WEST BOYLSTON— The Friends of the West Boylston Bicentennial group has announced two new products to support the 200th birthday of West Boylston, which officially kicks off in January, 2008.

The Ezra Beaman Pin

Ezra Beaman is officially recognized as the founder of West Boylston after Massachusetts Governor James Sullivan approved the act of incorporation on Jan. 30, 1808. The act became law on the first Monday in March in 1808.

The pins are being sold to promote interest in and support for the bicentennial, according to Friends member and West Boylston historian Beverly Goodale, who noted the first official bicentennial event will commemorate the town's incorporation with a program at the high school.

The pins cost $1 and are available at the Historical Society on Thursdays and at JR's Crafts and Gift Shop at Centerwood Terrace on Route 12 during business hours.

New Ornaments

The new pewter West Boylston-themed ornaments - the Bandstand and the Beaman Trolley - have arrived and join previously released ornaments the Old Stone Church, the Beaman Trough, the Beaman Oak and the Historical Society. All the ornaments were rendered from drawings by West Boylston's own Janet Buck. They are available at JR's Craft and Gift Shop at Centerwood Terrace on Route 12 as well as the Historical Society. The ornaments are $12.95 each or two of different designs for $25.

Also available to celebrate the bicentennial are shirts, mugs, pins and other souvenirs. All proceeds go toward the Bicentennial Celebration.

Submitted by the Friends of West Boylston Bicentennial, Post Office Box 115, West Boylston, MA 01583. On the Web at www.westboylston200.com