Monday Essentials: Bedford Babe Ruth Aims High

1. For it's root, root, root for Bedford! Many of the same players who led Bedford's 11- and 12-year-old baseball all-stars to to the brink of of the Little League World Series in 2012 are back at it this year. Bedford's 13U Babe Ruth bombers dropped their tournament opener, 9-5, to Plymouth, Mass. on Saturday, but the local nine bounced back to defeat Central Valley, Maine, 12-4, Sunday to advance to a 5 p.m. Monday matchup against New Milford, Conn. With the early loss, Bedford needs four more consecutive victories to seal a bid to the Babe Ruth World Series. Root on the team at Gill Stadium in Manchester, host to this year's tournament. For more on the team, click here.

2. Don't be a victim. Bedford Police, in response to heightened concern from residents regarding five recent home burglaries, have scheduled a public information meeting for this Wednesday, July 31, from 7-9 p.m. at the Bedford Safety Complex. The meeting is aimed at teaching resident how to better safeguard against residential and commercial burglaries. For more information, click here.

3. Back to the 80s? Yes, two weeks ago, Bedford saw temperatures in the 90s for about six-straight days. Last week, the daily highs dropped into the 70s. This week, temperatures level out in the low 80s throughout the next five days beginning Monday with forecasted high of 80 degrees and a 50-percent chance of scattered thunderstorms. For this week's full five-day forecast, click here.

4. Senior snap shot. Those Bedford High School school students entering the 12th grade who haven't had their senior pictures taken by one of Bedford's fantastic local photographers, such as Debbie Ellis or Madonna Lovett Repeta, BHS is offering on-site senior pictures this Wednesday, July 31, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Bedford High School Theater. For more information, or to set up an appointment, contact Hockymeyer Studios by clicking here.

5. Touch a truck! As part of the Bedford Public Library's summer reading program, Bedford children have a chance to jump in a Bedford fire truck or construction vehicle or check out the inside of a police cruiser this Tuesday July 30, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Lemonade and cookies will also be served. For that and all other upcoming events and activities, check out the library calendar here.

6. On the agenda. The following is the schedule of this week's Bedford municipal meetings:

Monday, July 29

• 7:45 a.m. - Water & Sewer Committee Meeting -  BCTV Bedford Town Meeting Room

• 3 p.m. - CIP Committee - Bedford Town Office Building

• 3 p.m. - CIP Committee - Bedford Town Office Building

• 7 p.m. - BCTV Board Meeting -  BCTV Bedford Town Meeting Room

• 8 a.m. - Bedford Village Common Development Committee - BCTV Bedford Town Meeting Room