Vacation Bible School at St. John
SudburyVBS will be held from Aug. 9-13th from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Early drop off is 8:00 a.m. and late pick-up is 5:00 p.m. Children from age 3 through grade 6 are welcome to participate. A half-day program is available for the younger children.
A typical day begins and ends with a large group gathering. In between children enjoy discovery time, snack time, unity time, craft time, lunch time, rest time, option time, adventure time, and plan for the closing gathering. Some optional activities include tie-die and slip and slide. Parents should plan to provide a cotton tee shirt for tie-die and a bathing suit for slip and slide. Slip and slide is most appreciated on the warmer days.
VBS is led by an enthusiastic group of trained counselors from Camp Calumet in Ossipee, NH. Some older St. John youth will assist the counselors. Camp Calumet is an outdoor ministry of the New England Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.
Parents provide both lunch and snacks for their own children. NO PEANUT BUTTER OR OTHER NUTS PLEASE! The full day program costs $100.00 and the half day is $65.00. Please call the church office at 978-443-8350 for an application.
Riverview Hosts Chamber’s 2nd Annual Sizzlin’ Summer Social
The Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce invites the business community to attend a Sizzlin’ Summer Networking Social at the Riverview Patio and Pavilion, on Wed., Aug. 11th, from 5 to 7 p.m. This event features delicious American and Portuguese appetizers, hot jazz and plentiful networking at the waterfall. Additionally, those that seek a little more activity may engage in a match of badminton or croquet. Organizations are encouraged to bring brochures for the literature table. Cost is $10 pp. Reservations are requested. To register contact the Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce at (978) 568-0360 or info@assabetvalleychamber.org.
Concord Library Launches Go-Green
Think Green Summer Reading Program
Join us this summer as the Concord Library launches its first-ever Adult Summer Reading Program, Go Green - Think Green. The Library is proud to have this program sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Concord DPW, and many local Concord businesses, including Vanderhoof Hardware, Nashoba Bakery, Debra’s Natural Gourmet, the West Concord 5 and 10, Dunkin’ Donuts, and the Concord Bookshop.
Read any book - any topic, any genre - and rate it using the convenient book slip available at the Circulation Desk. Each rating slip becomes an entry for a chance to win exciting prizes donated by our generous sponsors. Read and rate often for more chances to win! Participants can register for the program online to read and write reviews. Visit www.concord
library.org for more information.
In addition, the Library will offer 3 exciting green-themed workshops and a lovely garden party.
Please join us for these wonderful Free Go Green - Think Green Workshops:
July 20th, What does Green mean to you? Presented by Julie Vaughan at the Main Library, 7 p.m. Join Senior Town Planner Julie Vaughan on an exploration through the various tools available for “carbon footprinting” the foods we crave, the cars we drive, the activities we enjoy, and the homes we cherish.
July 29th, Composting. Presented by Mark Hanson at the Main Library, 7 p.m. This workshop will cover the hows and whys of composting. Learn all about the fertilizer value of leaves from various trees and other sources.
Aug. 12th, Garden Party and Eco-Swap. Enjoy an afternoon Summer Garden Party at the Main Library, 3 p.m. Bring something to swap: a plant or veggie from your garden, a “go green” eco tip, a favorite “eat local” tip or recipe. Sip a cool beverage and talk books with other book-loving library patrons. Win exciting prizes!
The reading program and all of these events are free and open to any adult.
Annual Scramble at the “Woods” to Benefit AB Rotary Projects
On Wed., Aug. 18, the Rotary Club of Acton-Boxborough (AB) will hold its annual golf tournament at The Woods of Westminster, Westminster, MA. “The tournament is the AB club’s major fundraiser for local and international education and health-related projects,” said President Lindsay Dean, Rotary Club of AB.
The format is a scramble with a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. In addition to raffle items, prizes include team low gross, longest drive, closest to the pin, closest to the line, and a chance to win a new car for a hole-in one. The cost is $125 per player, which includes green fees, cart, breakfast, and a full meal at the conclusion.
For entry in the tournament and more information, including hole sponsorships and advertising opportunities, go to www.actonboxboroughrotary.org. For more information about Rotary International, go to www.rotary.org.
The Maynard Senior Citizens' Club meets every first Wednesday of the month at the Maynard Elks' Lodge except during the months of July and Aug. Our next meeting will be on Sept.1, 2010.
This is an opportunity for our senior members to meet new acquaintances, discuss trips and sign up for various outings. After the official meeting refreshments follow with time to enjoy a social hour with shared pleasant conversation.
