The Wrentham Times

Wrentham Police Department: Wrentham Police Advise Residents of West Wrentham to be Proactive

The Wrentham Police are responding to an elevated number of house breaks on the west side of Wrentham.  The overarching strategy of the thieves remain similar.  Entry is made into the home, they move directly to the master bedroom and go directly for jewelry boxes and bureau drawers (where jewelry is typically kept).

We advise all residents of Wrentham to keep valuable property in unique hiding places.  Perpetrators of house breaks rely on speed and efficiency.  If they do not find valuables in the typical places (mentioned above) they may simply leave the residence, or be forced to take less valuable items.

House alarms can be deterrents if they are earsplitting in their volume inside the house.  At the very least, it may increase the level of urgency to finish the theft more quickly.  It is sometimes helpful to have outside alarms as well.

via wrenpd.blogspot.com

The 32nd Annual Cracker-Barrel Fair is Coming Soon

Get ready for the 32nd Annual Cracker-Barrel Fair. This year, the fair will be held Thursday, September 13th through Sunday, September 16th.  There will be live musical entertainment each day of the fair. On Friday the Hitmen will perform and on Saturday the Brianna Grace Band will be on stage from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Southeastern Massachusetts Community Concert Band will close out the night from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. followed by a firework display at 9:50 p.m.

Sunday afternoon The Reminisants will play oldies and a dance presentation by Showcase Dance Productions is scheduled.

The fair will feature hayrides pulled by antique tractors, Norfolk County 4-H Clubs will host various agricultural exhibits including a pet parade on Sunday morning. There will be craft displays by local artisans, magicians, animal shows, jugglers and face painters throughout the weekend. Food booths will be up and running too.

Saturday morning, the Cracker-Barrel 5K will start at 9 a.m. Snacks and refreshments will be made available courtesy of The Tavern at Wrentham. In addition to the road race, a large flea market will be in full swing starting at 10 a.m. Saturday morning. There is a $3 parking donation supporting the Wrentham Lions and Friends of Wrentham.

The Fair hours are Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday noon to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Sunday it will be bracelet day from noon to 6 p.m. For $20 you may ride any and rides.

Fiske Offers New Online Services

Fiske Public Library is offering continuing education online courses and a student database. Offered through Universal Class, a division of Recorded Books has created over 500 continuing education courses that may be accessed from home. View video-based lessons, assignments and feedback from real instructors. The service offers such topics as resume writing, interview skills, photography basics, stress management, sociology, team management, Outlook 2007, computerized accounting with Quickbooks, homeschooling, and dog training as well as others. To access the courses visit www.fiskelib.org, the database page, and scroll down to find Universal Class. Log in using barcode information on your library card and create a registration file. These are not “for credit” but can generate certificates of achievement and continuing education units.

STUDENT DATABASES
Fiske has added home-accessible databases for student assignments. All research topics can be found on the library home page by going to www.fiskelib.org, CLICK on the Databases tab, CHOOSE the Database and ENTER the barcode information on your library card.

Handouts describing the databases are available at the library front desk.

Senator Ross Encourages Constituents to Protect Themselves against Mosquito Bites

Senator Richard Ross (R-Wrentham) would like to urge his constituents to remain vigilant against mosquitoes. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), a fourth human case of West Nile virus (WNV) has been confirmed in Massachusetts. As a result, DPH has raised the WNV threat level to “High” in Newton and to “Moderate” in Needham, Waltham, Wellesley and Weston. Health officials are also awaiting confirmation of six more probable human cases of WNV in Middlesex County, Hampden County and Essex County. 

“The threat of mosquito-borne illnesses continues to rise throughout the Commonwealth,” said Senator Ross. “It is imperative that we take all necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites and protect ourselves and our loved ones from these dangerous diseases.”

WNV-infected mosquitoes have been discovered in 93 communities from nine counties, thus far in 2012. Health officials are predicting that Massachusetts is on track to have the highest number of WNV-positive mosquito pools since 2000, when WNV was first seen in the state. Prior to today’s announcement, there have been three human cases of WNV in the Commonwealth: two in Middlesex County and one in Berkshire County. In 2011, there were six cases of WNV in Massachusetts residents and one in a horse.

