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Trees Around Us Are Critical to Fighting Climate Change

STOW: This month’s Sustainable Stow talk from Randall Library, taking place March 16 at 7pm on Zoom, focuses on the role trees play in drawing down carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Register in advance for this meeting at https://bit.ly/3IHbuTh.

Trees are a critical ally in the fight to reduce the threat of rising CO2 and warming temperatures. New research shows how the old trees in our yards and conservation areas can really make a difference. The state’s new 2050 Roadmap even looks to our forests as a key means of getting us to net zero. Our speaker is Glen Ayers, a soil scientist and long-time advocate for forests. Glen will explain the important role that trees can play in addressing climate change.

Did you miss the latest session from Sustainable Stow and Randall Library? A video of last month’s session, Current Living: No Gas, Less Noise, Better Health, is now available. The first five minutes include a humorous look at fossil fuel home appliances… and there is lots of good information here on home appliances that you can make a switch to now. From cooktops to lawn mowers, we should be going electric to improve our health and the environment. www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGlBeLgFKd0

As a follow-up to last month’s session, the library can now loan you an induction
cooktop to try out at home!
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Virtual Author Talk with Ted Reinstein

MAYNARD/STOW: The Randall Library Friends Association and the Friends of the Maynard Public Library are pleased to announce a virtual author talk with Ted Reinstein on Tuesday, March 8 at 7pm via Zoom. This event is free and open to all, but registration is required to receive the Zoom event link. Please register at www.tinyurl.com/reinstein. For more information, visit www.maynardpubliclibrary.org/reinstein.
 
Reinstein, long-time reporter for WCVB’s “Chronicle” and author of three previous books, will speak about his latest publication Before Brooklyn: The Unsung Heroes Who Helped Break Baseball’s Color Barrier. Jackie Robinson’s triumphant debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers in April 1947 is regarded as a seminal moment in the history of baseball and is memorialized by his retired number 42 in all Major League ballparks.

What’s less well-known is that a small army of men, women, and institutions fought for many long and bitter years prior to Robinson’s debut. This hidden story includes former stars of the legendary Negro Leagues, the Black press and Pullman porters. These and more unsung heroes were true pioneers, battling the color barrier for sixty years before Brooklyn, while making a path possible for Jackie Robinson. It was a battle largely in the shadows. But like Rosa Parks on a Montgomery bus, or John Lewis on a bridge in Selma, it was a battle of dignity and defiance in a hard-won war for justice. Join us to hear their stories.

Since 1995, Ted Reinstein has been a reporter for WCVB-TV’s “Chronicle.”  He is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and the author of three books about New England including New England Notebook: One Reporter, Six States, Uncommon Stories; Wicked Pissed: New England’s Most Famous Feuds and New England’s General Stores: Exploring an American Classic.
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First United Methodist Church
Corned Beef and Cabbage Benefit Dinner

HUDSON: On Saturday, March 12 at 6pm,  the First United Methodist Church of Hudson at 34 Felton Street, will be sponsoring a delicious Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner to benefit “Bridges to Malawi”, a poverty-stricken country located in southeast Africa. An informative talk will be presented by Dr. Brian Lisse who has spent over 12 years traveling to Malawi, having established this nonprofit organization.  Its mission is to help the lives of those less fortunate who are suffering from sickness, disease and famine.

The dinner is $12 per person with money going to support purchases of Chlorinators and Filtration systems for safe water usage and other necessities. Dr. Lisse, along with a group of medical students and other healthcare providers, make an annual trip to Malawi. There, they provide medical care and medical knowledge to improve the health and well-being of the Malawi community. The organization and its team have helped to fight malnutrition and famine, increase family incomes, and further help the people of Malawi.  There will also be interesting, unique handcrafted gift items to purchase all made by African artisans. More information is available at 978-562-2932 or online at hudsonfumc.org.
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Randall Friends Collecting Books and More

STOW: The Randall Library Friends of Stow want your books! The Friends are excited to announce the return of the annual Book Sale, planned for April 22-24, 2022. They’re hoping to have something for everyone, so if you’re looking to clean out books, DVDs, CDs, LPs, or video games, they’ll take them! Drop offs are easy. You can leave them in the vestibule of the Library or the Pompositticut Community Center on Route 117 during their open hours. Donations taken until April 12, 2022.  Have a large quantity to donate? Contact Carol Stoltz at cjstoltz@comcast.net to make arrangements.  Proceeds will benefit the Randall Library and support the library renovation if approved at Town Meeting.
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ARC Comedy Night Benefit April 8

HUDSON: The Addiction Referral Center (ARC) is hosting the eleventh annual Comedy Night Benefit, featuring the area’s most popular and talented comedians on April 8 at the Hudson Portuguese Club, 13 Port Street.  Doors open at 6:30pm and the show begins at 7:30pm. The event, being held in support of the ARC of Marlborough, will include lots of laughs, food, and raffle prizes.

Entertainers include popular comedians Paul Nardizzi, Janet McNamara, and Dan Donahue. Host of the evening is local favorite comedian Dave Rattigan.
 