A three-hour cruise with grand buffet and show on "The Spirit of Boston" for $79.95 is an upcoming Summer trip in August. "The "Mystery Show" at Lucianos on Lake Pearl in Wrentham for $69.95 which includes lunch of chicken or pork and transportation is an offering for October 14th. Sign up for these trips at the next Club meeting in September or call Carol Milioto at 978-897-5852 or Nancy Hatch at 978-897-1839 while bus seats are available.
Those who are interested in the lunch at Assabet Valley Vocational High School on Sept. 28 at the cost of $10 please notify Nancy for your reservation at the number provided above and be prepared for payment at the meeting in Sept. There is choice of chicken or fish in this full course luncheon.
Seniors of Maynard age 60 and above are most welcomed to join our club. Call our membership secretary, Rosalie Poitrast, at (978) 897-2423 or Robert Hatch at (978) 897-1839 for questions concerning activities of the club.
This Week at Acton Memorial Library
The Department is filled with beautiful butterflies celebrating the Go Green theme of the summer reading program. It is not too late to join! Children can stop by the library and pick up a logbook where they will record the time they spend reading or listening and the titles of those books. They will earn stickers to put on their personal butterflies and the summer reading trail that tracks the reading of all of the participants in the summer reading program.
Special Programs: On Mon., July 19 at 4:00 p.m. there will be a Robot Demo for children ages 7 and older. Prateek Sahay, founding member of the Acton Robotics Team, will demonstrate a robot designed and built by the team. On Wed., July 21 at 2:00 p.m. award-winning author Melissa Stewart will present a fun introduction to frogs and ecology. Melissa will read from her latest picture book A Place for Frogs and lead hands-on activities for children ages 4 to 9.
Ongoing Weekly Programs: PJ Storytime: Tues., July 20 at 7:00 p.m. ages 3-7; Drop-In-Craft: Thurs.,July 22 10-1 ages 3-7; Drop-In Craft: Thurs., July 22 at 2:00 grades 1-3; Fri., Morning Players: Fri., July 23 9:00-11:00 grades 5-8; Drop-In-Storytime Fri.,July 23 at 10:30 ages 3-7.
No advance registration is required for any of the above programs except for Friday Morning Players. Additional information about the Summer Reading Program can be found at the library web site, www.actonmemoriallibrary.org or by calling the Children's Department at 978- 929-6655 ext. 4. The Summer Reading Program is funded by the Friends of the Acton Libraries.
Rotary Donates to 911 Memorial Organization
The Rotary Club of Acton-Boxborough has donated $1,000 to the Acton 911 Memorial Organization. The memorial will be constructed in front of Acton’s public safety facility on Main St, Rte 27, near Acton center.
The memorial will honor two Acton residents who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack. The memorial, which is now in the design phase, will also honor public safety personnel who dedicate their lives for the good of the community. The memorial--estimated to cost $20,000--will honor Acton residents Amy Sweeney and Philip Rosenzweig, who were on American Airlines Flight 11 that crashed September 11, 2001.
This is one of the best ways we can contribute a portion of the hard-earned donations that Acton-Boxborough Rotary has received in the last year," said Jules Lavoie, AB Rotary Club president. ”Our club members are proud to be a part of this project," Lavoie said during a recent check presentation ceremony at Scupper Jack’s restaurant in Acton. A picture of the ceremony is at www.actonboxboroughrotary.org (click past meetings). . The check was given to the Memorial’s organizers Tom Mathews and Brian Richter.
Groundbreaking for the memorial is planned Sept. 11, 2010, with planned completion Sept. 11, 2011. For more information and to see pictures of the types of steel remnants that will be used in the Acton Memorial, go to www.acton911memo-rial.org.
To learn more about the A-B Rotary Club, contact Marvin Gould at (978) 263-0374, visit the club’s web site at www.actonboxboroughrotary.org, or attend one of the club’s weekly meetings on Wed., 12:15 p.m. at Scupper Jack’s Restaurant, Rte 2A in Acton. The meetings include a $15 three-course lunch.
Maynard Community Summer Blood Drive
Tues., July 20th, 2 p.m.-7 p.m., Maynard Lodge of Elks, 34 Powdermill Rd., Maynard. All donors will receive a voucher good for a carton of Friendly’s Ice Cream! Walk-ins welcome! 1-800-Red Cross or redcrossblood.org.
