Funds for arts available

The Avon Cultural Council has received $4,300 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to grant to cultural projects in Avon this year - a $300 increase over last year. The deadline for submitting applications is Oct. 15. The two-page applications are available at Town Hall, the public library, the Butler Elementary School, and the Middle-High School. Completed forms must be returned to Avon Cultural Council, Avon Town Offices, Avon 02322. The council will make its choices by the end of October, contingent upon approval by the state council, which generally happens by the end of December, said Bettyann Klimas, council chairwoman. For more information, visit mass-culture.org and click on Find Your LCC. - Joan Wilder

TURNING CASH, CANS, AND BOTTLES INTO FISH - The Bridgewater Town River Fisheries Committee is seeking contributions to help purchase trout for stocking town ponds and streams. Donations can be sent to Town River Fisheries Committee, Selectmen's Office, 25 South St., Bridgewater 02324. Donations of cans and bottles can also be made at the Bridgewater Bottle and Can Redemption Center on Hale Street in the name of the Bridgewater Town River Fisheries Committee. For information, call Bob Hanson at 508-697-4203 or Peter Murray at 508-944-4447.

- Christine Legere

BOOST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES - Small businesses in the city in need of cash have a resource in a loan program of the South Eastern Economic Development Corp. funded by grants from the US Economic Development Administration and a loan from the US Small Business Administration. SEED, which is working with Brockton 21st Century Corp., the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, and the Old Colony Planning Council, can offer loans of up to $100,000 that small businesses can use for working capital, to buy equipment, and even to pay off high-interest debt. Loans typically are for five years with interest rates ranging from 5.9 to 6.9 percent, said Maria Gooch-Smith, SEED's executive director. She said SEED also has a micro-loan program for as little as $5,000 and can make loans of up to $4 million for large business projects. For more, visit seedcorp.com or call 508-822-1020. - Steve Hatch

ARTISTIC TYPES WANTED - Organizations, schools, and individuals with a vision for encouraging the arts are urged to apply for financial assistance through the Canton Cultural Council. The council has set an Oct. 15 deadline for applying for this year's round of state grants that will total $4,400. Council spokesman Richard Rousseau said the grants are designed to support projects and activities, including exhibits, festivals, artist residences, performances in schools, workshops and lectures. Two of last year's grants went to help Luce Elementary students to go on a field trip to the National Heritage Museum in Lexington and to the Canton Choral Society for a concert and recording session. Grant applications can be picked up at Town Hall, Canton Public Library, or at mass-culture.org/lcc_public.asp.

- Elaine Cushman Carroll

OPEN HOUSE AT WASHBURN - The Erwin K. Washburn Primary School in Carver Center will hold its open house for parents on Thursday. The event will begin with a general assembly for parents of students in kindergarten and grades 1 and 2 in the school's gymnasium from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Classroom visits for parents will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. More information on the open house is being sent home with students. For questions, call the school office at 508-866-6210. - Robert Knox

BETTER DAYS AHEAD FOR WILSON MOUNTAIN - The Trustees of Reservations and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation have joined to manage Wilson Mountain Reservation, a popular 213-acre property located off Route 128 on Route 135 between Dedham and Needham. The reservation offers a network of wooded trails, an open meadow and scenic pond, trickling streams, and a summit view of the Boston skyline. "Like any community resource that is enjoyed by hundreds of people, Wilson Mountain is beginning to feel the strain of frequent usage," said DCR Commissioner Rick Sullivan. "We are thrilled that the trustees can offer their expertise and services to help enhance the visitor experience." Enhancements being discussed include clearing trees and branches to improve the view along with bridge repairs and trail markings. In the spring, the trustees and DCR will hold a Wilson Mountain Day to get more people involved.

- Michele Morgan Bolton

SEARCH IS ON FOR SCHOOL CHIEF - The Massachusetts Association of School Committees will help the School Committee search for a new school superintendent over the next several months, to replace Margaret Strojny, who is retiring in June. The association will produce a timeline, set up criteria, organize screening committees, and handle advertising. Assistant Superintendent Susan Cote has expressed interest in applying for the district's top job.

- Christine Legere

LONGTIME SCHOOL CHIEF PREPARES TO LEAVE - Superintendent of Schools William Simmons is retiring next year, after 16 years in the job and 33 years in the school system. The School Committee has decided to employ a consultant and will interview representatives of several companies Oct. 2. Simmons said he announced his retirement early "because it's been many years since the town has done a superintendent's search and to give the School Committee a competitive edge." He said 20 to 25 percent of the superintendent positions in the state would open next year, making it difficult to find a qualified candidate. He said the hiring of Town Administrator David Colton in 2006 showed the benefit of using a search firm. Simmons, who retires Aug. 7, began in the Easton school system as director of special services, eventually becoming superintendent in 1993.

