Action Unlimited

Hudson/Stow

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Current Edition - 1/09/26
Hudson/Stow
Just click below on the paper you want to read. You can read life-size by clicking on the four corner box bottom right, then turn pages with mouse at corners just like you would if paper!

Current Edition - 12/19/25

HEADLINES

Sounds of stow calls for singers

Sounds of Stow Call for Singers!

Join the Sounds of Stow as we continue our fabulous 47th season! Our Spring Concert will
be Christopher Tin's 2020 "To Shiver The Sky," performed with a full orchestra, in
Littleton on Sunday April 19th, 2026.

Sounds of Stow Chorus welcomes all area singers to our Open Rehearsals on Mondays
December 1st and December 8th, 2025, starting at 7:00 pm, and resume on Monday
January 5th, and January 12th, 2026 from 7-9:15. We rehearse at the First Parish
Church in Stow Center (353 Great Road), and encourage all new singers to visit and
explore this special program!

Our April 19th, 2026 Spring concert, "Celestial Celebrations," will be the area premier of
Christopher Tin's "To Shiver the Sky," a magnificent and inspirational piece from 2020
which draws on the words and stories of 11 historical figures to tell the story of
humanity's dream of flight from the earliest myths to modern space exploration. Photos
and videos from the International Space Station and NASA's extensive library will
enhance the performance. The chorus and orchestra, under the direction of Barbara
Jones, will perform at the Littleton High School on Sunday April 19, 2026, where Tin's
"The Lost Birds" was performed in 2024.

The Sounds of Stow Chorus is a friendly and welcoming group whose singers hail from 20+
towns in the Metrowest area and beyond. Membership is open to anyone who can
match pitch, learn the music, and blend with the other voices. We particularly need
some strong Tenor voices to join our group for the upcoming concert. Artistic Director
Barbara Jones and Assistant Artistic Director Christina Kennedy promote serious
musicianship at weekly rehearsals that are lively, challenging, educational, and always
fun! We hope to see you!

For further information, please visit www.soundsofstow.org or email
soundsofstow@gmail.com

Stow COA Volunteer Drivers Needed

The Stow Council on Aging provides seniors (60+) and people with disabilities support by being a source of information on elder affairs, providing social activities, outreach services, and helping the senior population of Stow remain in their homes as long as safely possible.  We have tested a loosely termed “mobile” friendly program at the end of 2025.   Volunteer drivers are paired with an eligible senior resident to take them shopping or deliver groceries.  Although the COA van can provide this service, there are situations where the one-to-one support works best.  Volunteer drivers are also needed as many seniors have medical appointments outside of our service area or hours and often do not have a financially viable transportation option.      If you are interested in volunteering, complete the application available on our website.  Email the Office Manager at COAAdminAsst@Stow-MA.gov with any questions.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT THE STOW COUNCIL ON AGING

Are you looking for something rewarding to do? Consider volunteering with the Stow COA and the SFCOA to make a difference in the lives of Stow’s senior residents.  Interested volunteers should submit a completed application (https://www.stow-ma.gov/328/Volunteer), including a CORI form. Once approved, you’ll receive emails with volunteer opportunities that you may choose to accept at your availability.

Stow COA is Here to Provide Support to its Senior Residents

Attention Stow Senior Residents!  The Stow Council on Aging is here to provide support to you by being a resource of information on elder affairs, providing social activities and outreach services.  In support of our mission, we want to let you know how you can receive such information. 
  • Subscribe to e-alerts for the COA via the town website.
  • Read our monthly newsletter, The Stow Senior Scoop, which is delivered the last Saturday of every month as an insert in the Action Unlimited.
  • Visit our page at https://www.stow-ma.gov/292/Council-on-Aging.
  • Call 978-897-1880, to make an appointment with an Outreach staff member.
  • Email COAAdminAsst@Stow-MA.gov to be added to our confidential database.
  • Follow-us on Facebook and Instagram.

EVENTS AT FIRST PARISH CHURCH,
353 Great Road, Stow

 
Sunday Services: Sundays at 10 am: For more information about these services, or to
download the Order of Service, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org/services.

January 11: “The War on Empathy” - Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum - Rev. Cindy’s been planning this service since before the death of Charlie Kirk, who said, “I can't stand the word empathy, actually. I think empathy is a made-up New Age term that – it does a lot of damage."  Since then, the war on empathy has gotten stronger. What is empathy, and what is our faith’s relationship to this concept?

January 18: "Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday" - Intern Minister Yaakov Trek Reef - On this MLK Jr. Sunday, we'll explore the prophetic voices of the civil rights movement and what they can teach us about how to center love as we create an ever-widening circle of concern for our neighbors and our world.

January 25: “What’s in a Name?” - Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum and Intern Minister Yaakov Trek Reef - In Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare writes, “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” As our congregation considers a name change, and in a culture that is persecuting people who choose name change, we’ll look at the power of naming and being able to choose a name.

Friday, 1/9: Guest Table Community Dinner
Please join us Friday, January 9 for our next dinner. We offer options made with vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free ingredients. All meals are nut-free. Doors open at 5 PM, dinner is served at 5:30 PM.
Our dinners, in the past and present, are sponsored by the generous donations from the Stow Community Chest. We are also grateful for the consistent support we receive from the Stow Council on Aging and The Stow Food Pantry.
Meals take place in Fellowship Hall at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton. FPC is located at 353 Great Rd in Stow. Our building is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is plenty of free parking.
If you have questions or would like to volunteer to help with a meal, please email fpcguesttable@fpc-stow-acton.org.

Friday 1/9: Game Night, 7-9PM
All are welcome to FPC’s Multigenerational Game Night. Games will be provided, but feel free to bring your own game to share. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy free parking, free snacks, and free fun! Email Chip with any questions at flyingsheep2010@gmail.com.

Saturday 1/31: New Revival Coffee House
Fiddler, Singer and Songwriter Kathleen Parks
Doors open at 7 PM. Concert starts at 7:30.
Tickets are $20 in advance at Eventbrite.com and $25 on the day of the concert.  Doors open at 7:00 and the show begins at 7:30.

