GDSTEM Half-Day Rocket Camp Blasts Off!
Looking for an educational and fun activity for the kids on Groton-Dunstable’s next half day of school? Students in grades K-8 are invited to build and launch their own model rockets as GDSTEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) hosts an afternoon Adventures in Space Rocket Camp on the curriculum half-day, Wed., March 17, 2010, from 12:30-4:30 p.m. in the Groton-Dunstable Middle School North cafeteria, 346 Main Street, Groton.
The cost of the program is $25 and includes a re-useable 15 inch rocket that can fly up to 1000 feet! Chaperones will be provided, but parents are also welcome to accompany their child. Students should bring a bag lunch - beverages and snacks will be provided.
For details and registration, see the flyer going home in GDRSD school backpacks, or visit GDSTEM’s website at www.GDSTEM.org to print a form. For additional questions, please contact Janet Sheffield at sheff170@hotmail.com or 978-448-5591.
GDSTEM is a volunteer non-profit organization of parents, educators and community partners promoting STEM education in the Groton-Dunstable public schools.
Share the Excitement of Our Community with a NYC Inner-City Child
This summer, volunteer for The Fresh Air Fund and host a NYC inner-city child ages 6-12. You will join thousands of volunteer host families throughout 13 Northeastern states and Canada as they open their hearts and homes to New York City children from low-income communities through The Fund’s Friendly Town program. The Friendly Town program allows youngsters from New York City to enjoy new experiences like riding a bike, swimming in a lake and making new friends. The children will arrive in this area on July 16th for a 1 week or 10 day trip.
Our Fresh Air child loves to be able to walk the dog at night while looking at the stars and water the flowers with a garden hose – things she can’t do at home in the city. We’re so happy we can share these wonderful experiences with her! Imagine summertime without swimming in a pool, playing in the backyard or roasting marshmallows. Since 1877, The Fresh Air Fund has provided more than 1.7 million inner-city children with the opportunity to enjoy these simple pleasures.
For more information on how you can make summer special for a Fresh Air child, contact Janet Foley at (508) 460-3473 or janet.foley@friendlytown.org or The Fresh Air Fund at (800) 367-0003. You can also learn more about the Friendly Town program by visiting The Fund’s Web site at www.freshair.org.
Littleton Library and NVCOC Partner for Taste of Nashoba
The Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce (NVCOC) is holding the 9th annual Taste of Nashoba on March 23 at the StoneAthleticCenter, Lawrence Academy, Groton, from 5:30-8:00 p.m. The premier sponsor for this event is the North Middlesex Savings Bank.
Once again this year, $5 for each ticket sold at the Reuben Hoar Library in Littleton, or sold by a member of the Board of the Friends of the Reuben Hoar Library, will go to the Friends and help them purchase library passes and furnishings and pay for library programs for adults, teens, children and toddlers. Tickets are $20 in advance ($25 at the door), and checks should be made payable to the NVCOC.
The “Taste” is a great opportunity to sample menu items from many area restaurants, liquor stores and wineries (you definitely don't need to eat dinner before you come!). Bring your friends and make an early evening of it! Stop by the library for a ticket or call Judy Grande at 978-486-1090 (e-mail her at judygrande@comcast.net) for tickets. We'll see you there!
Golden Agers Meeting
The next meeting of the Shirley Golden Agers Club will be held on Wed., the 17th, of March at the War Memorial Building. Lunch will be served at twelve. After we will be entertained by Walter Deery and Gene Leblanc. A reminder 2010 dues should be paid at the meeting. Alice will be happy to take your dues. All Shirley Seniors who are members and those interested in joining are welcome to attend.
