Volunteers Needed at Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry
It's summertime, and with schools closed, individuals on vacation, and plant shutdowns--plus our ever-increasing client base--we need volunteers at Loaves & Fishes, both during open pantry sessions and at other times. Loaves & Fishes is the largest food pantry in North Central Massachusetts, providing food, clothing and referral services to over 600 families a month. You don't need to volunteer for more than two sessions a month, but we could sure use your help. Here are some of the volunteer opportunities that are available. (lease note that volunteers must be 16 years of age or older.)
Pantry Sessions - The pantry is open every Wed., and Fri., from 9:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; the second Tuesday of each month from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.; and the first and third Sat., of the month from 8:45 a.m.-11 a.m. During those times, we need people to help stock the shelves with food, distribute food to clients, and stock the clothing room and distribute clothing.
At other times, we need the following: Office Help: Data entry and answering the phones. Community Outreach/ Comm-unications: Grant writers, community group liaisons, fundraisers, marketing assistance. Event Planning: Team/committee members and event leaders. Maintenance - indoor (windows, etc.) and outdoor (grounds upkeep, weed control, mowing, etc.). if anyone is looking for a special project, we have some beautiful wooden benches outdoors that need reconditioning, our outside doors need to be painted, and the walkway railings need to be reconditioned. Drivers: Both for regular pickups and deliveries in our service area (Littleton, Ayer, Groton, Shirley, Harvard and Devens), and "on-call' as needed for unscheduled pickups. Gard-eners: If you are available to pick up fresh produce from area gardens, let us know! If you want to join our "gleaning" team - volunteers who go to various gardens and harvest the produce for us (usually a last-minute thing), you'd be very welcome.
Finally, our Backpack Team is looking for people who can help assemble backpacks for school children of all ages; our goal is to provide a backpack for every child of every client who needs one. Last year's efforts were exceptionally successful because of the many donations we received and our Backpack Team's hard work. If you can sponsor a backpack drive at your company or community, make a donation for backpacks and/or supplies, or would like to help assemble the backpacks, we welcome the help!
Obviously all of these opportunities exist all year, so please join our "family" of volunteers and help your neighbors in need. For more information, or to sign up for a specific project, please call Gail Wilson at 978-772-4627, or e-mail her at tohelp@loavesfishespantry.org.
Adult Synchro Team Skating
The Colonials Open Adult Synchronized Skating Team is hosting Free Tryouts on Fri., Aug. 6th from 9:15 to 10:15 pm - or by appointment on any other Fri., evening in Aug. The skating team is coached by former national champion, Amy Boucher at the Nashoba Valley Olympia Rink, Rte.. 111, Boxboro, MA. For more information call Amy Boucher at 978-592-5786 or e-mail her at amy.boucher@colonialfsc.com or team member Bonnie Linscott at 603-205-0985.
Weekly team practices begin in September on Fri., evenings from 8:25 pm to 10:25 pm. Men and women over age 19 are welcomed and should have basic skating skills of forward and backward crossovers, mohawks and three turns. Skaters will need to become members of USFSA or ISI. Come and learn circle footwork, intersections, wheels, blocks, lines and presentation. If you are interested in giving synchronized skating a try, come join us. Current team members will be there to welcome you. The Team competes locally and at Easterns with occasional travel involved. We hope to see you on the ice!
Ellen Racine, 102 Whitney St., Northborough, MA 01532 508-393-2343. The Colonials Open Adult Skating Team is a non-profit organization.
Check It Out @ GPL
SPOTLIGHT ON: Museum Passes - Fruitlands Museum, Harvard, MA.
Immerse yourself in the traditions, history, and landscapes of New England. Our pass enables patrons to enjoy the site of Bronson Alcott's transcendentalist commune called Fruitlands, founded in 1843 and located just fifteen minutes from Groton. The Shaker Office, built in 1794, contains exhibits on the nearby Harvard and Shirley Shaker communities. The Native American Gallery includes ethnographic materials from New England and across North America and the Fine Art Gallery exhibits a collection of Hudson River Landscapes and 19th century vernacular portraits as well as special exhibits. Enjoy a casual luncheon with friends at the Tea Room or stroll th grounds, which include a wonderful walking trail and an outdoor Tree Figures exhibit by noted artist Joseph Wheelwright. Both Tea Room and grounds have magnificent views west overlooking the Nashua River valley and Mount Wachusett.
Book Groups - Open to all!
