5 Things: Props to Stars, Info About Trash

Our weekday 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. Now that you're getting used to the , how are you liking it? If you still have questions or concerns, there's a trash and recycling hotline you may call if you've properly put out your trash out by 7 a.m. Friday and haven't received a violation notice on your trash or recycling cart. From 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, call 508-624-6910, ext. 7300. After these hours, leave a message at 508-624-6910, ext. 7700.

2. Summer vacation is more than half over. Kids, how are you doing on summer reading? Share with us in the comments what has been on your reading list this summer.

3. Is the thought of not having to pay sales tax enough incentive to get you to the stores (online or in person) this weekend? The Massachusetts Sales Tax Holiday is Saturday and Sunday. For what, if anything, will you be shopping?

4. Marlborough's 9-year-old All Star team went 25-3 this season. "This group of kids played their hearts out, and had more fun than we can even imagine. That's what it's all about," wrote Aimee Blair Federico on the Marlborough Patch Facebook page. Congrats, boys!

5. Readers' Choice voting runs through Aug. 17. ; click through to vote for your favorite spots in Marlborough. Today, we highlight frozen treats. 

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