In-Person Sunday Services Resume at The Unitarian Church of Marlborough & Hudson (UCMH)

HUDSON: The Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson (UCMH) is delighted to announce that we are returning to in-person services beginning Sunday, November 7 at 10:30am, following the recent positive trends in public health. Though grateful for the technology that has allowed connections to continue remotely, nothing can replace the connectedness when people gather together in person!

Explore UCMH's November theme, “Holding History” with “In My Day: Multigenerational Reflections on The Way Things used To Be.” Volunteer participants of all ages have been invited to share their personal stories about impactful change they have witnessed over the course of their lifetime. “Sometimes, change is long-awaited; sometimes, we fight it tooth and nail; often, it brings unimaginable new realities,” said Rev. Alice Anacheka-Nasemann, resident minister of UCMH. “All varieties of the story are welcome – humorous, poignant, inspirational …”

Everyone is welcome to participate regardless of faith, religion or spiritual affiliation, including atheists. All participants are asked to please observe Covid protocols, including masking while indoors, maintaining a social distance of 6' between people not from the same household, and refraining from singing. Online access will continue for those who are unable to join in-person worship. Additional information, including links to services, is available at www.ucmh.org.

Assabet Valley Camera Club Program: Landscape Photography

HUDSON: On Wednesday, November 3, the Assabet Valley Camera Club (AVCC) is pleased to host Steve McGrath whose presentation on landscape photography will focus on composition, camera settings and other important aspects of capturing the perfect landscape image. With over 30 years of experience in photography and over 25 years in photography teaching and leading workshops, McGrath brings his passion for detail to his many subjects. Steve specializes in Nature, Landscapes, Portraits and Event Photography. He runs many photography workshops throughout the year, such as Lighthouses of Cape Cod, Garden Walks at Tower Hill and at the Mass Horticultural Society. Steve has traveled around the world to capture images of icebergs, waterfalls and other spectacular vistas.

Due to Covid 19 all AVCC meetings are currently being held online. If you are interested in attending this program, contact AVCC at info@assabetvalleycc.com a few days prior to the meeting to request a link to the event. The club’s Zoom room opens at 7pm with a brief business meeting at 7:15pm. Steve’s presentation will begin at 7:30pm.

Normally, AVCC meetings are held in the Great Room at the Hudson Senior Center, 29 Church Street. 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 are 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 interclub 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 the AVCC website at assabetvalleycc.com or contact Elliot Mednick, club president, at 978-293-5192.

Stow Police Department Shares Tips for Celebrating Halloween & Trick-or-Treating Safely

STOW: Chief Michael Sallese and the Stow Police Department would like to share guidance and safety tips as Halloween approaches to help residents and trick-or-treaters celebrate safely this season. Stow Police Department also urges all families to protect themselves by taking the appropriate precautions against COVID-19 this year as they head out to enjoy the sweet and spooky fun that Halloween has to offer. Recommended trick-or-treating hours in Stow this year are on Sunday, October 31, from 5-8pm.

Costume Safety: Picking a great costume is an exciting part of Halloween preparation, and Stow Police Department encourages parents/guardians to consider these tips while choosing a costume:

- All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant.

- Any props should be soft, and no part of the costume should impair vision or movement.

- Wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing under costume.

- If children will be allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them a flashlight or glow sticks to ensure they are visible to drivers.

- When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it on a small area of skin first.

- Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.

Trick-or-Treating Safety: According to the National Safety Council, children are more than twice as likely to be struck by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. To help prevent such a tragedy, parents and trick-or-treaters are urged to consider these tips before heading out:

- A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds.

- If older children or teenagers are going out alone, plan and review a route that you feel is safe and acceptable for them to follow.

- Agree on a specific time older children and teenagers should return home.

- Teach your children never to enter a stranger's home or car.

- Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends.

- Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home.

- Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don't run, across the street. Always look both ways before crossing the street.

- Families participating in trick-or-treating should be mindful of these additional safety tips regarding COVID-19:

- Wear a face mask or face covering.

- Observe good hand hygiene, including hand washing and use of alcohol-based sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol. Carry hand sanitizer and use it often, especially after coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces and before eating candy.

- Refrain from touching your face.

- Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet of physical distance from all other participants who are not members of the same household.

Driving Safety: Stow Police Department would also like to offer safety tips for those who plan to be on the road during trick-or-treating hours:

- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.

- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.

- At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

- Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween.

While many communities will once again hold trick-or-treating events this year, Stow Police Department still urges all residents to take precautions against COVID-19. Anyone who feels unwell, has been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or who has tested positive for COVID-19 should stay at home and refrain from Halloween activities.

Those who do not wish to participate in trick-or-treating are asked to shut off their outdoors lights as an indicator.

Handing out Treats: If you will be handing out candy this year, Stow Police Department recommends these tips to help stop the spread:

- Avoid providing candy via a shared bowl, and instead use small, individual bags for each trick-or-treater.

- Wear a face covering while distributing candy to trick or treaters.

- Practice good hygiene and ensure your hands have been washed before handing out candy.

Those who do not want to participate in trick-or-treating activities this year due to the ongoing pandemic can instead consider these lower-risk alternatives:

- Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them, or at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends.

- Decorating your house, apartment, or living space.

- Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance.

- Having a virtual Halloween costume contest.

- Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with.

- Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house.

Chief Sallese and the Stow Police Department wishes everyone a safe and happy Halloween!

Zoë Lewis Virtual Concert at New Revival Coffeehouse

STOW: The upbeat, fun and funny Zoë Lewis will perform a virtual concert for Stow's New Revival Coffeehouse on November 6 at 7:30pm. Zoë is a Provincetown musician who plays multiple instruments and sings her joyful songs with exciting rhythms from around the world. She plays piano, ukulele, guitar, harmonica, spoons and just about anything else she can get her hands on. “I like to redefine what a musical instrument is,” she says. “There is music in
anything."

This streaming concert will be accessible on YouTube Live on both the FPC and Stow TV YouTube channels. The concert link will be posted on the New Revival Coffeehouse's Facebook page at http://bit.ly/FacebookNRC. Viewers will have an opportunity to donate to the artist via PayPal or Venmo, or send a check, payable to Zoë Lewis, to First Parish Church, attn: Treasurer, 353 Great Road, Stow, MA 01775. The suggested donation is $20. For more information, call 978-274-2593 or email cofeehouse@fpc-stow-acton.org.

Stow COA Survey Available Online

STOW: The Stow Council On Aging (COA) wants to know what you are most interested in. They also want to identify senior residents’ concerns and needs as they think about growing older. Please take the Stow COA Survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/YourVoiceYourChoice.

You must be a Stow resident (or acting on behalf of a Stow resident) to complete this survey
Paper copies are available at the COA
Each member of a household can complete the survey but only one survey should be completed per person.

If you have questions or need help in filling out the survey, please call the COA office at (978) 897-1880. The survey will be available until October 31, 2021.

Nashoba Symphonic Band Opens New Season

BOLTON/WORCESTER: Nashoba Symphonic Band, under the direction of music director and conductor David Wayne Bailey, invites the public to join them for four concerts during the 2021-22 season, each of which celebrates a Special Moment!

NSB is a traditional full symphonic band committed to high-quality, audience-friendly performances of the standard band repertoire, film and stage scores, and popular and march selections. Musicians from almost 30 towns in Central Massachusetts and beyond will perform at Nashoba Regional High School auditorium on Saturday, October 30 at 3pm, at Mechanic's Hall in Worcester on Saturday, February 5 at 2pm, at Nashoba on Sunday, May 1 at 3pm, and wrap up the season at Nashoba on Thursday, June 16 at 7:30pm. All performances are free and open to the public. At this time masks are required.

The ensemble will open the season with “An American Moment,” celebrating the musical roots of this great country. The journey will lead from pieces based on music from colonial times, “Chester” and “When Jesus Wept” by William Schuman, through a vigorous set of “Variations on American” by Charles Ives and conclude with Robert Russell Bennett's classic, “Suite of Old American Dances.” Topping things off will be Sousa's classic, “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”

“A Moment of Celebration!” will take place on Saturday, February 5 at 2pm. At Mechanics Hall in Worcester, celebrating NSB's Fifth Anniversary (a year late!). Featured soloist for the concert will be organist, Gavin Klein. Highlights of the concert include Bach's “Fantasia in G-Major,” The Polka and Fugue from “Schwanda the Bagpiper” by Jaromir Weinberger, Persichetti's “Psalm for Band,” and the glorious Finale from the Saint-Saens “Organ Symphony,” as well as marches by Sousa and Goldman.

Sunday, May 1 at 3pm at Nashoba will bring a “Symphonic Moment,” celebrating the symphonic band 'sound.' The program will feature the area premiere of William Grant Still's fabulous “Afro-American Symphony in A-flat,” and the stirring “Hymn for the Innocent” by Massachusetts native, Julie Giroux. Also on the program will be music by Persichetti and Copland.

