Key To Treating Autism
Autism occurs in approximately one in every 150 individuals. The member of diagnosed cases has increased dramatically in the past decade. Although there is no cure, early diagnosis and treatment have a significant impact on future progress.
“Studies at May Intitiute and other organizations show that children who start treatment at the earliest possible age require less intensive and restrictive services later,” explains Dennis Russo, Ph. D., ABPP, Chief Clinical Officer at May Institute. “It’s important for parents, pediatricians, preschool teachers, and other caretakers to understand the symptoms of developmental disabilities and to move quickly on diagnosis and treatment.”
The symptoms of autism include:
no babbling , pointing, or meaningful gestures by 1 year of age.
no one- word communications by 16 months.
no two word phrases by 2 years.
loss of language or social skills.
poor eye contact
inability to play appropriately with toys.
unusual attachment to one particular toy or object. no smiling
apparent lack of response to sounds or voices and name being called.
Although the cause of autism has not been identified, current research links autism to biological or neurological differences in the brain.regardless of cause, autism is best treated by programs based on applied behavior analysis (ABA). As doctors make programs in diagnosis autism at an earlier age, more and more children are receiving this treatment at a young age when they are most receptive.
About May Institute
May Institute, a national organization, provides educational, rehabilitative, and behavioral health care services to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, brain injury, mental illness, and behavioral health care needs. The Institute also provides training and consultation services to professionals, organizations, and public school systems.
Over the past 50 years, May Institute has evolved into an award winning national network that serves over 25,000 individuals and their families annually at more than 200 service locations in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, and on the West Coast.
May Institute shares its corporate headquarters with the National Autism Center and the May Center for Child Development. Together, the staff members from these organizations more than 60 doctoral and master’s level professionals- represent one of the country’s largest concentrations of onsite clinicians with expertise in autism, developmental disabilities, and applied behavior analysis.
For more information on autism, visit our web site at www.mayinstitute.org or call 800-778-7601
L-S Arts Day
The public is invited to help Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School celebrate Art by attending the 11th annual Arts Day Assembly on Thurs., April 10, 2008, from 10-11 a.m. in Virginia K. Kirshner Auditorium at L-S.
The free program will feature student films, drama scenes, dancing, and selections from a few of the schools instrumental and vocal ensembles.
The Arts Day Assembly is the culmination of the schools Celebrate Art Week, which featured the Visual arts of drawing, painting, photography, pottery, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, and continuously running student films.
For further information about Arts Day Assembly and Celebrate Art, call FATA coordinator Paul Sarpas at (978) 443-9961 x2204, or (781) 259-9527 x 2204
Lincoln- Sudbury Regional High School is situated at 390 Lincoln Rd. Sudbury, at the junction of Concord rd. between Sudbury Center and Rte. 117. it may also be approached from Rte. 126 in Wayland via Sherman Bridge rd.
City of Marlborough Scholarship Applications
Applications are available for the City Scholarship Committee's 2008 scholarships.
Deadline postmark date is 4/16/08. This year five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to any graduating senior who is a resident of Marlborough and is accepted by an accredited college or university. These scholarships are funded with contributions from Marlborough taxpayers through a voluntary check-off on municipal tax bills.
Applications are now available at Marlborough City Hall or the guidance department of area high schools.
L-S Faculty/Staff Variety Show a Big Hit
The audience enthusiastically applauded the Lincoln- Sudbury Regional High School faculty, staff, and administrator performers at the 6th Annual Variety Show, held on March 28, 2008 in the school’s Virginia K. Kirshner Auditorium.
Kim Schultz and David Bloom, with a cameo apperence of John Ritchie, served as witty masters of ceremonies for the eleven varied acts staged by the talented performers:
* Film- Bruce Millet; Paul Sarapas
* Drama- Midge Callahan, Nate Armistead
* Instrumentals & Vocals- Ken Kimura; John Garmontta, Tom Grandprey; Jamie Merkle, Ken Kimura; Donna Guarino
Water Row Ramblers: Mark Santoro, Matt McCormick, Connie Patten, John Garmanotta, Jamie Merkle
Too Tall Blues Band: Iain Ryrie, Ken Kimura, Tom Grandprey, John Germanotta, Eric Ryrie
Ukulele “Ladies”: Jamie Merkle, Ken Kimura, Marci Stoda, Tom Danko, Tanisha Tate
* Vocals, Instrumentalists, & Dancers- Connie Patten, Graham Patten, Alex Siega
Sudbury Children’s Learning Center Beehive: Tom Grandprey, Scott Carpenter; Beekeepers Fran Ricker, Jim Raffel, Helen Sotiriou, Karen D’Amore, Lisa Ravicz; Dancing Bees Pre- Schoolers Ella Grandprey, Rory Carpenter, Darby Carpenter, Gracie Grandprey, Katie Ricker, Campbell Ricker, Sophia Raffel, William Sotiriou, Michael Wightman, Berto Ravicz.
