  
Just in: With the snow and freezing rain coming in today, we have unfortunately decided to cancel our Winter Solstice Celebration this evening. We apologize for the late notice, and we plan on hosting another winter event in January.
1. Tim Kelly on NECN predicts a difficult afternoon commute north of Boston today, with snowfall intensifying late afternoon, changing to freezing rain later. Online WEATHERCHANNEL predicts similar.
2. I hiked in Goldsmith Woodlands this morning, near Serios Grove. There was a dusting of new snow on a base of hard packed frozen old snow. Footing was often slippery.
3. There is no way of knowing the condition of the dirt driveway leading to the parking lot. If it is unplowed for several hours leading up to 7 PM and snowing as people arrive, it could be difficult to direct cars through through a construction area, over the tracks, into the woods, and out into the field parking area.
4. If one car got stuck on the way out, it could block ALL the other cars.
Celebrate the Winter Solstice With the Shawsheen River Watershed Association!
The Shawsheen River Watershed Association will host the annual outdoor event on Friday, December 22, 2017 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
The Winter Solstice is an astronomical phenomenon and unique among days of the year-the time of the longest night and the shortest day. From this turning point, the nights grow shorter and the days grow longer. In cultural terms this special moment has impacted the sowing of crops, mating of animals and handling of harvest reserves. It was an important part of indigenous cultures such as the Native Americans that lived in this area known as Shawshin and has been celebrated by northern Europeans as Yule.
There will be a short presentation by Bob Rauseo, longtime member of SRWA and expert on the astronomy, history and folklore of the Winter Solstice. Bring bells to ring as the Holly King banner is retired and the Oak King banner is raised. Sharon Lapham, shown below, is the banner creator. There will be a campfire to roast marshmallows and s’mores. Bring your own food and beverages. Alcoholic drinks are NOT ALLOWED.
Meet at the Town of Andover, Serio’s Grove Reservation, at 53 Lowell Junction Road. Park in the field and at 7:00 PM we will take a short walk through the deep and dark woods to the pavilion. SRWA events are free and  open to the public and family friendly.
For directions and possible change of venue or cancellation due to weather conditions go to the Shawsheen River Watershed association Facebook Page or our new website: Â Â Â Â https://shawsheenriver.net/Â If you have further questions, contact: Â Â bob_otter@comcast.net