Annual Joint Unitarian Universalist Service at FPC
On Sunday, August 2, at 10 am, First Parish Church of Stow and Acton (FPC), 353 Great Rd., will host the 12th annual Unitarian Universalist joint service. The service includes the UU churches of Harvard, Littleton, Hudson, Groton, and Lancaster, as well as the interdenominational First Parish of Bolton. FPC is wheelchair accessible. For more information, call 978-897-8149 or visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.
August at the Randall Library
4th Annual Win-Win -During the week of August 4, the Randall Library is offering a terrific win-win in conjunction with the Stow Food Pantry. Simply bring in any new/unused personal care product from the list provided and we will forgive up to $3 of your existing library fines (“billed” items are excluded)! Donations, especially personal care products, are historically lower during the summer months at the Food Pantry. Visit the library from Tuesday, August 4 to Friday, August 7, with your donation. Help them help others and help yourself – it’s truly a win-win for everyone! Suggested donations; shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, disposable razors, shaving cream, bar soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, feminine products, band-aids, hand sanitizer, kids’ sunblock.
Special Summer Reading Events for Kids – Design Your Own Superhero, Tuesday, August 4, 10:15am; and Rhythm Room, Tuesday, August 11, 11am.
Stow Area Parents Network (SAPN) Pre-Kindergarten Playgroup
Calling all kids about to enter kindergarten! Join us for a final pre-kindergarten playgroup with your soon-to-be classmates on Friday, August 7, 3-5pm. We will meet at the Center School playground in Stow for play time and popsicles/hoodsie cups. All local children who are about to enter kindergarten, along with their caregivers and siblings, are invited to join us – you do not need to be a member of SAPN to participate. Please RSVP by August 4 on BigTent or email [email protected] so we know how many people to expect!
The Stow Area Parents Network is an organization that provides resources and activities for families with children age 5 and under in Stow and the surrounding areas. For more information about SAPN, visit our website at www.bigtent.com/groups/sapn1 or email [email protected].
Stow Fire Rescue’s Wash the Fire Truck Day
** FREE admission ** Cool fun on a hot day. On Sunday, August 16, Stow Fire Rescue will be holding its annual fun event at the Stow Fire Station (16 Crescent St.). Kids will be able to wash a fire truck, jump on the moon bounces, get their temporary tattoos, and explore the rescue vehicles. Rain date to be determined if necessary. Come say “Hi” to Sparky the Fire Dog and join us from 11am to 1pm. For more information call 978-897-4537.
Stow Bike for the Woods
The 14th annual Stow Bike for the Woods is taking place Sunday, August 23. This is a family-friendly road-bike ride in support of the Stow Conservation Trust. Registration starts at 8:30am, ride at 9am. The ride starts in front of the Randall Library at the junction of Routes 117 and 62. You can register for the ride and get more information at http://bikeforthewoods.org. We will have food and drink including fresh peaches, cider donuts, and our famous mid-ride lemonade stand.
Choose from a variety of ride lengths including 5,14, 28, 35, 48, and a 65 mile metric century. All ages and abilities are welcome. The routes are well marked and cue sheets are provided. The routes take you by many of the conservation properties in the area. See up close why Stow and surrounding towns are considered biking central by those in the know. The Stow Conservation Trust aims to preserve open space for future generations. All proceeds from the ride go to the Trust. Last year the ride raised over $2,000 for this worthy cause.
Food, drink, and support for the ride are provided by our great sponsors: Whole Foods Market, Wayland; Bagels Plus of Acton; Trader Joe’s of Acton; Pedal Power of Acton; Idylwilde Farms of Acton; Carver Hill Orchard of Stow; Honey Pot Hill Orchards of Stow; and Starbucks of Acton.
Stow Fall Soccer – Pre-K and Kindergarten
Fall soccer registration is now open for Stow boys and girls born between 9/1/09 and 4/1/11. Munchkins (Pre-K) and Transitions (K) will meet on Saturday mornings with an emphasis on fun and teamwork. Please visit www.stowsoccer.org for additional information and online registration through September 15. For additional questions, please contact Karen Devine [email protected] or Art McDonald ([email protected]).
~Outside of Stow~
OSV’s Redcoats and Rebels
More than 1,000 historic military reenactors and 10,000 spectators will converge on Old Sturbridge Village August 1 and 2 for the Village’s 12th annual Redcoats and Rebels, the largest Revolutionary War reenactment in New England. Weekend highlights include mock battles and skirmishes between the Colonial and British troops and their allies. Throughout the weekend, OSV is filled with non-stop activity —- teeming with more than 1,000 reenactors in historic costumes and uniforms, making Redcoats and Rebels a favorite among visitors and history-buffs alike. In camp, reenactors — including the Stow Minutemen —- will demonstrate historic methods of cooking and baking, as well as making soap, candles, brooms, musket balls, buttons, bowls, and more.
In addition to free second day admission, Old Sturbridge Village offers free parking and extended evening hours on Saturday, August 1, when the Village stays open until 8pm for the popular “Twilight Encampment,” a chance for guests to mingle with and talk to the soldiers around their campfires.
OSV is located just off the Massachusetts Turnpike and Routes I-84 and 20 in Sturbridge. For details, visit www.osv.org.
Call for Golfers, Sponsors and Raffle Items!
Every year the RFK Children’s Action Corps organizes its Swing for Kids golf tournament to benefit youth who receive services on our Lancaster Campus, which supports over 300 abused and neglected youth annually. The 12th Annual Swing for Kids golf tournament will be held on August 7 at Heritage Country Club in Charlton.
There are several ways that you can help. You may register to golf, become a sponsor, donate raffle items. To sign up your team please contact Ellen Novia, at 978-365-2803 or
[email protected]. For more information contact David Tivnan, at [email protected] or 978-365-2803, ext. 1111.
Volunteer at the Wildlife Refuge Center
Grounds keeping: August 8, 8-10am and Sunday, September 13, 8:30-10:30am
Trail maintenance: Saturday, August 15 and 22, 9-11am
Get outside and get some exercise by helping spruce up the refuge. For grounds keeping we will be working on the gardens at the front entrance and visitor center. For trail maintenance we will be clearing up the trails. Bring a snack, water, sunscreen, bug repellent, work boots, gloves, and if you have some favorite tools.
Meet at the Visitor Center at 680 Hudson Rd., Sudbury. For questions about programs or to register, contact Kizette at [email protected] or 978-562-3527 x 117.
Ready or Not, Here I Come!
We would like to extend an invitation to parents, guardians, and early childhood educators interested in “school readiness”! Will your child start school ready to learn? School readiness is the knowledge, skills and behaviors that enable your child to participate and succeed in school. This also is a significant factor in your child’s life success. Current research has identified that readiness begins in the womb and is determined by early life experiences and the environment a child lives and grows in.
Join us to hear more about what early experiences are important in best preparing your child or the children you work with, for success in school and life. The event talkes place Wednesday, Augus26, 7pm – 8:30pm, at Florence Sawyer School, 100 Mechanic St., Bolton. Supported by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education & Care. Presented by: Jeanine Fitzgerald, Behavior Specialist.