  • Dave Rattigan returns as host. Rattigan spent the pandemic launching two podcasts, both of which he co-hosts, Inside the Line: Real Stories by Real Cops, and Soccerheads New England. He has performed at Fenway Park, The Cape Cod Melody Tent, South Shore Music Circus, a lumberyard, the lobby of an ad agency, and a library. His CD has been played on Sirius Satellite Radio, and he’s performed on the Steve Katsos Show. He’s done commercials for Olympia Sports and iParty, and performed in Dublin and Kilkenny, Ireland and in Boston with Irish comedians Ardal O’Hanlon and Joe Rooney. He’s performed at the Hampton Beach Comedy Festival (NH), Boston Comedy Festival, Women in Comedy Festival, and Salem Comedy and Spirits Festival, and shared the stage with Bill Burr, Jeff Dunham, the Beach Boys, Steven Wright, Bob Marley, Nick DiPaolo and more. He also runs Scamps Comedy Productions, which produces live comedy shows.
  • Paul Nardizzi is one of the country's top comedians, with multiple standup appearances on NBC's Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central, and Fox Sports' Best Damn Sports Show Period, as well as regional appearances on NESN. A former winner of the Boston Comedy Festival, Nardizzi is in demand for theater shows, corporate functions, colleges, golf tournament, and fundraisers. His CD has been played on Sirius Satellite Radio and he’s a prolific author of humor books and co-host for a podcast focused on the world of soccer, Soccerheads New England, available at iHeart Radio.
  • Janet McNamara is a Boston-based comic with a conversational style and awkwardly charming energy. Earlier this year, she was selected to perform in the prestigious Hampton Beach Comedy Festival. The former finalist in the Boston Comedy Festival contest, McNamara won the 2014 BeanTown Comedy Riots and has been featured in Boston’s Women in Comedy Festival, the Ashville Comedy Festival and Burbank Comedy Festival.  You might also recognize her as being the 'Golden Idol’ winner for the worst audition of American Idol season 10, an appearance that introduced a national audience to her joie de vivre and infectious energy.  McNamara doesn’t speak French.  
  • Dan Donahue is an electrician by day, fast-progressing Boston comedian by night. Much of his humor comes from his experiences on the job. He has performed on Scamps Comedy-produced shows around New England as an opener and host, working with comedians including Juston McKinney, Mike McDonald, Christine Hurley, Paul Nardizzi and more.

For tickets or table reservations, call (508) 485-4357. Tables ($250) and individual tickets ($25) should be purchased in advance at the ARC.

The Addiction Referral Center (ARC) ranks as one of the most respected and active recovery service resources in Middlesex County.  As a nonprofit organization, the ARC provides individualized referral services, Recovery Coach appointments and daily peer-support meetings at no cost to those seeking recovery from substance use disorder. For more information, visit them online at www.theaddictionreferralcenter.org.
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Current Living: No Gas, Less Noise, Better Health - February 16

STOW: Last month, changing your home heating to electric heat pumps was discussed. (You can see that program here: https://bit.ly/3Hjs7nd.) But a furnace is not the only source of pollution in homes. What if you got rid of all household appliances that run on fossil fuels? Join this month’s talk from Randall Library, Stow TV and Sustainable Stow. The speaker is Paul Reisberg, an Acton native and advocate for greener living. Paul retired from the faculty of Wellesley College where he was a professor of chemistry. Visit https://bit.ly/3s9o2f5 for a zoom link to attend.

Local Grants Awarded for Hudson & Surrounding Towns

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HUDSON: Massachusetts state legislators Representative Kate Hogan and Senator James Eldridge along with Patricia Luoto and Donna Specian, Co-Chairs of the Hudson Cultural Council, have announced the award of 18 grants totaling $14,500 for cultural programs in Hudson and the surrounding area. There were 31 grant application requests totaling $31,200 to be considered.

Some of this year's grant recipients include: C.A. Farley Elementary School, Assabet Valley Camera Club, Forest Avenue Elementary School, Hudson Division of Recreation, Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce, Symphony Pro Musica, Hudson Public Library, and Howie Newman for the Hudson Senior Center.

"Hudson has long been a natural hub for arts and culture in the area - its proximity to the 495/Metrowest Corridor and ability to offer amenities that are taken advantage of by nearby communities means that an investment in Hudson's arts and culture will reap multiple returns,” stated Rep. Kate Hogan (D-Stow).
“We are so pleased to see the arts alive and thriving and proud to support our Cultural Councils and the rich programming and activities that they nurture with these grants."

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. The members of the Hudson Cultural Council are: Lawrence Fine, Peter Fiske, Lindsay Kelkres, Ellen Kisslinger, Cheryl Lombardo, Patricia Luoto, Doris Monteiro, Debbie Papa, Stephanie Simard, and Donna Specian.

"I'm proud to support the Massachusetts Cultural Council line item each year in the state budget,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton). “Perhaps no sector of the labor force was harmed more during
the pandemic than the artists who work in the creative economy. I congratulate the Hudson Cultural Council on the $14,500 in grants it was able to award to cultural programs and artists in Hudson. In an
effort to increase creativity and art in our communities, I strongly encourage others to apply for funding in the upcoming grant cycle."

Statewide, more than $3.3 million were distributed by local cultural councils in 2021. Grants support an enormous range of grass-roots activities: concerts, exhibitions, radio and video productions, field trips for schoolchildren, after-school youth programs, writing workshops,  historical preservation efforts, lectures, First Night celebrations, nature and science education programs for families and town festivals. Nearly half of LCC funds support educational activities for young people.

The Hudson Cultural Council will seek applications again in the fall. For local guidelines and complete information on the Hudson Cultural Council check out the council’s website at www.hudsonculturalcouncil.org . Applications and more information about the Local Cultural Council Program are available online at www.massculturalcouncil.org . Online applications will again be available September 1, 2022 and will be due October 15, 2022.

“Caring for Caregivers” Meeting
First & Third Monday at First United Methodist Church

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HUDSON: On Mondays, February 7 and 21 from 11am to Noon, the First United Methodist Church at 34 Felton Street will hold its “Caring for Caregivers” meeting in Lamson Hall on the first floor of the church. The Church is handicap accessible via a motorized seat and we practice safe distancing and wear masks for our 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.