The season concludes on Thursday, June 16 at 7:30pm at Nashoba with a concert aptly named “A Senior Moment,” celebrating the graduating class of 2022. The program includes the “E-flat Suite” of Gustav Holst and “Crown Imperial” by William Walton, as well as music featuring the graduating seniors.

Nashoba Symphonic Band welcomes new wind, brass and percussion players of all ages with experience at the intermediate or advanced high school level – no matter how long ago that experience might have been. No auditions are necessary. Students grade eight and above are encouraged to join with a recommendation from their high school music director or private music teacher. For more information on joining, contact David Bailey at baileydavidwayne@gmail.com.

Homes that Respond to the Climate Crisis

STOW: Housing is responsible for a third of total greenhouse gas emissions. Clearly, homes are needed that will make fewer demands on the environment. This means they should have excellent insulation and not rely on fossil fuels for heating, hot water, and cooking. Sustainable Stow members toured a new housing development in nearby Devens with Dan Gainsboro of New Communities, LLC and Neil Angus, Devens’ environmental planner. All-electric homes are being built and priced at several different levels. All are insulated to new standards and have heat pumps installed for heating and cooling. Kitchens are equipped with induction cook tops. Stow TV came along and everything will be shared along with a Q&A with Dan and Neil at Sustainable Stow's next program from Randall Library on Wednesday, October 27 at 7PM. Register and get a zoom link at https://tinyurl.com/rhbk9hrv. You can also send an email to Randall Library by Wednesday afternoon, October 27 to register and get a zoom link.

If you missed last month’s talk on Making Your Yard Work for You and the Environment, you can see it on Stow TV at https://tinyurl.com/yn3nukyn.

Keep Hudson Beautiful with Green Hudson

HUDSON: Green Hudson and the Hudson Recreation Department invite the Hudson community to join in for Fall Clean-up. On Saturday, October 16 (rain date, Sunday the 17th) Green Hudson volunteers will be at Riverside Park, on Chapin Road, from 9am to 2pm to hand out trash collection bags and recycling information, and to dispose of the trash that you've collected. Residents are encouraged to work in small teams and pick a location that needs a bit of TLC. Work with your neighbors, friends and family to clean up Town streets and parks to keep Hudson beautiful. Want a location suggestion for your group? Email cleanup@greenhudson.org. Maps will be available at Riverside Park showing areas that need help and areas that already have a volunteer team.

Then, on Sunday, October 17, there will be a monthly virtual meeting with Green Hudson. Learn about some of the many projects that are being spearheaded, including plastic reduction and sustainable energy options for Hudson buildings and more! For more information on attending, email info@greenhudson.org.

Town of Stow to Recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Several Initiatives

STOW: Stow Town Administrator Denise Dembkoski would like to announce the Town of Stow will recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month with several initiatives aimed at raising awareness, as well as hosting a speaker who will discuss her battle with the disease.

One initiative will enable residents to offer words of support or honor someone they know with breast cancer by writing messages on pink ribbons that will hang on Awareness and Support trees in front of the Town Building at 380 Great Road.
Those messages will remain throughout the month, and will be illuminated in pink.
"I hope all those who have been touched by this horrible disease will contribute a message for our Awareness and Support trees," said Dembkoski. "Those who face this disease, and their families, deserve all the support we can offer, and we hope this display sends the message that the Town of Stow is behind them."

Also throughout the month, the Town will give out ribbons and bracelets to employees to wear if they choose. The town has also designed Thursday, October 14 as "wear pink" day to help raise awareness.

Also on October 14, at 7pm, the Randall Library, 19 Crescent Street, will host a Zoom speech by Sarah Thomas, an ultra-marathon swimmer who holds the world record for longest continuous unassisted swim in current-neutral conditions. Thomas set that world record in 2017 by swimming more than 104 miles without a wetsuit in Lake Champlain. Shortly afterward, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. After treatment that included chemotherapy, surgery and radiation treatment, Thomas continued pursuing her dreams, and just a year after completing her cancer therapies became the first person to complete a four-way crossing of the English Channel, finishing in 54 hours and 10 minutes.
Thomas will speak about her battle with cancer and her determination to continue reaching her goals despite that battle.
For more information on Thomas, click here. To register for the Zoom conversation on October 14, click here.

At the Stow Council on Aging, staff have scheduled events for each Wellness Wednesday during October, and staff members will be wearing pink to raise awareness:

10/6 - Pink ribbons will be available for seniors to pickup
10/13 - Bras will be collected for a Bra Board, with all collected bras being donated afterward to a clothing drive
10/20 - An Awareness Board will collect messages of remembrance, hope or support for a loved one. Messages can be added in person, or emailed to staff. Those wishing to email messages should contact: coordinator@stow-ma.gov.
10/27 - Staff members and other participants will all wear pink and go on a Pink Walk, weather permitting, from the COA, East on Route 117 to the Stow Police Department, and then back to the Town Building and then the COA. The route is about 2 miles in all, and the COA will have a van on call for anyone who needs a ride back. Those interested in registering for the walk can call the COA at 978-897-1880.

Also throughout the month of October, the Stow Police Department and Stow Police Association are selling pink police patches for $10, with proceeds from patch purchases going to the Comprehensive Breast Health Program at Emerson Hospital and the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer program. For more information on how to buy a pink patch from Stow Police, click here.

Meet Susan B. Anthony at the Spellman Museum

WESTON: To celebrate the one-hundred and first anniversary of the nineteenth amendment to the US constitution, award winning actress Sheryl Faye will bring to life Susan B. Anthony, one of the most famed suffragettes in American History, in a 45-minute performance at the Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History on the Regis College campus. Faye, in costume, will trace the life of Anthony. Come learn more about this fascinating woman. Questions will be welcomed. The program starts at 10:30am on Saturday, October 23 with doors opening at 10am. The program is suitable for ages seven to adult. Children can take home stamps featuring famous American woman.

Sheryl Faye has previously appeared as Sally Ride and Amelia Earhart at the Museum. After her performance, representatives of the Boston and Weston Post Offices will hold a brief ceremony of an unveiling of last year’s commemorative stamp celebrating the amendment’s adoption. The Museum also has an exhibit that traces the history of woman’s suffrage using stamps from colonial days until the present. Ms. Faye’s presentation is part of the Museum’s “Stamps Come Alive” series and part of the celebration of National Stamp Collecting Month.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children. For more information email to info@spellman.org or call 617-784-5838. State Covid guidelines will be followed.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Weston Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Stow-Area Veterans to be Recognized with Drive-Through Lunch

STOW: To honor Stow-area veterans, for the second year in a row, the Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley is providing a pre-packaged lunch and the opportunity to meet with town and state officials on Veterans Day, November 11. Lunch will include a sandwich, chips, salad, beverage, dessert, and more, and volunteers will provide the lunches to participants who will remain in their cars.

Veterans and significant others must RSVP in advance and can pick up their meals between 11:30am and 1pm at First Parish Church of Stow and Acton, 353 Great Road (Route 117). Participants must pre-register at 978-627-4135 or info@nashobarotary.org. Please specify your expected time of arrival and a choice of sandwich when registering: Chicken Salad, Turkey Club, Ham and Swiss, or Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil.

This Veterans Day appreciation lunch is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley, Friends of the Stow Council on Aging, Worker’s Credit Union, Shaw’s Stow, and Honey Pot Hill Orchards. The Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley is always open to new members. Formed in 1905, Rotary International is the world's first service club organization with over 1.3 million members in 34,000 clubs worldwide. The Nashoba Valley club serves the towns of Lancaster, Bolton, and Stow and beyond, giving life to the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self." For more information about the Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley, contact info@nashobarotary.org or visit www.nashobarotary.org. You can also find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nashobarotary.

Multi cultural hands shutterstock 667612264

Assabet Valley Mastersingers Concert October 30

SHREWSBURY: To celebrate singing, the Assabet Valley Mastersingers will begin its 2021-2022 concert series in the R.R. Jay Performing Arts Center at Saint John’s High School, 378 Main Street on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 8pm. AVM founder and Artistic Director Robert P. Eaton will conduct the chorus, orchestra and soloists in presenting Songs of Unity.

Commissioned by AVM in honor of its 40th anniversary, Unity in Diversity, by Northborough native Cynthia Lee Wong, is a song cycle with texts by Wordsworth, Teasdale, and Tagore, touching on themes which resonate today – nature and destruction, love, and unity. In LUX: The Dawn From On High, composer Dan Forrest explores ancient liturgical chant, scripture, and modern secular love poetry. The lyrics of We Exist respond to the 2017 violence in Charlottesville, Virginia with Oliver Caplan’s composition honoring all races, all faiths and all genders.