Fruits of the Poisonous Tree by Archer Mayor will be discussed a the GPL Mystery Book Group, Thurs., July 22, 7-8:30 p.m.
Spanish Conversation Group, on alternate Tues., July 20 & Aug. 3, 7 p.m. Venga y practique su espanol!
Loree Burns, author of Tracking Trash presents "Flotsam, Jetsam and the Science of Ocean Motion," for Grades 4-9, Thurs., July 22, 7-8 p.m. Lore tells a fascinating story of drama, intrigue, science and geography. Sign up online one week ahead. Preference is given to Groton residents. Mad possible by the Groton Trust Funds Lecture Fund.
Events for Middle and High School Age (Young Adults in Grades 6-12) Sign up now for summer reading, "Keepin' It Green!" Great books, fun events and cool prizes. All sponsored by the Groton Public Library Endowment Fund.
. Pizza & A Movie: Princess Mononoke, Tues., July 20, 6-8:30 p.m. Pizz and refreshments will be served. Please sign up! Movie rated PG-13.
. Middle School Movie Night: Hoot, Thurs., July 29, 6:30-8:15 pm. Grades 5-8. Pizza and refreshments will be served. Please sign up! Movie rated PG.
Programs for Children. The Children's Room is "Going Green" for its Summer Reading Program with three different programs for different ages pre-readers, readers ages 6-Grade 4, and a separate program just for 5thgraders!
. *Vic and Sticks - Recycled Rhythm Band, Fri., July 16, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
. Drop-In Craft, Wed, July 21 & 28, 1-2 pm.
. *Earth Tales: Story, Music and Art Activity, Fri, July 23, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mary Doane from Project Nature leads children in dance song, and art about using their own hands to make a difference. Features story about caring people gently rescuing and cleaning a loon caught in an oil slick. Ages 3-7.
. Wild and Furry Puppet Adventure, Tues., July 27, 7-8 pm. Takes place at Lawrence Academy's Richardson-Mees Performing Arts Center. Lesley Smith, renowned ventriloquist, puppeteer and singer/songwriter, combines humor, music, and audience participation to create a transfixing show! No registration required. Made possible by the GPL Endowment Trust.
. *Traveling Tide Pool, Thurs., July 29. Three shows! 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for Preschool to Grade 2. 12:30-1:30 p.m. for Grades 3-5. Children will observe and touch several live tide pool animals.
*Sign up online one week ahead. Preference is given to Groton residents. Made possible by the Groton Trust Funds Lecture Fund.
GPL Hours: 10-9 Tues & Thurs; 10-5 Wed & Fri; 10-3 Sat.; closed Sun. & Mon. Telephone: Main: 448-1167, Info: 448-8000, Children's: 448-1168 ~ gpl.org
The ShirleyArts!
Summer Children’s Theater production is Disney’s Cind-erella Kids. The classic musical will be performed at Shirley Middle School on Fri., July 24th at 7:00 p.m. and Sat., July 25th at 3:00 p.m. with an admission price of $5 at the door.
Madison Staley of Shirley is playing the title role of the sweet hard-working heroine. The mean stepmother and stepsisters are played by Stevie Schaeffer and Emily Olson of Shirley and Lauren Sullivan of Groton. Brittany Gibbons is playing the helpful Fairy Godmother, with the Prince being played by Laura Wilson, both of Shirley. The Storytellers for the show are Melissa Bird and Julie Maillet, both of Shirley. The dancing Bluebird is being played by Jackie Condon, currently of Leominster. Jenna Bailey of Shirley is playing the part of the King with Ryan Messcher of Ayer playing the Grand Duke and Amber Dobson of Shirley being the Herald. The youngest members of the cast, playing the parts of the Mice, are Katrina Colt of Groton, Cierra Wilkins of Leominster, Michaela Hoffmann, Rosalind Lupaczyk, Anna Santoro Alex Wilson, and Amanda Wilson, all of Shirley.
Director for the production is Meredith Marcinkewicz with Laurie Marcinkewicz as choreographer.