Their 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. The Church cannot 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 even find humor and laugh can be found with each other. This, too, is healing for caregivers.

Attend and talk about your concerns and feelings with those who know what you are going through. There is no judgment; only attentiveness and compassion. The meetings are open to anyone who is a caregiver and may be feeling isolated by their particular situation. Attend as few or as many of our meetings as you like. You may go just to listen but over time, or feel free to speak. There are no dues or fees to think about.

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.
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Pre-order Period for At-home Covid-19 Tests Has Begun

The Biden Administration is offering free rapid tests to all residents in the United States. The pre-order period for the at-home COVID-19 tests via www.covidtests.gov has begun. Every household in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free and will usually ship in 7-12 days. Please visit www.covidtests.gov to submit an order and learn more.
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Nashoba Symphonic Band Fifth Anniversary Concert - February 5

WORCESTER:The Nashoba Symphonic Band, under the direction of David Wayne Bailey will perform its 5th Anniversary Concert at 2pm on Saturday, February 5, at Mechanics Hall, 321 Main Street. The concert is free and open to the public. General seating tickets are available through the Mechanics Hall box office, www.mechanicshall.org. Masking is required.
 
Highlights of the concert will feature organ soloist, Gavin Klein, and include a scoring for organ and winds of Bach's Fantasia in G-Major and the Finale from the Organ Symphony of Camille Saint-Saens. Other works on the program will be Psalm for Band by Vincent Persichetti, Polka and Fugue from “Schwanda the Bagpiper” by Jaromir Weinberger, and the rollicking Gumsucker's March by Percy Aldridge Grainger, as well as marches by Sousa and Fucik.

Organ soloist, Gavin Klein is an organist, pianist, and harpsichordist from Bolton, Ma. He is currently a senior at Nashoba Regional High School in Bolton. He first found his love for the organ after hearing some of the most famous organs of Europe on vacation when he was very young. With a  background in early music and keyboard studies since he was four, Gavin took on the organ at the age of 12, and is currently an organ student of C. Henry Mason, director of music at Immaculate Conception Parish in Worcester, Ma. Since then, he has given performances in both the US and Europe. He is a member of both the American Guild of Organists, and the Organ Historical Society.

The Nashoba Symphonic Band is a program of the Nashoba Regional High School Friends of Music and supported in part by grants from the Berlin, Hudson, Marlborough and Stow Cultural Councils, local agencies that are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Photographing Birds – From Portraits to Flight
Assabet Valley Camera Club Program

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HUDSON: On Wednesday, February 2, the Assabet Valley Camera Club (AVCC) is pleased to host Roman Kurywczak whose presentation will cover everything from gear, to settings, and techniques, while also providing insight on some of the most common mistakes one may make in the exciting field of bird photography. Kurywczak, a professional nature photographer for over 18 years, conducts lectures and workshops across the globe. Roman is equally comfortable shooting landscapes, macro subjects and wildlife, whether he is at an exotic location or close to home.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Hudson Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.  Kurywczak’s down-to-earth and easy-to-follow teaching style makes him a highly-sought after lecturer. The author of several instructional e-books on nature photography, Roman strives to share his passion for photography as others have shared with him. 

You can find his galleries, blog, tour schedule, e-books and more online at www.roaminwithroman.com or follow him on the Facebook group at  Roamin’ with Roman Photo Tours or on Instagram roaminwithromanphoto. 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. Roman’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, visit www.assabetvalleycc.com or contact Elliot Mednick, club president, at 978-293-5192.
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Clements Brothers Virtual Concert at New Revival Coffeehouse

STOW: The New Revival Coffeehouse will present a streaming concert by The Clements Brothers, a brother duo singing tight harmonies in the tradition of the Everly or Osborne brothers. Identical twins Charles and George Clements are long-time veterans of The Lonely Heartstrings Band, a progressive bluegrass ensemble, now on hiatus, that toured the U.S. and around the world. Charles is a classically trained double bass player who graduated from the New England Conservatory and George is a guitarist and alum of Berklee College. They write what Charles calls “story-telling songs, with an intimate acoustic sound,” and they perform a mix of original songs, covers and instrumentals. They are currently working on their first album as a duo.

The concert will stream on YouTube live at 7:30pm on Saturday, February 5. The concert link will be posted on the New Revival Coffeehouse webpage at http://fpc-stow-acton.org/music/coffeehouse and at the New Revival Coffeehouse's Facebook page at bit.ly/FacebookNRC. Concert attendees can donate to the artists via PayPal or by mailing a check payable to George Clements to First Parish Church, Attn: Treasurer, 353 Great Rd., Stow MA 01775. The suggested donation is $20.
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Stow Town Building Closure EXTENDED

STOW: Town Buildings will be closed to the Public from December 27, 2021 through January 9, 2022. Positive cases are on the rise within the community, as well as among employees, therefore, the Town Building will be closed during this time. This closure will hopefully hold off any post-holiday exposures in ongoing efforts to keep patrons and employees safe.  Access to the Town Building will be by appointment only. It is encouraged that business be conducted remotely or through our website. The electronic method of communication has worked very well over the last 22 months, so we ask that if possible, please utilize these methods over the next few weeks. During this time, the Building will remain locked. Visitors with appointments should call the department when they are at the front door to be admitted. Visitors are required to wear a face mask at all times when in the Town Building, regardless of vaccination status.

1/5/22 UPDATE: The Municipal Buildings closure has been extended to January 23, 2022. Positive cases are on the rise within the community, as well as among employees, therefore, all Municipal Buildings will be closed to the public from December 27, 2021 through January 9, 2022. This closure will hopefully hold off any post-holiday exposures in ongoing efforts to keep patrons and employees safe.
 