The Acton Community Chorus Presents Our Winter Concert, I Hear The Stars Still Singing

The Acton Community Chorus presents our winter concert,  I Hear The Stars Still Singing, a constellation of contemporary choral music contemplating the stars and the ways they guide our lives, featuring a multi movement work by Kenneth Riggs called "Starlight Songs", plus written works by other living composers such as J. Michael Saunders, Jacob Narverud, Susan LaBarr, and Victor C. Johnson. The concert will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 4pm at the Acton Congregational Church with an inclement weather date of Sunday, January 11th at 4pm. Tickets are available through the link on our website or at the door. There will be a reception following the concert.  Every year we seek out a community partner to support, and this season we are partnering with NAMI of Central Middlesex County. They will have volunteers in attendance to share the resources they have for individuals and families living with mental health conditions. The Acton Community Chorus is a nonprofit organization supported in part by grants from the Acton Boxborough, Concord, Littleton and Stow cultural councils which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a State agency.

The Acton Community Chorus invites all area singers to attend our Open Sing for our Spring 2026 Concert Movie Night. We will be featuring iconic songs from iconic movies including My Heart Will Go On, Both Sides Now, Danger Zone, Bohemian Rhapsody, (I've Had) The Time of My Life, and so many more! We will meet on January 26, 2026 at 7:30pm at the Faith Free Evangelical Church 54 Hosmer Street in Acton, MA. Please see our website www.actoncommunitychorus.org for more information about our vibrant choral group that has been bringing choral music and friendship to the Assabet Valley area since 1984!

Psychosis Program

"Psychosis Unveiled" is an in-person presentation for people living with symptoms of psychosis and those who love them. Join the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and speakers from the MA Psychosis Access & Triage Hub (M-PATH). Join us on Monday, January 26th, at the Edinburg Center, 205 Burlington Road, Bedford MA, rear entrance. The event kicks off at 6:30 PM with dessert & social time. At 7:00 PM the presentations begin. Learn more about the program and please RSVP here: namicentralmiddlesex.org/newsletter/psychosis.
Motor development babies3

Motor Development in Babies 0-18 Months

A free live webinar presented by pediatric physical therapist Christina Marinelli from Emerson Health, will be held via Zoom on Thursday, January 29, 1-2:00. Babies begin progressing both gross and fine motor skills from birth. They are the building blocks to your baby's ability to explore their environment as they grow. In this webinar, you will learn 1) what typical development looks like, 2) general tips and strategies to support baby's skill acquisition, and 3) helpful resources for continued learning. Time for questions will be allowed. To receive the link, email lmatthews@jri.org at First Connections.

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

Are you thinking of separating or going through the divorce process? The Metro-West Boston Divorce Support Group is a confidential peer-support group with no religious affiliation. Men and women from all towns are welcome. Our group has been meeting in Acton for decades. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday evenings by remote video conference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net
Holiday services at first parish

NASHOBA VALLEY CHORALE 50TH ANNIVERSARY WINTER CONCERT

Program Highlights:
  • “Hallelujah!” The Nashoba Valley Chorale is celebrating its 50th Anniversary Season with a concert on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The performance will include music by Bach and Britten and will close with Beethoven’s magnificent Mass in C, featuring four professional vocal soloists and full orchestra. The concert’s repertoire “reflects the different aspects of our history and showcases where we are now,” says Anne Watson Born, the group’s musical director. 
Event Details:
  • January 18, 2026, 3pm at the Groton-Dunstable Performing Arts Center (344 Main St., Groton, MA) 

Ticket Information:The Nashoba Valley Chorale is well known throughout Central Massachusetts and draws singers from towns in the heart of Nashoba Valley, as well as from all over the metro-west Boston area and southern New Hampshire. For more information about the Nashoba Valley Chorale and our season concerts, visit https://nvcsings.org/
Holiday services at first parish

Holiday Services at First Parish of Stow and Acton

"Find a Stillness"
Sunday, December 21st, 10 AM. Light here, light there, light everywhere all winter long. But what wisdom could we find if we found a stillness in the dark of the longest night? The service will be led by Yaakov Trek Reef, Intern Minister
CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY STORY SERVICE
Wednesday, December 24th, 4 PM. Led by our Minister Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum, Intern Minister Yaakov Trek Reef, and Director of Religious Education Rayla D. Baldwin-Mattson, This family-oriented service features traditional and modern carols, stories, and shares about the meaning of Christmas in our lives.

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDELIGHT SERVICE
Wednesday, December 24th, 9 PM. Led by our Minister Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum and Intern Minister Yaakov Trek Reef and featuring our choir and additional music under the direction of our Music Director Chris Hossfeld with our Accompanist Trevor Berens and soloists Jessica Tunick Berens and Margot Law. This service will share the ancient story paired with poetry, readings, and music, and end with a candle-lit congregational signing of O Holy Night.

Stow Scouts Offer Christmas Tree Pickups

Troop 1 Stow Scouts will be scheduling home Christmas tree pickups following the holidays for residents of Stow. The scouts would like to make tree disposal convenient and efficient for you.  Christmas tree pick up is $15 per tree.  STOW RESIDENTS ONLY

Tree pickup can be scheduled by sending in a check payable to Troop 1 Stow, PO Box 75 Stow, MA 01775 or pay by credit card online at www.troop1stow.net

Deadline for tree pickup reservation by December 31st. Trees must be out at the end of your driveway on January 8th and will be picked up throughout the weekend.

Stow COA Guest Interviewees Sought!

Attention Stow senior residents!  The Stow Council on Aging is seeking guest Interviewees for its monthly newsletter, The Senior Scoop.  Consider sharing your experiences, stories, or work/life history with fellow residents.  Residents enjoy reading them to learn more about their fellow residents.  You can also share your suggestions for residents who might be open to being interviewed. If you are interested in being interviewed, please contact Kathleen, Outreach Coordinator, at COA3@Stow-MA.gov.

Community Public Menorah Lighting

Come and join for a Community Chanukah Menorah Lighting at the Stow Lower Common on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
Menorah Lighting followed by music, hot latkes, delicious donuts, Chanukah cookies and drinks.
Menorah will stand on the lower common throughout the Chanukah festival.

