Honored. Longtime regional school committee member John Creed was given a lifetime achievement award from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees for his work spanning 30 years in service to the school committees of Saugus, Marshfield, and Kingston. John is believed to be the only person in the commonwealth to have been elected to school committees in three separate localities. He served on the Marshfield school committee from 1982-1993 and was elected chairman six times. He said his toughest challenges were in Marshfield during the Prop 2 ½ era when layoffs unfortunately occurred. Congratulations to John with thanks for all that he does here.

The Friends of the Library met on Jan. 9 and their ranks are swelling with the additions of Anita Sisler and Bob and Gloria Weber who offered significant ideas for helping the library surmount dire budget issues. Director Sia Stewart told the group that due to the recession use of the library is up ten percent, and that deep budget cuts mean the library will not be able to fund new book purchases. The ‘Friends’ are dedicated to fundraising which supports special library programs and makes museum passes available to residents.
Currently, the Friends are selling beautiful tote bags at the very reasonable cost of $6, and response to the totes has been strong enough to necessitate a reorder. Totes may be purchased right at the front desk. If you’re interested in becoming a friend of the library, forms are also available from library personnel. Also, look for more info on the activities of the Friends on PAC-TV. And don’t forget to donate your used books to the library. They will go into circulation if they’re new titles, or they will be set aside for one of the two book sales which will occur in early May and early October.

Calling Kingston’s Cooks. The Friends of the Library are preparing to publish a cookbook for sale by next Christmas. If you have a special family recipe, something unusual or exceptional, please send your recipe to Nancy Sapir, 241 Main St., Kingston for inclusion in the book. If there is a story that goes along with your recipe, please also include that.

Class reunion. The Weymouth H.S. Class of 1949 committee has plans made for their 60^th reunion to be held on Sunday, June 21, 2009 at the Inn at Bay Pointe, 64 Washington St., Quincy from noon to 4 p.m. Letters have been sent to classmates. If you have not received yours, please contact Rosemarie (Amabile) Egerton at 781-293-2488 or Lloyd Nadell at 781-447-2244. Include your maiden name if applicable and your telephone number if you don’t reach either of them directly.

Boy Scout Sunday and Kingston’s Annual Scout Breakfast. Everyone is invited to a community buffet breakfast at the Knights of Columbus Hall on South St. on Feb. 8 from 8-11:30 a.m. The menu consists of eggs, French toast, syrup, sausage, home fries, fruit, juice, coffee, and tea. Donations are appreciated to benefit the scouts’ community projects.

Knights Valentine Dance. The Knights of Columbus are hosting their annual Valentine dinner dance on Saturday, Feb.. 7 at 6 p.m. Price of tickets is $15 per person or $30 per couple. Tables of eight or ten can be reserved. For tickets, please contact Peter Brogna at 781-293-9547 or pblkk@comcast.net. Tickets will not be available at the door.

State Representative Tom Calter (D-Kingston) will hold office hours in his Plymouth district office located in Cordage Park at 10 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 233 on the second Monday of the month from 5:30-6:30 P.M. No appointment is necessary. The next scheduled hour will be on February 9, 2009. For directions or questions please call (508)732-0033.

Save the date. Saturday, March 7th Sacred Heart High School will hold the school's Annual Caritas Auction.  This year's event will include food "Tapas"  by "Celebrity" Alumni Chefs, cocktails and a terrific auction. Join fellow parents and members of the school community for a casual evening in support of our school.   This year's theme . . ."Art at the Heart."  Ticket information will follow, but mark your calendar and be sure to attend Sacred Heart High School's Annual Caritas Gala. In addition to donated art by students, alumni and parents, the committtee is also requesting parents to consider donating gift baskets, game tickets, sporting equipment, vacation home weekends etc, to the event.

Gift baskets are always a favorite auction item, possible themes include: Golf, movie, day at the beach, tea, book, "Take-out Dinner" Snow Day, Irish basket, Garden Basket, the possibilities are endless!  To donate an item to this year's event, please contact the Inst. Advancement Office at  781-585-7511, ext 345. We are also looking for volunteers willing to decorate and donate wreaths for the auction.   Now that the holidays are past, a selection of spring wreaths would be a great addition to the auction tables.  We are also hoping to have some painted chairs, etc by volunteers, so if you would like to have your art auctioned, here is your chance! Remember, March 7th, Great Fun, Great Food and it is all happening here on Route 80,   "For the Heart . . . at the Heart!

Youth Baseball and Softball Registration. KYBSL is accepting registrations for the 2009 spring season. You can register your child online at kybsl.org or by walk-in. There will not be mailed registration this year. Walk-in dates and times are: 6-9 p.m. Feb. 10 and 26 at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Plymouth. If you plan a walk-in, be sure to print the registration form the group’s web site, one for each child, and bring those with you. The last day to register for this season is March 1. There is a late fee for missing the deadline and a waiting list for placement. Coaches are required to complete the Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken online coaching certification. This is a mandatory requirement. For more information go to the web site or contact Tony Videtto at aev619@comcast.net.

Kids’ Library Programs. On Feb. 9 and 23 the library will host a pajama storytelling time for pre-schoolers at 6:30 p.m. Come in your pj’s to hear some great stories and songs. There will be drop-in crafts on Sat., Feb. 14 and on Thursday, Feb. 19 from1-4 p.m. No registration necessary. All ages welcomed, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Have some fun making something special. On Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m., kids in grades kindergarten through grade 6 are invited to learn all about machines and make something simple. Participation is limited to 20. Please call the library at 781-585-0517 to reserve your space.