Resources on teen depression

November 30, 2008

In Ashland, reference materials from a Nov. 18 forum for parents, "Addressing Adolescent Depression and Suicide," are now available on the school district's website, www.ashland.k12.ma.us. The materials include excerpts of the presentation delivered by keynote speaker Dr. Nadja N. Reilly, an instructor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and director of the Swensrud Depression Prevention Initiative at Children's Hospital Boston. The materials also suggest recommended reading, signs to look for when determining teen depression, hints for successful communication with teens, and how teens can help their friends through tough times. The forum was sponsored by the Ashland Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Initiative.

- Rachel Lebeaux

CHLORINATION OF PUBLIC WATER - The town has been adding small amounts of chlorine to the public drinking water supply since early this month, after samples indicated the presence of coliform bacteria, according to an announcement by Bellingham officials. Each month, the town collects at least 40 samples of tap water, as well as samples of raw and treated water from active wells throughout town, and tests them for the presence of bacteria. Drinking water samples are supposed to test at zero total coliform bacteria colonies, but some Bellingham samplings taken in the last two months tested higher, so chlorine is being added in order to disinfect the system. Full disinfection can take several weeks, and will continue for at least the next few weeks, the announcement stated. The town has also increased its number of samplings and is looking to improve its chlorine feed system in the coming months.

- Rachel Lebeaux

LIBRARY FRIENDS TO MEET - The next meeting of the Friends of the Dover Library will take place Dec. 8 at 9 a.m. in the library's Community Room. The public session will cover the group's recent house tour, membership and fund-raising, and plans for its annual spelling bee, scheduled for March 26, and a Valentine's Day-themed wine tasting. In the meantime, the Friends of the Library is also continuing its search for a volunteer to assist in planning library events for the town's children. - Anna Fiorentino

HOLIDAY LIGHTING TODAY - The town's annual holiday lighting ceremony will take place today at 4 p.m. on the Town Common. The afternoon's festivities will include the lighting of holiday decorations and displays and a visit with Santa and his elves, including free photographs with Santa. The event is free; refreshments will be available for purchase.

- Rachel Lebeaux

LEARN TELEVISION SKILLS - With the media landscape relying more on audio and video, Holliston Cable Access Television Inc. offers a valuable free resource for residents to learn creative skills like camera operation, graphics, editing, directing, and lighting. Program manager Dennis Bergeron, who runs HCAT and does the teaching, said he doesn't get as many takers as he'd like, attributing it partly to peoples' busy lives. He said, however, that people willing to learn can focus on their area of interest. All programs at HCAT are produced by volunteers, with Bergeron providing background support. Call 508-429-8979 for more information. - Megan McKee

STROLL INTO HOLIDAY FUN - The town's third annual Holiday Stroll is Saturday from noon to 4:30 p.m. Much of the entertainment will be provided by Hopkinton-based Enter Stage Left Theater, which gives classes and offers monthly productions featuring all age groups. There will be carolers in Victorian-era costumes and students performing "The Cat in the Hat" and a musical theater revue. The festivities, to take place at the library, Town Hall, and along Main Street, will culminate with a tree-lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. on the common. - Megan McKee

SUPER LAWYERS IN TOWN - A pair of Medfield residents were named to this year's list of Massachusetts Super Lawyers. Legal journal Law & Politics, which solicited ballots from more than 37,000 lawyers across the state, selected Peter A. Biagetti and Gregory A. Sandomirsky for its list. Both lawyers work for Mintz Levin, a national firm based in Boston. Sandomirsky specializes in a variety of public finance, government, and corporate legal issues. Biagetti concentrates on prosecution and defense in business-related cases. "It's always nice to be included on the list," Biagetti said, who added that the award is also prized by the winning lawyers' firms. The list was published in this month's issues of New England Super Lawyers magazine and Boston magazine.

- James O'Brien

BUY A BOOK, SUPPORT THE LIBRARY - An annual Barnes & Noble book fair to benefit the Medway Public Library will take place Dec. 11 and 12. For the fund-raising event, the Barnes & Noble store off Route 126 in Bellingham will donate a percentage of every purchase by customers asking to support the Medway Public Library. Items eligible for the book fair include books, CDs, DVDs, café items, and toys, among the many products carried by the store. For more information, e-mail libfriendsprez@yahoogroups.com or visit www.medwaylib.org.

