5 Things Nov. 2: Thanksgiving Dinner for Seniors, Small Business Grant and More

Five 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. Personal Best Charity
If you, a Norton senior or veteran you know needs an individual Thanksgiving dinner, call Stephanie Schwartz at 617-694-3101 or email bsschwartz@yahoo.com. Deliveries will be coordinated between the recipient and a volunteer. Sign-up deadline is Nov. 9. You may also call the Veterans’ Services Office at 508-285-0218 to recommend someone and arrangements will be made.

2. “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”
This election season, join Norton Public Library for a classic film “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” that portrays one man's struggle to stay true to himself in the midst of political corruption. James Stewart won the New York Critics Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Mr. Smith, an idealistic country boy who goes to Washington as a short-term senator. Disillusionment sets in slowly as he realizes the political games being played in the nation's Capitol. His fight to expose the corruption to the public brings the film to a moving finish. This film showing will start 10:30 a.m. in the community room.

3. Driver safety program
Sturdy Memorial Hospital will sponsor a Driver Safety Program 10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the Hospital. Area residents are encouraged to attend this program that was developed by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). The classes are taught by trained AARP instructors who assist motorists with their driving skills.  Some states offer discounts on automobile insurance rates by attending this class, call your insurance agent to see if your state participates in this discount program. During the class, participants will learn how to refine their existing driving skills and develop safe, defensive driving techniques. Classes will also focus on the effects of aging and medication on driving, how to handle adverse driving conditions, traffic hazards, fuel saving tips and preventive measures that save lives. Sturdy Memorial is offering this course free of charge. Light refreshments will be served. Class size is limited and registration is necessary. To register, call Sturdy Memorial's Public Relations Department at 508-236-8020.

4. Small Business grant
Today is the deadline to apply for a Small Business grant program. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed the Economic Development Bill  into law, subsequently provided funding for the Smaller Business Association of New England's (SBANE) Manufacturing Grant Matching Program. This program is designed to provide high-powered consulting expertise to small and medium-sized manufacturers. To apply complete this one-page application and submit that along with a consultant proposal to Sarah Henry at SBANE. Deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Awards will be announced in December of 2012. Applications may be sent via email to sarah@sbane.org.

5. High near 57, low around 36
Today will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. Light west wind will increase to 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Tonight will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. West wind will be around 7 mph.