5 Things For Which We're Thankful

From our logo to our readers, I have reasons to be thankful this Thanksgiving.

My family's Thanksgiving tradition is a little different than most. Before we sit down to eat, my aunt reads her mom (my grandmother)'s essay called "Why I Like My Family." It's a beautiful essay that won a prize back in the day, and it's tough to get through without crying. Most, though, go around the table and puts each family member and friend on the spot, forcing them to come up with something, someone, they are thankful for that year. And of course because we live and breathe Patch around these parts, we're relating this thankful tradition to Patch. So, let me extend this popular family tradition to this virtual gathering-place, and share with you five Patch-related things that make me thankful. This is by no means an exhaustive list…

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Get the Wine and Cranberry Sauce Early; What's Closed (and Open) on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a tricky one; what the heck is open?

Particularly since Black Friday looms closely, it's hard to know what is actually open on Thanksgiving day. Here's a partial list, but please add to the comments section if you know of a business that is open—or closed—on Thanksgiving. Here's a list: Restaurants/bars: Some are open—call ahead. The Celtic Tavern opens at 4 p.m. and offers a "free pizza with a pitcher of beer special" and the Pats game on the big screen. Convenience stores: many are open, but may have special hours. Honey Farms at 369 West Main St. is open from 6 a.m. to midnight; the other Honey Farms on Main Street is open 24 hours (and that includes Thanksgiving day). Supermarkets: closed, and that means Wegmans, too Retail stores: closed, but Walmart in Northborough will…

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Labor Day: What's Open, What's Closed and Will Anyone Pick Up My Trash

You need to plan. Can you pick up milk on Labor Day? Will you receive packages?

Happy Labor Day to you fine folks. The point is not to work today. Many of you don't have to. Here is what is closed, and open, on Labor Day. The Northborough Town Hall and all the town offices are closed today. The Senior Center, Northborough Free Library and the schools are closed, as well. There is no trash or recycling pickup on Labor Day; rather the routes will commence from Tuesday through Saturday. All federal and state offices are also closed today, which includes the Post Office. The stock market, too, is closed. Here is some additional information on what is open and closed on Labor Day. Know of something open, or closed, that you'd like to add? Please do so in our comments section. Don't miss a beat in Northborough. Be sure to …

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Charlene Arsenault

1:11 pm on Monday, September 3, 2012

Yes, we obtained our information from the town site, as well. Thanks everyone.   more ›

POLL: Are You Glad Christmas Is Over?

Are you a Scrooge or a Santa? How do you feel the day after Christmas?

Bah humbug, or I can't wait until next year? How do you feel the day after Christmas?

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Danielle Horn

5:14 pm on Tuesday, December 27, 2011

I don't really feel like it's over until after New Year's. Then I have no use for winter. :-)   more ›

Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 25

Merry Christmas to those of you who are celebrating.

Our morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations. 1. It'll be time to start thinking about how you're going to get rid of that Christmas tree. Troop 101 offers pickup of those trees as a fundraiser for their Scout troop. 2. Wondering how the weather will be this week, as perhaps you're home with the kiddies? Click on the National Weather Service for the latest forecast, which has the week starting off with some sunshine. 3. Be sure to check back with Northborough Patch on Monday, as we highlight some of the best things to do with the kids on Christmas vacation. 4. Read about it on history.com: "The so-called Christmas Truce …

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Local Lens

Assabet's Breakfast With Santa

Santa made a stop at Assabet Valley for the Immaculate Conception School Breakfast

Submitted by Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School The place to be on Saturday morning was the Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School cafeteria, the site of the 2011 Immaculate Conception School “Breakfast with Santa.” Hundreds of people streamed in throughout the morning, and stayed for the fun. Rob Pierce and crew were busy in the kitchen, cooking eggs, pancakes, French toast, bacon, sausage, and ham, while Jenn Murphy kept things running like clockwork in the main cafeteria. From face painting and tattoos to a cake walk and craft tables, the younger children were kept busy and laughing. The adults perused the beautiful gift baskets they’d like to win, all filled with donated items, from a Kuerig coffee maker or a Bose …

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VIDEO: Will An Excavator Fit Under the Christmas Tree? Conor Has The Key Already

The kids at Skribbles Learning Center in Northborough talk to Patch about Santa, and other stuff.

Barbies, Batman and...excavators. Those are a few things the kids at Skribbles Learning Center told Northborough Patch they'd like to receive from Santa Claus this year. Patch also learned about the intricate workings and abilities of the La La Lucy doll, another popular present for the little ones. Dinosaurs, too, top the list of desires for kids at Skribbles. And one boy simply wants "destruction workers." Listen closely, and get ready for complete cuteness overload as you watch our video of our visit at Skribbles. Many thanks to co-owner Tara Rogers and preschool teacher Nina Darling for coordinating the effort, which included coraling the kids and maintaining some order during the interviews.

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Church Chat

In the Churches: Living Nativity on the Lawn

It's all "real" as the Living Nativity scene comes back to Church of the Nativity this weekend.

Church of the Nativity will hosts its annual “Living Nativity” presentation outdoors on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. This musical dramatization of the Christmas story, featuring live actors and animals, features a petting zoo, carol singing, and a "gentle look at the greatest story ever told." Following the 45 minute presentation, a festive party is held indoors in the parish hall featuring refreshments, a Christmas sing-along, and warm fellowship. "It is is a reinactment of the Birth of Christ with live animals including sheep, ponies, horses and goats," said Carl Kinkel, a member of the church. "Many small children in costumes play the roles of shepherds and angels." High school and middle school aged kids play the major roles of Mary…

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VIDEO: What Are Your Holiday Traditions?

There are traditions you hold forever. What are some of yours?

To this day, when I open my stocking from Santa (i.e. my mom) there is a tangerine in the toe. Be sure to watch the video to learn more about this one. It's one of many, and shift or remove one of them, and my whole Christmas feels off kilter. There are traditions, especially around the holidays, that become so ingrained in the celebration that it wouldn't seem like the holiday without them. We want to hear yours. In fact, we'd like for you to make sharing your Christmas traditions with Patch a tradition. Upload your own video, or share in the comments section below.

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