5 Things You Need to Know Today: Jan. 9

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 will present a “Special Winter Program” Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Library’s Bigelow Auditorium. The event will feature actor Stephen Collins as he performs “The Theatre of the 1930s, 40s and 50s.” Travel back in time as Mr. Collins’ performance delivers not just the plays, but brings the playwrights to life on the stage. The program is open to the public and admission is free. For further info, call 508-481-7118 or email: writeathome@hotmail.com or go online at: mpl-friends.org.

2. The Friends of the Marlborough Public Library will also present their winter Classic Film Series to be held in the Library's Bigelow Auditorium beginning Saturday, Jan. 18 at 2 p.m. with the film “Casablanca.” The movie on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 2 p.m. will be “Jaws.” The program is open to the public and admission is free. For further info, call 508-481-7118 or email: writeathome@hotmail.com or go online at: mpl-friends.org.

3. On Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Peter Rice Homestead, 377 Elm St., the will present "Samuel Boyd" with Bob Kane, a well-known Marlborough historian and the Historical Society's curator. He will tell the tale of Samuel Boyd, known as the father of our city.  From 1840 - 1890 Boyd shaped Marlborough into a city.  He was a pioneering shoe manufacturer, a banker, and an entrepreneur. Refreshments will be served.

4. Student at will conceptualize, design, build, test, and learn to drive a remote controlled 120 pound robot that will compete in teams against other robots in the coming weeks. This year’s game design involves robots shooting foam basketballs through openings of various heights, zipping over speed bumps, and balancing on a teeter-totter ramp, all in a two minute match. Within an hour of learning the game’s objectives, groups of students were presenting their initial brainstorming ideas. The Aztechs will be meeting three times weekly through the build season, which will end on Feb. 21. Marcus Fletcher, Project Manager for the Aztechs, graduated from the school in 1999 and has been a mentor every year since then.

5. In an effort to ensure all students have a safe learning environment, Governor Deval Patrick has designated Jan. 25 as “No Name Calling Day” in Massachusetts. A provision of the anti-bullying legislation, supported by the Legislature and signed by Patrick in May 2010, “No Name Calling Day” will be recognized in classrooms throughout the Commonwealth as students pledge to take a stand against bullying. Students are also encouraged to wear black as a sign of their commitment to "Black Out Bullying" in schools Jan. 25.

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