The L-S Faculty/ Staff Variety Show was organized by Iain Ryrie and pau Sarapas, and assisted by ChucK Despotopulos, John Germanotta, Ponah Gillespie, Ken Kimura, and others.
Proceeds from the show will benefit the Foundation for Educators at Lincoln- Sudbury (FELS), a non- profit organization which gives grants to L-S teachers and staff to enhance their own professional and personal pursuits which will further inspire their teaching , and subsequently, the students.
For further information, call Paul Sarapas at (978) 443-9961 x 2204, or (781)259-9527 x 2204
Hudson Church Hosts Guest Speaker
The Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson will host the Reverand Laurie J. Auffant for the Sun., Worship Service on April 13th. She will speak on "Being Called to Respond." Rev. Auffant, the first out transgender minister to be ordained in the Unitarian Universalist Association, is the minister of the Unitarian Universalists of Lowell, an Emerging Urban Ministry in the Unitarian Universalist Association. The Unitarian Universalists of Lowell was founded in June 2006 as an intentionally welcoming community of faith committed to justice and the full inclusion of all people. Before coming to Lowell, Rev. Auffant served UU congregations in Storrs, CT and Arlington and Lexington, MA. In addition she is a certified Trainer for Our Whole Lives, a comprehensive sexuality educational program for young adults and adults and has led many Gay-Bisexual-Lesbian-Transgender educational trainings for colleges, high schools, and congregations.
The Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson is one of many area UU churches that have given a helping hand to the new Lowell congregation. Says Rev. Alice Anacheka-Nasemann, Director of Religious Education, “Several months ago our church raised money to buy 50 hymnals to donate to Lowell. The children in our Religious Education Program decorated bookplates, and we presented the hymnals to Rev. Auffant and two members of the Lowell congregation during our worship service.”
Visitors are warmly welcome to Sunday church services and Religious Exploration classes every week at 10:30 a.m at 80 Main Street, corner of Main and Church, in downtown Hudson. The Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson has been a part of these two communities for over 150 years. We are intentional about welcoming the presence and participation of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons in all aspects of congregational life. The congregation is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association, a liberal denomination that encourages spiritual growth and embraces diversity. For more information, call the church office at 978-562-9180.
Come Celebrate Spring and Support St. Matthias Parish!
Tickets are now on sale for the annual "Spring Fling" Dinner Dance and Silent Auction to be held on Sat., May 3, 2008 at 6p.m., at Marlborough Country Club, 200 Concord Rd, Marlborough.
Tickets are $35 per person with a special price of $30 for senior citizens. Raffle tickets will also be available, with prizes including Red Sox vs. Yankees tickets, an iPod Shuffle, and more to be announced.
For tickets or more information please call the parish office at (508) 460-9255.
West Roxbury Youth Honor Theodore Parker at First Parish
April 7, 2008—This Sun., April 13, the youth group from the Theodore Parker Church, Unitarian Universalist, in West Roxbury will present a service called "A Celebration of Theodore Parker." An anti-slavery abolitionist, Parker (1810-1860) was a preacher, lecturer, and writer, as well as a public intellectual and religious and social reformer. The youth adapted their presentation from a service originally written by the late Rev. Robert Haney. It presents a portrait of Parker in his own words and in those of people who knew him, including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Louisa May Alcott.
The youth group, six high school seniors from Boston and Needham, have led the service in their own church in West Roxbury, as well as at UU churches in Pittsfield, Maine (during their annual river-rafting trip to Maine), and Quincy, Massachusetts. They are also accomplished musicians, and will perform much of the music for the service that they have created. They will be introduced to the congregation by John Lambert, adult advisor to the youth group, and long-time member of the Theodore Parker Church.
First Parish of Sudbury is a Unitarian Universalist congregation located at 327 Concord Road. The Meetinghouse is accessible to wheelchair users and those who are hearing impaired. We embrace diversity and are intentional about the participation of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons in all aspects of congregational life. We welcome all who share the principles and goals of our community.
For more information about upcoming events, visit fpsudbury.org or call 978-443-2043.
Got Goods? Got Merchandise? Got House wares?
The Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School Student Council will be hosting a community “Spring Fair” family event on Sat., May 10, 2008, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the school parking lot at 215 Fitchburg Street, Marlborough. This is an excellent opportunity to sell wares, advertise a business, or buy unexpected treasures. Clean out that garage or attic and give someone else the opportunity to enjoy your gently used merchandise! 10 by 10 booths are available for $20. For those who would like to promote a local business, but can’t make it, the Display Booth will feature business cards and pamphlets for a mere $5. General admission is free and non-perishable food goods will be accepted and donated to the Hudson and Marlborough Food Pantries.
