10:00am May 11, 2009

The final inspection teams are wrapping up their activities on schedule, reporting no issues, for this afternoon's launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

The Latest from NASA.gov

Sun, 10 May 2009 10:37:47 AM EDT

 At this morning's final countdown status briefing from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA Test Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson said that the countdown timeline is on target and "Atlantis is ready to fly."

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 6, 2009) - Alliance for Community Media members and supporters from 36 states responded in force to the FCC’s request for comments regarding the Petitions for Declaratory Ruling filed in January, 2009. Over 700 responses came from a wide variety of sources, including local community organizations, media reform organizations, non-profit associations, city governments, and individuals.

“The strength, variety and volume of the comments show that communities across this nation value their local public, government and education channels and community media centers, and that the quality and availability of these services matter,” stated Matt Schuster, Chairman of the Board of the Alliance for Community Media.

The FCC requested the comments and replies in response to a Petition for Declaratory Ruling, filed by the Alliance and 14 other organizations, as well as similar petitions filed by the City of Dearborn and other Michigan municipalities and by the City of Lansing, Michigan. The Alliance petition outlines discriminatory delivery and treatment of PEG channels by AT&T’s U-verse system and seeks relief from these practices, which are contrary to federal law and FCC rules.  The Dearborn petition deals with practices by Comcast which adversely affect the availability of the local public, education and government channels.

Foxboro Cable Access, Inc. continues its long time commitment to educational support by offering its annual $1000 scholarship to any town resident who is pursuing a higher education in the field of Communications. Since the FCA Scholarship was first offered in 1985, over 25 awards have been given. Many recipients have gone on to successful careers in Film Editing, Broadcast, Video Engineering, Television Production and related fields. It is a wonderful opportunity for any member of the community, regardless of their age. Interested parties are invited to inquire at the FCA office, 508-543-4757.

Applications are available here or at the FCA office at 85 E. Belcher Road, The Boyden Library, and the Foxborough High School Guidance Department. The application deadline is May 15, 2009. Completed applications must be submitted to:

Foxboro Cable Access Scholarship Committee
C/o P.O. Box 524
Foxborough, MA 02035

Or delivered in person to: 85 E. Belcher Rd. Foxboro, MA 02035.

Click here to download the Scholarship Application (PDF)

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In a blow to Foxboro Cable Access's search for a new home, a Foxboro real estate company on Tuesday abruptly pulled out of its plan to sell the foreclosed VFW post building to FCA. [Local News]

Foxboro Reporter

Infectious Disease

While swine flu is sweeping around the world, infectious diseases such as Lyme disease, West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, rabies, and seasonal flu are annual challenges to our public health here in Massachusetts. Whooping cough and measles are also making comebacks, and public health officials here and across the globe are keeping their eyes on bird flu, AIDS, drug-resistant TB, new strains of viruses, and ‘superbugs.’

Community Announcement:
Foxborough, MA- Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate love of family, friends, animals, and planet Earth. Exploring the outdoors as a family is a splendid way to be grateful for the wonders of nature. This Valentine's Day, take a hike for love and share the outdoors with your children at F. Gilbert Hills State Forest. There is a romance in this wonderland, best shared with loved ones.

The Valentine's Day Hike will take place on Saturday, February 14th, from 1:30pm to about 2:30pm. After the hike, hot chocolate will be provided to all participants! Please meet at Forest Headquarters located at 45 Mill Street in Foxboro and dress for the weather. Hike will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Call Ron for more information: 508-543-5850.

Program is free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. See the DCR Events Calendar at http://www.mass.gov/dcr/events.htm.

Watch Comcast Channel 22 for more community announcments.  This service is provide as a community resource for Foxboro Residents and maintained by Foxboro Cable Access.  If you would like a community annoucment posted please contact FCA at 543-4757.