Discovery Museum Announces Free Events for Visitors with Disabilities and their Families for January to June 2026

 
Especially for Me events offer free Museum access and dedicated hours for families that would benefit from a sensory-friendly experience.
ACTON - Discovery Museum announced upcoming dates for the first half of 2026 for the Especially for Me series of free events for families and groups with members who may have a disability, including sensory sensitivities, visual impairments, learning differences, and/or hearing loss.
The popular events offer accommodations that increase access to and enjoyment of the Museum’s ADA-compliant facilities. Because admission is free, families may come and go based on their needs without concern for cost. Visitors also have the chance to meet others in similar circumstances, thereby reducing feelings of isolation and judgement by others often described by families dealing with special needs. A medical diagnosis is not required to attend.
All Especially for Me events are free to attend, but preregistration is required. Dates and registration links can be found online at http://bit.ly/EspeciallyforMe.
January to June 2026: Especially for Me Event Schedule
Inclusive Afternoons, Tuesdays 1:30 to 4:30pm Museum is open to the public, but lower visitation is expected.
  • January 6, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2
Special Evenings, Saturdays 5:00 to 8:00pm Museum is closed to the public. Dinner, including a gluten-free option, is provided at no cost.
  • Autism-Friendly Evening – January 10
  • Evening for Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind – January 31
  • Inclusive Evening – February 28, March 21, May 16, June 27
  • Mask On, Play On! – April 11
  • Morning for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and KODA visitors – date tba
Discovery Museum’s campus is ADA-compliant and all exhibits are accessible, designed according to Universal Design principles to be both aesthetically pleasing and usable by the widest possible range of people, without regard to age or ability.
Special resources are always available including noise-reducing headphones, a Social Story and Sensory Map (both online and on-site; available in eight languages), and a designated “Take a Break” space. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters may be requested during registration. Parking is always free and dinner, including a gluten-free option, is provided at all evening events.
Especially for Me is part of the museum’s Open Door Connections program to provide opportunities for those who face a variety of barriers—financial, developmental, or cultural—to experience the Museum.
Especially for Me is made possible by DCU for Kids, with additional support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

HAPPY Holidays from Fresh Start Furniture Bank

Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

     The Fresh Start family would like to wish you all a happy and safe holiday season.  Our shelves and stockroom and display areas are pretty well stocked now, thanks to donations from so many people in the area who responded to our specific requests for linens and kitchen items and furniture.
     At present what we need most is MONEY to pay our bills and to buy mattresses and to keep our truck fueled and maintained.  If you can help, please click on the link above and look for the big green DONATE button.  You can donate online with PAYPAL or with Venmo and you can always bring or send a check payable to Fresh Start Furniture Bank at 16 Brent Drive, Hudson, MA 01749.  Your donation is tax deductible.
     Thank you for helping us to help others.  We supply furniture and furnishings at no charge to prequalified clients coming out of homelessness.  Please help us to keep doing what we do so well.

Groton Grange Contra Dance January 3, 2026

Groton Grange #7 invites you to our traditional New England Contra Dance on Saturday, January 3 ,2026 from 7:30 - 10:00 PM , at Historic Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney Street. This will be an evening of live music and dancing with Groton's own Contra  Banditos, along with caller Don Heinold, who will teach traditional New England style contra, square, and line dances to the beat of old time fiddle tunes. Beginners are welcome, no experience or partner is necessary.  Suggested donation at the door is $5.00  per person, children under  3  years old are free, and family maximum is $20.  Made possible by a  grant from the Town of Groton lecture Funds. Refreshments are provided. Bring your soft soled dancing shoes .Parking allowed only on the Grange side of Champney St. 

Beacon Santa Needs Your Help!

We know it’s a big ask.
With the economy in flux, unemployment on the rise, grocery prices still too high, every dollar is being stretched as tight as possible.
But if you can spare a few dollars for the Beacon Santa, we will make sure the money goes to put a smile on a young child’s face.
Every dollar that you donate will help a family in need.
“Working overnight is great when you have small children who need you to be home during the day. But also impossible, with small children, when the other parent is gone on random military assignments and not home to watch them,” writes one mother of five young children.
All she wants is some money to take her children shopping for clothes.
“Although things are getting better and we are solely focused on improving our finances, for our children’s sake, the holidays fast approach and we cannot celebrate without help, so please choose our home, Santa,” she writes.
The Beacon Santa Fund, which originated in 1965, raises money to give holiday gift cards to families in 12 communities: Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford.
Beacon Santa turns once again to its readers, without whose generosity some families will not receive holiday help. Donations are tax deductible, of course.
A final note, so that would-be donors can feel assured that their good intentions actually do good. The Board of Directors are all volunteers. Donations are intended entirely to help families in need; no funds are ever diverted for member stipends or salaries.

How to donate
By mail: Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, Maynard Crossing, 7 Digital Way, Maynard, MA 01754
Online: Through PayPal, https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809.  A PayPal account is not needed to donate.
New this year, you can donate through Venmo:  @beaconsanta1965

Night Lights Voted #1 Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights Display in the Country!

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is thrilled to announce that Night Lights was named the winner of the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Award for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights. Thank you to our wonderful community for taking the time to help the Garden earn this national recognition. We look forward to the rest of this year's dazzling displays (tickets are still available) and hope you’ll join us in experiencing this award-winning event!
Visit https://nebg.org/ for more information.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts & Gillette Bring “Mentorship in Action” Flag Football Event to Inspire New Mentoring Relationships