To secure a booth, or for general information, email Frank Ferreer at Assabet Valley at fferreer@assabet.org, or call and leave a message at 508-485-9430, ext. 310. Booth reservations are on a first come, first served, basis. No phone reservations will be taken. Please mail check or money order, payable to Assabet Valley RTHS, to reach the school by May 2. Business cards or brochures for the Display Booth may be dropped off at the school or mailed to Ferreer by May 8.
Cleaning For a Reason Partners With The Maids
The Maids Home Services’ New England Marketing COOP Offers Cleaning Services to Help Cancer Patients Rest, Relax and Recuperate
The Cleaning For A Reason Foundation a Texas based, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing complimentary cleaning services to women undergoing cancer treatment – announces The Maids New England Marketing COOP (NEMC) has volunteered to donate cleaning services to cancer patients in eastern Massachusetts. The Maids NEMC will provide each patient with a rigorous housecleaning, once a month, inclusive of scrubbing, vacuuming, dusting and more. Each patient may receive up to four months of complimentary cleaning services.
“The Maids NEMC continually looks for ways to give back to the communities we serve and Cleaning For A Reason is a wonderful opportunity to directly impact the lives of so many community members in a positive way. Cancer treatment can dramatically alter a person’s quality of life. The Maids NEMC’s work with The Cleaning For A Reason Foundation allows people to convalesce in the comfort of their own home in a clean, familiar environment, restoring a bit of normalcy during an otherwise hectic time,” says Matt Donnelly, President of The Maids NEMC and Newton, MA.?based franchise owner.
The Maids NEMC understands that the immense physical and emotional impact of cancer treatment can be overwhelming to a person, making tasks such as cleaning one’s home an added stress. Many of The Maids NEMC members and staff have seen how cancer treatment has affected the quality of life of family members, community members and in some cases, themselves.
“It's inspiring to know that there are companies like The Maids NEMC who truly care about the communities they serve. You don’t need a medical background to brighten someone’s day and positively impact their life. The Maids NEMC prove this every time they leave the professionally cleaned home of a woman receiving treatment for cancer,” explains Debbie Sardone, Founder of The Cleaning For A Reason Foundation.
To apply for, or recommend someone for, The Maids NEMC’s free professional cleaning services for women undergoing cancer treatment please contact The Cleaning For A Reason Foundation at 877.337.3348 or visiting www.cleaningforareason.com.
The Maids NEMC was founded in 2002 by franchise owners of The Maids Home Services operating in the greater Boston area. The Maids NEMC was originally founded as a way to identify appropriate advertising opportunities, but has grown to serve as a peer group in which members share new ideas and best practices enabling the group’s entire membership to move their businesses to the next level. In addition, the Maids NEMC continually seeks new ways to make a positive impact on the communities they serve.
Founded in 2006, Cleaning For A Reason is the only foundation in the United States currently offering complimentary cleaning services to women undergoing treatment for cancer. The foundation recruits professional, residential housecleaning businesses such as The Maids NEMC, to deliver cleaning services on a local level in an attempt to improve the quality of life for the people they serve. The Cleaning For A Reason Foundation currently consists of 260 partners in 38 states and Canada.
Sudbury Valley Trustees Puppet Show
Wed., April 23: 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Children and their families are invited to SVT’s Wolbach Farm to see the magic of puppetry! Deborah Costine has been a professional puppeteer with the well-known Gerwick Puppets for over thirty years, performing primarily in schools, libraries, and museums. Deborah has also developed her own solo shows with nature themes, especially for young children. Cinderella, a Woodland Fairy Princess” is a variation on the classic story. The rude stepsister thinks the Prince will choose her because she has the most “stuff.” But the Prince is interested in someone with true “goodness.” Recommended for Children 3 and older.
Registration Required. Cost $5.00 per person. Max cost: $15 per family: SVT members, $20:non-members. Call 978-443-5588 for information and registration.
Further information on other outings and SVT properties are available on SVT’s website at www.svtweb.org.
Celebrate Earth Day with Sudbury Valley Trustees
Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth Tues., April 22: 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Wolbach Farm, Sudbury
From director Davis Guggenheim comes the Sundance Film Festival hit, AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH. This movie offers a passionate and inspirational look at former Vice-President Al Gore’s crusade to halt global warming’s deadly progress by exposing the myths and misconceptions that surround it. SVT will provide the popcorn and your first beverage. Registration Required. Members $5.00. Non- members $10.00. Call 978-443-5588 for information and registration.
Further information on other outings and SVT properties are available on SVT’s website at www.svtweb.org.