It is an AVM core value to be responsible and community-minded. As such AVM will follow all public health guidelines provided by Federal, state, and local health departments and those of concert venues. Saint John’s Performance Hall is accessible to the physically challenged.

Concert tickets may be purchased through www.AVMsingers.org or at the venue the evening of the concert. The general price is $25; $20 for seniors and students. For further information, visit www.AVMsingers.org. Programs are supported in part by grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Cultural Councils of Ashland, Boylston, Grafton, Marlborough, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Southborough, West Boylston, and Westborough. AVM is also supported in part by grants from the Avidia Charitable Foundation and from Southborough Community Fund, a fund of the Foundation for MetroWest.

FY2022 Proposed Values;
FY22 Assessment Database

STOW: The Stow Board of Assessors (BOA) has updated property values based on market activity, with all assessments for FY2022 reflecting full and fair cash value as of January 1, 2021. This year is an Interim Adjustment year, which means that the Department of Revenue will review our values, only not at the level of detail as in a Certification year. Valuations must always be fair and equitable. Please take the time to review your assessment via the link below. Personal Property accounts may come to the office or call to check on their values. Be sure to contact the Assessors’ office with any concerns or comments before October 12, 2021, so that any corrections can be made as necessary. Beyond that date, appeals of your valuation may be made through the abatement process after the 3rd Quarter (January) bills are issued.

As you review your property value, remember that the objective is to create a fair and equitable assessment that represents the market value for each property on the tax date of January 1, 2021.

www.stow-ma.gov/home/news/fy2022-proposed-values

Michele Fronk Schuckel Eliminates the Mystery of Pruning

HUDSON: Does pruning your plants, shrubs, and trees leave you baffled? Hudson Garden Club is here to help! Join Certified Master Gardener Michele Fronk Schuckel for her engaging and lively program “Pruning: Remove the Mystery” on Monday, October 18, 2021, 7pm at the Hudson Senior Center, 29 Church Street.

From the appropriate tools to the proper cuts to the best time of year for the job, Schuckel shares the basics and science of pruning to help gardeners reap many rewards, including healthier plants, and improved flower and fruit production. In addition to being founder and principal designer at Natural Selections Garden Design, Schuckel is a prominent gardening lecturer, a psychiatric nurse, and a successful wellness coach.

Doors open at 6:40pm, parking is free, masks are required, and complimentary refreshments are served following the presentation. A $5 per person donation is kindly requested from non-garden club members. For more information, contact Cindy Provencher at 978-618-3467.

The Hudson Garden Club can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hudsongardenclub.

Your Voice / Your Choice
Take the Stow CoA Survey

STOW: The Stow Council on Aging would like to know what you are most interested in, as well as identifying senior residents’ concerns and needs as they think about growing older. Consider contributing to the survey herein: www.surveymonkey.com/r/G3JYKJC, as well as sharing it with other Stow residents. Please note:

You must be a Stow resident (or acting on behalf of a Stow resident) to complete this survey.
Paper copies are also available outside the main entrance of the COA.
Each member of a household can complete the survey. Only one survey should be completed per person.

If you have questions or need help in filling out the survey, please call the COA office at (978) 897-1880 to schedule an appointment with Outreach. The survey will be available until October 31.

If you’ve ever dealt with someone making threats against you, been the subject of physical or verbal attacks, had rumors floated about you, or been purposely excluded from a group, then you know what it’s like to be bullied. During October, we recognize National Bullying Prevention Month and raise awareness and focus on bullying.

Bullying is any unwanted and aggressive behavior that involves a power imbalance, whether real or perceived. It’s typically behavior that is repeated again and again over a period of time.

Technology, with all the benefits it provides, also has made bullying easier and more widespread. Cyberbullying includes the distribution of mean or inappropriate email or text messages, the use of social media to post rumors or embarrassing photos, videos, messages, and even fake profiles.

For more information on ways to prevent, respond, or act against bullying, visit stopbullying.org, which is a special initiative from the Department of Health and Human Services.

If your child has been the victim of bullying and you’ve noticed a change in his or her mental health as a result, or if your child or someone you love is struggling with depression or thinking about suicide, get help now. In Massachusetts, every 5.28 days on an average a young person (ages 10-24) is lost to the silent epidemic of youth suicide.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), is a free resource, available 24 hours a day for anyone who is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The Crisis Text Line is a free 24/7 text line where trained crisis counselors support individuals in crisis. Text “Jason” to 741741 to speak with a compassionate, trained Crisis Counselor. Confidential support 24/7, for free.

The Jason Foundation is another available resource. The Jason Foundation is dedicated to the awareness and prevention of youth suicide through educational programs that equip youth, parents, educators, and the community with the tools and resources to identify and assist at-risk youth. One element of these tools and resources is free online training that anyone may utilize. Among the training modules available is one dedicated to the study of bullying and suicide. Visit jasonfoundation.com and click Training for more information.

Creative Composites - Assabet Valley Camera Club Program

HUDSON: On October 6, the Assabet Valley Camera Club (AVCC) is pleased to host Bernie Hynes whose presentation will explore the world of composite photography. Although his personal choice is primarily centered on fantasy scenes, the mechanical steps in producing composites are similar across all styles. After showing some examples of his work, Bernie will demonstrate how to construct a creative image.

Hynes, a retired New Englander currently living in Port Charlotte, FL, is well-known for his service to many camera clubs in the Northeast. He has won Print of the Year at both the New England Camera Club Council and the Florida Camera Club Council. He holds several medals and awards from PSA as well as the Glennie Nature Salon.

Due to Covid 19 all AVCC meetings are currently being held online. If you are interested in attending this program, contact AVCC at info@assabetvalleycc.com a few days prior to the meeting to request a link to the event. The club’s Zoom room opens at 7pm with a brief business meeting at 7:15pm. Bernie’s presentation Creative Composites will begin at 7:30pm.

Normally, AVCC meetings are held in the Great Room at the Hudson Senior Center, 29 Church Street. 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 are 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 interclub 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 the AVCC website at www.assabetvalleycc.com or contact Elliot Mednick, club president, at 978-293-5192.

Town of Stow Seeks Public Input on Renovation, Expansion of Randall Library

STOW: Library Director Tina McAndrew and the Randall Library Building Committee invite the community to submit ideas and feedback for the planned renovation and expansion of the Library.

In 2019, Town Meeting approved spending money toward designs for a renovation and expansion. The Select Board appointed a Building Committee, which was charged with developing and issuing a request for proposals, then evaluating consultants.

The Building Committee unanimously selected designLAB, a design/architectural firm in Boston. DesignLAB has recent experience in updating and modernizing the Somerville West Branch Library, a building on a small footprint with an historical building component, similar to Randall Library. DesignLAB will offer more than one conceptual design, with cost estimates for each after eliciting input from Stow residents. The Committee will recommend the most efficient design to Town Meeting for final approval.

Since its 1975 reopening, the town’s population has nearly doubled and library use has grown with it. The Building Committee is excited to partner with designLAB to create a library that is right-sized for Stow, and ready for generations to come.

The Building Committee — Kat Copeland, Morgan Hillman, Lisa Lavina, Tina McAndrew, Peter McManus, Brian Patuto, and Jim Salvie — is currently seeking ideas and feedback from all Stow residents. Look for feedback boards and surveys at the Library and around town. Deadline for responding is October 4, 2021.

Learn more about the Library on Facebook. Stow residents can scan the QR code herein to provide their feedback, or place it on bulletin boards in public places.

Minute Man Air Field Hosts Open House & 5K Run-the-Runway

STOW: Minute Man Air Field will be hosting an Open House and 5K Run-the-Runway on October 2. The 5K starts at 8am; the Open House runs from 9am to 2:00pm. Watch the airplanes, talk to pilots, and learn about the airport and general aviation! National Aviation Academy and Chapter 196 of the Experimental Aircraft Association will be giving tours and demonstrations, and offering food and activities for kids and adults. Check out www.eaa196.org for more information about the events, and go to http://NorthEastRacers.com to sign up for the 5K. All 5K proceeds will benefit the Stow and Boxborough Conservation Trusts.

Green Hudson: Think Globally. Act Locally!

HUDSON: Concerned about climate change? You can make a difference by volunteering with Green Hudson your local environmental group. Join the virtual monthly meeting September 19 from 6-7:30pm. Find out about about projects to improve the Town's conservation and energy efficiency, reduce plastics use, water pollution, and more. To obtain a link to the meeting, email info@greenhudson.org.

Hudson Cultural Council Seeks New Members

HUDSON: Are you interested in supporting local cultural events in Hudson? Have you considered serving on a board and helping to determine how to disperse funds for cultural events? The Hudson Cultural Council is looking for volunteers interested in serving as voting members who can help share ideas and knowledge when making determinations on how funding for the cultural council is dispensed.

