Better interrogation

The Police Department has received a state-funded $11,300 Community Policing Grant to purchase digital audiovisual equipment for its interrogation room and to train a full-time officer in interviewing and interrogation techniques. The state Executive Office of Public Safety doles out the grants every year to municipalities. The Board of Selectmen accepted the grant at its Dec. 10 meeting. - John Dyer

PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING PANEL - After voters approved a new public safety building this fall, selectmen are forming a committee that will spearhead the facility's construction, said Town Administrator Jodi Ross. The board is looking for residents to join the committee, though most of the members of a previous task force are stepping forward, said Ross. A timetable for the groundbreaking on the $5.9 million project has not been established, she said. - Matt Gunderson

SEARCH FOR ADMINISTRATOR - The selectmen's office is accepting résumés for a new town administrator, and interviews are expected to start early next month, according to Lori Esposito, administrative assistant. The search process was started after Town Administrator Sue Olsen's announcement this fall that she plans to retire in April. - Matt Gunderson

TURNING THE PAGE - The next book for the Hudson Public Library's monthly evening adult book club will be "The Other Side of the Bridge" by Mary Lawson. The club, which usually draws about 10 people for its discussions, will meet in the library at Wood Square on Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. For more information, contact librarian Melissa Caissie at 978-568-9644. - John Dyer

DONATIONS SOUGHT FOR PIANO - Free musical performances may soon happen more frequently if the Framingham Public Library gets the funds it needs to purchase a Yamaha grand piano for the Costin Community Room in the main branch. As part of the library's programming for adults, it has held concerts in the past and they were so popular that sometimes people got turned away, said Jeanne Kelley, the library's assistant director. To continue to offer more music, library trustee Bob Dodd suggested the library buy its own piano, Kelley said. A library patron stepped forward and gave the library $3,500 toward the purchase of the piano, which costs about $10,500, according to Kelley. Then, library director Mark Contois approached the Friends of the Framingham Library, which matched the $3,500. But the library still needs to raise the remaining funds, and would like to reach its goal by the end of February to coincide with a concert by a classical pianist. The fund-raising effort, called "Key Player," asks people or businesses to buy a piano key for $50, with 88 keys remaining. People can make checks payable to the Framingham Public Library, 49 Lexington St. Donations are tax-deductible. Call 508-879-3570, ext. 304 for more information. - Tanya Perez-Brennan

SENIORS CAN WORK OFF TAXES - The Council on Aging needs office assistants, and seniors in town can work off up to $750 of their property taxes covering the front desk, greeting visitors, answering the phone, and helping around the office. The council asks applicants to be able to contribute at least one full morning or afternoon per week. For more information, contact the council at 781-259-8811. - John M. Guilfoil

TRYING FOR A SOLAR PANEL - Green Marlborough, a local environmental organization, is trying to obtain solar panels for Marlborough's public schools through a program offered by the National Grid utility. The group said that at least 150 residents would have to sign up for the program by April 30, either through a qualifying tax-deductible contribution to the New England Wind Fund or by joining National Grid's GreenStart program, according to an announcement. Communities would receive a 2,000-watt solar panel array installation - valued at $25,000 - for every 150 households or businesses that sign up or contribute by the deadline, according to the news release. For more information go to newenglandwind.org/marlborough or greenmarlborough.org. - Lisa Kocian

RATE INCREASE - Maynard's tax rate will rise 4.5 percent for both residential and commercial properties this fiscal year, said Town Administrator John Curran. The residential tax rate will increase from $12.66 to $13.33 per $1,000 assessed valuation, while the commercial tax rate will go up from $21.78 to $22.76. The average residential tax bill will go up $202, climbing to $4,721 for a home with Maynard's average assessment, $354,178. - Matt Gunderson

CHAMBER SCHOLARSHIPS - The Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce is offering $16,400 in scholarships to high school seniors who reside in Northborough, Shrewsbury, Southborough, or Westborough. Students can attend any high school. Applications are available in the guidance offices of area public and private schools. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, community participation, and an interview. The deadline to apply is Jan. 9. For more information, contact the chamber at 508-836-4444. - John Dyer

ENERGY HELP FOR NEIGHBORS - SELCO, the community owned and operated cable and electricity company, is accepting donations for its Share the Warmth program. The annual program takes in money to help Shrewsbury residents who are struggling to pay their heat, light, and hot water bills, according to the town's website. To donate through PayPal, go to shrewsbury-ma.gov. - Lisa Kocian

PLANS TO HONOR WOMEN VETS - Southborough's veterans agent, Irene Tibert, wants to build a monument to female veterans from the town who served in the nation's wars. Tibert has a preliminary design and is determining if land can be secured near the town common for a monument. Residents who would like to be involved in the project should contact Tibert at 508-485-0710. - John Dyer

