5 Things: Low Flying Helicopter Over Foxborough, Volunteers Wanted for Pan-Mass Challenge, Cruise Night & More

1. Expect a Mostly Sunny Thursday with a High Near 61 in Foxborough

Today’s weather in Foxborough, according to the National Weather Service based in Taunton, calls for sunny, with a high near 61. East wind 6 to 13 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Thursday’s night: A slight chance of showers after midnight. Patchy fog after 1 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. South wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

2. Foxborough Police Say Low Flying Helicopter Wednesday was Norfolk County Mosquito Control Unit

Foxborough Police said they received multiple calls about helicopters flying low in the area Wednesday. Police informed residents the helicopter was part of the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Unit.

“The helicopters have been flying throughout the county this week and are scheduled to be done by Thursday, weather permitting,” police said.

Click here for more information.

3. Volunteer for Pan-Mass Challenge

The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC) is seeking volunteers to help with registration, medical support, bike repairs, luggage transportation, security, food service, set-up and cleanup during the two-day bike-a-thon that spans 190 miles across the Commonwealth. Volunteer registration for the 34th annual PMC, which is set for Aug. 2-4, is now open.

Since its inception in 1980, the PMC has raised $375 million to support adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. More than 3,200 volunteers help the PMC keep its operating expenses low, making it possible for 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar to be dedicated to the cause. In 2012, the PMC generated 52 percent of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue.

“Volunteers of all ages are an integral part of the year-round success of the Pan-Mass Challenge,” said PMC Founder and Executive Director Billy Starr. “During PMC weekend, whether individuals are passing out registration packets or working behind the scenes to ensure cyclists have food, water and mechanical assistance their efforts matter in the fight against cancer.”

Volunteers can help before the event, on all three days of PMC weekend, Aug. 2-4, or volunteer one day and participate in the Sunday Volunteer Ride from Bourne to Wellesley. For more information about the PMC, or to register to volunteer, visit pmc.org.

4. Patriot Place Events:

Here’s what’s happening around Patriot Place today:

• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Elite Dance Center Zumba at Reebok: Join Elite Dance Center for a Zumba class. Zumba has been one of the most efficient work outs that incorporates Brazilian dance gestures. Are you ready to shake it? Suitable for adults of all abilities and children in fourth grade and up.

• Mass Cruisers Auto Club - FREE Cruise Night: The Mass Cruisers Auto Club, Bass Pro Shops and Patriot Place want you to once again enjoy your evening of cruising nostalgia and fun.

• School Vacation at The Hall at Patriot Place: Use The Hall’s top secret Playbook and scour The Hall looking for the answers. Learn about the Patriots’ Hall of Famers. Brush up on your English grammar. Sketch the three logos that have adorned the side of the Patriots helmets - did you know there were three? Some educational fun for the kids.

• School Vacation at Patriot Place: Today enjoy Bounce Houses, Caricature Artists, Zumba and more. 

• Trivia at Red Robin: Come try your luck during trivia at Red Robin every Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. sponsored by Sam Adams.

5. Upcoming Programs at Foxboro Recreation You Won’t Want to Miss

• Robotics starts April 30th. Carl Geden is back with this class is for five weeks, every Tuesday 3:30-5 p.m. at CRRA. Students will learn a BASIC program language and create their own robots to compete in a mini- sumo wrestling competition.  For boys and girls ages 10 and up. Fee: $130 includes robot and tools. Pre-Registration is required.

• Rocketry starts May 16th. This class is for five weeks, every Thursday 3:30-5 p.m. at CRRA. Students will learn rocketry basics through a hands-on program with rockets. Each participant will build and launch different types or rockets. The students will keep the rockets they build, which includes launch pad and controller. For boys and girls ages 10 and up. Fee: $135 includes rocket, launch pad, controller and batteries. Pre- Registration is required.

• Field Hockey for Girls starts May 7th. Mondays 3:30-4:45 p.m. for girls grades 5-8 with coach Melissa Bordini. Bordini will teach fundamentals of the game: dribbling, passing, driving and shooting with scrimmage games.  Fee: $100 for six weeks. Pre-registration is required.

• The Babysitting Course is back. May 14 and 16th, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at CRRA. Learn CPR, safety, First Aid basics, games and crafts to play with the kids as well as how to start your own babysitting business. Fee: $85. Pre-registration is required.

Register for these courses at The Foxboro Recreation Department by calling (508) 543-7255.