 
BOSTON, FOXBORO, Mass. - On December 7, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) and Gillette partnered for a unique “Mentorship in Action” Flag Football event that brought together youth, volunteers, and New England Patriot Quarterback and Gillette athlete Drake Maye, New England Patriots Wide Receiver and BBBSEM ambassador DeMario Pop Douglas and Patriots Hall of Famer Rob Ninkovich for a day of sports and community engagement. Held on the field at Gillette Stadium, the event highlighted the importance of mentorship, offering a fun opportunity for prospective volunteer mentors to get involved while making a lasting impact on local youth.
The event kicked off with a lively pep talk from BBBSEM President & CEO Mark O'Donnell and Pat the Patriot, the official mascot of the New England Patriots. This spirited opening set the tone for a day full of energy and connection. Ninkovich, Maye, and Douglas also joined the action, each participating as a "Big for a Day" to underscore the power of mentorship and encourage others to volunteer. The event marked Douglas’ official debut as a BBBSEM ambassador.
Over 25 current BBBSEM matches, along with youth on the organization’s waiting list to be matched with their mentors, took to the field for drills, skills clinics, and friendly flag football games. The day was designed to foster new connections and inspire potential Bigs to begin their own mentoring journeys.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Gillette and bring attention to the critical need for mentorship in our community,” said Mark O'Donnell, President & CEO of BBBSEM. “This event not only gave us the chance to showcase the power of mentorship but also provided an opportunity for new volunteers to experience firsthand how they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.”
The event featured several key moments, including a speaking program, a skills clinic, and a series of flag football games, which gave participants the chance to demonstrate teamwork and leadership. The day concluded with a heartfelt recognition ceremony, thanking volunteers and mentors for their dedication to youth empowerment.
The BBBSEM event was one of ten flag football experiences happening across the country as part of a larger national partnership between men’s grooming brand Gillette and Big Brothers Big Sisters.Through this partnership, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Gillette are coming together to bring more mentors into the lives of young men through the unifying power of sports.
BBBSEM continues to grow its impact, matching over 4,000 youth annually with caring adult mentors. The event underscored the organization’s mission to defend the potential of children and to create a community where every young person has access to the guidance and support they need to succeed. Mentorship is a necessity and through sports, connections across cultures and generations are made, helping to build a more unified, inclusive society.
“We are committed to ensuring that every child has the support of a caring adult mentor who can help them reach their full potential,” said O'Donnell. “Today, we’ve seen the impact that such mentorship can have, and we hope this event inspires even more people to step forward and become Bigs.”
For more information on how to volunteer, or to learn more about BBBSEM’s programs, visit www.emassbigs.org.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is an innovative, energetic organization that is making a real difference in the lives of over 4,000 youth annually by providing them with an invested, caring adult mentor in long-term, professionally supported relationships. With research and proven outcomes at its core, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is working to defend the potential of children facing adversity and ensure every child has the support from caring adults that they need for healthy development and success in life. The organization’s vision is to inspire, engage and transform communities in Eastern Massachusetts by helping youth achieve their full potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, more confident futures and stronger communities. Throughout its 76 years, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 youth. For more information about the agency and its mission, visit www.emassbigs.org..

SFCOA Charzie Jewelry Fundraiser

Still looking for a special gift?  The Stow Friends of  the Council on Aging (SFCOA) and Charzie Jewelry can help!  Charzie Jewelry will be popping up at the Pompo Community Center (509 Great Road, Stow) on Monday 12/15 from 11am to 2pm! Charzie will donate 20% of sales to the SFCOA.  Charzie Jewelry, a Stow women-owned small business offers custom boutique jewelry.  Select a classic design or create something unique.  Choose gold filled or silver plated.  Visit www.charziejewelry.com for inspiration and ideas so you are ready to do some holiday shopping while also supporting Stow’s senior residents! .  Funds raised by the SFCOA benefit Stow's senior residents through the Stow Council on Aging

STOW COA Ambassadors Needed

The Stow Council on Aging (COA) is looking for COA Ambassadors. The COA is a busy place and sometimes a second set of hands is just what we need.   COA Ambassadors can be expected to welcome residents, assist with our sign-in kiosk, and provide general information regarding COA activities. Depending on the day, COA Ambassadors may be asked to help with events including set-up and breakdown.  Ambassadors commit to a regular recurring weekly shift either in the morning (9:30-12:30) or afternoon (12:30-3:30).  Currently we are actively recruiting for the Wednesday morning and Friday afternoon shifts.   Volunteering is a great way to stay active and engaged. Let me know if you would like more information about this fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity!
Volunteering is a great way to stay active and engaged. Contact Gigi Lengieza at COAAdminAsst@Stow-MA.gov for more information about this fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity!
Lost in fog2

Lost in Fog – Photographing the Foggy Landscape
Assabet Valley Camera Club Program


HUDSON: On Wednesday, January 7, the Assabet Valley Camera Club (AVCC) is pleased to host Ed McGuirk, an award-winning landscape and nature photographer, who will show how to craft interesting landscape images using the element of fog. He will discuss how fog can create moods that add drama and emotion to one’s images. The program will cover the technical, creative and post-processing aspects of photographing foggy landscapes. You will learn about what causes fog and how to predict its appearance.

Ed, whose work concentrates on the wilderness landscapes of New England, has earned numerous photographic honors. His images have been featured in Outdoor Photographer and other publications. Visit Ed’s website www.edmcguirkphoto.com to check out his numerous “Image Galleries”.
Currently, AVCC meetings are using a hybrid approach where members can come together either in person or via Zoom. If you are interested in attending the program, contact AVCC at avcc.digital@hotmail.com a few days prior to the meeting to request a link to the event or to let us know you will be attending in person. Guests are welcome to attend up to two consecutive club meetings prior to becoming a member. For membership information, go to https://www.assabetvalleycameraclub.com/Club/MembershipInfo.aspx .The club’s Zoom room opens at 7:00 PM with a brief business meeting at 7:15 followed by Ed’s presentation at 7:30.

AVCC in-person meetings are held at the Hudson Senior Center, 29 Church Street, Hudson and are open to the public. The first meeting of the month generally features a program designed to instruct and/or to entertain camera enthusiasts.  During the second monthly meeting, a competition of members’ digital images is judged and critiqued by qualified individuals. Assabet Valley Camera Club, affiliated with both the New England Camera Club Council (NECCC) and the Photographic Society of America (PSA), participates in inter-club competitions on regional, national and international levels.

