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Photographing Pets with Assabet Valley Camera Club Program

HUDSON: On Wednesday, May 4, the Assabet Valley Camera Club (AVCC) is pleased to host Cathleen Broderick. For over 20 years she has been photographing pets, families, and high school seniors. She especially enjoys photographing dogs as they always think they look great, and they are always up for a party! Join Cathleen as she reviews what makes a great image and tips for getting better expressions and photos of our furry friends.

Broderick has earned the Master, Craftsman and Certified Professional Photographer designations from Professional Photographers of America, and is a Past President of Professional Photographers of MA. Visit www.cathleenbroderick.com for more of her work.

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. Cathleen’s presentation Photographing Pets will begin at 7:30pm.

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

AVCC welcomes anyone interested in learning more about photography as a visual art and its practical application as a science.  Members benefit from the hands-on experiences, from the knowledge presented in programs, and from having their work critiqued. For more information check out the AVCC website at www.assabetvalleycc.com or contact Elliot Mednick, club president, at 978-293-5192.
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“Caregivers and Grief Support” at First United Methodist Church

HUDSON: On April 18 from 11am to Noon, the First United Methodist Church at 34 Felton Street will hold its “Caregivers and Grief Support” group meeting in Lamson Hall on the first floor of the church.  Handicap accessible via a motorized seat, with safe distancing and wear masks for small gatherings.

In these current difficult times of isolation, caregiving for a loved one may have become more challenging and oftentimes, some of us have had to cope with the loss of the person we were caring for. This group is open to anyone experiencing these situations. These are not professionals and only have caring and support to offer.

The purpose is to establish a safe, quiet setting for those who are feeling the weight that often accompanies the difficult emotions that follow our efforts.  If you feel alone, isolated and/or unique in your caregiving role, attend.  Problems won't be solved, and situations won't be changed, but support will be offered by encouraging each other to not feel weak, selfish, guilty or unloving because of our thoughts. Sometimes we even find humor and laugh with each other.  This, too, is healing for caregivers and those grieving.
Share your concerns and feelings with those who know what you are going through.  No judgment. Only compassion.

Meetings are open to anyone who is a caregiver or is grieving a loss and may be feeling isolated by their particular situation. You may come just to listen or 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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Stow Cultural Council Awards Grants for 2022

STOW: The Stow Cultural Council is proud to announce the 2022 winners of grant funding for local arts and humanities  activities that enrich the Stow community. This diverse group of projects, performances, and events deepen and enhance the cultural life of the Town and the immediate area, bringing enjoyment and cultural enrichment for residents of all ages.
FY2022 grantees include:
 
  • Nashoba FIRST Robotics Team #1768, $500
  • Pamela Means, Power of the Protest Song: Our Shared History & Present Day Struggles, $425
  • Anna-Celestrya Carr, Cultural Appreciation with Arts and Crafts, $600
  • Steven M. Hurlbut, Jumpin' Juba Senior Concert, $350
  • Clear Path for Veterans New England, Art from the Heart, $375
  • Nashoba Symphonic Band, $500
  • Sounds of Stow, Sounds of Stow 2021-2022 Concert Season, $500
  • Nashoba Friends of Drama, Spring Musical, $500
  • Brooke Lindsay, The Howler - literary magazine at NRHS, $750
  • Abigail Morgan, Art as Activism, $1000
  • Randall Library, Summer Reading 2022 & Year-Round Library Diversity Programming, $1348

The Stow Cultural Council’s mission is to  create a closer-knit community in Stow by  sponsoring and supporting activities and  events that bring the diverse elements of  our community together for enjoyment and cultural enrichment. The SCC is seeking to fund projects that will bring together parts of the community that do not often interact in their day-to-day life. We feel that a wide variety of cultural events can be used to foster understanding between the various groups in town through experiencing events together, working together on projects, and sharing stories about Stow’s history.
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Randall Library Friends Form Revitalize Randall Special Subcommittee

STOW: The Randall Library Friends Governing Board is pleased to announce the creation of a special subcommittee to focus on raising awareness and support for the proposed Randall Library renovation project. The all-volunteer Revitalize Randall Committee is focused on sharing information about the design process, answering questions, and encouraging residents to attend and vote in favor of the project at Town Meeting (May 14) and Town Election (May 21).