The Hudson Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community. Decisions about which activities to support are made at the community level by a board of municipally-appointed volunteers. Some of this past year's grant recipients include Hudson Cultural Alliance, Assabet Valley Camera Club, Hudson Division of Recreation, Symphony Pro Musica, Hudson Public Library, Sounds of Stow, and River's Edge Arts Alliance.

Please contact the HCC at 978-212-9706 or via email at hudsonculturalcouncil@gmail.com with any questions about becoming a member. To apply, fill out an interest form at the Hudson Town Clerk's Office, 78 Main Street. An online link to the form is also accessible on the Town of Hudson website at
www.townofhudson.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif3281/f/uploads/board_interest.pdf

Friends of the Bolton Public Library to Hold Book Sale

BOLTON: The Friends of the Bolton Public Library will hold their semiannual book sale on Saturday, October 16 from 9:30am – 4pm. (Rain date is October 23) at the Houghton Building, 697 Main Street. There are over 10,000 books sorted and “not picked over.” Games, puzzles, CDs and DVDs. The book sale is the Friends' largest fundraiser. Proceeds from the sale support programs, events, museum passes, and their online newsletter Wowbrary.

Please Note: Masks are required.

Fresh Baked Apple Pies at FPC

STOW: The annual apple pie sale at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) begins on September 25. It will continue each Saturday and Sunday through October 17. In addition, books will be sold on Saturday, October 2, and baked goods will be sold on October 16, with any unsold baked goods to be available on October 17.

IMPORTANT: Please note that the start time for the sale will be 10 a.m. on Saturdays but 11 a.m. on Sundays. This is to accommodate FPC’s new Sunday service schedule.

Sales will continue until all pies are sold or until 1pm, whichever comes first. As with last year, instead of visiting the FPC apple pie stand, pie purchasers should pull up to the front of the church building, where they will be greeted by masked sellers. Buyers are also asked to wear masks. The church is located at 353 Great Road, at the intersection of routes 117 and 62. Apples for the pies have been generously donated by Shelburne Farm of Stow. For more information, call 978-897-8149 or visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

PHOTO: FPC members Kate Imhoff & Judith Holmes

Be a fraud fighter!
If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Did you know that someone’s identity gets stolen every two seconds? The AARP Fraud Watch Network provides you with tips and resources to help you spot and avoid identity theft and fraud so you can protect yourself and your family. AARP's watchdog alerts will keep you up to date on con artists’ latest tricks. It’s free of charge for everyone: AARP members, non-members, and people of all ages.

SCAM ALERT #1: AARP Impostor Scams
One of the most effective things that criminals can do to gain your confidence is impersonate an organization that you do business with and trust. Sadly, no one is immune from this - not even AARP. Recently, the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline has been receiving calls about a scam involving phone calls from someone claiming to be with "AARP Security Systems" (or something similar sounding). The first question they ask is whether you own your home and then they hang up. Rule of thumb...Don’t engage with anyone claiming to be from AARP Security Systems, and if you get a call like this, call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360, or reporting it on zour scam map (www.aarp.org/scammap). Anytime you are directed to pay a debt or other obligation with a gift card, it is a scam.

SCAM ALERT #2: “Smishing”
As more of us catch on to scam calls to our smartphones and block them or don’t answer them, scammers have taken to texting. “Smishing” is the term of art: SMS + phishing. Just as scammers phish by casting a wide net with email, so they do with smishing. The same things that we suggest in order to avoid phishing attacks apply to smishing. But texts live in this space of immediacy – scammers know we are likely to respond much faster to a text than an email. To thwart their efforts, take a pause and consider the message. Is this really my bank, or Amazon, or PayPal, or the IRS texting me? Don’t click links – access the company or agency in a way you know to be safe and see if there’s an issue. Otherwise, don’t engage.

SCAM ALERT #3: Grandparent Scams
Criminals know that fear is the best motivator, and nothing drives fear more than a loved one in trouble. This is why scams targeting grandparents seem never to go away. If someone calls claiming to be your grandchild, or some authority calling about your grandchild who is in trouble or danger, it’s most likely a scam. It’s certainly a scam if the caller directs you to send money fast to resolve the problem. Your best move is to hang up and call your grandchild or reach out to family who would know his or her whereabouts.

SCAM ALERT #4: Utility Scams
Utility scams heat up as the temperatures rise (and when they fall), so much so that the Federal Trade Commission ranks utility impostors among the top reported scams. In this one, you typically get a call, email or text saying your account is past due and you must pay immediately, or they will cut off your power. Another tactic is the “utility” claiming you overpaid your bill, and they request your bank account information to issue a refund. Utility scammers can also show up at your door after a power outage or severe storm offering to get your power back on for a fee. Utility companies typically don’t do business this way. Any unusual communication from your utility should raise a flag. Disengage and contact your provider at a number you know to be legitimate (off of a recent statement, for example). Chances are you’ll learn that there is no problem to address.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Report scams to local law enforcement. Contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork for more information on fraud prevention.

Take the Guesswork Out of Gardening with Betty Sanders

HUDSON: Get the lowdown for planning, preparing, and maintaining your garden throughout the year! Hudson Garden Club kicks off its 2021-2022 season with prominent horticulturalist Betty Sanders and her insightful and witty presentation “When Do I?” on Monday, September 13, 2021, 7pm at the Hudson Senior Center, 29 Church Street.

With a wealth of knowledge and a dose of humor, Sanders delivers a monthly to-do list of gardening tasks, including ordering and propagating seeds, planting bulbs, pruning trees and shrubs, deadheading flowers, dividing plants, and more. She is a Lifetime Master Gardener with the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association, a noted gardening lecturer, and a nationally accredited flower show judge.

Doors open at 6:40pm, parking is free, masks are required, and complimentary refreshments are served following the presentation. For non-club members, a $5 per person donation is kindly requested. For more information, contact Cindy Provencher at 978-618-3467.

Visit Hudson Garden Club on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hudsongardenclub.

Ingathering Sunday & Water Ceremony at FPC

STOW/ACTON: September 12 is Ingathering Sunday, the service that marks the start of the church year at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC), Unitarian
Universalist (UU). This date will also mark the beginning of a new two-service structure, which will be used throughout September and re-assessed before being set for October. FPC will hold an outdoor service at 9:30am, weather permitting, which will not be accessible virtually.
Outside nursery care will be provided, again, weather permitting. To check on whether the service is taking place, follow http://facebook.com/fpcstowacton for the most up-to-date information.

A virtual service will be held at 11:15am. This service will include music from the choir, which will perform live from FPC’s Fellowship Hall, and will feature FPC’s new music director, Brad Dumont.

Says the Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum, minister at FPC, “Our church year begins with a service of both sorrow and joy. While it’s good to be together again, we’re also not coming back together just yet in the way we had hoped for in our sanctuary. While we start a new year, in the midst of the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, full of exciting programs and opportunities, we’re also in the midst of a pandemic and remembering the anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Come join us for this service full of peace like a river, love like an ocean, tears like raindrops, and joy like a fountain!”

The 11:15am service can be accessed by computer or phone. Access information, as well as a link to the order of service, will be posted along the left column at http://fpc-stow-acton.org within 24
hours of the service. To prevent disruptive intrusions, the virtual room will be locked about 15 minutes after the service begins.

For more information, call 978-897-8149 or visit http://fpc-stow-acton.org. FPC is located at 353 Great Road.

Town of Stow Announces Agreement to Purchase North Course of Stow Acres Country Club

STOW: The Town of Stow is pleased to announce that it has reached a conceptual agreement with the owners of Stow Acres Country Club to purchase the 115-acre North Course, allowing the Town to shape protection and development of the North Course in a way that aligns with community priorities. The Country Club’s owners were approached by potential buyers several times, as recently as the end of 2020. Rather than sell, the owners agreed to work with the Town and other groups to design a creative development and preservation plan.

Since the beginning of the year, a unique public-private partnership, including Stow Conservation Trust, the Stow Planning and Conservation Departments, local development firm MCO & Associates, and Stow Acres Country Club have worked toward a multi-faceted plan to advance the interests of all parties. They have been supported by Dodson & Flinker, a planning and design firm.

At the Annual Town Meeting this year, Stow voters overwhelmingly agreed to spend $1.5 million in Community Preservation Act funds to purchase a conservation restriction on the adjacent 151-acre South Course. That spending is contingent on purchasing the majority of the North Course.

With agreements now in place between Stow Acres, the Town, and MCO & Associates, residents will be asked to affirm funding for the North Course purchase at a Fall 2021 Special Town Meeting.

