. The state average is 13.5 students to each teacher. (   05/26/2013 1:24 AM )

Board fills town committee positions

At their last recent meeting, selectmen voted to elect Ted Doucette as the board's chairman, Joe Knox as vice chairman, and Jim Karr as clerk for one-year terms. The board then filled positions on a number of town committees, with the volunteer positions made the following appointments for terms expiring June 30, 2016. Selectmen appointed Mit Wanzer to the Community Preservation Committee, Mit Wanzer; Louise Curley, Mary Dugan, and Mary Catalanotto to the Council on Aging; Don Smith to the Personnel Board; and Sherrill Gould and Bill Farnsworth as full members of the Zoning Board of Appeals, and Rod Stewart, Marc Saucier, and Alan Bell as alternates. regular members, ; and alternate board members, .The board expects to make additional committee appointments during its June 10 selectmen's meeting. (   05/26/2013 1:24 AM )

Memorial Day observances on Monday

Air Force Colonel Brent E. French, a Westborough resident, will serve as grand marshal for the town's public Memorial Day events on Monday. Commemorations will begin at 8:30 a.m. in St. Luke's Cemetery, and follow a route through town that will end with a final ceremony about 10:15 a.m. at the World War I, World War II, Korean War, and Gulf War memorials at the Forbes Municipal Building. The final stop will feature musical performances, brief speeches, and a moment of prayer and reflection. (   05/26/2013 1:24 AM )

Vote set for expanded regionalization

Acton and Boxborough will each hold a Special Town Meeting at 7 p.m. on June 3 for residents to vote on a proposal to expand the neighboring communities' regional school system. school regionalization. Acton's meeting will convene at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, while Boxborough's will be at Blanchard Memorial School. The proposed change would have local students in Residents will vote on a proposal to regionalize the system from prekindergarten through 12th grade attending regional schools; currently, the towns operate separate elementary systems, while seventh- through 12th-graders attend regional junior high and high schools. (   05/26/2013 1:24 AM )

Civic orchestra presents spring concert

The Lincoln-Sudbury Civic Orchestra will present its spring concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School auditorium. The orchestra, with Lincoln resident Pip Moss as conductor and composed of both adults and Lincoln-Sudbury Regional students, will perform Beethoven's First Symphony, Academic Festival Overture by Brahms, and Elgar's "Enigma Variations." Tickets are available at the door for a donation of $10 for adults, and $5 for seniors and students. (   05/26/2013 1:24 AM )

Residents urged to pull garlic mustard

Concord's Natural Resources Commission is asking residents for help in eradicating garlic mustard, an invasive plant that poses a threat to native plants and animals. Garlic mustard, which is currently in bloom, and reaches from two to three 2 to 3 feet in height, and produces button-like clusters of small white flowers. The leaves five give off an odor of garlic when crushed. The plants can be pulled up by their roots, and placed in heavy garbage bags that can be discarded in the bin for invasive plants at the town landfill. For more information, call the commission at 978-318-3285. (   05/26/2013 1:24 AM )

Guild plans 50th anniversary art show

The Northborough Art Guild will celebrate 50 years of encouraging and celebrating showcasing art in the community with a free, two-day exhibition next weekend. The guild's anniversary art show will . The June 1-2 event willbe held in the Northborough Historical Building on Main Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and next Sunday. both days.Artist Bob Duffy will judge the show and awards will be granted to the top three pieces of art. The weekend will also feature a raffle, an exhibition by this year's guild scholarship recipient, and a meet and greet with exhibiting artists from 2 to 4 p.m. next Sunday. (   05/26/2013 1:24 AM )

Sandini to fill interim role

Selectmen on Monday appointed Hudson's longtime finance director, Christopher Sandini, to serve as interim executive assistant during the search process for a successor to while the town searches for a permanent replacement for Paul Blazar, who is retiring July 4. "Because of the really condensed time frame we're dealing with, I thought it had to be somebody in-house, familiar with the town, able to work with Paul," said Selectman Joseph Durant, the board's chairman of the Board of Selectmen. "It just seemed like it would be a much easier transition." The vote for Sandini was unanimous, with Durant and Selectmen board members Fredy Lucy and James Quinn joining Durant in the appointment. voted 3-0 for Sandini. Selectmen Christopher Yates and James Vereault were absent. (   05/26/2013 1:24 AM )