WNV can infect people of all ages; however people over the age of 50 are at a higher risk for severe disease. WNV is typically transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most people infected with WNV do not experience symptoms, those symptoms ordinarily include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, a more severe illness can occur.

There are a variety of steps we can take to protect ourselves from illnesses caused by mosquitoes:

• Always apply insect repellent when outdoors. Look for a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535, and follow all instructions on the product label. Please note that DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
• Avoid peak mosquito hours, which occur from dusk to dawn.
• Wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks to keep mosquitoes from biting your skin.
• Drain or discard all items that hold water, including buckets, tires, unused flowerpots and wading pools. Check gutters and drains after heavy rain. Change water in birdbaths frequently. Flush out water troughs at least weekly.
• Drain or discard all items that hold water, as mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Check rain gutters and drains and ensure that any unused flowerpots and wading pools are empty. Change water in birdbaths frequently.
• Install or repair tightly-fitting screens on all windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Protect your pets and speak with your veterinarian about mosquito repellants that are approved for use in animals, as well as vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. Horse owners should keep their horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce mosquito exposure. If an animal is diagnosed with WNV or EEE, owners must report to DAR, Division of Animal Health at (617) 626-1795 and to the Department of Public Health (DPH) at (617) 983-6800.

For more information, including all WNV and EEE positive results from 2012, please visit the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/wnv or call the DPH Epidemiology Program at (617) 983-6800. Please contact the office of Senator Ross with any questions or concerns at (617) 722-1555 or <a href="Richard.Ross@masenate.gov">Richard.Ross@masenate.gov</a>.

Wrentham Public Schools vs. Wrentham Police

On Friday, September 14th, the staff from the Wrentham Public Schools will face off against the Wrentham Police department in a charity softball game. To order tickets ahead of time, fill out this form. Tickets will be sold at the field.  Price per ticekts is $3 for children, $5 for adults, and $20 for a family. Concessions will be available during the game. All proceeds will directly benefit the Wrentham Teachers’ Association scholarship fund. The rain date is September 15th at 7 p.m.

The teachers are asking spectators to bring gloves to help catch homeruns hit by the police!

Meet Miss Massachusetts Teen Caitlin O'Neill

Miss Massachusetts Teen Caitlin O'Neill will be in her crown and tiara at the 4 Paws Animal Shelter table at the 31st annual Wrentham Day to be held on Sat. Sept 8 at the downtown common. O'Neill, a Wrentham resident, who won the title of National American Miss Massachusetts Teen will join us from noon to 2 p.m.

Caitlin is a supporter of animal causes and will help answer questions about our shelter building program.

4 Paws will be offering organic homemade dog and cat treats.

To learn more about O'Neill's crowning moment read, "Hometown Teen Takes State Crown".

Town Government Study Committee Seeks New Member

The newly formed Town Government Study Committee (TGSC) is looking for a new member who would have some background in Information Technology, Facilities Management and/or Human Resources. If you are interested in applying to the committee, download and fill out this form and submit to the Board of Selectmen's office. The Board hopes to make the appointment at the their September 4, 2012  meeting.

September Senior Center Programing

FLU CLINIC – Wrentham Residents Only – 12 years of age and older. Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 10:00am – 12 noon, and 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Wednesday, October 3, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Place:  Wrentham Senior Center – Everyone with insurance must bring their cards. Those without insurance are welcome.  No fee will be charged. Office appointments are available. Please call the Nurses’ office at 508-384-5485. For more information visit the Town Website at www.Wrentham.ma.us.

WALKING GROUP IN THE FALL? – Now that we have our lovely walking path in back of the center, thanks to Eagle Scout candidate Sean Turner, is anyone interested in joining a walking group? We could use the path as our base, and walk around Trout Pond and up to Beach Street. Give us a call and let us know if you are interested, maybe Thursday mornings?

STAMPING WITH STACY – Monday, September, 10 at 12:45pm. Fall-themed cards and little red hatter lady cards will be made. Space is limited. Call to sign up.

