5 Things Nov. 19: Stephen Puleo Lecture, Roger Chartier Performance and More

Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the feature in the comments section. 
 
1. Stephen Puleo “A City So Grand” lecture
Award-winning Boston author and noted historian Stephen Puleo will give a lecture 6:30 p.m. at Norton Public Library on the history of Boston from 1850-1900, the subject of his book “A City So Grand.” From the abolitionist movement, to the massive Back Bay project, to the invention of the telephone, the events of those 50 years made Boston a leader in civil rights, transportation and communication. After the event, copies of “A City So Grand, The Boston Italians, and Dark Tide” will be available for sale and signing by the author.

2. Roger Chartier performance
Musician Roger Chartier will perform at EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Norton at 1:30 p.m. Chartier sings and plays six- and 12-string guitars, bass, banjo, violin, mandolin and keyboard during his energetic performances. This performance is free and open to the public. Space is limited and a reservation is requested. For more information or to R.S.V.P., call 508-285-7745.

3. Massachusetts adds 7,900 jobs in October

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported that the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ preliminary October 2012 estimates show Massachusetts added 7,900 jobs over the month, for a total of 3,255,100 jobs.  The October job gain follows a revised gain of 2,700 jobs in September.

The total unemployment rate inched up from 6.5 percent in September to 6.6 percent in October.  The unemployment rate is down 0.5 of a percentage point from the October 2011 rate of 7.1 percent. The three-month average seasonally adjusted total unemployment rate was 6.5 percent and the six-month average was 6.3 percent.

 Year to date jobs are up 43,300 with private sector jobs up 42,400. Professional, Scientific, and Business Services and Trade, Transportation and Utilities had the largest gains.

 Over the year, October 2011 to October 2012, jobs are up 43,000.  Private sector jobs are up 44,500, for a growth rate of 1.6 percent with gains in seven of the ten sectors.