- Steve Hatch

JOINT SEWER DISTRICT ON THE TABLE AGAIN - A new subcommittee, appointed by the Board of Selectmen to study the town's sewage treatment options, met for the first time last week, said Finance Director Randy Scollins. The town is considering becoming part of a proposed joint sewer district with Mansfield and Norton. Officials for the three-town district want to know that Foxborough would, in effect, commit to paying for 300,000 gallons of sewage treatment several years from now, once the Norton treatment plant is expanded. Should the committee determine that it is in the town's best interest to go forward, the proposal would have to be approved at Town Meeting. Two previous treatment proposals were rejected by Town Meeting. - Joan Wilder

DEADLINE FOR VOTER REGISTRATION - Oct. 15 is the last date to register to vote in the Nov. 4 general election, and the town clerk's office in Town Hall will be open until 8 p.m. that day. Voters can also register during regular hours at the clerk's office, which are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 6 to 8 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. For more information on registration or the upcoming election, call the clerk's office at 781-293-7970. - Christine Legere

THINKING GREEN WITH POTLUCK SUPPER - The local environmental group Green Hanson is holding a community potluck dinner next Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Red Acres Farm, 517 West Washington St. The event is another in a series of gatherings organized by Green Hanson to build community interest and support in promoting sustainable living practices. Residents are asked to bring a favorite dish to share and - to cut down on waste - their own bowls and utensils. They are also invited to bring an item from their garden to add to a "stone soup." The dinner, free and open to all in town, will also feature a bonfire for toasting marshmallows, bean bag tossing, and horseshoes. For more information, go to www.greenhanson.org. - John Laidler

LIBRARY SEMINARS ON FINANCE, DECORATING - The Lakeville Public Library is hosting two free seminars Tuesday. The first is "Money Matters" at 10:30 a.m., held in cooperation with Mayflower Bank, with topics to include reverse mortgages, budgeting tips, bank insurance, and financial scams. Free refreshments will be provided. The second seminar, "Home Décor," is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. with Janet Shea of Janet Shea Interiors, who will talk about design and decorating the home, with topics to include color, window treatments, space planning, and other tips. Registration is not required but recommended to ensure the availability of handouts by calling library director Olivia Melo at 508-947-9028 or omelo@sailsinc.org - Paul E. Kandarian

TESTING GREAT HILL'S WIND STRENGTH - A meteorological tower to gather wind-speed information will be installed on Great Hill, selectmen said. The board was asked by the town's Alternative Energy Committee to authorize the town administrator to sign an agreement with the Stone family, who own the property, allowing installation of the tower. That information will determine the viability of putting up a wind turbine on the site to generate electricity. The process of gathering the information takes about a year, the energy committee said. A tower installed at Old Rochester Regional High School in Mattapoisett found average wind speeds too low to make a turbine viable. - Paul E. Kandarian

GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE SOON - The Mattapoisett Cultural Council has applications available for organizations or people interested in applying for grants for projects in the community-oriented arts, humanities, and sciences. A deadline of Oct. 15 has been set for submitting applications, which may be found at massculturalcouncil.org. The grants support a variety of projects including exhibits, festivals, artist residencies, and school programs and performances.

- Paul E. Kandarian

TAX BILLS RISE - The town's tax rate was set this week, at $10.94 per $1,000 for residential properties and $11.60 for commercial properties. To the owner of an average-priced home of $300,000, it will mean a yearly increase of $252 on the property tax bill. Residential values on single-family homes have dropped by 11 percent over the last two years, according to Assessor-Appraiser Barbara Erickson. During that same time, two-family houses dropped 13 percent and three-family homes dropped 16 percent. Values on multi-family properties with four or more units also dropped in the two-year period, going down 10 percent. Condominium values were the only place that increases were seen, rising by about 3 percent over the last two years, Erickson said. Tax bills are expected to go out in mid-October.

- Christine Legere

OCTOBERFEST TO HELP THE HUNGRY - The Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce will sponsor its first Tri-Town Community Octoberfest from 5 to 7 p.m., on Oct. 7, at the Mansfield Crossing Mall. The event will give area restaurant, caterers, and chefs an opportunity to introduce menu items to potential customers. Proceeds from the Octoberfest will go to food pantries in Mansfield, Norton, and Foxborough. Only 500 tickets will be sold, and 20 area restaurants will be offering selections from their menus. The price of tickets is $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased at the following locations in Mansfield: Mansfield Co-operative Bank, 80 North Main St., and the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce, 15 West St. In Foxborough, the location is Ben Franklin Savings Bank, One Mechanic St. In Norton, it is North Easton Savings Bank, 172 Mansfield Ave. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce at 508-339-5655.

- Christine Legere

SCHOOL HITS NEW MARK IN ENROLLMENT - The South Area Solomon Schechter School at One Commerce Way has seen the largest enrollment in its 20-year history this fall - 240 boys and girls in kindergarten through Grade 8, said admissions director Sandy Morgan. That's a 13-percent increase over last year. Students come from about 30 communities south and west of Boston, including some from New Bedford, Providence, Brookline, Sudbury, and Lincoln. Head of School Jane Taubenfeld Cohen attributes the school's success to smaller class size, young families seeking a Jewish connection, and the school's reputation for strong academic preparation, notably in science and math. Enrolled families represent all branches of Judaism.