The Town anticipates the following funding sources for the North Course purchase:

About $2.5 million from Community Preservation Act funds.
About $1 million from a combination of state grants, foundation grants, and private fundraising
Up to $500,000 in borrowing, in the FY 2023 town budget, to close any funding gaps.

The proposal for CPA funding must first be reviewed by the Town’s Community Preservation Committee. The request was presented, on Aug. 30, 2021, to the CPC jointly by the Conservation, Planning, and Recreation Departments, Town Administrator Denise Dembkoski, and the Stow Conservation Trust, signifying the historic importance of the project and the strong commitment of the Town and its partners.

The Stow Select Board has expressed unanimous support for the project. The Town will solicit additional support from the community and stakeholders in the coming weeks.

About 32 acres of the North Course parcel would be developed into smaller single-family, village-style homes, designed to limit the impact on the environment and maximize affordability. The remaining acreage will be set aside public conservation and recreation, with a short-term lease for continuing golf on nine holes of the North Course. The proposal meets the goals of the working group of Town boards and stakeholders: Large-scale conservation and ecological restoration of the Town’s most sensitive areas; maintaining and creating recreation opportunities, and diversifying housing with a traditional New England architecture to help the town meet its affordable housing goals.
No date has been set for Fall Town Meeting, though is it anticipated it will be held by the end of October.

The Town intends to hold a public forum before Town Meeting, allowing community members to hear more about the plan and ask questions. A similar forum in February, attended by more than 180 residents, provided critical feedback as the Town and its partners shaped a comprehensive plan.

Those interested in learning more about the proposal may visit the Stow Acres Planning Process page. The page includes a project FAQ and a public presentation about the proposal. If you have questions or comments, please call Kathy Sferra, Stow Conservation Department, or Jesse Steadman, Stow Planning Department, at 978-897-4514.

The proposed development and preservation plan for Stow Acres Country Club. (Photo courtesy Town of Stow)

Make a Difference Day at FPC

STOW/ACTON: If you or your children have ever wanted to make a difference in the world, Make a Difference Day will offer a chance to do so in a variety of areas, including climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, prison outreach, racial justice, and more. This family-friendly event takes place on September 11, from 10am to noon, on the grounds of First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, Unitarian Universalist, 353 Great Road., at the corner of routes 117. Masks are required.

Many booths will offer a variety of activities suitable for kids, teens, and adults. FPC’s Supporting Asylum Seekers Task Force’s booth, for instance, will include a globe to help kids locate countries, the opportunity to tweet President Biden, and the chance to write or draw a welcome letter to an Afghan family newly arrived in San Antonio (TX) or Charlottesville (VA), among other activities. The Climate Change Task Force’s activities will range from writing post cards to the governor and secretary of environment about implementing the state's new climate law; providing information on its Net Zero campaign for FPC; and making posters on climate change. This task force will also ring the church’s bells 11 times at 11am as part of 11th Hour Calling, an interfaith organization that calls attention to the urgency of the climate crisis on the 11th hour of the 11th day of each month.

In addition, executive director of UU Mass Action Laura Wagner will host a table with information available for its 5 Core Campaigns: Massachusetts Against Solitary Confinement; Indigenous Justice; Immigrant Justice; Environmental Justice and Climate; and Economic Justice.

Stow Cultural Council Accepting Appications for 2022 Events

STOW: Do you have a performance to share with our community? Do you like to share stories of the past or future or teach others to dance, read, write, or laugh? Are you an artist, musician, author, scientist, or do you have a great idea or event that will enrich and educate those around you? Let the Stow Cultural Council support your event. Funded by the state of Massachusetts, the town of Stow, and private foundations, the Stow Cultural Council awards grants to projects that contribute culturally to Stow and surrounding communities. Previous grants have supported concerts, school field trips, theater, dance, music, and film. Those who do apply are encouraged to consider a virtual option in your application to reach as many people as possible.

The Stow Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils (LCCs) serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The LCC Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences and humanities every year. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community.

Follow the Stow Cultural Council on Facebook for updates on the grants process and deadlines, as well as news about community arts and cultural events throughout the year. Applications are due online at www.mass-culture.org/stow by October 15, 2021.

OARS Annual River Cleanup

It's OARS 35th Annual River Cleanup September 17-19. Join staff and volunteers as they spread out across the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord River Watershed to clean up our rivers, streams, ponds and trails. This year, to accommodate the comfort and needs of volunteers, there are two options.

Team Up Clean Up: During the weekend, gather family and friends for a walk or a paddle near or along the river, stream or pond. Pick up what trash and recycling you can and send OARS photos of your group cleaning up! People love to see what trash is no longer in our rivers.

Cleanup Day: Saturday, September 18, from 9am–noon. A team of volunteers will tackle sites in needing a larger group effort in towns including Framingham, Westborough, Hudson, Maynard, Concord and Billerica. The morning of hard work will be followed by a celebration with pizza. Registration is required. Details and registration information is available at www.oars3rivers.org

OARS is the watershed organization working to protect, improve, and preserve the Assabet, Sudbury, and Concord Rivers, their tributaries and watersheds for the purposes of public recreation, water supply, and wildlife habitat.

BSA: Setting a Course for Adventure

HUDSON: The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Some kids avoid obstacles. Scouts overcome them. Scouts

BSA is a year-round program for boys and girls in kindergarten through high school that provides fun, adventure, learning, challenge, and responsibility to help them become the best version of themselves. In Scouts BSA, young men and women go places, test themselves, and have one-of-a-kind adventures that can’t be found anywhere else.

Scouts BSA is designed to be experienced outdoors but also has a STEM component. While hiking, camping, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting are all offered and bring Scouts into the great outdoors, young men and women with a drive for science will learn to develop and hone those skills as well. The Boy Scouts of America’s STEM initiative encourages the natural curiosity of youth members and their sense of wonder about these fields through existing programs.

Interested? Hudson’s Scouts BSA Cub Scout Pack 3104 is holding a recruiting event at Reasons to be Cheerful, 418 Main Street on September 18 from 1-4pm. Youths that register will receive a voucher for a free small ice cream. Rain date is September 19 at the same time.

Scout leaders will be on hand to answer questions about Scouts BSA programs. You will have the opportunity to complete a membership application in a socially distant setting. More information is available at www.Joinscoutingday.org.

Sustainable Stow: Making Your Yard Work for You and the Environment

STOW: Does your yard work for you or do you work for it? To be more specific, do you really need a big lawn? Is there more you could do with your property that would benefit the environment? Have you considered reducing the time and pollution generated by lawn mowing, not to mention expensive fertilization, pesticides, herbicides and bags of mulch? And what should you do with brush and leaves? Answers to such questions, can require a different way of seeing your yard and its value.

Consider how you use your yard. How much for entertaining? How much for children’s games? And how much is just an expanse of expensive green grass? Now consider how much of your yard could be used for a natural habitat.

To get more specifics, Sustainable Stow members toured four yards in Stow with
Landscape Architect Casey-lee Bastien, an advocate for strategically rethinking how we manage our home landscapes. In his talk from Randall Library (on Zoom) he will use these four Stow yards as examples of how we can approach our yards differently. Casey-lee works with New England’s BSC Group, a team of scientists, engineers, and designers, advising landowners and communities on nature-based solutions. We are glad to have some of Casey-lee’s advice for typical Stow properties.

Join Sustainable Stow on September 15 at 7PM for the talk and discussion. Contact Randall Library by Wednesday afternoon the 15th for a Zoom link.

Make a Difference Day at FPC

ACTON/STOW: If you or your children have ever wanted to make a difference in the world, Make a Difference Day will offer a chance to do so in a variety of areas, including climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, prison outreach, racial justice, and more. This family-friendly event takes place on September 11, from 10am to noon, on the grounds of First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, Unitarian Universalist, 353 Great Road in Stow, at the corner of routes 117. Masks are required.

Stow Chorus Open Rehearsals

STOW: After a hiatus of almost a year and half, the Sounds of Stow Chorus and Orchestra is delighted to return to in-person rehearsals and is inviting all singers to “check them out” by joining one of their Open Rehearsals on September 6 and September 13. The program put together by Barbara Jones, Artistic Director, includes Ola Gjeilo’s Sunrise Mass, Adolphus Hailstork’s I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes, and Christopher Tin’s Sogno di Volare, speaking to themes of renewal, restarting, and reflection. The concert date is November 21, 2021.

While the usual rehearsal time is Mondays from 7:30 to 9:30, Open Rehearsals will begin at 7pm to allow time for registration and socializing. Singers must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and wear a mask. We will monitor all applicable Covid guidelines and make adjustments as indicated. Email info@soundsofstow.org if you plan to attend an Open Rehearsal and for further information. We rehearse at the First Parish Church's Fellowship Hall, 353 Main Street.

