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Calendar… March 27, 2013

Randall Library Programs
Saturday, March 30th, 2013 @ 2:00pm-Author  Barbara Allen reads and speaks about her poignant and riveting autobiography, Nice Children Stolen from Car. Ms Allen’s  fascinating book is based on her childhood in which she was raised by parents who were hoarders. Also on hand for the event will be other speakers who are knowledgeable about the subject of hoarding and will speak about the impact it has on communities and families nationwide with advice on how to deal with it.
Union Church of Stow Easter Services
March 28th: Maunday Thursday observance begins with a pot-luck supper at 6:30PM. Then we will move through the final events of Jesus’ life, as we travel from room to room, focusing on: the last supper, Jesus’ betrayal, his trial, his death and burial. Although not suitable for very young children, this service has enough motion and variety that it should engage older children as well as adults.  March 29th: On Good Friday we will join with other local churches to walk a cross along a 2.4 mile route, stopping along the way for readings and prayers. Volunteers will take turns carrying the cross. Be at the Acton Congregational Church (the final stop), 12 Concord Road, Acton no later than noon to car pool over to the West Acton Baptist Church (the starting point).  March 31st: For the joyful celebration of Easter please join us at one or both of these services– Sunrise service at 93 Birch Hill Road begins at 6:15AM, brief and informal, outside if weather permits, with a light breakfast to follow.  Traditional Easter Service at 9:30AM at the Union Church.  Children will be dismissed before the sermon for an Easter egg hunt.  A professionally staffed nursery is available every Sunday. All are welcome. Please stay for coffee hour and get acquainted after the service.  The Union Church is the one with the blue doors at 317 Great Road, Stow. For more info visit www.unionchurchofstow.org
Holy Week Services at First Parish Church
Thursday, March 28th at 6:30 pm, the First Parish Church of Stow and Acton will hold a Maundy Thursday Communion Service that will include the story of Jesus’s final days, focusing on the Passover meal he shared with his disciples and what the ritual of “breaking bread together” means today.  Easter Celebration and Service on Sunday, March 31st,  at 9 and 11 am.  We will explore the ancient resurrection story focusing on what it might mean to have “An Easter Faith” even within the context of our varied theological traditions. After a special Easter message, our children will leave for “The Great Easter Egg Hunt.”  353 Great Road in Stow (at the intersection of Rts. 117 and 62) and is wheelchair accessible.  For more information call  978-897-8149 or visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org
Vegetarian Potluck, Video, and Discussion
As part of their ongoing “Healthy Bodies, Healthy Spirits” program, the First Parish Church of Stow and Acton will host a recipe-sharing vegetarian pot luck, video showing, and discussion on Friday, March 29th from 6:30 – 9:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. The public is welcome to attend.  To participate, please prepare a potluck dish and bring copies of the recipes to share.  Following the potluck, a video will be shown on how to select and prepare truly healthy foods.   The event will also include open discussions on related  topics.  The church is located at 353 Great Road in Stow and is wheelchair accessible.  For more information contact Joris Wils at 978-394-2196 or visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org
Bicycle Recycle Day at Union Church in Stow
On March 30, 9-12, bring your unwanted bicycle to the parking lot of the Union Church, 317 Great Rd, Stow. Any bicycle is a good bicycle.It will be repaired and given a new home. Some go to Ghana and some go to the Baptist Church in Worcester.  All Towns Welcome.  Free drop off.
Ukulele Players Unite!  
Come join a Boston Ukulele Union Meetup on March 30th here in Stow! Sponsored by the Music Committee at First Parish Church (FPC) of Stow and Acton, the Ukulele Meetup is being held on March 30 at 1pm in the lower level of the FPC Fellowship Hall located at 383 Great Rd (next to the library). Ukulele players from the area as well as members of the Boston Ukulele Union have been invited to share in the fun. All levels of players are welcome and music sheets will be provided as well as some light refreshments. Please email Pat Sorn, [email protected], if you have any questions and to let her know if you will be attending.