- Michele Morgan Bolton

ACTION COUNCIL HOLDS PANCAKE FUND-RAISER - Pancakes for fuel bills will be the mantra as a group of residents host a breakfast this morning to raise money for the South Shore Community Action Council. "We've had plenty of citizens from Plympton who have benefited from this organization. We want to support it," said Bill Slater, head of the fund-raising committee. The action council provides seniors, the disabled, and needy with fuel assistance, a weatherization program, transportation services, food pantries, and early-care programs for children. Slater said he and many other residents were concerned when the action council faced budget cuts last year, and first tried to get $4,000 appropriation approved at Town Meeting. When that failed, old-fashioned fund-raising took over, Slater said. A car wash was mostly rained out, but a raffle for a Donna Sharp quilt is going strong. A bottle and can drive will be held at the fire station during October and there is a donation basket in Town Hall. "And we'll try anything else we can to make some money for these folks," Slater said. The breakfast will be held from 7 to 11 a.m. at Upland Sportsman Club. For more information, contact town.plympton.ma.us/calendar/.

- Elaine Cushman Carroll

HIGH SCHOOL COUNCIL SEEKS MEMBERS - The Sharon High School Council is looking for a community representative and a parent of a student to run in the Oct. 2 open house election for the two-year terms. The parent must have a student attending the high school. The community representative should be a town resident who is not a faculty member or parent at the high school. A seat requires attending monthly meetings with the school principal to evaluate the annual school improvement plan, reviewing the student handbook, identifying educational needs, and adopting goals for the school. Candidates are required to submit a brief statement about why they would want to sit on the School Council. - Franci Richardson Ellement

MOSQUITO SPRAYING IS WINDING DOWN - Norfolk County Mosquito Control has suspended spraying pesticides in Stoughton, three weeks after non-human biting mosquitoes found in town tested positive for the West Nile virus. "It's getting cooler and there aren't as many bites, and so we're winding down" with spraying, said project director John Smith. "We're not out of the woods completely until the first hard frost, but we're at a time where we're shifting our message away from [townwide] control efforts and more towards simple avoidance [by individuals] using repellents and wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants." The control center controls insects using synthetic parathyroid, considered one of the safest pesticides, according to Smith. - Robert Carroll

STRATEGY PAYS OFF WITH JOBS - Walpole's effort to attract more businesses by having the town designated as an economic target area in 2003 has proved worthwhile with the recent opening of the 115,000-square-foot expansion of Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, said Stephanie Mercandetti, Walpole's economic development and grants officer. The international company was enticed to expand its operations in town under a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement that exempts it from paying 10 percent of its property tax on the increased value of the expansion for 10 years. TIFs are allowed only in economic target areas. As part of the deal, Siemens agreed to favor Walpole residents for up to 70 new jobs, and has already hired some, said the company's Michael Canary. - Joan Wilder

LIBRARY HOURS CUT - The Wareham Free Library will no longer be open on Mondays and Tuesdays. As a result of a $200,000 budget reduction, the hours have been scaled back from 43 hours to 25 per week, and children's story time and other programs have been put on hold for the year. The new hours, which took effect Sept. 15, are Wednesdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Thursdays 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fridays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Emily Sweeney

NEW ACCOUNTANT ON BOARD - Selectmen last Tuesday appointed Ann McNaughton as town accountant. A Hingham resident, she formerly worked as Hull's assistant town accountant. She replaces John J. O'Brien, who resigned to take another job. Selectmen also appointed Janice Golder as assistant treasurer. Golder, of West Bridgewater, had been serving as an assistant in the treasurer's office. She replaces Maureen Adams, also of West Bridgewater, who was appointed assistant collector after Janet Merritt retired. - John Laidler

LIBRARY RETURNS TO SUNDAY TRADITION - Sunday hours will return to the Main Library Oct. 5 after a lapse of three years, announced library director Thomas Viti. The May Town Meeting funded a 2-5 p.m. schedule from October to May. Historically, a busy Sunday circulation totaled 300 on average, Viti said, with approximately 40 reference questions for both the children's and adult departments. All services will be available, including the meeting and conference rooms. - Michele Morgan Bolton

FITNESS FESTIVAL - The Whitman Hanson Education Foundation will hold its second Kids Fitness Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 4, at the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School. The focus of this festival will be on presenting children with healthy food choices, non-electronic activities, and exercise so that they can incorporate these into their daily lives. The event will also feature moonwalks, bungee runs, obstacle courses, veggie car races, face painting, field games, karate, and dance demonstrations, an appearance by the Brockton Rox mascot KO. The cost is $5 for a full day of fun and food. Proceeds support programs in Whitman Regional School District's schools. Visit wheducationfoundation.org. - Christine Legere