Red Cross Offers Tips for Preventing Flu in Kids

Hand washing is one of the ways to keep kids healthy.

The American Red Cross offers parents these tips to teach kids to help them avoid getting colds and other illnesses: Parents should teach children proper hand washing techniques and how to correctly cover coughs or sneezes. Wash hands withsoap and warm water. When using soap and water: If using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer: The most important thing parents can do is get children six months of age or older a flu vaccine as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Children’s caregivers should also get vaccinated. Other steps parents can take include keeping surfaces disinfected and keeping a sick person in a separate room in the household if possible. If a child gets sick, parents should consult their doctor. They should also make …

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Second Blood Drive for WASA Member is Tuesday

The first drive, in November, drew more potential donors than could be accommodated.

Community members will give blood Tuesday to support Westborough Athletic and Social Association member Chris Foy's battle with leukemia, for the second time in less than a month. The first blood drive, on Nov. 14, led to about 50 people giving blood -- and more potential donors than could be accommodated at the First United Methodist Church. Organizers said at that time a second drive would be scheduled. The second drive is from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

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Town Rallies Behind 'Big Boy Foy'

So many people turned out at a blood drive for Westborough Athletic and Social Association member Chris Foy that the group will hold a second drive.

When Westborough Athletic and Social Association member Chris Foy was diagnosed with leukemia, the organization asked his family, “How can we give back to you?” resident Craig Nichols says. “The one thing they thought was most important, that they really would’ve appreciated, was a blood drive,” Nichols said Wednesday night. “How much blood he’s had to take on himself through all of his treatments, he really wanted a blood drive.” The association will organize two blood drives, Nichols said – because Wednesday night’s first one drew more than the American Red Cross staff could accommodate. About 50 people – many walk-ins -- donated blood Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church. “Support has been overwhelming. We’ve actually had to …

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Bruce Tretter

1:47 pm on Thursday, November 15, 2012

Saw the sign in the rotary about Chris's blood drive on the way home late the other night and just stopped breathing. Life's great, but man, it can turn on a dime. Great to hear about the strong turnout yesterday. Looking forward to hearing about and participating in the next drive. Most importantly, I wish you and your family the best today, Chris!   more ›

Blood Drive at Westborough Senior Center Gets Positive Turnout

A second, Westborough Community Blood Drive, is Wednesday at 8 Technology Drive.

Monday was a day of giving at the Westborough Senior Center. Specifically, the gift of life. The American Red Cross blood drive drew a steady flow of donors over six hours. Its' one of two such events in Westborough this week. A Westborough Community Blood Drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1 at 8 Technology Drive, second floor. All donors will receive a free Red Sox T-shirt. Donors may register to win Red Sox tickets.

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Red Cross Issues Emergency Call for Blood Donations

A blood drive takes place in Westborough on Friday, June 29.

  Are you at least 17 years old? Do you weigh 110 pounds or more? Healthy? The American Red Cross needs your help. The Red Cross has issued an emergency request for blood donations, stating in a press release that its "blood supply has reached emergency levels with 50,000 fewer donations than expected in June." The blood bank is stocked with about half the available blood it held this time last year. Red Cross officials speculate that an earlier-than-normal spring season could have led to fewer than typical blood donations as regular donors transitioned into summer activities early and failed to schedule their blood and platelet donations. Now, need exists for all blood types, but particularly for O Positive, O Negative, A Negative and B …

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Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: June 1

There is something in the air.

  Each morning, Westborough Patch presents “5 Things You Need to Know,” a collection of announcements, events, reminders and odd little ditties to help you organize your day. What will you be doing today?   1. Allergy sufferers, beware. According to weather.com, tree pollen will be high today in Westborough, and grass pollen will be very high. Expect temperatures to reach the mid 70s. 2. Westboro Tennis & Swim Club, 35 Chauncy St., is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive today from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. All donors will receive a free Red Sox t-shirt and a coupon good for a free case of Walgreens spring water. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit redcrossblood.org for an appointment. Walk-ins welcome. 3. The US Department of Labor will host a …

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Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: May 6

There is a blood drive in town today and donors will leave with coupons for breakfast and lunch.

  Each morning, Westborough Patch presents “5 Things You Need to Know,” a collection of announcements, events, reminders and odd little ditties to help you organize your day. What will you be doing today?   1. The Westborough Spring Festival 5K Road Race starts at 8:30 a.m. at Westborough High School. 2. The National Weather Service reports that tree pollen levels are very high today. Grass pollen levels are moderate. Expect a high in the mid to upper 60s today. 3. Congregation B’nai Shalom, 117 East Main St., is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive today from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. donors will receive a coupon good for a free small Whopper combo meal or salad courtesy of Burger King and a free Dunkin Donuts gift card. Walk-ins …

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Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: April 17

Aren't you happy the taxes are done?

  Each morning, Westborough Patch presents “5 Things You Need to Know,” a collection of announcements, events, reminders and odd little ditties to help you organize your day. What will you be doing today?   1. Happy Tax Filing Day. State and federal income taxes are due today in Massachusetts. If you have questions about filing state income tax, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue’s customer service is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m at 800-392-6089. There is also filing information at www.mass.gov/dor. 2. The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second floor of 8 Technology Drive. Walk-ins welcome. 3. Don’t worry; be happy. Today is National Stress Awareness Day. 4. An Alcoholics Anonymous …

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Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: Feb. 24

A lot of people are reading this column, just like you. If you have something to tell everyone today, write it in the comments of this post.

  Each morning, Westborough Patch presents “5 Things You Need to Know,” a collection of announcements, events, reminders and odd little ditties to help you organize your day.    1. Tickets are on sale now for the 34th Annual Boy Scout Troop 100 Pancake Breakfast. The event takes place on March 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is the Troop’s only fundraiser for the year. All are welcome. Tickets are $5 each, $4 each for a family of four or more, and $4 for senior citizens. For more information, visit troop100.org. 2. There is an American Red Cross blood drive today at the Westborough Senior Center, 4 Rogers Rd., from 2 to 8 p.m. All donors will receive a free Dunkin Donuts gift card. Walk-ins welcome. Positive ID required. 3. Alateen will …

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Fire Notes

7 Children Among Displaced at Park Village

Only one of the 12 apartments in Building G was unrented.

  Twenty-three people, including 16 adults and 7 children, were displaced by the Feb. 21 Park Village fire, American Red Cross Director of Communications Darice Aubuchon told Westborough Patch today. She said the people lived in eleven apartments in Building G of the complex. "These are the updated numbers," she said. "Management of Park Village was able to find vacant apartments in the complex for all 11 households." Building G contains 12 apartments, only one of which was vacant at the time of the fire, she added.  

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