To help maintain an adequate community blood supply this summer the American Red Cross has partnered with Friendly’s Ice Cream to make giving the gift of life a little bit sweeter.
The summer months tend to be a time when donations drop due to travel, planned activities, and the absence of high school and collage blood drives.
Come in to donate blood in July and receive a coupon for a Free* carton of ice cream or sherbet, redeemable at any participating Friendly’s restaurant. *tax additional where applicable
Make your appointment today by calling American the Red Cross at 1-800-Red Cross or visit with redcrossblood.org
The Boys & Girls Club Seeks Donations for our Summer Program
Every child should be able to share the fun and learning of a Summer Program! The Boys & Girls Club of Assabet Valley in Maynard provides a great and economical Summer Program, but we need your help to provide scholarships to families who otherwise will not be able to attend. Make a difference to the "Positive Place for Kids" by donating to our Summer Program and ensure that we won't turn away a single child in our community this summer! Please send your tax deductible donation today to: Boys & Girls Club of Assabet Valley, 212 Great Rd, Maynard, MA 01754. Our kids will thank you!
Middlesex Writing Technical Information Certificate
Gain a competitive edge in today's labor market! Learn how to write technical documents and effectively communicate technical information by earning a certificate in Writing Technical Information from Middlesex Community College. This innovative, 125-hour certificate program is a career enhancement opportunity for individuals with well-developed writing skills, a bachelor’s degree and at least three years of work experience. Two courses are required for the certificate, and students may begin with either the fall or spring semester. Students may also take either course individually.
The program provides the skills needed to clearly inform users about technical products. It covers how to conduct audience and task analysis, work with subject-matter experts, understand product documents and the product-development cycle, write clear procedures, review and revise technical information, manage writing projects, and make content usable. Mark-up languages, such as HTML and XML, and tools for authoring printed and online information will also be covered. Students will learn through lectures, discussions and applications.
Classes run from 5:45 to 9:45 p.m. on Thurs., and one Sat., each semester on the Bedford campus. First semester 2010 begins Sept. 30 and runs until Jan. 20, 2011. The cost is $1,499 for each course, and courses are not eligible for waivers and vouchers. For more information, contact Sheila Morin at 978-656-3416 or visit: www.middlesex.mass.edu/careertraining/certificates/writingtechinfo.htm.
Boys & Girls Club presents Outdoor Movie Night
Bring your family to an outdoor Movie Night, presented by the Boys & Girls Club of Assabet Valley! Join us Sat., Aug. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Maynard High School football field. Movie begins at dusk so come early and stake out your spot! Our family movie title was announced on our website by July 15. Enjoy the jumbo inflatable movie screen, free parking at the Boys & Girls Club, playground games, glow in the dark necklaces, popcorn, candy, drinks, and more! Admission is $5 per person, $2 for Club members (with valid membership card), and children under 2 are free. For more information, log onto www.bgcav.org or call 978-461-2871. All proceeds benefit programming at the Boys & Girls Club of Assabet Valley, "The Positive Place for Kids!"
Safe Library Visits for Children
Many young children come to Acton Memorial Library for materials and activities. To help them safe, the library reminds parents and caregivers of the following:
If children are under 8, stay with them. Do not attend a meeting, go to a different area of the library, or leave the building.
Watch children in the lobby. Do not let them climb on stairway railings or run through the automatic doors into the parking lot—they could get hurt.
Have children take turns on the step stool at the Circulation Desk. Only two children should be on it at a time.
Do not let children sit on the Circulation Desk.
Watch children carefully in the parking lot. Too many drivers go too fast; too often children don’t pay attention.
Following these rules will protect children from injuries and from feelings of panic when a parent or caregiver can’t be found.
Summer library hours are Mon., through Thurs., 9-9; Fri., 9-5, and Sat., 9-1. The library is located at 486 Main St., next to Town Hall. The parking lot and entrance are reached from Woodbury Ln.
Adult Synchro Team Skating
The Colonials Open Adult Synchronized Skating Team is hosting Free Tryouts on Fri., Aug. 6th from 9:15 to 10:15 p.m. - or by appointment on any other Fri., evening in Aug. The skating team is coached by former national champion, Amy Boucher at the Nashoba Valley Olympia Rink, Rte.. 111, Boxboro, MA. For more information call Amy Boucher at 978-592-5786 or e-mail her at amy.boucher@colonialfsc.com or team member Bonnie Linscott at 603-205-0985.
