5 Things You Need to Know Today: Sept. 29

1. Expect rain showers until at least 5 p.m. today and a high of 73 degrees, says the National Weather Service. 

2. Governor Deval Patrick and state education officials today celebrated the accomplishments of the first year of the state's Race to the Top (RTTT) initiative at the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Early College High School in Marlborough. In August 2010, Massachusetts was awarded $250 million from the U.S. Department of Education, receiving the highest score of any applicant in the national RTTT competition. Massachusetts will receive this funding over four years, through academic year 2013-2014, to bolster the Administration’s efforts to increase educator effectiveness, turn around underperforming schools and provide educators with the tools they need to ensure that all students are prepared for college and career.

3.  will host Kidgits Paint Your Own Pumpkin! Beginning, Friday, Oct. 7 through Saturday, Oct. 22. Kids will have a chance to create a Halloween masterpiece on a pumpkin located at Guest Services. Mall hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.

4. As of the end of last week, the Epicurean Room restaurant at  has re-opened for the 2011-2012 season. The restaurant had a complete makeover this summer, and is adding many new delectable dishes for your dining pleasure. The restaurant will be open from Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with an 'all you can eat' buffet on Thursdays. Reservations are encouraged, as it often fills, and can be made by calling 508-485-9430, ext. 1119. 

5. The 2011 Marlborough Heritage Heroine has been named. Longtime Marlborough resident Kathleen Lizotte Lynde will receive the award plaque this Sunday, Oct. 2 at at 10:30 a.m. The annual honor recognizes a community member who helps preserve and celebrate Marlborough’s rich history. Lynde was selected from a number of nominees presented to the Festival’s planning committee. Her tireless historical research and behind-the-scenes support of numerous historians’ work led to her nomination. Whenever she can, Lynde uncovers photographs, newspaper articles and other items, selflessly sharing them with grateful people who are searching Marlborough’s past. Using the ’s microfilm reader, Lynde frequently donates copies of relevant sections to area historians and geneaologists. Authors, program presenters and photographic collectors have all benefited from her quiet, yet passionate work, which, in turn, enhances the entire community’s historic perception of itself.

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