Cooking and Baking Tips for Families with Food Allergies
Answering the question, "What's for dinner?" can be a challenge, especially for a family with multiple food allergies. How do you cook childhood favorites like meatballs, lasagna, and pizza without eggs, cheese, or wheat? How do you bake healthy and delicious treats without eggs, dairy, wheat, soy and nuts? Arlington chef and cooking teacher Margaret Kyle will provide some answers on Mon., March 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the allergy and asthma support group that meets at the Children’s Hospital/Beth Israel Medical Care Center, 482 Bedford St., Lexington. The program is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required.
“In addition to her training as a cook and pastry chef, Margaret is the parent of a child with food allergies, so she really understands the family challenges,” said Sharon Schumack, Director of Education for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, New England Chapter, which is sponsoring the meeting.
AAFA New England organizes educational programs throughout the region, publishes a newsletter, and runs a telephone resource and referral line for people coping with allergies and asthma. For more information, or a free copy of “Eating Out with Food Allergies” or “Allergy Basics,” call (781)444-7778 or see www.asthmaandallergies.org.
Hunger: No One Should Face It Alone
Register for The Walk for Hunger, May 2
The demand for emergency food has never been greater. Pantries and meal programs supported by Project Bread, Massachusetts’ leading antihunger organization, have never been more crucial. And The Walk for Hunger, Project Bread’s annual fundraiser, has never been more timely. On May 2, thousands of people will come to Boston for the 20-mile pledge walk to raise money during the 42nd Walk for Hunger. Every dollar, every mile, and every volunteer hour counts for our neighbors in need. Registration is now open to participate.
Project Bread estimates there are 554,000 hungry people in Massachusetts. Hunger exists in nearly every community throughout the state and affects the most vulnerable citizens — children, the elderly, the disabled, the unemployed, and, increasingly, those who have jobs but just can’t make ends meet.
With the help of 40,000 Walkers and 2,000 Volunteers, Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger funds over 400 emergency food programs in 135 Massachusetts cities and towns. Last year, these funded agencies served 57.3 million meals to those in need. In the Northwest and the North Shore, Project Bread funds 61 emergency food programs like the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Lynn City Mission, and Haven from Hunger/Peabody.
“Times are still tough and a lot of people are suffering in silence,” says Ellen Parker, executive director of Project Bread. “The funds raised by The Walk for Hunger go directly to purchase emergency food for hungry people in our neighborhoods and hometowns. And our 40,000 Walkers send a strong message that we are all in this together.”
Please consider becoming a Walker, a Volunteer, or making a donation. Project Bread’s goal is to get everyone on board. No contribution is too small. Teams, as well as individuals, are welcome and encouraged. Mayor Thomas M. Menino, 7NEWS, KISS, and JAM’N will be at the start line to greet you. To register, visit www.projectbread.org/
walk or contact Project Bread at 617-723-5000.
About Project Bread
As the state’s leading antihunger organization, Project Bread is dedicated to alleviating, preventing, and ultimately ending hunger in Massachusetts. Through The Walk for Hunger, the oldest continual pledge walk in the country, Project Bread provides millions of dollars each year in privately donated funds to over 400 emergency food programs in 135 communities statewide. Major corporate sponsors include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Freihofer’s, Arbella Insurance Group Charitable Foundation, and Raytheon Company. Project Bread also advocates systemic solutions that provide food for families in natural, everyday settings, such as schools, after-school programs, summer programs, community health centers, hospitals, and home care organizations. For more information, visit www.projectbread.org.
Fundraising Breakfast
The Ayer Masonic Association will hold it's monthly fund raising breakfast Sun., March 7th at the Ayer Masonic Center 11 Sculley Road, Ayer. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 10 a.m.Menu includes eggs cooked to order or pancakes with bacon or sausage, potatoes, toast, juice, and coffee. Come early and bring your friends.
Critters for Haiti
New England’s animal educators come together to support Haitian relief efforts. Come see exotic animals from all over the world, Learn and have fun while supporting a good cause. Animal presentations meet and greet with many exotic animals, photo opportunities, displays, face painters, silent auction, door prize and much more.