FPC Building Projects Information Forum
The First Parish Church of Stow and Acton is poised to undergo a construction project beginning early summer 2013.  We are holding a public  informational event, the FPC Building Projects Information Forum, on Tuesday April 2nd from 7:00PM until 8:30PM in Fellowship Hall.  There will be a brief presentation at 7:30PM to discuss how these projects will affect users of our space in the short term, and benefit them in the long term.  There will also be an opportunity to see architectural drawings and models and to discuss the projects with members of the project committees.   Refreshments will be served.   353 Great Road, Stow. 978-897-8149 or visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.
NRHS Spring Concerts Presented by Nashoba Friends of Music
Thomas O’Toole the NRHS Band Director, has created a lively, interesting program of music for you on Tuesday April 2nd at 7PM. The gift this kids have is amazing, so much talent! You will see the Intermediate Jazz Band, the Advanced Jazz Band and the Concert Band. Each band has a unique style and vibe, which makes for an exciting show. It is like three concerts in one! The fun starts at 7:00 in the NRHS Auditorium, and costs $5, with students and seniors free. Refreshments will be served.
Susan Mianulli the NRHS Choral Director will showcase the talents of the Nashoba Choral Groups. The show is on Wednesday April 3rd at 7PM. Her music choices will enchant and delight you. You will enjoy the talents of no less than five different vocal styling groups! The show starts at 7:00 in the NRHS Auditorium, and costs $5, with students and seniors free.
Rabies Clinic
Thursday April 4 , 6:00-8:00 PM. The Stow Board of Health will be holding its annual Rabies Clinic at the Highway Barn 88 South Acton Rd. Rabies Vaccinations for Dogs, Cats and Ferrets  $ 15.00, Heartworm testing and Microchipping available. In order for your pet to receive the three year vaccination, you must bring your pets vaccination certificate from the previous year. The Stow Board of Health urges all Stow residents to have their dogs and cats vaccinated. All dogs must be on a leash and under control and cats and ferrets must be in a carrier.
College Fair
College Fair with a focus on programs where students with learning differences succeed. Thursday, April 4, 2013 at Nashoba Regional High School. All area parents and students in grades 8-12 are invited. 6:00pm: Panel discussion, NRHS Auditorium. College Representatives will discuss the continuum of services at two and four year colleges; how student expectations differ from high school to college; and the best fit: choosing a college program and services. 6:00-8:00pm: Ongoing college Fair, NRHS Upper Gym. College representatives will be here to talk with students and their families about their programs for students with learning differences.
Centered Around Community Auction
A SPTO sponsored auction to benefit the students at The Center School. Friday, April 5, 2013 @ 7pm – held at Stow Acres Country Club, 58 Randall Road, Stow, MA.  Come ‘denim to diamonds”. Your ticket includes buffet dinner, desert, cash bar, silent and live auctions (with class gifts), and raffle drawings.  Buy your Auction tickets now; order deadline is March 29, 2013.  Silent Auction begins at 7 P.M. Full Buffet dinner and table seating at 8 P.M. Live Auction begins at 9 P.M. (Cash, check or credit cards accepted at the event) Tickets $35.00 per person (There is no physical ticket) available through Danielle Gregorie at 978-568-0460 or [email protected] or at the link found on www.stowpto.org/auction/
Calling Young Artists: SCT’s Run For The Woods Poster Contest
Artists between the age of 5 and 14 are invited to submit a drawing to be used for the promotional poster for Stow Conservation Trust’s Run for the Woods.  The poster should combine Stow Conservation Trust’s mission “To lead in the preservation of Stow’s open land and natural and scenic resources” with the fun of running.   The winning poster will be hung throughout Stow and adjoining towns.  The artist will receive a gift certificate for art classes (value $95) at Silk and Clay Studio at ArtSpace Maynard.