AVCC welcomes anyone interested in learning more about photography as a visual art and its practical application as a science.  Members benefit from the hands-on experiences, from the knowledge presented in programs, and from having their work critiqued. For more information, check out AVCC's website https://www.assabetvalleycameraclub.com//
Free drive through nativity

FREE DRIVE THROUGH LIVING NATIVITY

Trinity Church at 14 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton is having a Drive Through Living Nativity on Friday and Saturday, December 12 and 13 from 5:00-7:00 pm in the Trinity Church parking lot.  Again, we have the opportunity to present the true Christmas story to our neighbors, family and friends at the drive through Live Nativity. Hundreds of people have heard the Christmas message at this event the several years, and we can’t wait to do it again! The sheep are coming and Daisy the donkey!

MULTIGENERATIONAL GAME NIGHT AT FPC FRIDAY, DEC 19

All are welcome to the monthly Multigenerational Game Night at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy free parking, free snacks, and free fun! (Please do not bring snacks with nuts.)

The next Game Night will take place on Friday, Jan 16, from 7 to 9 p.m. FPC is located at 353 Great Rd, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.
 

Fresh Start Furniture Bank

Welcome to winter!  The volunteers at Fresh Start on Tuesday morning arrived with the first snow of the season.  Fortunately, it was not enough to necessitate closing.  We had four client visits scheduled but three cancelled because of the weather.   We met our new volunteer & administrative coordinator and look forward to working together.  As we worked, sorting linens, cleaning and testing lamps and small appliances, unloading and loading furniture, and entering items into inventory we shared thoughts about our Thanksgiving celebrations and the Patriots win.
Four (!) trucks arrived filled with linens and blankets and comforters  from the Hudson and Marlborough Lions Clubs who did a blanket drive for us.  Our crew couldn’t get through it all today to make an accurate count.  What a wonderful “Giving Tuesday” gift!

An inventory check showed some gaps in our supplies.  We need new bed pillows and mattresses and box springs for our clients.  Also rugs and dressers.  We seem to always be low on kitchen items like silverware, non-slotted spoons, measuring cups and spoons, strainers, vegetable peelers, tongs, can openers and whisks.

Please check our website to learn more about our organization and help us to help others.  We love cash donations to pay the rent and keep the truck fueled!  We accept small donations on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 until noon.  Furniture donations as well as household items can be brought on Saturday mornings from 8:30-10:30(furniture)and until noon for small items.  We are located at 16 Brent Drive in Hudson.  Check us out!
 

Beacon Santa Needs Your Help!

It is a magical time of year – lights shining bright, ornaments glistening on Christmas trees, and Santa visiting throughout the area.

But for many people, the holiday magic is fraught with anxiety, and they have reached out to the Beacon Santa for help in providing a little Christmas cheer.

And so, we are reaching out – asking you to help us. Please consider donating this year – every little bit helps.

One mother writes that she is struggling to make ends meet, especially after her children’s father died in June. “I am worried that I will not be able to provide my children with a Christmas they deserve because there simply is not anything left for gifts and holiday extras after covering basic needs. I do my best to keep things stable for my children, but the holidays can be especially hard. Your generosity would make a world of difference for my children,” she writes.

One mother struggling to leave an abusive husband is asking for help for three of her five children this year. “I am hoping the holiday season with all its magic of Santa will bring them joy, laughter and smiles during this tough time. I don’t think I will be able to afford gifts under the tree this year and I don’t want to see disappointment and more sadness, so I am reaching out for help,” she writes.

The Beacon Santa Fund, which originated in 1965, raises money to give holiday gift cards to families in 12 communities: Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford.

Beacon Santa turns once again to its readers, without whose generosity some families will not receive holiday help. Donations are tax deductible, of course.

A final note, so that would-be donors can feel assured that their good intentions actually do good. The Board of Directors are all volunteers. Donations are intended entirely to help families in need; no funds are ever diverted for member stipends or salaries.

How to donate
By mail: Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, Maynard Crossing, 7 Digital Way, Maynard, MA 01754
By mail:  Beacon Santa Fund, PO Box 643, Maynard, MA  01754
Online: Through PayPal, https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809.  A PayPal account is not needed to donate.
New this year, you can donate with Venmo:  @beaconsanta1965
 

New Tutors Trained in Wayland Library’s ESOL Program

Immigrants in our area who want to improve their competency in English now have greater opportunities.  Fourteen generous and enthusiastic people have just completed a training course and are now certified to be tutors of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).  These recent “graduates” include seven from Wayland – Lois Bruss, Sue Feldman, Lidet Girma, John Mead, Dona Mitra, Clinton Savidge and Wendy Sobel; one from Sudbury – Carol Abbot; one from Natick – Ginit Marten; one from Acton – Louisa Chase, one from Wellesley – Jackie Leung: one from Waltham - Mimi Facher; one from Carlisle - Kathy Wasserman; and one from Marlborough - Luba Robidoux. These new tutors, like those who were trained last spring, and some who have been tutoring for years, work one-to-one with learners. Learners currently working with our tutors have come from many different countries, including Korea, Ukraine, Brazil, Bolivia, Mexico, Latvia, Turkey and China.
Much tutoring is now done remotely, using whatever technology works for both tutor and learner, be it FaceTime, Skype, Zoom or simply phone and email.  Some tutor/learner pairs work in person, typically in a local library.
As usual, we can put all possible tutors to work with waiting learners.  The next two tutor-training courses have been scheduled: one starting in January and one starting in early March.  Tutors do not need to know another language, nor do they need to know every detail of English grammar.  For more information see the Wayland Library website.
 

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

Are you thinking of separating or going through the divorce process? The Metro-West Boston Divorce Support Group is a confidential peer-support group with no religious affiliation. Men and women from all towns are welcome. Our group has been meeting in Acton for decades. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday evenings by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net
 

BEGINNING PAINTING CLASSES

 
Taught by local artist Judith-Grace Miller, these 6 week classes start the week of January 5 at the Parish Center for the Arts in Westford and are perfect for beginners and those looking for a refresher working in oil or acrylic. We'll cover design and composition, value, color mixing and more to help you best express yourself as an artist. There will be weekly demos and plenty of personalized easel-side assistance in these small group classes. Choose from day or evening: Monday evenings Jan 5–Feb 9 from 6:30–8:30pm or Wednesday mornings Jan 7–Feb 11 from 10:30am—12:30pm. $275. Instructor will provide materials list upon registration. Register here https://parisharts.square.site/arts-in-the-loft
 

Become a Tutor of English

Have you ever thought about tutoring someone in English? Since 1990 the library has been
training adults to become volunteer ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) tutors.
Most people who decide to become tutors are thinking of the good it can do, helping others
become more proficient in English and better able to cope with employment, landlords, schools
or the medical profession. But then they discover the rewards, the satisfaction that comes as
progress is made and a relationship develops that enriches both learner and tutor. Tutors often
speak of their pleasure in learning about another culture and their greater appreciation of the
challenges facing those who are adapting to ours.

