5 Things You Need to Know Today: Jan. 18

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.

1. The Friends of the Marlborough Public Library recently announced “The 2012 Friends Annual Photography Show” from Monday, Feb. 6 through Sunday, Feb. 12 in the . All interested area photographers are invited to enter. Entry Forms are available at area libraries or go online to AVCC or the Friends website or for further information call 978-562 7241, 413-648-9663, email: avccphoto@comcasst.net, rajohnson736@gmail.com.  There is a $8 entry fee for one or two works. Gallery Hours will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., Monday, Friday and Saturday from noon to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. The gallery is open to the public and there is no admission charge. If interested in working on the show, call 508-485-4204 or 413-648-9663. “A Reception and Open House” will be held on Monday evening, Feb. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Bigelow Auditorium. Awards Presentation Ceremonies will take place at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Refreshments will be served and there is no admission charge to attend the Reception. Music will be provided by Kim Ward, pianist. 

2. The Red Sox Road Trip 2012 Tour is heading to this Sunday! Fans can expect a lot of baseball activity including:

• The distribution purchased vouchers for pre-sale
• Red Sox themed promotional Giveaways
• Purchase the Fenway Park 100th Anniversary Official, Definitive Coffee Table Book or Wally the Green Monster books
• 2004 World Series Trophy on display
• Red Sox historical Artifacts on display
• Purchase Red Sox Nation and Kid Nation Memberships
• Face Painting/Balloon Artist
• Special Guest Appearance by Wally the Green Monster!
• “Sing Your Way to Fenway” National Anthem contest. Contestants will have a chance to sing the National Anthem at a regular season game in 2012. One lucky winner will be selected at the end of the event for a chance to sing at Fenway!

3. The MetroWest Free Medical Program recently asked us to share the news of their services with our readers: They provide general medical care for acute and chronic illnesses for adults and children. Other services include: work physicals, social service and mental health screenings and referrals for services, prescriptions for medications, referrals for labs and x-rays. All services are provided at no charge by licensed clinicians for patients who have no insurance, are underinsured, or have no primary care physician. The Program provides services at two locations. In Sudbury, walk-in service is available for general medical problems. Specialty services are offered monthly in Diabetes Education, Orthopedics and Psychiatry. Dermatology is offered by appointment only. The program is located at 105 Hudson Rd., Sudbury. (508) 656-0740. The Framingham location at 110 Edgell Rd. provides vision exams, ophthalmology, low cost prescription glasses, women’s health care, social service and mental health screenings and referrals, and help with insurance applications. (508) 656-0885. To learn more about the program, go to their website.

4. The Professional Development Series  at the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce starts off 2012 with Peter Clarke of the U.S. Post Office. Attendees will learn the most updated information on mailing requirements for Businesses in 2012. You may even find out that there is a savings for your business available. The event will be held in the Chamber conference room, 11 Florence St., from 11:30 a.m. to noon, BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch) and Networking; noon to 1:00 p.m. Presentation. Cost is $15 per person. Register online, email or call the Chamber office at 508-485-7746.

5. U.S. News and World Report recently published 11 retirement benefits that will likely change in 2012. It is an interesting list that affected individuals should take a look at.   

1. Bigger Social Security checks.
2. Higher Social Security taxes.
3. A small increase in Medicare Part B premiums.
4. Slightly better Medicare Part D gap coverage.
5. Higher 401(k) limits.
6. 401(k) fee disclosure.
7. More 401(k) investment advice.
8. More 401(k) match reinstatements.
9. Increased IRA income limits.
10. Increased access to the Saver's Credit.
11. Higher pension insurance limits.

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