Residents can learn about the project on the Friends website: www.randallfriends.org (Revitalize Randall tab) or by stopping by the information table at the Randall Library and/or at the Friends Book Sale (April 23/24).

The need for a renovation has reached a critical state and we are excited to share the proposed design plans with the community. Once complete, Randall will be a 21st century library replete with the resources our residents need.

When the projects passes at both Town Meeting and the Town Election, the Committee will engage in a community-wide fundraising effort with the goal of engaging individuals, local businesses and grant/foundation support for the project, which will offset final costs to the Town.

Says Randall Library Friends Board President, Lisa Lavina, “We’re excited to share the project information and have Town residents of all ages join us to support creating a 21st century library for Stow. See you at Town Meeting!”
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Yard/Craft Sale at First United Methodist Church

HUDSON: Calling All Vendors!  Reserve your space. First United Methodist Church of Hudson at 34 Felton Street invites everyone to their Annual Yard and Crafts Sale on June 18 from 9am-2pm in the church parking lot. There will be delicious food for sale including homemade Chili, Chicken Salad, Beans and Corn Muffins; all at reasonable prices!

There is unlimited space for you to set up as the parking lot is huge. The church has a limited amount of tables - first come, first served, and chairs to the first responders.  There is a small $12 fee for each vendor.

Now that things are looking brighter for outdoor gatherings, call soon to reserve a space to sell your treasures and crafts. Call or email now to reserve a table, first come, first served or you can bring your own set-up. More information is available at 978-562-2932 or www.hudsonfumc.org

Senator Eldridge Announces Passage of Hudson Armory Home Rule Petition by Senate
Bill authorizing sale of Hudson Armory to Town of Hudson would be accompanied by $230,000 state budget earmark to purchase 1910 armory

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HUDSON: State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) is pleased to announce that the State Senate has passed S. 2729, an Act authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to convey a certain parcel of land to the town of Hudson. The bill authorizes the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to sell the Hudson Armory to the town of Hudson. This castle-like building, built in 1910, sits on the banks of the Assabet River. The two-story Armory currently sits vacant, after most recently being used by the Massachusetts State Police.Many decades ago, many Hudson dinner banquets and celebrations were held at the Hudson Armory.

Seeking to make use of this space, a dedicated group of local citizens formed a non-profit organization, the Hudson Cultural Alliance. The Hudson Cultural Alliance has worked diligently to transform this former military installation into an arts center.

The Arts Center 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.  

“I’m pleased to partner with Rep. Kate Hogan to guide this Home Rule petition through the Legislature, and I’m proud that it has now passed the State Senate,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton). “Transforming the Hudson Armory into a Community Performing Arts Center is, in my opinion, the next stage for Hudson’s renaissance, which now attracts residents from across Metrowest, to enjoy all that Hudson has to offer. I’m grateful for the vision of the Hudson Cultural Alliance, the Hudson Business Improvement District, and of course Hudson town officials.”

In addition to securing Senate passage of this important legislation, to help this project move forward, Senator Eldridge has secured a total of $280,000 in state funds for the arts center. First, Senator Eldridge secured $230,000 in funds for Hudson to purchase the armory through a local earmark in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget. Second, Senator Eldridge secured $50,000 for planning, construction, renovation, property management and maintenance work at the Hudson Armory through a supplemental appropriation law. These funds are critical to Hudson’s economic development.

The town of Hudson has been an active partner in this effort. Scott Duplisea, Chair of the Hudson Select Board, stated, on behalf of the Select Board, “I wish to extend my gratitude to Senator Eldridge and Representative Hogan for their advocacy and leadership in the development of legislation authorizing the conveyance of the Armory to the Town of Hudson. The Board looks forward to partnering with the Hudson Cultural Alliance in the strategic redevelopment of this historic building for a community arts center in our downtown.”

Kristina Johnson, Hudson’s Director of Planning & Community Development, added, “the development of a performance arts center at the historic armory is vital for continuing  Downtown  Hudson’s economic and cultural renaissance. An investment in the  arts is an investment in the community and the local economy,  and we are grateful to Senator Eldridge's efforts to acquire an earmark so that the Town and the Business Improvement District can create a seamless integration of arts and culture into the local economy.”

