1. Still haven't visited the big guy with the toys? Be sure to check out Patch's regional Santa map, complete with times and places Mr. Claus will be visiting with kids in the area. 2. Patch went boxing last week, and this was the result. Check out our new "Up in Your Business Series" and make a request if you want Patch to come in and film at your business. 3. Dave Malouin returns to the Texas BBQ Company tonight. 4. Bye Bye Birdie opens tonight, put on by the Dramahawks at Algonquin Regional High School. 5. The Community Preservation Committee meets at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall. This …

1. The Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce present its Annual Holiday Business After Hours. This event is dedicated to great networking with 250-300 people in attendance and it's a special time for all of us to celebrate the holiday season. White Cliffs has planned a spectacular evening with their legendary food and desserts and for your listening pleasure the music of Michael Field's Saxophone Quartet. So here's how you sign up. 2. Northborough Patch welcomes bloggers. Did you know that? Give yourself a platform to speak about what you know, and the audience to listen.  3. Did you …

1. The December Garden Club program is a wreath workshop. Bring greens to share as well as clippers, wires and decorations for your wreath, to the Senior Center today.  A $5 charge is applied to nonmembers to cover cost of materials. Refreshments served. 2. The Northborough Free Library offers two programs today, starting with a mini cooking class at 3:30 that concentrates on "wintery snacks," and then a cartoon drawing program at 6:30 p.m. with Ray LaChance, who shows kids how to draw something "beastie." 3. Did you decorate your house for the holidays this year? Enter our "Deck the House" …

1. Today, our local "Santa map" hits the area Patches. Look for it, and plan your visit with the big man. 2.There will be a detour at Northborough Center this weekend due to the Downtown Improvement Project. Plan accordingly. 3. Be sure to lock your cars at all times. Recently, cars were broken into in the Davis Street and Tomahawk Street areas. If you see any suspicious activity, call police. 4. In our neighboring town of Shrewsbury, the Shrewsbury Sportsmen's Club is hosting an indoor flea market this weekend, and is welcome to vendors. It's only $20 to set up. 5. Switchblade Serenade, the…

1. Feng Shui and Tea become one at the Northboro Chiropractic Center today. "Explore the awareness of your thoughts, the study of your environment, and how the actions you take can bring balance, peace and happiness into your life. Life Design Expert, Christine Conway, will share with you the amazing practice known as Feng Shui.  Christine is a certified Feng Shui Designer and a Professional Empowerment Coach, who has been helping  women create their ideal lives for more than a decade." 2.There will be a detour at Northborough Center this weekend due to the Downtown Improvement Project. Plan …

1. Students in grades 3 and 4 meet for the book club at the Northborough Free Library today to discuss books focusing on historical fiction. Talk about the books, and enjoy a snack with other readers. 2. The town offices were closed on Thanksgiving day and Friday, and of course through the weekend, but are back open for business today, should you need to take care of anything. 3. Our Deck the Halls decorating contest starts today, folks. And the prize is no small potatoes. Think you've got what it takes to win? Well, it's easy to enter.  4. The Northborough Senior Center starts up its week …

1. This shot from a photographer in Grafton, of a photo in Grafton, won the local landmarks photo contest. But not to worry, there are still plenty of photography categories coming our way on Patch. Winners get a $25 gift card of their choice to a local establishment. 2. The Toys for Tots collection has begun and will continue through Dec. 18. Drop off non-violent, unwrapped but pre-packaged toys at the fire department, Town Hall or Northborough Free Library during normal business hours. 3.Thanksgiving Eve, for some, is the biggest night out of the year. That's why JJ's has the wackiest party…

1. Were you at the '80s prom this past Saturday night to benefit the Northborough Recreational Department? If so, chances are you made it into our wickedly awesome photo gallery from the event. You should check it out even if you weren't there. 2. The Teamworks Level I Volleyball Clinic is designed to help develop your child into a better volleyball player. Whether they are just a beginner or would like to keep their current skills fresh, this program will help them improve their skills and make them a better player. And today's the day. Are you signed up? 3. Add a festive touch to all your …

1. As part of the process of discussing a BYOB policy for Northborough, the Board of Selectmen is holding a public hearing tonight at 7:15 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room at the Town Hall. "The purpose of the session is to provide an opportunity for the public to provide input regarding a proposed policy for a “Carry-In Wine & Malt (BYOB) Permit," wrote Jeff Amberson, the board's clerk, in the notice. 2.Speaking of the Board of Selectmen, did you miss Aaron Hutchins on the Phantom Gourmet radio show last week? If you did, you should definitely make some time to listen to the clip, which …

1. Do you shop at Especially for Pets? This pet food and supply store is running a fundraiser to help the animal victims of Sandy. 2. Boudreau and Macey are back at the Texas BBQ Company tonight. From their site: "They have tight vocal harmony while each of them can carry the lead on their own. If you like a wide variety of music styles, then you have come to the right place. Between the two of them, they have diverse backgrounds with Liz having the ablity to sing all genres, including country, blues, and rock, while Joe's forte has always been country, he also has the ablilty to perform …