No prior knowledge of a foreign language is needed, just an openness to other cultures and the
desire to share your knowledge of English. The training is free, although it is necessary to
purchase a textbook for about $40.

Tutors will be prepared to work with their learners either remotely, as we often do now, or in
person, as is sometimes possible. Tutors now are using Teams, FaceTime, Zoom, telephone and
email as they “meet” with their learners and enjoy both success and personal connection.
We still have learners who need our help.

Registration for tutor training is now open! Two sessions are currently scheduled:

- The January 2026 classes for new ESOL tutors are scheduled for five Wednesday
evenings, 6:00PM – 9:00PM. Dates are January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4. Only
the last session will be held in-person in the Wayland Library conference room. The
rest of the sessions will be held on Zoom. Pre-registration is required.

- The Spring 2026 classes for new ESOL tutors will meet on Monday mornings
9:00AM – noon on March 9, 16, 23, 30 and April 6. Only the April session will be
held in-person at the library; all others will be on Zoom. Preregistration is required.
If you are interested in participating, wish to enroll or have questions, please contact Ginny Steel
and Jane Albert at esol@waylandlibrary.org
 

Stow Police Department December Community Events

The Stow Police Department is excited to announce some events and happenings in December!

On Sunday, December 7th, we will be doing a rolling Stuff-a-Cruiser food drive to benefit the Stow Food Pantry. If you are interested in donating to the food drive, please be at the end of your driveway with the items or at one of the stops we are making. The Stow Food Pantry’s most requested items are crackers cereal, decaf ground or instant coffee and shaped pasta (not spaghetti). The route maps can be found here: https://www.stow-ma.gov/948/Police-Department-Community-Events
If you need additional assistance with your donation, have questions, or need to make other arrangements please contact the Stow Police Department Business Office Manager, Phoenix Dwyer, at pdwyer@stow-ma.gov

On Wednesday, December 10th, Chief Michael Sallese along with Dr. Jessica Pepple from the Reframe Institute, will be hosting an important community conversation about belonging and equity in Stow.  Join them and members of the community as they discuss ways to make Stow a truly welcoming place for everyone.  This event will take place at 6:30pm at the Pompositticut Community Center in the Function Hall.

Also, Wednesday, December 10th will be the last day to drop off toys at our Toys for Tots collection site in the lobby of the police department. Thank you to everyone that has already donated!

On Monday, December 15th, Lt. Kellie Barhight and members of the community engagement team will host the third annual Ornament Decorating and Pizza Party event at the Stow Council on Aging. Join them for some holiday cheer! The event will take place from 11am-1pm. Space is limited to 25 people and sign-ups can be complete through the COA. View it on website
 

STOW COA – VOLUNTEER NEEDED FOR NEWSLETTER/EDITING

The Stow COA is looking for a volunteer to assist with the preparation and editing of our monthly newsletter, The Stow Senior Scoop. Preparation and editing of the newsletter occur at the COA during our business hours (Monday through Friday from 8 am to 3:30 pm) twice a month. The first opportunity occurs at the end of the month, when the template for the following month is set up (approximately 1 hour). The second opportunity takes place sometime between the 2nd business day of the month, and the 12th to gather and enter content for that month (about 2 - 3 hours.) You can choose the specific day and time which allows this volunteer opportunity to fit your schedule. Volunteers must complete the COA volunteer application which includes a CORI, confidentiality agreement, and indemnification agreement.  If interested, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at COAAdminAsst@Stow-MA.gov.
 

First United Methodist Church of Hudson
Annual “Christmas Country Fair”
Saturday, Dec. 6th from 9am – 3pm

 
All are invited to our ANNUAL CHRISTMAS COUNTRY FAIR to be held downstairs
in LAMSON HALL from 9am to 3pm

-  NEW THIS YEAR!  - “Chris’ Chocolate Room”  - if chocolate is your “thing”, be sure
   you visit our new Chocolate Room, where you’ll find many delicious chocolates and
   chocolate creations from which to choose.  Come experience the chocolate flowing from
   our chocolate fountain where you will be able to purchase food items to dip and enjoy.
-  Our Unique Silent Auction – Choose from a variety of gifts and gift certificates from area
   stores and restaurants.   This year we will also offer for bid; Christmas décor, Charcuterie Boards,
   cookbooks and cheese knife sets for your home entertaining.  We’ll have items that children can bid
   on for family and friends.
-  OUR FAMOUS THEMED GIFT BASKETS for women, men and children to enjoy; from home
   décor items, to sports and children’s Super Hero’s themed and many more.
-  Vera Bradley table – This year, we have a variety of gently loved items by this popular designer.
-  Country Store; our famous CABOT cheddar cheese, dill pickles, “penny” candy, pints of Bob’s
    baked beans, pints of Barbara’s Chicken Salad and pints of Chili to purchase.
-  Homemade Baked Goods Table – Enjoy a variety of cookies; cupcakes, pies, and pumpkin
   whoopie pies….YUM!!
-  Red Elephant Table - gently used Christmas items.
-  From Santa’s Workshop - Crafts and Knitting items that will make you smile
   and help you stay warm.
-  United Women of Faith Table; grab our Cookbook with famous recipes from our church family,
-  Santa Claus’ Café - from 11am to 2pm; Homemade Corn Chowder, Chili, Hot Dogs and
     Chili Dogs, Bob’s Baked Beans ‘n Franks, Chicken Salad sandwiches and delicious sweets!
 
