Features
Stow Crop Shows Progress Towards Potential Malaria Treatment
January 3, 2014 By Robert Cooke, Science Journalist Continuing experiments with a weedy plant grown here in Stow are showing unexpected and encouraging signs of progress in the global battle against malaria. According to biologist Pam Weathers — a Stow resident and faculty member at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute — foliage samples of Artemisia annua,…
When All Isn’t Merry & Bright
By Nancy Arsenault
“I think there is something wrong with me. I just don’t understand Christmas. I like getting presents, sending cards, decorating trees and all that. But I always end up feeling sad,” said Charlie Brown in the 1967 “A Charlie Brown Christmas” television classic.
Those words were echoed by a group of seniors last week, when newly hired Town Social Worker Sara Steele hosted a discussion group about Holiday Blues in the COA Friendship Room, attracting those whose worlds are a little dark in this season of light.
Boston Blues Artist of the Year from Stow
By Ellen Oliver
Boston may not be considered a bastion of blues music, but according to Stow resident and musician Barrett Anderson, Massachusetts has a “vibrant” blues connection. Anderson must know what he’s talking about since he just snagged Blues Artist of the Year at the Boston Music awards on Sunday, December 8, 2013.
Anderson released his second album, The Long Fall, this autumn and learned of his BMA nomination when he spotted a post on Facebook congratulating him.
Sierras Crosses the Border
By Ellen Oliver
The longtime mexican restaurant on the Sudbury/Maynard line, which closed its doors earlier this year, reopened in September with a new menu, new kitchen, but the same dedication to margaritas.
The restaurant’s layout didn’t change, but the decor is muted and simplified, away from the previous southwestern atmosphere. The biggest facelift was to the menu – there’s nary a burrito or fajita in sight. Billed online as “classic American cuisine with a Tex-Mex twist,” there are quesadillas and tacos, but they are alongside pulled pork sliders, Angus burgers, jambalaya pasta and thai lettuce wraps.
Changes for Stow’s Holiday Traditions
By Ann Needle
Even the most treasured holiday traditions must change sometimes. After 30 years, Teri Anapol will step down in January as president of the Stow Women’s Club, also leaving her post as head of the popular Breakfast with Santa, which takes place this Saturday, December 7, at St. Isidore’s Church.
Through the years, the Breakfast has raised thousands for the Club’s non-profit activities, while giving Stow families the opportunity to sit down to a full breakfast and visit with Santa Claus.
Hollywood Comes to Devens
By Ann Needle
Massachusetts has taken a big step closer to becoming the film-making mecca of the Eastern U.S. – and that means a potential boon for the area. New England Studios, with sound and film stage capacity and equipment to attract big names, world-class projects, and jobs to its surrounding towns , recently opened on the grounds of the former Fort Devens.
Built on 15 acres, at an estimated cost of $60 million, NE Studios “unofficially” opened in October to public viewing, according to Marketing Director Chris Byers. Four 18,000-sq. ft. sound stages anchor the full-service television and film facility. Other features include 24-hour gated security and video surveillance; drive-on stages; two 20′ x 20′, exterior “elephant doors’ for hauling in large equipment and sets; a complete fiber optic network throughout the complex; and a 30,000 sq. ft. office building.
A Human Life Story
By Nancy Arsenault
For Stow’s Jody Newman, her most difficult personal experiences are just milestones along life’s path. For the creators of the Boston Museum of Science Hall of Human Life, unveiled last weekend, Newman’s experiences are significant enough to be featured permanently in the interactive exhibit.
The Hall of Human Life explores the human body and its systems in ways that traditional museum exhibits have never done before. Working their way through the hall, visitors learn exactly how their bodies do both simple and complex actions such as sleep, breathe and recognize faces. There are interactive stations and personal data collections that anonymously gather and feed one’s own personal responses back to the exhibit’s pool of information.
Nashoba Sends Shakespeare to India
By Ann Needle
It sports a plot seemingly ripped from reality TV, though it was written more than 400 years ago. William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream takes to the Nashoba Regional High School stage this weekend — with a twist guaranteed to put zip into what was already one of Shakespeare’s liveliest works.
“There are things in this that you are definitely not expecting,” stressed Director Bill Grady. “But I’d rather keep it a surprise.” For those who crave a hint: The surprise lies in a form of very, very lively, and lushly choreographed, Indian dancing.
Lucia’s Taverna a Mixed Bag
By Ann Needle
The unassuming town of Ayer now hosts the very hip, very North End-ish Lucia’s Taverna, something for those looking for an elegant dinner and where husband Jeff and I ended up for a date night. While there are many positives to the venue, the jury remains out on the overall experience.
Yes, Lucia’s itself is good news – a place to celebrate, or simply to savor, especially with a special someone. The décor is worthy of a night out in the city, all dark wood and linen. One online restaurant review did whinny a bit about the white “Christmas” lights decorating the outside. Is this the same person who complains the Bible is too long?
Give Yourself Thai Time
By Ann Needle
With temperatures falling, and Oscar-contender movies cropping up, the dinner-and-a-movie crowd springs into action. And with a wintertime default on our national debt looming, don’t let a dysfunctional Congress spoil your fun: Head to Thai Time in Clinton, where your dinner choice tonight will likely leave something for tomorrow’s lunch.
Admittedly, I don’t hold the euphemisms when dishing up reviews—still, there aren’t enough to describe this luscious little find. Conveniently located around the corner from the Strand Theatre – one of Earth’s last remaining $5-ish cinemas— Thai Time’s off-the-charts cuisine makes the perfect pairing with the evening’s movie.