April at the Sudbury United Methodist Church
Worship on Sun., April 13 is at 9:30 a.m. Senior Pastor Joel Guillemette's sermon is entitled "Tracing Jesus' Pattern." Rev. Guillemette will explore the idea that the secret to growing as a Christian is tracing the template of Jesus' life. During the service, the work team to Dominica, consisting of sixteen high school age youth and eight adults will be commissioned. The work team will be in Dominica from April 19 through the 26.
Right after the worship service at 10:45 a.m. on April 13, there will be a gathering for newcomers to the church and for any community members who would like to learn more about the church and its opportunities for worship, Christian Education for all ages, outreach, and fellowship. Please join us in the chapel at the church for refreshments and conversation with the pastors and several church members. For more information, call Nancy Sweeney at 978-443-3985.
On Sat., evening, April 12 at 6 p.m. at the church, there will be a spaghetti dinner and dessert auction to raise money for the annual church family retreat held in September. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children with a maximum of $20 per family. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
Sudbury United Methodist Church, a Stephen Ministry congregation, is located at 251 Old Sudbury Road, near the town center. It welcomes all regardless of religious background. For more information about the church, call the church office at 978-443-4351 or visit the church's website at www.sudbury-umc.org.
New England Rose Society
Please come and join the members of the New England Rose Society on Sat., April 19. We are located at 241 Beaver Street in Waltham at the Umass Field Station. For all of you who are afraid to grow roses, this will be an excellent way to allay your fears! We’ll have members available with information on pruning, feeding and watering; weed, pest and disease control; how to plant a rose bush; compost and soil amendment; choosing the right rose; and garden planning and design. We may even come up with some other tidbits to help you out by the time the 19th rolls around.
So, throw away your fears of growing roses and drop by to see us. We’ll be happy to have you with us.
For further information, please call Cynthia Fraser at 978-369-3310, or e-mail saabsister91@yahoo.com.
Tickets on Sale for HOPEsudbury Antique Home and Barn Tour
Tickets have gone on sale for “A Storied Tour of Homes and Barns”, sponsored by HOPEsudbury. The event, taking place on May 10, 2008 from 10:00-3:00p.m., is a self-guided tour highlighting six Sudbury antique homes and barns. It will begin at the historic Hosmer House and end with an afternoon tea at the Hunt House Inn. The event will also include a boutique of distinct gifts from home-based businesses. Over 200 people enjoyed 2005’s home tour and this years’ event looks to be another enjoyable day exploring Sudbury’s rich history. Proceeds from the event will support the HOPEsudbury Community Assistance Fund (CAF), a source of short-term financial assistance for Sudbury residents with emergency or unexpected financial need and other HOPEsudbury projects. HOPEsudbury is a grassroots non-profit organization designed to engage Sudbury citizens from all walks of life in efforts to provide humanitarian aid to people in need. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and $20 for senior citizens. Attendees must be 12 or over. Tickets can be obtained at the Sudbury Farms courtesy booth or by sending in form from www.hopesudbury.org. For more information on the event, contact Robin Gunderson at 978-443-0211.
April 5, 2008
Restoration Project Seeks Upholstery Work
Is your favorite chair looking tired? Restoration Project, a vocational program for adults with mental illness, has moved to West Concord and has openings for additional upholstery work. In addition to our excellent upholstery work we offer a fine line of designer fabrics. Call (978) 263-0416 for pricing or to schedule an appointment for consultation. Retortion Project is now located at 40 Beharrell Street, Suite6, West Concord.
Crafters/ Artists Wanted
MetroWest Humane Society is seeking craftpersons and artists to participate in our Second Annual Arts and Crafts Fair. We welcome all who do original work in any medium. The fair will be held on the Framminham Common, Edgell Rd near the intersection of Rte 9. The date is Sat., Sept. 13,2008, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., rain or shine. A single space, approximately 12’ x 12’ is $60.00.
MetroWest Humane Society is a no- kill shelter that seeks permanent loving homes for abandoned, abused, neglected and semi- feral cats and kittens. We also operate a trap- neuter-return(TNR) program to aid in feline population control and to ease the suffering of unadoptable cats living in the wild.
All space fees will directly benefit our programs.