- Rachel Lebeaux

ASSEMBLY ON DRUG AWARENESS - Milford High School freshman and sophomores recently attended an assembly focusing on preventing alcohol and drug dependency. Hosting the lecture was Bill Phillips, founder and director of an alcohol awareness program called New Beginnings. The Framingham-based organization helps to identify the links between school discipline, delinquency, violence, and difficulty achieving goals. Two of Phillips' students from New Beginnings joined him and shared their experiences with addiction. Following the presentation, several students approached Phillips with questions and offered praise for the seminar. More information about the organization is available on its website, www.nbprograms.com. - Anna Fiorentino

BOARD GAINS EXPERIENCED HAND - Susan Fasten knows her health issues. Whether it's food irradiation, aerial pesticide spraying, genetic engineering, or radioactive waste, the Millis resident and recently appointed Board of Health member has had experience with multiple public health issues, mostly at the grass-roots level. In Brookline, where she lived for 25 years, Fasten advocated successfully to force the town to remove asbestos that was hanging from pipes and contaminating the air in her son's school. She's now looking forward to positive change from a different perspective. "When I heard there was an opening on the board, I thought it was time to be on the other side," said Fasten. "I have the interest, and this Board of Health has totally impressed me." - Megan McKee

LOCAL FUEL ASSISTANCE - Town officials have established a fund to provide fuel assistance to residents who aren't covered by two major programs - the federal government's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Salvation Army's Good Neighbor Energy Fund. Although both programs this year expanded their eligibility requirements to cover more people, residents dealing with recent job losses may be unable to qualify, said Moira Munns, Natick's director of human services. Both programs rely on last year's income figures, meaning recent job changes aren't counted, she said. Many people are finding their "hours are being cut, their jobs are being eliminated," said Munns. "The need arises and then it becomes an emergency." Natick's Energy Assistance Account was created by a task force formed by Town Administrator Martha White to help residents deal with high energy costs. Even though fuel costs have decreased since the task force's formation last month, the economy is continuing to worsen, said Munns, so help is still needed. Donations can be made at any Citizens Bank branch by depositing cash or checks written to the Town of Natick into account number 1313939223. - Megan McKee

HOLIDAY PARTY TO AID PANTRY - The Norfolk Community League will hold its Holiday Winter Warm-Up on Dec. 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the H. Olive Day School, 232 Main St. The event, formerly known as the Santa Breakfast, will feature Big Joe the Storyteller, crafts, coloring, and photos taken alongside the Christmas tree, along with hot chocolate, cookies, and doughnuts. Participants are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for the Norfolk Food Pantry. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. Admission is $5 for league members, $7 for nonmembers, and children under age 2 are free. Download a sign-up sheet from www.norfolkcommunityleague.org. No tickets will be sold after Friday; they will not be sold at the door. For information, contact Ruthann Dowling at 774-571-1576 or ruthanndowling@comcast.net. - Michele Morgan Bolton

OPENINGS ON TOWN BOARDS - Volunteers are sought for vacancies on a number of town boards and committees, including the Bylaw Review Committee, Council on Aging, Finance Committee, Cultural Council, Permanent Building Committee and the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District. There are also openings for associate members of the Historical Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. Letters of interest can be sent to Plainville Town Hall, Board of Selectmen's Office, 142 South Street, PO Box 1717, Plainville, MA 02762, or emailed to the board's assistant, Drusilla Proctor at dproctor@plainville.ma.us. Call 508-695-3010, ext. 10, for more information.

- Michele Morgan Bolton

PENNIES FOR PEACE - The Sherborn Library children's room is collecting donations to Pennies for Peace through January. The program, launched by a nonprofit group, the Central Asia Institute, raises funds to build schools in remote areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The institute was founded by Greg Mortenson, author of a best-selling book, "Three Cups of Tea." More than 70 schools have been opened in these remote villages with funds from the program, according to the organization. For more information, contact the Sherborn Library at 508-653-0770. - Anna Fiorentino

VOTE ON TAXES - A special town election is scheduled for Jan. 27 on two proposals to raise property taxes through Proposition 2 1/2 overrides. Town Clerk Kelly A. McElreath said the polls at Nipmuc Regional High School are scheduled to be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The overrides, which were supported by Town Meeting voters on Nov. 18, would provide funds to complete two water-systems projects. One project, the installation and replacement of water mains along Route 140, would cost approximately $1 million. The other, to upgrade a sewage pumping station, would cost $241,460. In both cases, taxpayers would split the cost evenly with customers of the town's water and sewage systems, officials said. - James O'Brien