All proceeds to benefit the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, Holiday Inn, 242, Adams Place, Boxboro, MA., March 14, 2010, 12-5pm. Donations requested
of adults: $8, Children $5
(under 2 free). For more information visit: www.crittersforhaiti.webs.com. No credit cards Please.
Parade, Ceremony Planned for 9/11 Ground Zero First Responders in Groton
Presenting Letters for Big Book, Pages for Peace Project
Groton-Dunstable students building the biggest book in the world, whose topic is peace will welcome first responders at the scene of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on April 16 and 17 at the middle school. Special ceremonies are being planned during the school day on Friday, April 16 for students and a community event and parade will be held on Saturday, April 17. The New York-based group, representing the Feal Good Foundation, will present letters they have written and collected from many first responders for inclusion in the students’ giant book.
The community event will start with an assembly at the Groton-Dunstable Regional Middle School Performing Arts Center at 10:00 a.m. The parade will follow the assembly and will form at the middle school with starting time at 12:00 noon. First responders from around the region are invited to participate. Among the first responders attending will be two retired New York City firemen, two retired New York City police officers, two construction workers, a NYFD 9/11 widow and surviving teenaged child of a NYFD 9/11 victim.
The parade will march down Main St. to Town Field behind the Groton Town Library and will culminate with a brief ceremony at the Hanson Family 9/11 Memorial. Speaking at the ceremony will be Lee Hanson, who will attend with his wife Eunice. The Hanson’s Peter, his wife Sue Kim and their three-year old daughter Christine, who were Groton residents, were aboard United Flight 175 that struck the World Trade Center on September 11 2001. Following the brief ceremony at the Hanson Family 9/11 Memorial, refreshments will be available and local entertainment will be ongoing at Town Field until 3:00 p.m.
According to parade organizer Don Black, First Responders from Groton, Dunstable, Ayer, Pepperell and Townsend have announced their participation to date and parade organizers are welcoming First Responders from communities throughout the region. Several bands will also participate in the parade including the Groton Minutemen, the Chowder Band and the Groton-Dunstable Regional High School Band. Community organizations are also encouraged to participate in the parade.
The Pages for Peace Project was initiated in 2004 when a group of fifth grade students joined an after school club whose purpose was to build the biggest book in the world. Following months of research, the students decided that in order to break the Guinness World Book of Records entry for largest book, their tome had to be 10 ft. wide by 12 ft. tall, contain 500-double sided pages and weigh a ton. They felt such a big book deserved an important topic and agreed to focus on peace. Since that time they have received letters from people all over the world including Nobel Laureates President Jimmy Carter, the Dalai Lama, and Helen Caldecott, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace, the late Senator Edward Kennedy, Senator John Kerry and celebrities such as folk singer Pete Seeger and skateboarder Tony Hawk. Students have been invited to the UN in 2008 and 2009 to tell the story of their remarkable project as part of the UN’s annual celebration of the International Day of Peace.
For further information regarding the day’s events or parade participation, contact teacher/advisor Betsy Sawyer at 978-424-5066 or email pagesforpeaceparade@yahoo.com. For additional information about the Big Book: Pages for Peace Project or to contribute a letter to the giant book visit our website at www.pagesforpeace.org and become a fan on Facebook @ Big Book: Pages for Peace Foundation.
The Association of Free Community Papers Teams with Rotary International in Haiti Relief Efforts
Gathered for their winter board meeting and also to complete the process to select their next Executive Director, the Board of Directors of the Association of Free Community Papers turned their attention to the needs of the Haitian community. The Board unanimously agreed to support the ongoing relief efforts of Rotary International District 7910 with $5,000 from its charitable fund.
"This is on top of, not instead of, our longstanding commitments to the March of Dimes," said AFCP President, Orestes Baez. "The need in Haiti is staggering and immediate. I know many of our member publishers are offering support in their own ways, and we need to endorse those efforts at the national level. Support from the Association will help to keep our industry's attention on our Haitian sisters and brothers after the camera crews pack their bags and coverage fades."
