Year: 2013
Nashoba Tries “Bring Your Own Device”
By Ann Needle
The image of the plugged-in/tuned out child – playing computer games while ears are attached to an MP3 player– has become a symbol of today’s high-tech world. But the Nashoba schools are out to change that.
“We really want to show students that these are tools for learning,” Nashoba Technology Integration Coordinator Cyndi Larsen said of the Internet and the high-tech tools that are second nature to many students. Nashoba’s latest move in this direction is its “Bring Your Own Device” program, testing out how the schools can put the hodgepodge of technology families use – laptops computers, tablets, smartphones – to work in learning.
UMASS Creating Gleasondale Master Plan
By Nancy Arsenault
Planning Board Coordinator Karen Kelleher announced that Stow, and specifically the Gleasondale Village area, has been chosen by UMASS as the subject of a 14-week intensive exploration by students and faculty of the Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning Department in Amherst.
Their project will result in a specific Master Plan for that part of Stow, including an inventory of most properties contained within the village boundaries, analysis of economic and environmental issues, concluding with recommendations that could ultimately preserve the character of the area, ensuring its vitality and value to the town, well into the future, according to Kelleher.
The Independent Clause
Well, nothing says New England quite like -50o bitter windchill on Monday, 40s on Tuesday. Or at least it felt like that. That wind the last few days was just ridiculous. I had to look down and make sure I really did have pants on when I stepped outside. Thankfully, for the neighbor’s sake, I…
Indoor Track Not Resting on Laurels
By Ellen Oliver
After snatching the Mid-Wach B league titles for both the boys and girls indoor track on February 2, the season remains successful for the Chieftains. “This was a great accomplishment for both teams,” said boys coach Andrew LeBlanc. “The league championship was a goal from the beginning of the season and we are very satisfied with what we accomplished in the regular season.”
The teams only had a few days to bask in the glory of the league title, the first for the girls and back-to-back for the boys, before heading to the District and State meets.
Public Safety Log
Excerpts from the Public Safety Logs. Please note, arrests are made based on probable cause but do not determine guilt or innocence until proven in court. Monday February 11, 2013 7:48pm COMPLAINT A caller from Cricket Court reported a snowmobile on the trail behind his home. The Police responded to check the area. Nothing was…
Calendar
Randall Library Programs Thursday, February 21, 2013, 6:30pm, Author David Mark-Lecturing on “Slavery in Massachusetts, 1641-1783”-The Randall Library in Stow is hosting local Author David Mark at this special event as he lectures on what servitude and slavery was like in the colonies into the foundation of the United States from 1641-1783. Friday, February 22,…
In This Week’s Print Edition… February 20, 2013
Where to Buy a Copy Subscribe for Home Delivery Butternut Co-Owner Dies at Age 43 Trevor Page, 43, whose family has been prominent in the Stow golfing industry for years, passed away on February 12 after a short illness (see obituary on page 2). His death comes just 8 months after that of his…
Girls BBall Thrives Despite Illness, Injury
By Ellen Oliver
The Nashoba Chieftains are 13-2, undefeated in their league. “We’re happy,” said Coach Beth McNamara. “I hope we keep it up. It’s hard for the other team to defend all of our kids.” Although she’s happy with success, the coach doesn’t feel like she’s had her whole team in good working order all season. “We had a couple kids injured, a lot of sickness, flu, strep throat; kids were out sick for two or three days. We’ve struggled with that a bit.”
McNamara said the challenges have not just been on the court, but during practice, too. “It’s tough to practice when so many kids are sick.
A Little Pet Goes A Long Way
By Ann Needle
“You could say the COA has gone to the dogs,” joked COA Director Alyson Toole, referring to a program that provides a chance for several canines to spend time, bringing cheer, comfort, and laughs to Stow seniors.
About once a month, the COA brings in a passel of “therapy dogs” to frolic and rest with clients for an hour or so. According to Toole, the dogs make for terrific emotional therapy for seniors, many who can no longer take care of pets of their own or are not allowed to have a pet in their current residence.