Finally, this project would not have happened without the passionate advocacy of the Hudson Cultural Alliance. Tom Desmond, the Hudson Cultural Alliance’s President and Founder stated, “This funding allows the Hudson Cultural Alliance to take a major step forward with our project by actually acquiring the Armory.  Purchasing and renovating this iconic building has been our long term goal and Senator Eldridge’s assistance has made the purchase a reality. The Hudson Cultural Alliance is particularly grateful for the Senator’s ongoing support.”

End Hunger New England Announces Plan to Send up to 1 Million Meals to Ukraine & Refugee Centers

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PEMBROKE: EndHungerNE announced that it has started a funding campaign to package and ship up to one-million meals to Ukraine and refugee centers in surrounding countries. The plan is to raise $350,00 in the next 2 months. All of the money tagged for the Ukraine will be used for food. 

Matthew Martin, the organization’s Development Coordinator stated, “We have been working on this for a while and just coordinated with a shipping and distribution partner to get our meals overseas. The situation in Ukraine is dire, our volunteers and supporters have been asking if we were going to get involved – and the answer to that is YES! We’ll start packaging this weekend.”

“The financial and volunteer support we have experienced over the past two years has been incredible. Over 1200 volunteers are regularly showing up at our Pembroke facility – brownie troops, high schoolers and sports teams, local civic and church groups, seniors – it's just been amazing! The more funding we can acquire, the more meals our volunteers can pack.” 

To make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.endhungerne.org. Checks can be made out to The Outreach Program (parent non-profit of EndHunger NE) and sent to 93 Whiffletree Lane, Marshfield, MA 02050. Please write Ukraine on the memo line and please check with your company to see if they offer a corporate match or are seeking to support the mission of EndHungerNE.
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Volunteers Sought for April 8 Financial Reality Fair at Nashoba Regional High School

The Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley is running its annual financial Reality Fair for Nashoba Regional High School sophomores on April 8 from 7-11:30am. The club is seeking volunteers to bring a taste of financial literacy to the students in a fun and engaging way. Interested volunteers should contact info@nashobarotary.org or leave a message at 978-627-4135.

The Reality Fair is a financial management event for the high school’s sophomores, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley, Nashoba Regional High School, and Clinton Savings Bank. The objective is to give students a better understanding of the financial responsibilities they will face in the real world. Students pick a career, get a monthly paycheck, and have to maintain a lifestyle within their budget.

“On the day of the fair, students get a paycheck based on a career that they select,” explained Glen Bunnell, President of the Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley. “The paycheck shows their monthly salary and deducted taxes. With the remaining money, they need to pay for essentials like housing, utilities, insurance, transportation, clothing, and food. They are also tempted with “nice-to-have” luxuries, such as pets, travel, and entertainment, and they must spin a Wheel of Fortune that will help them understand life’s unexpected expenses or windfalls. It’s a real eye opener for most of them, and we can use more help for this learning experience. Besides, it’s a ton of fun!”

After students visit the various tables at the fair, they will balance their budgets and review their spreadsheets with a credit counselor. The completed ledgers are then sent home to the students for further discussion. As a result, each student should gain greater financial literacy and appreciation for future financial decisions.

For more information about the Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley, visit www.nashobarotary.org and www.facebook.com/nashobarotary.
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Red Cross Swim Lessons Available from Learn to Swim Program

BOLTON: Red Cross swim lessons are available at the Bolton Town Beach July 11-15, July 18-22 and July 25-29.  For more information or to register, go to www.townofbolton.com/parks-recreation-commission/pages/current-program-information. You must be a Bolton resident to register for the Learn to Swim program. 

Stow Police Department Announces Start of Jail Diversion Program

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STOW: Chief Michael Sallese is pleased to announce that the Stow Police Department is partnering with the Harvard Police Department and Advocates to begin a Jail Diversion Program, which will connect those with mental-health or substance misuse issues to needed services.

An Advocates clinician will be available to the Departments as a co-first responder, accompanying officers on a range of calls including wellbeing checks; large-scale events; and calls involving populations in crisis, such as seniors, veterans, and children in need of support.  The clinician will follow up on cases, referring those in need to treatment providers and services as needed. Department personnel can make a referral to the JDP clinician to follow up on a case or situation that they deem necessary.

“Our officers are responding to an increasing number of situations involving mental health and substance misuse,” Chief Sallese said. “Through Jail Diversion, we will be able to address the key issues behind many of these calls more completely. We will be better prepared to ensure a safe outcome, and help those in crisis obtain needed assistance rather than entry into the criminal justice system.”

