Upcoming Events at Randall Library
Author reading December 4, 7pm – Of Lake, Land and Liberty is a historical novel based on the actual events of the Battle of Plattsburgh during the War of 1812, which took place in and around Lake Champlain and Upstate New York. Come meet and speak with author Joe Bebo, when he will be reading from his book and speaking about his research and inspirations.
Preschool Story Time, Fridays at 10:30am – Come join the fun with Ms. Morrison when she reads books and presents a fun craft that kids make and take home. December 5 – Cynthia Maxfield, Every Child Ready to Read. December 12 – Snowmen! December 19 – Gingerbread.
Meditation for a Stress-Free Holiday and Beyond, Saturday, December 6, 10:30am – Join Dr. Allan Hughes, a long time meditator, as he discusses the extraordinary effect of meditation to reduce stress-related responses, improve concentration, and enhance clarity of thought and mental equilibrium.
Simple Machine Toy Factory, Saturday, December 13, 2-3:30pm – Come make action toys using levers, wheels/axles, and inclined planes!
Donovan Art Studio GALLERY OPENING
Donovan Art Studio, 16 Gleasondale Rd., is hosting a gallery opening and artist reception for Kristen Holt Donovan Saturday, December 6, from 6-9pm. All ages are welcome.
Stow garden club ANNUAL GREENS SALE
Stow Garden Club Annual Holiday Greens Sale at the Stow Town Hall on Saturday, December 6, from 8am until 12noon. Prices range from $3 to $50. Want a bundle of greens to do your own decorating? We’ve got that, too. Proceeds from the sale go back to the community through the many activities and projects supported by the Stow Garden Club.
COA HOLIDAY DECORATION SALE
The Stow Friends of the Council on Aging will be having its annual Holiday Decoration Sale on Saturday, December 6, from 9am to 1pm. Along with the decorations, there will be special tables for young shoppers to purchase small items at a low cost for their friends and family. If you have any decorations that you no longer need please donate them to Council on Aging on the lower level of Town Building, Monday-Friday, from 8am to 4pm, before December 6. If you need someone to pick your donation please call 978-897-1880.
Calling all Ukulele Players and friends!
Come join a Boston Ukulele Union Meetup on Thursday, December 11, at the First Parish Church, 353 Great Rd. in Stow. Ukulele players from around the area will join together to strum and sing some old favorites and try some new selections. All levels of players are welcome, and music sheets will be provided as well as some light refreshments. Bring your uke (and a music stand if you have one) and join us. For more information contact Pat Sorn, [email protected].
Gingerbread House Making
Looking for a great holiday event for the whole family? Come to the Nashoba National Honor Society’s Gingerbread House Making Celebration! There will be something for everyone, and it’s a fun way to get into the holiday spirit. The event will be held on December 12 at the Nashoba Regional High School cafeteria from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. The cost of one gingerbread house is $20. Please notify Olivia Hurd, the National Honor Society President, prior to attending at [email protected]. Hope to see you all there!
The Black Eagles are Coming
On Friday, December 12, 7pm, at Stow Town Hall, come celebrate Lew Halprin’s 80th birthday with a free concert by the Black Eagles Jazz Band. All are welcome!
Stow Fire Department Santa Day
The Stow Fire Department is proud to announce that Santa Claus is coming to Stow on Sunday, Dec. 14. He will be escorted around the streets of Stow on a fire engine and will stop for those we see waiting. Because of the number of children who would like to see Santa and his short amount of time in town, please meet Santa at the stops indicated in last week’s paper or visit the Stow Independent website for the complete schedule. Please call the fire station between 8 am and 5 pm at 978-897-4537 if you have any questions.
NEW BOOK CLUB MEETING
The next meeting of the New Book Club will be at 7PM on Tuesday, December 16, at the Randall Library. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein will be discussed. This is a heart-wrenching but deeply funny novel written from a dog’s point of view. It is an ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope. Enzo knows he is different from other dogs. He listens carefully to Denny, his master. Join us for a December treat in a discussion of all things we love, hate, and abide. Questions:978-897-6055.
~Outside of Stow~
Holiday Pops!
Bring the whole family to Good Shepherd’s’ annual Holiday Pops Concert on Friday, December 5, at 7pm. Singers and instrumentalists from the church and wider community, including Rev. Gareth, will perform your favorite holiday music, including selections from Frozen. Be ready to sing along! Champagne and Christmas confections will be offered. Tickets are $15, $5 for children, at the door. At Church of the Good Shepherd, 164 Newtown Rd., Acton. Visit www.goodshepherdacton.org for more information about Church of the Good Shepherd, Acton.
HOLIDAY CONCERT SUNDAY
Nashaway Philharmonic’s Bolton Festival Chorus presents its seventh annual Holiday Concert on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 4:30 p.m. at First Parish of Bolton, 673 Main St. The program will feature more than 20 carols arranged by Shaw, Bennett, Grundman, and Holst as well as excerpts from Handel’s Messiah. Free admission, donations welcome
CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT IN HARVARD, AYER, AND SHIRLEY
Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge, Sunday, December 14, 9am-3pm. If you are an enthusiastic birder, join Friends of the Oxbow NWR for a day of birding as part of the 115th National Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC). The CBC is citizen science at its best throughout North, Central, and South America. Every year groups of observers search a given area trying to find as many species and number of birds as possible. Starting Point: Partway down Still River Depot Road in Harvard at the National Wildlife Refuge sign. Dress for cold, adverse weather and bring binoculars, lunch/drink. For more information and to RSVP contact Rona or Don Macfarlane at 978-897-7567.
Join us for the 9th Annual River’s Edge Holiday Concert
The 9th annual River’s Edge Holiday Concert will be held on December 14, 3pm, at Hudson High School, 69 Brigham St. in Hudson. Performing in this popular concert will be the 50-member strong River’s Edge Community Band; and the River’s Edge Chorale, which welcomes 46 local singers and 12 talented local youth in 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 3rd annual River’s Edge Holiday Shoppe, featuring arts and crafts handmade by local artists and vendors. The Holiday Shoppe will take place in the cafeteria from 2-3pm, during intermission, and after the concert. Visit upwitharts.org to purchase tickets or call 978-562-1646. 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.
WINTER SOLSTICE NIGHT HIKE
Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, Sunday, , 6pm-7:30pm. Welcome in winter with a walk! The sun will be at its lowest point in the sky and it will be the shortest day of the year. Join refuge staff and volunteers for a special hike at night during typical closed hours. This walk is open to all ages – snowshoes or cross country skis may be needed. Shorter walk may be accommodated for people with winter boots depending on depth of snow. RSVP required by 3pm on Friday, December 19, to the reception desk at Visitor Center, 978-562-3527 x111, or email Kizette.