Rain postpones a day in woods

TAX INCREASES DEFEATED - Two ballot questions to raise local taxes for school projects went down to defeat last Saturday. The first, asking voters to approve a $600,000 debt exclusion would have funded the design phase for a new elementary school. Voters also defeated a request for $300,000 to install a new septic system for the schools. The proposals would have added about $6 per $100,000 in valuation to tax bills. But voters may have been looking ahead to the ultimate cost of building an elementary school, which was expected to hike tax bills by considerably more.

ALS SUPPORT GROUP GETS GRANT - The ALS Association’s Massachusetts chapter has received a $10,000 community impact grant from New York Life Insurance Co., which will be put toward helping those affected by the disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neuromuscular disease for which there is no cure. The ALS Association focuses on helping local patients and families live with ALS, with their motto being: “Providing care today. Supporting hope for tomorrow.’’

PARK TO GET A MAKEOVER - Nelson Park, a 10-acre town-owned recreation area at the north end of Water Street, is set to receive a $1 million upgrade, beginning next spring. Plans include shifting back the existing parking area to clear the way for a stretch of lawn and larger beach, creating a splash pad with jets of water, moving the playground area to a better spot, and adding more benches and picnic tables. The town has received $750,000 to cover a large portion of the work. Some of the labor will be provided by town employees.

SHELTERS SEEKING SUPPLIES - Father Bill’s in Quincy and MainSpring in Brockton are in urgent need of deodorant, razors, and toothbrushes at their emergency shelters. Items can be dropped off at 38 Broad St. in Quincy and 54 N. Main St. in Brockton. Financil donations are also welcome. They can be mailed to Father Bill’s & MainSpring, Development Office, 422 Washington St., Quincy 02169, or sent via the website at www.fatherbillsmainspring.org.