TEACHER WINS WEB AWARD - A Massachusetts organization promoting technology in the classroom has named a sixth-grade teacher in Wrentham as a recipient of a 2008 Webbie Award. Jennifer Moon was one of six teachers statewide who were recognized by the group, Massachusetts Computer Using Educators. Moon was cited for her classroom's website, which she built around a calendar that keeps her students informed about such issues as quiz schedules, book report due dates, and classmates' birthdays. The site also reminds the sixth-graders about needed project materials, and provides links to curriculum-related resources on the Internet. Webbies are awarded to classroom sites based on interactivity, frequency of updates, awareness of audience and age level, and how much information is shared in a commercial-free environment.

- James O'Brien

CHRISTMAS IN BERLIN - The holiday season starts Saturday with the 13th annual Christmas in Berlin celebration. A fund-raiser organized by the local Lions Club, the festivities kick off at 7 a.m. with breakfast at the First Parish Church and continue until 11 p.m., with tours of the historic Bullard House, a gingerbread house contest, and a Nativity play. Lions Club members will light the town Christmas tree at 5 p.m. on the lawn of the First Parish Church, and the evening ends with a contra dance at the 1870 Town Hall. The event this year also includes a holiday raffle. For raffle tickets, contact Laura Busky at laura@northbrookalpacas.com. For a complete listing of events, see www.townofberlin.com.

- Julia Rappaport

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS - Selectmen are seeking volunteers to fill vacancies on several boards in town. According to an announcement from the town, there are seats open on the Council on Aging, which oversees matters affecting the elderly; the Cultural Council, which awards grants and is the main sponsor of the New Year's Needham celebration; the Design Review Board, which evaluates design elements, such as architecture and landscaping, in plans for commercial areas; the Town Hall Display Committee, which reviews requests for temporary exhibitions; and the Traffic Management Advisory Committee, which reviews townwide traffic issues. Applicants must be registered voters in town, and must submit an application, including a brief letter of interest with a summary of relevant experience and contact information. Applications are due Dec. 19, in writing, by e-mail, or online at www.needhamma.gov/committeeform. For more information or to submit an application, contact: Needham Board of Selectmen, Sandy Cincotta, 1471 Highland Ave., Needham, MA 02492. She can also be reached at 781-455-7512 or scincotta@town.needham.ma.us. - Lisa Kocian

FIRE LIEUTENANT HELD AFTER CRASH - A Fire Department officer has been committed to Bridgewater State Hospital for 30 days of observation after his arrest in connection with a Nov. 22 automobile accident. Lieutenant Daniel Doherty, 41, of Newton, faces charges of driving under the influence of drugs and other offenses, based on police allegations that he fled the scene of the accident at Washington and Walnut streets, and led them on a foot chase through the neighborhood, court papers and officials said. He was arraigned Monday in Newton District Court on charges of operating under the influence, drugs, third offense; leaving the scene of property damage; and disorderly conduct. He entered a plea of not guilty and was committed to the state hospital, said Cathy Coughlin, assistant clerk magistrate. Doherty's next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 23. The court also revoked bail on a case pending against him in Dedham in connection to an Oct. 13 incident involving a Dedham police officer, said David Traub, spokesman for the Norfolk district attorney's office. Doherty has been placed on unpaid medical leave by the city, said spokesman Jeremy Solomon. - Rachana Rathi

CHARTER SCHOOL PROPOSAL - A public hearing will be held on a proposed charter school on Thursday, 4 to 6 p.m., in the Waltham Public Library's lecture hall, at 735 Main St. Rediscovery Inc., a nonprofit social-services agency, is proposing a high school for 16- to 24-year-olds who are aging out of the foster care system or have been homeless or have other challenges to finishing high school, according to Danielle Ferrier, the organization's executive director. "Those kids are really at risk of disconnection from society," she said. The goal is to prevent incarceration and homelessness by promoting education and employment, she said. The school, which is slated for a September 2010 opening, would serve a maximum of 220 students, Ferrier said. A site for the school has not been selected, she said. - Lisa Kocian

