5 Things You Need to Know Today: Jan. 19

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 adult Practical Nursing Program at is holding their annual Open House Wednesday, Feb. 8. Learn how it is possible to become a practical nurse through a 10 month program. See lab demonstrations and attend an informational presentation. Registration and check-in is from 5:45 to 6 p.m., the information session with demonstration is from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with a question and answer session following. RSVP online to by Friday, Feb. 3. Go to this website to reserve your spot. 

2. For a twelfth straight year, Simon Youth Foundation and the Solomon Pond Mall will award a college scholarship to one student in Marlborough. The application period is open from Tuesday, Jan. 17, through Thursday, March 1, 2012. Locally, students can pick up a copy of a scholarship application at the Simon Guest Services Center at Solomon Pond Mall. Applications also can be downloaded at the SYF website. Any student who will be graduating in the class of 2012 and lives within 50 miles of a Simon property is eligible. The program will award a one-time scholarship of up to $1,400 to students who plan to enroll in an accredited college, university, vocational or technical school. Students are selected based on a variety of criteria, including financial need, academic performance, leadership skills and participation in school and community activities. Those students who are the first in their family to pursue a post secondary education will also be given close consideration. The completed application, along with official school transcripts and parents’ most recently filed tax form, must be sent to Scholarship Management Services by March 1, 2012.

3. On Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. the Arts Alliance Focus on the Arts program will present Behind the Mask Theatre’s performance of "The Woman Who Outshone the Sun" at the . This performance is held during school vacation at the handicap accessible, convenient downtown location. Four artists wearing life size masks and spectacular costumes will present this multicultural show performed as a bilingual story (Spanish & English), and based on a poem by Alejandro Cruz Martinez. At 2 pm, following the performance is a Mardi Gras Mask Making Workshop. Working buffet style, participants select an appropriate elastic strapped papier mache mask blank and then proceed to choose materials, such as chenille stems, pony beads, jewels, feathers, fur, or fabric, to apply at glueing stations, before augmenting with painted patterns and textures. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $8 for students/seniors and $6 for children under 10. The mask making workshop is available for all ages for $15. Save $1 for ticket and for the workshop by purchasing in advance at the website, or by calling 978-562-1646.

4.  will hold its annual After Prom All-Night Celebration for graduating seniors and their guests on Friday, June 1. This event is planned and organized by high school parents and staff and provides a safe alternative to other high-risk after-prom events.  Nearly 100 percent of the graduating seniors attend the all-nighter party. We are proud that in 26 years of offering this event, none of the students has been involved in an accident or encountered any trouble on what is statistically one of the most dangerous nights for this age group. The group recently launched a new website, but this night is not possible without the generous donations and support from the community—from the food and beverage donations to financial support and prizes. The group hopes to reach their fundraising goal by April 1, but cannot do it without the public's help. Upcoming events to benefit the All-Nighter include:

• Spring Fling: Saturday, April 28 at 8 p.m., Masonic Hall. Enjoy DJ, dancing and raffles.  Contact Robin Zaia (robinzaia@comcast.net), Sherri Rodman (srodman29@gmail.com) and Edna Fine (efine91@gmail.com) for more information. 

• Jenny Boston Boutique: Thursday, May 3, 7 to 9 p.m., 45 East Main St., Westborough. 

The next meeting of the MHS All-Nighter Committee will take place on Wed., Feb. 29 at the high school. Consider volunteering for this very worthy cause. Your help means that 350 young people will be given the opportunity to enjoy their graduation weekend in a safe and secure place! For more information, visit their website or email Debbie Munley, Chair of the 2012 All-Nighter Committee, or Sharon Buckley, MHS All-Nighter Liaison.

5. Craftworks, a cooperative in Northborough, is hosting a Meet Local Authors Night tonight, Thursday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. at 243 W. Main St. Come and hear their stories of their inspriation and readings. Among those who will be present are: Sheryl Brown Nixon with her newly released book "In the Blink of an Eye"; Vin Femia author of "Patriot's Pride"; Nicole Reineke, Beth Dougherty author of 'The Blind Pig", MaryEllen Tuthill author of "The Linen Man and other poems" and Richard Perry. For more information call 508-667-3997.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date on the latest Marlborough news, or simply hit the "like" button at the top of this page.