Well Adult Clinic Carlin’s Ayer
Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, in conjunction with the Ayer Board of Health, announces that a Well Adult Clinic will be held free of charge for the general public on Fri., Aug. 6th from 4-5 pm at Carlin’s Restaurant, 48 Main St, Ayer. Drop in for Blood Pressure, Pulse Screening and Diet Teaching. No appointment is necessary. For further information, please contact Nashoba Nursing Service & Hospice at 978/425-6675 or 1-800-698-3307 or visit us at www.nashoba.org
Well Adult Clinic Devens
Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, announces that a Well Adult Clinic will be held for town residents only on Fri., Aug. 6th 9:30-10:30 at Loaves and Fishes, 234 Barnum Rd, Devens. Drop in for Blood Pressure, Pulse Screening and Diet Teaching. No appointment is necessary. For further information, please contact Nashoba Nursing Service & Hospice at 978/425-6675 or 1-800-698-3307 or visit us at www.nashoba.org
Westford Band Concert
The Nashoba Valley Concert Band will offer a free concert at the bandstand on the Westford Town Common on Sun., July 18 at 5:00 p.m. No rain date. The NVCB plays a wide variety of music, from Sousa marches to classical favorites. Bring your dinner, your blankets and chairs, spread out on the grass and enjoy the evening. The NVCB is sponsored in part by the Westford Cultural Council and th Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai
Do you know someone affected by cancer? Walk for them! Lace up your sneakers for the 22nd annual Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai on Sun., Sept, 12. Walkers choose the Hopkinton 26.2-mile route, the Babson to Boston 13.1-mile route, the Boston College 5-mile route or the Dana-Farber 3-mile route with patients and their families. Participants will walk to raise more than $6.3 million for adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
To register for the 22nd annual Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk or to support a walker, visit www.jimmyfundwalk.org or call (866) JF-1-WALK.
Shirley Shines: Call for Entries!
Can you dance, do acrobatics? Can you sing, play an instrument, or the spoons? Are you an enthusiast with a collection of coins, stamps, trains, bug casings, rocks, or buttons? Have you a collection of your art, photography, card making, or decoupage? Do you hook rugs, knit, crochet, make jewelry, pottery, or turn wood? Well, Shirley Shines would like to showcase your talent.
Shirley Shines is a new event for Shirley to be held on Sept. 12 to showcase our local talent and interests. A variety of activities, demonstrations, food and performances will be on the Center Town Common, and in the Center Town Hall, the new Senior Center, and Shirley’s Historic Meetinghouse. The day’s programs will begin at 1:00 pm with scheduled events held throughout the afternoon and concluding at 4:00 pm with a variety show performance by local actors, singers, and musicians taking place in the Meetinghouse.
If you are a talented Shirleyite and wish to participate let us know. If you would like to sell your items we are requesting a donation of 15% of your sales. All local clubs and organizations are encouraged to sign up for a space to present their information and activities. Reserve your spot early! For applications or more information e-mail Holly Haase at holly1@verizon.net with Shirley Shines on the subject line. If you do not use email, call 978-425-0056. Application can be picked up and dropped off at the Shirley Library, Town Office Building, and the Senior Center.
All proceeds from this event will be shared by the Historic Meetinghouse, Center Town Hall, and Shirley Senior Center to help with the maintenance and upkeep of these buildings.
Friends of Groton Elders Foxwood Resort
Join the fun and challenge on a trip to Foxwoods resort and casino sponsored by the the Friends of Groton Elders. The date is Tues., Aug. 17, 2010. The price of the trip is $25. The charter package bonus which each passenger will receive is worth $25. The bonus includes a players choice (choice of one: $10 food credit or full buffet) plus a $10 match play and a $5 keno.
The bus will leave from Buckingham Bus on Station Avenue in Groton at 8 a.m.. The bus will leave Foxwoods at 4 p.m. for arrival back in Groton at approximately 6 p.m.
To reserve your seat sign the sign-up sheet at the Groton Senior Center or call the center at 978 448 1170. Please make your $25. check to Friends of Groton Elders and mail to Jean Temple at 130 Skyfields Dr, Groton, MA 01450 by Aug. 6.
The price of $25 includes motor coach transportation and driver's gratuity and the bonus package described above.
Well Adult Clinic Shirley
Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, in conjunction with the Shirley Board of Health, announces that a Well Adult Clinics will be held on Thurs., Aug. 5th from 10-11 a.m. at the Senior Center 9 parker Rd and Tues., Aug. 17th from 9:30–11 at Shaker Meadows (community room) Harvard Rd. Shirley. Drop in for Blood Pressure, Pulse Screening and Diet Teaching. No appointment is necessary. For further information, please contact Nashoba Nursing Service & Hospice at 978/425-6675 or 1-800-698-3307 or visit us at www.nashoba.org
Middlesex Offers Flexible Learning Options
Having a hard time fitting college into your busy schedule? Middlesex Community College offers flexible options that fit a variety of learning styles and lifestyles. In addition to traditional, campus-based courses, Middlesex makes it easy to enroll in online, hybrid and self-paced courses, as well as Learning Communities. MCC's fall semester begins Sept. 8. Register now for best course selection.
