Features
Help Wanted for Open Table
By Ann Needle
The scheduled cutbacks in the federal government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) coming next month have put private food pantries in the spotlight. For those anxious to help keep the less fortunate in the area nourished — and put some professional and leadership skills to work — the Open Table in Maynard has several openings.
Started in Concord in 1989, this all-volunteer organization marks its 25th anniversary this year, serving a free, weekly dinner to those in need. Its newer Maynard location, in the Clock Tower Place cafeteria, serves those in Maynard and surrounding towns, including Stow, according to Open Table’s Jeanine Calabria. The Concord site hosts a meal on Thursdays, at First Parish Church.
New England Foliage Not Always So
By Ann Needle
Environmentalist Peter Alden recently spoke at the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center on the “Ups and Downs of Our Birds and Mammals.” The Independent caught up with the renown author of several National Audubon and Peterson field guides at his home in Concord. Alden spoke about how and why the plants and wildlife in the area are distinctly different from recent centuries, and what this means for the local environment.
Fall foliage is now covering MetroWest’s abundant collection of trees. But, Peter Alden pointed out, there was a time in the 1800s when Massachusetts looked more like a scene from “Little House on the Prairie.”
Maynard Cinema Faces New Challenge
By Nancy Arsenault
For generations, Maynard’s eclectic Fine Arts Cinema has been the local and affordable movie option for Stow residents. That’s why the property’s new owners are hoping that Stow and surrounding towns will take up the challenge to ensure that this local landmark continues as a theatre well into the future.
This past spring, the building in which the theater is housed was sold to Maynard resident and local realtor, Melanie Perry, and Steve Trumble, a Hudson businessman. The two had a vision to repair and refresh the exterior and interior, restoring the historical architectural features and also to renovate the adjacent business space to attract a new tenant alongside the theater. The company leasing the space as a movie house continued on with the new owners, supportive of plans to improve the property.
Hoff Shoots for Fame
By Ann Needle
Caution: This piece may best be read while viewing social media. Because 18-year-old Matt Hoff has a film resume that calls for viewing rather than reading, browsing his work at Youtube.com (simply type “Matt Hoff” in the search bar) is the best way to appreciate what he has accomplished in a very short time. And a recent victory assures that list will likely get a lot longer.
On October 5, Matt’s short film, “Vacation”, will be screened in Times Square at the All-American High School Film Festival. The almost-silent film tells the fictional story of homeless, young siblings, and what they do after finding a winning lottery ticket.
Bolton Repair Clinic Teaches DIY Skills
By Nancy Arsenault
Is your house filled with things you’d love to fix but just don’t have the skills? Stow residents are invited to take part in a repair clinic in Bolton at the end of September, sponsored by a group that thinks it’s time to get back to the basics – including fixing what’s broken instead of buying new.
Bolton Local, a resident group dedicated to encouraging sustainable living in all facets of life, is sponsoring the Repair Café on Saturday, September 28 at the Houghton Building in Bolton. Anyone – including Stow residents – with a broken “something” can stop in for repair time. Unlike a Fix-It shop where an item is dropped off to be serviced by someone else, the Repair Café will have a slew of volunteers available to assess the problem, determine the solution, and then teach and assist the items’ owners to do the repair themselves. There is no fee for admission or for any services rendered and the event is open to anyone in the area looking for a fix.
29 Sudbury is Worth the Quest
By Jordana Bieze Foster
Finding 29 Sudbury can be difficult. But there are plenty of reasons to make the effort.
First off, 29 Sudbury may be the name of the new Italian-inspired restaurant co-owned by WAAF radio personality and Stow resident Greg Hill, but it’s not the address. So don’t put that in your GPS – you’ll end up in Concord. The actual address is 29 Hudson Road, in Sudbury Town Square, which is actually a rather convenient location for Stow patrons.
Summer Concerts at SCP
By Ellen Oliver
The band Illusions kicked off the Recreation Department’s new summer concert series at Stow Community Park on Thursday August 22. After an earlier concert had been postponed due to rain, the weather was beautiful, perfect for sitting outside and enjoying live music.
Although this year only two concerts were scheduled, the Recreation Commission hopes it will be the start of a new tradition for the town. “We’re happy to add this event to the Recreation Department offerings for town residents,” said Recreation Director Laura Greenough. “We hope it grows and we can offer more than just two concerts each summer.”
Ready to Throw, but Where to Go?
By Ellen Oliver
“Spring cleaning” may have captured the market on inspirational phrases to motivate you to clear out the clutter from your home, but tapping into that “back-to-school” mentality is another good time to think about downsizing your items. So, you’re ready to clean out your excess treasures or inherited items, but where should it go?
Professional organizer Ann Deluty of Stow Away Organizing sees people needing help getting rid of items before a move or downsizing after the children are grown, but doesn’t think it should always cost money to get rid of your excess possessions. “I don’t like to recommend options [for getting rid of items] that cost too much money,” she said. “You should be able to downsize without paying for it.” Unfortunately, options for getting cash for your stuff are limited.