5 Things You Need to Know Today: Jan. 25

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. Stroll the halls of any of the  Wednesday, and you’ll probably notice something unusual: Most of the students will be dressed in black. Marlborough Public Schools are participating in the Jan. 25 “No Name Calling Day” activity of wearing black to “black out bullying.” The event is part of a weeklong awareness of, in particular, how name-calling is a form of bullying not to be tolerated and that students should take a stand against such behavior. Marlborough schools are using the entire week to concentrate on eliminating bullying behaviors. For example, Whitcomb plans to use a “kindness chain” to recognize acts of kindness by students and staff alike and do schoolwide readings of anti-bullying compositions. Other schools also have special events planned.

2. This weekend the Arts Alliance will stage a production of "Steel Magnolias" featuring talented local people sharing their passion for locally produced theater at Town Hall, Hudson, 78 Main St., Friday, Jan. 27, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. The play, based on a true story by Robert Harling, is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, LA, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Tickets are available at the door for $12 for adults, and $10 for students and seniors. Save $1 by purchasing in advance at the website, upwitharts.org or by calling 978-562-1646.

3. Join the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce in a Business After Hours event to welcome Mayor Arthur Vigeant. Head over to the , 123 Boston Post Rd. W. Thursday, Jan. 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: $10 for members in advance, $15 at the door; $20 for non-members in advance, $25 for non-members at the door. To make a reservation or for more information, call 508-485-7746, or email: marlcham@marlboroughchamber.org. 

4. 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.

5.  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, orSharon Buckley, MHS All-Nighter Liaison.

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