During this time, the Library will offer curbside pickup and the Council on Aging’s events will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please be sure to check our website at www.stow-ma.gov for additional information.

Access to the Town Building will be by appointment only. It is encouraged that business be conducted remotely or through our website. The electronic method of communication has worked very well over the last 22 months, so we ask that if possible, please utilize these methods over the next few weeks. During this time, the Building will remain locked. Visitors with appointments should call the department when they are at the front door to be admitted. Visitors are required to wear a face mask at all times when in the Town Building, regardless of vaccination status.

The Fire Station lobby will continue to be open for emergencies.
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Stow Acres South Course Permanently Protected

STOW: On December 27, 2021 the Town and Stow Conservation Trust completed the acquisition of a Conservation Restriction on the South Course of Stow Acres, permanently protecting this 151-acre parcel located between Randall Road and the Assabet River, and allowing it to remain in private hands and used as a public golf course. The Conservation Restriction also provides for a public access trail around the perimeter of the golf course which will be developed over the coming year. The acquisition is the first step in a two-part project approved by Town Meeting voters to protect the majority of Stow Acres land for conservation and recreation purposes.
 
Stow Acres is the town’s largest golf course and its largest undeveloped property in a single ownership. The property contains significant conservation values – including riparian corridors along Elizabeth Brook and the Assabet River, scenic views from Randall Road and Gleasondale Road, and opportunities for significant landscape scale conservation and restoration. The 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan identifies planning for the protection of Stow’s “at-risk” golf course properties as one of the Town’s highest priorities.

For the past two years, an innovative partnership that includes the Stow Planning Department, Stow Conservation Department, Stow Conservation Trust, a private developer, and the owner of Stow Acres has been engaged in developing a master plan vision for the property. This effort has been supported by the professional planning and landscape design firm of Dodson and Flinker, Inc. A key goal of the planning effort is to link implementation of the vision on both the North and South courses, allowing the town to pursue a unified approach plan for the entire property. These concept plans have received widespread community support. Together, the parties have identified priority locations to focus development, and areas that have the highest conservation and recreation values – including potential recreational trails, ballfields, and conserved corridors along Elizabeth Brook and the Assabet River. Future development would help the town meet its affordable housing requirements under Chapter 40B and enhance overall housing diversity in Stow.

At Annual Town Meeting in 2021, the Town voted overwhelmingly to purchase a Conservation Restriction on the South Course of Stow Acres for $1.5 million in Community Preservation Funds. The second phase purchase was also approved overwhelmingly by Special Town Meeting in October 2021 using $2.5 million in Community Preservation Funds plus an additional $1 million which will need to be raised from gifts and grants in 2022. The town will acquire 115 acres of the North Course for conservation and recreation purposes subject to Stow Acres retaining the right to continue golf use on a portion of the land for up to 10 years.

The remainder of the North Course is being sold by Stow Acres to MCO & Associates which plans to develop a mixed income housing development on the land. Closing is anticipated in late 2022 after the completion of fundraising. The town will also begin working to develop a master plan for the conservation and recreation uses over the next year. Contact Kathy Sferra, Conservation Director at the Stow Conservation Department at conservation@stow-ma.gov with questions or comments.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Winter Advisory Regarding Face Coverings

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This Advisory has been updated as of December 21,  2021.

COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine boosters are highly effective at protecting against serious illness, hospitalization and death and every individual who is eligible and works, studies or resides in Massachusetts is strongly urged to get vaccinated and boosted. The Department of Public Health urges all eligible residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 because vaccination provides the most effective protection from severe illness associated with COVID-19.

In response to the spread of the Delta variant and the emerging Omicron variant, the Department of Public Health now advises that all residents, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask or face covering when indoors (and not in your own home). The DPH particularly urges this recommendation if you have a weakened immune system, or if you are at increased risk for severe disease because of your age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.

Your primary care physician can advise you whether you are at increased risk.  Information from the Centers for Disease Control regarding the conditions that may put you at increased risk can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html.

All people in Massachusetts (regardless of vaccination status) are required to continue wearing face coverings in certain settings, including transportation and health care facilities.  Please see www.mass.gov/maskrules for a complete list of venues where face coverings have remained mandatory since May 29, 2021.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s current mask requirement and Policy on Vaccination Rate Threshold issued on September 27th, 2021 is not impacted by this advisory.  As a result of the most comprehensive and robust school testing program in the country, with 99% of public, collaborative and charter districts enrolled, Massachusetts elementary and secondary schools remain open and safe for children and youth to engage in learning, with over 325,000 school days saved. Only schools who can demonstrate they have high vaccination rates of over 80% of all individuals vaccinated are able to remove masks for vaccinated individuals upon a written attestation.
For individuals who are not fully vaccinated, it is especially important that you wear a face covering or mask any time you are indoors and not in your own home to reduce the chance that you may spread COVID-19 to other people. People who show no symptoms of illness may still be able to spread COVID-19.

An individual is fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. However, if a fully vaccinated individual becomes symptomatic, they should be tested and wear a mask until receiving test results.
When you wear a face covering or cloth mask, it should:
 
  • Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face,
  • Be secured with ties or ear loops,
  • Include multiple layers of fabric,
  • Allow for breathing without restriction, and
  • Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.

For more information, please refer to the CDC at: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html
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St. Stephen Day is Coming - Donate a Blanket

MARLBOROUGH: Singing, playing musical instruments, eating Christmas leftovers, feeding the birds, and going on sleigh rides are among a myriad of world customs for St. Stephen Day, December 26, but perhaps the most popular is to give gifts to the poor. The people of St. Stephen Lutheran Church are going to embrace that giving tradition of the church’s patron saint, and invite the community to join them.