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION - Police have implemented a new automated phone service that allows them to send voice-mail messages to residences and businesses across town in case of an emergency, according to the town website, stow-ma.gov. Police are testing the emergency notification system, which is known as Swift911. If residents aren't receiving the test calls, they can fill out a form on the website to sign up for the service, or they can remove their telephone number from the call list. - Matt Gunderson

ESSAY CONTEST FOR STUDENTS - The Sudbury League of Women Voters invites local students to comment on issues being raised during the 2008 presidential election by taking part in the Massachusetts League of Women Voters' ninth annual essay contest. The contest is open to Massachusetts students in grades 4 through 12. Winners will receive a US Savings Bond and their teacher will receive a classroom education grant in recognition of the support they give their students. This year there is a question for 18- to 24-year-olds as well, with a $1,000 prize for the best essay in this category. The deadline is March 4. For more information visit lwvma.org. - John M. Guilfoil

SKATING AT FEATHERLAND PARK - The town's Park and Recreation Department announced last week that ice skating at Featherland Park is open to the public. The department reminds residents to always skate with at least one other person, remove loose objects from the ice, skate in well-lighted areas, and to be careful playing hockey around young children. For more information, call the recreation department at 978-443-1092. - John M. Guilfoil

BOOK DISCUSSION - The next meeting of the Wayland Free Public Library's book discussion group will be Jan. 11 at noon. The group will be reading "Aloft" by Chang-Rae Lee. "Lee burst on the scene over 10 years ago with 'Native Speaker,' which won numerous awards, including the PEN/Hemingway Award," library director Ann Knight said in a statement announcing the group's plans. "With the publication of 'Aloft' in 2004, Lee expanded his range even further and proved that he truly is a master storyteller." "Aloft" was also named one of the New York Times Notable Books of the Year. For more information, call the library's assistant director, Kathy Powers, at 508-358-2311. - John M. Guilfoil

CHORUS SCHOLARSHIPS - The Westborough Community Chorus has awarded $3,000 in scholarships to six local high school students. The recipients are Nicole Arsenis, Anthony Cincotta, Courtney Domeij, Jenna Papaz, Lucia Zhu, and Ian Hayes. The money for the scholarships was raised through chorus ticket sales and other events. The chorus welcomes donations to continue its programs. For more information, contact Gary Wittmann at 508-366-1164. - John Dyer

AROUND THE REGION

TOWN MANAGER GETS 3-YEAR DEAL - Selectmen have signed Town Manager John Petrin to a three-year contract extension that will keep him at the head of town administration through March 2011. Petrin is set to receive a 3-percent raise in July that will bring his total salary to $132,666. "I appreciate the board's confidence in me to go with me for another three years," said Petrin, who has been the town manager for nearly three years. - Rachel Lebeaux

BRING YOUR BRUSHES TO ART MEETING - The Franklin Art Association will meet Jan. 2 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the town's new senior center at 10 Daniel McCahill Way. The meeting will feature five still-life setups for painting or sketching during the session. Those planning to attend should bring their art materials. Advice and critiques will be available. Officers will address the members on the upcoming spring meetings, which include a live model painting session Feb. 6. Demonstrations are also scheduled on March 5, April 2, and May 7. The association's spring art exhibition and show will be held in May at the Norfolk Public Library. Membership applications and newsletters are available at the free monthly meetings, which are open to the public. For more information, visit franklinart.org. - Rachel Lebeaux

BOOKS, BAKING AND BLUEGRASS - On Jan. 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Medway Public Library, the Friends of the Medway Public Library will host a book and bake sale, with proceeds going to the library. The sale will be followed by a concert by the bluegrass group Southern Rail from 1 to 3 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale at the library for $10 for adults and $5 for students or seniors. The event is free for children ages 12 and under. Tickets will also be on sale at the door at a slightly higher price. For more information and for tickets, call the Medway Public Library at 508-533-3217. - Rachel Lebeaux

SHOW OF SUPPORT - The Sherborn Library is hosting an exhibition of images by local photographer Stephen G. Maka. For the past 35 years, Maka has been photographing nature, from landscapes to wildlife. His work is internationally recognized and has been featured in magazines, books, and posters. On July 21, a mill fire destroyed Maka's studio, claiming original photographs and equipment. Some of Maka's salvaged work will be on display at the library through mid-January. For more information about Maka and to see some of his photographs, visit his website, makaphotography.com. - Nadia Salomon

BALLROOM DANCING RETURNS - The Recreation Commission will be offering another round of ballroom dancing lessons, due to the popularity of the program, which debuted this fall. Lessons will start Jan. 11 and continue on Fridays through March 7, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Nipmuc Regional Middle/High School. The cost is $125 per couple, and registration forms are In the Recreation Commission section of the town's website, upton.ma.us. - Calvin Hennick