5 Things You Need to Know Today: Jan. 2

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. The public is invited to join city officials to inaugurate mayor-elect Arthur Vigeant this morning Monday, Jan. 2, 2012 at the  War Memorial Auditorium at 10 a.m. A reception will follow at City Hall. 

2. Rain hit the Marlborough area Sunday evening and as temperatures flirt with the freezing mark, the Massachusetts State Police remind residents to always be wary of black ice. "Drivers are reminded that black ice is difficult, if not impossible to see, may occur in widespread areas or in isolated patches, and can occur when a road surface is cold, even if the air temperature is above freezing. Since it is difficult to detect, operators should reduce their speed and leave extra space between their vehicle and others. Operators should also remember that bridges and overpasses are likely to freeze first, and that ramps pose a special hazard due to the high speeds and sharp turns. Additionally, making sure that everyone in their vehicle is properly seatbelted is the single most effective thing motorists can do to keep themselves and their passengers safe in the New Year."

3. The Arts Alliance would like to invite area artists to exhibit their work in the upcoming Still Life Show. Works in all mediums are welcome to be a part of the six week display that will be held at Citizens Bank, 17 Pope St., Hudson. Registration deadline for the Still Life Exhibit is Thursday, Jan. 19. The form is available at the website: UpWithArts.org. There is a non-refundable entry fee of $15 per piece for non-members or $8 per piece for Arts Alliance members. Artists may exhibit two pieces of art. Artists may join at the time of registration. Mail or deliver the completed form to the Arts Alliance, 155 Apsley St., Hudson, MA 01749.

4. recently issued a statement pertaining to a crackdown on organizations critical of the Egyptian government operating within its borders. “I am extremely concerned and disappointed by the Egyptian government’s raids against several non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including Freedom House, the National Democratic Institute, and the International Republican Institute, among others.  The timing and manner of these actions appear aimed at suppressing the development of independent voices and democratic institutions.  I urge the Egyptian government to prevent any further raids, return seized materials to NGOs, allow peaceful NGOs to operate freely, and sustain an atmosphere for building the genuine democracy that the Egyptian people deserve.”

5. A suspect is still being sought in the  on Boston Post Road East. Anyone with information is asked to call Malborough Police at 508-485-1212. 

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date on the latest Marlborough news, or simply hit the "like" button at the top of this page.