Partnering with Fresh Start Furniture Bank in Hudson, St. Stephen church will collect new blankets and throws between now and Sunday, December 26. If you would like to participate in bringing a little coziness to our neighbors, you can drop off your donation to the church at 537 Bolton Street, Marlborough (Route 85) on Sunday, December 19, from 9am to noon. (The worship service will take place from 10-11, but items can be left in the lobby.) 

You can also bring your blankets to one of the Christmas Eve services, Friday, December 24 at 4 pm (Family Service) and 7 p.m (traditional service with candlelight, carols, and handbells). Please note that all items (blankets, throws, comforters) must be new and unused, and should be left inside the church, in the lobby.

At the 10am worship service on Sunday, December 26, the collection will be blessed and taken to Fresh Start the following week. Along with other area groups Fresh Start has been working hard to resettle many of the refugees coming to this area.

For more information about the church, visit www.saintstephenlutheran.com  or the church’s Facebook page. Saint Stephen is a member of the New England Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (www.elca.org). Parishioners come from Marlborough, Hudson, Berlin, Northborough, Southborough, Westborough, Shrewsbury, Sudbury, Stow, and Bolton.
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Assabet Valley Camera Club Program: Lighting 101

HUDSON: On Wednesday, January 5, the Assabet Valley Camera Club (AVCC) is pleased to host Bernie Hynes whose presentation will look at lighting from the perspective of a studio photographer. He will demonstrate the equipment used, and will show how studio lighting works by setting up the lights to achieve various effects. Bernie will also look at potential lighting problems such as unexpected shadows and reflections. After viewing the program, the participants will be able to analyze a portrait image and identify five lighting styles.

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 7:00 PM with a brief business meeting at 7:15. Bernie’s presentation Lighting 101 will begin at 7:30.

Normally, AVCC meetings are held in the Great Room at the Hudson Senior Center, 29 Church Street, Hudson. 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.

Senator Eldridge Secures $50,000 in ARPA Funds for Hudson Armory

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HUDSON: State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) has secured $50,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for renovation of the Hudson Armory. The Massachusetts State Senate on Wednesday unanimously passed a $3.82 billion bill that directs federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to assist the Commonwealth’s ongoing recovery, with a particular focus on making equitable investments and ensuring that communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are prioritized. Using this framework, the bill delivers targeted, transformational support to critical sectors such as health care, mental and behavioral health, housing security, environment, and workforce development. 

“Perhaps no sector of the labor force was harmed more during the pandemic than the artists who work in the creative economy,” said Senator Eldridge. “Repurposing the Armory as a community arts center will be a marvelous addition to an already ascending Town of Hudson, and a wonderful resource for the entire community. I am proud that this funding was allocated to revitalize the arts in Hudson.” Earlier this year, Sen. Eldridge and Rep. Kate Hogan had secured a $230,000 earmark in the FY22 state budget, to allow the town of Hudson to purchase the Hudson armory.

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. From the rising Downtown, new shops and restaurants, and the growing river trails, Hudson’s attractions  will likely continue to draw visitors from throughout the region.
 
“The $50,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds secured by Senator Eldridge are an additional and most welcome boost to our efforts to secure and repurpose the historic Hudson National Guard Armory,” said Tom Desmond, President of the  Hudson Cultural Alliance. “I believe that the impact of this funding on our community will be significant. The rehabilitation of the armory will allow us to provide much needed accessible and affordable performance, rehearsal, and educational spaces for community and youth development. We will be able to offer permanent homes to organizations such as Symphony Pro Musica, Rivers Edge Arts Alliance and the Hudson Historical Society.” 

With both the House and Senate having passed their own versions of ARPA spending plans, the two bills must now be reconciled before heading to the Governor’s desk.

Hudson Public Schools Preschool Programming: Fall'22 Enrollment Information

Chaps
HUDSON: Hudson Public Schools and CHAPS, Inc. have partnered to offer a part-day inclusion preschool at The Hubert School. This part-day preschool program offers a variety of classes in six classrooms and schedules for children ages 2.9-5 years old. The morning session is held from 8:30-11:30am, the afternoon session is held from 12:00-3:00pm. Transportation is not provided. For your reference, current class choices and tuition rates are at www.hudsonchaps.com, and information for the 2022-2023 school year will be available in March 2022.

In addition, there are a few spots available in the Farley Integrated Preschool and the Mulready Integrated Child Development Preschool programs. Each preschool has a four-day class that mixes 3-4 year old students together. Classes are held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am-11:40am. Children must be 3 years of age by August 31, 2022 to be eligible. Transportation is not provided. Tuition is $2,305.00 and includes a non-refundable $65.00 deposit. Students will attend Kindergarten in their home district schools, which may be different from the preschool they attend.

The Hubert School, operated by CHAPS, Inc., conducts registration in March. This process is coordinated by the Hubert School. Registration forms, fees and all enrollment paperwork are completed with the Hubert School. If you have any questions about the CHAPS part day classes, please contact the Hubert School (978) 567-6130 and ask for Mrs. Patulak or Sally@hudsonchaps.com.

The Farley and Mulready Preschools are operated by Hudson Public Schools. Since there are a limited number of openings, Hudson Public Schools will conduct a lottery for interested parents on December 22, 2021.