Online courses enable instructors and students to interact online with a course-management system and e-mail. MCC offers five degree programs that can be completed entirely online, and nine programs with 80 percent or more of course requirements available online.
Hybrid courses combine face-to-face classroom experience with online instruction. These courses are a good option for students who are hesitant about taking an entirely online course, or who may also want the traditional classroom experience.
Self-paced courses enable students to select convenient class hours from many available course-meeting times, and allow them to learn at their own pace -- accelerating or taking extra time, as needed. Students work with an instructor who specializes in the subject.
Learning Communities consist of two highly interactive courses with the same students and the same instructors. By enrolling in one Learning Community, students earn six credits, and can study a topic or theme in depth.
For more information about new ways to learn at Middlesex, visit us online at www.middlesex.mass.edu/NewWaysToLearn/.
MCC's Fall Semester Schedule is available online at www.middlesex.mass.edu. For registration information, call 1-800-818-3434.
The Alchemist by Al Thomas, Too Many Grasshoppers: Not Enough Ants
I think we all know the story of how the industrious ants worked all summer long storing food for the Winter while the grasshoppers ate everything insight and made no provisions for the future.
Sound familiar? Like the European economy? Like Greece? Like our economy?
Winter is coming and the ants are doing their best, but th grasshoppers are eating the food faster than the ants can produce.
In Financial Land that is called a deficit. The way our grasshoppers are being fed is with more and higher taxes. We give our grasshoppers free housing, food, free health care and all the amenities the ants have to work for including cars, color TVs and just about anything they ask for. And it is never enough. Our poorest grasshoppers are considered rich by the poor in other parts of the world. And why?
Their free market system is kept in chains by the rulers. The reason the USA has become the world leader and the place ever person in the world aspires to come is because of the capitalistic system, the free market. All of history has shown that when people are allowed to keep the fruits of their own labor they all prosper.
During the Stalin days where central planning proved to be a failure the tiny plots of the peasants produced more food than government farms. When the government gets out of the way the entire economy grows and prospers.
One by one we are seeing the European countries that have confiscated the incomes of their successful entrepreneurs (ants) go deeper and deeper into debt because they are producing more grasshoppers than ants. Ultimately the grasshoppers will have eaten everything.
We can feed more grasshoppers if we can have more ants working, but there are few jobs now for the ants. The Big Central Planner says borrow more money and make new jobs. Build bridges. Fix sewer pipes. Problem is those out-of-work ants have not done any work like that. They are all pencil pushers an computer nerds; they have never worked with their hands. Make them do work says the Big Central Planner. So they train them for jobs that aren’t there.
Doing something, whatever that is, may not produce anything. The money goes to waste as no permanent job is created. It is called priming the well. Getting something started. Trouble is, it is a dry well.
Now we have a catastrophe. The grasshoppers are eating the ants. They are pouring tax syrup on them that slows their productivity. At some point they stop producing. The ants leave the country to find a place where there are fewer grasshoppers. Grasshoppers have only themselves left to eat.
Al Thomas' book, "If It Doesn't Go Up, Don't Buy It!" has helped thousand make and keep their stock market profits is SOLD OUT. A limited subscription to his advisory letter is available on the web site www.mutualfundmagic.com
Lucky Horse Equine Rescue Open House
Join us for our MEET AND GREET OPEN HOUSE on Sat., July 24 at 185 Century Mill Rd, Bolton, MA from 3 to 4 p.m. Come learn what Lucky Horse Equine Rescue (LHER) is all about. Meet the LHER rescued horses, see them under saddle, learn about adoptions and fostering, classes and training – as well as volunteer opportunities.You are also invited to stay and audit our Natural Horsemanship class taking place at 4:30 p.m. in the indoor arena. The Meet and Greet is a great way to meet us, and more importantly, the horses and foals!. Lots of cute noses to pet and great photo ops. Stop by to hear all the latest news, activities, events and opportunities for volunteers, both old and new. Join us for this fun and informative afternoon. LHER is
a 501(c)e nonprofit organization. For more information visit our web site at www.LuckyHorse.org.
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