The Sounds of Stow Chorus & Orchestra is a welcoming community of musicians committed to preparing and performing exceptional music to enrich their lives and those of their audiences. Singers hail from 40+ towns in the Metrowest area and beyond, and membership is open to anyone who can match pitch, learn the music, and blend with the other voices. Artistic Director Barbara Jones promotes principles of good singing and serious musicianship at weekly rehearsals that are lively, challenging, and always fun.

(PHOTO: Barbara Jones, Artistic Director)

Sounds of Stow is supported in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council as administered by the local cultural councils of Stow, Acton-Boxborough, Bolton, and Hudson.

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MassDOT Virtual Public Information Meeting 9/1

STOW: On September 1 at 6pm, MassDOT is hosting a virtual public information meeting to provide an opportunity for the public to hear an overview of the project including construction schedule and traffic impacts. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and offer comments. All interested abutters, business owners, and commuters are invited to attend online via:

https://virtualmeeting.link/gleasondale-rd-bridge

Meeting ID: 894 2857 7661
Dial-in Option: +1 888-788-0099

Please note this meeting will be recorded. The presentation will be posted on the project web site following the meeting.

MassDOT is replacing the Gleasondale Road Bridge, which carries Route 62 over the Assabet River in Stow. The bridge will have its deck, beams, and northern abutment replaced. The purpose of this upcoming meeting is to provide the public with the opportunity to become fully acquainted with the project. All views and comments made at the meeting will be reviewed and considered to the maximum extent possible. How will this affect you? The Gleasondale Road Bridge Replacement Project will impact the community and commuters during construction. During the public meeting, MassDOT will review the construction activities and schedule, bridge closures, traffic detours, and community impacts. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and offer comments.

Please visit the project website for more information about construction, the most up-to-date project schedule, and upcoming opportunities to engage with the project.
Website: mass.gov/gleasondale-road-bridge-replacement-project
Email: gleasondalebridgestow@dot.state.ma.us.

NAMI Offers 9-Week "Family to Family" Mental Health Educational Program

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UPDATE: All programs, due to the increase in active Delta Covid transmissions and illness on the rise in MA, will be be conducted only on Zoom.

LITTLETON: Does a “Loved One” have Mental Health concerns? Mental health conditions touch one in five people, so it is likely a spouse, partner, child, parent, sibling or dear friend of yours may be living with a mental health condition. The National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI, is offering an eight week free family educational program called “Family to Family”. It is a designated evidence-based program taught by trained NAMI family member volunteers who have been there. Curriculum includes presentations, discussions, videos and interactive exercises.

What will you gain? The class provides critical information and strategies for taking care of the person you love and you’ll also find - you are not alone! The group setting offers mutual support and shared positive impact – You will experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. You can also help others through sharing your own experiences.

You’ll learn about: Latest up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain ~ Current treatments; medications – their side effects and evidenced-based treatments and therapies ~ Local mental health services and supports ~ Managing crisis, solve problems and communicate effectively ~ The impact of mental illness on the entire family ~ Taking care of yourself and managing your stress.

The program will be held IN-PERSON starting October 12 and November 30 from 6:30 -9PM. Proof of vaccination is required. To register contact Sara at 339-223-3146 or doddsara25@gmail.com or Phyllis at 978-973-3995, Phyllis.terrey100@gmail.com. Additional course offerings and info at www.namimass.org.

(c) doris monteiro clowning around on sea doo

Assabet Valley Camera Club Starts New Season

HUDSON: In 1985 a small group of people, who took an evening photography course at Assabet Valley Regional Vocational High School, decided to form a club to share their learning and experience. The resulting Assabet Valley Camera Club, a Hudson-based photography organization, began to meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from September through early June. Currently AVCC has over 50 members of all ages, with both amateur and professional experience, from 15 different communities in the greater Metro West area.

Due to Covid 19 all AVCC meetings are currently being held online. At this club year’s first meeting on Wednesday, September 1st the evening's program will feature a "Members' Showcase", where individuals will briefly present their photographic images based on a theme or highlights of their summer experiences.

Normally, AVCC meetings are held in the Great Room at the Hudson Senior Center, 29 Church Street, Hudson, and officially begin at 7:30PM. The first meeting of the month generally features a program designed to instruct and/or to entertain camera enthusiasts. During the second monthly meeting, member competitions of both print and digital images are judged and critiqued by qualified individuals. Assabet Valley Camera Club, a member of both the New England Camera Club Council and the Photographic Society of America, also participates in interclub 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 the AVCC website at www.assabetvalleycc.com or contact Elliot Mednick, club president, at 978-293-5192.

PHOTO: (c) Doris Monteiro Clowning Around on Sea Doo

HCC Welcomes Grant Applications

HUDSON: The Hudson Cultural Council will soon be accepting online applications from organizations, schools, and individuals for grants to support community-oriented arts, humanities, and science programs. If you have a great idea for bringing culturally enriching programming to the Hudson area and need funding to make it a reality, you are welcome to apply for a grant. The online application window will be open from September 1 through October 15. Priority is given to programs which take place inside the town of Hudson and to those serving Hudson youth as well as Hudson-based organizations, artists and interpretive scientists. Projects may take place in libraries, community centers, town halls, parks, schools, and wherever communities come together.

The Hudson Cultural Council is composed of volunteers appointed by the Town of Hudson Select Board. Its mission is to support and enhance Hudson's diverse heritage and cultural opportunities by supporting activities that enrich the lives of Hudson residents of all ages. The Council strives to achieve these goals through the funding of local programs with money allocated from the Mass Cultural Council and the Town of Hudson.Check out the council’s website www.hudsonculturalcouncil.org or facebook page www.facebook.com/HudsonCulturalCouncil/ for updates and more information on the application process as the window draws nearer. To contact the HCC directly with questions, or to become an HCC member, email hudsonculturalcouncil@gmail.com.

Dangerous Heat Advisory Continues!

The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting a potential period of prolonged oppressive heat through Friday (8/13) in most of the Commonwealth. During this period, daytime temperature highs will be 90-99 degrees. Heat index (Apparent Temperature) values will be 95-110 degrees. Scattered showers/thunderstorms are possible in the afternoons, with the potential for a few strong to severe thunderstorms late Thursday. There is a low probability that the heat wave could continue through Saturday.

Impacts/ Potential Impacts:

- Very hot temperatures with moderate humidity. Little relief at night especially in urban population centers.

- Potential of heat related issues to at risk population and those doing higher levels of outdoor physical activities.

- Damaging straight line winds and localized street flooding are possible on Thursday in areas where severe thunderstorms occur.

Preparedness and Safety Information:

- Safety and preparedness tips for extreme heat: www.mass.gov/mema/heat

- Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20°F within 10 minutes.

- Check with your local officials to find locations of cooling centers near you.

- Know the symptoms of and watch out for heat-related illnesses like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies.

- Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, those who may need additional assistance, and those who may not have air conditioning.

Power outage preparedness and safety information: www.mass.gov/info-details/power-outage-safety-tips

Preparedness and safety tips for thunderstorms and lightning:

www.mass.gov/info-details/thunderstorm-and-lightning-safety-tips

Flood safety tips: www.mass.gov/info-details/flood-safety-tips

Join the Maynard Folds Virtual Origami Exhibition Contest

MAYNARD: Be an origami museum exhibitor in The Origami Museum, founded and led by artist and teacher, Lisa B. Corfman. Corfman announces Maynard Folds, a virtual origami exhibition contest – come exhibit in the upcoming Origami Museum Community Gallery. The origami museum welcomes EVERYONE to submit from children and adults, and from novices to experts to be in the spotlight.

Entries can be anything you can do, neatly folded, nicely presented (with fitting paper used, etc.), without cutting, gluing, or drawing on the model. Just share something you are happy with for fame in the origami museum’s online gallery. Don’t fret, just enjoy and do your best. Origami can be simple, fun, or even amazing. A personal note with questions, comments or concern is always welcome.

All contestants who submit will exhibit within the origami museum website, receive a certificate of participation, have a mention on Instagram and Facebook and receive a selection of origami paper. Awards for one top child and one adult winner features a certificate of honor, a solo Instagram and Facebook post and an online membership to OrigamiUSA.

There are three jurors and the just listed prizes. Jurors are Ruthanne Bessman, Susan Dugan and Lisa B. Corfman. Bessman is a long-term curator of origami exhibitions and contests. Dugan is a 40-year veteran of origami and is a photography professor. Corfman makes, sells, teaches, and showcases origami inspired art and she is bringing this opportunity to you!