The lottery is early to alleviate families’ concerns that they could lose a possible spot in the Hubert School if they do not get one of the few slots in the Farley or Mulready programs. Any family wishing to enroll their three or four year old child in the Farley or Mulready preschool program will need to enter the lottery which will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 9am on the second floor of the Hudson Public Schools Administration Building located at 155 Apsley Street. Families will receive a letter within a couple of weeks of the lottery letting them know if they have a slot for September 2022 or are on the wait list. To enter the preschool lottery, contact Renee Graca, Student Services Office, 978-567-6100 x-42118 or email
rgraca@hudson.k12.ma.us. Deadline for lottery applications is 4pm on December 20, 2021.
Stow

Stow Police & Fire Departments Provide Information Ahead of 3G Cellular Network Shutdown

STOW: Police Chief Michael Sallese, Acting Fire Chief John P. Benoit and Dispatch Supervisor John E. Fantasia wish to provide information about the planned 3G cellular network shutdown, in order to prepare residents for possible impacts. Mobile carriers plan to retire 3G networks, which rely on older technology, beginning in early 2022 in order to allow for more advanced and reliable network services, including 5G. As a result, some older phones and devices will lose call and data functions, including the ability to contact 911.

Residents with family members who use older devices are asked to check in with them and assist them in upgrading their devices, if necessary.

Mobile devices, including those older than an iPhone 6 or Samsung Galaxy S4, may require an upgrade before the elimination of the 3G network. Residents with older phones are urged to contact their mobile carrier or visit their carrier’s website to determine if a new device or software upgrade is necessary.

Mobile providers have indicated they plan to retire 3G services on the following timelines:
 
Residents are reminded that these are the dates for completion and mobile carriers may begin retiring parts of the network earlier. Residents with mobile carriers not listed may still be affected.

The shutdown may affect other devices as well, including medical devices, tablets, smartwatches, vehicle SOS services, personal emergency alert devices, security systems and more. Residents concerned about a device’s connectivity should contact the monitoring company or service provider to see whether or not the device will be impacted.

For more information about the shutdown, including information about resources to assist eligible consumers with phone upgrades and other internet connectivity costs, please click here.
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Hudson's Will Kirkpatrick Speaks at Hudson Historical Society

HUDSON: Hudson resident Will Kirkpatrick, carver, artist and former pharmacist, will be guest speaker at the meeting of  the Hudson Historical Society Tuesday evening, November 30 at First Federated Church hall, 200 Central Street at 7pm. Kirkpatrick will trace his career as pharmacist at the former Wheeler Pharmacy, founder of  Will Kirkpatrick Decoys, Inc., and more recently, whose paintings have been displayed in area shows. Covid closed his studio in Boston, but he continues to work at his home studio in Hudson, where he paints and gives lessons.  Society president Christine DeMare invites Society members, guests and the public to attend. Refreshments will be served.
Stow

Winter Parking Ban takes effect December 1st

STOW: The Town of Stow wishes to remind residents that the seasonal overnight parking ban begins next week. Beginning December 1, parking on public ways for more than one hour at a time between the hours of 1am and 6am is prohibited on public ways in town. The annual parking ban will remain in effect thru March 31, 2021 (Article IV, Section 3). The penalty for violations is $10 per occurrence. Residents whose vehicles are temporarily disabled may call the department at 978-897-4545 and notify dispatch that their vehicle will be parked overnight. They will be asked to provide contact information so they can be reached in the event the vehicle needs to be removed if it becomes a hazard.
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Sustainable Stow: Is Your Home Leaking Money? 

STOW: Is Your Home Leaking Money? Are you spending too much to heat your home because you are losing heat to the outside? How well are you insulated? Hudson Light and Power’s Stow customers can get a free energy audit from Energy New England.

While the audit is a start, it is only a beginning and there will be decisions to make.  What should you do first? Where are my biggest air leaks?  Do I have to replace my windows? Can I have a too “tight” house?  In short, what can I do to get the biggest return on my investment and do the most for the environment? These are some of the questions which will be addressed in our next Randall Library talk on December 1 at 7pm.  Jason Taylor, an energy specialist will be the  guest speaker. He has been training green job workers for the last 12 years at the Green Jobs Academy and ABCD Weatherization Lab in Boston.  

Register in advance for this meeting: https://tinyurl.com/w6ummaya. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting by Zoom.
 
If you missed Sustainable Stow’s October session, there was a tour of a Devens’ community with well-insulated and all-electric homes in a range of sizes and price points, you can still see it here https://tinyurl.com/22ekbdhw.
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Close Up and Macro Imaging Using Unconventional Lenses

HUDSON: On Wednesday, December 1, the Assabet Valley Camera Club (AVCC) is pleased to host Tom Wilson whose presentation will focus on the use of various lenses to capture close up and macro images of flowers, plants and insects. He will feature photos taken with fisheye, macro as well as telephoto lenses on either a full-frame or crop sensor camera. Due to Covid 19 all AVCC meetings are 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 7om with a brief business meeting at 7:15pm. Tom’s presentation will begin at 7:30pm.

Wilson’s work stems from a life-long love of nature and the outdoors. He has worked extensively on the Chattahoochee River providing images for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Georgia. Tom’s work has appeared in numerous publications including National Geographic and The Nature Conservancy Magazine. Tom believes strongly that nature photographers should be nature advocates and use their cameras to protect and preserve our vanishing natural world, documenting the threats to our precious resources and sharing the beauty that makes it worth protecting.

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, visit assabetvalleycc.com or contact Elliot Mednick, club president, at 978-293-5192.
Stow

Town of Stow To Begin Collecting Excise Tax on Boats in Accordance with State Law

STOW: Town Administrator Denise Dembkoski announces that the Town of Stow will, for the first time, begin assessing excise tax on boats in Fiscal Year 2022. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 60B, Section 2 requires communities in the Commonwealth to assess an excise tax on boats that are regularly stored, moored or docked in town as of July 1. The tax is levied for the privilege of using waterways in the Commonwealth.
 
