5 Things You Need to Know Today: Nov. 22

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. It's going to be sunny skies today, but many people will be traveling in the pouring rain on Wednesday in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Take a look at the National Weather Service forecast and be prepared. 

2. If you haven't bought your Thanksgiving turkey yet, you should know that prices have risen significantly this year, but around. 

3.  announced Monday morning that the“Home for the Holidays” event At Union Common (Intersection of Main St. & Rt. 85) will be held Friday evening, Dec. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. The timeline will include the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, the tree Lighting by Mayor Stevens with Combined Chorus at 6:15 p.m.; Performances at at Union Common will include: the Marlborough High School String Ensemble at 6:45 p.m.; and the Marlborough High School Jazz  Band at 7:30 p.m.

4. Scratching your head about what gift to give friends and relatives for the holidays? Consider a print of original student art work. High-quality prints of pieces in the school district’s Permanent Art Collection are available for purchase for $30 each. The prints come matted to fit a standard 11x14-inch frame. All proceeds support the Marlborough Schools Visual Art Department in its continuation and expansion of the MPS Permanent Art Collection. Orders must be received by Dec. 9 for delivery in time for the holidays. To view the prints, visit www.mps-edu.org and click on the link at the bottom of the home page. To order a print, contact Julie Baker, Marlborough’s K-12 visual arts coordinator, at (508) 460-3500, ext. 7149 or at jbaker@mps-edu.org.

5. The New England Gymnastics Academy, Inc. announced last week that Ava Sandford of Marlborough has qualified for the 22nd Annual National Judges Cup Championships being held in Indianapolis, IN, Jan. 6 to 8, 2012. Ava will be one of 12 athletes representing the State of Massachusetts in the Level 7 All Star State Team Challenge. Ava qualified for the event over that weekend at the 2011 Massachusetts Judges Cup. 

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