Daily Five: Should the School Board Give Fitch Middle School to the Town?

1.  Today is Wednesday, Feb. 27. The National Weather Service predicts rain, a high temperature of 43 degrees and a breeze of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 39 mph. The low will drop to 34 degrees tonight.

2.  School Board Member Bob Peruzzotti suggested Tuesday that the school district turn Fitch Middle School over to the town to save $130,000 in maintenance costs for the building. The school department had planned to hold onto Fitch Middle to have swing space during future school construction.

But Peruzzotti said he doesn’t believe the school will be needed, because if a new middle school is built, for example, one of the remaining middle schools could be turned into an elementary or used as swing space. The issue of whether to surrender Fitch Middle will go to the school board’s finance committee for discussion first, then to the full board for a vote.

3.  The Pink Mermaid, LLC, a mastectomy Boutique on Gold Star Highway in Groton, is recognizing National Lymphedema Awareness Day with a book signing and lecture at noon on March 6. Eileen Kaplan, who wrote “Laughter is The Breast Medicine” will hold a book signing at noon; books are $15, with $5 donated to the Lawrence & Memorial Cancer Center. After the book signing, Christine Ladyga, a physical therapist at L&M, will speak about causes and treatments for lymphedema. A question and answer session will follow. Seating is limited; call (860) 865-0825 to reserve a spot.

4.  Nora Galvin, a research scientist at a pharmaceutical company, will present a free lecture on "DNA and Genealogy" at 7 p.m. today at Groton Public Library. Galvin will explain DNA testing and what the results mean. In addition to her research experience, she has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Ohio State University and a master’s degree from Wesleyan University.

5.  The Groton Senior Center hosts its annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon, 'Shamrock N' Roll' at 11:30 a.m. on March 19. The cost is $13 for residents, $15 for non-residents, and the menu includes corned beef and cabbage, red potatoes, carrots, Irish soda bread and dessert. The dixieland jazz band Heartbeat" will provide entertainment. The registration deadline is March 11 and seating is limited. For more information, call (860) 441-6785.