5 Things You Need to Know Today: Nov. 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. Governor Deval Patrick today joined officials of Vestas – American Wind Technology, Inc., as well as and others, to celebrate the start of a $16 million expansion that will make Marlborough the new North American hub for Vestas’ research, development, testing and verification of electric power generators used in its wind turbines. Through the expansion, Vestas will hire 66 new employees and nearly triple its total workforce to more than 100 in Marlborough.

2.  is organizing their annual Aztec Wishes holiday gift drive which benefits the children and their families served by the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) in Marlborough. Last year the school’s staff and students adopted over 150 children in need of a brighter holiday season. Individuals or organizations are urged to help make local children’s wishes come true by either “adopting” a child or a family for the holidays and providing them with gifts and/or grocery gift cards, or by making  donations to the program for the students to use for the wish lists.  To participate, please contact Donna Groccia or April Kelly at (508) 485-9430 x1446. The deadline for toys and clothing is Dec. 7, but cash donations must be at the school by Dec. 2. 

3. On Saturday, Nov. 12, hosted a Santa Celebration for local kids to celebrate the arrival of Santa. In partnership with The American Red Cross’s Holiday Mail for Heroes, kids had the chance to decorate and create holiday cards to be sent overseas and also participate in other holiday activities to get into the holiday spirit! Santa on a daily basis right up until Christmas. 

4. A week from today many of you will be out shopping up a storm as "Black Friday" makes its annual mark. As you plan your route of attack, remember to keep these helpful tips from the Better Business Bureau in mind. 

5. Individuals interested in obtaining a Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) should register on Nov. 29 at  from 4 to 6 p.m. You must bring a photo ID, a money order for $65 made out to Assabet Valley (no cash or check accepted), and, if you are between 16 and 18 years old, a letter from your high school stating the date of withdrawal. The GED test will be given at Assabet Valley on Nov. 13, 14 and 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. (You must be present all three nights.) For more information, call Andrea Cronin at 508-485-9430, ext. 1216.

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