Weekly team practices begin in September on Fri., evenings from 8:25 pm to 10:25 pm. Men and women over age 19 are welcomed and should have basic skating skills of forward and backward crossovers, mohawks and three turns. Skaters will need to become members of USFSA or ISI. Come and learn circle footwork, intersections, wheels, blocks, lines and presentation. If you are interested in giving synchronized skating a try, come join us. Current team members will be there to welcome you. The Team competes locally and at Easterns with occasional travel involved. We hope to see you on the ice!
Ellen Racine, 102 Whitney St., Northborough, MA 01532 508-393-2343. The Colonials Open Adult Skating Team is a non-profit organization.
West Acton Citizens’ Library Collecting Books for Octoberfest
The West Acton Citizens’ Library is now collecting books to be sold at our annual Oktoberfest Book Sale. We are accepting donations of adult hardback and paperback books published after 1999, as well as all children’s books and DVDs. Materials should be in good
condition. Donations can be dropped off at Citizens’ Library, 21 Windsor Ave., Tues., through Fri., between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Please call for more information 978-264-9652.
Upcoming Vacation Bible School at the Sudbury United Methodist Church
In just over a week, July 26 through July 30, there will be an opportunity for children to attend a Bible School mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at
the Sudbury United Methodist Church which is located on Rte 27 near Sudbury Center. There is still time to register your child! If you are interested, please register as soon as possible. The cost is $25.00 per child with a maximum of $45 per family for the week. That is only $5.00 a day per child and it promises to be lots of fun!
Your family does not need to attend the church for your children to participate. All are welcome. Just contact the church office mornings at 978-443-4351 to speak with Director of Christian Education Elizabeth Windsor or to receive information about how to register.
The theme is Galactic Blast: An Adventure Praising God. Children entering preschool through completing fifth grade are invited to attend. Children are grouped by age and travel between centers with adult helpers. Each day will include a Bible story in the Good News Galaxy, music and singing at Moons and Tunes, arts and crafts at Cosmic Crafts, games and outdoor activities at Rocket Recreation, and snacks at the Astro Bistro.
Sunday Hours at Citizens’ Library
The West Acton Citizens’ Library is now open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in conjunction with the Acton Boxboro Farmers Market. Sun., hours will remain in effect until Oct. 31st.
Big Iris Sale
On Sat., July 31, the Iris Society of Massachusetts (ISM) will have a sale of iris rhizomes at Verrill Farm, corner of Sudbury and Wheeler Rds, Concord. The sale will be held outdoors under a large pavilion from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will have a large selection of all types of irises - all grown in our members' gardens and hardy in New England. During the day, there will be demonstrations of how to divide and plant irises. Information sheets on iris culture will be available. This is a great chance to get some beautiful irises at bargain prices.
ISM has several hybridizers who are nationally recognized for their iris introductions - some of them will be at the sale and you will be able to purchase some of their award winning plants. At the American Iris Society national convention in Wisconsin this June, the Franklin Cook Cup for the best iris seen in the gardens was won by Marty Schafer and Jan Sacks of Carlisle, MA, for their beautiful yellow siberian iris Tree of Songs!
ISM is an affiliate of the American Iris Society and is a non- profit organization. Money from sales is used for our meetings, iris shows, and our twice yearly publication - IRID-ISM. All meetings, tours and shows are open free to the general public. Check out our web site at http://www.massirises.org/pages/irissale.html. You'll see some great pictures of some of the irises available at the sale. Or call Barbara Schmieder at 978-369-3383 for more information.
Save the Date: Party at the Harvest Ball!
Mark your calendar and line up your babysitter for Oct. 16, 2010. New style! New venue! New price! Dance with the DJ, play the casino tables, and bid in the silent auction--all for $50/ticket at Clock Tower Place in Maynard. Join us and “Rock Around the Clock!” to benefit the Stow Conservation Trust. To learn more or volunteer to help, visit www.stowconservationtrust.org.
Memorial Library Offers Beginning Computer Class
During Aug., the Acton Memorial Library is presenting four sessions of "Computer Skills for Beginners." The purpose of this series is to provide computer literacy to those who find that more and more common tasks require basic computer skills such as the ability to use email or to fill out online forms.
Class 1, Using a Mouse, will be given from 1 - 2 p.m. on Wed.,, Aug. 4.
Class 2, Using the Interne,t will be given from 1 - 2 p.m. on Wed., Aug. 11.
Class 3, Beginning Word Processing, will be given from 1 - 2 p.m. on Wed., Aug.18.