Application forms and information are available on our web site at http://www.webpaws.com/mwhs/events.html or by contracting our coordinator, Jeanne Ridolfi, at 508-787-0069. jeanne44@comcast.net
Mothers and More
Meeting of the Assabet Valley Chapter of Mothers and More on "Finding a Hobby" - After having children, finding time for ourselves can be a challenge. No matter how much we may want to have a hobby, being able to dedicate the time required to explore potential hobbies can be difficult. A Mothers and More member will lead this meeting on finding a hobby that is right for you and learning more about an existing hobby. Visitors welcome for information, refreshments, and an evening out. Tues., April 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Whitney Place, 5 Lyman Street in Westborough. Mothers and More is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers through support, education, and advocacy. We address mothers' needs as individuals and members of society and promote the value of all the work mothers do. The Assabet Valley Chapter of Mothers and More has over 80 members including but not limited to the Berlin, Grafton, Hudson, Marlborough, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Southborough, and Worcester areas. The local chapter offers topical discussions, mom's nights out, playgroups, family activities, guest speakers, on-line discussions, book club, movie club, couples nights, and more. For more information, please call (508) 936-6882 or visit www.mothersandmoreassabetvalley.org
HOPEsudbury Book Drive
HOPEsudbury is holding a book drive April 4 through April 17 to put African American storybooks in the hands of South African children.
Books should be quality up-to-date math and science, music, dictionaries with pictures, story books, novels, information books or the sort of book you would give a child or young person for a special occasion. Storybooks featuring African Americans are especially needed. Books should be for beginning to 6th grade level readers.
Participants may drop off books at Café Decadence, Learning Express, the Loring, Noyes, Nixon and Haynes Elementary Schools and the Curtis Middle School. HOPEsudbury also will host a drive-through drop off site in front of Town Hall between 10 - 12 noon on Sat., April 12th.
HOPEsudbury is a grassroots non-profit organization designed to engage Sudbury citizens from all walks of life in efforts to provide humanitarian aid to people in need. For more information on HOPEsudbury, go to www.hopesudbury.org.
“Paris-Then and Now” Program
Enjoy arm-chair travelling?
Mark your calendar now for the Sudbury Women’s Club’s special program on Paris, France, its past and present , on Thurs., April 17 at the Goodnow Library, 21 Concord Rd. Sudbury.
Derek Mann, world traveler and Cruise director for Viking and Cunard Lines will present an entertaining and informative slide presentation of one of the world’s greatest cities. Travel with Derek, who will take you along Paris’ unique boulevards and magnificent buildings. Visit the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the palaces and monuments that make Paris the “City of Lights’.
The program will begin at 12:45 p.m. .following the light luncheon and business meeting starting at noon. Everyone is welcome. Members are encouraged to bring guests. For further information about the Women’s Club, call Ruth Griesel at 978 -443-7055) or Nancy Somers at 978-443-2860.
Domestic Violence Roundtable Meeting
On Tues., April 8th, the Sudbury - Wayland - Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable will proudly introduce Janet Fine, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) to our community. She will be joined by Erin Miller, SAFEPLAN Program Coordinator, and Katia Santiago- Taylor, MOVA’s Victim Service Coordinator. (MOVA is an independent state agency whose mission is to promote and advance victim rights and services) MEETING TIME: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. LOCATION: Wayland Public Safety Building ( corner of Rte. 20 and 126/27. We welcome public participation.
Co-coordinator for the Massachusetts Association for Blind, Robert Marcotte,
Invites you to attend their next meeting on April 16. The meeting will be held at the Community Center at 397 Bolton St. in Marlborough from 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.
The speaker will be Judy Palken, a nutritionist. She will give us ideas on how to eat healthy. Attending one of our meetings may inspire you to come back and enjoy the company of others who are blind or visually impaired
If you have any questions, please call Robert Marcotte at 1-508-229-0585.
Sudbury Spring Clean up Day
In celebration of Sudbury Earth Week please join Sudbury residents in our Annual Roadside Cleanup and general beautification of business districts, public areas and parks.
To adopt a street or portion of a street for the Roadside Cleanup, call the Selectmen’s Office, 978-639-3399. Or come to the Town Hall parking lot on April 26 (rain date May 3) for an assignment. Volunteers will be there between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to hand out plastic bags and safety signs to put on your car. The Sudbury Department of Public Works will pick up the litter-filled bags you leave along the road. Separated recyclables and returnables may be dropped off at the rear of Town Hall, and the proceeds will be donated to a local charity.
In appreciation of your efforts on behalf of the Town, the American Legion Post #191, located at 676 Boston Post Road, has agreed to provide hot dogs and soft drinks to volunteers around Noontime.
We look forward to seeing you, and thanks for your help!
Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone
March 31, 2008—This Sun., April 6, the Rev. Katie Lee Crane will deliver this year’s Auction Sermon, won last year by 40 bidders at First Parish of Sudbury’s annual fundraiser. The theme is a compelling one: What does it mean to push beyond our comfort zone as individuals or as a congregation in order to achieve a greater good? What does it feel like? What stops us? What propels us? Are there costs to you or others? Would it be enough? Would anything be enough? The service begins at 10 a.m. and all are welcome.