PARKING BAN RETURNS - Another sure sign that winter is upon us: The town's annual overnight parking ban goes into effect beginning today. Under the restriction, which typically lasts until April, cars are not permitted to park on any street for more than an hour between 1 and 6 a.m. Violators could face a $15 fine from police, and during a snow emergency could have their vehicle towed. Town officials say the ban is necessary to allow snowplows and emergency vehicles adequate access along Watertown's narrow streets. Those without driveways or other off-street parking options may park for free between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. at any of the municipal parking lots, including those at all elementary, middle, and high schools; at Victory Field; and in the lot at Boylston and Mount Auburn streets. But vehicles must be moved every day before 7 a.m., and before 6 a.m. following a snowstorm that requires plowing. - Christina Pazzanese

ROBOT TEAM REACHES OUT - After winning a Rookie All-Star award last year in its first global competition, Watertown High School's robotics team is working hard to make this another banner season. The KwarQs, as they're called, are preparing again for the FIRST Robotics Challenge, which is held each spring. Started 17 years ago by New Hampshire inventor Dean Kamen to spark interest in science, engineering, and technology among students, the tournament draws 1,500 teams from around the world competing to build the best robot. Teams have just six weeks to design and build their robots to specifications revealed to them in early January, and then must test them in time for the competition, which is slated for March 5-7 at Boston University. Teams must also raise their own money to pay for equipment, parts, service, marketing materials, and travel expenses. This year, the KwarQs need $20,000 in order to compete. For more information about the team, visit whsrobot.com. To learn about donations, contact team adviser Alan Epstein at aepstein@watertown.k12.ma.us or call 617-926-7718.

- Christina Pazzanese

TAX RATE UP 35 CENTS - Wellesley's property-tax rate per $1,000 in assessed home value is going up to $9.53 for this fiscal year, according to a report delivered Monday to the Board of Selectmen. Last year's rate was $9.18 per $1,000. During the past two decades, the rate per $1,000 was at its highest in 1996, when it was $11.61 per $1,000. The new rate assumes voters on Dec. 9 will approve an $86.6 million Proposition 2 1/2 debt-exclusion for a new high school building, officials said. - Lisa Keen

ALEHOUSE LOSES LICENSE - A 25-year-plus town landmark, the Olde Irish Alehouse on Bridge Street, has lost its liquor license for failing to install a building sprinkler system by a Nov. 15 deadline. Massachusetts passed a sprinkler law in 2004, following the fatal Station nightclub fire in Rhode Island. While the requirement had an initial deadline of November 2007, many establishments received a one-year extension. The alehouse's owners lost their bid for another delay when a Norfolk County Superior Court judge denied their motion for a temporary injunction to block the revokation. Officials said they are exploring options to reissue the license once the pub is in compliance. - Michele Morgan Bolton

LIBRARY FRIENDS TO PLAN BEE - The next meeting of the Friends of the Dover Library will take place Dec. 8 at 9 a.m. in the library's Community Room. The public session will cover the group's recent house tour, membership and fund-raising, and plans for its annual spelling bee, scheduled for March 26, and a Valentine's Day-themed wine tasting. In the meantime, the Friends of the Library is also continuing its search for a volunteer to assist in planning library events for the town's children. - Anna Fiorentino

SCHOOL BOARD TO MEET AT AIR BASE - The next meeting of the School Committee will be Thursday at 7 p.m. at Hanscom Primary School. All are welcome, but the School Committee suggests that, in order to expedite access to the Air Force base, people call the superintendent's office at 781-259-9409 before 2 p.m. Thursday to have their names placed on the visitors list. The agenda includes the dedication of Hanscom Middle School playground, the 2010 fiscal year budget, and last spring's MCAS tests. - John M. Guilfoil

FREE HOLIDAY PARKING - As an incentive for shoppers and as a good-will measure for local businesses, selectmen have once again voted to allow free parking in downtown during the holiday season. The free parking will last until Jan. 1. During that time, shoppers parking downtown will not have to pay parking meter fees. The two-hour limit for parking will remain in effect, however. - Matt Gunderson

LOCAL FUEL ASSISTANCE - Town officials have established a fund to provide fuel assistance to residents who aren't covered by two major programs - the federal government's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Salvation Army's Good Neighbor Energy Fund. Although both programs this year expanded their eligibility requirements to cover more people, residents dealing with recent job losses may be unable to qualify, said Moira Munns, Natick's director of human services. Both programs rely on last year's income figures, meaning recent job changes aren't counted, she said. Many people are finding their "hours are being cut, their jobs are being eliminated," said Munns. "The need arises and then it becomes an emergency." Natick's Energy Assistance Account was created by a task force formed by Town Administrator Martha White to help residents with high energy costs. Though fuel costs have decreased since the task force's formation last month, the economy is continuing to worsen, said Munns, so help is needed. Donations can be made at any Citizens Bank branch in cash or checks to the Town of Natick into account number 1313939223. - Megan McKee