The following guidelines must be followed to be eligible for the prize. The artist must be in middle school or younger.  The drawing must be done by hand on the form provided by SCT at www.stowconservationtrust.org.  Limit 2 entries per person.  Please include name of the artist and contact information ON THE BACK.   Submissions can be left at: Randall Library or mailed without folding to SCT, Box 397, Stow, MA 01775.   Due Date for submissions is Saturday, April 6.
Stow Townwide Cleanup
Join your neighbors and help pick up Stow on Saturday, April 6, 2013. Past participants have found everything from car parts, a couch, a $20 bill, and even a kitchen sink. What will you find this year?  Sign up for your cleanup area on the town map at the Lower Common near Papa Gino’s on Saturday, April 6, from 8 a.m. to noon. The Stow Cleanup Group will have garbage bags and gloves (adult sizes) available at no cost. Though our April date should help us avoid poison ivy, be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from any broken glass or sharp metal cans. Wear bright clothes or a reflective vest and long pants and sleeves to protect your arms and legs. Toss the bags in your own trash can or leave them by the side of the road. The Town Highway Department will pick up bags on Monday.  For more information, go to www.stowcleanup.wordpress.com.
Phone-A-Thon for Nashoba Regional Scholarship Foundation:
Please help the Nashoba Regional Scholarship Foundation by answering your phone!  Our phone-a-thon returns on Sunday April 7th from 11:00-4:00pm.  Student volunteers will use their cell phones to call area residents to ask for their pledge to support the NRSF. This is our only spring fundraiser so please help to make it a successful one!
The NRSF awards scholarships to Nashoba graduates on the basis of academic accomplishments, community service and leadership. Thanks to our donors, twenty-two $1000-scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors in June 2012. We need your help to continue this important program. Please remember to answer your phone on April 7th!
Stow Town Pasta Dinner Sunday April 7
On Sunday April 7th, the Hale Middle School 8th graders will be hosting a community spaghetti dinner as a fundraiser for their upcoming trip to Washington DC. The dinner will take place in the Hale cafeteria starting at 5 PM. The meal will be prepared by Frank Gesualdi, owner of the Davide Restaurant in the Italian North End and Barbara Frank, the owner of ABCatering, will oversee the salads. The 8th graders will serve, clean up the meal and provide entertainment, which will include live instrumental music and face painting. Cost is $7/adult, $5/children under 12, $25/family cap, and $5/senior. We are planning two seatings, from 5 – 6 PM and 6:30 – 7:30 PM. To order tickets send a check made out to Hale PSG to: Kelly Buttiglieri, 44 Hickory Lane, Stow, MA 01775. Be sure to include your email address in the memo of the check in order to receive electronic confirmation of your purchase. There will be limited seating for those who arrive at the door on Sunday without a reservation.  Absolute last day to confirm a seat is Friday, April 5th. For more information contact Kelly at 978-897-1908 or [email protected].
Boy Scout Annual Electronics Recycling Day and Pick Up Service
Friends of Boy Scout Troop 1 Stow will hold the 10th annual electronics recycling event, Operation Motherboard, at Bose Corporation, 688 Great Road (Rt. 117), on Saturday, April 20 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.   An electronics pickup service is available on March 23 and April 6 for seniors, those requiring assistance with heavy items such as air conditioners or TVs in advance of the recycle event day and anyone not able to drop off on event day. Please visit http://troop1stow.net/recycling for complete rate details and to review the accepted items list. Call 978-212-9175 or send email to [email protected].
New Book Club
The next meeting of the New Book Club will be at the library at 7pm on Tuesday April 23rd.  Because of the snowstorm, the past meeting did not take place. The April meeting will discuss the Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver.  We do not anticipate that a storm will force us to  postpone the April meeting!   Join us to talk about the wonderful characters she has created. If you have completed this book, you’ll find other books she has written to be equally entertaining.  See you in April!  For any questions please call 978-897-6055