This year’s Auction Sermon theme started as a suggestion from one bidder about taking efforts to reduce our carbon footprint to the next level. She wrote, “Is it good enough if it doesn't hurt? That's the question I ask myself. As we try to be more environmentally friendly, should we start making changes that are inconvenient, and cause us more work? So far we have been able to accommodate many things by minimal effort—better recycling, less plastic, etc. Is it enough? What is enough?”
“The idea expanded as we considered another parishioner’s challenge this past January to ‘stand where we sit,’" Crane said. “Different people had different interpretations of this statement. Mine is this: We can't change where we sit. We were born (most of us) privileged: Caucasian and middle class. Sitting in that place, we were extended many rights and privileges we simply take for granted. We can change where we stand—and sometimes that means stepping outside our comfort zone to achieve a greater good.”
There will be a Hearthside Chat after service to have a conversation about the day’s topic and the issues it raises.
First Parish of Sudbury is a Unitarian Universalist congregation located at 327 Concord Road. The Meetinghouse is accessible to wheelchair users and those who are hearing impaired. We embrace diversity and are intentional about the participation of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons in all aspects of congregational life. We welcome all who share the principles and goals of our community.
For more information about upcoming events, visit fpsudbury.org or call 978-443-2043.
L-S Speech & Debate Team Enjoys Mardi Gras
Fifteen members of the Lincoln- Sudbury Regional High School Speech & Debate Team went to Shrewsbury High School on March 22, 2008, to participate in the Mardi Gras Tournament, sponsored by the Massachusetts Forensic League. Students from 22 schools attended, while over 270 entries were recorded. L-S placed 8th.
Local trophy winners were Alexander Stubbs, 1st in Student
Congress; Rebecca Stubbs, 2nd in Student Congress, Shalei Holway and Neel Duggal, 3rd in Public Forum Debate, Brandon Cohen, 4th in Group Discussion; and Alex Loomis and Daniel Cmejla, 6th in Public Forum Debate.
Others contributing valuable points for L-S included Mara Hileman and Allie Young, both in children’s Literature, as well as in Team Improvisation; William Jennings, Adam Singer, Alec Barnes, and Ryan McAvoy, all in Group Discussion; Sophie Griswold and Maryn Carlson, in Public Forum Debate.
Serving as judges representing L-S were coach Danko, Dan Klein, Alexandra Plotkin, and Kevin Liu.
For more information about the L-S Speech & Debate Team, call coach Danko at (978)443-9961 x 2440
VNA Care Network & Hospice part of inaugural National Healthcare Decisions
Goal to ensure adults have opportunity to communicate and document their future healthcare decisions
VNA Care Network & Hospice, a nonprofit home health care, hospice and wellness agency serving Eastern and Central Massachusetts, is part of a national, grassroots effort to ensure all adults with decision-making capacity have the information and opportunity to communicate and document their future health care decisions. National Healthcare Decisions Day will be celebrated on April 16.
With the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990, Congress affirmed the right of every citizen to set forth his or her future healthcare wishes in writing with an "advance directive." In Massachusetts, a free legal form known as a health care proxy allows you to designate a person to speak on your behalf should you be unable to make health care decisions for yourself.
Just complete the proxy, sign it in front of two witnesses, and give copies to your designee (the person you ask to make health care decisions) and health care providers. The form is only put into use if your doctor determines you are unable to make health care decisions. You can cancel the form anytime you wish. The form is available at no cost by calling VNA Care Network & Hospice at 800-728-1862.
Choosing an Agent
The person you choose to speak for you is called the agent. Although not necessary, you can also appoint an alternate agent who would be called upon if your agent were unable or unwilling at the time. VNA Care Network & Hospice's home health care and hospice staff advises choosing someone you trust to make decisions based on your personal preferences and values. Your agent and alternate should agree to take on this role and be able to make decisions under stressful situations.
Completing the Proxy
When completing the health care proxy, it is important that you and the two required witnesses properly sign the form. Your agent and alternate agent can be anyone of your choosing, except an employee or administrator of a health care facility where you receive care unless that person is a relative by blood, marriage, or adoption. The witnesses cannot be the agent or the alternate agent. There is an optional place on the form to have the agent and alternate agent sign statements. Although it is not required, the health care professionals of VNA Care Network & Hospice recommend having them sign to assure they understand their role in your future health care.
Making Your Wishes Known
A key step in this process is having a conversation with your agent and alternate agent about your personal preferences for health care should you not be able to communicate them for yourself. Tell them you do not want them to feel the burden of making decisions without knowing what you wish.