Revenue generated by the excise tax will be split, with half going to the Town of Stow's general fund, and the other half going to the Municipal Waterways Improvement and Maintenance Fund, in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 5G. The Municipal Waterways Improvement and Maintenance Fund is dedicated to maintenance, dredging, cleaning and improvement of harbors, inland waters and great ponds across the Commonwealth, improving public access to those waters, and maintenance of breakwaters, retaining walls, piers, wharves and moorings, as well as for law enforcement and fire prevention. Lake Boon is among the bodies of water that benefit from the Municipal Waterways Improvement and Maintenance Fund, and funds from the tax will help with maintenance of the lake's waters and access points.

There are believed to be 238 taxable boats located in Stow. Owners of those vessels will be sent tax bills on November 29, with the bills being due on January 28. Boats will be taxed based on age and length, at $10 per $1,000 of valuation. To view a table showing valuations of vessels based on age and length, as well as information on possible abatements from the Stow Board of Assessors, click here.

Domestic Violence Roundtable Invites You to Support Holiday Drives for Families Affected by Abuse

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Each year the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable sponsors a family for the holidays, and each year we invite our local communities to become involved in making the holidays brighter for families affected by domestic violence. Families in shelter for the holidays face a sad and difficult time as they are separated from family and friends and are hiding from their abusers.

The Covid 19 pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but it has been especially difficult for families affected by abuse. With the help of our local communities, these families can have happy holidays. There are a number of ways that you can help. Sponsoring a family can be a wonderful way for you and your family to do something together to help others. You can also involve extended family, neighbors, and friends. Or perhaps your colleagues at work, your book club, scout troop, civic organization, or club would like to organize a collection. Your participation in a holiday drive can help relieve the stress and depression that overcome shelter families at this time of year. The support that comes from the community at this time of year reinforces their decisions to seek safety and end violence in their lives. Each gift, each donation, each good holiday wish has a positive effect on their self-esteem and boosts their spirits.

Three local agencies offer services and programs for families affected by domestic violence. All of these programs conduct a Holiday Drive. For further information about how you might help, please contact:
 

Holiday drives start early so that agencies have time to process donations. In some cases, gift cards are being collected so families can shop and wrap their presents. Call now to see how you can help.
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Stow Chorus Concert

STOW:  After more than a year and half of silence, the Sounds of Stow Chorus and Orchestra is delighted to announce its first concert of the 2021-2022 season on Sunday, November 21 at 2pm at the Hale School. The program, selected by Artistic Director Barbara Jones (pictured), consists of four pieces, all by living composers, and speaks to themes of renewal, reflection and finally, of exuberant release.

Thomas Adès’ “Dawn: Chacony for Orchestra at Any Distance” depicts how the first tentative suggestions of light progress to the full blaze of day.  Ola Gjeilo’s haunting “Sunrise Mass” further develops the theme of emerging light with the addition of human voices. Adolphus Hailstork’s three movement cantata “I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes” expresses confidence of help and hope;  asks the ageless question of how long mankind will suffer hardships; then finds an answer through the consoling text of the 23rd psalm.  The work concludes with a joyful, gospel choir expression of Alleluia!  The chorus and orchestra are joined in this dramatic work by renowned tenor soloist Fred VanNess.  The program concludes with Christopher Tin’s infectious, energetic  “Sogno di Volare (Dream of Flight),” which celebrates man’s questing spirit, epitomized by his dream of flight.

The program runs for just over an hour and is performed without intermission. Musicians and audience members must be fully vaccinated and masked. Please bring proof of vaccination to the concert. Tickets are available online at www.soundsofstow.org. For more details and information, you may also email info@soundsofstow.org or call 978-707-9887. 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.

Stow Friends of the Council on Aging Invite You to Shop Local!

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STOW: Stow Friends of the Council on Aging (SFCOA) invite the general public to visit their Gift  Shop located at the Pomposittiticut Community Center, 509 Great Road.  It is open Monday thru Friday from 8am-3:30pm, and boasts beautiful handmade items available for the upcoming holiday season including Handmade Ornaments *  Handmade Mittens for Infants, Toddlers and Adults * Holiday Wreaths * Handmade Needlepoint and Wool Applique Pillows * Handmade Hats, Cowells & Scarves *  Ready-Made Gift Baskets filled with Anna Lee Dolls, Brown Bag Cookie Molds, Holiday Ornaments & more *  Hand Embroidered Holiday Cards * Handmade Aprons for Men and Women…. and STOW Blankets.  Warning!  Homemade Jams, Pickles & Relish are selling like hot cakes.  These make great gifts for Teachers, Friends, Mailman, etc.. Inventory changes often and prices are so reasonable that you’ll wonder why you haven’t shopped there before!

Having the opportunity to shop local and help support SFCOA is a “Win-Win” for you and for the senior residents of Stow.  To get a preview, check out the Gift Shop page online to scroll through the photos of some of the many items you will find in the shop:
https://stowfriendsofthecoa.com/second-chance-holiday-decoration-sale-2/the-sfcoa-gift-shop/about.

Three Stow Firefighters Graduate from Call/Volunteer Training

Townofstow
STOW: Acting Fire Chief John Benoit is pleased to announce the graduation of three Stow Fire Department Firefighters from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Call/ Volunteer training program.
Firefighters Richard Falcione, Timothy Benoit, and Cameron Bower are among 29 graduates from the MFA’s Call/Volunteer Training Class 94, which officially graduated from the training program Tuesday. Graduates received certificates of completion at a ceremony held at the Department of Fire Services in Stow.
During the 16-week training program participants learn the basic skills needed to respond to emergencies, including lessons on fire behavior and suppression, public fire education, flammable liquids, hazardous material incident mitigation, stress management and self-rescue techniques.

The program involves classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training, and live firefighting practice.