OBEY HANDICAPPED PARKING LAWS - The town's Commission on Disability wishes to remind all that a driver's license can be suspended for 30 days for illegally using a disability placard to park in handicap parking spots. The commission urges everyone to be considerate of people who have mobility problems or health conditions and need those parking spaces. For more information, visit the Commission on Disability page at sudbury.ma.us. - John M. Guilfoil

SURVEY ON COMMUNICATIONS - Officials are conducting a survey to gauge how well residents believe the town communicates with them. It is being led by the town's Electronic Communications Committee, created by Town Meeting last spring to improve the dialogue between officials and residents, workers and businesses. For more details, or to take the survey, go to mywayland.org. - John M. Guilfoil

CHRISTMAS IN BERLIN - The holiday starts Saturday with the 13th annual Christmas in Berlin celebration. Organized by the Berlin Lions Club, the event raises money for the volunteer organization and brings some holiday cheer to town. Festivities kick off at 7 a.m. with breakfast at the First Parish Church and continue until 11 p.m., and include tours of the historic Bullard House, a gingerbread house contest, and a Nativity play. Lions Club members will light the town Christmas tree at 5 p.m. on the lawn of the First Parish Church, and the evening ends with a contra dance at the 1870 Town Hall. The event this year also includes a holiday raffle. For raffle tickets, contact Laura Busky at laura@northbrookalpacas.com. For a full listing of Saturday's events, see www.townofberlin.com. - Julia Rappaport

SOLAR PANELS ENDORSED - Selectmen have voted to endorse installing two solar panels on a building at the Florence Sawyer School, said Laura Kischitz, chairwoman of the town's Energy Committee. Research still needs to be done to determine whether a school would be an appropriate site for the panels, but the selectmen's vote is an encouraging step forward for her committee, Kischitz said. The panels will cost $25,000 and will be paid for through state grant money and a program supporting alternative energy through a premium on local electricity bills, she said.

- Matt Gunderson

DESIGN A NEW FIRE PATCH - The local Fire Department is sponsoring a contest for local youths to design a new patch for its uniforms. The winner of the contest, which offers a $250 prize, will be announced at the town's Memorial Day parade next spring. The deadline for submitting patch designs is March 2. The contest is open to Boylston residents age 10 to 18, as well as local students in grades five through 12. Participants can drop off their submissions at the firehouse on Main Street or mail them to the Boylston Fire Department Patch Contest, 599 Main St., PO Box 634, Boylston, MA 01505-0634. - Matt Gunderson

EARLY STEP IN SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH - The School Committee will meet Tuesday with a national firm hired to help find candidates for superintendent to replace Nina Schlikin, who resigned in August. The committee hired Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates last month. The search for superintendent will be national in scope, according to School Committee chairman Tom Green, who said last week that he is unaware of any interested candidates from within the system. Following this week's initial meeting, the search firm will involve teachers, administrators, officials, and parents in outlining the attributes required by the position. The timeline calls for the consultants to report to the School Committee by the beginning of the year, and then begin recruiting candidates. Green hopes to conduct the first round of interviews by mid-February. A new superintendent will be hired no later than early April if the process runs smoothly, he said. Interim Superintendent Stephen Dlott has not expressed interest in applying for the position. The search is taking place amid a national shortage of school superintendents.

- Julia Rappaport

SCHOOL BOARD TO MEET AT AIR BASE - The next meeting of the town's School Committee will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Hanscom Primary School. All are welcome, but the School Committee suggests that, in order to expedite access to the Air Force base, people call the superintendent's office at 781-259-9409 before 2 p.m. Thursday to have their names placed on the visitors list. Items on the agenda include the dedication of the Hanscom Middle School playground, the 2010 fiscal year budget, and last spring's MCAS tests. - John M. Guilfoil

PLANS FOR CONDOMINIUM BUILDING - The Gutierrez Co. is to go before the City Council tomorrow with a proposal to build multifamily housing on business-zoned land. The Burlington-based company is seeking approval for a 60-unit condominium-style building on a site between Lakeside Avenue (Route 20) and Elm Street. But company lawyer David Gadbois last week said the start of construction would be delayed until the economy improves. The majority of units would be two bedrooms, and cost about $300,000, said Gadbois. He said the company hopes to attract young professionals commuting to Boston. Much of the 31-acre site is wetlands, he said. and the construction would involve 10 acres. In 2000, the Gutierrez Co. purchased several hundred acres in Marlborough and Northborough from the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. In May 2007, the City Council granted a request from the company to extend the business zone on the Lakeside Avenue property. The company has been in discussions with neighborhood residents since early last year regarding the proposed condominium building. Should the proposal be cleared tomorrow, it would be referred to the council's Urban Affairs Committee for review.