VNA Care Network & Hospice's health care professionals recommend starting this process by reflecting on what is important to you about care at the end of your life. Do you have certain cultural or religious beliefs which might influence your wishes? How do you feel about life-prolonging treatments, such as resuscitation or mechanical ventilation, if the expectation was that you would never be able to interact meaningfully with your family and friends again? How important do you view pain and symptom control in the management of your illness even if the medications make you drowsy?
You might want to discuss your thoughts with others who might help you sort through your values and options. Your physician or clergy member may be especially helpful.
Then talk with your chosen agent and others who are close to you. VNA Care Network & Hospice's home health care and hospice providers recommend including family members in the conversation so everyone is clear about your choices. Don't assume they know your wishes.
Be clear about your wishes, giving examples of when you would want life-prolonging treatments started, when you would not want them started, and when you would want them withdrawn.
Personal Wishes Statement
Consider putting your wishes and choices into writing. Currently, there is no legally binding form for this in Massachusetts, but written statements can be used as a guide by your agent and your health care providers in making decisions for you if you are unable.
VNA Care Network & Hospice offers their own patients and the community a form called a personal wishes statement. It includes a list of various life sustaining treatments that you may or may not want your health care agent to pursue on your behalf as well as space to write additional considerations.
In all cases, be sure to communicate with everyone who might be involved in decisions for you, especially your agent(s) listed in the health care proxy and your physician.
Resources
VNA Care Network & Hospice provides free health care proxies and personal wishes statements by mail. Information and health care proxy forms are also available in Spanish and Vietnamese. Call VNA Care Network & Hospice at 800-728-1862.
VNA Care Network & Hospice has provided health care in patients' homes for more than 100 years. Services include nursing, rehabilitation therapy, home care aide support, social work, nutrition, disease management, and private duty care. Hospice for the terminally ill is available in patients homes and at three hospice residences, Chilton House in Cambridge, the Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester, and the Tippett Home in Needham. For information about services, call 800-728-1862 or visit www.vnacarenetwork.org.
L-S Speech & Debate Team at Silver Lake Tournament
Ten members of the Lincoln - Sudbury Regional High School Speech & Debate Team Travelled to Silver Lake Regional High School in Kingston recently to participate in an important National Forensic League District Qualifier. Eighteen schools with 62 students competed.
From L-S, Alexander Stubbs’ win in Student Congress placed him as 1st alternate to compete in that event at the National Forensic League Tournament in Las Vegas in June. Alex Loomis placed in the top sex, also in Student Congress.
Other L-S team members contributing valuable points included Mara Hileman (children’s Literature), Morgan Davies and Brandon Cohen (Group Discussion), Alec Barnes and Adam Singer ( both in Group Discussion and Student Congress), Tejas Pathak, Neel Duggal, Shalei Holway, ( all in Student Congress).
Coach Tom Danko served as a judge. For further information about the L-S Speech & Debate Team, call him at (978)443-9961 x 2440), or (781)259-9527 x 2440)
Presbyterian Church In Sudbury
offers
Taizé Service
For many of us, life is busy and full of many distractions. It is not easy to find the time to quiet
ourselves and listen to God. Like all spiritual disciplines, this takes practice. To this end, The Presbyterian Church in Sudbury (PCIS) will once again offer a special worship service in the tradition of Taizé (“teh-ZAY”). Join us at
7:30p.m. on Tues., April 15 as we seek to quiet the many voices of this hectic world and open
our hearts to the Divine.
What is Taizé?
This unique style of worship emerged from a community of monks in Taizé, a small village in s
eastern France. Brother Roger, founder, relocated to Taizé in the midst of World War II with the
vision of creating a community whose main focus was reconciliation. Originally a shelter for war
refugees, Taizé grew to become the ecumenical monastic community that it is today, where
thousands of people come from around the world to participate in international services of
prayer and reflection. The Taizé worship service reflects the meditative nature of its community. This peaceful, contemplative service is marked by chant-based songs with simple instrumental accompaniment, readings of scripture and prayers, and periods of meditative silence. Candlelight, representing the light of Christ, helps to generate an atmosphere of peaceful reflection. One of the most essential elements of Taizé worship is the singing. As the simple melodies are repeated, the meaning of the text begins to penetrate the whole being,; the soul opens, the mind is able to release the cares of the world, and the heart is able to listen for God’s voice.
You may find Taizé to be quite different than what you are used to. In our fast paced society, it takes some practice to be comfortable with the silence and the chant-like songs. But if you value meditation, simplicity, and music, you will appreciate this form of worship. If you have any questions, please email rutherdehartt@hotmail.com. Otherwise join us on April 15th at 7:30p.m.