"This is a perfect fit," said Carol Toomey, AFCP's Second Vice President and current District Governor of Rotary International District 7910. "We want to help the Haitian people when, where, and how they need it -- not have money sit in a bank account. Those needs are constantly changing, and relief efforts have both short and long term challenges. Our District members had relationships with the ravaged community well before this cataclysmic event, and our friends on the ground are making real-time assessments. We've been able to convert dollars to vital material supplies stateside, and get them to the Hatian people at remarkable speeds. This hands-on network enables us to take incoming donations at District and translate them quickly into shelter, orthopedic supplies and even a device that sterilizes surgical tools and prevents infection," Toomey said.
"Our members were there before this disaster, and AFCP's generosity helps to ensure that we will remain throughout the rebuilding and beyond," added Toomey. To date, the coordinated efforts of a multitude of partners helped to immediately shelter, feed and hydrate tens of thousands of displaced Hatian families in conjunction with ShelterBox and AquaBox. Medical needs have also been met with both the direct services of emergency teams and a warehouse of supplies. Doctors, nurses and other professionals arriving onsite have been met separately by air and container shipments of splints, casts, walkers, canes, crutches and other emergency medical supplies from District. "Going forward, continued support like AFCP's remains essential for us to bolster the critical efforts of other longtime partners, including the Haitian Health Foundation, now serving the needs of throngs of refugees that fled Port au Prince for safety in the City of Jeremie," Carol reminded.
Community Supper
A Community Supper featuring Ham and Beans will be held on Sat., March 13th, at the Federal Church of Ayer. The church has been known in the past for its delicious community suppers and is beginning a new series of suppers this month. This supper will be served from 5:30 to 6:30. Tickets are available at the door or at the church office in advance. All are welcome. The church which is located at 21 Washington Street in Ayer is handicapped accessible from the rear.
Following the supper at 6:45 there will be a free movie shown and you are invited to stay if you wish. For more information on the evening you may call the church office at 978-772-2044 from 9-12 Tues., through Fri.
In conjunction with the supper, there will be a Scavenger Hunt on the church web site. The web site can be found at www.ayerfedchurch.org. The directions for the scavenger hunt can be found on the ‘Welcome’ page of the web site. The winner will be drawn from all correct responses and will win two free tickets to the Community Supper. The deadline for entries is Thurs., March 11th, at midnight. Good Luck!
Learn Six Latin Dance Steps in New Ayer Community Ed Course
Get yourself in shape for summer as you learn 6 Latin dance steps in six weeks in a new course offered by the Ayer Community Education Program. The program will run for six Thurs., from March 11th, to April 15th.
From the Cha-cha, to the Rumba, the Merengue, the Bachata, Salsa, and Swing, the course will have you moving around the floor like a Latin-dance star. Partners are encouraged, but not necessary. The instructor is Ayer High School teacher Steve Tulli.
Registration one week in advance is required. Registration forms and details are available at the Community Ed. page of the Ayer Schools web site www.ayer.k12.ma.us. Registration may be mailed or hand carried to the Ayer Community Ed Office, Page-Hilltop School, 115 Washington Street, Ayer MA 01432. 978-772-8600 x334
Recreational Coed Volleyball at Ayer Community Education
Have fun while you improve your volleyball game in the spring coed volleyball program run by Ayer Community Education. The two-hour sessions will run for eight Tues., from 7 to 9 p.m. beginning March 30th and will combine fundamentals and recreational play for players of all levels. Ideal for those who want to learn the game, improve their skills, or just enjoy the weekly exercise. The sessions will be held in the Ayer Middle High School gym.