The Stow Police Department’s goal is to expand to a standalone Jail Diversion Program with a fulltime civilian clinician. Advocates provides co-response services to 17 police departments west of Boston. In 2021, its clinicians intervened in 4,818 cases, and successfully diverted 299 individuals from the criminal justice system.

"Advocates first began co-response with Framingham Police in 2003 and is eager to roll out the Stow/Harvard program. Providing crisis support alongside police partners allows for improved outcomes and connection to supports," said Taylor Hayden, an Advocates Jail Diversion Supervisor assigned to the Stow/Harvard Jail Diversion Program. "The goal in having a clinician embedded within the department is to offer an additional tool for officers to use during related calls for service."

Rotary Offers Youth Leadership Conference Opportunity for High School Sophomores

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HUDSON/WORCESTER: Symphony Pro Musica, conducted by Mark Churchill, presents its second performance of the 2021/22 season on March 19 at 7:30pm at the Hudson High School, and on Sunday, March 20, at 3:30pm at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. The program is titled “Music Alive” and features violinist Inmo Yang, first-prize winner of the internationally renowned Paganini Competition. Yang will perform Jean Sibelius’s masterly and beloved Violin Concerto.

“It’s a privilege to work with Inmo once more,” says Churchill. “He has already established himself as one of the leading international violin soloists of his generation. He plays with power, grace and subtlety, and his technique is second to none. He plays the violin exactly as I think it should be played!” Yang recently released his second critically acclaimed Deutsche Grammophon recording, “The Genetics of Strings,” an insightful and virtuosic exploration of the history of strings. Inmo plays on the 1718 “Bostonian” Stradivarius, on loan from a private donor. (Listen to Yang’s performance of the Sibelius Concerto in Boston’s Symphony Hall here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjjROCnJ8iI )

The SPM program also features Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 “Pathetique,” his final composition prior to his death in 1893. Tchaikovsky himself famously wrote “it is the best thing I ever composed or  shall compose.”  Churchill comments “This piece represents a struggle between life and death, and is a reinvention of the symphonic form itself.” The program opens with Lili Boulanger’s “D’un matin de printemps,” a vibrant and delicate piece and Boulanger’s last  composition before her death at the age of 24.

SPM continues its long tradition of performing at Hudson High School, which began at the orchestra’s founding 39 years ago. The orchestra returns to Mechanics Hall, where SPM played in November 2021. Churchill adds “What a privilege it is to have a world-class concert hall right here in Central Massachusetts. The acoustics are ambiance are second to none.  SPM always feels honored to play at Mechanics, and we know that our listeners are in for a real treat!”

Students are always able to attend SPM concerts at no charge. Adult tickets are $25, senior tickets are $20, and group rates are available. First-time SPM concertgoers may also attend the Hudson performance free of charge. Tickets to the performances may be found on Eventbrite
(www.symphonypromusica.eventbrite.com), or on the SPM website, where you can learn more about this concert and upcoming concerts. Visit  www.symphonypromusica.org, call 978-562-0939, or email spmoffice@symphonypromusica.org.

PHOTO: 23-year-old superstar violinist Inmo Yang has won major international competitions and has recorded two albums with Deutshe Grammophon.
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Rotary Offers Youth Leadership Conference Opportunity for High School Sophomores

BOLTON: The Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley seeks qualified candidates to apply for this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) conference to be held June 24 – June 26 at Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg MA. This annual leadership conference offers outstanding high school sophomores the opportunity to live, work, and interact together in an atmosphere of friendly competition.  The program is designed to challenge participants to use and improve their leadership skills.  Best of all, there is no charge to students who participate. The Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley will sponsor four students at this year’s conference. Applications are due March 25, 2022 and are available from www.nashobarotary.org.

Robert Johnson, local Committee Chairperson, said that participants will be selected from students who reside in Stow, Bolton, or Lancaster, have exhibited leadership potential, and are currently in their sophomore year of high school.  The Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley is contacting high school principals, guidance counselors, youth organizations, and other sources for nominations and welcomes applications and recommendations from the public.
For an application and more information, visit www.nashobarotary.org or contact Robert Johnson at johnson@itesafety.com, 978-875-3143.
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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

Great egrets
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.
Stow

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

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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.
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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

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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

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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

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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. 
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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.