Class 4, Setting Up an EMail Account, will be given from 1 - 2 p.m. on Wed., Aug. 25.
Call the Reference Desk 978 929-6543 to register for any of these classes. Registration at least 24 hours in advance is required.
The library is located at 486 Main St., next to Town Hall. The parking lot and entrance can be reached from Woodbury Ln.
Well Adult Eye Clinic Boxborough
Nashoba Associated Boards of Health and D’Ambrosio Eye Care Inc. will hold a Well Adult Clinic on Wed., Aug. 11th from 11:00–12:00 at the United Church (vestry), 723 Mass Ave. Boxborough. The clinic will include a free Vision Screening. Blood Pressure and Pulse will also be taken. No appointment is necessary. For further information, please contact 978-772-3335 ext 333.
The Alchemist by Al Thomas, Too Many Grasshoppers: Not Enough Ants
I think we all know the story of how the industrious ants worked all summer long storing food for the Winter while the grasshoppers ate everything insight and made no provisions for the future.
Sound familiar? Like the European economy? Like Greece? Like our economy?
Winter is coming and the ants are doing their best, but th grasshoppers are eating the food faster than the ants can produce.
In Financial Land that is called a deficit. The way our grasshoppers are being fed is with more and higher taxes. We give our grasshoppers free housing, food, free health care and all the amenities the ants have to work for including cars, color TVs and just about anything they ask for. And it is never enough. Our poorest grasshoppers are considered rich by the poor in other parts of the world. And why?
Their free market system is kept in chains by the rulers. The reason the USA has become the world leader and the place ever person in the world aspires to come is because of the capitalistic system, the free market. All of history has shown that when people are allowed to keep the fruits of their own labor they all prosper.
During the Stalin days where central planning proved to be a failure the tiny plots of the peasants produced more food than government farms. When the government gets out of the way the entire economy grows and prospers.
One by one we are seeing the European countries that have confiscated the incomes of their successful entrepreneurs (ants) go deeper and deeper into debt because they are producing more grasshoppers than ants. Ultimately the grasshoppers will have eaten everything.
We can feed more grasshoppers if we can have more ants working, but there are few jobs now for the ants. The Big Central Planner says borrow more money and make new jobs. Build bridges. Fix sewer pipes. Problem is those out-of-work ants have not done any work like that. They are all pencil pushers an computer nerds; they have never worked with their hands. Make them do work says the Big Central Planner. So they train them for jobs that aren’t there.
Doing something, whatever that is, may not produce anything. The money goes to waste as no permanent job is created. It is called priming the well. Getting something started. Trouble is, it is a dry well.
Now we have a catastrophe. The grasshoppers are eating the ants. They are pouring tax syrup on them that slows their productivity. At some point they stop producing. The ants leave the country to find a place where there are fewer grasshoppers. Grasshoppers have only themselves left to eat.
Al Thomas' book, "If It Doesn't Go Up, Don't Buy It!" has helped thousand make and keep their stock market profits is SOLD OUT. A limited subscription to his advisory letter is available on the web site www.mutualfundmagic.com
The Douglas School Summer Concert Series Sponsored by Savoury Lane
Summer is here and the time is definitely right for singing, dancing, and picnicking on Tues., Evenings from 6-8 p.m. at the Douglas School primary playground.
Chris Whitbeck, The Douglas School principal & Rick Gordon, owner of Savoury Lane have gathered an eclectic mixture of musical friends to celebrate together throughout July. Every Tues., night ending July 27th, join us for a FREE evening of music, a chance to meet new people, play, sing, dance, and even buy some Savoury Lane food hot off the Grill.
Check out our website at http://www.actonmusicproject.com for more details and a complete schedule.
Stow Fire Rescue’s Wash the Fire Truck Day
Cool fun on a hot day. On Sun., Aug. 15th, Stow Fire Rescue will be holding its annual fun fundraising event at the Stow Fire Station (16 Crescent Street). The $5 per child admission ($20 max. per family…no charge for adults) allows kids to wash a fire truck, jump on the moon bounces, get their temporary tattoos and explore the rescue vehicles. Food will be available from the “Slush Lady” priced separately. Proceeds will go toward fire fighting training materials and the firefighters’ relief fund. Rain date to be determined if necessary. Please come say Hi to Sparky the Fire Dog and join us from 11:00 am to 1 pm. For more information call 978-897-4537.
Directions: Rte 495 to Rte 117 (exit 27) and head towards Stow. At second set of lights in Stow take a left.
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