There are the two categories for origami model submissions: under 18 and adults. Eligible contestants are within a 20-mile radius from Maynard, whether home, work, or school. Here are the towns in this eligible catchment area:

Acton | Ashland | Arlington| Ayer | Bedford | Belmont | Berlin | Billerica | Bolton | Boxborough | Boylston | Carlisle | Chelmsford | Clinton | Concord | Devens |Dover | Framingham | Groton | Hanscom AFB| Harvard | Hudson | Lancaster | Lexington | Lincoln | Littleton | Marlborough | Maynard | Natick | Northborough | Sherborn | Shirley | South Lancaster | Southborough | Sterling | Still River | Stow | Sudbury | Waltham | Watertown | Wayland | Wellesley | Westford | Weston

The juried contest is sponsored by the Maynard Cultural Council and OrigamiUSA. The goal is to increase folds!

Find out more at: https://origamimuseum.org/opportunities/. Maynard Folds information, statement about the jurors, and the application can be found there.

Help For Families: Mental Health Challenges

UPDATE: All programs, due to the increase in active Delta Covid transmissions and illness on the rise in MA, will be be conducted only on Zoom.

Mental illness touches one in five people. It is likely a spouse, partner, child, sibling, parent or dear friend of yours may be living with a mental health condition. The National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI is offering a FREE 8 session family educational program called “Family to Family”. It is a designated evidenced-based program. The program is taught by NAMI trained family member volunteers who have been there - and includes presentations, discussion, and interactive exercises.

What will you gain? The class provides critical information and strategies for taking care of the person you love, and you’ll also find out – you are not alone! The group setting provides mutual support and shared positive impact – you will experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. You can also help others through your own experiences.

You’ll learn about: The latest up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they impact the brain. Current treatments: Medications - their therapeutic use and side effects, current treatments and therapies. Local mental health services and supports. Managing crisis, problem solving techniques and effective communication. The emotional impact of mental illness on the entire family. Taking care of yourself and managing your stress.

Two Programs are sponsored by NAMI Central Middlesex for fall 2021. Thursdays via ZOOM, Sept 16 – Nov 4th, 6:30 – 9:00 PM. To register contact Steve at 978-621-3253, shadden@hadlorgroup.com or Lindsay at 781-864-7003, linzbfar@gmail.com. Tuesdays IN PERSON in Littleton MA Oct 12th – Nov 30th, 6:30 – 9:00 PM. proof of vaccination is required. To register, contact Sara at 339-223-3146, doddsara25@gmail.com or Phyllis at 978.973.3995, phyllis.terrey100@gmail.com.

Next Climate Talk from Sustainable Stow and Randall Library: Studying the Water Quality in Lake Boon

STOW: What can be done to protect Lake Boon in the face of various threats from a changing climate? Local citizen scientists with the help of environmental scientists. are working to answer this question. Their work is supported by a two-year grant from the Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program, The water quality monitoring will provide a basis for recommendations to protect our local great pond, and potentially others at risk in Massachusetts. The sampling program is directed by Rebecca Longvall, conservation agent for the town of Bolton.

You can learn about their work at the next Sustainable Stow climate talk, hosted by Randall Library. Join in Wednesday, August 18 at 7pm on Zoom. You can request a Zoom link by contacting the library at randalllibrary@gmail.com. The library will email the Zoom link out before the talk. This talk is the 4th in a series focusing on what we can do to address local impacts of climate change. You can watch past presentations online by searching for “Sustainable Stow” at www.youtube.com/user/StowTVNow.

“Caring for Caregivers” Meetings; 1st & 3rd Mondays

HUDSON: On Mondays, August 2 and 16, from 11am to Noon, the First United Methodist Church at 34 Felton Street will hold “Caring for Caregivers” meetings in Lamson Hall on the first floor of the church. The Church is handicap accessible via a motorized seat and safe distancing and mask-wearing practices are in place for these small gatherings.

In these current difficult times of isolation, caregiving for a loved one may have become more challenging. The church has recognized a yearning in the community for a place to gather, intended for those in the position of being a caregiver and who need to be with others going through difficult times caring for their loved ones.
The purpose is to establish a safe, quiet setting for those who are feeling the weight that often accompanies caregiving.

Caregivers often feel alone/isolated and unique. Meetings can’t solve problems or change a situation but they do offer support by encouraging each other to not feel weak or selfish or unloving because of our thoughts. Sometimes you'll even find humor and laugh with each other. This, too, is healing. Stop by to talk about your concerns and feelings with those who know what you are going through. Judgment-free zone; only attentive and compassionate.

The meetings are open to anyone who is a caregiver and may be feeling isolated by their particular situation. Come to as few or as many of our meetings as you like. You may come just to listen but over time, we hope you’ll feel free to speak. There are no dues or fees to think about, just come and be with us for an hour or so.
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.org.

Senator Eldridge secures $230,000 in FY22 Budget for Hudson

HUDSON: State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) has secured $230,000 in the Fiscal Year (FY22) Senate Budget for the Town of Hudson to purchase the Hudson Armory in downtown Hudson. Governor Charlie Baker signed the $47.6 billion fiscal 2022 budget into law. A community’s downtown is a hub of economic and social development, and a healthy, thriving downtown is important to the long-term success of small towns and big cities alike,” said Eldridge. “Purchasing and repurposing the Hudson Armory into a community space will bring more life to the already rising Downtown. The $230,000 earmark that I secured will allow the town to purchase the Armory and begin the renovation process. I’m thankful for the cooperation of the State Senate, Senate President Karen Spilka, and Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Michael Rodrigues for their help in passing this earmark.”

"I was pleased to vote for the amendment as part of the reconciled state budget and I congratulate Senator Eldridge for securing these important funds. I look forward to working together on legislation, funding and state support to ensure Hudson Cultural Alliance's efforts to create an Arts Center at the Armory are successful,” said State Representative Kate Hogan (D-Stow).

The Hudson Armory is a state-owned building located in downtown Hudson. The Hudson Board of Selectmen recently approved a plan to purchase the building from the state for $230,000 in order to convert it into a community space. Senator Eldridge’s earmark will cover the full cost of the sale, allowing the fundraising efforts of residents to go directly towards renovating the building.

This project is the capstone of Hudson’s downtown revitalization and will serve as both the hub of Hudson’s Cultural District and an ideal jumping-off point for the newly renovated South Street, the proposed Riverwalk, and the shops and restaurants in and around Wood Square.
“Artists and performing groups in Hudson and the local area have expressed the need for performance, practice, and exhibit space. The Armory's location in Hudson's thriving downtown is ideal for such an arts center,” said Andy Horvitz, President of the Hudson Cultural Alliance. “We look forward to transforming the facility into a community asset serving all ages across a range of uses. This cultural development investment and the preservation of this historic building will pay economic and community dividends in Hudson and the region for generations to come.”

Joint Unitarian Universalist Sunday Service August 1

STOW: First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) will join several Unitarian Universalist churches at the 18th Annual Joint Summer Service. Rev. Jill Cowie, minister of the Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church, will lead worship on the theme “Healing from Broken to Whole Together.” This service will be held virtually on August 1 at 10am. All are welcome.

Seminarian Paloma Callo told her preaching class recently, “it is our witness to the cracks and shattered pieces that enables healing.” How do we find the courage to enter the pain? The compassion to help healing? How do we stay open to the grace of our wholeness in the midst of it all?

For more information about FPC’s virtual Sunday services, including information on how to access this joint service, visit http://fpc-stow-acton.org/services. Details about all upcoming summer services are listed on that page, including details about the subject of each service as well as how to access it. Additional information on the Aug. 1 service can be found at http://uuharvard.org/services/18th-annual-joint-summer-service/.

Call for Participants: Yard & Craft Sale at First United Methodist Church

HUDSON: Call now to reserve your space, as the First United Methodist Church of Hudson invites everyone to their Annual Yard and Craft Sale to be held rain or shine, on Saturday, October 2 from 9am am to 2pm, in the church parking lot. If the weather is un-cooperative, the fair will be held indoors in our very large Lamson Hall. Mark your calendars and be prepared to find some terrific bargains and treasures and handcrafted items. For those interested in setting up for the sale, there is unlimited space available and the church has some 6’ tables that you can use, provided to the first responders. (Metal folding chairs are available at no charge or bring your own). The fee is $15. Start putting aside those items you no longer want but someone else would love to purchase! For Crafters, this is your opportunity to sell your own unique, individual creations to all those pre-holiday shoppers the sale will attract. Also, they will be selling containers of delicious homemade chili and chicken salad.

First United Methodist Church is located at 34 Felton Street, just off the rotary over the top of the hill, in Hudson. More information is available at 978-562-2932 or www.hudsonfumc.org

Stow Bike for the Woods, August 29

STOW: The 20th annual Stow Bike for the Woods is taking place August 29, 2021. This is a family-friendly road-bike ride supports the Stow Conservation Trust. Registration starts at 8:30an, ride at 9am. The ride starts at Stow Shopping Center, 113 Great Road. You can register for the ride and get more information at http://BikeForTheWoods.org.

