5 Things, August 7: Bathroom Access Bill Signed into Law

"Five Things you Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance.

1. Bill Granting Public Access to Private Restrooms Signed into Law

A bill which allows (like Crohn's disease or colitis) was signed into law by Governor Deval Patrick last week.

The bill was originally filed by Representative Lou Kafka (D-Stoughton) on behalf of a teenage constituent from Sharon.

“I’m proud of the fact that this bill will provide peace of mind to people suffering from diseases on the colitis spectrum, that they will be able to shop without fear of a publicly embarrassing situation,” Kafka said in a release.

The law applies to businesses with three or more employees. People wishing to use the private, employee-only restrooms will need a doctor's note, the Associated Press reports.

With the Governor signing the bill, Massachusetts joins 12 other states with similar laws, according to a press release. The release states that roughly 30,000 Massachusetts residents suffer from Crohn’s or Colitis with at least 10 percent of those being under the age of 18.

2. Stoughton Police Department Sergeant to be Recognized at Brockton Rox Game

According to the Stoughton Police Department's Facebook page, the Stoughton Police will be recognizing at Tuesday's Brockton Rox game "for his years of dedicated public outreach in the area of drunk driving prevention."

This is part of the Brockton Rox's celebration of the annual National Night Out Against Crime. The festivities will be held Tuesday, August 7 at Campanelli Stadium in Brockton, home of the Rox. Game starts at 7:05 p.m.

"There will be fun and games beforehand as this is always a great event," the SPD's Facebook page states. Activities and entertainment start at 4:30 p.m. Check the flyer posted in the media gallery for more details.

Stoughton's own will be starting for the Rox Tuesday night.

3. Share a Haircut

The Stoughton Hair Cuttery’s two-week “Share A Haircut” program is running from August 1-15.

During this time, every time a child (18 years old or younger) receives a haircut at any of the Hair Cuttery salons in New England, including the salon in Stoughton, a free hair cut will be donated to a disadvantaged child in the community.

In Stoughton, Hair Cuttery is partnering with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families to distribute the haircuts.

The Hair Cuttery in Stoughton is located at at 417 Washington Street in Walgreens Plaza.

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4. Bingo at the Senior Center

The  will hold its weekly game of BINGO at 12:45 p.m.

5. Reminder: Thursday is Food Pantry Day in Stoughton

Stoughton resident Peg Carbone continues her effort to curb hunger in Stoughton, personally picking up donations for the food pantries every Thursday.

Here's a note from Peg: "I pick up non perishable food and also household items every Thursday, anywhere in Stoughton and deliver them to the food pantry. Please tell your friends and neighbors. One item, one bag or several, and I will pick them up every Thursday."

Haven't called to arrange a pickup? It's not too late. Call Peg at 508-889-1385 or send an email to peg.carbone@comcast.net.

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