Registration one week in advance is required. For more information and registration forms, consult the Community Education page on the Ayer Schools web site www.ayer.k12.ma.us. Registration may be mailed or hand carried to the Ayer Community Ed Office, Page-Hilltop School, 115 Washington Street, Ayer MA 01432. 978-772-8600 x334
Martha Talks Turkey (the Country)
Tues., March 9th, 7:15 to 9 p.m. Groton Grange #7 Hall, 80 Champney Street, Groton.
Groton Grange member and resident, Martha McLure, spent last July in Turkey as a Fulbright-Hayes Scholar touring the country with fifteen other teachers. In addition to viewing famous sites, the group visit several universities and met with local Turks. As a result of her visit and some exciting, recent archeological discoveries, Ms. McLure designed a curriculum demonstrating how the site of Troy has been an influential cross-cultural society from the early bronze age up until the present day. She will show photographic highlights from her trip and discuss contemporary issues in Turkey. Martha McLure teaches social studies for 7th and 8th grade students at Innovation Academy Charter School in Tyngsboro.
Admission is free, Turkish style refreshments will be served, Cheryl Drubin will perform a finale of traditional bellydancing, and all are welcome. Please note that the program venue is accessed by a short flight of exterior stairs at the front door.
Ayer-Shirley Lions Club Comedy Night
On Sat., March 20th, at 8 p.m. the Ayer-Shirley Lions will be hosting a comedy night fundraising event at the Bull Run Restaurant, Rte. 2A, Shirley. Steve Donovan will be the featured comedian. You may recognize Steve from the radio station WXLO morning show with Steve and Jen. Proceeds support eye disease research in our efforts to erase preventable blindness and other community needs.
Tickets are $10 and are available at North Middlesex Saving Bank - 978-772-8502 x1156 or jencordio@ayershirleylions.com
The Bull Run Restaurant, Shirley
Ayer-Shirley Lions PO Box 121 Ayer, mA 01432.
Also available the night of the event.
Volunteer for the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge
Tues., March 16 — Online Volunteer Registration Begins
The Pan-Massachusetts Ch-alenge (PMC) needs volunteers to help with set-up, luggage transportation, registration, medical support, bike mechanics, security, food service, and clean-up during the two-day bike-a-thon that spans 190 miles across the Commonwealth. The PMC, set for Aug. 7 and 8, is the pioneer of the athletic fundraising industry and raises more money for charity than any other single athletic event in the country. In its 31st year, the PMC has raised $270 million for adult and pediatric cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. Nearly 3,000 volunteers help the PMC keep its operating expenses low each year, enabling the organization to contribute 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to the Jimmy Fund. Volunteers may choose to help one day and ride the next or volunteer both days. The PMC is presented by the Red Sox Foundation and New Balance. Online registration begins Tues., March 16. To register, visit www.pmc.org. For more information, call (800) WE-CYCLE.
Expert Hands Needed
Massage Therapists Needed for the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge Tues., March, 16 — Online Volunteer Massage Therapist Registration Begins
Massage, occupational, and physical therapists are needed to rub the sore muscles of 5,000 cyclists who will ride 190 miles in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC), the annual bike-a-thon that supports adult and pediatric cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. The PMC is a pioneer of the athletic fundraising industry that today raises more money for charity than any other single athletic event in the country. Since its 1980 inception, the PMC has raised $270 million. Volunteer massage therapists are needed on Saturday, Aug. 7 at the Massachusetts Maritime Acad-emy in Bourne. Volunteers help the PMC keep its operating expenses low, enabling the organization to contribute 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to the Jimmy Fund. Volunteers may choose to help one day and ride the next or volunteer on both days. The PMC is presented by the Red Sox Foundation and New Balance. To register, visit pmc.org. For more information call (800) WE-CYCLE.