For additional information on the Taizé community, visit http://www.taize.fr/en
Secure Diversity at First Baptist of Sudbury
In a recent Bible study Pastor Dan Stammann said of First Baptist Church of Sudbury, “People speak of churches as having full diversity. For some that diversity is too open-ended to the degree that anything and everything is believed as truth. At First Baptist we seek secure diversity. We are grounded and secure in the Bible as the source and foundation of our beliefs and practices.” Dr. Stammann further explained that open-ended diversity is dangerous in any pursuit. “We don’t let just anyone perform surgery, fill medical prescriptions or fly an airplane”, stated the pastor. “For the general safety of all we have regulations and tests that qualify a person for these services. Simply because a person believes they can fly an airplane doesn’t make them a safe pilot nor does an open-end tolerance that says do your own thing qualify any belief as good or good for you. The end result of this approach can bring disaster. The same is true of spiritual belief, faith and doing church.”
First Baptist Church, 162 Landham Rd. is made up of people of diverse cultures, backgrounds and origins who have by personal faith in Jesus Christ received God’s forgiveness, love and purpose. Committed to serving God as their primary purpose this community of evangelical Christians respects individual differences. The guiding principle at First Baptist is to teach people to seek God’s wisdom and direction in the Bible as revealed through prayer.
First Baptist embraces all cultures and is committed to the biblical concepts regarding family, faith, and life. Sunday worship, 10:30 a.m. involves a blend of contemporary choruses, traditional hymns and a biblical message relevant to current needs. Everyone is invited to our age -graded Bible study, 9:30 a.m. each Sunday and to other community activities. Call 978-443-7171 or visit the church website at www.fbcsudbury.org for more information.
Habitat for Humanity Information Meeting
for any citizen of Sudbury and neighboring communities to be held at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, One Morse Road, Sudbury, at 7:30 p.m. on Wed., April 16. The is the next in a series of monthly informational meetings to discuss the proposed Habitat for Humanity project, a two-family duplex home in Sudbury at the corner of Dutton and Pratt’s Mill Roads. Members of the Worcester-based office of Habitat as well as local members of the Habitat for Humanity Community Outreach Committee will be available to provide information and respond to questions. The meeting is expected to last one hour.
If you would like to participate in the local Habitat project, there are many options. For details, contact Mara Huston at mara@hustonfam.net.
Auditions For "Arsenic And Old Lace" In Sudbury
The Sudbury Savoyards announce auditions for their 2008 Summer production of "Arsenic and Old Lace", written by Joseph Kesselring and Directed by Mario Salinas. Auditions for all roles will take place on Mon., May 12 and Tues., May 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sudbury United Methodist Church, 251 Old Sudbury Road, Route 27, in Sudbury, MA. Call backs, if needed, will be Thurs., May 15.
Performances will be in the air-conditioned Curtis Middle School in Sudbury on July 25, 26, 27, and Aug., 1 and 2, 2008.
Arsenic and Old Lace features the sweet, old Brewster sisters, beloved in their genteel Brooklyn neighborhood for their many charitable acts. Much to the dismay of their nephew, Mortimer, when he discovers his aunts homicidal tendencies of serving elderberry wine laced with arsenic to lonely bachelors, the sinister activities of his escaped-convict older brother, and the disruptive behavior of younger brother, Teddy, who is convinced he is really Theodore Roosevelt. Further complications ensue when the murderous Jonathan Brewster arrives home, wtih his sniveling accomplice Dr. Einstein in tow. When Jonathan learns that his darling aunts have killed twelve men, he is incensed - they are challenging his own record of murder!
The cast calls for 11 men and 3 women, including some minor bit parts that could be doubled. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script so please be familiar with the play before auditioning. For more information, including the complete cast list and character sketches, visit our website: www.sudburysavoyards.org or call 978-443-8811 and leave a message.
The Sudbury Savoyards, founded in 1961, is an all-volunteer organization with all of its proceeds donated to World Hunger Relief. Technical and crew opportunities are also available.
April 15 is Not Just Tax Date-it is Also the Deadline to Submit Your Nominations
Any New England-based firm or individual specializing in landscape design with a long-term commitment to the use of native plants in exceptional or distinctive landscape compositions is eligible for consideration for this honor from America’s oldest plant conservation organization. The Society launched this award in 2007, to mark the 75th anniversary of its botanical garden and living museum, Garden in the Woods. Renowned Landscape Architect Patrick Chassé was the Society’s first Landscape Design Award recipient.
The award is not just for an individual project but rather, recognizes a body of work over time. It honors naturalistic or creative use and interpretation of native plants in plantings designed, built, and maintained in New England and will be given as exceptional candidates are identified and not necessarily on an annual basis.
You are invited to submit a 2008 New England Wild Flower Society Landscape Design Award Application or Nomination, which is available at the Society’s website: www.newenglandWILD.org.
If you have questions, please contact Karen Pierce at kpierce@newenglandwild.org or 508-877-7630 x 3801.
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