Everyone is invited to get into the holiday spirit.  We hope you will tell your friends and neighbors.
First United Methodist Church is located over the hill, just off the Hudson Rotary at 34 Felton Street.  More information is available at 978-562-2932 or at www.hudsonfumc@gmail.com
 

Beacon Santa Needs Your Help!

Will you help the children?
Hundreds of applicants have reached out, as they do every year, asking the Beacon Santa for help in making their Christmas just a little bit brighter.
It is a request we can’t meet without your help.
One single grandmother writes that she has custody of her teenage grandchildren and struggles to make ends meet. She is asking for help from Beacon Santa because Christmas presents are simply not in the budget.
“I know they no longer believe in Santa … [but] they still love the magic,” she writes.
Another grandmother writes that she and her husband have had custody of their grandson since he was 3 ½. They both work to help pay for an advocate and the therapy her grandson needs for his autism and anxiety. Once again, they are asking Beacon Santa for help to put a few presents under the tree.
“Every Christmas he has been blessed with the help from the Beacon Santa,” she writes.
The Beacon Santa Fund, which originated in 1965, raises money to give holiday gift cards to families in 12 communities: Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford.
Beacon Santa turns once again to its readers, without whose generosity some families will not receive holiday help. Donations are tax deductible, of course.
A final note, so that would-be donors can feel assured that their good intentions actually do good. The Board of Directors are all volunteers. Donations are intended entirely to help families in need; no funds are ever diverted for member stipends or salaries.

How to donate
By mail: Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, Maynard Crossing, 7 Digital Way, Maynard, MA 01754
Online: Through PayPal, https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809.  A PayPal account is not needed to donate.
New this year, you can donate through Venmo:  @beaconsanta1965
 

Stow Food Pantry & Minute Man Air Field Holiday Cereal Drive

Join Minute Man Air Field's Holiday Cereal Drive to benefit the Stow Food Pantry for the families of Stow, Acton, Boxboro, Bolton, Lancaster & Maynard.
Let’s give families something sweet to eat this holiday season!
Why cereal:
  • Brand cereals are their #1 most requested item
  • They must purchase cereal directly from supermarkets
  • Cereal prices are up & challenging for food pantries to purchase in quantities
How can you participate:
  • Drop boxes can be found:
    • In the 6B6 Pilot Lounge (24x7 for pilots and their guests)
    • In the Ops office (10am-2pm weekdays and 9am-3pm weekends)
  • Other top requested non-perishables welcome
    • Crackers, mayonnaise and ground decaf coffee
Prefer to help with a monetary donation?
  • Visit the Stow Food Pantry website at https://stowfoodpantry.com/help-us/
    • Credit card or PayPal accepted
  • Or mail a check to:
    • Stow Food Pantry
      Post Office Box 437
      Stow, MA 01775
    • If sending in a check, please mention your donation came through EAA 196/Minute Man Air Field.
The Stow Food Pantry is a 501(c3) tax exempt organization
 

Dona Nobis Pacem: A Solstice Celebration

 
Sunday, December 14, 5 p.m: First Parish Church of Stow and Acton presents a solstice celebration. Music Director Chris Hossfeld conducts the FPC Choir with accompanist Trevor Berens and soprano Jessica Tunick Berens. This is a multi-faith concert with seasonal music, including Bach’s "Dona Nobis Pacem" and "Ubi Caritas" by Ola Gjeilo, whose compositional style is often described as cinematic and evocative, with a lush, harmonious sound. The service begins at 5 p.m. at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Rd, Stow MA 01775.
 

Guest Table Community Dinner
at First Parish Church Friday

 
Please join us Friday, December 12 for our next dinner. We offer options made with vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free ingredients. All meals are nut-free. Doors open at 5 PM, dinner is served at 5:30 PM.
Our dinners, in the past and present, are sponsored by the generous donations from the Stow Community Chest. We are also grateful for the consistent support we receive from the Stow Council on Aging and The Stow Food Pantry.

Meals take place in Fellowship Hall at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton. FPC is located at 353 Great Rd in Stow. Our building is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is plenty of free parking. If you have questions or would like to volunteer to help with a meal, please email fpcguesttable@fpc-stow-acton.org.
 
Stow holiday art fair3

Stow Holiday Art Fair December 13th, 14th

The 2nd Annual SAGA (Stow Area Guild of Artists) Holiday Artisan Fair is at the Pompo Community Center, 509 Great Road, Stow. About 20 local artists will be offering a wide range of work that includes paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, culinary hand forged blades, handmade dolls, cards and much more.

The fair will be open Saturday, December 13th from 10AM to 4PM and Sunday, December 14th form 12 noon to 4PM. FREE parking and FREE admission
Be delighted and impressed by the incredible talent right here in our own community! Buy from painters, photographers, potters, jewelers, and more — all coming together for one festive holiday shopping experience filled with creativity and cheer.
New painting course

New Painting Course for Adults Offered at Pompo Community Center in Stow

You can pre-register for “Introduction to Acrylic Painting” now.  This class is for both beginner and intermediate students who would like to learn or improve basic acrylic painting skills.  Learn about acrylic painting materials, color mixing, color theory, composition, value, and paint application techniques. This class will run on 6 Saturdays from January 10 through March 21st from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. at the Pompo Community Center in Stow.  (Dates are 1/10, 1/24, 2/7, 2/21, 3/7 and 3/21). Cost:  $210 for both residents and non-residents.  For more information and to sign up, go to https://www.stow-ma.gov/281/Recreation-Department and click on Programs and then Adult Programs.

