5 Things You Need To Know Today: Feb. 16

1. Did you know that you can contribute articles, press releases, birth and wedding announcements (and much more) to Marlborough Patch whenever you'd like? Check out our announcements section and start uploading today.

2. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, co-wrote a letter asking Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to take a stronger stance against the government of Bahrain, which has violently surpressed democratic uprisings over the past year. There is also an arms deal in the works between the two nations that McGovern and others oppose. 

3. Sen. Scott Brown will be in Marlborough Saturday, March 3, to attend the Lincoln-Reagan Dinner fundraiser for the Republican city and town committees of Middlesex and Worcester counties. The $60 event at the Holiday Inn, 265 Lakeside Ave., will begin with cocktails at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Proceeds will benefit state congressional candidates in 2012 races. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP with payment by Feb. 27 to: Treasurer, MWRPAC, P.O. Box 65,  Sudbury, MA 01776. Contact Nancy Quimby, Westborough RTC: 774-249-4431, quimbyn@westboroughgop.com or Kim Shepherd, Northborough RTC: 508-667-4178, info@NorthboroughGOP.com.

4. Both students and staff at the  have been hard at work painting a new wall mural. Inspired by the ideals of cooperation, compassion, integrity and respect, muralist David Fichter has turned those ideas into a larger design titled "Character Shapes our Community." (see photo)

5. Join Marlborough Youth Baseball and Girls Softball from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, or from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 3 at the Fieldhouse to register for the spring seasons. Evaluations are also being held that day for all new and undrafted baseball players 8 to 12 years old, and all new girls softball players ages 10-15. Existing baseball players will have a chance to win a new CF5 bat and Red Sox tickets by signing up six new players. Existing softball players can do the same for a chance to win Red Sox tickets. Financial Aid is available. Children participating in more than one sport this spring may be eligible for financial aid or payment options. Contact Sharky for more information, or visit the websites for the baseball and softball leagues for registration forms.

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