Men and Women: Divorce Support Group
Are you looking for a peer-support group for men and women who are thinking of separating or are going through the divorce process? We invite you to join the Metro West Divorce Support Group which meets every Thurs., evening at 7 p.m. downstairs at the South Acton Congregational Church, 35 School St (Off Rte 27 near the bridge and traffic light). This informal group has helped many people during its 25 year history in South Acton. We are a confidential, caring group with no religious affiliation. We help each other by sharing legal, financial, and social experiences. Some attendees remain with the group after the divorce has been finalized in order to receive further support, help others, and continue friendships formed within the group. Meetings will not be held when road conditions are doubtful. For more information, call Brian at 978-369-7346
Bakelite
Come learn about Bakelite at the Shirley Historical Society Museum on Thurs., March 11th, at 7 p.m. Bakelite was an early form of plastic. It was used in cars, on telephones, cameras, and radios. Kitchen utensils, toys, and jewelry made from Bakelite are very collectible.
The Shirley Button Club will be opening their March meeting to the public as Meredith Marcinkewicz shows off her bakelite button collection along with other objects made of this fascinating material. she will tell the history of the invention and explain how to tell a bakelite button from other plastics.
The Button Club will begin its evening with its sales session at 6 p.m. followed by a brief business session. Visitors are welcome to come early and see what the club is all about, but the program will start promptly at 7 p.m. The Museum is located at 182 Center Road in Shirley.
List of Participating Restaurants Grows for the 9th Annual Taste of Nashoba
The Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce’s 9th Annual “Taste of Nashoba Valley,” sponsored by SpringHill Suites by Marriott & Devens Common Center will be held on Tues., March 23, 2010 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the Lawrence Academy Stone Athletic Center in Groton.
Representatives from the area’s finest restaurants, caterers, gourmet markets, wineries, brew houses and local purveyors of fine liquors will once again offer delicious samples of food and beverages. To date, 24 vendors have agreed to participate. The list includes many vendors who have participated in the past and are returning to once again compete in the famous “Best in Nashoba Valley - Peoples Choice” award competition. They include: Carlson Orchards, Chef on Wheels & Scotch Pine Farms, Chip Shots Grill and Sports Pub, Devens Common Center, Devens Grill, Edible Arrangements, Gibbet Hill Grill, Holiday Inn Boxborough Woods, Jack O'Lantern Wine & Spirits, Main Street Café, Moonstones, Nashoba Valley Medical Center - Café Nashoba, Nashoba Valley Technical High School, Rapscallion, Shriver Job Corps Center, Still River Winery, The Vineyard and Trader Joes. Joining us for the first time this year are Bailey's Bar & Grille, Bull Run Restaurant, Narragansett Brewing Company, The Gypsy Café and The Ugly Omelet. The Chamber is still accepting vendors.
The cost of the event is $20 in advance and for seniors (age 62+) and $25 at the door. For further information call (978) 772-6976.
The Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce
The Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit business advocacy, community and economic development association committed to the support of its members' growth and success and the development of a positive economic climate. The Chamber services the area communities of Ayer, Devens, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, Pepperell, Shirley, Townsend, Westford and nearby towns and is funded by membership investments. For more information please contact the Nashoba Valley Chamber at 978.772.6976 or visit our website at www.nvcoc.com
“Reconstructing the Climate History of New England”
Climate change is getting a lot of attention these days. How do we know what the climate was like in New England more than a hundred years ago, before the Weather Service and other agencies had started to track temperatures, rainfall, floods, droughts, and other weather events? Old diaries, farm records, and other documents from years before formal weather records were collected in New England contain clues to past climate in the region. At 7:30 p.m. on Fri., March 12, 2010, Vermont’s State Climatologist, Dr. Lesley-Ann Dupigny-Giroux, will speak at the Shirley Historical Society about how she uses these and other tools to figure out what the climate was like long ago, and how this information helps us understand climate change over time. The Shirley Historical Society is located at 182 Center Road, Shirley. The program is free and is open to the public. Participants are encouraged to bring old diaries and other records with information on local weather conditions to show to Dr. Dupigny-Giroux.
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