1. Don't forget that Cocobeni Confections needs your votes to win a small business grant. You love their sweet cupcakes, so help them out! 2. Each month, the Northborough Free Library celebrates and helps kids learn about a different country with, food, crafts, games, and more. This month, it's Armenia they're talking 'bout. Drop down to the library fixing to learn about Armena. 3. The Fresh Air Fund is looking ahead to next summer. Consider hosting a child in 2013. 4. The Historical Commission meets at the town offices at 7 p.m. These meetings are open to the public. The agenda, which you …

1. Our favorite and yours, Carrie's back at the library today, putting on her kids' show that almost always packs the room. Find out what your kids have been missing. 2. Julie's leading a cardio kick today at Project Jay Fitness. Get your body moving with this fun group kick class. 3. Most of the country is allowing Walmart to kick off its Black Friday sales by opening at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving night. Not in Rhode Island, and not here. Massachusetts Blue Laws prevent the superstore from opening until the morning of Black Friday. 4. There are quite a few town meetings tonight, including the …

1. Did you know that 19 women from Northborough served in WWII? Honor your veterans today, and all year. Click here to visit the Northborough American Legion's World War II honor roll. Remember, the town offices, Senior Center and many other places are closed today. 2. It's Diabetes Awareness Month. Do you know the risk factors? From the American Diabetes Association, here are a few statistics:  Nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. Another 79 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes …

1. St. Bernadette School invites all veterans and friends to attend a special Veterans Day Program today at 1:30 p.m. The school's students will salute the American Flag, sing patriotic songs and offering prayers for veterans. The students will also make a presentation to all veterans in attendance. 2. With Veterans Day being observed on Monday, it's a great time to share the stories of men and women who have served our country. Our blogging platform, which allows you to post directly to Patch, is a wonderful forum for this. I'll get you started as we honor our veterans: here's a blog I wrote…

1. Gerard W. Bourque, Vincent F. Picard Post 234 Service Officer discusses Federal benefits available to WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War Veterans at this men's breakfast this morning at the Senior Center. 2. Thre3 hits Texas BBQ Company again tonight, playing a mix of classic rock, blues and country. 3. Craigslist can be a real hoot. And informative, too. But then you know that. We've taken the liberty, as we do each week, of pulling out the best of it as it relates to our area. Take a look. 4. Northborough artist Andrew Stevovich's "Games and Players" is featured through November at a …

Today, we relay five facts about the presidential election in the United States, according to randomfacts.com. Though we're posting only five facts here from randomfacts.com, the site offers 25 interesting facts. Worth a read, for sure. Here are our five favorites from the site: 1. Ronald Reagan still holds the record for the most popular votes and the highest number of electoral votes in history, which happened in 1984. He got 54,455, 075 popular votes and 525 electoral votes. 2. John F. Kennedy debated Richard Nixon on Sept. 26, 1960. That was the first time there was an official …

1. A lot of people are still trying to recover from the mess of Hurricane Sandy. You can help. Here are some local, regional and national efforts to help those in need. 2. Vote tomorrow! No matter what, make it count. And be sure to check in to Northborough Patch throughout the day for local coverage on what will be a huge election. 3. Bill Fraher, town auditor, gives a 2012 audit report to the town, and the board discusses the possibility of instituting a BYOB policy for restaurants in town who do not have a liquor license at this selectmen's meeting at 7 p.m. at the town hall. 4. It's …

1. A few benefits of baby sign language are that it: reduces frustration, deepens the bond between you and your baby, and gives babies the ability to express themselves before they can speak. Learn more about baby sign language at this program in the morning at the Northborough Free Library.  2. Eat a big spaghetti dinner and help out a bunch of great local groups. The dinner, which also includes salad, meatballs, bread and dessert, is $10 for adults and $5 for kids and takes place tonight at the American Legion. Who does it help? The Northborough Food Pantry, The 4-H Club and the American …

1. The final debate between Senator Scott Brown and challenger Elizabeth Warren was cancelled because of the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Some voters viewed the final debate as the last chance to hear from both candidates before making up their minds on who to support. For those voters or for people who want to make sure they are voting for the right person, check out diffen.com for a side by side comparison. 2.The coat, boot and hat drive is still on. Conducted by Helping Hands of Northborough, residents are urged to donate new or gently-used winter clothing for kids. This effort continues …

1. Boot at Boost: Boost Fitness is hosting a Boot Camp Challenge starting today. In a “biggest Loser” style format, Boot Camp Challenge offers you the opportunity to devote 6 weeks to getting yourself in the best shape you’ve ever been. Your team meets three times a week for an intense Boot Camp Workout. 2. Whatever we get from Sandy the storm, we'll be sure to keep you townies informed. Use this page for the most updated information on any possible outages, closings and more. 3. Do you think that Charlie Brown's "Great Pumpkin" promotes, or at least condones, bullying? Some do. Some don't. …