Big Truck Day, Northborough's annual event that features trucks of all kinds, had been called off, as the town was unable to fund it this year. The event costs approximately $2,000 to produce, according to Allie Lane, Parks and Recreation director.  Thanks to a generous donation from Michael Durkin of Remax Prestige, the event is back on. Big Truck Day, in conjunction with the Community Yard Sale, takes place on Saturday, June 15 (rain date June 16), from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Algonquin Regional High School. It features "big trucks" from the Public Works Department, giving kids and families a …

Jean Tower, Algonquin's technology director, reminds the community it is welcome to an Apple Computer night on Monday, March 18, in the high school library. Guest speakers from Apple Computer present information about successful school one-toone technology initiatives and share success stories, as well as key elements that impact these successful programs. The public is invited to participate, and there is a Q&A session with the Apple experts. The program runs from 7:30-9 p.m. and is presnted by the Technology Advisory Committee. 

If you are a business owner in town, or have a concern about the bylaws surrounding signs in Northborough, consider attending a public hearing at the Planning Board's meeting on Tuesday, March 5, at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall (Conference Room B). The Board of Selectmen recently debated additions and changes to the existing bylaws, issuing a letter to the Planning Board with its recommendations. Inviting discussion from the public, and other boards and commissions, the Planning Board will ultimately decide on potential changes to bring to Town Meeting this April. Issues to be discussed include …

Information courtesy of Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School Laugh it up and benefit the football team. On March 9, Chris Ziti, Greg Murphy and Kenny Robertson—three of Boston's top funnymen—are performing at the Hudson Elks in a show to benefit the Assabet Valley Football Program. The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $20. The show is also a BYOD (Bring Your Own Dinner) show; arrive at 6 p.m. with your dinner. Many couples and friends are going together and bringing Chinese food, pizzas, apps, etc. to have at their tables. You must be at least 21 , as there will be a cash bar. …

Every Tuesday from 5:30-7 p.m., the Bistro at the Northborough Senior Center serves up a full dinner, including dessert, as well as sandwiches and soups from its daily lunch menu. For a low price of $8, this week, enjoy spaghetti and meatballs, caesar salad, bread and dessert. Check out the town's Senior Center site for the weekly menu, and more information.  

Nevermind Valentine's Day. Many call it a "stupid Hallmark holiday" anyway. Instead, the town's administration is inviting interested residents to attend a special meeting to discuss the results of Northborough's Financial Trend Monitoring System report. The meeting takes place on Thursday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m. at the Northborough Free Library.  The financial team has been working on this since summer, and it is a primary goal of FY2013. The FTMS report, as Town Administrator John Coderre explaine in a memo to the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Appropriations Committee and Finanicial …

Rock Band Camp sets up again at Jack's Guitar Garage from Feb. 20-25. The weeklong musical workshop is open to all students who are interested in applying their level of understanding in a fun, interactive rock and roll setting. All instruments and skill levels  are welcomed. Led by Jack Shanahan and the rest of the Garage staff, the program "teaches students the art of musicianship within the inner workings of a rock band. Students will explore the key differences between playing a song and performing a song." The students, in fact, form a "band," choosing tunes they want to play, which …

Even if you didn't sign up for the big tubing extravaganza at the Ski Ward in Shrewsbury on Saturday, Feb. 2, it's not too late to join in the fun. Go tubing from 6-8 p.m. for $22, payable to Peaslee PTO, which reminds you, "If you didn't officially sign up but still want to go, you can just meet everyone at the tent near the tubing area at 6 pm, pay, and slide right into all the evening fun! Ski Ward is busy making snow overnight so the event is on!"

On Thursday, Jan. 31, the new duo simply dubbed "Dan and Sarah" are performing at the Texas BBQ Company. Longtime singer/guitarist Dan Kirouac joins singer Sarah Gengel, who leads the eight-piece Groove Street Band, for a few sets of tunes that cover acoustic rock, R&B, soul and Motown. Gengel also adds some acoustic guitar and flute to the mix.  Plus, you have a chance to win free steaks at the BBQ.

The Community Action Program at Algonquin Regional High School is one for "students who are looking for ways to become involved within the community," reports the Community Advocate. As part of this initiative, the students are branching out, and on Feb. 12 at the Northborough Senior Center, they host a technology class from 2:15-3:30 p.m. Under the direction of their guidance counselor, students from the CAP program will help seniors understand and use their cell phones, ereaders, iPads, and laptops.

Studio Joy, as its website says, "offers a unique variety of classes and workshops based on the practice of Nia - a sensory-based movement practice that leads to health, wellness and fitness." Led by co-founders Amy Podolsky and Jenny Silverberg are bringing the "studio" to First Unitarian Church for an open house on Thursday, Jan. 31, from 6-8 p.m. While the event is free, you should register here. More about Nia from Studio Joy's site: "Nia offers you cardiovascular whole-body conditioning, stress reduction, increased strength, flexibility and greater balance in a safe and natural way. Nia …

Information courtesy of the Northborough Free Library The Northborough Free Library is pleased to introduce a new way of learning a language through the Mango Languages online language-learning system. Mango Languages offers a fast, convenient, online solution to meet your language learning needs, and is free for all Northborough library patrons through the website. There are more than 40 foreign language courses available and 16 English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Each lesson combines real life situations and audio from native speakers with simple, clear instructions. To find out …

Information submitted by Sue Teplansky Once again, Algonquin students took Worcester by storm at the annual MMEA Central District concert at Mechanics Hall on Saturday. ARHS always has an impressive representation and this year is no exception with sixteen students in the chorus, eight in the concert band, six in the orchestra and three in the jazz band. This was a great opportunity for our musicians - not only do they perform at a higher level in a world class venue, they also have fun collaborating with other students and directors from across the district.  The camaraderie often …

Bill McCarthy, king of the open mics around here, is bringing his experience to Northborough. Starting Wednesday, Dec. 19, McCarthy will host a local musicians showcase every week from 7:30-11 p.m. at Guiseppe's Grille.  Want to perform? Email McCarthy to reserve your half-hour set in advance at openmcc@verizon.net and put "open mic" in the subject heading.