ABOUT TOWN: Civil War Parade and Earth Day Celebration This Weekend in Stoughton

FRIDAY MORNING HISTORIC TOUR: On Friday, April 20, starting at 10 a.m., there will be a guided 1.5-mile hike from the picturesque  on West Street to observe vernal pools, budding trees and plants, the Gilbert Quarries, and the Benjamin/Lemuel Bird family barn cellar. 

This is a massive stone structure, with entrance paths newly-cleared by Gerry McDonald of the Conservation Commission.

Dwight MacKerron, of the Stoughton Historical Society, will serve as tour guide and will reveal two recently discovered sites from which stones for this structure may have been quarried.

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CIVIL WAR PARADE AND MORE: Saturday, April 21, at 1 p.m., there will be a Civil War Parade and Reenactment starting at Town Hall and going to Faxon Memorial Park, with the Stoughton High School Band, members of the 54th Mass. Volunteer Infantry, Company A, and Stoughton’s 12th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment, with a stop at the in Stoughton Center, on the way. 

Don't miss special Guests President Abe Lincoln (Bob Grover) and his lovely bride, Mary Todd (Denise Lochiatto).  

The parade kicks off an afternoon full of Civil War-themed activities as part of the Stoughton Reads Together program. “The Killer Angels,” a Civil War Era Novel centering on the Battle of Gettysburg, is the 2012 .

From 1-4 p.m., the Stoughton Historical Society (6 Park Street in Stoughton Center) will be open to the public with a civil war display. 

At 1:30 p.m., a Civil War Music Demonstration by local musicologist Roger Hall, will feature recorded music by a local chorus and assorted singers. Be part of the audience sing-along to the classic "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "John Brown's Body" (both published in Massachusetts in the early years of the Civil War.) 

At 2 p.m. there will be Camp Muster, Bayonet and Firing Drills, Field Gear and Cooking Demos.    

At 2:30 p.m. Abraham Lincoln (Grover) will read the at the Gazebo at . 

From 3-4 p.m., Dwight MacKerron will present an account of , a young Stoughton man who served from the Battle of Antietam to the Spotsylvania Court House, through his diary and letters. That will be at the Wales French Room on the top floor of Stoughton Public Library. 

From 4-5 p.m., Civil War Music by Dixon’s Gold Band will be featured at the Faxon Park Gazebo (in the Library in the case of rain.) Dixon's Gold includes guitarist and vocalist Jill Gross; Vocalist and Mandolin, Penny Whistle, Banjo and Clarinet player Scott Shetler; Fiddle player Dan Keller, Mandolin, Guitar, Banjo player and vocalist Bruce Millard; and Brass and Vocalist John Moriconi.

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CELEBRATING EARTH DAY: Saturday is going to be a busy day at the . In addition to the aforementioned Civil War activities, the Stoughton Public Library and Youth Commission also celebrate Earth Day on April 21 at the Library.

From 10 a.m. to noon, there will be a farm visit with Dawn Cordeiro. Come see the new Spring baby farm animals inside the library. Hold a bunny, pet a goat, and feed a chick.  

At 1 p.m., author David Rothenberg will read his story “Gwendolyn the Dancing Pig”, while dancers from the Starline Academy in Stoughton act it out. At the end, enjoy a “mini movement lesson” with the dancers.  

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be information tables set up outside in the library plaza. Exhibitors include the Stoughton Visiting Nurses Association, Stoughton Public Health, Stoughton Conservation Commission, Stoughton Energy & Sustainability Committee, Stoughton Community Preservation Committee, Stoughton Open Space Committee, Old Colony Planning Council’s Safe Bicycle & Pedestrian Travel Project, Bob Benson and Blue Bird Nesting, Community Gardening at the Council on Aging/Youth Commission, Stoughton Water Conservation Program, and Neponset River Watershed Association.

There will also be composters and rain barrels on display and for sale. 

Then, on Sunday, April 22, which is officially Earth Day, Dwight MacKerron of the Stoughton Historical Society will lead a Nature Walk at .

Everyone will meet at 10 a.m. at the end of Glen Echo Blvd.  Sign up at the library! Get to enjoy what the Town of Stoughton recently .

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ONE DAY ON EARTH: Founded in 2008, One Day on Earth's first media creation event occurred on 10.10.10. The collaboration was the first ever simultaneous filming event occurring in every country of the world.

This Earth Day, April 22 2012, One Day on Earth in conjunction with other non-profits around the world will screen this first ever documentary in every country in the world.  We are lucky that this is happening in Stoughton! 

Chris Cares International and Stoughton LifeTeen will sponsor this screening at the this Earth Day!  The documentary showcases the amazing diversity, conflict, tragedy, and triumph that occurs in one day.

You are invited to join an international community of thousands of filmmakers, hundreds of schools, and dozens of non-profits as the film is viewed on one day in every country!

This event is free and is open to the public.  It will be held at Immaculate Conception Church in the Hall downstairs at 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 22.

Softdrinks, popcorn and other snacks will be available for purchase.

Come share this global experience together!  See you on Earth Day!

Please RSVP to: info@chriscares.org so they can get an idea of how many will be in attendance.

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