- Julia Rappaport

FREE HOLIDAY PARKING - As an incentive for shoppers and as a good-will measure for local businesses, selectmen have once again voted to allow free parking in downtown during the holiday season. The free parking will last until Jan. 1. During that time, shoppers parking downtown will not have to pay parking meter fees. The two-hour limit for parking will remain in effect, however. - Matt Gunderson

PANEL TO WEIGH FUNDING REQUESTS - When the town's Community Preservation Committee meets Thursday night to review applications for the annual allotment of funds, the process will be particularly selective, officials say. With state matching grants and town tax revenues both lagging, the town has $500,000 to award, down $200,000 from last year. "The committee will just be double and triple checking that projects absolutely meet the criteria and have the support of the board that they're affiliated with," said Northborough's town planner, Kathy Joubert. "Obviously it's much more competitive this year." Last year, the town awarded its Community Preservation Act funds to aid preservation of historical records, repairs to the Town Hall and town clerk's office, and purchasing signs for the town's historic district, among other projects. - Julia Rappaport

COLLECTING TOYS - Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services, a nonprofit social services organization, is accepting toys for its annual charity drive through Dec. 13. The toy collection provides families in need with gifts for children during the holiday season. Collection points in Shrewsbury for donations of new, nonviolent toys are the Gymnastics Learning Center on Lake Street and the Shrewsbury Senior Center on Maple Avenue. Additional information is available at 508-753-6789. - James O'Brien

CHIEF ANSWERS WEB QUESTION - Fire Chief John Mauro Jr. was the first participant to answer an inquisitive 4-year-old's video-recorded question posted on the website of a fire-safety education program, Ask-a-Firefighter. Mauro responded to a North Carolina youngster's question about the responsibilities of the job. "The fire chief spends, well, a lot of time at my desk," Mauro said in his video response, describing his work with town budgets, building inspections, ambulances, and personnel training. Arkansas firefighter, author, and fire-safety educator Dayna Hilton started the program last month. Young people submit e-mail or video questions, and Hilton coordinates the responses from fire departments nationwide. The Southborough Fire Department will be featured in Hilton's upcoming fire-safety book for children. Mauro's video is archived at www.askafirefighter.net.

- James O'Brien

FORUM ON LAND USE - With the town's supply of developable land dwindling, its Land Use Task Force is investigating whether it makes sense to tap conservation properties for future municipal uses, such as a senior center. The question is bound to incite debate, however, said Selectman Stephen Dungan. He said many in town feel breaching a conservation restriction is a "violation of trust." The move might also prevent the town from getting future federal and state conservation grants, he added. The task force will host a forum to gauge public sentiment Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Hale Middle School cafeteria.

- Matt Gunderson

OBEY HANDICAPPED PARKING LAWS - The town's Commission on Disability wishes to remind residents and visitors that a driver's license can be suspended for 30 days for illegally using someone else's disability placard to park in handicap parking spot. The commission urges everyone to be considerate of people who have mobility problems or health conditions and need those parking spaces. For more information, visit the Commission on Disability page at www.sudbury.ma.us. - John M. Guilfoil

SURVEY ON COMMUNICATIONS - Officials are conducting a survey to gauge how well residents believe the town communicates with them. It is being organized by the town's Electronic Communications Committee, which was created at Town Meeting last spring to make recommendations on ways to improve communications between town government and residents, workers, and businesses. For more details, or to take the survey, visit www.mywayland.org.

- John M. Guilfoil

WANT TO MEET A WOLF? - If you've always been interested in wolves but never thought you'd see one in person, then "Wolf Talk" at the Westborough Public Library is for you. Educators Amy and Michael LeBlanc, who have been caring for wolves since 1978, will talk about the animal's behavior, habits, and endangerment on Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. at the library. Best of all, they'll bring along a wolf that lives at their Gardner compound. The guest of honor is certified for educational presentations. - Megan McKee