LOBSTER ROLL LUNCH  - Wed. Sept. 12 at 12 noon. Space is limited to first 50 people who sign up by Friday, Sept. 7. Cost is $10 .Wrentham seniors sign up is from Aug. (27 – 31). All are welcome thereafter.

HATHA YOGA – Join us on Thursday, September 27 at 9:30 am for a free introductory Senior Hatha Yoga class.  Class can be experienced in a chair or on a mat by a trained yoga instructor.

LUNCH AT CHICKIE FLYNN’S – Thursday, Sept. 13. Must sign up for this event by calling Senior Center.  $2.50

Nails To Go - Manicures & Pedicures!  Every first Friday of the month, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., we will have a licensed nail technician at the Senior Center to give you a manicure and/or a pedicure at special reduced rates.  Please call to sign up and let us know the services you would like.  A basic manicure is $8.  A basic pedicure is $15. Technician can also give other nail treatments, but they must be requested ahead of time

Aerobic Exercise Class – Monday at 9:30, Wednesday at 10:00 Cost $2.00 YMCA Instructor

Sit & Stretch Class – Monday and Wednesday at 11:00. Cost is $2    Video shown on Friday at 11:00 is free.

Cribbage – Tuesday at 9:00 am $1

Grocery Shopping – Friday at 10:15. Call center

to sign up.

Painting Class – Tuesday at 9:30am $3

Errands – First Tuesday of each month.

Target – Second and fourth Tuesday at 10:30 am, Van driver will pick you up at your home for one hour of shopping.

Evening Exercise Class – Tuesday at 6pm and Thursday at 5:45pm. 45 minute high impact aerobics class, zoomba-like exercise, strength training, ab floor work and yoga stretching. Cost is $2, payable at the class. Please bring a floor mat and weights. (we can provide some weights).

Blood Pressure Clinic – Third Wednesday of each month

Financial Advisor – Second Monday of each month.  Call for appointment.

Wrentham’s Veterans Agent – Ken Oles, will be at the senior center on Monday’s from 1pm to 3:00pm and Tuesday’s (appointment only) at 5:00pm to 8:00. Call the center if you would like to meet with Ken.

SHINE – Our SHINE Counselor will be at the Center on Fridays from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Please call if you would like to make an appointment to meet with her.  If you need assistance other than the times she is here, please call the HESSCO SHINE office at 1-800-462-5221

Knitting & Crocheting – On Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.  Join us as we get together to knit/crochet scarves, hats and mittens for the school children and afghans for the Pine St. Inn.

Office Hours with State Senator Richard Ross, or his representative, will be at the senior center on the first Tuesday of each month at 12 noon for a private discussion. No appointment necessary.

Low Vision Support Group – First Thursday of each month at 10:30.  Call center to sign up.

Swimming – Wrentham State School, Tuesday 9:00-11:00

Wednesday 2:00 – 3:00. Call 508-384-3114

Chair Massage – Give yourself a treat and enjoy a 15 minute massage every second Friday of the month for $8. Call the center for an appointment.

Trips

Foxwoods – Once a month. Call Center for date at 508-384-5425, Wrentham Seniors $15, Non Wrentham Seniors $25.

Autumn In Vermont – 10/10.11.12 - $286.00 pp dbl

Overnight stay at the Summit Lodge in Killington, VT. 3 meals included along with evening entertainment, tour to billings Farms and Museum with a stop at Vermont Country Store. Deposit of $75 is required at sign up. Insurance is optional for additional $75.

Call center for more details.

Cruise on Lake Sunapee – October 9 - $72. Buffet luncheon will be served during your cruise.  Motor coach departs at 8:15am with return time of approx. 5:30pm

Italian Festival – October 19 - $44.00- Lake Pearl Luciano’s. Transportation on your own. Arrival time 11:30am. Enjoy singer Glan Faraone. Luncheon choice of either Chicken Parmesan or Baked Haddock.