Graduates of the program complete 240 hours of training on nights and weekends. To graduate students must demonstrate proficiency in live safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. Upon completion of this training, recruits have also met the standard of National Fire Protection Association 1001. 

“The training provided by the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy is both challenging and essential. It teaches skills every firefighter needs to do their job safely, professionally, and as a member of a team," said Chief Benoit. "I congratulate these firefighters on their achievement, and look forward to working with them as they use their skills and training to keep Stow safe."

Other graduates of Class 94 represent the fire departments of Ashby, Athol, Ayer, Douglas, Leicester, Lynnfield, Medway, Millville, New Braintree, Pepperell, Sherborn, Tyngsborough, and West Brookfield.

The Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley Invites Veterans to a Take-out Lunch on Veterans Day

Rotary
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) in Stow. 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 them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nashobarotary. 
Townofstow

Notice of Tax Classification Hearing 11/9/2021

STOW: The Select Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 7:15pm in the Town Building, 380 Great Road on the issue of tax classification.  The purpose of the hearing is to allow taxpayers the opportunity to present their views on whether or not Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Open Space, and Personal Property should be taxed with one rate for all property classes, or to use different tax rates for different property classes. The hearing will include a presentation by the Board of Assessors outlining the options available under Chapter 40, Section 56 of the Massachusetts General Laws.  At the conclusion of the public hearing the Select Board shall determine whether or not tax classification shall be applied for the Fiscal Year 2022 tax rate.  Currently the Town taxes at a single tax rate for all property classes. All concerned taxpayers are encouraged to attend via Zoom to present their views orally or submit them in writing to the office.

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/99386161270?pwd=eExYSTh3emlrUWxaWGdad3ViMjVUZz09

Meeting ID: 993 8616 1270
Passcode: 126143

If there are questions about the hearing, please contact the Assessors' Office at 978-897-4597. 

Boston Area Gleaners’ Paul Franceschi at Saturday Morning Breakfast

Gleaners
STOW: “Gleaning is harvesting surplus farm crops, preventing waste, and expanding local food access,” says the Boston Area Gleaners (BAG) website. “We gather fresh food from farms and get it to people who need it.” According the site, 10% of Massachusetts residents live with food insecurity, while over 30% of food  grown on farms is never harvested.

On November 13 at 8:05am, BAG outreach coordinator Paul Franceschi will discuss BAG’s activities, including the purchase of Stonefield Farm in Acton this past July. The farm now serves as a hub for storing and packing crops for hunger relief. This virtual event is part of the Saturday Morning Breakfast series hosted by First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) and led by FPC member Jeff Brown.

To access the URL for this virtual event, visit http://facebook.com/fpcstowacton/events. There’s no charge and all are welcome.
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Westborough Native & Award-winning Cellist Zlatomir Fung Joins Symphony Pro Musica November 13

HUDSON & WORCESTER: Symphony Pro Musica is pleased to present "Return to Live Performance!" on Saturday, November 13, 7:30pm at the Paul "Skip" Johnson Auditorium, Hudson High School, and Sunday, November 14, at 4pm at Great Hall, Mechanics Hall, Worcester. There will be a pre-concert lecture 45 minutes prior to each performance. For tickets and more information, please visit www.symphonypromusica.org.

Joining SPM for both concerts is world-renowned cellist Zlatomir Fung, gold medalist in the most recent International Tchaikovsky Competition, the most celebrated competition for classical musicians in the world.  "There is no question that Zlatomir is a truly one of the outstanding string soloists of his generation," says Maestro Churchill. "One of SPM’s missions is to support gifted young musical artists destined for notable careers, and it has been our privilege to present Zlatomir, a Westborough native, from age eleven.  These concerts will mark his fifth appearance with SPM.  We are exceedingly proud of this son of Central Massachusetts!”  

Zlatomir and SPM will perform Elgar’s beloved Cello Concerto, made popular by the legendary Jacqueline du Pré.  Written in 1919, it is Elgar’s final major work and largely a reflection of World War I.  The music is a mix of sublime, deeply felt nobility with thrilling virtuosic turns for the solo cello.  

The program opens with Sir William Walton's quintessentially English “Crown Imperial March,” a piece composed for the crowning of King Edward VIII and used for numerous royal weddings and coronations since. “There is no finer royal march for orchestra than ‘Crown Imperial!’  You will be humming it for weeks afterwards!” adds Churchill.  Also featured is the long-neglected “Negro Folk Symphony” of Early 20th Century American composer William Dawson.  Its three movements – “The Bond of Africa,” “Hope in the Night,” and “O Let Me Shine Like the Morning Star!” – take the listener on a journey through the world of the Black experience of the 1930s.

Championed by Leopold Stokowski and many other notable conductors of the time, the work had numerous performances in the United States and Europe before falling into neglect.  SPM is privileged to be among the orchestras throughout the world reintroducing this masterpiece to today’s music lovers.  Prepare to be uplifted by music of great power and exuberance! 

Founded in 1983, Symphony Pro Musica is a full orchestra that enriches the cultural life of the region with affordable live performances of the best symphonic repertoire. Symphony Pro Musica has performed in Acton, Bolton, Boston, Clinton, Fitchburg, Hudson, Leominster, Lenox, Pittsfield, Sheffield, Southborough, Westborough, Whitinsville, and Mechanics Hall in Worcester.

Throughout its history, SPM has showcased area instrumentalists and gifted young soloists, performing under the guidance of founder and Music Director Mark Churchill. Through its close association with area choruses and vocal soloists, SPM has been able to offer a rich repertoire of opera and choral music in addition to instrumental works. They have also collaborated with ballet companies, and with the drama, music, and art programs of local school systems. 
Hcc

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.

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.

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. 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.
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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.
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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

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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.