WCMS Performs 12/4 in Princeton & 12/5 in Worcester

 
Who: Worcester Chamber Music Society
What: “Baroque on Fire”

Program
Francesco Geminiani | Concerto Grosso #1, after Corelli, in D major, Op. 5
Jean-Philippe Rameau | Fifth Concert in d minor, from Piéces de clavecin en concerts
Domenico Scarlatti | Sonata in d minor K141
Georg Philipp Telemann | Fantasy #1 in B-flat major, TWV 40:14–25 9
Michael Praetorius | Selections from Dances from Terpsichore
Antonio Vivaldi | Concerto for two violins in A minor from L’Estro Armonico, Op. 3 No. 8

When & Where: Thursday, December 4 at 7:30 PM
First Congregational Church
14 Mountain Road, Princeton

Friday, December 5 at  7:30 PM
Museum of Worcester
30 Elm Street, Worcester

Pre-concert talk ½ hour prior to the performance
Post-concert reception for all

How: Adult $31-40, Senior $29-38, College Students $10
EBT/WIC/ConnectorCare $5, Youth 17 and under free

Information and tickets for these concerts are available on the ensemble’s website, www.worcesterchambermusic.org, or by calling the office at (508) 926-8624.
 
Holiday pet photos save a dog

Holiday Pet Photos at
SAVE A DOG!
Saturday, December 6th
10 am – 2 pm

Join the holiday fun at Save A Dog on Saturday, December 6, from 10 am to 2 pm, and have your dog’s photo taken with your choice of Santa, Frosty the Snowman, or with you and your family!
No appointment is necessary. Pricing is $20 for one dog per photo, or $25 for two dogs in the same photo. And the best photos will be conveniently emailed to you.
While you’re there, stop in and shop our retail store and holiday boutique for gifts, toys, Save A Dog logo clothing, and homemade dog treats.
All proceeds support the ongoing rescue and adoption work of Save A Dog, now celebrating 27 years of finding loving forever families for nearly 9,000 homeless dogs and cats through its Sudbury shelter and network of dedicated foster homes. 

Shortage of rural vets endangering the nation's food supply
By Justin Welsh

 
America is facing a food system shortage. Livestock veterinarians are the new endangered species. Farmers are losing access to the experts they need to keep our food supply safe.
More than 500 U.S. counties across 46 states are federally designated veterinary shortage areas. Just 1.3% of registered veterinarians specialize in food animal practice. This frontline workforce is fraying at a time when U.S. farms produce over 94% of all red meat and poultry Americans consume.
Addressing this growing concern will require sustained industry investment in education that makes veterinary careers more accessible, in recruitment efforts that prioritize rural areas, and in hands-on training that adequately prepares the next generation.
Food animal veterinarians are the unsung heroes of American agriculture. They inspect livestock, administer vaccines, and provide critical guidance on herd health. They support the viability of family farms, local economies, and the safety of the food on our tables.
Yet the United States has lost 90% of food animal veterinarians since the 1950s. And the number of these critical vets continues to decline.
For one, the cost of veterinary education is prohibitive. New graduates leave school with an average debt load of about $150,000. For those called to food animal practice, that financial burden is often compounded by lower pay than they could expect to earn in clinics that focus on companion animals.
Then there's the nature of the work. Rural veterinarians have to travel long distances to reach clients and face physical strain from handling large animals. They're often on call both nights and weekends.
The result is a dwindling workforce.
For farmers, this creates impossible choices: delay care or watch helplessly as animals suffer and operations become less productive. These aren't just emotional losses. They threaten the survival of farms and ranches.
The consequences ripple outward to grocery stores and dinner tables. When veterinary oversight is compromised, it becomes harder to contain the spread of foodborne pathogens. Roughly 9 million Americans fall ill from contaminated food each year -- a number that could soar if we fail to restore the frontline of livestock care.
The shortage could also limit our ability to tackle emerging diseases in animal populations, which often spread quickly through supply chains, and in some cases, jump to humans. Early detection and response require having trained veterinarians on the ground.
There are several things we can do to help overcome this challenge.
Loan repayment and scholarship programs are already making an impact. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program offers up to $40,000 per year for students who commit to working in shortage areas after graduation. My employer, Merck Animal Health, has awarded scholarships and grants to veterinary students, which totaled over $1.5 million in 2024 alone. In July, the company partnered with the Farm Journal Foundation to expand its online educational hub, which features learning modules designed to help students succeed in veterinary careers.
There's room for more public- and private-sector initiatives like these.
Recruitment strategies also need to evolve. Students from rural backgrounds are more likely to return to and serve their home communities. Veterinary schools must do more to identify and support these students.
Equally important is improving the training of future veterinarians. Increasing access to hands-on, experiential, and virtual learning can equip students with the skills they need to succeed.
Revitalizing rural veterinary care isn't just about filling vacancies -- it's about ensuring the vitality of communities and protecting our food supply. By investing in the next generation of livestock veterinarians, we can do just that.
Justin Welsh, DVM, is the executive director of U.S. livestock technical services at Merck Animal Health. This piece originally ran in the Oklahoman.

Cultivating Joy in Turbulent Times

 
First Parish Church, 353 Great Road, Stow
Sunday, November 30, 2025
10 AM

This service will invite and encourage those gathered to consider the possibilities for and benefits of cultivating internal joy regardless of external circumstances. Through music, spoken word, and time for personal reflection, this service will offer ideas and practices to open ourselves to moments of joy in everyday living--to cultivate joy in our lives. Service will be led by Lisa Fagerstrom, Lay Leader -
Join Worship by Video: https://tinyurl.com/22-23fpc
Meeting ID: 999 7077 0266
Passcode: 01775
Join worship by phone: (929)205-6099 (long distance rates will apply)
Note: For those who prefer, a mask-required seating area is available in the back right corner of our sanctuary. Please consult with an usher if assistance is needed. 
FPC now has a closed captioning option with online services. If the Closed Captioning option is not turned on, you can use the button at the bottom of your screen to request the host turn it on.

SECOND CHANCE HOLIDAY DECORATION SALE, SILENT AUCTION AND BAKE GOODS

SECOND CHANCE HOLIDAY DECORATION SALE, SILENT AUCTION AND BAKE GOODS at 509 Great Road, Stow on Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10 am–2 pm, Silent Auction 10 am – 1 pm. Where everyone leaves with their arms full and smiles on their faces.  Shop an enormous selection of new, like new and gently used holiday decorations at great prices.  Purchase homemade baked goods for your holiday table or to give as a gift.  Bid on fabulous silent auction items.  This SFCOA fundraiser benefits Stows senior residents through the COA.  For more information visit our website https://stowfriendsofthecoa.org/.