There will be food and drink including fresh peaches, cider donuts, and the famous mid-ride lemonade stand. Go for the scenery, return for the great snacks!

Choose from a variety of ride lengths including 5, 14, 37, and a 65 mile metric century. All ages and abilities are welcome. The routes are well marked and cue sheets are provided. The routes take you by many of the conservation properties in the area. See up close why Stow and surrounding towns are considered biking nirvana by those in the know. The Stow Conservation Trust aims to preserve open space for future generations. All proceeds from the ride go to the Trust. Last year, the ride raised over $1500 for this worthy cause.

Food, drink, and support for the ride are provided by: Bagels Plus of Acton, Pedal Power of Acton, Emma’s Cafe in Stow, Idylwilde Farms of Action, Carver Hill Orchard of Stow, Honey Pot Hill Orchards of Stow, Trader Joe’s of Acton, and Starbucks of Acton.

Photo by Greg Toxel

Stow Building Permits Now Available ONLINE

STOW: The Town of Stow is pleased to announce that Stow residents and contractors are now able to obtain building permits online.Effective immediately, residents can now click here to visit the online permitting page, or click the “Online Permitting & Fees" button on the Building Department page of the official website www.stow-ma.gov.

The town’s permitting software, PermitLink, is user-friendly and can be accessed online 24 hours a day, and it should greatly simplify and streamline the permitting process for our residents. All homeowners who have not hired a contractor for a building project may choose to utilize this service by creating a personal account, using an email address and a unique password. Supporting documents can be uploaded and attached as needed. A resident’s account can be used to obtain any building permit for their property. Residents who wish to continue to submit paper permit applications will still be able to do so.

This exciting new resource will not only make the permitting process easier but also to support a greener, paper-free option. Launching the online permitting site encourages residents to file permits electronically in order to minimize social contact while we continue to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Currently the Town of Stow cannot accept payment through the online permitting site, but is working to make that option available in the very near future. In the meantime, once someone has applied for a permit and it has been accepted, they may mail or drop off the correct permit fee and the permit will be emailed back once finalized. There is a drop box at the Town Building, 380 Great Road, at the front entrance.

Traffic Detour Notice

HUDSON/STOW: MassDOT has announced that Gleasondale Road from Sudbury Road to Marlboro Road will be closed overnight on Thursday, July 15 to allow Hudson Light & Power to relocate utilities on the bridge before we start full construction. Timing: 10pm on Thursday, July 15 to 6am on Friday, July 16. During the closure, the detour route depicted here will be in effect.

Recent Graduate and First Generation Student, Hudson's Marissa Crue Got Her Start at MCC

HUDSON: For recent 2021 Middlesex Community College graduate Marissa Crue of Hudson, her time at the college was “life-changing.” The first generation student was unsure of her path after graduating from high school. Her time at Middlesex offered a foundation for learning, building connections and developing a more solid direction for her future.

“MCC was the stepping stone I needed in order to discover both my passions and my love of learning,” she said. “I am most grateful for all the wonderful opportunities MCC provided for me along my journey, and I am certain I can take what I have learned here and apply it in all avenues of my life.”

As a Liberal Arts and Sciences major, Crue had the opportunity to explore different subjects by taking a range of courses – from Latin American History and Literature to Forensic Science. While this flexibility of course requirements has prepared her for her transfer to Amherst College, the knowledge and skills she learned in her classes will “continue to benefit me throughout my life. It was through this exploration that I discovered the academic areas I am most passionate about,” Crue said. “MCC has provided me with a foundational experience I needed to be a successful student going forward.”

In her Honors English 102 course with MCC Professor of English Jonathan Bennett, Crue developed her perspective of the world. From reading and engaging in conversations in class, she was inspired by all that she could learn. Bennett also helped her in writing her college essay to Amherst, and continues to offer support to help her achieve her goals. Because of the pandemic, the college shifted courses and student support services to online platforms for much of 2020 and 2021. While Crue feels MCC made an effective transition to online learning – and still felt connected to her professors and classmates – she also took advantage of the circumstances to grow into a more independent learner. A member of MCC’s honor society Phi Theta Kappa and the Commonwealth Honors Program, Crue thrived in her studies. Keeping busy throughout her time, she worked as an Embedded Writing Tutor, Blackboard Ambassador, Orientation Leader and Food Pantry Student Assistant, and participated in MCC’s TRIO Program for Student Success and Diversity Summit.

“I felt that the abundant support systems and groups throughout the college helped me feel like a part of a larger, strong community,” Crue said. “Aside from feeling proud, I am sad that I will be leaving a community that has brought so much good into my life.”

Her decision to start at Middlesex came after visiting the Lowell campus her senior year of high school. Crue needed a starting point, and Middlesex was the best option to establish her college career while saving money on tuition. Sensing the positive experiences that awaited her at Middlesex, Crue soon realized the impact the community and college would have on her.

“MCC is a place where you will find your people and be provided the opportunity to explore your interests,” she said. “If you are unsure about attending college, MCC is a great starting place.”

About Action Unlimited

A weekly advertising publication with seven (7) different editions to choose from - Acton (Acton, Boxboro, Maynard), Ayer (Ayer, Groton, Harvard, Shirley, Devens), Chelmsford, Concord (Concord, Carlisle, Bedford), Hudson (Hudson, Stow), Marlborough (Marlborough, Sudbury) and Westford (Westford, Littleton), Each edition is filled with news, events, puzzles, local advertisers, classifieds and more!

The Action is also your one stop shop for graphic design, copying services, website design, business card printing, scanning & shredding services.

100 Domino Drive
Concord, MA 01742

Phone: (978) 371-2442

Monday - Wednesday: 7:30am - 5:00pm
Thursday: 7:30am - 3:00pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday - Sunday: Closed

We accept Visa/Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Cash

In-Person Sunday Services Resume at The Unitarian Church of Marlborough & Hudson (UCMH)

Assabet Valley Camera Club Program: Landscape Photography

Stow Police Department Shares Tips for Celebrating Halloween & Trick-or-Treating Safely

Zoë Lewis Virtual Concert at New Revival Coffeehouse

Stow COA Survey Available Online

Nashoba Symphonic Band Opens New Season

Homes that Respond to the Climate Crisis

Keep Hudson Beautiful with Green Hudson

Town of Stow to Recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Several Initiatives

Meet Susan B. Anthony at the Spellman Museum

Stow-Area Veterans to be Recognized with Drive-Through Lunch

Assabet Valley Mastersingers Concert October 30

FY2022 Proposed Values;FY22 Assessment Database

Michele Fronk Schuckel Eliminates the Mystery of Pruning

Your Voice / Your ChoiceTake the Stow CoA Survey

Creative Composites - Assabet Valley Camera Club Program

Town of Stow Seeks Public Input on Renovation, Expansion of Randall Library

Minute Man Air Field Hosts Open House & 5K Run-the-Runway

Green Hudson: Think Globally. Act Locally!

Hudson Cultural Council Seeks New Members

Friends of the Bolton Public Library to Hold Book Sale

Fresh Baked Apple Pies at FPC

Be a fraud fighter!If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Take the Guesswork Out of Gardening with Betty Sanders

Ingathering Sunday & Water Ceremony at FPC

Town of Stow Announces Agreement to Purchase North Course of Stow Acres Country Club

Make a Difference Day at FPC

Stow Cultural Council Accepting Appications for 2022 Events

OARS Annual River Cleanup

BSA: Setting a Course for Adventure

Sustainable Stow: Making Your Yard Work for You and the Environment

Make a Difference Day at FPC

Stow Chorus Open Rehearsals

MassDOT Virtual Public Information Meeting 9/1

NAMI Offers 9-Week "Family to Family" Mental Health Educational Program

Assabet Valley Camera Club Starts New Season

HCC Welcomes Grant Applications

Dangerous Heat Advisory Continues!

Join the Maynard Folds Virtual Origami Exhibition Contest

Help For Families: Mental Health Challenges

Next Climate Talk from Sustainable Stow and Randall Library: Studying the Water Quality in Lake Boon

“Caring for Caregivers” Meetings; 1st & 3rd Mondays

Senator Eldridge secures $230,000 in FY22 Budget for Hudson

Joint Unitarian Universalist Sunday Service August 1

Call for Participants: Yard & Craft Sale at First United Methodist Church

Stow Bike for the Woods, August 29

Stow Building Permits Now Available ONLINE

Traffic Detour Notice

Recent Graduate and First Generation Student, Hudson's Marissa Crue Got Her Start at MCC

FY2022 Proposed Values;
FY22 Assessment Database

Your Voice / Your Choice
Take the Stow CoA Survey

Be a fraud fighter!
If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.