Culinary Collaboration for a Cause: Experience a Unique Menu Crafted by Local Chefs, Breweries, and Artisans

HUDSON: On September 10, Indulge your senses in a night of delectable flavors, community camaraderie, and philanthropy at the "Dine and Gather around the Armory" event. This one-of-a-kind dining experience promises to ignite your culinary imagination and bring together the community for an unforgettable evening. The event will take place along the scenic banks of the Assabet River, offering a picturesque setting for an exceptional culinary journey.

Local chefs, breweries, gourmet specialty shops, and restaurateurs from Hudson have joined forces to create a collaborative menu that showcases the diverse culinary talents of the area. The event will feature an array of offerings, from passed appetizers to exquisite four-course dinners, all prepared with meticulous attention to detail and a touch of local flair.

"The 'Dine and Gather around the Armory' event is a true testament to the power of collaboration. Our community's culinary talents are joining forces to make a meaningful impact on the Hudson Armory Project,” said Tom Desmond, President of the Hudson Cultural Alliance/Hudson Armory Project. “Through each bite, each sip, and each shared moment, this event reflects the essence of Hudson's diverse culinary scene. We're proud to contribute to the transformation of the Armory into a cultural hub." 

Participating Restaurants / Establishments:
 

Cocktails, Appetizers and Connections from 4-5pm. Three-Course Dinner from 5-7:30pm. Dessert, Program, Silent Auction from 7:30 - 9pm.

All funds raised during the event will support the Hudson Armory Project, a transformative initiative aimed at converting Hudson's historic Armory building into a premier performance and cultural destination for the Metrowest region. The project holds the promise of enriching the community through arts, culture, and engaging experiences.
For more information, visit https://givebutter.com/GatherAroundTheArmory.

BOLTON: The Nashoba Symphonic Band is pleased to announce its concert schedule for the 2023-2024 season. All concerts will take place in the auditorium of Nashoba Regional High School. Admission is free and open to the public.

October 29, 3pm: “Vive la France” including Scenes from “The Louvre” by Norman Dello Joio, Johann de Meij's setting of Ravel's Pavane Pour Infante Defunte, and the glittering Paris Sketches by Martin Ellerby, as well as music by Paul Dukas and Louis Ganne, and perhaps a Can-Can.

February 10, 2pm: “On Land and Sea” featuring Variations on a Shaker Tune by Aaron Copland, Morton Gould's classic Jericho Rhapsody, and Of Sailors and Whaling, a suite of tone poems based on themes from Melvilles's Moby Dick, by W. Francis McBeth, as well as marches by Henry Fillmore and John Klohr.

May 5, 3pm: “Symphonic Band Originals” including Vincent Persichetti's Symphony No.6 and the suite of Symphonic Songs by Robert Russell Bennett, as well as music by Robert Sheldon and W.P. English.

June 13, 7:30pm: “Across the Pond” featuring Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No.1, English Folk Song Suite by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Knightsbridge March by Eric Coates, and solos by our graduation Senior members.

The Nashoba Symphonic Band welcomes new players at the beginning of each season and at the rehearsal following each concert. There are no auditions, but adult membership is limited to a certain number within each section. Students (grade 8 and above) are required to present a recommendation from their school music director or private instructor. The band currently has openings for section horn, 1 tuba and percussionist with strong snare skills. Those wishing to become members on these or other instruments, or needing further information should contact the conductor/music director, David Bailey (baileydavidwayne@gmail.com) OR Joe McCarthy, Nashoba Regional High School Instrumental Director (jmccarthy@nrsd.net).

Rehearsals of Nashoba Symphonic Band are held on Thursdays from 7-9pm on the stage of the Nashoba Regional High School, about a mile west of town center. First rehearsal will take place on August 31 at 7pm with annual registration beginning at 6pm.

Since 2020, the Town has been working toward a plan to modernize the Library to make it a focal point of life in Stow, ensuring the building is accessible and inclusive for all, reimagning program space, and addressing building systems and maintenance issues.

In Spring 2022, Voters approved spending $8.85 million on the project, both at Town Meeting and at a town-wide referendum in support of a Proposition 2 ½ debt exclusion. Since that approval, supply chain challenges have increased costs, both for the Library project and for municipal projects across the country. These challenges include delivery time for materials, increasing freight and storage costs, and inability of bidders and contractors to provide skilled labor. The Library project also has been affected by the cost of hazardous materials remediation, HVAC upgrades, and the decision to move forward with a sustainable fully electric building. The Library Building Committee 2.0 and the Exterior Design Committee have been making cuts to reduce costs without compromising programming or community needs. Additionally, the Town continues to seek additional grants and outside funding to reduce the price tag further.

The Town Administrator intends to bring forward an article at the September 18 Special Town Meeting to seek approval to spend additional money beyond the initial $8.85 million. The Town will not raise taxes further; approved additional spending will be provided through the Town Administrator’s operating budget. The maximum cost to the taxpayers will still be what was approved through Article 44 at the 2022 Annual Town Meeting, or $6,706,500. All additional funding will be through grants, trust funds, donations, and the Town’s operating budget.
The deteriorating building has caused numerous challenges in recent months. Heavy rains created new leaks in the ceiling, causing plaster to fall. During last month’s heat wave, the Library’s air conditioning failed, forcing cancellation of a number of community programs. Town and Library administration believe it is not a wise use of taxpayer dollars to repair these systems unless the vote at the Special Town Meeting does not pass.
Should the article not pass at the Special Town Meeting, the Town will use what’s left of the approved project budget (minus all the design funds) to retrofit the existing building to start addressing systems and structural issues. Should this happen, there would not be any new space or programming added.

In an effort to be as open and transparent with this project, the Town will provide project updates through a consolidated project page. Meeting information, presentations, minutes, and meeting videos can all be found in one place: www.stow-ma.gov/library-renovation-project-page. Those interested may subscribe to project updates through the project page.

(Photo Courtesy Town of Stow)