Metrowest Basketball Tryouts Announced

The Metrowest Basketball Organization has announced it tryouts for the 2012 - 2013 season for both boys and girls teams in grades 4 - 8.  

Boys 

GRADE 4 

10/10 @ 5:00-6:45 AND 10/11 @ 5:00-6:45 GIBBONS GYM

GRADE 5

9/22 @ 9:30-11:30      WRENTHAM STATE SCHOOL

9/24 @ 5:00-6:45        KING PHILIP MIDDLE SCHOOL

GRADE 6

9/22 @ 12:00-2:00      WRENTHAM STATE SCHOOL

9/24 @ 7:00-8:45        KING PHILIP MIDDLE SCHOOL

GRADE 7

9/29 @ 9:30-11:30      WRENTHAM STATE SCHOOL

10/1 @ 5:00-6:45        KING PHILIP MIDDLE SCHOOL

GRADE 8

9/29 @ 12:00-2:00      WRENTHAM STATE SCHOOL

10/1 @ 7:00-8:45        KING PHILIP MIDDLE SCHOOL
 
Girls 

GRADE 4

10/10 @ 7:00-8:45 AND 10/11 @ 7:00-8:45 GIBBONS GYM

GRADE 5

9/22 @ 2:30-4:30        WRENTHAM STATE SCHOOL

9/24 @ 5:00-6:45        GIBBONS GYM

GRADE 6

9/22 @ 5:00-7:00        WRENTHAM STATE SCHOOL

9/24 @ 7:00-8:45        GIBBONS GYM

GRADE 7

9/29 @ 2:30-4:30        WRENTHAM STATE SCHOOL

10/1 @ 5:00-6:45        GIBBONS GYM

GRADE 8

9/29 @ 5:00-7:00        WRENTHAM STATE SCHOOL

10/1 @ 7:00-8:45        GIBBONS GYM
 
Gibbons Gym is located at the Delaney Elementary School, Taunton Street, Wrentham.

KP Middle School is located on King Street, Norfolk.

Wrentham State School is located on Smith Ave (off Shears Street) directly across from Michael’s Deli in Wrentham.  Parking lot is directly on the right- gym entrance is in front of the parking lot.
 
ABOUT THE TRYOUTS:
Travel teams will consist of boys & girls from Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham. There will be 24 girls and 24 boys selected in grade 4. There will be 21 boys and 21 girls selected in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8. It is important to attend both tryouts scheduled for your grade level. If your child is unable to attend one of the tryouts, you MUST contact the tryout coordinator Claire Layman (508-384-1285, or Tclayman7@comcast.net ) prior to the FIRST tryout.  Additional information can be found atwww.kphoops.com.
 
ABOUT THE LEAGUE:
All KPBA teams compete in the highly competitive Metrowest Travel League. Teams will practice twice a week, along with a game played on Sunday. Regular season games start in December and end in February with playoffs in early March.

Cost to play in the league: $300.00 ($260 registration fee (includes reversible practice jersey), and $40.00 uniform fee (new reversible uniform to keep). 
 
PRE REGISTER ONLINE FOR TRYOUTS! 
Please visit www.kphoops.com to register for tryouts.  Registration needs to be complete 24 hours prior to your tryout.

Wrentham Works: Yesterday and Today

The Old Fiske Museum will be hosting an exhibit on Wrentham Day, Saturday, September 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., "Wrentham Works:  Yesterday and Today."  The Cultural Council Gallery will feature paintings, poetry, sculpture, pottery, and other works reflecting the professions and passions of today's Wrentham residents.  The Wrentham community hosts a broad range of cultural interests in the arts, humanities and sciences and a number of individuals and professionals will be represented in this unusual and exciting exhibit.  Wrentham's rich history in business and industry will be highlighted In the Historical Commission Gallery, from the straw hat industry to Weber Duck Farms to Crosby Valve and Gage.  Discover other unique enterprises that have been and are currently part of Wrentham's heritage.  The exhibit will continue through the Fall and can be viewed by appointment (617-335-6121 or 508-384-3101) and at the December 2 Open House, 1-4 p.m.  Visit the Cultural Council website for details and updates.