Calendar

Randall Library Programs
The Randall Library has a new website – www. RandallLibraryStow.org with the latest news on upcoming events, programs, reading suggestions and a whole lot more.

Author Talk: Jennifer Zobair, Thursday December 12th at 7pm- Fans of Jumpa Lahiri’s book The Nameske will love Jennifer Zobair’s Painted Hands. Filled with Boston references and riveting characters Painted Hands, follows the lives of three friends who juggle careers and family demands while trying to balance Muslin religious and cultural beliefs with an American way of life. Zobair will be at the Randall Library to speak about her inspirations for writing the book and will be available for book signing. Refreshments will be available.

Stow Solar Open House
A Solar Open Houses will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14 at Jack Zettler’s home, 52 Barton Rd, Stow, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Solar Open Houses will give local residents and businesses the opportunity to view working residential solar electric systems. Stow Solar Challenge representatives will be present to answer questions about solar and about the Stow Solar Challenge’s discounts. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. The Stow Solar Challenge is being driven by the Stow Energy Working Group and local volunteers, with the endorsement of the town selectmen.

NRHS Music Department Chorale Concert
Susan Mianulli, the Choral Director will showcase the talents of the Nashoba Choral Groups. Join her and her talented teens for a lively musical journey into the holiday season on Friday, December 13th 7:00 PM .All the Choirs have prepared thoroughly and will set the tone and send you off into the night filled with revelry. The joys of the holiday season will last for days after hearing these amazing voices. The show starts at 7:00 in the NRHS Auditorium, and costs $5, with students and seniors free. Show our teens how we value their gifts by showing your support! Refreshments will be served!

Royal Scottish Country Dance Society
The Stow class of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society will take place on Friday, December 13 at the Stow Town Hall. Scottish Country Dancing is the much older version of our Contra Dancing and is quite social. Partners are not needed. Soft-soled shoes are recommended. There will be a Children’s Class beginning at 6:30 pm and and Adult/Teen Beginner’s Class at 7:15. Social Dancing begins at 8:00. All are welcome to join this enjoyable and social dance form Please join us.

It’s Girl Scout Cookie Time!
Stow Girl Scouts will be hosting a Girl Scout cookie sale on Saturday December 14th and December 21st at the Stow Post Office from 9-noon. Stop by and get Thin Mints, Caramel deLites, Peanut Butter Patties, Shortbread, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Lemonades, Thanks-A-Lot and a new cookie this year, Cranberry Citrus Crisps. America’s favorite cookies are still only $4 per box. Cookie sales help support the Girl Scouts in our community and treat your taste buds, your heart and your mind to a sweet trip down memory lane. Help girls meet their goals and fund great adventures and activities for their troops. The Girl Scouts can also accept donated boxes of cookies to be sent to overseas troops or to a local food pantry.

Girl Scouts will also be selling cookies door-to-door beginning December 13th, and there will be additional booth sales at Shaw’s in January, February & March.

Boxborough-Stow Emergency Services Appreciation Day
The local aviation community will host an Emergency Services Appreciation Day in the South Hangar at Minute Man Air Field in Stow on Saturday, December 14th at 11am. Designed to thank all of the Boxborough, Stow and regional emergency services personnel, the event will include personal testimonials and the presentation of certificates of appreciation. A light lunch, cake and ice cream will be served at noon, followed by free plane rides for emergency personnel provided by local pilots. The Friends of Minuteman Airfield, the Airport Commission, local pilots, and airport owners Nancy and Don McPherson are hosting this event, which is open to the public. Everyone in the area who has ever been assisted by emergency services is invited to come and voice their gratitude for the efforts of our local police, firefighters, and EMTs. For more information, or if you would like to give a testimonial, call the airport Operations Office at 978-897-3933 or visit www.minutemanairfield.com.

New Book Club Meeting
The next meeting of the New Book Club will be on Tuesday, December 17 at 7PM at the library. We’ll discuss The 100-Year-Old-Man Who Climbed Out the Window by Jonas Jonasson. Allan Karlsson decides to escape from his nursing home. His surprising journey takes him (and you) on an unexpected adventure. Allan’s life history is unique and his second life experience puts him on the world stage. Read this funny and uplifting book that has charmed readers across the globe. Questions–call 978-897-6055.

~OUT OF STOW~

A Christmas Journey at Ecotarium
All Aboard! The destination is the North Pole and a visit with Santa Claus in A Christmas Journey, the EcoTarium’s popular holiday program for families. Based on the classic children’s story, The Polar Express, the event takes place at the EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, on Saturday, December 14 at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 p.m. Each program lasts 60 minutes. Advance ticket purchase is required.

A Christmas Journey begins with a reading by Mrs. Claus of Chris Van Allsburg’s classic winter tale, The Polar Express. The story comes alive as families board the Explorer Express Train with help from a friendly Conductor and some of Santa’s Elves.

Each child receives a bell to fill the chilly air with the joyful sounds of the holiday season. After a wintry train ride around the EcoTarium grounds, passengers disembark at the station for a return trip to the museum where hot cocoa, cookies, and Santa are waiting. It’s a perfect holiday photo opportunity– and a special treat for children who “believe.” For more information, call 508-929-2700 or visit ecotarium.org.

Tickets for A Christmas Journey are limited and must be purchased in advance. Cost is $10 per person, plus museum admission; $7 for EcoTarium members. The program is free for children under age one.Tickets are available online at ecotarium.org or by calling (508) 929-2703. Tickets do not include admission to the EcoTarium, which must be purchased separately at the gate on the day of the event. Museum admission is free for EcoTarium members.

Annual River’s Edge Holiday Concert
The 8th annual River’s Edge Holiday Concert will be held on December 15, 3:00 pm at Hudson High School, 69 Brigham Street and will continue our 2013-2014 Hometown Season. Performing in this popular concert will be the River’s Edge Community Band, the River’s Edge Chorale and the River’s Edge Youth Chorus. The members of these groups represent over 20 surrounding communities.

Come early and finish your holiday shopping at our River’s Edge Holiday Shoppe featuring arts and crafts handmade by local artists and vendors as well as a poinsettia sale. The Holiday Shoppe which will take place in the cafeteria from 2:00-3:00, during intermission and after the concert. Visit upwitharts.org or call 978-562-1646 to purchase tickets in advance and save $1. Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors/students and $10 for children under 10. Members save an additional $2 per ticket. Hudson High School is wheelchair accessible. $.50 from each ticket sold will be donated to the Hudson Food Pantry
Winter Solstice Sunrise at Half Moon Meadow Brook in Boxborough

Saturday, December 21, 7:00-8:00am; Leader: SVT Member George Krusen
If you’re an early riser, or even if you’re not, don’t miss this very popular outing. On the shortest day of the year, view the winter solstice sunrise through the stone structures (allegedly Native American ceremonial stone structures) at Half Moon Meadow Brook. The sunlight bores through the stones for a magnificent viewing. It’s a beautiful way to start the winter.

SVT’s Half Moon Meadow Brook property provides protection for the drainage of Fort Pond Brook on the way to the Assabet River. A short trail leads through woods into the field that occupies most of the property. A pile of small stones on a ridge may have been mounds created by Native Americans to symbolize the turtle, but could also have been placed there by colonial farmers to clear the fields.
SVT members, free. Non-members, $10.00. To register go to: www.svtweb.org/events-calendar. Space is limited, registration is required.

Cyndy