Community Notes
Great Decisions comes to Forbush Library

Former Ambassador George Lane and Dr. Kevin Hart have graciously agreed to present the Great Decisions program on eight successive Thursday evenings, beginning Jan. 24, at Forbush Memorial Library, 118 Main St., Westminster. Participants will meet in the library's Kendig Room from 6:30 to 8 p.m. To sign up and receive a book, visit the public service desk or call (978) 874-7416.

In a combination of lectures, readings, and discussions by experts and the audience, the programs are designed for information and to challenge the participants. Suggestions for further reading accompany each session.

On Jan. 24, the discussion will be about Iraq and strategies for dealing with uncertainty. (We have heard many of the candidates talk about what they would do about Iraq, but on what grounds would you be able to judge what they are saying? This session will help you to make an informed decision about the feasible options for the U.S. to stay or to leave Iraq.)

On Jan. 31, will be the time for discussing the European Union in terms of a united Europe's success, integration, and its changing demographics as new countries join.

Diplomacy will be the topic on Feb. 7, in terms of how the U.S. deals with international challenges of allies and enemies, states and movements. Are any of our major candidates qualified in this area?

With the 2008 Russian elections approaching, Russia will be on the slate for Feb. 14. Vladimir Putin has spent the last eight years attempting to remake Russia into a world power. How will the US deal with the unknown courses that Russia may take?

The fifth session on Feb. 21, will cover Defense and Security. The U.S. military is changing its policies and methods for defending U.S. interests abroad. How are we going to look at the changing political and economic relationships in the world for the immediate and long-range future?

On Feb. 28, the day before Leap Year Day, Latin America will be discussed. What factors have prevented the U.S. from forging close relationships with our nearest neighbors?

On March 6, participants will discuss one of the fastest growing challenges to U.S. economic and foreign policy; China Trade. Product quality, the size of China, currency issues, and the trade imbalance are all part of this picture.

Finally, on March 13, the role of Philanthropy and its impact on global education and health initiatives will be the focus.

Light refreshments will be served.

Comedy show to benefit Breast Cancer Walk

Team Tickle Me Pink will sponsor a comedy show on Saturday, Feb. 9, at the VFW Hall, 8 Eaton St., Westminster. Proceeds to benefit the Avon Breast Cancer Walk. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $10. For advanced tickets, call Kath-e Westwood at (978) 632-8703.

Friendship Club to hold meeting

The Westminster Seniors Friendship Club will meet at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, in St. Edward's Church hall, Church Street, Westminster. Bring attic treasures new or old for the Penny Auction. Meetings are open to seniors 55 years. and older in Westminster and surrounding towns. For more information, call (978) 874-2445.

Presidential Primaries information

The Massachusetts Presidential Primaries will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. In Ashburnham the polling place is John R. Briggs Elementary School on Williams Road and in Westminster the polling location is Westminster Elementary School on Academy Hill Road.

The final date for voter registration is Wednesday, Jan. 16, and all town clerk offices are open until 8 p.m. The Westminster Town Clerk's Office is located at the Town Hall on South Street and the Ashburnham Town Clerk's Office is located in the temporary town offices at the rear of Oakmont Regional High School on Oakmont Drive.

The final day to request an absentee ballot is Monday, Feb. 4, at noon.